BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Overview - BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Technical Specifications BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	84 mm	Bore	92 mm
Stroke	Stroke	77 mm	Stroke	75.1 mm
Engine power	Engine power	95 HP	Engine power	95 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	8,250 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	92 Nm	Torque	98 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,000 rpm
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Can be restricted for A2 licence	Can be restricted for A2 licence	Yes	Can be restricted for A2 licence	Yes
Displacement	Displacement	853 ccm	Displacement	998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Shock mount	Shock mount	direct	Shock mount	Pro-Link
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	305 mm	Diameter	310 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons
Actuation	Actuation	Hydraulic	Actuation	Hydraulic

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	265 mm	Diameter	256 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by Wire	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	90 mm	Front tyre width	90 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	21 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch
Length	Length	2,300 mm	Length	2,335 mm
Width	Width	939 mm	Width	875 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,593 mm	Wheelbase	1,575 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	875 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	244 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	232 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	23 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020

Packed with technical features and additional equipment, the "small" Adventure is a high-tech machine. The many functions work well, and our testers were particularly impressed by the electronic chassis and the silky-smooth running of the engine. The Asian origin of the engine is not noticeable. The larger tank of the Adventure version and all the accessories drive up both the weight and the price. At 244 kg, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure is a bulky lump, which doesn't please everyone. But the ergonomics are top-notch, and the seating position in the wide fairing conveys a feeling of safety and protection.

Silky-smooth engine

top ergonomics and comfort

absolutely suitable for touring

suitable for off-road

technically very mature

High price with additional equipment

engine exudes little emotion

fork not adjustable

quite high weight

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Still sensational. It scores with the familiar Honda virtues, but never gets stale. A motorbike that goes with you through thick and thin and doesn't tire even on extra-long tours. Very robust off-road, also copes with really tough passages without any problems. Still the benchmark for touring enduros in 2017.

Comfortable but not boring

Pleasant and perfectly dimensioned engine

Seat height a tad lower than on the KTM- from 175cm height it could work

Suspension elements do everything off-road, but are too comfortably tuned at high speeds

traction control is annoying off-road - always has to be readjusted after every short break.