BMW R 1200 GS 2013 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2013 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2013 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin model year 2023 are both enduro motorcycles designed for off-road adventures. While they have some similarities in terms of engine type, displacement, and suspension, there are notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 is equipped with a Boxer engine with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It produces 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 features an inline engine with a smaller bore of 92 mm and a longer stroke of 81.5 mm. It has a slightly lower power output of 102 horsepower and 105 Nm of torque.

The transmission systems also differ between the two motorcycles. The BMW R 1200 GS 2013 has a prop shaft transmission, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 utilizes a chain transmission.

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 has a front suspension with a strut design and preload adjustment, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 features an upside-down telescopic fork with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. Both motorcycles have a rear suspension with preload adjustment, but the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 has a single swing arm design, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has a swing arm design.

The chassis of both motorcycles is made of steel, but they have different frame types. The BMW R 1200 GS 2013 has a twin-tube, load-bearing engine frame, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has a double cradle frame.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1507 mm, a seat height of 850 mm, a kerb weight (with ABS) of 238 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1574 mm, the same seat height of 850 mm, a lower kerb weight (with ABS) of 226 kg, and a slightly smaller fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 is praised for its new engine, top chassis, high comfort, and suitability for both traveling and everyday use. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is commended for its powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, wonderfully functioning DCT (optional), touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, long-distance capability, and a windshield that is suitable for off-road riding.

However, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 does have some weaknesses. The operating concept of the electronics is not very clear and intuitive, the handguards are not very robust for off-road use, the windshield offers manageable protection, and the ergonomics are not ideal for standing riding.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1200 GS 2013 excels in comfort and everyday usability, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 offers a powerful engine and advanced electronic features. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2013 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1200 GS 2013
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.1
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,330 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth960 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,574 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)226 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

There are hardly any real points of attack in the market leader, which has become even more versatile - and faster.

New engine

Top chassis

High comfort

Suitable for travelling

Suitable for everyday use

Nix

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

For me, the Africa Twin is a touring enduro as a touring enduro should be. This was already true of the predecessor model and did not change with the increase in displacement and power. Because the latter remained manageable at 102 hp, and Honda even managed to shed a few kilos compared to the CRF1000L. So it remained versatile, functioning just as well on the motorway as off-road. The chassis absorbs almost all bumps, the engine remains sovereign in every situation, ergonomics and seating comfort are exemplary. A motorbike for all days as well as for the big trip - wherever that may be.

powerful engine

sophisticated electronic driving aids

wonderfully functioning DCT (option)

touch-screen colour display

good ergonomics

Long-distance capability

Windshield good for off-road

Operating concept of the electronics not very clear and intuitive

Handguards not very robust for off-road use

Windshield offers manageable protection

Ergonomics not ideal for standing riding

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2013 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is about 19% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2013 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 44 compared to 38. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 60 days compared to 106 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin since model year 2020. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 20/01/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin published on 23/09/2019.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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