BMW R 1250 GS 2019 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2019 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS 2019 is equipped with a Boxer engine, which provides an extremely high-torque power delivery. This engine has a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm, resulting in a displacement of 1254 ccm. It generates a power output of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The bike features an electric starter and a prop shaft transmission, ensuring smooth and effortless starting and shifting. The R 1250 GS also has a suspension system with a Telelever front suspension, which has a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The front suspension can be adjusted for preload. The rear suspension consists of a single swing arm with a monoshock absorber, offering a travel of 200 mm. The rear suspension can be adjusted for preload and rebound. The frame of the R 1250 GS is made of steel and has a load-bearing engine design. It has a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109 mm, providing stability and agility. The bike is equipped with double disk brakes on the front and has advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The R 1250 GS has a front tyre diameter of 19 inches and a rear tyre width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1525 mm, and the seat height is adjustable from 850 mm to 870 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 249 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. Additional equipment includes LED headlights and an adjustable windscreen.

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 is equipped with an in-line engine, which provides a powerful performance. The engine has a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm, resulting in a displacement of 1084 ccm. It generates a power output of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm. Similar to the BMW R 1250 GS, the Africa Twin features an electric starter. However, it has a chain transmission instead of a prop shaft. The bike has a suspension system with an upside-down telescopic fork on the front, which has a diameter of 45 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The front suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock absorber, offering a travel of 220 mm. The rear suspension can also be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The frame of the Africa Twin is made of steel and has a double cradle design. It has a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113 mm. The bike is equipped with double disk brakes on the front and has advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Africa Twin has a front tyre diameter of 21 inches and a rear tyre width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is 1574 mm, and the seat height is adjustable from 850 mm to 870 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 226 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. Additional equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2019 stands out for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, which provides a powerful and exhilarating performance. The bike also has a comfortable seating position, making it suitable for long distances. The braking performance is stable, ensuring safety during sudden stops. The R 1250 GS offers good weather protection, allowing riders to enjoy their journeys even in adverse conditions. The bike comes with a colour TFT display as standard, providing clear and easy-to-read information. LED headlights are also included, enhancing visibility and safety.

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 impresses with its powerful engine, delivering a thrilling riding experience. The bike is equipped with sophisticated electronic driving aids, enhancing safety and control. The optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) system functions wonderfully, providing smooth and seamless gear changes. The Africa Twin features a touch-screen colour display, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The bike has good ergonomics, ensuring rider comfort during long rides. It is also capable of long-distance travel, making it suitable for adventure touring. The windshield provides good protection against wind and debris, especially during off-road riding.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2019 has a manageable standard equipment, with a long surcharge list for additional features. The bike's appearance is jagged and lacks elegance, which may not appeal to riders who prefer a more refined design. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 has an operating concept for the electronics that is not very clear and intuitive, potentially causing confusion for riders. The handguards are not very robust for off-road use, which may limit their effectiveness in protecting the rider's hands. The windshield offers manageable protection, and the ergonomics are not ideal for standing riding, potentially affecting the bike's performance in off-road conditions.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS 2019 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 are both impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The R 1250 GS offers a high-torque boxer engine, comfortable seating position, stable braking performance, and good weather protection. The Africa Twin features a powerful engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a wonderful DCT option, and good ergonomics. Both bikes have their own unique features and characteristics, catering to different rider preferences and needs.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2019 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2019
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke81.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power102 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque105 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.1
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter45 mm
TravelTravel190 mmTravel230 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake62.5 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail113 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Wave

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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
WidthWidth952.5 mmWidth960 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,574 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)226 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

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 1250 GS vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2019 and a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2019 is about 34% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 104 compared to 38. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 46 days compared to 106 days for a Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 28 reviews for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin since model year 2020. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 9/19/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 109,400 views for the first review on Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin published on 9/23/2019.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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