Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021 vs. BMW R 1200 RS 2015

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

Overview - Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021 vs BMW R 1200 RS 2015

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

Technical Specifications Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021 compared to BMW R 1200 RS 2015

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	Boxer
Bore	Bore	92 mm	Bore	101 mm
Stroke	Stroke	81.5 mm	Stroke	73 mm
Engine power	Engine power	102 HP	Engine power	125 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	105 Nm	Torque	125 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.1	Compression Ratio	12.5
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Antihopping
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Prop shaft
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	Air
Displacement	Displacement	1,084 ccm	Displacement	1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Paralever

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Load-bearing engine

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Technology	Technology	radial, Wave	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	90 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	21 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,330 mm	Length	2,203 mm
Width	Width	960 mm	Width	998 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,575 mm	Wheelbase	1,530 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	820 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	226 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	236 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	18 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

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

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

With the R 1200 RS, BMW has once again returned to the values expected of touring professionals in a highly professional manner. The RS is therefore not a light, compact motorbike, but it offers wonderful stability, comfort and excellent wind protection over long distances. Nevertheless, sportiness is not neglected; the enormously powerful boxer engine is extremely agile and its cool sound alone puts the rider in a good mood. As usual, the Bavarians are excellent at offering an attractive list of accessories, from which some features play a decisive role in the good performance: The ESA suspension should not be missing for frequently changing load conditions (passenger, luggage), the shift assistant Pro is part of the ultimate driving pleasure and the keyless keyless ride system increases prestige and comfort.

Agile, high-revving boxer engine

cool, muffled sound

good, adjustable windshield

comfortable seating position suitable for touring

stable chassis

ABS and traction control standard

selectable riding modes

front-end look in the style of the S 1000 RR superbike

extensive list of accessories.

Poorly readable speedometer and rev counter

many features at extra cost

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

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 RS

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices