BMW R 12 G/S 2025 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 12 G/S 2025

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Technical Specifications BMW R 12 G/S 2025 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 12 G/S 2025

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

BMW R 12 G/S 2025

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	Boxer	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	101 mm	Bore	92 mm
Stroke	Stroke	73 mm	Stroke	81.5 mm
Engine power	Engine power	109 HP	Engine power	102 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	115 Nm	Torque	105 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12	Compression Ratio	10.1
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Toughened, Dry	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Prop shaft	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
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	OHC
Cooling	Cooling	Oil-air	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,170 ccm	Displacement	1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	45 mm	Diameter	45 mm
Travel	Travel	210 mm	Travel	230 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Paralever	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	200 mm	Travel	220 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular, Load-bearing engine	Frame type	Double cradle
Rake	Rake	63.1 degree	Rake	62.5 degree
Trail	Trail	120.8 mm	Trail	113 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	310 mm	Diameter	310 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons
Actuation	Actuation	Hydraulic	Actuation	Hydraulic
Technology	Technology	radial, Monoblock	Technology	radial, Wave

Brakes Rear

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

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Engine drag torque control, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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	2,200 mm	Length	2,330 mm
Width	Width	830 mm	Width	960 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,580 mm	Wheelbase	1,574 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	860 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	229 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	226 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	15.5 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A
Range	Range	313 km	Range	383 km
Combined CO2 emissions	Combined CO2 emissions	119 g/km	Combined CO2 emissions	112 g/km
Combined fuel consumption	Combined fuel consumption	5.1 l/100km	Combined fuel consumption	4.9 l/100km
Stationary noise over 95dB	Stationary noise over 95dB		Stationary noise over 95dB

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Heated grips, Keyless System, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights	Equipment	Bluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 12 G/S 2025

The BMW R12 G/S is not a sensible GS, but an emotional one. It is aimed at tall, experienced riders who value character, directness and the classic boxer feeling more highly than comfort, electronics and suitability for everyday use. Those who understand and can ride it will get a bike with real charisma and rare riding pleasure - everyone else will not be happy with it.

charismatic air/oil-cooled boxer

direct, analogue riding feel

surprisingly comfortable seat

stable, sporty suspension on good roads

high-quality overall impression

independent character

high-quality mechanical overall impression

Demanding seat height

difficult manoeuvring

limited motorway capability

little wind protection

noticeable vibrations on the handlebars

noticeable load change reactions

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