BMW R 1300 GS 2026 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2026

BMW R 1300 GS 2026

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2026

Technical Specifications BMW R 1300 GS 2026 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2026

BMW R 1300 GS 2026

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2026

BMW R 1300 GS 2026

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2026

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	Boxer	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	106.5 mm	Bore	92 mm
Stroke	Stroke	73 mm	Stroke	81.5 mm
Engine power	Engine power	145 HP	Engine power	102 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	149 Nm	Torque	112 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	5,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	13.3	Compression Ratio	10.1
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Antihopping, Clutch systems	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	liquid-air	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,300 ccm	Displacement	1,084 ccm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Combined Brake System, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Modern electronics, Comfort	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie, Modern electronics

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	90 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	170 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch
Length	Length	2,212 mm	Length	2,330 mm
Width	Width	1,000 mm	Width	960 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,518 mm	Wheelbase	1,575 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	237 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	231 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	19 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A
Range	Range	395 km	Range	383 km
Combined CO2 emissions	Combined CO2 emissions	110 g/km	Combined CO2 emissions	114 g/km
Combined fuel consumption	Combined fuel consumption	4.8 l/100km	Combined fuel consumption	4.9 l/100km
Stationary noise over 95dB	Stationary noise over 95dB		Stationary noise over 95dB

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	LED-Headlights, TFT display, Modern electronics, Lighting	Equipment	Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Modern electronics, Lighting

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1300 GS 2026

BMW has developed the new R 1300 GS drawing on a wealth of experience and expertise, which is evident in its advanced technology and versatility. The model appeals to both experienced and new riders, offering an impressive combination of power, comfort and state-of-the-art features. It is a successful blend of compactness, power and luxury that performs equally well both off-road and on the road.

Powerful engine with very sporty responsiveness

Excellent traction

Very stable riding performance – yet the bike remains agile and a joy to ride through bends

Hand guards provide good wind protection

With minimal features, the bike looks more compact and sportier than before

Well-integrated radar cruise control

Intuitive control layout

Easy-to-read display

A wide range of options for ergonomics adjustment

A superbly functioning and discreetly integrated emergency call system

Excellent balance under varying load conditions

Not every desired configuration is possible – in some cases, you have to select unnecessary extras as well

The suspension performs well – but it doesn’t offer truly flawless responsiveness, nor does it have a particularly wide range of adjustment

Front Collision Warning (FCW) triggers annoying false alarms in raw everyday conditions

For taller riders, the bike feels a little too compact for an adventure bike, particularly from the rear

The side panels are prone to scratches on rough off-road terrain and when worn with heavy-duty boots

Hand guards with integrated indicators are not suitable for off-road use

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2026

The Honda CRF1100L Africa twin cylinder impresses with its high level of riding comfort and versatility. Thanks to the low seat height and a wide range of clean, but rather conservatively designed Advanced Rider Assistance Systems, it is ideal for road riders and off-road beginners. The proven, finely controllable engine and the cleanly responsive suspension offer a smooth riding experience. The long-distance comfort, including a low, integrated seating position, matches the good-natured character of the machine. The operating concept of the electronics could be more intuitive and requires familiarisation. The ergonomics for standing off-road and the chassis reserves for tougher off-road sections could be improved. The handguards are also not robust enough for intensive off-road use. Overall, however, the Africa twin cylinder is a well-balanced, comfortable touring machine that masters even light off-road terrain with ease.

finely controllable engine

Wide range of electronic driving aids

touch-screen colour display

cleanly responsive chassis

Long-distance comfort

well-integrated seating position

good-natured character

Operating concept of the electronics not intuitive

Ergonomics not ideal for standing riders

Chassis reserves not sufficient for hard off-road use

Handguards not very robust for off-road use