BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 has an in-line engine. The BMW has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a higher engine power of 136 HP compared to the Honda's 95 HP. The BMW also has a higher torque of 143 Nm compared to the Honda's 98 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the BMW has a transmission with a prop shaft, while the Honda has a chain transmission. Both motorcycles have 2 cylinders, but the BMW has a larger displacement of 1254 ccm compared to the Honda's 998 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a telelever front suspension with preload adjustment, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. Both motorcycles have a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock, and both have compression, preload, and rebound adjustment options.

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. Both motorcycles also have double disk front brakes. The BMW has advanced rider assistance systems including ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The Honda has ABS and traction control.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The BMW has a larger rear tire width of 170 mm compared to the Honda's 150 mm. The BMW has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1504 mm compared to the Honda's 1575 mm. The seat height of the BMW is higher, ranging from 890 mm to 910 mm, compared to the Honda's 850 mm to 870 mm. The BMW also has a higher kerb weight of 268 kg compared to the Honda's 232 kg. The BMW has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters compared to the Honda's 18.8 liters.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 offers great ride comfort, thanks to its suspension and ergonomics. It also has excellent weather protection and a bulbous torque with clean response. The BMW's low center of gravity contributes to its generally good rideability. Additionally, the BMW offers a range of customization options.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 is praised for its reliable engine and comfortable seating position. It has a well-tuned chassis and attractive aesthetics. The Honda also has good brakes and the option for a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and performance modes.

However, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has some weaknesses. Its high weight can be noticeable in the braking zone, and it also comes with a high price tag. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 has some drawbacks such as not quite optimal wind protection, the absence of cruise control, and the inability to switch off the ABS on the front wheel.

Overall, both motorcycles have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
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
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

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

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter256 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

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
LengthLength2,270 mmLength2,335 mm
WidthWidth952 mmWidth875 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,504 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height890 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to910 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)268 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

The all-purpose weapon from Bavaria that can also handle ambitious off-road rides with ease. Thanks to an extra 2 centimetres of suspension travel and 10 litres more fuel in the tank, no tour is too far and no challenge too great. The comparatively low centre of gravity helps with handling and the more powerful engine brings it much closer to the normal R 1250 GS in terms of riding dynamics. In the new 1250 model generation, it offers not only the revised engine, which brings even better rideability, but also a plus in standard equipment and safety. The fiercest competitor for the Adventure is nevertheless lurking in its own house, because even the conventional, less expensive GS is already a fine all-rounder.

Great ride comfort

extreme range

good ergonomics

excellent weather protection

bulbous torque

clean response

generally good rideability due to low centre of gravity

customisation options.

High weight noticeable in the braking zone

high price

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018

The new Africa Twin has come exactly as fans expected: Well controllable, unagitated and a wonderful travelling companion. The fact that it also looks extremely good was a pleasant bonus. So there is no reason to fundamentally change the Africa Twin, what was good remains good on the new one - and much has been improved. Thanks to Ride by Wire, you can now also enjoy performance modes on the Africa Twin, and the traction control can be adjusted 7-fold (instead of 3-fold previously) and switched off. The optional DCT is still a big hit and a lot of fun, but it also costs a lot.

Reliable engine

comfortable seating position

well-tuned chassis

good looks

good brakes

optional DCT

performance modes

not quite optimal wind protection

no cruise control

ABS on front wheel cannot be switched off

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is about 81% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 experiences a loss of 770 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 720 USD for a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018. Compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2018 there are more BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 99 days for a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin since model year 2015. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure was published on 11/6/2018 and now has more than 43,300 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin published on 5/12/2015.

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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