Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 features an in-line engine with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 81.5 mm. It has an engine power of 102 HP and torque of 105 Nm. The starter is electric and the transmission is chain-driven. The bike has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1084 ccm. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a boxer engine with a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. It has a more powerful engine with 136 HP and torque of 143 Nm. The starter is electric and the transmission is through a prop shaft. Similar to the Honda, it also has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1254 ccm.

Moving on to the suspension, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with 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 is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. It can also be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The chassis is made of steel and has a double cradle frame. The rake is 62.5 degrees and the trail is 113 mm. The front brakes are double disk type.

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021, on the other hand, has a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The front suspension can be adjusted for preload. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. It can be adjusted for preload and rebound. The chassis is made of steel and has a load-bearing engine frame. The rake is 62.9 degrees and the trail is 109 mm. The front brakes are also double disk type.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020

When it comes to advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 also has anti-wheelie assistance, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has anti-slipping control and hill start assist.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The rear tire width is 150 mm. The wheelbase is 1575 mm and the seat height ranges from 850 mm to 870 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 236 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 18.8 liters. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire width is 170 mm. The wheelbase is 1525 mm and the seat height ranges from 850 mm to 870 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 249 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of equipment, both bikes have LED headlights. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also has cornering lights and an adjustable windscreen. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 has a touch-screen color display.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 has a high-torque engine, sophisticated electronic driving aids, a wonderfully functioning DCT, a touch-screen color display, good ergonomics, and long-distance capability. It also has a windshield that is perfect for off-roading. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has great ride comfort and great ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, and a confident feel in the saddle. It also has practical riding aids and a versatile chassis that accommodates every route. It is also easy to ride.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT 2020 has handguards that are not very robust for off-road use, a flood of switches on the left handlebar, and a windshield that offers manageable protection. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough overall appearance and gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy.