Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2015 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 are both popular enduro motorcycles that offer impressive performance and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda Africa Twin is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 998cc. It produces 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque, providing ample power for both on-road and off-road adventures. The BMW GS Adventure, on the other hand, features a boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc. It delivers a higher output of 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque, offering even more power and performance.

In terms of suspension, the Honda Africa Twin is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound, allowing riders to fine-tune their riding experience. The BMW GS Adventure features a telelever front suspension and a single swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension can be adjusted for preload and rebound, providing a comfortable and controlled ride.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2015

Both motorcycles come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. However, the BMW GS Adventure offers additional features like anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire. These features enhance the overall safety and performance of the bike, especially in challenging riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Honda Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1575mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 850mm to 870mm. The bike weighs 232kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters. On the other hand, the BMW GS Adventure has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1504mm and a higher seat height that can be adjusted from 890mm to 910mm. The bike is heavier, weighing 268kg (with ABS), but it compensates with a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, providing a greater range.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

In terms of strengths, the Honda Africa Twin is praised for its stable handling, indestructible overall impression, excellent traction control on both off-road and asphalt, high level of travel comfort, and low fuel consumption. The BMW GS Adventure, on the other hand, offers practical details for frequent riders, a gigantic range, amazingly low fuel consumption, good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feeling in the saddle, a pleasant seating position for the pillion passenger, practical riding aids, great headlights, great ergonomics for tall people, and ease of ride.

However, the Honda Africa Twin has a few weaknesses, including difficulty in performing wheelies with the DCT version and the lack of a power connection in the series. On the other hand, the BMW GS Adventure is criticized for its high weight, which can strain maneuvering, somewhat stiff gearshifts at low revs, and a jagged appearance with little elegance.

In conclusion, both the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Honda Africa Twin offers a stable and comfortable ride with excellent fuel efficiency, while the BMW GS Adventure provides a more powerful engine, advanced riding aids, and practical features for long-distance riding. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.