BMW F 850 GS 2018 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

The BMW F 850 GS 2018 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 853ccm. It delivers a power output of 95 HP and a torque of 92 Nm. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022, on the other hand, has a slightly larger in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1084ccm. It offers a higher power output of 102 HP and a torque of 105 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 features an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43 mm at the front and a swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. It offers a front travel of 204 mm and a rear travel of 219 mm, with adjustments for preload and rebound. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 also comes with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front, but with a larger diameter of 45 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock, offering a rear travel of 220 mm. The Honda model provides additional adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound.

BMW F 850 GS 2018

Both motorcycles have steel frames, but the BMW F 850 GS 2018 has a tubular, load-bearing engine frame, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a double cradle frame. The BMW model has a rake of 62 degrees and a trail of 126 mm, while the Honda model has a slightly steeper rake of 62.5 degrees and a shorter trail of 113 mm.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The BMW F 850 GS 2018 has a type of double disk brakes, while the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offers additional advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1593 mm, a seat height of 860 mm, a kerb weight (with ABS) of 229 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1575 mm, a lower seat height of 850 mm, a higher kerb weight (with ABS) of 238 kg, and a larger fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

In terms of strengths, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 offers a superior engine, adequate braking system, very good seating position, easy handling, extensive range of accessories, riding modes, traction control, and off-road capability. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a very good chassis - both mechanical and electronic, a DCT option that makes it a superior touring bike, high-quality and practical electronic ride aids, fundamentally good wind protection, high-quality overall impression, a flawless engine with great response and linear torque curve, accessible handling, and a very pleasant ride. It is also described as a wonderfully versatile bike.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 has a disc that is too low and the sound could be better. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022, on the other hand, has wind protection that is too good in the heat, making it difficult to get airflow, and the operation via the numerous switches may seem complex overall, even after 2 days of testing. Some riders also find the seat to be a bit too soft after a long day of riding.

Overall, both the BMW F 850 GS 2018 and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 offer impressive features and capabilities, with each having its own strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific riding needs when choosing between the two models.