Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 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 a 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 a torque of 143 Nm. The starter is also electric and the transmission is a prop shaft. Like the Honda, it has 2 cylinders but has a slightly larger displacement of 1254 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 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 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.

In terms of chassis, both bikes have a steel frame. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a double cradle frame with a rake of 62.5 degrees and a trail of 113 mm. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a load-bearing engine frame with a slightly steeper rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109 mm.

In terms of brakes, both bikes have double disk front brakes. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has advanced rider assistance systems including ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also has advanced rider assistance systems including ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

In terms of dimensions and weights, 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 wheelbase of 1575 mm and a seat height of 850 mm, which can be adjusted up to 870 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 238 kg and it has a fuel tank capacity of 24.8 liters. The range is 506 km and the combined fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100km. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1525 mm and the same seat height of 850 mm, which can be adjusted up to 870 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly higher at 249 kg and it has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The range is 421 km and the combined fuel consumption is slightly lower at 4.75 l/100km.

In terms of equipment, both bikes have LED headlights. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 also has Bluetooth connectivity and a TFT display. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has additional equipment including cornering lights and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has a very good chassis, both mechanical and electronic, making it a versatile and capable bike. The DCT option also makes it a superior touring bike. It has high-quality and practical electronic ride aids, providing a pleasant and enjoyable ride. The engine is flawless with great response and a linear torque curve. The handling is accessible and the overall impression is of high quality.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021, on the other hand, has great ride comfort and ergonomics. The engine is powerful and it has a great connectivity app. The display is easy to read and the bike has a confident feel in the saddle. It also has practical riding aids and a versatile chassis that can accommodate every route. It is easy to ride and offers a great overall experience.

In terms of weaknesses, the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 has wind protection that may be too good in hot weather, with even the lowest position of the wind shield hardly allowing any wind through. The operation of the numerous switches may also seem complex, even after 2 days of testing. The seat may also feel a bit too soft after a long day of riding.

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough overall appearance and the gearshifts at low revs may feel somewhat clumsy.

Overall, both the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are strong contenders in the enduro motorcycle segment, offering a range of features and capabilities. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences and priorities.