BMW R 1250 GS vs 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.

Technical score (estimate)

Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.

Top on paper
BMW R 1250 GS
100 pts
2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
0 pts

Usage fit (estimate)

Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.

City / commute

Best fit here
BMW R 1250 GS
56.4 pts
2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
49.9 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
BMW R 1250 GS
80.6 pts
2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
40.2 pts

Sporty riding

Best fit here
BMW R 1250 GS
89.1 pts
2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
15.1 pts

New rider friendly

BMW R 1250 GS
48 pts
Best fit here
2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
53.1 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • BMW R 1250 GS 85 cm Lowest seat here
  • 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 85 cm Lowest seat here

Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).

Auto summary from specs

Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.

  • Power spans 101 hp (2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin) up to 136 hp (BMW R 1250 GS).
  • Torque spans 112 Nm (2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin) up to 143 Nm (BMW R 1250 GS).
  • Weight spans 216 kg (BMW R 1250 GS) to 231 kg (2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin).
  • Engine sizes are very close.
Specification BMW R 1250 GS Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
Brand BMW HONDA
Model BMW R 1250 GS Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
Engine size Above 1000cc Above 1000cc
Power 136hp 101hp
Torque 143nm. 112nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 216kg 231kg
Front brake Dual disc brakes, floating brake discs, 305 mm diameter, 4-piston radial calipers 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminium hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Rear brake Single disc brake, 276 mm diameter, dual-piston floating caliper. 256mm wave hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads. 2-Channel with rear ABS off mode.
Seat height (cm) 85cm 85cm
Front tyre 120/70 R 19 90/90-21M/C 54H (Tubeless)
Rear tyre 170/60 R 17 Bridgestone BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS TOURER AX41T Metzeler KAROO STREET
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever, support diameter 37 mm, central spring linkage Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and DF adjustments, 230mm stroke.
Rear suspension Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm, BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD support shock absorber (riding shock absorber), hydraulic preload adjustment with handwheel (continuously variable), adjustable rebound Monoblock aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with SHOWA gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustments, 220 mm rear wheel travel.
Motorcycle type Adventure Adventure
Top speed 235km/h 190km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 24 L – 5.2 L/100km 20.5 L – 7 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $15000 $13199
Brand price lists View BMW price list View HONDA price list
Extra features

-TFT color display with Connectivity features DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)

-Integrated ABS Pro (ABS optimized for lean-angle) 3 riding modes (ECO, Rain, and Road) HSC (Hill Start Control) USB charging socket

Connectivity : Bluetooth audio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (wired) 

Riding Modes : Urban, Tour, Gravel, Off Road, User 

Emergency Stop Signal : Yes

Self Cancelling Indicators : Yes

12v Socket : Optional

USB Socket : Yes (USB Type A, 1.5A) 

Quick Shifter : Optional Accessory 

Transmission Type : Manual Clutch Transmission 

Cruise Control : Yes

Cornering Lights : No

ABS System :  Selectable ABS MODE with ON road and OFF road 

Wheels Front : 21M/C x 2.15 Wire spoke with aluminium rim 

Wheels Rear: 18M/C x MT4.00 Wire spoke with aluminium rim 

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2023 BMW R 1250 GS vs 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin: listed specifications

The 2023 BMW R 1250 GS and 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin are closely matched in displacement, while the R 1250 GS has more peak power and torque, and the higher listed top speed and a lower listed weight.

Engine displacement

R 1250 GS and CRF1100L Africa Twin have very similar engine displacement (1100 cc vs 1100 cc).

Peak power

R 1250 GS has a clear listed power advantage (136 hp vs 101 hp).

Torque

R 1250 GS has a clear listed torque advantage (143 Nm vs 112 Nm).

Listed top speed

R 1250 GS has a clear listed top-speed advantage (235 km/h vs 190 km/h).

Cooling

Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.

Weight and seat height

R 1250 GS has a modest listed weight advantage (216 kg vs 231 kg). R 1250 GS and CRF1100L Africa Twin have very similar seat heights (85 cm vs 85 cm).

Conclusion

The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in peak power, torque, listed top speed and weight, while displacement and seat height remain relatively close.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of BMW R 1250 GS vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin?

BMW R 1250 GS is listed at 235 km/h (146 mph) vs 190 km/h (118 mph) for Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin.

Which has more horsepower, BMW R 1250 GS or Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin?

BMW R 1250 GS has 136 hp compared with 101 hp on the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin.

Which is lighter, BMW R 1250 GS or Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin?

BMW R 1250 GS is lighter at 216 kg vs 231 kg for Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin.

Which is better, BMW R 1250 GS or Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin?

It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.