Honda Africa Twin Vs BMW R 1250 GS: Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing between the Honda Africa Twin and the BMW R 1250 GS can feel like picking a favorite child – they're both amazing, but in different ways. These two adventure bikes consistently top the charts, offering a blend of off-road capability, touring comfort, and overall coolness that's hard to beat. But which one is right for you? Let's dive deep and break down the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses of each so you can make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Beast

When it comes to the heart of these machines, the engine, there are some crucial differences that significantly impact the riding experience. Let's start with the BMW R 1250 GS. The GS boasts a 1,254cc boxer-twin engine, famous for its ShiftCam technology. This clever system varies the valve timing and stroke on the intake side, resulting in a broader spread of power and torque throughout the rev range. What does this mean for you? It translates to effortless acceleration, whether you're cruising on the highway, tackling twisty mountain roads, or navigating challenging off-road terrain. The BMW's engine delivers a punchy 136 horsepower and a staggering 105 lb-ft of torque. That torque is available low down, making it incredibly tractable and forgiving. You can lug it around in higher gears without needing to constantly downshift, which is a huge plus for relaxed touring and technical off-road sections. The power delivery is smooth and refined, making it easy to control even in tricky situations. The engine also features a counterbalancer, which helps to minimize vibrations, adding to the overall comfort of the ride. Overall, the R 1250 GS engine is a powerhouse that provides a thrilling and confidence-inspiring riding experience.

Now, let's look at the Honda Africa Twin. The Africa Twin is equipped with a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine. While it's smaller than the BMW's boxer, it's by no means a slouch. It produces a respectable 101 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque. The parallel-twin configuration gives the Africa Twin a different character compared to the GS. It's a revvier engine that likes to be spun up a bit more to extract its full potential. While it doesn't have the same low-end grunt as the BMW, it still provides plenty of usable power for a variety of riding conditions. The Africa Twin's engine is known for its reliability and durability. Honda has a reputation for building bulletproof engines, and the Africa Twin is no exception. The engine is also relatively simple in its design, which makes it easier to maintain and service. The Africa Twin's power delivery is linear and predictable, making it easy to manage, especially for riders who are new to adventure bikes. While it may not have the outright power of the GS, it's still a capable and enjoyable engine that's well-suited for both on and off-road adventures. The Africa Twin also has a slightly more raw and visceral feel compared to the refined BMW. Some riders may prefer this more engaging experience.

In summary, the BMW R 1250 GS has a more powerful and torquey engine with advanced technology, while the Honda Africa Twin offers a reliable and user-friendly engine with a slightly more raw feel. The best choice depends on your individual preferences and riding style.

Handling and Suspension: Carving Corners and Conquering Trails

The way a bike handles and how its suspension performs are critical factors, especially for adventure bikes that are designed to tackle a wide range of terrains. Both the Honda Africa Twin and the BMW R 1250 GS offer excellent handling and suspension, but they achieve it in slightly different ways. Let's start with the BMW R 1250 GS. One of the defining features of the GS is its Telelever front suspension. This unique design separates the suspension and steering functions, which reduces dive under braking and provides a more stable and planted feel. The Telelever system also contributes to the GS's excellent handling, making it feel surprisingly nimble for a bike of its size. The rear suspension on the GS is BMW's Paralever system, which helps to minimize shaft drive jacking and provides excellent traction. The GS also comes standard with Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), which allows you to adjust the suspension settings on the fly to suit the terrain and your riding style. This is a huge advantage, as you can easily switch between a comfortable touring setup and a more firm and sporty setting with the touch of a button. The GS's suspension provides a plush and controlled ride, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. It's also very capable off-road, providing excellent stability and control on rough terrain. The high-quality suspension components and advanced electronic features make the R 1250 GS a joy to ride in a variety of conditions. The bike inspires confidence and allows you to push your limits, whether you're carving corners on a twisty road or tackling a challenging off-road trail. The BMW R 1250 GS offers exceptional handling and suspension, thanks to its unique Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, and Dynamic ESA.

Now, let's move on to the Honda Africa Twin. The Africa Twin uses a more conventional Showa suspension setup. The front suspension consists of inverted telescopic forks, while the rear suspension is a Pro-Link single shock. While it doesn't have the same advanced technology as the BMW's Telelever system, the Africa Twin's suspension is still very capable. The Showa suspension provides a good balance of comfort and control, both on and off-road. The Africa Twin's handling is also excellent. It feels lighter and more agile than the GS, making it easier to maneuver at low speeds and in tight spaces. The Africa Twin's chassis is well-balanced, and the bike feels very stable and planted, even when fully loaded with luggage. The Africa Twin's suspension is also highly adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the settings to suit your weight, riding style, and the terrain. The Africa Twin's suspension may not be as technologically advanced as the BMW's, but it's still very effective. It provides a comfortable and controlled ride, both on and off-road. The Africa Twin's lighter weight and more agile handling make it a great choice for riders who prioritize maneuverability and ease of use. The Honda Africa Twin offers excellent handling and suspension with a more conventional Showa setup, providing a good balance of comfort and control on and off-road.

In summary, the BMW R 1250 GS offers more advanced suspension technology and a more stable feel, while the Honda Africa Twin is lighter and more agile. The best choice depends on your individual preferences and riding style.

Features and Technology: Gadgets Galore

In today's world, features and technology play a significant role in our purchasing decisions, and motorcycles are no exception. Both the Honda Africa Twin and the BMW R 1250 GS are packed with features and technology, but they differ in their approach. Let's start with the BMW R 1250 GS. The GS is known for its comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids and advanced features. It comes standard with features like Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), ABS Pro (cornering ABS), and multiple riding modes that tailor the engine output, traction control, and ABS settings to suit different riding conditions. The GS also features a large TFT display that provides a wealth of information, including speed, RPM, gear position, fuel level, and more. The display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and it can be customized to show the information that's most important to you. The GS also offers optional features like Keyless Ride, Gear Shift Assist Pro (quickshifter), and a premium sound system. One of the standout features of the GS is its Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), which we discussed earlier. This system automatically adjusts the suspension settings based on the riding conditions, providing optimal comfort and control. The BMW R 1250 GS is a tech-laden motorcycle with a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids and advanced features.

Now, let's move on to the Honda Africa Twin. The Africa Twin also comes with a range of features and technology, but it's generally less advanced than the BMW. The Africa Twin features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which is Honda's version of traction control. It also has multiple riding modes that allow you to adjust the engine output and traction control settings. The Africa Twin also has an optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which is a unique feature that's not available on the BMW. The DCT allows you to shift gears manually using paddles on the handlebar or automatically in one of the automatic modes. The Africa Twin also features a TFT display, but it's smaller than the BMW's and doesn't offer as much information. The Africa Twin's features and technology are generally more focused on functionality and reliability than on cutting-edge innovation. The Honda Africa Twin offers a solid set of features and technology, with a focus on functionality and reliability.

In summary, the BMW R 1250 GS offers a more comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids and advanced features, while the Honda Africa Twin focuses on functionality and reliability. The best choice depends on your individual preferences and how much you value technology.

Comfort and Ergonomics: Long-Haul Capabilities

Comfort and ergonomics are crucial for adventure bikes, as they are often used for long-distance touring. Both the Honda Africa Twin and the BMW R 1250 GS are designed to provide a comfortable riding experience, but they cater to different preferences. Let's start with the BMW R 1250 GS. The GS is known for its spacious and comfortable riding position. The seat is wide and well-padded, providing excellent support for long rides. The handlebars are positioned for a relaxed and upright riding posture, which reduces strain on your back and wrists. The GS also offers a range of adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the riding position to suit your body size and preferences. The seat height is adjustable, and you can also adjust the handlebar position and the footpeg height. The GS also offers excellent wind protection, thanks to its large windscreen. The windscreen is adjustable, allowing you to customize the level of wind protection to suit your needs. The BMW R 1250 GS is designed for long-distance comfort, with a spacious riding position, adjustable components, and excellent wind protection.

Now, let's move on to the Honda Africa Twin. The Africa Twin also offers a comfortable riding position, but it's slightly more compact than the BMW's. The seat is narrower than the GS's, which some riders may find more comfortable, especially for off-road riding. The handlebars are positioned for a slightly more aggressive riding posture, which gives you more control in technical terrain. The Africa Twin also offers some adjustability, but not as much as the BMW. The seat height is adjustable, but the handlebar position and footpeg height are not. The Africa Twin's wind protection is decent, but not as good as the GS's. The windscreen is smaller and doesn't provide as much coverage. The Honda Africa Twin offers a comfortable riding position, with a slightly more compact feel and decent wind protection.

In summary, the BMW R 1250 GS offers a more spacious and adjustable riding position with excellent wind protection, while the Honda Africa Twin provides a slightly more compact and aggressive riding position with decent wind protection. The best choice depends on your individual preferences and body size.

Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck

Price is always a factor, and the Honda Africa Twin typically comes in at a lower price point than the BMW R 1250 GS. This makes the Africa Twin an attractive option for riders on a budget. However, it's important to consider the features and technology that you're getting for the price. The BMW R 1250 GS offers a more comprehensive suite of features and technology, which may justify the higher price for some riders. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and priorities.

The Verdict: Which Adventure Bike is Right for You?

So, after all that, which bike wins? Well, it depends! If you prioritize raw power, advanced technology, and long-distance comfort, the BMW R 1250 GS is a fantastic choice. It's a premium machine that offers a refined and sophisticated riding experience. However, if you value simplicity, reliability, and off-road agility, the Honda Africa Twin is a compelling option. It's a more affordable and approachable bike that's still incredibly capable and fun to ride.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test ride both bikes and see which one feels right for you. Consider your riding style, your budget, and your priorities, and choose the bike that best suits your needs. Happy riding, guys!