What To Know
- The Honda Africa Twin and the BMW GS 850 are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market.
- The BMW GS 850 also has a comfortable riding position, but it’s a bit more aggressive than the Africa Twin’s riding position.
- The Africa Twin is a better choice for riders who want a bike with a longer-travel suspension, a more comprehensive electronics package, and a more comfortable riding position.
The Honda Africa Twin and the BMW GS 850 are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market. Both bikes are known for their off-road capabilities, comfort, and reliability. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Honda Africa Twin and the BMW GS 850 side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine that produces 101 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque. The BMW GS 850 is powered by an 853cc parallel-twin engine that produces 95 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Africa Twin has a slight edge in terms of power and torque. However, in real-world riding conditions, there’s not a significant difference between the two bikes. Both bikes are capable of handling a wide range of terrain, from paved roads to dirt trails.
Suspension and Handling
The Honda Africa Twin has a long-travel suspension that provides 9.1 inches of travel in the front and 8.7 inches of travel in the rear. The BMW GS 850 has a slightly shorter-travel suspension that provides 7.9 inches of travel in the front and 7.1 inches of travel in the rear.
The Africa Twin‘s longer-travel suspension gives it an advantage in off-road riding. However, the GS 850’s shorter-travel suspension is more comfortable on paved roads.
Brakes
The Honda Africa Twin has dual 310mm front brake discs and a single 256mm rear brake disc. The BMW GS 850 has dual 305mm front brake discs and a single 265mm rear brake disc.
The Africa Twin‘s brakes are slightly more powerful than the GS 850’s brakes. However, both bikes have excellent braking performance.
Electronics
The Honda Africa Twin comes standard with a full suite of electronics, including traction control, wheelie control, and cruise control. The BMW GS 850 also comes with a variety of electronic features, including traction control, ABS, and a hill-start assist system.
The Africa Twin‘s electronics package is more comprehensive than the GS 850’s electronics package. However, the GS 850’s electronics are still very good.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Honda Africa Twin has a comfortable, upright riding position that’s suitable for long rides. The BMW GS 850 also has a comfortable riding position, but it’s a bit more aggressive than the Africa Twin’s riding position.
The Africa Twin‘s seat is slightly wider and more comfortable than the GS 850’s seat. However, the GS 850’s seat is still comfortable enough for long rides.
Price
The Honda Africa Twin has a starting price of $14,399. The BMW GS 850 has a starting price of $12,995.
The Africa Twin is slightly more expensive than the GS 850. However, it comes with a more comprehensive electronics package and a longer-travel suspension.
Which Bike Is Right for You?
The Honda Africa Twin and the BMW GS 850 are both excellent adventure motorcycles. The Africa Twin is a better choice for riders who want a bike with a longer-travel suspension, a more comprehensive electronics package, and a more comfortable riding position. The GS 850 is a better choice for riders who want a bike that’s more affordable, lighter, and more maneuverable.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. Take each bike for a ride on a variety of terrain to see which one suits your riding style and needs the best.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which bike is more powerful?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a slight edge in terms of power and torque.
Q: Which bike has a longer-travel suspension?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a longer-travel suspension than the BMW GS 850.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a more comfortable riding position than the BMW GS 850.
Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The BMW GS 850 is more affordable than the Honda Africa Twin.
Q: Which bike is lighter?
A: The BMW GS 850 is lighter than the Honda Africa Twin.
Q: Which bike is more maneuverable?
A: The BMW GS 850 is more maneuverable than the Honda Africa Twin.