Africa twin vs gs 1200: who will conquer the open road and rugged terrain?

What To Know

  • In this blog post, we’ll compare the Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 1200 in detail to help you make a decision.
  • The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a 1084cc parallel-twin engine, while the BMW GS 1200 is powered by a 1170cc boxer-twin engine.
  • However, the Africa Twin is a better value for off-road riders, while the GS 1200 is a better value for on-road riders.

The Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 1200 are two of the most iconic adventure motorcycles on the market. Both bikes have a long history of success in off-road racing and exploration, and they offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and versatility.

If you’re looking for an adventure motorcycle that can take you anywhere, these two bikes are definitely worth considering. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 1200 in detail to help you make a decision.

Engine and Performance

The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a 1084cc parallel-twin engine, while the BMW GS 1200 is powered by a 1170cc boxer-twin engine. Both engines are powerful and torquey, but they have different characteristics.

The Africa Twin‘s engine is more responsive and rev-happy, while the GS 1200’s engine is more smooth and linear. The Africa Twin also has a slightly higher top speed, but the GS 1200 has more low-end torque.

Handling and Suspension

The Honda Africa Twin has a more dirt-oriented chassis than the BMW GS 1200. It has a longer suspension travel and a more upright riding position. This makes it more comfortable and capable off-road, but it can also make it feel less stable on the highway.

The GS 1200, on the other hand, has a more road-oriented chassis. It has a shorter suspension travel and a more neutral riding position. This makes it more stable on the highway, but it can also make it less capable off-road.

Features and Technology

The Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 1200 both come with a wide range of features and technology. Some of the most notable features include:

  • Honda Africa Twin:
  • Dual-clutch transmission (DCT)
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
  • Cruise control
  • Heated grips
  • ABS and traction control
  • BMW GS 1200:
  • Electronic suspension adjustment (ESA)
  • Keyless ignition
  • Hill start assist
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Adaptive headlights

Price and Value

The Honda Africa Twin starts at $14,399, while the BMW GS 1200 starts at $17,295. Both bikes are priced competitively, but the Africa Twin is slightly more affordable.

In terms of value, both bikes offer a lot for the money. They are both well-built, reliable, and versatile motorcycles. However, the Africa Twin is a better value for off-road riders, while the GS 1200 is a better value for on-road riders.

Which Bike Is Right for You?

The Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 1200 are both excellent adventure motorcycles. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses.

The Africa Twin is a better choice for riders who want a more dirt-oriented bike. It is more comfortable and capable off-road, and it is also slightly more affordable.

The GS 1200 is a better choice for riders who want a more road-oriented bike. It is more stable on the highway, and it comes with a wider range of features and technology.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. This will give you a chance to experience their different characteristics firsthand and make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts

The Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 1200 are two of the best adventure motorcycles on the market. They offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. If you’re looking for an adventure motorcycle that can take you anywhere, these two bikes are definitely worth considering.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which bike is more powerful?
A: The BMW GS 1200 has a slightly more powerful engine than the Honda Africa Twin.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is more comfortable off-road, while the BMW GS 1200 is more comfortable on-road.

Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is slightly more affordable than the BMW GS 1200.

Q: Which bike is more reliable?
A: Both the Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 1200 are very reliable motorcycles.

Q: Which bike is better for off-road riding?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is better for off-road riding than the BMW GS 1200.

Q: Which bike is better for on-road riding?
A: The BMW GS 1200 is better for on-road riding than the Honda Africa Twin.