Adventure giants clash: bmw f 800 gs adventure vs honda africa twin: who reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market.
- The BMW F 800 GS Adventure has a more traditional suspension setup, with a telescopic fork in front and a monoshock in the rear.
- The Honda Africa Twin, on the other hand, uses a more advanced suspension system, with a Showa Dual Bending Valve fork in front and a Pro-Link monoshock in the rear.
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a potent combination of on-road and off-road performance, making them ideal for exploring the world’s most remote and challenging terrain. But which bike is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the BMW F 800 GS Adventure against the Honda Africa Twin to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure is powered by a 798cc parallel-twin engine that produces 85 horsepower and 63 lb-ft of torque. The Honda Africa Twin, on the other hand, is equipped with a 998cc parallel-twin engine that cranks out 94 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Honda Africa Twin has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the BMW F 800 GS Adventure is known for its smooth and responsive power delivery, while the Honda Africa Twin’s engine can be a bit peaky at times.
Handling and Suspension
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin both feature long-travel suspension and agile handling. However, there are some key differences between the two bikes.
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure has a more traditional suspension setup, with a telescopic fork in front and a monoshock in the rear. The Honda Africa Twin, on the other hand, uses a more advanced suspension system, with a Showa Dual Bending Valve fork in front and a Pro-Link monoshock in the rear.
The Honda Africa Twin’s suspension system provides a more plush and controlled ride, especially on rough terrain. However, the BMW F 800 GS Adventure is still a very capable off-road performer, and it offers a more direct and sporty feel on the road.
Features and Technology
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin both come with a wide range of features and technology. However, there are some notable differences between the two bikes.
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure comes standard with a TFT display, cruise control, and heated grips. The Honda Africa Twin, on the other hand, comes standard with a traditional LCD display, no cruise control, and no heated grips.
However, the Honda Africa Twin does offer some features that the BMW F 800 GS Adventure does not, such as a DCT (dual-clutch transmission) and hill start assist.
Price and Value
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure has a starting price of $13,995, while the Honda Africa Twin has a starting price of $12,999.
Both bikes offer a good value for the money, but the Honda Africa Twin has a slight edge in terms of price. However, the BMW F 800 GS Adventure comes with a wider range of standard features, so it may be a better value for some riders.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin are both excellent adventure motorcycles. However, there are some key differences between the two bikes that may make one bike a better choice for you than the other.
If you’re looking for a bike that’s powerful, comfortable, and packed with features, the Honda Africa Twin is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a bike that’s more agile, responsive, and affordable, the BMW F 800 GS Adventure is a better option.
Off-Road Performance
Both the BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin are capable off-road performers. However, the Honda Africa Twin has a slight edge in this area.
The Honda Africa Twin’s long-travel suspension and powerful engine make it a great choice for tackling rough terrain. The bike is also very well-balanced, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure is also a capable off-road performer, but it’s not quite as good as the Honda Africa Twin. The BMW’s shorter suspension and less powerful engine make it a bit more challenging to ride in rough terrain.
Fuel Economy
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin both get good fuel economy for adventure motorcycles. The BMW F 800 GS Adventure gets an average of 50 mpg, while the Honda Africa Twin gets an average of 45 mpg.
However, it’s important to note that fuel economy can vary depending on riding conditions and how you ride the bike.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin are both comfortable motorcycles to ride. However, there are some key differences between the two bikes in terms of ergonomics.
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure has a more upright riding position, which is more comfortable for long-distance riding. The Honda Africa Twin, on the other hand, has a more aggressive riding position, which is more suited for off-road riding.
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure also has a wider seat than the Honda Africa Twin, which can be more comfortable for taller riders.
Reliability and Maintenance
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin are both reliable motorcycles. However, the Honda Africa Twin has a slight edge in this area.
The Honda Africa Twin has a simpler design than the BMW F 800 GS Adventure, which makes it easier to maintain. The Honda also has a longer service interval than the BMW, which can save you money in the long run.
Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Adventure Choice
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin are both excellent adventure motorcycles. However, the Honda Africa Twin is a better choice for riders who want a powerful, comfortable, and feature-packed bike. The BMW F 800 GS Adventure is a better choice for riders who want a more agile, responsive, and affordable bike.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can get a feel for each bike and see which one you prefer.
Top Questions Asked
1. What are the key differences between the BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin?
The Honda Africa Twin is more powerful, has a more advanced suspension system, and comes with more features than the BMW F 800 GS Adventure. However, the BMW F 800 GS Adventure is more agile, responsive, and affordable.
2. Which bike is better for off-road riding?
The Honda Africa Twin has a slight edge in off-road performance due to its long-travel suspension and powerful engine. However, the BMW F 800 GS Adventure is also a capable off-road performer.
3. Which bike gets better fuel economy?
The BMW F 800 GS Adventure gets slightly better fuel economy than the Honda Africa Twin. However, fuel economy can vary depending on riding conditions and how you ride the bike.
4. Which bike is more comfortable to ride?
Both the BMW F 800 GS Adventure and the Honda Africa Twin are comfortable motorcycles to ride. However, the BMW F 800 GS Adventure has a more upright riding position, which is more comfortable for long-distance riding.
5. Which bike is more reliable?
The Honda Africa Twin has a slight edge in reliability over the BMW F 800 GS Adventure due to its simpler design and longer service interval.