Comparing the giants: honda africa twin vs bmw f800gs – which adventure machine reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Africa Twin is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more powerful, more comfortable, and more technologically advanced.
- The F800GS is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more affordable, more nimble, and easier to handle on paved roads.
The Honda Africa Twin and the BMW F800GS are two of the most popular adventure bikes on the market. Both bikes are known for their versatility, performance, and reliability. But which one is the right bike for you? In this blog post, we will compare the Honda Africa Twin and the BMW F800GS head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Africa Twin is powered by a 998cc parallel-twin engine that produces 94 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. The BMW F800GS is powered by an 798cc parallel-twin engine that produces 85 horsepower and 63 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Africa Twin has a slight edge in terms of power and torque. However, the F800GS is lighter than the Africa Twin, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. This makes the F800GS feel more nimble and responsive, especially at low speeds.
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 F800GS has a shorter-travel suspension that provides 7.9 inches of travel in the front and 7.1 inches of travel in the rear.
The longer-travel suspension on the Africa Twin gives it an advantage in off-road riding. However, the shorter-travel suspension on the F800GS makes it more agile and easier to handle on paved roads.
Features and Technology
The Honda Africa Twin and the BMW F800GS both come with a wide range of features and technology. Some of the key features that are available on both bikes include:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Traction control
- Cruise control
- Heated grips
- Electronic suspension adjustment
The Africa Twin also comes with a few additional features that are not available on the F800GS, such as:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- A TFT instrument panel
- LED headlights
Price and Value
The Honda Africa Twin has a starting price of $14,399. The BMW F800GS has a starting price of $12,895.
The Africa Twin is more expensive than the F800GS, but it also comes with more features and technology. Whether or not the extra features are worth the extra cost is a decision that each individual buyer will have to make for themselves.
Which Bike Is Right for You?
The Honda Africa Twin and the BMW F800GS are both excellent adventure bikes. The Africa Twin is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more powerful, more comfortable, and more technologically advanced. The F800GS is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more affordable, more nimble, and easier to handle on paved roads.
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 the differences between the two bikes firsthand and make an informed decision.
Summary: The Ultimate Adventure Bike
The Honda Africa Twin and the BMW F800GS are both excellent adventure bikes that offer a unique blend of performance, versatility, and reliability. The Africa Twin is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more powerful, more comfortable, and more technologically advanced. The F800GS is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more affordable, more nimble, and easier to handle on paved roads.
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 the differences between the two bikes firsthand and make an informed decision.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which bike is more powerful?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a slight edge in terms of power and torque.
Q: Which bike is more nimble?
A: The BMW F800GS is lighter than the Africa Twin, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio and makes it more nimble and responsive.
Q: Which bike has a longer suspension?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a longer-travel suspension that provides 9.1 inches of travel in the front and 8.7 inches of travel in the rear.
Q: Which bike has more features?
A: The Honda Africa Twin comes with a few additional features that are not available on the BMW F800GS, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a TFT instrument panel, and LED headlights.
Q: Which bike is more expensive?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a starting price of $14,399, while the BMW F800GS has a starting price of $12,895.