Which adventure beast reigns supreme? honda africa twin vs bmw gs 850
What To Know
- When it comes to adventure motorcycles, the Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 850 stand as two of the most iconic and capable machines on the market.
- The Africa Twin has a more upright seating position that is ideal for long-distance riding, while the GS 850 has a more aggressive riding position that is better suited for off-road riding.
- The Africa Twin is the better choice for riders who want a more powerful and off-road-capable machine, while the GS 850 is the better choice for riders who want a more comfortable and road-biased machine.
When it comes to adventure motorcycles, the Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 850 stand as two of the most iconic and capable machines on the market. Both bikes have a long and storied history, and they offer a unique blend of performance, versatility, and reliability. But which one is the right choice for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll pit the Honda Africa Twin against the BMW GS 850 to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Honda Africa Twin is a powerful 1084cc parallel-twin engine that produces 101 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque. The BMW GS 850, on the other hand, is powered by a 853cc parallel-twin engine that generates 95 horsepower and 67 lb-ft of torque. While the Africa Twin has a slight edge in horsepower, the GS 850 offers a more linear and predictable torque curve.
Handling and Suspension
Both the Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 850 are designed to handle a wide range of terrain, from paved roads to off-road trails. The Africa Twin features a long-travel suspension with 9.1 inches of travel in the front and 8.7 inches in the rear. The GS 850, in contrast, has a shorter-travel suspension with 7.9 inches of travel in the front and 7.5 inches in the rear. This gives the Africa Twin a slight advantage in off-road performance, but the GS 850 is still a capable machine on rough terrain.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 850 are both designed to provide a comfortable riding experience, even on long journeys. The Africa Twin has a more upright seating position that is ideal for long-distance riding, while the GS 850 has a more aggressive riding position that is better suited for off-road riding. Both bikes offer a wide range of adjustment options to accommodate riders of different heights and inseams.
Features and Technology
The Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 850 come equipped with a variety of features and technologies to enhance the riding experience. The Africa Twin features a large TFT display, cruise control, and a host of electronic rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS. The GS 850 also has a TFT display, but it offers a more limited range of electronic rider aids.
Price and Availability
The Honda Africa Twin has a starting price of $14,399, while the BMW GS 850 starts at $13,495. Both bikes are available in a variety of colors and configurations.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both the Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 850. But if you’re looking for a more powerful and off-road-capable machine, the Africa Twin is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more comfortable and road-biased machine, the GS 850 is the better choice.
The Final Verdict
Both the Honda Africa Twin and BMW GS 850 are excellent adventure motorcycles that offer a unique blend of performance, versatility, and reliability. The Africa Twin is the better choice for riders who want a more powerful and off-road-capable machine, while the GS 850 is the better choice for riders who want a more comfortable and road-biased machine.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which bike has more horsepower?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has more horsepower, with 101 horsepower compared to the BMW GS 850’s 95 horsepower.
Q: Which bike has more torque?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has more torque, with 75 lb-ft of torque compared to the BMW GS 850’s 67 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which bike has a longer suspension travel?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has a longer suspension travel, with 9.1 inches of travel in the front and 8.7 inches in the rear, compared to the BMW GS 850’s 7.9 inches of travel in the front and 7.5 inches in the rear.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long-distance riding?
A: The Honda Africa Twin is more comfortable for long-distance riding due to its more upright seating position.
Q: Which bike has more electronic rider aids?
A: The Honda Africa Twin has more electronic rider aids, including traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS.