BMW S 1000 R versus Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Honda

Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin

Reise-Enduro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2025~
Built von 2015 bis 2020
RRP 16.280 €
RRP 13.465 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Balanced, mature motorcycle
  • Feels comfortable on the road and off-road
  • Suitable for touring
  • Powerful engine with power, sound & character
  • Comfortable seating position for long journeys
  • Great chassis and good brakes
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • LCD cockpit mirrors
  • Climbing up strenuous for smaller people

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.575 mm
Length :
2.335 mm Height : 1.475 mm
Seat :
870 mm
Weight :
233 (max: 427 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 998 ccm
Hub: 75 mm
Hole: 92 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
Maximum speed: 201 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
409 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Double loop tubular steel frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Showa 45 mm cartridge upside-down telescopic fork (travel 230 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90-21 inches
Rear tyres: 150/70-18 inches

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Wave double disc brake, hydraulically operated, radial four-piston caliper, sintered brake pads ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Wave disc brake, hydraulically operated, single-piston caliper, sintered brake pads ( 256 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Africa Twin vintage 2018 is a modern and above all very balanced motorcycle. Everything she does makes her extremely good. As a driver, you feel not only comfortable, but downright safe. The machine conveys safety and confidence, especially in the chassis including the brakes. It is well motorized and makes acoustically neat Radau. Thanks to wide handlebars and long spring paths, one does not shy away from unpaved paths - on the contrary: every dirt road is gratefully smooth ironed by the Africa Twin. And so every trip with this machine becomes pure joy, be it the short trip to the bagger lake, the 6-month trip to the North Cape or even the short trip to the bun. In any case, we had a lot of fun with the CRF 1000 L and didn't want to go down at all.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: €13,465
  • Used (3 years old): 9,000€
  • Years built: 2016-2019
  • Colors: Red, Blue, Black