2021 BMW F 850GS vs 2022 Honda Africa Twin

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 BMW F 850GS 2021 BMW F 850GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
90 hp / 66 kW @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
504.9 pounds
2022 Honda Africa Twin 2022 Honda Africa Twin

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
524.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAutomatic Stability Control. Riding modes Rain/Road. High Windshield.Small windscreen. Model Id: CRF1000L.
Year2021-
ColoursBlack Storm Metallic/yellow, Racing Red, Racing Blue MetallicPearl Glare White Tricolour, Grand Prix Red, Matte Ballistic Black
Make ModelBMW F 850GS-
Warranty-1 year
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)35.0 inches34.3 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)889 mm871 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-9.8 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-250 mm
Seat Height860 mm / 33.8 in - OE suspension lowering kit: 815 mm / 32 in - OE low seat: 835 mm / 32.8 in - OE comfort seat: 875 mm / 34.4 in - OA rallye seat: 890 mm / 35 in851 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1593 mm / 62.7 in1575 mm / 62.0 in.
Height1356 mm / 53.3 in (excl mirrors)1395 mm / 54.9 in.
Length2305 mm / 90.7 in2330 mm / 91.7 in.
Width922 mm / 36.3 in (incl mirrors)960 mm / 37.8 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-5.07 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-4.80 litres
Dry Weight216 kg / 476.2 lbs-
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 4.0 US gal24.80 litres / 6.55 US gallons
Coolant Capacity-2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Wet Weight233 kg / 513.6 lbs238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph-
Max Power90 hp / 66 kW @ 8000 rpm-
Max Torque86 Nm / 63.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm105.0 Nm (10.7 kgf-m or 77.4 ft.lbs) @ 6250 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4167 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (cc)-1084.0 cc
Displacement (ci)-66.15 cubic inches
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
CO295.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-92.0 x 81.5 mm
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.6 x 3.2 inches
Displacement853 cc / 52 ci-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder270° crank and Uni-cam
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. PGM-FI electronic fuel injection (throttle by wire)
Bore x Stroke84 x 77mm-
Compression Ratio12.7:110.1:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-5-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Fuel Consumption4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic intake injection-
Fuel Reserve3.50 litres / 0.92 US gallons3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons
Idle Speed-1250 +/- 10 RPM
IgnitionKnock control and oxygen sensors. Full transistorized ignition
LubricationDry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
Chain Size-525
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch (anti-hopping), mechanically controlledDual clutch. Wet, multi-plate with coil springs, aluminum cam assist and slipper.
Final DriveEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hubChain   (final drive)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Number of Chain Links-124
Primary DriveEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub-
Sprocket-16/42 (front/rear)
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox integrated in crankcase-
Chassis
Fork Tube Size (mm)-45 mm
Fork Tube Size (in.)-1.8 inches
Frame TypeSteel bridge frame in monocoque design, load-bearing engineSteel semi-double cradle type with high-tensile strength steel rear sub-frame
Suspension - Front43 mm USD forksShowa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and DF adjustments
Suspension - RearCast aluminium dual swing arm, central WAD spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable, rebound damping adjustableMonoblock aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with SHOWA gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustments
Rake28.0°27.5°
Steering Head Angle62°-
Trail126 mm / 4.9 in113 mm / 4.4 in.
Wheel Travel - Front230 mm / 9 in - OE: suspension lowering kit 210 mm / 8.2 in230 mm / 9.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear215 mm / 8.4 in - OE: suspension lowering kit 195 mm / 7.6 in220 mm / 8.7 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-LCD Meter, TFT 6.5inch touch panel multi information display
Lighting systemLED headlampsLED headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 305mm floating discs, 2 piston floating calipersDouble disc. Switchable ABS. 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc,1 piston floating caliperSingle disc. Switchable ABS. 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads.
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (disengageable)-
Brake Fluid Type-DOT 4
RimsWire spoke wheels-
Tyre Pressure - Front-33 PSI (2.3 Bar or 225 kPa)
Tyre Pressure - Rear-36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)
Tyres - Front90/90 21 90/90-21
Tyres - Rear150/70 R17 -
Wheels - FrontCross-spoke 21 x 2.15 in-
Wheels - RearCross-spoke 17 x 4.25 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 BMW F 850GS

The 2021 BMW F 850GS edges out the 2022 Honda Africa Twin thanks to its liquid cooling and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 BMW F 850GS - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2022 Honda Africa Twin - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2022 Honda Africa Twin matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2021 BMW F 850GS vs 2022 Honda Africa Twin - FAQs

Does the 2021 BMW F 850GS or 2022 Honda Africa Twin have ABS?
The 2021 BMW F 850GS is listed with ABS as standard. The 2022 Honda Africa Twin does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2021 BMW F 850GS or the 2022 Honda Africa Twin?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 BMW F 850GS has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2022 Honda Africa Twin offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.