2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sport Manual vs. 2020 BMW GS1250

[@vladalexandru5861]

I've ridden the GSA for 1 year. Full option fully kitted. Now I have the Africa Twin 2022. 1. The screen is not a big issue. 2. Agree with you on the brakes. Much better on the GS 3. I agree on the engine part 4. Yes telelever is magic. Kind of miss it 5. Keyless as well I miss it. 6. Luggage: honda has the same plastic luggage with no side mounting system. They attach directly to the bike. This is only for the aluminium ones. It's the same for the BMW as well. 7. Center stand come as standard on the Honda as well, depends only on the package you purchase the Honda with. 8. True with the shaft regarding on the maintenance. But driving a chain is a much better experience, much elasticity as opposed to the more mechanical feeling of the shaft. 9. Been there with the warranty, same. 10. Suspension: not really a thing or an issue to do it from a button. Switchgear is cumbersome at first on the Honda, but after a while it makes total sense. 11. Yes Suspension is softer on the Honda than on the BMW 12. Honda has Android Auto/Carplay so this is a big plus. 13. The DCT. Those that have not ridden the DCT have no clue on how comfortable it is. Way superior to the manual one. 14. Price, there's a huge price difference between the two: BMW is 25k new, plus the accessories. Honda is 17k new, plus accessories. So an 8k price difference

[@cheezwhiz1234]

My AT was msrp + 750 freight,+ luggage. Had to drive 800 mi round trip to get it. Read my other comments on things I missed in vid. There's quite a lot. Even a steering damper, which I think would benefit AT. I do love the Honda too, doing my first real offroad ride tomorrow. Can't wait!

[@vladalexandru5861]

@@cheezwhiz1234 I'm not sure service intervals are cheaper on the BMW compared to Honda. BMW's are know for high maintenance costs.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

@@vladalexandru5861 The main part of the major service on both bikes is the valve adjust. BMW cylinder heads are right in the open. I've done a gs1200 in 1 hour. On the Honda, you have to disassemble half the bike to access top of cylinder head, that is expensive. If anyone is shopping these bikes, call your dealer for the major service price. I know on Ducati that $2000+ major service is the main reason people sell them at that time

[@vladalexandru5861]

@@cheezwhiz1234 another difference is also the price. 1 hour of labour is 100€ in a BMW dealership while in a Honda is 40€. Just before the ATAS I had the K1600GT which is a nightmare as far as cost of ownership goes. The GSA is an exception, but still BMW is more expensive in my experience.

[@brettw1518]

You can’t ride the BMW like you can the AT. Just the facts. Two identical riders riding both bikes off-road, AT would win. Want to focus on off road more? AT Everytime.

[@freedomisntfree131]

This video helped me a lot. I want to like the Honda more. But, the BMW has the things I want (power, comfort, drive shaft and swingarm). Thanks for the video.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

You're welcome, glad it was of help to you.

[@jcrides5493]

Thanks for this video. My local honda had the same spec 2022 AT for a good price that I considered trading my 2017 1200GS for. You highlighted the differences that matter to me and I think I will wait until I find a 1250gs before upgrading. I love the rallye colors.

[@livingstonjohnjoseph]

Love From India, Thank you for your video sir💕✨

[@BobJones-zw3ui]

Fantastic review - just what I was looking for.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Thank Bob, please read all the comments too. I missed a few things as I just kinda winged it lol.

[@hdan1867]

I have more or less the same bikes and must say - strongly agree with your PRO and CON's mentioned in your video. But my BMW is for during the week, commuting professionally and the Honda is for the weekend on the country roads with friends. And that is a categorisation depending from person to person. Anyhow, enjoy both "big ladies"! Cheers, H.

[@silveriojohan]

Thanks for this amazing comparison. I ve tested both and can't decide which one to get

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Youre welcome, thank you for comment. If you're ok with the GS price, it's a better bike.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Correction, you do need a $100 plate on GS for tail bag. Since I purchased bike used, I wasn't aware of that

[@Charlie-fc1mh]

I made up my mind when the 2020 Twins came out. Now I'm waiting for the 2023 models to come out. Nice review!

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Thank you Charlie, what improvements are slated for '23?

[@Charlie-fc1mh]

@@cheezwhiz1234 sorry for the late reply. The only changes I've heard of are colors and maybe a little more travel to the suspension.

[@saintplay66]

Great video man. I also have the ATAS, trying to decide if I should go for the bmw. Both bikes list the same seat height, but I think the bmw seat is wider. Do you perceive a noticeable difference in seat height? Also, how much heavier the bmw feels when you move it around in the garage?

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Seat is more comfortable on BMW. Also seat height is adjustable on it, or worst case scenario you can look for the lower suspension model. I wouldn't recommend that unless absolutely necessary. Bmw is lower cg and moves around equally easy in garage

[@user-hb6ms3mb4t]

What a great comparison. Thank you sir. G.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

My pleasure!

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Another GS advantage I neglected to mention, and it's a biggie. Tire pressure monitors.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Also the Honda is a cable clutch vs hydraulic on the GS

[@brettw1518]

Easily upgraded

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Yes it is, at extra cost.

[@asmith8092]

Great concise review ! ❤ my GS!

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Thank you, they are the benchmark IMO.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

To sum these bikes up, I REALLY wanted to love the AT. On road, it's slower, less stable, less refined, suspension damping is not as controlled, less comfort, less wind protection, and front end feels light/twitchy. Also riding in 105⁰ weather the cooling fans blow directly on your knees, awful! Offroad it felt far more top heavy than the GS, and I dropped it twice. In the hands of an expert and I mean really skilled offroad rider, it's probably better. But I am not that guy. GS does everything I need and more. My Honda is for sale or may rent it out on Twisted Road, 1400 mi. on it. The non- adventure GS is king imho.

[@erocnw1341]

I had a 2017 AT and the on-road performance was not very good. I was hoping the new ATs would be much better, and they might be, but still far behind the GS.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

The wind protection was actually better than I expected on the AT, and it handles nice, just outclassed by the GS. The radiator fan airflow on knees would be a boon in cold weather, but at an ambient peak temp of 111⁰ I seriously had pain from my knees burning. Hot climate riders take note! Also, we did a full on drag race and GS had no trouble pulling away. A bike length per second or so.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Another small difference, GS has accessory delay when you turn ign off. Makes it handy to refer to gps etc. on side of road

[@cheezwhiz1234]

The Honda has 1.2" longer suspension travel front and rear, and fuel capacity is 1.3 gal more. It's 24 lbs lighter even with the extra fuel, but the GS has a lower cg. Also the GS major service is much easier and cheaper, I did my first 1200 GS valve adjust on a lunch hour. I suspect the Honda valve adjust would cost well over $1000. The GS makes the extra hp and torque by additional 150cc in displacement, compression ratio, and shift cam technology over the Honda. I would peg longevity equal

[@Christo29B]

Nice video! I am owner of an Africa twin 1000, 2019 and I'm in thoughs about the next one, these two bikes in the video are on my main priority... Make more videos with them to see pros and cons of them

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Thank you Montecristo. In really wanted to love the Africa Twin, especially off road. The GS is simply a better bike in so many ways. I have already listed my Honda for sale with 1200 miles.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Unfortunately I sold Honda already. GS is the keeper.

[@Christo29B]

@@cheezwhiz1234 So we are waiting new beautiful videos with the GS

[@TheAmerican1963]

LOL .......bought a 2022 GSA ..... and I feel ya !!!! I am old, too ...... 🙂

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Only GSA I've ridden was pre water cooled. Did not like the bulkiness of it. I find the std. GS to be the perfect bike for me. I'll be checking out the '23 models, but probably wait another year to upgrade.

[@sthr2110]

Easier to push the button than stick a key in and turn it...hmmm. Maybe 5% easier...and ultimately less reliable, long term. The elephant in the room, for me, is the difference in long term reliability and specific and overall cost of ownership...making the longer BMW warranty feel very necessary. I picked up my 3 month old, 800 mile 2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES, loaded with $4K in accessories, for $16K...no way could I have done that with a 2022 R1250GS, similarly equipped. The BMW has more power and torque but both bikes have an abundance of each, for real-world applications. All in all, I prefer the ATAS hands-down...this is especially the case when traveling off road.

[@SteveZ1]

If I got a killer deal on a 2021 or 2022 GS I would go that way. If buying a new bike, I like the regular gas and android car play of the AT even though the GS is a nicer bike. I would also budget to upgrade the suspension on the AT.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

The regular gas and fuel range was my favorite thing on Honda. On our bdr there was me, 2 gs, and a Husky 610. I had to siphon a liter out twice for the Husky. We were all very low at end but both gs's still made it. The downside of all that fuel was the top heavy part. I'm 6'1 and strong but when negotiating ruts with slow speed dirt and sand I dropped it twice. Crushed my foot both times too. Wouldn't have had a problem on my gs

[@SteveZ1]

@@cheezwhiz1234 I have spent the last month convincing myself that the AT was the bike to buy, so now my head is kind of folding in on itself while rethinking the GS as the better choice.

[@THELASTRID3R]

@@SteveZ1 dude I’m in the same situation, what did you end up doing? I have a great deal on a 2022 1250 GSA ($22,500 OTD). I can’t find a Africa Twin anywhere in Virginia. I see a new 2021 AT in NY for $16700 + taxes/ fees. BMW is doing 2.9% financing on the GS’s. No incentives from Honda, plus the 1300 GS is supposed to be released this year.. 🤷‍♂️

[@SteveZ1]

@@THELASTRID3R . ADVICE: 1) Be preapared to move fast IE: money, etc. 2) Monitor Craiglsit, Cycle trader, Facebook Market Place and any other source that works for you daily, 3) and then jump in to action when you spot a winner. . I opted to rent a Gold Wing for the Summer. I had knee replacement surgery and need a comfortable up right riding position. Plus If yu put me on an AT bike on the dirt, I will break a bone or screw up my back real fast. My goal on the Gold Wing is to go the speed limmit. : ) .

[@THELASTRID3R]

@@SteveZ1 copy that dude, really appreciate the advice! I didn’t know bikes could be rented for long periods, need to look into this! I’m based out of VA, not sure what options are available, but will research.

[@danman5857]

@ cheezwhiz1234, I am in the market for a bike, but had it narrowed mostly down to AT A/S with manual, or KTM Super Adventure 1290S. I have looked at BMW, and now you have made me rethink my values. I was leaning towards the KTM more than AT. the more I look at AT the more I find reasons not to buy. What are your thoughts on KTM Super Adventure?

[@cheezwhiz1234]

Depends on your priorities. If you want an all out hotrod, less reliability imo, higher service costs, and more offroad bias with less on road comfort when stacking on miles, go 1290. It's funny, we've compared GS1250's on long trips with Multistradas and S1000XR, and while they may be a touch quicker, over time the GS riders are in front and not fatigued. The others are. That tells you A LOT.

[@danman5857]

@@cheezwhiz1234 , thanks. appreciate the prompt response.

[@milesonwheels8127]

Both bikes are great. Gs coast more than the Honda so it will depend on your pocket. One more thing I can say. If you’re crossing through Africa you ain’t gonna find parts for either.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

I agree...I have a 21' GSA and rode an 21' AT to the Wyoming BDR....if my GSA would not have been in the shop from going over a 100ft mountain...I would have never know how superior it was to the AT....I did like the 21' tire....but outside that...the worst thing about the AT is the suspension...just bad....thanks for the review...

[@THELASTRID3R]

dude thank you for the video! it's impossible to find an Africa Twin here in VA, I've been waiting on one since 2 October.. The OTD in Virginia for the AT AD ES Manual is $19,392. I have deal on 22 1250 GSA for $22,500 (OTD), and a deal on a T700 for $12,300.. Which one would you go for as a long term bike? (5-7 years)... I'm 90% asphalt and 10% dirt roads if that... OR would you wait for the 1300 GS? Much thanks in advance!

[@cheezwhiz1234]

700 too small as a primary road bike, you'll be hating it. 1250 sounds like best deal. Unless you can exploit everything the 1250 is capable of (and it is very capable), or if money no object then the 1300.

[@THELASTRID3R]

@@cheezwhiz1234 damn thank you dude, I almost pulled the trigger on the 700.. I told them to let me think about it over night.. I rode it today, it wasn’t bad.. like you said a bit small. I can only have one and I want to make the right decision.. I’m not sure how long I have to wait for a 1300, it may not be available for purchase till next year.. I’m not sure.. you don’t like the Africa Twin?

[@cheezwhiz1234]

@@THELASTRID3R the AT is a good bike. If you read the comments I also forgot to mention the tire psi monitors on the GS vs none on Honda. Hydraulic clutch vs. cable, and the cost of a major service which you'll likely be needing on either in 5-7 yrs. The price difference is negligible the the GS kills it

[@cheezwhiz1234]

@@THELASTRID3R Get the GS

[@THELASTRID3R]

@@cheezwhiz1234 copy that, your support is greatly appreciated! I don’t have any friends that ride, so it really helps talking to someone that understands this stuff! Much gratitude!! 🙏

[@SteveZ1]

QUESTION: If you were going to do a "round the world" tour and parts availability and service was your highest priority, which bike do you think would be easier to get parts and service, and by what margin?

[@cheezwhiz1234]

I think that would be best handled by a GS-A. Any hot temps over 100⁰ F will be miserable on Honda. Shaft drive means no chain worries. Both bikes similarly easy for oil change. I'd carry an oil filter per 6k mi. or so, easier to just find oil. I would run Motoz gps on F&R, should see at least 8k miles out of those tires. Likely more. GS-A holds lots of fuel and has excellent crash bars for protection. Far more comfortable to ride

[@madbroindustries]

The price is what gets us all.

[@cheezwhiz1234]

That was kind of the point of comparison, to highlight what you're getting for the price difference. There's much more than meets the eye. Price doesn't get us all, otherwise GS wouldn't sell like it does. For all the things better on the GS, it's well worth it to me. Thank you for your comment.

[@madbroindustries]

@@cheezwhiz1234 you are absolutely right. Thank you

[@AT2021Rocker]

Where did you get the levers on the Honda?

[@cheezwhiz1234]

ebay, motomike was vendor

[@bogdangheorghe5427]

Honda!)

[@dommotos]

Honda is only better with dct

[@cheezwhiz1234]

The quick shift came on the GS, and it's about 200 extra on the AT manual. All those things the Honda doesn't have add up. I have no desire for a dct, I love the finesse and rider connection of a clutch. To each their own.

[@ruverbi743]

Everybody rides a GS in Belgium, nothing original. The Africatwin rules and is way more original