BMW R1250GSA vs. Honda Africa Twin. Which one is better? In-depth Review

The most wanted bikes in the Adventure segments. Both the GS and the Africa Twin are already legendary names and they got better and better every generation, getting closer to perfection. Meet the R1250GSA and the CRF1100L Africa Twin in the Adventure Sports version, with DCT and ES.
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The prices:
BMW R1250GS (top spec): €21,500
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT ES: €18,990
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[@laurencemichaels3503]

Honda Africa seems quiet... I like that bike!

[@captainamerica1797]

Beemers are the quietest ...

[@1984kevke]

2.19 wrong guys, 1P = most power, 1EB = most engine brake. In gravel, he is the most friendly, to be not nervous.

[@johnkeppel4377]

HondaPro Kevin correct...

[@TheSpainy]

That´s what they said

[@1984kevke]

@@TheSpainy wrong! Power level 4 = least powerful Engine Brake level 3 = least engine braking when you close the throttle. It's unbelievable they give us totally wrong information!

[@kakiwayang508]

They just ride dealer bike.

[@malikknows3510]

Long-term reliability and cost of ownership make the Honda far cheaper in the long run. At least here in the US, it is cheaper out the door, too.

[@terryjohnbaker]

Certainly not in the UK.

[@grayjohn1906]

@@terryjohnbaker agree, overpriced, think their taking the piss with prices in the UK!

[@mojomanmurph1925]

In the US, BMW dealerships are few and far between. Honda dealerships are everywhere and less expensive to repair.

[@dangrimes5078]

In America the BMW is 30% more but just looking at the two bikes it is understandable.

[@RIZFERD]

All European automotives are money pit and not really reliable just as how cars made in Detroit USA, they did it on purpose and now they're gone. Everyone know only Asian brands are reliable even iPhones are Made in China only Designed in California.

[@nickthompson7895]

After 17 years with BMW on GS’s.... I made the change to the 2020 AT AS manual. Never look back! I love it. On and off road. Far more connected, nimble and lighter. ... true about the seat though 😉 Only negative.... just not enough after market parts (yet)

[@MrArjanOskam]

Thanks for this comment! I currently have an A2 license (Max 47HP) And next year I get my A license (Full Power) and I am really into the high and all-roads like GS, ATAS and SuperAdventure 1290. But Your comment made my list a little shorter! :) Also, I really love the tri-color look! It's so beautiful!

[@sweetcostarica]

Here is the biggest _problem_ (involving time & money) between the two bikes that _everyone_ _knows_ but don't talk about; *_reliability._* The *BMW R1250GSA* has one of the worst reliability records (see CR article and talk to BMW owners) and the *Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin* (Adventure Sports version or any Honda) has the best reliability record. NOTE: Most *BMWs* are sold right at three (3) years due to the warranty running out and no free expensive fixes after that so BMW owners sale their three (3) year old bike & get a new one. Most *Honda* owners after the 600 mile maintenance checks just ride & ride & change the oil every now & then.

[@Kaysersoza]

@@sweetcostarica yes we can. We OWNERS OF GS ARE RICH PEOPLE. CHEERS FROM ITALY AND DON'T BE so envious

[@suljopro]

@@Kaysersoza Slow and rich, thats pretty much it. ;)

[@stevecrocker6904]

@@Kaysersoza: you HOPE he's envious because then you justify your "richness"? I think we know the reliability comment is true in general. It goes the same for European cars versus Japanese cars too - there's a different mindset in manufacture

[@ronsmith9251]

I love the GS, but it’s too heavy, too expensive, and not reliable. The Africa Twin is lighter, has a 21” front wheel, costs less, and will probably last a long time.

[@missilerid3r]

Unreliable? Lol.

[@rockmanADV]

I love my AT.

[@Porsche996driver]

Not reliable wtf lol. Also they tested a GSA with 8 Gallon Tank! which is heavier than a GS. That’s their bad comparison.

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Had 4 GS's since 2004 and had unreliable issues with them all. Not good.

[@missilerid3r]

@@andrewkitchenuk So you're the problem not the bikes.

[@T3merity]

I get serious fps russia vibes when I hear that man speak.

[@altercaze]

Miss that channel... :(

[@aziizzulkarnain2980]

lol hahaha

[@michaeljkasnter]

Why does it matter? Here for Motorcycle review, not a date

[@T3merity]

​@@michaeljkasnter Its something that jumped out at me. Is noticing things something bad to you?

[@adreetchakraborty908]

Hah😂

[@dashford06]

Seems like we’re living in a golden era of No Bad Bikes. Great review. Wish you’d have thrown in a KTM 1290. Also excellent off road and probably fights the GS better on road with that motor.

[@Porsche996driver]

This was a GSA btw 8 Gallon tank and 40lbs heavier than a GS!

[@Lecruque]

Bad bike :)

[@stereomtl9001]

Honda forever.

[@bunt28]

AFRICA TWIN ANYTIME

[@quadmeister]

Of course it isnt even comparable against the bmw😂

[@shivammishra4781]

@@quadmeister true 😂

[@AT2021Rocker]

$20k out the door vs $30k.

[@Migs3]

Hello from Bolivia! Nice video. Your terrain is similar to ours in the La Paz high lands at 3000-5000 meters above sea level. Thanks for making them. Keep up the good work!

[@xeneize2757]

Salar de uyuni good 👌

[@bensmith7536]

best bike channel on youtube by far.

[@peterwells5424]

You guys are are good team! I agree both bikes are awesome.

[@aaronswanderlandadventures9561]

Africa twin life forever!!!!

[@satriyafebriardiansyah4197]

BMW GS Life Forever

[@cyberBIGGT]

@@satriyafebriardiansyah4197 KZbin Moderator here. Aaron is correct and Satriya is wrong

[@xsiohaiyang8159]

E-Dirt bike will be last survivor, KTM knew that.

[@aaronswanderlandadventures9561]

E-dirt bike that's funny!!!!😅🤣😂🙃

[@natasha1725]

👎

[@Fab24hdumans]

Well, it could have been more fare if this comparative was made with the regular G1250 or 1200... Then weight shouldn’t be an issue... Nice video guys, nice editing with good filming angle.

[@cheff8383]

One word: reliability! which BMW bikes are not know for.

[@carguybd]

I own two BMWs and two Hondas. The BMWs have been at least on par with the Hondas; absolutely zero issues with my 1150 BMW over 17 years and 50k miles. Watching the “Long Way...” series and the guys taking the BMW bikes all over the globe with no issues, they’re what I want. If I was strictly on dirt, then yes, the Honda.

[@RIZFERD]

All European automotives are money pit and not really reliable just as how cars made in Detroit USA, they did it on purpose and now they're gone. Everyone know only Asian brands are reliable even iPhones are Made in China only Designed in California.

[@carguybd]

@@RIZFERD worst car I’ve ever owned was a Honda, in fact. I have a Jeep that I have driven since 2006 with almost zero issues. Owned a VW Jetta GLI for 16 years and had no problems whatsoever. Had a Golf that was running great with 468,000 miles when I sold it. Things tend to last indefinitely if you simply take care of them by doing the maintenance.

[@Karlmarx-r9d]

@@carguybd Honda's car is not as good as their bikes

[@lianpo6343]

it also depends on how you care of your bike

[@Czechthisout24]

Videos are getting better and better with each shooting

[@kpappa]

I know which bike I would choose for a long trip if I had to go tommorow on a road trip.The T700 and I would had saved the rest of the money for the expenses of my trip.Simple.

[@SenanuKAnku]

Thats all

[@materna5572]

That's right!

[@paolopalicalligaris]

Exactly!

[@bernarddulmet4909]

If this is to go solo, you are probably right. Nobody needs the big power to go really far from home.

[@christianmillet9901]

I own an 2016 AT DCT. I like it a lot, but the next one will be the TT 700.

[@NtGism]

Hey guys, your videos are very well made. The best thing is the "cinematography" and camera work, in my opinion. Just a piece of advice, I think the segments where you talk with each other need a bit more structure

[@tuanoful]

Love watching these videos... i can't afford either of them... wee strom guy over here. I would get the f800gsa if i had the money. 1250 is too heavy for off road.

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

If Jocelin Snow can handle a Big GS-cow the way she does im sure it is more of a rider thing..

[@tuanoful]

@@Swedeonamotorcycle I know I can handle it, I've rented it before. But for me, I just don't like that much weight.

[@oldtimer3824]

yes,1250GSA is a big top heavy gal

[@RedC63AMG]

850 GSA is nearly as heavy as the 1250 at 530 pounds. Its also has a higher standard seat height. Tiger 900 is a better alternative if weight is an issue

[@aaronbrown6266]

@@oldtimer3824 not really. The center of gravity is still low. I can do low speed stuff on my GSA with a full tank that I would've thought impossible.

[@Bozoca666]

AT - Best Off Road GS - Best in Road I have both bikes, love both. Each one shines in different ways.

[@jfc8681]

you dont have shit stop lying

[@suppersready4you]

I like you gyus, but I think that the AT and the GS 1250 are not apples to apples anyway great video always I will do KTM 1090, Vstrom and Africa Twin, I belive this will be a more fair comparisson

[@dangrimes5078]

The V Strom will lose, that much is obvious

[@LooxJJ]

A close friend of mine just purchased a brand new 2020 R1250GS here in Los Angeles about 3 months ago. About a 2 months ago (which is about a month after he purchased it), something went wrong with the engine, so he had to take it back to the BMW dealer - but they fixed it and it returned...then same problem occurred. They decided to replace the problematic part but all the BMW dealers nearby (Beverly Hills, Burbank, LA BMW etc.) did not have part to replace it, so it is still at the dealer as of November of 2020...our consensus is that he should have gone with Yamaha or Honda.

[@robertlee8042]

I’m 73. Have a couple hundred thousand miles on motorcycles. Newest bike 1980. Traction control is in my right hand and ass. ABS is in my right hand and right foot. Riding modes are in my right hand and left foot. My motorcycle is not 30 feet wide and not draped with plastic. My rear fender isn’t 40 feet in the air. My passenger does not sit high. High is bad. Center of gravity. I have no computers. No ECMS. I have ridden new bikes. They are busses.

[@Yamalover78]

Without DTC, yes please 👍🏻✌🏻Like Honda a bit more than BMW

hahahaha I thought it was John Travolta at first sight! It gave me a little heart-arrest for a second! hahahahaha

[@jasonspollen8998]

Agree with the opinion on bad seat comfort on the AT. I had a Tiger1200 before my AT and had a way more comfy seat. My AT seat is now sent away to a custom seat guy for comfort gel insert.

[@Astrix_Jaeger]

I think I go for the Africa twin, it's lighter, more narrow and no poking engine to bash on a rock.

[@nordogs]

Great comparison - sympathetic and authentic your competent discussions 🙏👍😎

[@mereclander]

You have a very nice country to visit with a trail bike. I will plan a tríp for nect year. About the bikes: BMW must lose weight. The rest is perfect for me (except the price, of course). The Africa is veeeery good but it has a “lack of something” I can not explain. Very good vídeo!!!!

[@JBMotorrad]

Park the motorcycle in 1st gear....it's the parking brake of motorcycling. :P

[@rzu7120]

JB Motorrad And deep sand is the centerstand!

[@2fastnlight]

Try that while its running....

[@sailcraze]

I do that for 2 reasons, the brake effect and my bike won’t run in 1st with the kickstand down.

[@floydbrown2142]

I believe I heard the honda has a parking brake caliper (bottom back), along with a separate handle. Lot of new stuff : )

[@maxlutz3674]

@@floydbrown2142 It has and they had enough sense to put the lever far enough from the handle to make it hard to reach. This way people used to pull the clutch do not activate it accidently.

[@fabiomonteiro3697]

Very good stuff always ! Nice and honest comments .......but when you will do the review of the new Tiger 900 Rally Pro ? Waiting for your review !

[@beachamboy11]

1 on traction control on the AT is the highest setting.

[@FrancoisBOUCHER-l5v]

hi all , i agree globally with your precise comments ; i just bought GSA 1250 ; the main problem is ...his price ; for the rest only pleasure !! but in terms of economy and agreement , HONDA is very competitive ; to have only road trip on roads , and very light off road , VARADERO (injection model) is a very good choice , comfortable , 400 kms autonomy , and ...cheap ; appreciate your videos , go on !!

[@deborahesther8229]

Honda is the best

[@PATRYK-R1]

great video! love both machines, and to be honest whatever you choose you will have a lot of fun 😎

[@mzaversnik2655]

Would buy the africa twin in a heartbeat. Lighter, more nimble, narrower, prettier, and also, A LOT cheaper, and cheaper parts and aftermarket support as well. And reliability wouldnt be a question as its a honda (i dont know about bmw, but yes)

[@ljuborajictt]

Thank you for this video, it's great as always but I don't think these two engines can be put in the same class, that's my opinion. But I think the Africa Twin has bigger genes for offroad. Lots of greetings and maybe someday in the Carpathians we will eat cevapcici together!! Best Regards!!

[@quesadilla79]

Subscribed , good breakdown of pros and cons guys

[@adamklop4181]

yes you right guys the seat is not good I do not know if it is seat or vibration from engine so for long tarmac journey I would choose something more comfortable

[@lenetisg]

In which country the bmw adventure costs 21500€? Here in Greece with packs touring, comfort and dynamic the cost is 24500 €. The bike of the video has all the packs so the price they say is wrong. Also the bars and auxiliary lights are costs more. The Africa twin costs with dct, electric suspension and this special colour 19900. Guys sorry but you were unprepared.

[@alexneamtu8016]

Hello. Very nice and interesting review guys. I really enjoyed the video. It would be great, if you will have the chance, to do a comparison between GSA, Super adventure and Multistrada Enduro.

[@muradabdul6448]

The African twin is better off road on Rough roads the GS feels like its being battered compared to the AT and the 21 inch front tire is better off road with the ground clearance but if you are a person who is mainly going for long journeys on tarmaced Road or maram roads the GS will be better. Its easier and cheaper maintaining the AT than the GS. Also depends on how deep ur pockets are. They are both great bikes though

[@sardegnabiker1190]

Great job guys! Love your channel and that review. Like the AT, although riding GS since long time. Where did you make the offroad videos? Love that landscape! Let us know where that is and keep up the good work.. 👍🏻

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks guys.

[@erdogantokal8742]

If you want comfort you should choose BMW GS. Africa is still not stabilized on the highway and there are many motorcycle options to drive on the rough road.

[@nelsondanieloliveira]

Never a GSA 12500 full extras custs 21500 euros, you need 26000 or 27000 to buy it. The ATAS manual shift custs 18000 plus Crash bars and body frames for panniers, Stay aroud 19000 total max. You are wrong on prices😉

[@Babo.69]

Thats right! 😎👍

[@Kaysersoza]

yes but after 5 years, africa twin values 5000 e . Gs values 14000 with a tons of miles on it. Doesn't matter. PEOPLE LOOK FOR GS. PEOPLE WANTS GS

[@jazztryppyn8445]

@@Kaysersoza Both lose around 14k to depreciation.

[@ripmax333]

27000 euros?!😮 why not buy an SUV? ..geesh😧

[@passion866]

thanks , thats the clear and good summary in this short video ... very very usefull

[@Rocketboy-qg6ts]

Great review guys 👍

[@lorenzododi9557]

Great review as usual! I was wondering if you are wearing the kilm krios pro helmet. If so could you give us some feedbacks on noise, using it in cold weather and your overall experience? I'm not looking for technical specs, we can find those everywhere, I'm looking for personal experience and I think yours it's worth. Thank you, keep up the good job and ride safe!

[@chandrahas5062]

I like your review of every aspect genuine

[@macoveitinel732]

Mi-a atras atentia nr de la africa twin...faine videouri. like si subscribe! :) chiar ma intrebam de unde accentul ala. Salutari de la mare!

[@mrNYlover]

Both of them are good bikes to ride but for a long highway ride I’d prefer the GS of bmw and for a adventure rally ride Africa twin would be the best choice.

[@overboost7667]

Why are the journalists always tell us the quickshifter is perfect, when you can even hear in the videos how clunky it is ? 14:21 - I found it on my test drives with both a 1250 GS and RT to be jolty and unrefined to the point I would be afraid to break the gearbox in the long run.

[@IanTed]

overboost7667 It’s fine, perfect after a few thousand miles. Only use my clutch at very low speeds in first...

[@dakygigater2654]

Main difference between GS and Africa Twin is that GS is road bike with off road capabilities and Africa is off road bike with road capabilities. So, I would prefer Africa since I like more off road than road riding.

[@scotthorslin5482]

Great filming.

[@IanTed]

Get off my GSA, love my Exclusive...like the Adventure Sport in black.

[@stephtraveler7378]

I have friends that have either of these... They use them like a goldwing..... rarely hitting a dirt road.... both suck offroad. And anyone using a GS offroad is likely sponsored by a BMW affiliate or club. They are just not good offroad bikes. But, they do project the "Adventure Rider" look. People are going back to smaller bikes for offroad.

[@manabjyotidas787]

Really a nice comparison 💚💚💚

[@rondavison8475]

Hey Honda, Add an angle level sensor to your control system to modulate away the hill climbing vs traction control problems on the Africa Twin. Bet it can double your sales. Mode to not upshift, upshift at 100 RPM higher per running average (1 sec?) per degree slope going up, also going down for engine breaking. I offer my Honda salary for a year, 2:1 time 1 + what % I am correct.

[@kmg3144]

With the higher center of gravity on the Honda AT would it be an issue for shorter riders like myself? I am 5’8” with shoes on. I am cross shopping these and wonder which would be easier to handle in the long run for shorter people. Thanks and awesome review!

[@connorspies]

What did you ultimately decide on?

[@F4682-v6s]

I'm 5'8 too. It's not an issue at all. Very normal

[@cybertronic20008]

O cara da African Twin é meio braço curto, mas tá valendo! Bom vídeo!

[@LeandroBudke]

Também achei meio ''feio''

[@rafaswierczynski]

Another cool video! :)Why on offroad You ride on D mode on AT? and how's Your KLIM?

[@DriveMagRiders]

I don't know, man.. too many buttons on the AT. Because we have to stop often when shooting a video and I forgot to press the M button every time. The Klim is ok so far. Still have to ride a bit more. It was the first ride.

[@rafaswierczynski]

Yes, totally agree about "so many buttons"... They shoud develop something like GS has (wheel). I've invested in KLIM too last year and it was best decision in moto-clothes... Stay safe!

[@Peter_s_toyotami]

I read somewhere that Power set-up circle should be empty to be on max and when it's full like at 2:30 it's actually the lowest setting...I know it doesn't make any sense

[@VictorCastillo-xu4eu]

Hey great video! You should make a video comparing the old 1200gs for example a 2016 model vs 1250gs 2020 model and see what’s the real difference in riding and refinement. Just an idea... Thanks!

[@guidoinperu]

They already have that, check their channel, it's a nice video!

[@aportilla007]

I just bought the Africa ;)

[@nelsondanieloliveira]

GSA 1250 full extras custs 27000, ATAS manual shift custs18000, its a big diferenc. Your prices are wrong 😉

[@RedLine0069]

in Portugal maybe .. but they live in Romania , prices there are a bit lower

[@ericlafoudrenoire1113]

New African Twin with full extras costs exactly 22500e and not 18000. BMW 1250 GS Adventure costs 24.000 with three packs and some options (alarm, ecall)BMW is more expansive and heavier but better equiped and with a far better engine. Go to the Web and configure each one.

[@nelsondanieloliveira]

In Portugal the África twin adventure Sports 2020(full extras, missing onli Crash bars and paniers racks) manual shift custs between 17500 and17900 and a GSA full extras like that custs 27000. For road GS is the best, for all ATAS😁

[@ericlafoudrenoire1113]

Nelson Oliveira : Such differences about prices (9000e) Between the too Bikes in Portugal. Take a look on french website to check if You want. I agree AT is better for offroad (it’s lighter and powerless than GS) but on the road or highway The GS seems to be far better.

[@guidoinperu]

Yeah for the BMW you need to pay extra for anything, even heated grips aren't included!! That's ridiculous! AT is a very complete package, love that bike!!

[@pcmountaindog]

Your review are informative but you ALWAYS skip over an important issue. Serviceability. How much work is it to change: oil and oil filter Air filter. Not fun on an Africa twin Valve clearance inspection. Simple one the BMW R series not so in the Honda Another item. A tire repair while on the road. A rear tire on the BMW is less work than on the Honda. Always remember to compare the difference between shaft and chain drive.

[@LMO169]

I cant access your website. Every time I click on the link, within seconds I get redirected to gambling pages or ad page that wants me to download different add-ons.

[@lommerdpassievrucht8555]

That africa twin is awesome.

[@JonahAlexanderMCDougallGardner]

Fight Sequence at 4:20 was epic!!!

[@honda116969]

On my Africa twin I have the metzeler karoo street I guess they came out with those tires so they would drive more stable at highway speeds my bike seems pretty good but it does feel a little weird when you get up around 80+ mph not unstable or anyting I think right around 75Mph is good 👍👍 fast enough 4 me. It's just out here in Phoenix cars Hall ass easily doing 75-80 mph I just don't like being the guy holding other people up🤷

[@Joez86]

Nice job!

[@kiruikiplangat9709]

i love your review

[@PhilShenton]

sport mode 3 and traction control bars all on means least amount of traction control.. Least amount of bars on power mode mean the most power. The Japanese don't seem to have a good concept of the use of bars to describe more or less..

[@UncrownedLegend]

Off road the Honda wins i believe. All road i would go for the GS. The GS looks kinda safer and more solid like a military Motor. Engine wise i have no clue Honda makes strong engines, and BMW has sophisticated engineering. You guys tell me.

[@АлександрКалинушкин-ц8х]

*2 лучших мотоцикла,лайк👍👍👍однозначно! *

[@OOOHYEAAAHH]

You should also look at the price of the normal gearbox africa twin, i feel like it would be about 3000 euros cheaper than the bwm

[@jackpoppy29]

Great video

[@felixlechat1780]

africa win! better off road and can go 200km/h on pavement! Good enough for me

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Try more like 240.

[@Nathan-rp8cg]

For off road Africa twin is the best, high centre of gravity.

[@atomskiMarsic]

RIP Chris

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

RIP Cristian. We will miss you.

[@TrucNguyen-cd9es]

what s happen with him ?

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

@@TrucNguyen-cd9es He had an accident on his GS and sadly did not survive the crash.

[@paulyflyer8154]

​@@SWTrailsAndWheels Oh god really?

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

@@paulyflyer8154 yes, sadly true.

[@Google_mystyke]

So sad 😢 to hear

[@bearsmith3655]

Great review guys!

[@lukongemahadi2772]

I love Honda Africa twn

[@paulosergio-ff4wv]

África twin 🙋‍♂️

[@MrRemo1965]

HONDA 👍

[@svanhoogstraten]

Great review. The BMW has a better road presence. Off-road it’s a bit of a pig. The AT is good on the rod and also very good off it. So if your buying one of these to get to your favorite off-road spot or re continuously going off-road then the AT is the better bike. You don’t see to many BMW riders go off-road with that bike. Most stay on the road an like the relaxed riding style.

[@xaralampostampakidis9132]

Exactly

[@tt55k]

Yes , off road for the GSA would be dirt roads or logging roads rather than single track . For a taller and more muscular guy I am sure it would be fine , these guys are rather small .

[@TC-iz6xe]

What's the point of it if your not taking it of road? They are a big useless heap of garbage those BMW's. May as well buy a dedicated road bike and be done with it

[@Dirtpoorhomesteader]

The gs as a adv tourer is pure sublime. It’s not a dual sport. I have owned ktm 500s and wR’s where the fun really only starts to begin at those points where you have to turn around on a gs. However, for gravel, unimproved gravel roads, and dirt roads that aren’t too wet it’s a dream. It’s the only bike I can ride ride 10hrs a day for days on end and not be miserable. Easier to pick up than a kLR too which surprises most people. Very easy to work on gs yourself because of good build quality.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@Dirtpoorhomesteader "Easier to pick up than a kLR too " The BMW platform tempts you to carry more stuff with you which ends up working against you when you need to pick it up. Moreover, the telelever/paralever combo works nicely on road but it results in a clunky terrible ride off road. I've had 2 GSs one of which exploded at just 20K kms ... not the best of experiences with them.

[@circuitjc]

Good video and I agree with what is said. As a 2020 ATAS DCT owner here are some of my views: DCT is something you have to learn to use properly. It takes some practise and is really good once you know how to use it. YMMV ATAS DCT with all the options is $6000 less here in Canada than a GSA. (GSA is the proper comparison. GS has less fuel, less range, so less weight... but still more than the ATAS.) You are totally correct about needing the wind deflectors for the upper and lower parts. Once those are installed the wind protection is good. (Not amazing but good.) There are 3 reasons I bought a Honda ATAS DCT over a BMW 1250 GSA: 1. BMW dealer near me treated me like shit last year when shopping around. Like really bad. 2. Every Honda anything I own is built to high standards and on the rare occasion I need to fix something on it... I can get parts and those parts are much less expensive than BMW parts. 3. ATAS is more than $6000 Canadian dollars less out the door than the GSA with the same equipment. IMO Honda fixed the major things that needed fixing on the AT in 2020. I am glad I waited for it. I love my ATAS DCT. (I have #5 in Canada according to the VIN and was the first one in my region to get one.)

[@felixlechat1780]

still having your africa twin today? any regrets?

[@circuitjc]

@@felixlechat1780 still going strong. No regrets. Puts a smile on my face every ride. Even learning more and more including off-road.

[@felixlechat1780]

​@@circuitjcit's crazy how time flies. I'm glad to hear from you. I think honda wins over bmw because they guys make bikes for enthusiasts!

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Not sure which is better but after 3 Gs's from 2010/2013/2015 I am now the proud owner of a manual black/gold Africa twin crf1100 Adventure sports - I have the tall seat, wind protectors and it's not too bad comfort wise. I got free alloy panniers and I saved £7000 compared to a GS!

[@mariobianchi1909]

Great choice!

[@michaelbmw1931]

Why not dct?

[@oesda]

Hi MagicAyrton, what moved you to take a decision like that? as of now I am the owner of a GS 800 and I am evaluating booth bikes the 1250GS and the ATAS with ES suspension, your opinion could be very valuable for me. Thanks.

[@mannyferrao1013]

Gs is just a tractor, not good at anything, give me a africa twin over the gs anytime, I use to be a gs owner because of the hype and it just sux. If I had a choice the ktm would be my choice, it's powerful and exciting. The gs is just boring. When I'm 80 I'll probably jump back on to a gs but till then let the gs do what it does best and that's just letting it sit in the showroom . Great video guys but pls compare bike to bikes and not to the boring good at nothing GS

[@KerryO91]

I would have to say the biggest factor i looked at before purchasing my AT vs the BMW was dealer availability! In North America, Honda dealerships are a dime a dozen where as BMW dealerships are very few and far apart, The same for KTM! I myself was looking at getting a Ducati Multistrada but it's almost a 5 hour round trip drive for servicing which I'm definitely not going to do! To date I'm very happy with the AT and will keep it for many years to come!

[@DriveMagRiders]

Great point!

[@oesda]

Hi Kerry whats your experience with the bike after 3 yrs of use?

[@On2WheelswithDennis]

Subscribed 👍 great videos you guys make! Keep m coming!! Regards

[@RacingandAdventure]

Thank you! From now on, you can watch us on this YT channel. Waiting for you over there :)

[@On2WheelswithDennis]

@@RacingandAdventure Subscribed 👍👍

[@DerpEye]

The problem with the BMW is that it's highly unreliable compared to the Honda. In my country, the fully equipped BMW is more like 24k, and the Honda is 22. Add some aftermarket accessories (because aftermarket crash bars, cases and handguards are always better) and it'll be a tie. Considering the unreliability and high cost of maintenance of the BMW, the AT is a winner for me.

[@SaintSa]

My Twin has given me a lot more sh1t than any of my 1200GSA's, I never had doubts when on a long trip with the BM, The Honda is like my KTM lol And you just to set the record straight, Maintenance cost more at Honda, BMW have always been reasonable with Services and parts.

[@michsky46]

@@SaintSa you talking nonsences mate! Honda is cheaper to mantaine and over all better bike.

[@thomasw4756]

Cheap and BMW in the same sentence?

[@Dirtpoorhomesteader]

I am at 30k on my gs and have put it through hell. A few leaky fork seals is all the trouble I have had. For me the GS is a cheap bike because I used to have multiple bikes to stay happy now I just have one. It’s my sport touring bike, adv touring bike and cruiser all rolled into one bike. I can’t speak to service costs because I do all my own basic maintenance to include valve checks. Parts are expensive but for three bikes rolled into one it’s not that bad.

[@AuRowe]

@@Dirtpoorhomesteader expensive parts but willing to do valve checks yourself makes it worth it

[@pointdoc1]

Finally...it seems this topic is taboo in the industry! I haven't watched the review, but trust DriveMag review and thank you for taking the lead on this ADV question!

[@lovelessissimo]

Taboo because no one wants to dare question the supremacy of BMW. (Sarcasm)

[@luisfelipelagunarivero2699]

Don't you see what is obvious ?: How a fat, heavy and huge motorcycle can be comfortable on roads where efficiency requires lightness and agility! Come on ! that we are no longer fools!

[@RuisRydo1205]

That GS just looks so heavy.

[@Kevin_Ho70]

Go to any BMW MC Dealer and test ride a GS or GSA for FREEE demo ride! You will be amazed how light, quick and nimble these big mc truly are!

[@paulvandervyver4223]

Because it is heavy. BMW 1250=591lbs, Honda DCT Adventure sports is 61 lbs lighter =530lbs and you don't want to drop either of them ;)

[@RuisRydo1205]

My 790 adventure is about 450 lbs. I know one shouldn't compare them but still, that's more than a 100 lbs lighter!

[@ristic2006]

Because it is. It is for tall strong men :)

[@scottmc3693]

@@RuisRydo1205 My CRF450L is 289 lbs wet. And it's decent on the highway.

[@milesonwheels8127]

Man in USA bmw gs comes in at $26k while Africa twin starts at $14k to 19k fully dressed

[@reynoldsolis6358]

RIP Cristian Predoi. I like all your videos

[@alwaysadventure3950]

First…Great videos guys. Keep them coming. With that said…I’m a fan of both bikes and currently own the AT DCT. Versus you “HAVE” to turn the traction control off, once you know you would simply…Turn the TC off. No big deal at all. What you don’t like is simply what you have to get to know. Nothing more. The DCT is completely different if you’re not used to it. However it is very intuitive. In the conditions you’re riding in though it goes back to not a failure or weakness of the bike. Everyone knows the GS. Africa Twin DCT though, you do need to allow yourself an opportunity to get acquainted as it is completely different that anything most riders are used to. Switch to full manual and the immediate on/demand shifts quickly win you over. With the AT DCT it’s all about familiarity as it is completely different than anything most of us are used to. Not a failure of the bike. Rather, a massive leap in ADV bike technology that requires getting familiar with. I’ve ridden mine in the CO backcountry and as a daily commuter and love it in both conditions. My two cents.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

You've been riding a DCT for too long to not know how to set it up! NEVER leave it in D. Try D2, traction 1, Gravel, Gravel.

[@johnkeppel4377]

If your off road proper go with rear ABS off... power 1, engine Braking 2, traction 0 and I put DCT in Sport1 (G button on)

[@sunnyvalejedi]

@@johnkeppel4377 Not up hills. The gravel mode tones things down so the rear can find grip. All that horsepower won't do a thing if the wheel is spinning.

[@Modelpilot]

Ho Lee Phuk in my opinion all this abs tc etc programming takes away the offroad riding experience I prefer an old KTM 950 adv ... no injection, abs tractioncontrol etc... jus a pure brutal big adventure offroad bike which really is a joy to ride

[@dariosaidman4381]

@@Modelpilot I prefer the good and old Africa Twin XRV 750. Best of all!

[@danliota1853]

Motorcycles aside...that's quite the name you have!