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

I love Honda Africa twn

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.

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

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.)

RIP Cristian. We will miss you.

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!

Cannot believe u r gone. But you went riding one. Rest In Peace dear perdoi. You showed us how a review doesn’t have to be complex to be enjoyed

África twin 🙋‍♂️

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

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!

RIP Cristian Predoi. I like all your videos

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)

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.

Haven't even started watching this video... but I know this Video will put so many Questions to rest, especially since I've been contemplating between these 2 motorcycles for the LONGEST TIME! Bravo .... you guys are Magnificent 🙌

Got the new Africa Adv. Sports DCT in April after full three days of a long test ride on the GSA. While the GSA has a better seat and looks better, the Africa is a much better ride once you got comfortable with the control system. A great honest video, good job guys.

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.

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!

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

The moving shots are so good on your videos. I love seeing the bikes in action rather than just from the rider pov. Excellent videos as always

I ended up with a GS. It's in a whole different league when it comes to creature comforts and the overall higher feel of quality. I have no doubt the AT is better when the going gets rough, but my heavy pig of a GS has gotten me up and down some pretty gnarly terrain in utter comfort and confidence. And on-road? Might as well be a Goldwing. It's unreal how smooth and comfortable this machine is. Oh, and I have dropped it AND picked it up solo on more occasions than I would like to admit. She's a hog, but the weight is carried so low and well that it's not a difficult machine to pick up, despite being 600lbs.

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.

Ordered R1250GSA and is waiting for its arrival, happy to know that the quick-shifter improves!

Africa twin undoubtedly the ultimate touring bike of planet earth.. considering features to cost of ownership etc

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.

Honda forever.

AFRICA TWIN ANYTIME

Extremely visual dynamic footage beautifully presented. You guys keep raising the bar. Love my 2019 AT but can be a handful in slow tricky terrain because of seat height.

Brillliant production gents! Very professional! Happy to see my GSA in a comparison review for a change! Can’t believe it’s three years since Montenegro. Keep up the good work! 👍🏻

HONDA 👍

I think to give it a fair shake, you need to have both Hondas ( at and the clutch). The clutch will do much better off road. Love the videos you guys are putting out.

You guys make great videos , informative and entertaining.

Brilliant and in depth comparison. Thanks for the awesome video guys 👌

Love your reviews, honest, interesting, all you need is a regular 3rd man and you re Romanian Top Gear!

Well I do have Africa twin it's awesome love from india

What an excellent review- you give us all the information we need: weather protection, off road vs onroad, seat comfort, electronics, how the wheel size impacts on and off road, gearing, pricing. Really great - thank you!

I like this video, moments of them just riding and looking at the beautiful bikes in motion, not like some channel where you just see first person riding, then you get the quiet coffee break moments where these two just talk about the bikes qualities good/bad. Excellent video guys, I really like it!

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.

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!

Thank you for the BEST review of these 2 bikes I have ever seen. Please do more comparative reviews

best bike channel on youtube by far.

That GS just looks so heavy.

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

This is the best bike channel on you Tube by far. Comprehensive testing, good banter, I know they are not alone and work with a crew. But the videos get better and better as time goes by. they incorporate big tours which have amazing content, cinematic style and very enjoyable. Keep it up lads.

I like that you give honest independent opinions and do not appear to have been bribed by the manufacturers. These are two of my favourite bikes. I love the boxer and shaft but the BMW does not excite me enough. It's not worth the money and will be interesting to see how commercial BMW and Honda will have to be to move metal in the wake of Chinese Flu!

Africa twin life forever!!!!

I've learned the hard way with the AT. When offroad you HAVE to go manual and turn the TC completely off, else it will cut the power/change gear at the worst times. On the road, the auto DCT rules.

Basically. I have had both. I kept the AT. The GS is amazing for road and touring. But off road the AT shines. ITs still really good on road. I kept the AT if that helps. Its just more fun to ride. IMO I do have Adventure sport, electronic suspension and a manual 6 speed. DCT is ok but manual is king off road.

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

Your videos are really relaxing to watch, especially in this time of global pandemic. Wish i could afford those adventure bike.

Good review, 1) you should have got the AT in manual. Much lighter, cheaper, and more comparable with GS. 2) for a big adventure around the world will definitely go for AT manual with good seat. Reliability, simplicity, cost, off-road capability.

I like the bimmer styling much more than Africa twin. But, if I’m going for an actual trip around the world I would definitely pick the Africa twin. For reliability

One of your best review video guys .Realy profesional level .The music is also good choise .I have seen many time this review but i am keep watching because i am realy enjoying how it is done .Nice job 😉👍

I don't know which one is better, but looks wise Africa Twin all the way.

Not enough people talk about the fact that the GS spokes are outside of the bead which allows there to be no tube to deal with.

So sad to here the news RIP and thanks for all the great videos

Thank for the awesome comparison, and that kick ass beat in the video, freaking brilliant!

Please make an in-depth comparison review of BMW R 1250 GS ADVENTURE vs KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S

Great video guys, you are getting better and better, 👍🏻 Also your skills in offroad improved noticeably (although, if I may... keep those elbows up😉!). Good all around review, and reasoneable conclusions I deem 😊

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

RIP, Christian Predoi. Thanks for Inspiration. Greetings from Indonesia.

Great review guys, very down to earth, no pretence, just like to riders chatting out on a ride. I'm a Africa Twin rider , coming from enduro and trials and could not be happier with the AT......although never ridden a GS!

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.

The BMW 1250 is a road bike with off-road capabilities, while the Africa Twin is an off-road bike with road capabilities.

Thank you for the review. You both do a great job and honest reviews. Love the way you do the videos and comparing bikes. Keep up the good work.

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

Honda is the best

these comparison videos are great. the GoldWing vs K16 was great as well. keep them coming.

I am just blown away by both! I wish I could spend enough time with these bikes!! Good content, guys.. Keep em' coming..

Great video guys, keep going like this, big fan!

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.

I don't know guys I've got about 60000 miles on 3 BMW's and have dis abuse and had 0 problems. Road other brands and have had the same experience with them it seems that all motorcycles have gotten so much better than when I rode cross country in 1975. For all of you young guys that have never done that on a 1975 Norton. The old days were much funner

These dudes never frustrates me on their videos, ever.

Sorry the BMW gs1250 adventure in top spec over 25.000 €. And for this price you can buy a Africa twin 1100 adventure Sports DCT ES + a little New City Car.

AT DCT all the way!

Great comparison video, well done!

Brilliant lads, both bikes way above my needs!

Great review Gentlemen! As a little side question: of all the Adventure clothing you've worn, which would you say was the best, all round? Thanks

Hello, dear friends. After five years with the DriveMag Riders, it's time for a new step. Two weeks ago we launched a new RU-vid channel, and we're not a part of the Riders anymore. We're missing you, so join us in this new adventure. :D Cristian and Bogdanel.

You guys are awesome, I have not seen any new content. Thanks

The one big thing you guys did not discuss is RELIABILITY , I'm about to get rid of my 2019 BMW GS due to Tale of Woe, mechanical and electronics bugs, hot at the gas pump not starting issues and multitude of other problems in my first 6000kms of ownership. I hope the Japanese Honda is more reliable for me. I went from a Kawasaki KLR650 to the BMW and yes when the BMW is working properly its amazing, but my Kawasaki always ran well and everything worked on it for the entire 25,000 km's I put on it. So, just being friendly but, I think you guys should do a long term reliability test and keep track of the costs keeping these bikes on the road and trails, I would love to see how your BMW shapes up compared to my POS Friday production model. Reg

Fair and honest review. From 2 riders we trust. Well done Gents. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎

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!

Africa Twin AS, manual is beater of BMW GSA. No doubt. DCT? So complicate, so “no motorcycling feature”, you can not trust 100%. Anyhow, you are amazing guys and your epic videos!😎🥇

The slow-motion side shots were a very nice touch.

Came here thinking the AT will win, went away thinking am going to buy the GSA.

Great vid guys, both in context and presentation.

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.

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

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.

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

I like Africa Twin, way more better than any adv in its segment well packed mostly looks like a Cheetah

Videos are getting better and better with each shooting

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😉

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

Great video! Really looking forward to your video on the Triumph Tiger 900

Extremely visual dynamic footage beautifully presented.

Very nice review, you did a good job! I am still waiting for the "baby" Africa Twin... These bikes are too heavy and too expensive to be honest. Greetings!

Great video! But.... i think the price of the bikes is not correct. AT Adv Sports ES 17.900 € and GSA with all packs 26.000€. Huge gap diference!

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

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.