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
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 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
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
@ 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?
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.
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!
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.
@@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?
@@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 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!! 🙏
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.
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...
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.
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
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!
@@cheezwhiz1234 I'm not sure service intervals are cheaper on the BMW compared to Honda. BMW's are know for high maintenance costs.
@@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
@@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.
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.
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.
You're welcome, glad it was of help to you.
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.
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.
Fantastic review - just what I was looking for.
Thank Bob, please read all the comments too. I missed a few things as I just kinda winged it lol.
I made up my mind when the 2020 Twins came out. Now I'm waiting for the 2023 models to come out. Nice review!
Thank you Charlie, what improvements are slated for '23?
@@cheezwhiz1234 sorry for the late reply. The only changes I've heard of are colors and maybe a little more travel to the suspension.
Thanks for this amazing comparison. I ve tested both and can't decide which one to get
Youre welcome, thank you for comment. If you're ok with the GS price, it's a better bike.
Love From India, Thank you for your video sir💕✨
What a great comparison. Thank you sir. G.
My pleasure!
Great concise review ! ❤ my GS!
Thank you, they are the benchmark IMO.
Correction, you do need a $100 plate on GS for tail bag. Since I purchased bike used, I wasn't aware of that
Another GS advantage I neglected to mention, and it's a biggie. Tire pressure monitors.
Also the Honda is a cable clutch vs hydraulic on the GS
Easily upgraded
Yes it is, at extra cost.
Another small difference, GS has accessory delay when you turn ign off. Makes it handy to refer to gps etc. on side of road
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Unfortunately I sold Honda already. GS is the keeper.
@@cheezwhiz1234 So we are waiting new beautiful videos with the GS
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
LOL .......bought a 2022 GSA ..... and I feel ya !!!! I am old, too ...... 🙂
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.
The price is what gets us all.
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.
@@cheezwhiz1234 you are absolutely right. Thank you
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.
@ 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?
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.
@@cheezwhiz1234 , thanks. appreciate the prompt response.
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!
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.
@@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?
@@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
@@THELASTRID3R Get the GS
@@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!! 🙏
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.
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...
Where did you get the levers on the Honda?
ebay, motomike was vendor
Honda!)
Honda is only better with dct
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.
Everybody rides a GS in Belgium, nothing original. The Africatwin rules and is way more original