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Head to head

Honda Africa Twin vs BMW F 450 GS

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Honda Africa Twin and BMW F 450 GS are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The BMW F 450 GS undercuts the Honda Africa Twin by about $7,804, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Honda Africa Twin leads on power with 101 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Honda Africa Twin
Our pick
8.7

Honda

Honda Africa Twin
BMW F 450 GS
8.2

BMW

BMW F 450 GS

The verdict

The Honda Africa Twin edges it overall at 8.7/10, but the BMW F 450 GS wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

BMW F 450 GS

A2-legal, 48 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Honda Africa Twin

101 hp and 0.44 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

BMW F 450 GS

Our 8.2/10 at $6,995, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

BMW F 450 GS

178 kg with an 845 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Honda Africa Twin

Our top score in this matchup at 8.7/10.

Price & rating
Price$14,799$6,995
KickTheStand score8.7 / 108.2 / 10
Performance
Engine1084cc twin420cc twin
Power101 hp48 hp
Torque105 Nm43 Nm
Power-to-weight0.44 hp/kg0.27 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension45mm Showa USD fork43mm USD fork
Rear suspensionPro-Link monoshockMonoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, radial 4-pistonSingle 310mm disc, 4-piston radial
Rear brakesSingle 256mm discSingle 240mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight231 kg178 kg
Seat height850 mm845 mm
Fuel capacity18.8 L14 L
Suitability
ClassAdventureAdventure
A2 licenceNoYes
Good for beginnersNoYes
Best foradventure, touringadventure, commuting, touring, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Honda Africa Twin vs BMW F 450 GS: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Honda Africa Twin or the BMW F 450 GS?

The Honda Africa Twin makes the most power at 101 hp and 105 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Honda Africa Twin or the BMW F 450 GS?

The BMW F 450 GS is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $6,995.

Which is lighter, the Honda Africa Twin or the BMW F 450 GS?

The BMW F 450 GS is the lightest at 178 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Honda Africa Twin or the BMW F 450 GS?

For a new rider we'd point to the BMW F 450 GS: A2-legal, 48 hp and 178 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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