2017 BMW R 1200GS vs 2017 Honda CRF450RX

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 BMW R 1200GS 2017 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
537.9 pounds
2017 Honda CRF450RX 2017 Honda CRF450RX

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Titanium Intake Valves
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
261.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindscreen. Switchable ABS.Model ID: CRF450RX.
ColoursLight White, Black Storm MetallicRed
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-12.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-328 mm
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in.960 mm / 37.8 in.
Wheelbase1,507 mm / 59.3 in.1,476 mm / 58.1 in.
Height1,450 mm / 57.1 in.-
Length2,207 mm / 86.9 in.-
Width953 mm / 37.5 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons8.33 litres / 2.20 gallons
Wet Weight244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs118.4 kg / 261.0 lbs
Performance
Max Torque125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm96.0 x 62.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches3.8 x 2.4 inches
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
CO22,204.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Engine Detail-Titanium Intake Valves
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injectionInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Compression Ratio12.5:113.5:1
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Fuel Consumption95.00 litres/100 km (1.1 km/l or 2.48 mpg)-
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons1.60 litres / 0.42 gallons
Ignition-Full transistorized with electronic advance
StarterElectricElectric & kick
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated-
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
Gearbox6-speed5-speed
Primary DriveConstant mesh#520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/51T
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineSemi-double cradle, aluminium twin-spar
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever49mm inverted Showa fork with rebound and compression damping adjustability
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad ParaleverPro-Link® Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability
Rake25.5°27.2°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in.116 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in.305 mm / 12.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.312 mm / 12.3 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches10.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm260 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.Single disc. Two-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.Single disc
RimsAluminium-Gussr?derDunlop Geomax tires
Tyres - Front120/70-1990/90-21
Tyres - Rear170/60-17120/90-18

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2017 BMW R 1200GS and the 2017 Honda CRF450RX are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2017 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 850 mm vs 960 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 Honda CRF450RX - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 312 mm vs 200 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 305 mm vs 190 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 BMW R 1200GS vs 2017 Honda CRF450RX - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 BMW R 1200GS and 2017 Honda CRF450RX?
The 2017 BMW R 1200GS uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2017 Honda CRF450RX is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2017 BMW R 1200GS is a two-stroke engine while the 2017 Honda CRF450RX runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 BMW R 1200GS or the 2017 Honda CRF450RX?
The 2017 BMW R 1200GS has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Honda CRF450RX sits higher at 960 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 BMW R 1200GS or the 2017 Honda CRF450RX?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2017 Honda CRF450RX stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.