Africa Twin vs. BMW F850GSA vs. Moto Guzzi V85 TT - Special Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- The new BMW F850GSA (A stands for Adventure), the Africa Twin Adventure Sports (DCT) and the all-new Moto Guzzi V85 TT. These are our middleweight-adventure competitors. The F850GSA and the Africa Twin share the same recipe - big fuel tank, 95 hp from a parallel twin engine, good weather protection and long-distance touring capabilities. But which one is better? And there’s that special one, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT - the only motorcycle in this segment to feature a shaft drive. But it’s not just that - it comes with the famous transverse V-Twin engine and a spectacular price compared to its competitors. Will it be able to keep up with the F850GSA and the Africa Twin?
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Bought '22 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Centenario. Love it. Very comfortable, has cruise control, does well off-road and has character that the others do not. Have always been BMW fan and still am, but very happy with my Guzzi.
The Guzzi is Air cooled, Push rod motor, Shaft Drive, The Honda and BMW are water-cooled and all about modern and latest technology. That makes the Guzzi a marvel that it can even be considered in this company. What Guzzi is doing is not fake and has a real tie to their roots unlike nearly every other manufacturer who makes retro bikes which are retro in looks only.
@BMAC61 The Kawasaki W800 also. Great bikes ever since the 1999 W650 and a heritage going back to the1965 W650. I've got the W800 Street and am loving it (but I have to say this Italian beauty is pulling heavily on my heart strings!).
Well said. The guzzi is a marvel
And costs a lot less than the other two!
They are incomparable. Not that I dislike the Honda or the BMW but the MG is another thing, it’s a marvel of charisma and character on a world of compliance and boring financial driven corporate decisions. I love the MG V85TT and I “appreciate” the efficiency of the AT and the GS (by the way, I still love my GSA1200 (it’s mine) that is a great bike for what I do).
Thats why I have a guzzi. It‘s so special to ride
Great honest review. The one thing no one ever talks about in these reviews is what it's like to own one. What maintenance would be like. There is no easier bike to maintain than a Guzzi. Spend thousands at the BMW (or KTM, or Ducati) dealership or spend a couple of hours doing everything yourself on the Guzzi. No brainer.
That's how BMW's were 50 years ago. 😅
On the $pot. Maintenance cost. Guzzi all the way. Do’t own it yet but considering replacing my already 23 years old 114K miles R1150RT-P with it. I am moving forward with proven and trusted lowco$t motorcycle that offers me a trust of off-road basics (yes basics; it is not its territory to compete with other shaft driven truly ADV bikes, but right now I do not care for that Xtreme ADV BDR type. There is lots of money on gear and mods to be made). I just don’t see justification for
Guzzi for me,and shaft drive is the icing on the cake.👌👍🏻
While the Guzzi may never be the "best bike" if its anything like my V7 it will put a smile on your face every time you start it up. The Guzzi just has that "IT" factor that is lacking with most.
The only bike in this group with soul - The Guzzi. The other two have the appeal of a refridgerator :)
😂 you don't know the history of africa twin
Fashion, style and rough at the same time.... Guzzi all the way !!!
I rode the Guzzi 85TT this week and, for the most part, I liked it. The two negative issues that were not good for me were the hard rear suspension (which could be adjusted, maybe) and the wind buffeting my helmet (which might be cured by a plastic add-on lip. On the plus side, the turning radius is very small. The front and rear seats are very comfortable. I, personally, didn't notice any problem with the brakes or front forks. I mostly rode on rough pavement. The Guzzi feels lighter to me, than the other two bikes. The seat height is lower that the Honda or the BMW. After sitting on the Guzzi, the BMW seems huge. It was only 65 F when I rode the Guzzi and I didn't notice any engine heat, which is a good thing. An issue for me, is that there isn't another Guzzi dealer within 150 miles. If this dealer closes, it is a 300 mile trip to drop the bike off and a 300 mile trip to pick it up. Tires are a matter of preference and I would change the tires on the Honda and the Guzzi. Across the country, I would take the BMW. 1000 mile trips I'd take the Honda. 300 to 500 mile trips I like the Guzzi because it's lower, has a comfy seat, a better turning radius AND the sound and power delivery, while not any better than the others, is unique and mesmerizing. Around town the Guzzi would be great with a different rear shock set-up. Good review, guys!👍
I like shaft drive when you are in the dirt. I dont want to spend 30 minutes cleaning and lubing the chain everytime i drive on dirt. Then there is the adjusting when the chain stretches and the replacing of sprockets.
On my second Guzzi... was gonna buy a Yamaha T7, looked at an 850 gs but ended up with a v85tt travel. I needed my motorcycle to look nice 😆 also to be noted , I have taken my v85tt travel off road and it does excellent! Also it’s much lighter and not a square plastic box like the BMW and Honda. $100 wind screen extension for the guzzi and you’ve fixed the buffeting.
just test rode the v85tt guzzi wow such a fun bike the other two are in a different class but for fun look and feel the guzzi has it.!!!
@chris hall. Sound also!
The Guzzi offers a lot more for the price and looks amazing.
Love that v-85 guzzi though they say its a bit low ride height which can make you drag your foot pegs in sharp turning also the motor has Little rev range
@@curtisbarker9272 They say? who journalists? go and test drive it yourself and see.
I have no interest in off road riding.If I did, I’d get a much smaller and lower displacement engine then these.I’ll take the Guzzi because it’s shaft drive and just cool.👍🏻👍🏻
I would go for the Guzzi v85. Yes, it cannot go fast in offroad, but it has a lower center of gravity than the other two bikes, as well as lower footpegs, so it is very easy to drive on gravel roads (I tested it).
Turning round the V85 180° back on a trail is like eating a piece of cake. (BTW, it has the cruise control too!)
Until it inevitably breaks down.
@@captainwin6333 I doubt it will
@@captainwin6333 Not by what I've heard.
Guzzi are very reliable
Yeah. the Guzzi is not the fastest, but it's the one that will arrive without putting you in troubles (that should be the primary goal of an adverture bike).
Add that the manteinance is a breeze compared to the other two, and even cleaning it is easier (no chain, less surfaces and less complicate shapes).
Great job, Moto Guzzi. Shaft drive, air cooled, very good sounded and looks better than the other. I go with that bike 2.000 kms since April and it is just amazing.
9500 kms with the V85TT since June. Sheer fun.
If I upgrade ever from my breva 750, it's going to be a V85tt
As the smart English say: it's Italian, it will break down soon..
One year later: I just bought a V85tt Travel. I couldn't be happier, fantastic motorcycle.
Love the sound of the Guzzi..
if i were to buy one out of the three it would be the Guzzi :)
Great video! I would like any of these bikes, but the V85 TT appeals to me most.
The Moto Guzzi is the bike I would have out of these bikes.I think it looks great.
Very good, very entertaining review. My only slight criticism is, like many other reviewers, you don't factor price in as much as you should, and as much as the average person in the real world has to do. The Guzzi is amazing for the money......and has shaft drive......and has cruise control.....tougher, easier to work on air-cooled engine.
For certain, the Moto Guzzi is the best looking.
You guys are so funny "what jacket & helmet is that?" chuckling... great fun, excellent ride footage and fun banter - thanks so much for all you do!
love your Helmet n your Jacket
Well said!👍👊
Great test, I vote for V85tt ..
Bogdan's arrival with the Guzzi, along with the following reactions, pretty much sets it up! Genius
Guys, just for Your information: the Guzzi comes with a cruise control in standard and it offers a phone connectivity option as well (what is basically the least important thing to me). I rode the A-Twin on a trip through Europe for ca. 5.500 km and it is a great touring bike with gravel road capability, anyhow it is way too big and top heavy for everyday use and really problematic in the city. With the V85TT I just had a test ride of 2 hours, but in my opinion it works much better as the only bike in your garage, it looks stunning, sounds incredible when revved up and performs good overall. The only real issue is the engine heat, which I know very good from my former 1150 and 1200 GS (I rode both for ca. 120.000 km, so it is an issue one can live with).
Guzzi has the cruise control ! I don’t know why it’s not mentioned (or known) also the off road riding mode for what it matters.
Moto Guzzi all the way.
Best looking by far, cheaper and has shaft drive.
Epic show again guys! Thank you! Now I’m waiting for your full 790 adventure R vs BMW 850
O'h dear! Why do I love the look and character of the Guzzi!!!!???
To me it looks like a proper motorcyle.
I love the engine sticking out!
I like shaft drive motorcycles!
I like the two headlights!
I like to service my own bikes!
I am 60 and don't ride like I stole it anymore!
It is beautiful, in spite of its flaws! Logical analysis, plays a part in a buying process......but for a bike, so does the heart!
Finally an original bike!! Great Guzzi!!
I'm sorry, but the rest seems photocopies...
German photocopy, Japanese photocopy...
I like very much the idea of an adventure bike that not ruin me...
There are another brands in the world!!
Such amazing information delivered in a fun, approachable manner. Outstanding - thank you!
Great vlog chaps. Very informative. Even though its not the best ( in your opinions/findings) I would still go for the Guzzi
Great comparison, well shot and edited. For me the 2019 Tiger XCa. Test road it last weekend and now scheming to pay for it as my second bike. Thanks guys.
Love the fact that you guys mention city driving too and the heat coming out from the engines. Bikes aren't only used for adventure and it's really useful to know how they are when driving in the city.
Let´s see. Lower center of gravity, cheaper, cruise control, and shaft drive (cardan) so no chain maintenance. Guzzi is the clear winner to me.
It has heated grips as well!
Thanks for the Video, my favorite is the Moto Guzzi. 😀
noo way
I bought a Moto Guzzi V85TT last year after selling my Triumph Explorer 1200, , absolutely love it, a great bike.
The guzzi is amazing
1 guzzi 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍
2 Honda 😍😍😍
3 bmw 😍
My dad had a Guzzi Galleto 175 in 1962! He use to ride every day for almost 20 years without a single problem! Was a very funny e good motorcycle! I never forget the engine sound! Wonderful bike!
I think that guzzi will be just fine for me
Great review, thanks! Cool engine, shaft drive, easy maintenance, great style, much better price.........I will take a V85 please.
Guzzi next bike after 1190 adventure, Guzzi for easy driving, getting older so horsepower is not important anymore.
Excellent review guys . Best one around , comparing reviews from all over the world. The f850 GS or GSA are indeed phenomenal projects for the purpose they are built for. They both handle all kinds of terrains and in a pristine way. As for the Africa Twin I haven’t had one but your review seems to match what I expected . All the best from Brazil !
80 vs 95 horsepower ? 80 is more than enough for these kind of bikes
Italians have the style. Period!!! GS owner here.
You guys do great and entertaining reviews. Always enjoy watching. Thanks for taking the time. But one request.. have all the bikes with the same type of tire on them. Having some with street tires and some with dirt/enduro is not a fair compare. It's about the biggest item needed for true compares. Keep up the great work!
Working on it! Thanks for the feedback.
Love the Guzzi !
Amazing!!! Very good job guys, very very good, CONGRATULATIONS!! I love Moto Guzzi V85tt
Of the three, I'd spend my money on the Guzzi.
Guzzi every time
Guzzi for me shaft drive and easy to maintains .
I can't wait to see what other bikes MG spins off this 85TT drivetrain.
Sorry guys but I would go for the Guzzii, it's better looking, it rides well, it's compact and the engine is great fun.
And it's half of the price.
As usual: great review; thanks; but where is the Tiger 800 XCA ? How does the Tiger 800 XCA compete in his adventure bike category? Cheers from Montreal? We could also add new KTM 790 Adventure 😉. NB: before considering a V85TT, i will wait for the future second version of it 😊.
Great job guys...
A Guzzi for me please...
P.s... there is a cruise control on the Guzzi too....
Yes!
Also heated grips
I like your reviews, they are very informative. My view on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports is that it's a bike geared toward tall people like myself, I'm 6' 4" and I love the bike. I also love the price. For me there is no question, I'm going for the ATAS not the BMW and I've owned and still own BMW's
Really great comparison guys. I think your comments about what capabilities a large Adventure bike should have are spot on.
Moto Guzzi for sure
“BMW has quick shifter. It doesn’t work, but you can still tell people you have it!” 😂
It's kind of funny that Cycle World felt that the Guzzi's brakes worked better than the Triumph 1200 Scrambler's because they were not as "aggressive". Did you drive it in the rain in "rain mode"? Not saying you're wrong and Cycle wolrd are right. I just find it puzzling. Don't think i have read any other reviews where the reviewers weren't happy with the Guzzi's brakes.
Nice video, but I wonder how would the Triumph Tigers 800 XRT or XCA models perform in this comparison video too
Something with the road manners of the bmw & off road capability of the Honda with the personality of the moto guzzi..
The new triumph tiger 900 suddenly sounds appealing..
The Guzzi is pure joy and stupidity in the twisties! You can flick it right and left without any effort. The engine could have more power, that is true, but it loves to rev and to be driven hard. Maybe it is because of the rain in this test but on dry tarmac, I had no issues in getting rid of the "chicken stripes" to the point I was scraping pegs with ease, after only a few hours driving it.
Your episodes are getting better and better every time! And they were amazing to begin with!
I test rode Guzzi V85 TT today. It feels very different than other modern bikes that I tried. I wouldn't put it in the same class with the other two because it is air cooled and power delivery is very different. Also, the MSRP is good $4k-$5k lower which is lots of money. Honda and BMW make lots of bikes and there is often left over inventory from 2-3 years earlier where one can find deal for less than $10k. I've seen recently bunch of never used 2017 Africa Twins listed below $9k. Guzzi is pretty much the only machine in the cc range with shaft drive which is the most compelling feature for me on this bike along price tag. I guess it is matter of taste, preference, budget and little bit of luck finding a deal or even model. This is upper market though. Most of the world cannot afford any of these bikes.
Very good vid chaps .. The weather looked a bit grim .. My choice would be a standard Africa Twin DCT .. Less is more in this case :)
Norsefalconer Only bad thing is the weight penalty.
I like these guys but they don't seem to have the concept of adventure bike. Manufacturers claimed these are adv bike and they simply accept it. Here is how to recognize an Adventure bike:
If you drop it, nothing breaks unless you are very unlucky
There are no fragile components (radiator, carter) outside the frame
It does not need 30-lbs of crash bars to protect it
You can turn it on a dime
You can lift it when it falls
You can maneuver it from the seat when stationary
You can fix it (within reason) if it breaks
If you have a medium severity wreck it you don't need 5k to repair it
You can do small maintenance (oil change, spark plugs, air/oil/fuel filter cleaning) yourself in less than 30 min
You don't need "special" tools to maintain it
It has the bare minimum of electronic/sensors
It has a large fuel tank
It has plenty of exposed frame to allow you latching/strapping stuff on
It has decent fuel economy
It does not cost a fortune to buy and own
Yam TT700 and KTM790 and even RE Himalayan are adv bikes. GS and AT are not. V85 isn't either but certainly it does not fall short of the other two.
I am not ripping AT or GS (two great bikes), but they are not adventure bikes that's all.
The BMW may be technically brilliant but I cannot for give BMW for the Chinese made engine and for a price more than the others. Africa twin also falls flat for no cruise control.
Beautiful setting that you guys get to test them in .
The 2020 1100 Africa Twin now has cruise. Yeahhhh.
Nothing wrong where it is made as long the quality in check and complied
@@jennydiazvigneault5548 it costs nearly 20k
I agree, I looked away from BMW after I heard that, I don’t like supporting a communist country if I don’t have too, plus for the money would you want a Chinese made engine for more than Italian or Japanese?
Guzzi is timeless!!!! Great classic engine, great oldschool style.....
Guzzi is better equipped for off road not having a radiator to puncture and the ease of maintenance of a drive shaft. And I love Hondas by the way, first bike was a 1980 CB750K. Put many a mile on my ol'K bike.
Very good job. Thanks for the time you took to ride these bikes and offer your comments. You can't cover everything with a limited test ride but you give us some valuable insights.
Real Adventure, i take a Honda 450-L, have my luggage and extra fuel on my friends larger adventure bike!! WEIGHT is an absolute stab to the body the older i get. All these bikes are way to heavy for real Adventure riding!!
You can do adventure riding with literally any bike, people have done RTW on GSXRs CBRs...etc
Really a bummer that the KTM 790 Adv's weren't included. It's the most anticipated bike of the year! I hope you'll do the comparison again when you get your hands on the 790's. Thanks!
Jamby7 this is our plan, too.
@@DriveMagRiders Thank you very much! I'm extremely excited to see the comparisons with the 2 different 790's vs the other middleweight ADV's. :-)
I just bought the BMW and love it. Comfortable on the road and I have thrashed it off road and it comes back for more. It is a tough bike.
Shaft drive on the Guzzi + Style + Sound and Feel - anyday! :) … disklike the digital dash on it though… they should provide a version with analogue instruments - would fit the bike better
The V85 reminds me of my 1150GS, which can do absolutely anything I ask of it. I would defiantly consider one if range and reliability were acceptable. For anyone new to ADV the AT is an excellent choice. User friendly for a beginner, but can be thrashed if one knows what one is doing. The VFR of ADV bikes.
Yes, the V85TT strikes me as a newer, lighter more efficient R1150GS. Bravo!
If i had to buy brand new, it would be the Guzzi. I however own an AT which i bought second hand, and i'm pretty much satisfied. Yes, it's big and heavy ('17 m/y), but i ride 90% on road and maybe some gravel or unpaved roads sometimes, so it's ok. It's very comfortable for long trips, especially with passenger.
Best looking: Moto Guzzi
Perhaps a little too much talking, but a lot of video footage of the bikes while moving, good work, cheers from Italy 🇮🇹
I think the Guzzi is stunning to look at. Great review
Really great, intelligent analysis. This + a test ride = informed choice. Worth a lot.
Great comparison. The Tiger 800 XCA & KTM 790A are definitely in this class as well. I hope you guys can do a review will all the European ADV together. 👍
J A on the list. Hope to get them soon
RIP. The best review out there
Guzzi is the most comfy, next BMW at least for my size
( 190cm tall)
The Africa Twin is way to big and tall for me at 5'9" The Guzzi is the only one that feels a suitable size for me.
Did you try the tilt function of the Guzzi wind screen? You loosen two screws in on the sides and you can tilt it more upright or slope
Congratulations on another great video. Glad to see you guys using a nexx helmet proudly made in Portugal. I'm on a waiting list for a Africa twin Garmin edition with dct. Are you using the standard seat in low position or another seat ?
Paulo Barata it was a low seat on this one
@@DriveMagRiders Thx. By the way how tall is the driver with RevIt jacket ( sorry i dont know is name ) ?
Considering the review here, I feel that you should take the standard AT with the DCT. It tends to be much much easier to handle in terms of weight and ergonomics. The Adventure Sport is easier for taller folk, the AT is almost unbeatable off road. It can be an absolute dream but once again I would pick the standard over the adventure sport.
Can you please compare tiger 800 with BMW adventure
Old school gear? This is how I ride since 35 years!
Me too, Archie.I will finally wear a full face helmet when it's cold. The rest of the time it's open face with old fashioned British Halcyon goggles. I figure if it was ok for fighter pilots and riders a hundred years ago, the design must be tried and proven!
Gee, maybe I would love a Guzzi!
Ahem, 37 years now. Do you get it yet? 😈
You guys always make a good
Comparsion !!!😎
I would like to see one specific for BMW 1250 TFT display . thank you from 🇨🇦
Guzzi👍🏻💪🏻
Excellent and very entertaining review guys. Well done.👍
Bmw f850 🤮
Honda Africatwin 😊
Moto Guzzi V85TT 😍😍😍😍
The Guzzi got me in terms of looks..
the guy in blue jacket sounds like FPS Russia... haha
I don’t do a lot of long trips anymore. I like the shaft drive on the Guzzi . There’s an adventure version of the Guzzi. Money no object, I’d go for the BMW. Africa Twin too heavy and bulky off road for me at 5’8”.
Not very long ago you crowned the Tiger 800 as the best middle weight adv bike vs the AT and GS, yet it is not here in this comparo?
Amrit Swain yes, it was last year. Unfortunately we couldn't take it for a ride this time
@@DriveMagRiders No worries! I wasn't complaining, just curious. Good video as always. Cheers!
Many thanks for honest and brave Opinions and test.
A well rounded review, thank you.
Good show, very entertaining, but why a tiny guy takes the tallest Honda with higher ground clearance, molests the ergonomics with a lower seat to at least reach the ground, adds 10 kg of DCT and then complains about the bike being too heavy and the seating position too crouched is a mystery to me :-/
Great review guys! I appreciate your willingness to give an honest opinion even if some disagree. The F 850 GS is on my radar as a possibility.