All Duels – Moto Guzzi 1200 Stelvio 8V Vs BMW R 1200 GS: The Throne Wobbles! – The call of the open sea

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Moto Guzzi 1200 Stelvio 8V Vs BMW R 1200 GS: the throne wavers !

All Duels - Moto Guzzi 1200 Stelvio 8V Vs BMW R 1200 GS: The Throne Wobbles! - The call of the open sea

Unbeatable since its release in 2004, the BMW R 1200 GS reigns with an iron fist in the big trail category. But the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 8V has dressed up its weapons and could well create a surprise … Comparison test between sea and countryside.

The call of the open sea

Once ready for the trip, head for Dieppe by crossing the Vexin on a beautiful autumn day. As usual, the exit from Paris is saturated but our two trails twirl between the cars with remarkable ease thanks to their high handlebars which pass over the mirrors..

Fortunately, moreover, because that of the GS is particularly wide. The twins shine with their flexibility and torque, but the Stelvio is just criticized for its somewhat too firm hydraulic clutch handle. In town, it quickly turns into a weight training exercise for the left hand.

Watts on all floors

If one knows the good health of the flat of the GS, one rediscovers with happiness the Italian V-twin cleverly reworked by the engineers of Moto Guzzi. The 1151 cc block still displays 105 hp, but delivers them 250 laps earlier. It is above all the maximum torque which progresses since we can count on 113 Nm available from 5,800 rpm, i.e. 600 rpm lower than before.

When driving, this gives a mixture of docility and strength which is very appreciable on the road. But the German is not left out: its smooth and efficient engine-gearbox combination gives it formidable efficiency. The German flat accepts to go very low in the towers without knocking, where the Italian twin will protest under 1800-2000 rpm.

Strong health !

On paper, the Behème benefits from a better weight / power ratio thanks to a significant advantage of around sixty kilos on the scale and 2 additional horsepower on the bench. On the road, it’s much less obvious since the Stelvio is never dropped by the GS in pure performance.

Whether under acceleration, top speed (225 km / h) or times, the Guzzi is particularly healthy! In addition, the two European trails have no trouble getting all their power to the ground thanks to their disconnectable traction control system..

This traction control is standard on the Italian (even if you don’t opt ​​for the ABS version, which would be a shame!) But still optional on the German (included in the Safety Pack at € 1,430, with the ‘ABS and tire pressure warning light).

Nevertheless, both the Guzzi and the Behème show good traction and only use their traction control in very precarious grip conditions..

German supremacy

The cycle part of the Stelvio, on which you can really enjoy yourself, calls for no criticism: it is easy and healthy in all circumstances. With its new 150 mm wide rear tire (against 180 previously), it regains true trail agility. As for its radial mount front brake calipers, they do their job very well..

But all these advantages are immediately obscured as soon as you get on the Behème … Indeed, the GS demonstrates rigor and efficiency that are simply incredible. The feeling of control – exhilarating but dangerous for the license! – that you experience on your handlebars allows you to ride really hard without even paying attention to the condition of the road.

Its suspensions swallow all the irregularities without flinching. And if by any chance we were to be surprised, we can count on one of the best braking systems on the market: the GS brakes very, very hard and perfectly flat. !

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