All Duels – Moto Guzzi 1200 Stelvio 8V Vs BMW R 1200 GS: The Throne Wobbles! – Stelvio 1200 8V and R1200 GS: twin sisters?

Posted on by admin

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! - Stelvio 1200 8V and R1200 GS: twin sisters?

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.

Stelvio 1200 8V and R1200 GS: twin sisters ?

At first glance, the points in common between the BMW R1200 GS and the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 8V are numerous. First of all, these two European trails are driven by twin cylinders with fairly old origins, whose transverse layout is atypical in motorcycle production to say the least..

The two 1200 cc units are still cooled by air and oil, but they have evolved over the years to become cleaner and more efficient. The two big trails also opt for a final drive shaft. Clearly, the Italian challenger Stelvio brazenly tramples the flowerbeds of the German reference GS…

An Italian without complex !

Called 8V, this new version of the 1200 Stelvio unveiled in spring 2011 (read our) may suggest that it goes from 2 to 4 valves per cylinder … but it is not..

Because the 1200 Stelvio, launched in 2008, already had 8 valves (read in particular). In addition to slight alterations to the engine itself, the Italian engineers have above all equipped their mechanics with traction control..

If we add ABS (still optional at € 800, too bad!), It is clear that Moto Guzzi intends to compete with BMW in the field of active safety, particularly important on this kind of motorcycles dedicated to long trips..

A reign without division

The first of the R range to upgrade to 1200 cc, the GS has enjoyed an extraordinary career since 2004 all over the world. Despite a high selling price, the German motorcycle has convinced all those who have tried it with its efficiency and extreme versatility..

In seven years (and before soon adopting a liquid-cooled engine, read in particular) -, it has evolved through small aesthetic and mechanical touches to stay on top. But with this Stelvio 8V, the competition has never seemed so well equipped to titillate the king of the maxitrails…

The two competitors also have their particular designs in common. If over the years the rough stripping line of the R 1200 GS has finally gained acceptance – more or less, but tastes and colors cannot be discussed – the Stelvio still has something to surprise !

The face of the front transalpine may seem a little "heavy" to some, but its line is all the same more fluid than before. Its new spoked rims – equipped with very practical elbow valves – suit it particularly well, as does the tan orange dress of our test bike (the other colors available are black, red and white). For its part, the BMW R 1200 GS is available in three colors: silver, blue or black (note, an additional € 465 for this "Triple Black"!).

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *