Africa Twin vs. BMW F850GSA vs. Moto Guzzi V85 TT - Special Review
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- čas přidán 21. 05. 2019
- 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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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
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.
Guzzi for me,and shaft drive is the icing on the cake.👌👍🏻
Fashion, style and rough at the same time.... Guzzi all the way !!!
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.
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. 😅
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
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.
Love the sound of the Guzzi..
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.👍🏻👍🏻
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!
Moto Guzzi all the way.
Best looking by far, cheaper and has shaft drive.
For certain, the Moto Guzzi is the best looking.
The Moto Guzzi is the bike I would have out of these bikes.I think it looks great.
Such amazing information delivered in a fun, approachable manner. Outstanding - thank you!
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).
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!👍👊
if i were to buy one out of the three it would be the Guzzi :)
Great test, I vote for V85tt ..
Epic show again guys! Thank you! Now I’m waiting for your full 790 adventure R vs BMW 850
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.
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!!
Great video! I would like any of these bikes, but the V85 TT appeals to me most.
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.
Bogdan's arrival with the Guzzi, along with the following reactions, pretty much sets it up! Genius
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!
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.
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.
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!
Absolutely great comparison, thank you so much!!!
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.
The guzzi is amazing
Really great, intelligent analysis. This + a test ride = informed choice. Worth a lot.
Really great comparison guys. I think your comments about what capabilities a large Adventure bike should have are spot on.
A well rounded review, thank you.
Excellent and very entertaining review guys. Well done.👍
Thanks for the Video, my favorite is the Moto Guzzi. 😀
noo way
As usual, very objective and thorough, thanks guys.
I think that guzzi will be just fine for me
Love the Guzzi !
Great review guys.You guys do an excellent job,thks.
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 !
I bought a Moto Guzzi V85TT last year after selling my Triumph Explorer 1200, , absolutely love it, a great bike.
Another great review guys, i really enjoy watchng your stuff
Very like-able hosts and good overview.
Excellent, useful, real world review, thanks guys.
Great video, looking forward to more!
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.
Guzzi next bike after 1190 adventure, Guzzi for easy driving, getting older so horsepower is not important anymore.
Great review and the nice thing is nothing is negative. Really enjoying your videos..... plus you do serious miles and I envy your trips. Fantastic.
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!
Of the three, I'd spend my money on the Guzzi.
Great vlog chaps. Very informative. Even though its not the best ( in your opinions/findings) I would still go for the Guzzi
Another great review! 👏🏻
Amazing!!! Very good job guys, very very good, CONGRATULATIONS!! I love Moto Guzzi V85tt
Italians have the style. Period!!! GS owner here.
Thanks for the Video good job
Many thanks for honest and brave Opinions and test.
New sub here. I like that you actually name a winner.
1 guzzi 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍
2 Honda 😍😍😍
3 bmw 😍
You guys always make a good
Comparsion !!!😎
I would like to see one specific for BMW 1250 TFT display . thank you from 🇨🇦
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.
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
Great comparison! Maybe you could also add some info in the notes section about the clothing/helmets you are wearing during the test rides. Keep up the great work!
Guzzi for me shaft drive and easy to maintains .
I can't wait to see what other bikes MG spins off this 85TT drivetrain.
80 vs 95 horsepower ? 80 is more than enough for these kind of bikes
Good, honest and correct presentation :-)
Your episodes are getting better and better every time! And they were amazing to begin with!
Thanks, you said the things that I needed to hear. 👍🏼
Great review, thanks! Cool engine, shaft drive, easy maintenance, great style, much better price.........I will take a V85 please.
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.
great review...thanks!!
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.
Love every thing that you do
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.
Great job guys...
A Guzzi for me please...
P.s... there is a cruise control on the Guzzi too....
Yes!
Also heated grips
Great review guys, I would by a 1200GS personally but I will stick with my Super Tenere 1200 for the time being. Thanks again.
This is a fantastic channel . Really it is.
awesome video i cant wait to just on my 21 F850gs 40th later this afternoon
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.
Bravo! More. do more!
Professional, charming and fun consumer information!
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.
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
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.
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 😊.
RIP. The best review out there
Guzzi is timeless!!!! Great classic engine, great oldschool style.....
Nice video, but I wonder how would the Triumph Tigers 800 XRT or XCA models perform in this comparison video too
Guys, chage your tires!!!!
Thanks for the video.
Vs
Excellent insights
Good analysis!
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.
Nice video again! Next year Yamaha Tenere 700, KTM 790 R, and BMW?
Nice review. And in future KTM 790 Adventure and Adventure R tests will be interesting
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.
Guzzi every time