Comparative test of mid-range touring enduro motorcycles BMW F 850 GS, BMW F 850 GS Adventure, Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin, KTM 790 Adventure, Moto Guzzi V85TT // Super Enduro every day
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In this comparison test, we came across some of the finest motorcycles that have impressed us all this year and convinced us of what they can do. There are no bad motorcycles in this company! However, they are very different from each other and, of course, each of them can please any motorcyclist who is looking for the maximum for their money.
They are great for the daily commute and for rush hour work because they are not too big or too heavy. The KTM, the lightest (189 kg), is the best at handling road chaos.. Since it has a low seat, it is only 850 millimeters from the ground. The plastic fuel tank in the shape of Dakar rally cars gives it exceptional lightness, and in combination with a short wheelbase and vertical fork angle, sharp and lively handling. Let's throw in a stuffed engine, the smallest is 799 cc, and 95 "horsepower" is even more explosive, and we have a pocket rocket for every occasion.
Its opposite is the BMW F 850 GS Adventure as it is a huge bike that is actually only driven by an experienced rider who has no problem with the seat being 875 millimeters off the ground. In addition, it also has a large "tank", which is full (23 liters) adds weight to the top of the bike and makes it difficult to maneuver. If you drive around the city a lot, this is really not the best option. Therefore, with one charge, it takes the most time and least of all tires the driver and his passenger to the finish line - in this he is the best.
The other three are somewhere between the two extremes. The Moto Guzzi has a slightly lower seat (830mm) than the KTM and, interestingly, the same fuel tank capacity as the big BMW, but it doesn't give the light feel of the KTM as it has the "tank" of the classic enduro shape. This is, of course, the exact opposite philosophy adopted by KTM, which is betting on futurism and cutting-edge design, while Moto Guzzi is betting on enduro classics. It was this freshness of the retro classic that all the test participants liked more. The V85TT is a wonderful product with Italian design that goes hand in hand with driving functionality.... Moto Guzzi was the discovery of this test and a big surprise for many. The Guzzi is also special because of the propeller shaft. It is the only motorcycle in its class to ignore drive chain lubrication.
We are left with the Honda Africa Twin, which has a better power curve and improved programs with an updated engine. They monitor engine performance, which was the highest of all in the test. At first, we were a little skeptical, as the volume deviates upward (998 cm3).but since the inline-two is capable of 95 "horsepower," the decision to include it in the comparative test was logical, since the power is fully comparable or the same as that of BMW and KTM. Only the Guzzi lagged behind in power, as the transverse V-twin is capable of 80 horsepower. The Honda with a seat height of 850 millimeters in a smaller version (in the standard 870) falls into the BMW F 850 GS category and they are also very comparable in terms of off-road performance.
When the asphalt runs out under the wheels, all five still ride well, reliable enough to live up to their enduro name. Honda had some advantages on gravel and bumps. He showed this with his agility and reliable driving characteristics, even on the verge of sliding or when he had to overcome obstacles. The classic enduro tire size with 21 "front and 18" rear gives a light edge on the ground when driving with good suspension. The BMW F 850 GS came closest to this, while to everyone's surprise, the big GS Adventure made a bit of a wishlist. Again due to the high center of gravity, which was quite a challenge on the field for most.
We felt more relaxed on the KTM, which again won sympathy for its low center of gravity and ease of handling around rocks and obstacles. In the Rally program, he is also extremely sovereign when driven through the rubble by a less experienced driver. Guzzi relies more on the proverb about sex, which says that you can slowly go far, and in this he is sovereign and reliable, and, above all, he will not let you down. You only need to pay attention to the height from the ground when overcoming obstacles so that it does not get stuck. If so, then it is protected by a powerful impact plate, which also matters. Well, we didn't go to extremes to race with him.
Price is an important factor in this class, so let's start with this topic for clarity.. The cheapest base model in the group is the Moto Guzzi V85TT which you get for €11.490, the KTM 790 Adventure costs €12.299, the 850 BMW F 12.500 GS. Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin 2019 model year costs 12.590 euros, which is a special price, as a new model is coming soon. The most worth deducting is for the BMW F GS Adventure, which costs € 850 13.700 in the base version.
But be careful, the matter is a little more complicated, because both BMWs, as you can see, were very richly equipped.... The F 850 GS comes with an equipment package that offers almost everything we have ever wanted. From adjustable suspension, engine programs to large color display. Below the line, the real price was 16.298 euros. The history of the F 850 GS Adventure is even more interesting as all of the above and the sporty Akrapovič have an exhaust system, a huge suitcase and a rally package, and the price is… 21.000 XNUMX euros plus a small change.
When we added up the assessments and impressions, moved from one motorcycle to another, we also came to the final order.
The BMW F 850 GS and the Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin fought hard for the top.... Essentially, they both represent what we want from this class. Versatility, good road performance, cornering pleasure, comfort even when two people get on the bikes and go somewhere far, and decent performance in the field. We awarded the first place to Honda because it has a more lively shade engine and just offers a little more driving pleasure at a price that no one can compete at the end of the series until the next generation arrives in 2020.
Price, however, means a lot in this class. BMW is also keeping its company at the top thanks to the best financing in Slovenia, which softens the difference in price and what it offers a little. The third place was taken by Moto Guzzi V85TT. It is unpretentious, funny, very precisely made, full of small details and, although we classify it as a retro classic, it has a lot of modern technology. For example, the color screen you can connect to your phone is very close to what BMW has to offer, but it has a better screen.
The fourth place went to the KTM 790 Adventure. Absolutely the sportiest, most radical and uncompromising in performance and is a bit lame when it comes to comfort or even comfort for two. On closer inspection, for some reason, we could not get rid of the feeling that we could have put a little more effort into this.
The fifth place was awarded to the largest and most comfortable BMW F 850 GS Adventure for two, which is not afraid to travel the world. Three full tanks and it will take you to the edge of Europe! But the price stands out a lot, and while it is superbly equipped, it also requires a better driver. He knows no compromises and thus significantly narrows his customer base to those who have a lot of experience driving a high-end enduro motorcycle.
Face to face: Tomažić Matyaz:
To satisfy all his needs and, above all, his desires, this time he will need to find a place in the garage for at least four out of five. One BMW, probably a regular GS, might not be enough. My winner is the GS Adventure, but with only a slightly cheaper set of equipment, I would definitely consider the Moto Guzzi. This one really gets under your skin. If it weren't for the pleasant pulsing of the twin-cylinder engine, it should enchant you with its simplicity, logic and mixture of old and new. If you are among those who believe that Guzzi does not make nice motorcycles, then you are living in a big delusion. KTM is the best of the top five, at least in terms of performance. His robbery is written on my skin and he might be my favorite. But unfortunately it's too small for me. We all expected a lot from Honda, and of course we got it. With relatively little enduro experience, it became clear to me after the first few hundred meters off-road that the Honda was a step ahead of everyone here. Compared to the BMW, there is less sitting on the road and a little more skidding, which I consider a plus for the Africa Twin. This is a bike that wants to fry it as hard as it does in your pants.
Face to face: Matevж Koroshec
If you are looking for the ultimate motorcycle, you need to drive through Bimvi. And this is not an adventure. This one does seem more masculine, but that's exactly what it demands from its owner. My advice: if you are under 180 centimeters and do not know how to ride off-road, you should forget about Adventure. You better look at KTM. Their newest member also has the Adventure name on the label, he's much more agile and above all damn fast. It's true that it's not as complex as the Beemve in every way, but if you understand KTM's philosophy and slogan, the flaws that separate it from the Beemve can be overlooked altogether. The complete diametrical opposite is Gucci. The pleasure of driving in his saddle takes on a completely different meaning. With it you will enjoy cruising that is created by incredibly powerful torque and is an excellent alternative in the world of motorcycles, thanks also to the perfect design details. You won't get the original ride and live sound engine you experience on a Honda Africa Twin with any of the rest of this group. And it seems to me more and more that over the years we will miss this on modern motorcycles.
Face to face: Primozh Yurman
When thinking about which of the five motorcycles to choose, I first answered the most important question for myself. Will I just drive on the road and will I also drive in the field? When it comes to road use, the first choice is the BMW F 850 GS. I dare to go anywhere with him. Also to Germany right now, on a very long journey. For universal use, I would go for the KTM 790 Adventure first, and the Moto Guzzi V85TT would make the final list as well. It may be running out of power, but otherwise it's a very interesting bike. The big BMW GS Adventure is simply too big for me, which is not among the tallest, and I feel uncomfortable on it, especially on the field. In terms of size, the KTM was the most suitable for me. The Honda is very spiky, bouncy, with great responsiveness and roadholding, but a little big for me.
Face to face: Petr Kavchich
The Honda Africa Twin is my top choice because it fits me everywhere, on the road, in the field, in the city, you can easily customize it and adapt it to your desires and driving style. It is known to have the biggest engine, but as it says goodbye and we expect a newer version, the price is also right. It has a masculine character both in terms of driving dynamics and acceleration, and in terms of coming out of the exhaust with strong bass. The only competitor that is just (too) expensive in our test version is the BMW F 850 GS Adventure. This is a specific part of a motorcycle and requires a dedicated rider with knowledge. I like the Moto Guzzi because it's uncomplicated, efficient and very comfortable. In terms of dimensions, it perfectly suits the widest range of motorcyclists. Just as versatile, it's smaller than both BMWs, which in my opinion is even better for most than the bigger GS. It has an excellent engine, excellent handling and stability. KTM is a top enduro, but it is somewhat specific, radical in corners, harsh under braking. With its low center of gravity and low seat, it is best suited for short riders as they are primarily looking for solid ground contact when the bike is stationary.
Face to face: Božidar Finished
It's pretty easy for me to decide which of them will be my personal winner. I would like to take home a BMW F 850 GS because you sit on it and everything is very cozy, no setup or introduction required. A big adventure is just too big and heavy for me, so I wouldn't choose it with such a wide offer. I liked the Moto Guzzi which had enough power for me and impressed me as a package. Honda is a very good motorcycle. At first I didn't feel better on pavement in corners due to the narrow front tire, but later I gained confidence and I must admit I was convinced. The KTM has the advantages of being light, nimble and a good gearbox, but it has a hard seat and is also a bit hectic at high speeds.
