2008 BMW R 1200 RT vs. 2008 Moto Guzzi Norge

Two Sides of the Alps, One Mission

Each of these machines is powered by a twin-cylinder engine of similar displacement, and a quick perusal of the spec sheets indicates how very similar these sport-tourers are in other respects too. Both machines are built in the shadow of the Alps: Munich to the east and Mandello del Lario to the south. And both were built with the same task in mind—to transport a rider and passenger rapidly and sportingly, yet with long-distance comfort and capabilities assured.

The two bikes stayed in their element during our testing. With high-speed blasts on the open road, interspersed with some serious flogging on steep and twisty mountain roads, including California's beautiful and challenging Rim of the World Highway, they toured a good portion of our west-coast "Alps."

Engine & Transmission

BMW's R 1200 RT uses the latest iteration of its 1,170cc horizontally opposed fuel-injected "boxer" twin, which is air/oil cooled and has its crankshaft situated longitudinally – a long-time practice of the Bavarian manufacturer. Moto Guzzi's Norge is powered by an 1,151cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, 90-degree V-twin that also has a longitudinal crankshaft – in the time-honored fashion favored by the second-oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

Guzzi, boring and stroking its existing 1100 "motore" to 1,151cc for greater horsepower and torque, has incorporated a number of engine improvements. Lighter reciprocating parts and more accurate balancing are said to reduce vibration and improve durability....

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