Comparison: BMW R nineT vs competition in India- Moto Guzzi Griso SE

BMW Motorrad recently launched a special retro roadster in India- R nineT at Rs. 23.5 lakh (ex-showrrom, Mumbai). This amazing machine looks unique from any other superbike offered in India by any manufacturer. However, the Italian motorcycle maker- Moto Guzzi already offers a competitor of the bike- Griso 1200 SE, which comes at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 18.79 lakh (Mumbai). So, let's check out which one is more worthy by this quick comparison.

Appearance: Both the bikes are retro style roadsters, which gets a combined glimpse of classic and modern designing. They get masculine fuel tanks, round headlamps and wide spoke wheels.

The R nineT is a feast for eyes with BMW branding milled from massive aluminium, which is a small demonstration of Bavarian Motorcycle Art. The aluminium finish fuel tank is a classic representation of the craftsmanship. Its variable rear section has been provided with three options of each seating arrangement and Akrapovic powered muffler. The bike shows a vast use of aluminium badging to maintain the classy look of the modern machine. The Boxer-Twin i the R nineT is not just an engine, but it's a statement, an attitude, which propels the aggression in it.

Most of the Italian motor brands are always appreciated for artistic styling of their products, and Moto Guzzi is one of them. The Griso appears simply as a work of art with discreet hollows and unexpected new lines blend together in chrome and satin finished metal to form the perfect design. The masculine and powerful “Quattrovalvole” engine seems to be set like a jewel in a frame. The incredible two-into-one exhaust system looks never seen before and the LED tail light unit further makes it a stand out design.

Chassis: Both the motorcycles use tubular steel frame for reliable strength and durability. Dimensions of the bikes are also not much different.

BMW R nineT gets four-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections with load-bearing engine-gearbox unit and removable pillion frame for single ride use. It comes with adjustable, spring pre-load hydraulic mono-suspension with rebound damping at the rear using cast aluminium single-sided swing arm, while the front gets 46mm inverted forks. The rear shock with BMW Motorrad Paralever and central spring strut provides continuous variability using a handwheel. The braking system is powered by Brembo and it gets 320mm dual disc and 265mm single disc brakes at front and rear respectively. The system is assisted by BMW Motorrad ABS, which provides excellent handling and braking control in any condition.

Moto Guzzi Griso SE gets 43mm inverted forks, adjustable for rebound and compression at the front. At the rear, it uses a single sided swing arm, which receives a fully adjustable mono-shock with separate gas reservoir. It comes with twin-floating 320mm discs on the front wheel and 282mm single disc on the rear wheel, powered by Brembo callipers.

Engine and Transmission: Both the machines get unique longitudinally mounted-twin motors with shaft type drive system.

Propelling the BMW R nineT is the iconic and reliable 1,170cc, oil/air cooled, 4-stroke, Boxer (flat-twin) engine. Valvetrain of the engine gets DOHC (Dual Over Head Cam) and 4-valve per cylinder configuration with a central balancer shaft. It reduces the vibration of the engine to provide a smooth ride experience. The engine comes mated with a 6-speed gearbox via hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for smooth shifting. The electronic intake pipe injection powered Boxer churns out 110bhp of maximum power at 7,550rpm and delivers an extreme torque of 119Nm at 6,000rpm. The Akrapovic exhaust creates unmistakable flat-twin sound of freedom, while the closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter reduces the poison (harmful compounds) from the exhaust gases.

The new 'Quattrovalvole' motor has been set as the heart of Moto Guzzi Griso, which is a 1,151cc, 4-stroke, air/oil-cooled, 90 degree V-twin with 4-valve per cylinder. Magneti Marelli's multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection has been used for highly optimised fuel delivery. The engine makes maximum power of 110bhp at 7,500rpm, while the peak torque goes upto 110Nm at 6,000rpm. Exhaust port of the engine gets a 2 into 1 stainless steel muffler with three way catalytic converter and lambda probe for excellent mission control. The transmission is controlled by a 6-speed gearbox using single plate clutch with integrated flexible couplings.

BMW R nineT and Moto Guzzi Specifications Comparison:

BMW R nineT in Action:

Moto Guzzi Griso in Action: