Moto Guzzi V85TT Honest 4000 Mile Review
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- I've now had the bike for six months and 4,000 miles, including a touring trip around Scotland so here are my thoughts, discussing some issues raised on the Web and a good all round look at the bike. If you are coming from a BMW GS or similar this review should be particularly relevant.
No Dave on this one I'm afraid but he'll be back next time!
and before I get 'flamed' I'm not saying the V85TT is better than a GS, just making a comparison, I love them both as bikes!
The Honesty and integrity is the best i`ve seen yet, appreciated.
This bike wasn't on my radar until a couple of days ago when I saw one in a dealers. Reviews like this are swiftly making me feel I can't live with out one! Seriously it is very useful. Thank you.
I think i'm in a similar position. I didn't even look at it on the moto show here just 2 weeks ago. Now i'm stoked on it.
5000 miles later love this bike. Bought a '17 GS 1200 last year rode it for a month and sold it , meh. The sounds coming from the water cooled engine bay were loud and annoying, the vibration put my hands numb no matter what I tried and the beast weighed a ton. Great for two-up high speed highway blasting not much else. Sold and got the bike I really wanted, the v85tt I had test ridden a year earlier when it first came out. The air cooled engine is smooth, the transmission is silk and the exhaust note with the Mistral header sublime. About $6000 less than a new GS. Love the handling, the drive modes , the cruise control, the off road handling is very good too. Have done many 500+ mile days and many secondary and off road adventures. Love this bike. Dropped 40lbs in weight through prudent choices (and that doesn't even include ditching the hard cases and racks!) and run it with Mosko R80s and a Puig BMW GS touring screen. Test ride one , you'll love it.
May I ask what were your weight saving changes?
What changes?
I just bought this 2020 V85tt today , I paid 12k US dollars and the bike has only 129 miles on it and the original owner had an Arrow slip on exhaust installed, the receipt was in the pannier box listed $875 for that muffler. I’ve only put one ride in so far with 25 miles so I’m excited to rally get to know this motorcycle and dive headlong into adventure bike riding and motorcycle camping. I’m afraid my softail ‘03 Harley will have to stay in the garage for a bit so I can learn my way around this fascinating V85 .
Thanks for the video! I was looking hard at the GS 850 , the GS 1250 and also the Ducati multistrada 1200 , but this mid size bike has everything I think I want in an adventure bike for now 😄
Greetings from America ! 😃🇺🇸✌️
Enjoy! Great choice for a first adventure bike.
Thanks for your honest review 👍
A very good review. Excellent. Thank you for taking the time.
In my opinion the V85TT is somehow the new Transalp of the modern era: the multipurpose bike good for almost everything.
This and the Tenere are two sides of that coin. The Tenere is far more stripped down but reminds my of my '89 Transalp because it can go anywhere.
The Guzzi intrigues me because it has the flair and style of the Transalp, but it won't make me bend my knees too much and Cruise Control sounds like a little bit of heaven.
It is heaven indeed. I did now 9000 kms since June and don’t want to miss it all.
@@alpster1 Tenere 700 is too heavy. T700 is a dangerously top heavy bike for a dirt oriented stripped down bike that has a tiny fuel tank.
Amir Rad hahahah you know nothing.
@@nikeu6077 Yeah! You know a lot more than someone who actually owned a T700 😅 I bought the T700 with eyes closed, after a month I couldn't stand it anymore. Top heavy, jerky throttle and not so economical for my riding style. You have to spend another 2k-3k to correct some of its flaws, mainly suspension and the stiff seat. Yamaha has given a new meaning to the word basic. I had to sell it and buy a different bike. T700 is a very good bike for its fans, that's all I can say. Definitely not worth 12k.
Then again you know more 😅
Love the v85TT to bits! It's affordable, it's humble, simple, solid and it's such a keeper! Great video keep it up! Subscibed and added to my awesome reviews playlist!
This bike is wicked. I hope it sells good and Moto Guzzi gets more recognition, that they deserve. They make fantastic bikes, not the fastest, but solid good bikes.
Still riding my '07 1200 Sport and she still ticks nicely.
Moto Guzzi are built to last forever if looked after properly. A friend of mine has a california from the seventies and it's still like new.
@@SB-ok3xc not so true plenty of fatal engine failures in V7
@@volt8684 it was with 2016 v7, we can say that they just made a mistake, but afaik, they were replaced.
This is the best V85TT review to date, hands down. The Guzzi is on my list to look at. Thank you!
cant go wrong with it! and affordable too!
What a great reviewer! I wish more of the RUclips yahoos would just pull over, and get to the points, and be done. I'm aiming for this bike around Christmas....pretty sure on this because I don't want to bother with the chain. Once you make that decision, your choices are whittled way down.
I know what you mean. I wanted no chain and, at the time, there were 4 choices - if only this had been the 5th...
Andy, thanks!
I really appreciate your down-to-earth attitude when talking about this bike. Not like "I bought it - now I gotta like it!" Spot on, mate!
I for one also like the comparisons to the GS , although it may not seem completely fair.... 😉
I think the Guzzi will be my next bike (which, for a German, borders on treason!). I looked at almost everything that is out there, but the shaft drive does it for me - and I don´t want to spend all that money on the big GS. Thanks from Germany.
Great to hear you are happy with it.
It sounds awesome.
Shaft drive is really great , no chain lube on the passengers leg or all over the tyre/rim, luggage etc.
The biggest perk is, it's virtually maintenance free, with the exception of an oil change now and then. If you are a bit harsh on your chained secondary transmission bike, you need to setup the tension often. And the chains need to be replaced too.
Great update Andy, I'm only 400 miles into mine so far and I love it. I will keep a check on the bolts etc. I agree also about the exhaust tone, it sounds wonderful, it also attracts a lot of attention when I park up at bike nights etc. It's a great bike.
Guzzi has become my absolute favorite bike. Each on is a new love affair. Ride one and I'll bet your hooked. And they are reliable. Maybe a few bugs when new then very solid and long lasting.
Thank you for the review. Love your channel and really enjoying your videos. Luckily I have 2 dealers with 25km, so just bought a V85TT. My BMW F800ST is a bit faster, but really like the character and riding position on this one. Looking forward to picking it up in about 10 days.
Fantastic review “ best yet “ keep up the long term reviews please “
Congratulations, that was an awesome and very eloquent review of a very interesting bike.
Thanks
Safe rides and travels 👍🏍
Well said. Agreed.......
Really useful review. I used to own a CX500 and loved the transverse V. Now i have an SV650a but next time would like something with shaft drive and a bit more power. The V85 looks ideal.
Hi Andy,
Great to meet both you and Dave today at caffeine and machine, hope your ride went well and I look forward to viewing your next video.
Hopefully see you both again sometime out on the road.
Ride safe
Rob W.
Great to have the videos appreciated - busy day on the road, new vid coming soon...!
Absolutely Gorgeous Bike. Keep coming back to watch reviews of this machine. It's rolling Artwork.
If nothing else, this is one of the most handsome looking sports touring bike out there! I loved the look of my Stelvio which was one of the main reasons why I bought it. I never cared much about the technical farkles but the Stelvio came with great ABS brakes plus shaft drive. I, too, dislike the chain on sports touring bikes! Ride safely, sir!
I'm actually glad I couldn't get the Stelvio I originally wanted. The V85TT has all the features I want in a touring bike. Funny how hard it is to find a bike with a 6 gal. plus gas tank and shaft drive. And I just don't want the weight (and cost) of another BMW RT. I am only concerned about the Moto Guzzi engine heat when sitting at a light on a hot day in Southern California. Please put my worries to rest. Thank you.
Completely agree with you and don’t forget the GS was air-cooled until 2012, I had one and through the hottest parts of Europe it was absolutely fine. It’s an Italian bike so heat won’t be unusual to it!
Great review. The 850t still holds a respectable second hand price and if the V85t is anywhere near as reliable you’ll never need another bike.
Enjoyed that, I have the same machine. Done just over 4000 miles now and like you love the bike. The only thing I would change are the inner tubes, had a flat on the rear and my goodness, what a performance to get it sorted. I,ve heard there,s a company called Bart who do a conversion kit. I shall be looking in to that, about £90 per wheel I think. Well worth it if it works.
With you on this, inner tubes makes me nervous.
Really like this Guzzi .... something romantic about them ... character bla bla bla ... I totally buy into it ... I'm on my 3rd GS now and do love them but this Guzzi really caught my eye 👌🏻
Had four GS’es, all brilliant but just got bored!
@@andybcole Yes that's my only reason I'm eyeing V85TT... I've had a 1200GS, now a 1200R(LC). Really its perfect & best equipped bike, its only crime is doing nothing for me emotionally, whereas I reckon the V85 would, any warts and all (that's what I say now, maybe not after they annoy me). I'm very hesitant to sell my fully kitted 1200R for a V85TT, but you only live once. My other shortlisted is KTM 790, but the V85TT tugs at me stronger, even if the 790 were to prove a better bike. Your review is the most helpful for me that I've seen. I feel we have similar thinking & reasoning. Thanks.
@@middo1259 Glad I'm not alone in feeling like this. Like a Lexus car, the GS is perfect and commends respect but doesn't stir the soul. Recently added a Guzzi Eldorado to the stable (2018 GS, 2016 Ducati Scrambler) and there's just something about it that makes me want to go deeper with the brand. Maybe a V85TT and the new v7 850 as replacements?? But, can I let the GS go?
Great review. There is of course another reason for buying one over a GS... they are considerably more exclusive
Beautiful bike ! I wish there was a dealer close by, they’re kinda of spotty here in the states.
Great job, thanks very much from Japan.
The bike looks, as a local reviewer said, rather like a 70s or 80s Paris-Dakar bike, which I think is great.
The low-down torque and shaft drive is what we want from bikes like this.
I had, until I very stupidly swapped it for a Yamaha Tmax 530, the excellent 2013 V-Strom 650 from new for 5 years, and I very much wish I still had it, especially when I watch videos like this about bikes like this. The 'Strom is utterly reliable and gave me about 70 UK-MPG.
I may even consider the 85TT for my next evenings/weekends bike (I commute on a tiny 150cc Honda PCX, which, for anyone in the market for a small commute-scoot, is very good indeed).
Great review, everything you need to know delivered in a nice relaxed manner. I really like this bike, currently riding a 1250 GS and not looking to change yet, but this Moto Guzzi would definitely be on my radar.
Thanx for an honest review .Certainly a bike I have considered and will do in the future .
Great review , if we had a dealer in Iowa I would really consider one.
I'll just keep my 2018 Vstrom XT 1000 , which is a great bike . But I would sure like to also own a V85TT.
You cannot get better than a 'Strom, in my opinion as someone who had one from new for 5 years and who was pleased every single time he got on it. These do look very good, though.
One of the best reviews I have seen on this bike. Thank you. I am closing on one tomorrow.
I got into an accident with my Africa Twin about 3 weeks ago. The bike is a total loss. As much as I LOVE my Africa, I can’t see myself riding one again. I now have a rod and pins running from my knee to my ankle, two broken heals, a broken knee and MCL tear. Throw in two broken bones in my arm and it will be a few months before I can ride again. Long story short, I’m replacing my Africa with a 2021 85TT. Hoping to find an anniversary model but if not, I’ll get the red and white one. I’ve owned a Norge 1200GT before and it was a great bike. I can’t wait to get aquatinted with this new bike.
Good to hear you’re on the mend and will be back on a bike soon, ride safe!
Thank you - I appreciated your review - reminded me to consider and review engine guards, center stand, and TP gage
I just bought the VFR800X Crossrunner but this V85TT seems like it would be great for me as well. And the new Africa Twin (not Advanture sport) looks great as well...
Thanks; good honest review and being retired now; this bike does everything I need and the simplicity of air cooled and easy maintenance is a plus to me. John
Great no BS review. I really want a V85TT but no dealer with in 200 miles.
I've bought the 2021 Nero V85 - picking it up tomorrow from Teasdale's in Thirsk. I'm too excited for my boots!
When installing your center stand, wrap a ratchet strap around rear wheel down low to get proper angle, next hook metal plate with both springs attached and use ratchet to extend springs enough to hook on peg.
An excellent review! Thank you sir!
I bought a Yamaha Tracer 900,1st ride the high pressure fuel line blew off on the outside lane of the m/way at Dublin,fuel spraying everywhere,then the top bolt in the radiator undid itself,and went AWOL,so loose bolts isn't a Guzzi thing....really upped their game,love it!
Congratulations 4 the nicely review! 🏍🇮🇹👍
I live in the Ghostown that made this amazing Trademark 😁
thanks for a great review
I really love the look of this bike , wasn't really into this colour but after seeing the bike in person I think the white and yellow looks best, I have a test ride in the morning, currently I ride a triumph speed triple r so my only concern is if the the v85 will have enough power so keep my ride enjoyable
Thanks!!! In love already even i haven't ridden it yet....
Good review. Love the look and a great balance between old school and modernity. A shame there's no decent dealer near Manchester (not exactly out in the sticks!)
havea trip to Denbigh Mike will gladly help you part with erm I mean set you up with the x demo in multi red
Thanks for the great review. I'm picking one up tomorrow from Via Motto in Sheffield, same colour as yours. Swapping my 2017 R1200R for it, not so bothered about doing without all the techno gubbins like the active suspension, etc just hope I don't miss the power too much....
You won't, it's got it where it needs it.
89 miles on my 2022 travel.Absolutely love it.
Very useful review, informative and objective. Glad you're enjoying it. Friend that could have any bike bought a Griso and absolutely fell in love with it. A lot to be said for a characterfull bike that puts a smile on your face.
HeadhunterUK007 Griso is a special bike I am in love with mine too.
Thnx for the honest review. I have an old GS1200 wich over the years was very reliable to me. Now me getting older and wanting something lighter, perhaps this is something for me. At this moment I am also looking at GS850 and Tiger 900. Also the Tenere 700 is a bike wich I optic like. I think I will be busy testdriving them all.
No bad choices in that little lot - no doubt one will catch the soul, Guzzi would be my favourite for the engine feel and shaft drive but the others are great bikes.
A great and well balanced and presented review, thank you. This is probably the only "adventure" bike that would tempt me: it's the only one that actually LOOKS good!! Perhaps I'm biased as an ex Spada and Norge owner.........
BMW GSA is almost $30k and the Moto Guzzi is $13k. You can't compare them, different league, price and size. The Japanese sell theirs for about $3k less which makes the V85TT a bit premium but the styling and experience is worth something. Nobody buys a Guzzi based on value, they buy it because they want the heritage, corks and engine configuration. I have 2 Guzzis....I know....
Your right it does sound nice. Great colour combo.
That you have to pay more for it is not so nice... here in the US, it is 1k more...
nice... i have the honda nc700x... sumtimes find the seat height a bit high.... this guzzi looks spot on... when ya over 50 yrs old this is ALL one needs..(except tyre pressure gauges...lol)...
Thanks for your review Sir,
Great reveiw, enjoyed it greatly. Glad you're enjoying her, however can you convince Dave to trade up, after all his GSA is getting a bit old in the tooth.
One of the best presented reviews I’ve seen..... of any bike. This one will be in my garage before too long. Thanks from NY state.
Shaft drive. That's what Guzzi has going for it. That an the right size for travelling (not too heavy, but capable enough).
However it is clear to understand what this bike is built for. It is clear that this is not an off-road but adventure bike, or in other words: 70% on road and 30% off road. And whenever you do offroad better be light because it has not enough ground clearance. On that sense it cannot be compared with a BMW. Also, the top case cannot hold more than 5kgs. So basically it is made for helmets and little else.
So what it is this bike for? In my opinion, it is made FOR EUROPE. Our long highways and our little towns with potholes. A bike that you can use at high speed with its cruise control, and a low speed with its low weight. Complains? I'd say it rattles rather bit much in neutral. And as you mentioned, it needs the GS-type refinement.
I will soon be in the market for a middle-weight adventure bike. So far my candidates are the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT and this little guy. I am not so hot about BMW because of all the running costs associated with it. And Kawasaki its a bit of an overkill to me. I want something on the 750-950 range for European roads, so if Guzzi could refine that guy just that one bit I need I think it's a total winner.
Thanks so much for your great review and insights.
The Kawasaki V1K is cracking bike. Great 2 up, nimble, quick and easy to ride.
Great review. The bolt markings are a bit off putting. Still a good bike to consider.
Lacquer thinner on a rag will take all the yellow marks away, as I did to mine the first week I owned it.
Good idea, will probably do that after first service when all the bolts have hopefully stabilised.
Moto Guzzi have always marked the bolts .I like it , very easy to visually check once in a while .
Beste review on RUclips m8, thanks a lot. This is exactly what I wanted to know....
greetings from up here in canada. good review but don't apologize for not wanting to deal with a chain and sprokets. Thats the one thing I hate about my kawasaki klr 650 . I will consider the guzzi I didn't realize it has shaft drive as that alone is reason enough for me to buy one. especially at that price point as you said a big gs or tiger costs way more money. I also like the fuel range as its comparable to my fjr 1300.
Nice review! Nice bike! Ride it in good health.
Good review. I think this helped me decide what my next bike will be.
I liked this revue of the beautiful Guzzi 850. There's something special about that motordesign. I have now subscribed also.
Thanks Pekka
Cheers for that Andy. The bike looks immaculate. Health to enjoy it.👍
Great straight up review, thanks, picking mine up this week :)
Great review. I had similar thoughts. I bought the higher windshield, but installed the smaller again. Don't like the wind turbulence on the bigger windshield. With the smaller windshield my helmet is in the wind without turbulence(I'm 1,88m), and i have more fun. :) Love the V85 TT. I bought the urban cases(i like them much. good quality. enough room for a helmet in the right box), center stand, fog lights(love the led lights in the night, of the V85 TT), the Mia system(not a must have, i think), and the engine bars. Hope we have a fun future with the bikes ! :)
I had also alot of turbulence with the bigger windshield. I have put a windshield deflector of Givi on it . Problem solved. ( I’m 1,75m). Enjoy your Guzzi ! Greetings !
Very good review. I am thinking of getting one of these, probably a used one....seen a few with less than 500 miles on the clock, already fitted with the crash bars for around 9 grand, which I think is a steal. That said, I'm wondering whether the 2020 model may have centre stand and heated grips, and available on interest free loan, which case I can keep my cash in the bank for more gold and bitcoin lol.
I saw a good group test, where between this and the Africa Twin and BMW GS850 A: it came last, but factoring in the price of those two bikes, the simplicity of that air cooled, push rod engine, the shaft drive, and the narrowness of the overall ratings, I think this bike is the one I want.
Still got my GSA but seriously considering a V7 as a second bike. Love the V85 but they should have tubeless rims and retro clocks..
Good balanced presentation !
Just order 2 weeks ago a 100 years anniversary edition, can't wait to ride it))
Great review, thanks👍. Looked at one in dealership today and must say it’s growing on me.
Interesting comparison which those considering a base model GS should consider though as you probably know not many are sold in the uk so against something like a TE the price comparison is even greater though obviously you get a lot higher spec'd bike. For those of us who hate chains the guzzi is certainly worth a look especially if you're not prepared to pay the extra for the BMW and as you say the options on shaft drive are very limited in the adv category. Be good to see what you think of it in another 12 months time and if you've had any problems with it and compare what you've spent compared to Dave LOL. Nice real world review Andy.
I got just over 1000k on mine.The only things I don’t like are the fork dive on braking, and the wind buffeting/noise which seems to be a common complaint.Other than that,I absolutely love it.
Great commentary - I'd really like one!!
Thank you for the review.
Thanks for the great review. I enjoyed hearing your 4,000 mile insights. Years ago I had a 73 Guzzi Eldorado I wish I had kept. I think this is going to be my next bike. Great price and beautiful craftsmanship in a package that is anything but cookie cutter.
Great honest and detailed review. Thanks!
A great real world review. I took the Travel version for a test ride a couple of weeks ago and had a few hours playing on the North Yorkshire Moors. I was impressed with the handling and the comfort. The TFT screen is a bit small compared with others and my ageing eyes struggled with the smaller detail. The rev lights across the top of the dash annoyed me, not sure if you can turn them off or not. On faster A roads I felt as though I was working it a bit hard. I think I will just need to recalibrate after being used to faster bikes. I was impressed with the quality of the bike. 4 years warranty on them now too. Despite the niggles I mentioned I am seriously tempted.
Christopher Horton you can change the red lights in settings to peak at higher revs. Sounds like it may also have been in ‘running in’ mode on the one you tried so peak revs are suppressed.
@@andybcole that’s good news. Thanks Andy
Thanks for an honest, useful and informative review...and spot on with your comment about where it sits in terms of comparitive bikes re shaft drive and engine capacity.
Great review,good to see Moto Guzzi have made huge strides in quality.Its a great looking machine.I would be tempted to clean all the yellow marks off all the nuts and allen bolts.
Great review, and I agree with you about shaft drive. I fancied a Honda XLV750, unfortunately it seems to be more "collectable" than rideable now.
Thank you so much! Excellent evaluation. Trying to decide this, or wait for a potential Husqvarna Norden 901.
Great review very honest. It all comes down to money so many times I heard bikes like Moto Guzzi Royal Enfield compared to Triumph, BMW that is maybe they're Market, but if the price point was exactly the same then all the options could be the same. You're paying in some cases $2,000 less for a motorcycle you're not going to get the same options and quality is subjective.
It’s a Guzzi. It vibrates. Bolts fall off. I’ve just come back from 2k Miles through Europe minus half my camera mount, the exhaust clamp and one of the bolts that holds the leg that attaches to the side stand from my Griso. Harley’s lose bits too. One needs to keep an eye on big vibey twins.
My V7iii ride brilliantly without any bolt fall off at average speed of 150kmh for 800km
Never had this problem with a Guzzi (or any other bike I've owned).
bigbird2523 give it time...
984francis I’ve never noticed anything fall off any other bike in 40yrs either. This is a first.
@@984francis From my point of view, Moto Guzzi improved product quality a lot more since V9 and V7iii. You may compare to V7ii that still have some issue in quality and engine tuning.
It is a very cool looking (and unique) bike.....glad to hear it's working out for you.
Where did you buy the tire pressure sensors?
Outgoing bike is the Honda NC750X DCT, and I'm getting the same as you (plus heated grips, less engine bars, and side panniers)
The 850GS has a Rotax engine that BMW has made for them, road only versions have belt drive, I know Gates have been testing off-road belt drives, easier to keep than a chain.
Nice bike. More street cred than a GS!
Excellent review this bike reminds me of my Super Tenere 1200 in it's simplicity and price. Thanks.
Kudos from Texas! very nice narrative and elocution... I wish I could tour Scotland like you did... I just love the country side there. I spent a lot of time when I was young, and I toured with my Renault 16 TX...
Showing your age, my father had a Renault 16...purple!
GTL as I remember 😊
@@andybcole Purple? my favorite color in the world... seriously, my father thought a good idea to send me to UK to learn English, and I did end up at Ayr; then I studied at the RGIT in Aberdeen, befriended people, and returned often all the way from Paris, before the tunnel. Good memories....
@@andybcole The TX was the "luxury" model, with powered windows and few perks. Not the best Renault. My favorite was the DS 21 Citroën. Semi-automatic gear change....
Nicely presented and thoughtful.
Always preferred the Guzzi engine to the Boxer, it has a better feel to it. Nice bike but it should have tubeless spoke rims.
Agreed, tubeless would have been a better choice, they didn’t do their research of their target market properly.
The 2021 model now has tubeless spoke rims but they're selling the 2020 model with £1,900 off the price. Choices!
A real world bike review and a refreshing change. Thanks.
Great review, thanks. Very watchable and informative. 👍🏻👍🏻
Really good review...Thanks!!
Brilliant review thanks a lot!
Got the MGX21 and Audace..should probably add this puppy to the stable
amazing ride for the price. only downsides are the lack of tubeless and quickshifter