Moto Guzzi V85TT Honest 4000 Mile Review
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- čas přidán 16. 09. 2019
- 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!
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.
One of the best reviews I have seen on this bike. Thank you. I am closing on one tomorrow.
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.
Fantastic review “ best yet “ keep up the long term reviews please “
A very good review. Excellent. Thank you for taking the time.
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.
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.
The Honesty and integrity is the best i`ve seen yet, appreciated.
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!
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.
Thanx for an honest review .Certainly a bike I have considered and will do in the future .
Great review, thanks👍. Looked at one in dealership today and must say it’s growing on me.
Thank you - I appreciated your review - reminded me to consider and review engine guards, center stand, and TP gage
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.
Congratulations, that was an awesome and very eloquent review of a very interesting bike.
Thanks
Safe rides and travels 👍🏍
Well said. Agreed.......
An excellent review! Thank you sir!
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.
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!
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.
Great straight up review, thanks, picking mine up this week :)
Thanks!!! In love already even i haven't ridden it yet....
Absolutely Gorgeous Bike. Keep coming back to watch reviews of this machine. It's rolling Artwork.
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...!
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 😅
Cheers for that Andy. The bike looks immaculate. Health to enjoy it.👍
Thanks for your honest review 👍
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.
Very good review, love your videos, and Dave is a legend
Really good review look forward to seeing more
Great honest and detailed review. Thanks!
Beste review on CZcams m8, thanks a lot. This is exactly what I wanted to know....
Absolutely great review. Thank you.
Congratulations 4 the nicely review! 🏍🇮🇹👍
I live in the Ghostown that made this amazing Trademark 😁
Good review. I think this helped me decide what my next bike will be.
Thanks for your review Sir,
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).
Brilliant review thanks a lot!
Great review, thanks. Very watchable and informative. 👍🏻👍🏻
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 review, and I agree with you about shaft drive. I fancied a Honda XLV750, unfortunately it seems to be more "collectable" than rideable now.
A real world bike review and a refreshing change. Thanks.
It is a very cool looking (and unique) bike.....glad to hear it's working out for you.
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.
Excellent review this bike reminds me of my Super Tenere 1200 in it's simplicity and price. Thanks.
Love this bike. Thanks for the clear review. Cheers.
Excellent review
Excellent review really enjoyed it 👍
Really good review...Thanks!!
What a great reviewer! I wish more of the CZcams 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...
Great no BS review. I really want a V85TT but no dealer with in 200 miles.
Nicely presented and thoughtful.
Beautiful bike ! I wish there was a dealer close by, they’re kinda of spotty here in the states.
Thank you for the review.
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.
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.
Thank you so much! Excellent evaluation. Trying to decide this, or wait for a potential Husqvarna Norden 901.
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.
Thank you for a good review, appreciated
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.
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
Fine review,gracias.
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!
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.........
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...
Fantastic review 👍
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...
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.
A perfect, no nonsense review. Thanks.
Great commentary - I'd really like one!!
Super review! Thank you
Great review, thanks
Good review, love mine.
Well done Review! Thank you.
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.
Thanks for a great 'in depth' review. I've been weighing this up with a Bmw 850GSA . and.. if we're being really honest, the Bmw range { fantastic as it is...} is just plain butt ugly from every angle, and the 'Moto Guzzi' is sexy..stylish and a little bit special!. I'm still not sure about the off-set rear shock , but the bike looks beautiful! Cheers for a great review..
I liked this revue of the beautiful Guzzi 850. There's something special about that motordesign. I have now subscribed also.
Thanks Pekka
Great review
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.
Good balanced presentation !
Great review. There is of course another reason for buying one over a GS... they are considerably more exclusive
very useful review, thank you.
great review and this and the 2020 Honda Africa Twin are on my shortlist
Both great bikes, main differences are a much higher ride height on the Africa Twin and that chain thing....
loved the review, i'm in a crossroad of the same decision , thinking maybe to get of my 1200 adventure because its a little to heavy for off roading, but i dont want a chain driven bike only a shaft drive , other than that the guzzy is beautiful bike
Nice review! Nice bike! Ride it in good health.
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....
Good review. A very interesting bike.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
I've bought the 2021 Nero V85 - picking it up tomorrow from Teasdale's in Thirsk. I'm too excited for my boots!
Just order 2 weeks ago a 100 years anniversary edition, can't wait to ride it))
Very nice review - Very nice bike ✌️
Great info, thanks!
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.
Very nice review.. thank you.
Nice review!