Moto Guzzi V85TT Honest 4000 Mile Review
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!
Пікірлер: 399
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 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.
One of the best reviews I have seen on this bike. Thank you. I am closing on one tomorrow.
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.
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.
@Youtube_Globetrotter
5 ай бұрын
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.
Thanks for your honest review 👍
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.
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.
@coloradogsgirls
2 жыл бұрын
May I ask what were your weight saving changes?
@J.O.R_BR_Overclocking
2 жыл бұрын
What changes?
Fantastic review “ best yet “ keep up the long term reviews please “
Thanx for an honest review .Certainly a bike I have considered and will do in the future .
A very good review. Excellent. Thank you for taking the time.
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.
@p6x2
4 жыл бұрын
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.
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.
This is the best V85TT review to date, hands down. The Guzzi is on my list to look at. Thank you!
@NewsMoto
4 жыл бұрын
cant go wrong with it! and affordable too!
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
Congratulations, that was an awesome and very eloquent review of a very interesting bike. Thanks Safe rides and travels 👍🏍
@MrBoybergs
4 жыл бұрын
Well said. Agreed.......
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.
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 ! 😃🇺🇸✌️
@andybcole
2 жыл бұрын
Enjoy! Great choice for a first adventure bike.
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.
@andybcole
4 жыл бұрын
Great to have the videos appreciated - busy day on the road, new vid coming soon...!
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.
Absolutely Gorgeous Bike. Keep coming back to watch reviews of this machine. It's rolling Artwork.
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 straight up review, thanks, picking mine up this week :)
Thanks!!! In love already even i haven't ridden it yet....
What a great reviewer! I wish more of the KZread 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.
@DrColNotTooShabby
4 жыл бұрын
I know what you mean. I wanted no chain and, at the time, there were 4 choices - if only this had been the 5th...
In my opinion the V85TT is somehow the new Transalp of the modern era: the multipurpose bike good for almost everything.
@alpster1
4 жыл бұрын
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.
@mapol7297
4 жыл бұрын
It is heaven indeed. I did now 9000 kms since June and don’t want to miss it all.
@ampm9771
4 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@nikeu6077
4 жыл бұрын
Amir Rad hahahah you know nothing.
@ampm9771
4 жыл бұрын
@@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.👍
Great honest and detailed review. Thanks!
An excellent review! Thank you sir!
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.
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
Very good review, love your videos, and Dave is a legend
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!
Really good review look forward to seeing more
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.
Beautiful bike ! I wish there was a dealer close by, they’re kinda of spotty here in the states.
Beste review on KZread m8, thanks a lot. This is exactly what I wanted to know....
Good review. I think this helped me decide what my next bike will be.
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.
It is a very cool looking (and unique) bike.....glad to hear it's working out for you.
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....
@andybcole
4 жыл бұрын
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.
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 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!)
@davidbinks8092
4 жыл бұрын
havea trip to Denbigh Mike will gladly help you part with erm I mean set you up with the x demo in multi red
Congratulations 4 the nicely review! 🏍🇮🇹👍
@albertopadovani4237
4 жыл бұрын
I live in the Ghostown that made this amazing Trademark 😁
Brilliant review thanks a lot!
Great review, thanks. Very watchable and informative. 👍🏻👍🏻
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..
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.
@anasanchez282
4 жыл бұрын
HeadhunterUK007 Griso is a special bike I am in love with mine too.
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.
Excellent review really enjoyed it 👍
Thanks for your review Sir,
Great no BS review. I really want a V85TT but no dealer with in 200 miles.
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...
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.........
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.
@staninjapan07
4 жыл бұрын
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.
A real world bike review and a refreshing change. Thanks.
Love this bike. Thanks for the clear review. Cheers.
Excellent review this bike reminds me of my Super Tenere 1200 in it's simplicity and price. Thanks.
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.
@andybcole
4 жыл бұрын
With you on this, inner tubes makes me nervous.
Excellent review
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.
Great review. There is of course another reason for buying one over a GS... they are considerably more exclusive
Absolutely great review. Thank you.
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.
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
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.
4 жыл бұрын
Still riding my '07 1200 Sport and she still ticks nicely.
@SB-ok3xc
4 жыл бұрын
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.
@volt8684
2 жыл бұрын
@@SB-ok3xc not so true plenty of fatal engine failures in V7
@VancedCat
Жыл бұрын
@@volt8684 it was with 2016 v7, we can say that they just made a mistake, but afaik, they were replaced.
Really good review...Thanks!!
Nicely presented and thoughtful.
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!
Thank you for the review.
Thank you so much! Excellent evaluation. Trying to decide this, or wait for a potential Husqvarna Norden 901.
Fantastic review 👍
I liked this revue of the beautiful Guzzi 850. There's something special about that motordesign. I have now subscribed also.
@andybcole
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Pekka
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.
Good review. A very interesting bike.
Thank you for a good review, appreciated
Good review, love mine.
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.
@andybcole
3 жыл бұрын
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.
Your right it does sound nice. Great colour combo.
@p6x2
4 жыл бұрын
That you have to pay more for it is not so nice... here in the US, it is 1k more...
Fine review,gracias.
Nice review! Nice bike! Ride it in good health.
Well done Review! Thank you.
Another great video Andy. I wonder if Dave will be tempted into getting one. 🤔😂
@andybcole
4 жыл бұрын
Only if I write BMW on it in Sharpie.
A perfect, no nonsense review. Thanks.
Super review! Thank you
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
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...
@andybcole
4 жыл бұрын
Showing your age, my father had a Renault 16...purple!
@andybcole
4 жыл бұрын
GTL as I remember 😊
@p6x2
4 жыл бұрын
@@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....
@p6x2
4 жыл бұрын
@@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....
Great review, thanks
Nice review!
Very nice review - Very nice bike ✌️
Good balanced presentation !
Great commentary - I'd really like one!!
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.
great review and this and the 2020 Honda Africa Twin are on my shortlist
@andybcole
4 жыл бұрын
Both great bikes, main differences are a much higher ride height on the Africa Twin and that chain thing....
very useful review, thank you.
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 honest review, I really like this bike and when my GS comes to be changed this is currently top of my list. I can't justify the cost of a GS anymore. Can I ask, what mount are you using to hold your camera to the bike?