Ha thanks, nice to know some people appreciate them :-D I am really trying to post a few more, but you know how life gets in the way sometimes. Fingers crossed I can find the mojo to sit in front of the editor again soon. Cheers!
What a bloody good REV Thanks I am 69 years young about to grow up and get a sensible bike !! You the one that does not make your legs hurt your ass cringe your wrists think they are no lomger yours etc etc etc I have now been looking at these for a few weeks I am not loaded so a second hand monster is the only route for me I have not seen a bad rev as yet so it looks like here we go lets just get one and see where we go from there ?? I am of to Portugal first trip to see my sister so lets hope to god they are what folk have made them out to be otherwise his lord ship will be in the shit so to speak !!!! Thanks for the up load these always help us mere mortals to try and make their mind up ??????????????? Ride safe and look after that badge must be worth a fortune now ??????????
Hi Allan, many thanks. Remember, just because the bike is sensible, you don't have to be ;-) I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Back in the day I used to thrash my MZ Skorpion Sport around the track - the thought of folding myself back into that position now makes my knees ache - mind you, my old leathers seem to have shrunk whilst hanging up in the wardrobe too 😒 Hope you manage to find something in your price range. Everybody tells me that a Guzzi isn't even run in 'til 12000 miles - so hopefully there will be something out there for you 😊 I watched all the reviews before buying mine, so hope my waffling is useful to some people in return.
I am starting to see more of them on the roads now though, not quite as an exclusive club as it once was. Nice to see something that isn't a GS coming the other way from time to time ;-)
Cool feedback. I'm seriously think of getting one of these. I had a Mark V in 1989, very uncomfortable but great fun. Would like to have another Moto Guzzi.
I just totaled my 2017 Africa Twin. Once I get out of the hospital ( 3 weeks in so far) and I heal up, my plan is to replace the AT with a 2021 or 2022 V85TT. I liked this bike a lot and it was on my short list when I fell in love with the AT. I can’t face riding another AT at this point so the V85TT is the winner.
Sorry to hear that - hope you get parole soon! The AT was definitely a bike I liked the look of, along with the Yamaha tenere etc. Went with the Guzzi partly because I liked my V7 so much, but also because of the shaft drive. You pay the price in weight and power loss, but... no more chain maintenance :-D (Oh, plus I was offered a PX price for my V7 that I couldn't ignore ;-)
@@MultiVogon my Africa was my daily commuter. I average around 24,000 miles a year. Every stinking weekend I had to do chain maintenance. One of the big draws of the 85TT is the shaft drive and the ease of valve adjustments. I’m really looking for a low maintenance option this time around.
Dude, I wish you speedy recovery. I was in a cast for 5 months with broken heel and cut Achilles tendon. Took me a year to walk normal. Buy the V85TT, it is a nice comfy and civilized bike. You'll like it. It also wins in the character and heritage category.
Very good Review, thanks for sharing. I especially agree with the ability of the bike to be just as good on asphalt as on gravel alike. Concerning comfort, it seems to get better the more you ride it.
Yes, I was really pleasantly surprised at the comfort. I think this sort of bike makes sense where I live. I might not ride gravel very often, but there are plenty of pot-holes, mud, horse sh!t etc etc... I think before this, the most comfy bike I ever rode was an old K75 BMW.
I agree with the V85TT being way more comfortable than my V7 was. However I’m 6’ and just wish the design of the seat was flatter. I don’t plan to ride with a pillion much, so a flatter seat would allow a little more variance to seat angles. I also replaced my pegs with Pivotpegz. Big improvement. I bought the base V85TT and it has tires made for a street bike and not an adventure bike. Overall I love it and am also a fan that it is not ubiquitous like the Beemers. Cheers mate and safe riding.
Hi Cathoop, I'm thinking about new footpegs for my V85 as I spend a lot of time standing up riding. I know the pivotpegz will be great for standing but do they vibrate much when you're just doing a long sat down journey? I notice the standard pegs have very thick rubber which I guess is to dampen out the vibes and the pivotpegz (even with the optional topper) don't seem to have as much rubber damping. Cheers.
@@brianbertram3521 Hi Brian, I only rode a couple of rides with the original pegs prior to changing to Pivotpegz. I did purchase the PP toppers and using them I don’t have any issues with vibrations. I’ve not used them yet in the dirt without the toppers. On the road they are great. I really like the increased platform size and the flex is nice. They are also very well made.
The standard pegs are indeed very squidgy, and wouldn't be great offroad when standing up. Prices for the PPs (tee hee) in the UK I see have the usual USD/GBP parity.
OK PeePee's it is then LOL. I have Puig Enduro pegs on my 660 Tenere and when I rode it the other day I realized how much more comfortable they are than the stock narrow pegs and the squidgy Guzzi pegs. There aren't many options for the Guzzi but I've always fancied pivot pegs so may as well go for it now.
@@brianbertram3521 I own an E5 Travel V85TT, and also replaced the stock Footpegs with those Aussie Marvels... PivotPegz. I also immediately removed the stock rubber inserts (dangerously slippery in my opinion); The "Pegz" do not vibrate and I did not purchase the covers.
I seen a review on the tiger 1200 rally Explorer it had lit switches on it and they said the BMW 1250 gs does not have light up switches. I really like the Moto Guzzi v85tt main reasons are the price and the shaft drive. I just wish we had a better dealer Network in my country. My first experience with Moto Guzzi was the v7 carbon dark I could spend all day in the saddle no problems and I'm 6,3 I had a problem with the clutch cable and I broke a shifter after a while. But other than that the bike was amazing. Moto Guzzi is bringing back one of their old adventure bikes it's going to have their new engine in it the 1000cc. I might just have to wait for that one. A great review very informative.
I've been riding a BMW R1250RT and a Triumph Tiger 900 GT recently, and for the first time ever wished they had light-up switches as there are so many buttons! ooo are they going to do a Quota with the V100 engine!??! squeeee :-D
I have a 1250 GS and a V85TT. Just back from 7 days in France and Germany on the GS. On the motorways and spirited twisty mountain roads got terrible fuel consumption - about 150 miles to a full tank. I reckon I get nearly 100 miles more to a tank out of the Guzzi. Granted was going fast but still - it was quite a surprise to me how poor on fuel the new GS is.
Ouch. Yeah, 250 seems to be a good general expectation with the V85 - less if you're at motorway speeds all day, more if you're bimbling (It'll do over 300 to a tank then). I guess city riders would see worse economy too. My nearest city is about 70+ miles away, and the nearest motorway isn't much closer. It will be interesting to see whether the E5 bikes are different to the E4 bikes at all, & whether the E10 fuel that's now being forced upon us in the UK makes much difference.
@@MultiVogon We are going through the same nonsense here in the US. My Moto Guzzi V9 and the V85TT and my 2 Aprilia Tuonos absolutely hate this E10 fuel, especially during the winter cold days. Luckily, about 100 miles away there's an ethanol free selling fuel station. I usually buy 50 gallons every time I go up there and I'm good for a couple of months. Real pain in the butt but.....what can I do.....I have no time for chemistry experiments to remove the ethanol.
@@jamesringler987 Where? Here in the USA? Haven't heard anything like that BUT one of my co-workers is a pilot and the fuel they use at the airport is above 100 octane BUT it still has lead. Yeah, so much for Green Peace Thundbergh save the planet and all the leftist nonsense. I guess we'll all gonna die.....but that's ok as long as our bikes run well. Another option is CAM2 or racing fuel, it can be ordered at ridiculous prices or figure out a way to buy it at the track and transport it. Either way,....a pain in the butt.
Awesome, which model did you get? Yep those rallies can be a load of fun/frustration in equal measure ! Looks like you're not in the UK - do they have similar events wherever you are?
I am really enjoying your ownership videos. Sorry to be so cheeky, tongue in cheek, but all these niggling things in comparison to what we are fed by the expert bike reviews leads me to believe it sounds like this bike is a disaster. Really good honest, thorough, and honest review.
Well every bike has its niggles - I just got fed up with all the samey reviews that just seem to be regurgitating the sales brochures and marketing waffle. So I do my own waffle instead ;-)
Great detailed, honest review! Thank you for taking the time to review it. I've been looking at one for a few months now..it's almost time to switch from German to Italian. :) Enjoy the well earned mug!
I enjoyed your review, despite your American gallon vs Imperial gallon remark, which is true, then you guys went to “rip off liters”. I'm thinking of purchasing a Motto Guzzi V85tt 2022. I own a BMW 1100 GS 1998, top-heavy in my opinion. It leans 45 degrees with the side stand. A real bugger to pull up to 90 degrees , on a full tank (6 gallons ). GS side stand is too short. I can only hope the Moto Guzzi is a rider’s dream. Oh, I’m 5’ 10”, great video review, friend. Have a safe good one.
Well in the UK we use miles, kg, gallons, litres, stone and grammes. So... worst of both worlds really! The '85 is not a light bike, but I find it perfectly manageable. Just trying to edit together a video of my thoughts after a year with the bike... well now more than a year as it is taking so long ;-) Ride safe 👍
Great video, very honest review. I agree with your points. I love having a unique bike and find it's quirks cool ! It's a capable comfortable bike coming from 50 something rider. Greetings from the home of the "Silly little American Gallons!" :) All the best!
Thanks... I just have to find the energy to film a new part for the hugger saga, then edit the whole mess together somehow. It'll be like the star-wars prequels by the time I'm finished, probably 😂
@@MultiVogon No worries. You take your time. I always appreciate people like yourself, who give their time to make videos. I recently bought a new V85tt, so just absorbing as much info as I can. I've had a Guzzi in the past. Love the brand!
Hya I got a red 85 it's awesome seat is a bonus plus full luggage I'm a first trier ov a guzzi after 1050 and 1000 bmw and caponord goes some f a pushrod so more video's they're great.
I think cruise control light should be amber/yellow, (as when not set is blinking green and maybe confusing for sec). Also light switch icon situation should be improved. If you have V85TT you know what I am taking about
Good review, I definitely agree it's a comfy and sweet handling motorcycle. BTW what's the rear extension mudguard/mudflap you have at the back of the bike? I think I need to add something similar to control spray!
Hi, it's a Powerbronze mud deflector... hang on.... here you go: www.powerbronze.co.uk/moto-guzzi-v85tt-19-20-360-m101.html (no link with them except as a customer, etc, etc) It doesn't look great (IMO) but does help a fair bit with keeping crud out of the seat lock, and a top-box lock if you have one.
I enjoyed your video, especially 'Mmm Tea'. 😆 I'm on my second Guzzi, a V7ii which replaced a Triumph Tiger 800xc. I loved the Triumph but found it too tall: I love the V7 but find it too small. I think anyone could guess what I think might make a suitable replacement for them both . . .
Just this weekend I have ridden a tiger - not sure what model - it's a couple of years old - 800 I think. The tiger WAS on my shopping list before I got the Guzzi, and I have to say I prefer the V85 for the roads round here. No regrets so far! Given infinite garage space I'd have kept my V7III for sunday puttering, but the 85 is just a far better all round bike in my opinion.
I share your thoughts on the BMW boxer range but I want a bike to drive to the North of Norway next June with my wife.We are both in our late 50s.I have been looking at the V85TT but I am not sure about pillion comfort.My wife keeps noticing those RT 1250 things.How would it fair with a Pillion?
Can't help you with that I'm afraid - never owned a boxer. I did have a K100RS back in the 00's, that was certainly comfy two up. When I went to the North Cape many many years ago, I did the trip on an overloaded GPZ500S - Not sure I'd recommend that for two people though! I don't hate the GS's, but can't help poking fun at them from time to time, as they're so very _serious_ ;-)
We took a V85TT for a test ride, as I wanted a v7 but partner didn't feel it would be good for her on the back. We liked the V85 so much when we got back to the dealer and he said "so, what colour do you want?" We put a deposit down there and then. We've done over 1k two up so far and it's very comfortable for pillion, especially considering we are both tall, it's a very roomy bike. The only thing I had to get used to was the pillion footrest hangers, they stick it a bit and pillion feet will also hit backs of your legs if you tend to waddle as you pull away. Once you adjust your technique you don't even notice that anymore.
I've emailed two dealers so far to try and ride one of these. Got money burning a hole and not had a reply..... think it might be a perfect bike for me but I need to ride one!
Yeah, sadly I've found dealers in the UK to be total cr@p when it comes to replying to email. I even filled out a form on the main MG site and nobody every got back to me. It shouldn't be that way, but that's where we are, sadly. I forget exactly what range I got on the day but it was over 60mpg average. Typically I would expect to get 250 miles from a tank - more if its not been thrashed everywhere. 300 is definitely possible if you take it steady. E10 fuel may reduce that though I guess?
I was getting quite excited there for a while thinking that there was finally a Moto Guzzi that I could actually fit on 😁 Then you burst my bubble by saying that you were 5'9 😩 I guess me and my 6'4 middle-aged body will have to keep wishing...
I'm over 6' and the only problem I have with mine is buffeting, I have the taller screen but it needs a bit extra for taller riders. The riding position is fine. I've done 7 or 8 hours a day and my back was slightly sore the day before, went riding expecting it to be worse and was surprised to find I felt better after the ride than before.
Screw wishing. Buy the bike and enjoy life. I'm 49 and every bone in my body aches but I have 6 bikes in the garage. I WILL NEVER QUIT. By the way, I'm 6.02" and I fit perfectly fine.
@@Manpeace It is true. 6.02 and 6.04 can be a big difference regardless of the weight. One thing that tall people must make sure is that the cylinder heads don't hit their knees. My inseam is 34 and I haven't hit my knees on any of my Guzzis BUT I have a highly modified 1973 V7 sport with custom tank and bodywork and my knees are extremely close to the heads. I guess, a tall person should sit on a Guzzi before putting down a down payment and this is true for every other bike regardless of the manufacturer.
I mean, depends what you're after. It's not the fastest bike I've ever owned, it's not the slowest. It carried me across Wales, up through England and into Scotland on routes ranging from motorway to gravel forest road. Handled all of them with ease, and comfort. It isn't a sports bike, it isn't an R1250GS, it isn't a CB500X (another bike I considered!). It's a great bike for many people though. I suggest test riding one to see if you like it :-)
@@MultiVogon will do that! I am not looking for a powerhouse, just something with a bit more oomph and comfortable. But when I look back in the garage after a days ride, i still like the looks :D
Great video thanks. Really sounds like a fabulous bike. Of course one thing that really lets Moto Guzzi down is their crap customer service. I have a Ducati too and I thought their attention to warranty was as bad as you could get but oh no.....I have v7iii which suffered from startus interuptus half way through a trip back to Spain from Scotland this summer and 7 weeks later MG is still trying to fix the charging system which after all only has two components! Just a joke really but a serious bike at the price point of the V85TT has to be backed up by adequate support IMHO anyway.
Yeah, it's not as if there's loads of dealers to choose from here in the UK, either. I wasn't impressed with my 'local' dealer (2hrs away) so for the next service I'll take it back to where I bought it and try them out (4hrs, + toll bridge + different country ;-) I *know* that I should just buy japanese and be done with it... but... but... It's the same reason getting my car serviced is a pain - I should just have a ford or a vauxhall as there are dealers everywhere... but I'm not ready to become that beige quite yet..... (yes, I know the official colour of the travel in the UK is 'beige' 😂)
@@MultiVogon right on! But in my case the fault isn't the dealer. There are only two components in the charging system and the dealer knows as I do that one or both of these is blown. The fault is the warranty and warranty parts process. It is all controlled at a blisteringly slow and 'I don't give a fuck' way by a MG and or Piaggio warranty manager. MG just don't care, the warranty is useless.
@@MultiVogon From where I'm sitting your M85TT is beige!!😂😂 But the reason I'm here at your video is because I'm seriously considering one. Thanks for the insightful review.
@@mholbrook472 I was hoping (if that's the right word) that the problems were due to the general shortages that are effecting just about everything at the moment. I already own a Norton that has been off the road and back with the dealer for 15 months because he is awaiting a part from Bosch. I'm considering a M85TT but don't really want to have a similar experience again.😒
Your videos got me loving this bike that I never knew existed and make me giggle. Thanks! Keep them coming
Ha thanks, nice to know some people appreciate them :-D I am really trying to post a few more, but you know how life gets in the way sometimes. Fingers crossed I can find the mojo to sit in front of the editor again soon. Cheers!
The V85 is just an excellent, calm, comfortable and compliant steed.
What a bloody good REV Thanks I am 69 years young about to grow up and get a sensible bike !! You the one that does not make
your legs hurt your ass cringe your wrists think they are no lomger yours etc etc etc I have now been looking at these for a few weeks
I am not loaded so a second hand monster is the only route for me I have not seen a bad rev as yet so it looks like here we go lets just
get one and see where we go from there ?? I am of to Portugal first trip to see my sister so lets hope to god they are what folk have
made them out to be otherwise his lord ship will be in the shit so to speak !!!! Thanks for the up load these always help us mere mortals
to try and make their mind up ??????????????? Ride safe and look after that badge must be worth a fortune now ??????????
Hi Allan, many thanks. Remember, just because the bike is sensible, you don't have to be ;-) I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
Back in the day I used to thrash my MZ Skorpion Sport around the track - the thought of folding myself back into that position now makes my knees ache - mind you, my old leathers seem to have shrunk whilst hanging up in the wardrobe too 😒 Hope you manage to find something in your price range. Everybody tells me that a Guzzi isn't even run in 'til 12000 miles - so hopefully there will be something out there for you 😊
I watched all the reviews before buying mine, so hope my waffling is useful to some people in return.
Enjoyed another honest account of the bike. Had mine a year and agree about comfort and quirks. Not many about .Thanks
I am starting to see more of them on the roads now though, not quite as an exclusive club as it once was. Nice to see something that isn't a GS coming the other way from time to time ;-)
Cool feedback. I'm seriously think of getting one of these. I had a Mark V in 1989, very uncomfortable but great fun. Would like to have another Moto Guzzi.
Good luck, hope you find something!
I just totaled my 2017 Africa Twin. Once I get out of the hospital ( 3 weeks in so far) and I heal up, my plan is to replace the AT with a 2021 or 2022 V85TT. I liked this bike a lot and it was on my short list when I fell in love with the AT. I can’t face riding another AT at this point so the V85TT is the winner.
Sorry to hear that - hope you get parole soon! The AT was definitely a bike I liked the look of, along with the Yamaha tenere etc. Went with the Guzzi partly because I liked my V7 so much, but also because of the shaft drive. You pay the price in weight and power loss, but... no more chain maintenance :-D
(Oh, plus I was offered a PX price for my V7 that I couldn't ignore ;-)
@@MultiVogon my Africa was my daily commuter. I average around 24,000 miles a year. Every stinking weekend I had to do chain maintenance. One of the big draws of the 85TT is the shaft drive and the ease of valve adjustments. I’m really looking for a low maintenance option this time around.
Dude, I wish you speedy recovery. I was in a cast for 5 months with broken heel and cut Achilles tendon. Took me a year to walk normal. Buy the V85TT, it is a nice comfy and civilized bike. You'll like it. It also wins in the character and heritage category.
Very good Review, thanks for sharing. I especially agree with the ability of the bike to be just as good on asphalt as on gravel alike. Concerning comfort, it seems to get better the more you ride it.
Yes, I was really pleasantly surprised at the comfort. I think this sort of bike makes sense where I live. I might not ride gravel very often, but there are plenty of pot-holes, mud, horse sh!t etc etc...
I think before this, the most comfy bike I ever rode was an old K75 BMW.
I agree with the V85TT being way more comfortable than my V7 was. However I’m 6’ and just wish the design of the seat was flatter. I don’t plan to ride with a pillion much, so a flatter seat would allow a little more variance to seat angles. I also replaced my pegs with Pivotpegz. Big improvement. I bought the base V85TT and it has tires made for a street bike and not an adventure bike. Overall I love it and am also a fan that it is not ubiquitous like the Beemers. Cheers mate and safe riding.
Hi Cathoop, I'm thinking about new footpegs for my V85 as I spend a lot of time standing up riding. I know the pivotpegz will be great for standing but do they vibrate much when you're just doing a long sat down journey? I notice the standard pegs have very thick rubber which I guess is to dampen out the vibes and the pivotpegz (even with the optional topper) don't seem to have as much rubber damping. Cheers.
@@brianbertram3521 Hi Brian, I only rode a couple of rides with the original pegs prior to changing to Pivotpegz. I did purchase the PP toppers and using them I don’t have any issues with vibrations. I’ve not used them yet in the dirt without the toppers. On the road they are great. I really like the increased platform size and the flex is nice. They are also very well made.
The standard pegs are indeed very squidgy, and wouldn't be great offroad when standing up. Prices for the PPs (tee hee) in the UK I see have the usual USD/GBP parity.
OK PeePee's it is then LOL. I have Puig Enduro pegs on my 660 Tenere and when I rode it the other day I realized how much more comfortable they are than the stock narrow pegs and the squidgy Guzzi pegs. There aren't many options for the Guzzi but I've always fancied pivot pegs so may as well go for it now.
@@brianbertram3521 I own an E5 Travel V85TT, and also replaced the stock Footpegs with those Aussie Marvels... PivotPegz. I also immediately removed the stock rubber inserts (dangerously slippery in my opinion); The "Pegz" do not vibrate and I did not purchase the covers.
I seen a review on the tiger 1200 rally Explorer it had lit switches on it and they said the BMW 1250 gs does not have light up switches. I really like the Moto Guzzi v85tt main reasons are the price and the shaft drive. I just wish we had a better dealer Network in my country. My first experience with Moto Guzzi was the v7 carbon dark I could spend all day in the saddle no problems and I'm 6,3 I had a problem with the clutch cable and I broke a shifter after a while. But other than that the bike was amazing. Moto Guzzi is bringing back one of their old adventure bikes it's going to have their new engine in it the 1000cc. I might just have to wait for that one. A great review very informative.
I've been riding a BMW R1250RT and a Triumph Tiger 900 GT recently, and for the first time ever wished they had light-up switches as there are so many buttons! ooo are they going to do a Quota with the V100 engine!??! squeeee :-D
Excellent review. Thanks.
I have a 1250 GS and a V85TT. Just back from 7 days in France and Germany on the GS. On the motorways and spirited twisty mountain roads got terrible fuel consumption - about 150 miles to a full tank. I reckon I get nearly 100 miles more to a tank out of the Guzzi. Granted was going fast but still - it was quite a surprise to me how poor on fuel the new GS is.
Ouch. Yeah, 250 seems to be a good general expectation with the V85 - less if you're at motorway speeds all day, more if you're bimbling (It'll do over 300 to a tank then). I guess city riders would see worse economy too. My nearest city is about 70+ miles away, and the nearest motorway isn't much closer.
It will be interesting to see whether the E5 bikes are different to the E4 bikes at all, & whether the E10 fuel that's now being forced upon us in the UK makes much difference.
@@MultiVogon We are going through the same nonsense here in the US. My Moto Guzzi V9 and the V85TT and my 2 Aprilia Tuonos absolutely hate this E10 fuel, especially during the winter cold days. Luckily, about 100 miles away there's an ethanol free selling fuel station. I usually buy 50 gallons every time I go up there and I'm good for a couple of months. Real pain in the butt but.....what can I do.....I have no time for chemistry experiments to remove the ethanol.
@@tedmarakas2626 once swift 94 unleaded aviation gas becomes available we can use that in our bikes
@@jamesringler987 Where? Here in the USA? Haven't heard anything like that BUT one of my co-workers is a pilot and the fuel they use at the airport is above 100 octane BUT it still has lead.
Yeah, so much for Green Peace Thundbergh save the planet and all the leftist nonsense.
I guess we'll all gonna die.....but that's ok as long as our bikes run well.
Another option is CAM2 or racing fuel, it can be ordered at ridiculous prices or figure out a way to buy it at the track and transport it. Either way,....a pain in the butt.
We just got a V85 TT, excited to try more stuff like the Rally you’re describing!
Awesome, which model did you get? Yep those rallies can be a load of fun/frustration in equal measure ! Looks like you're not in the UK - do they have similar events wherever you are?
I am really enjoying your ownership videos. Sorry to be so cheeky, tongue in cheek, but all these niggling things in comparison to what we are fed by the expert bike reviews leads me to believe it sounds like this bike is a disaster. Really good honest, thorough, and honest review.
Well every bike has its niggles - I just got fed up with all the samey reviews that just seem to be regurgitating the sales brochures and marketing waffle. So I do my own waffle instead ;-)
Great detailed, honest review! Thank you for taking the time to review it. I've been looking at one for a few months now..it's almost time to switch from German to Italian. :) Enjoy the well earned mug!
I enjoyed your review, despite your American gallon vs Imperial gallon remark, which is true, then you guys went to “rip off liters”. I'm thinking of purchasing a Motto Guzzi V85tt 2022. I own a BMW 1100 GS 1998, top-heavy in my opinion. It leans 45 degrees with the side stand. A real bugger to pull up to 90 degrees , on a full tank (6 gallons ). GS side stand is too short. I can only hope the Moto Guzzi is a rider’s dream. Oh, I’m 5’ 10”, great video review, friend. Have a safe good one.
Well in the UK we use miles, kg, gallons, litres, stone and grammes. So... worst of both worlds really! The '85 is not a light bike, but I find it perfectly manageable. Just trying to edit together a video of my thoughts after a year with the bike... well now more than a year as it is taking so long ;-) Ride safe 👍
Wonderful review, and very useful. I think I just decided to buy a 85TT :-)
Hi glad you enjoyed it, that means a lot - many thanks!
👌👌Great review. Thanks again 🙂
Glad you liked it, many thanks!
Ooo I am really fired up by these prospects as I am now waiting to buy a 2019 version.
Great video, very honest review. I agree with your points. I love having a unique bike and find it's quirks cool ! It's a capable comfortable bike coming from 50 something rider. Greetings from the home of the "Silly little American Gallons!" :) All the best!
Haha, hopefully no offence was taken.
@@MultiVogon No offence was taken! Again, great video!
Love it I’m about to buy one!
Cheers, which model?
Thanks for the video. Subscribed
Cheers! Hope to start uploading again soon.
Love your style...subscribed.
Well if you like infrequent, shambolic videos, you're in the right place ;-) Cheers!
Great review....thank you. Looking forward to your thoughts on the new additions, especially the rear hugger. Ride safe.
Thanks... I just have to find the energy to film a new part for the hugger saga, then edit the whole mess together somehow. It'll be like the star-wars prequels by the time I'm finished, probably 😂
@@MultiVogon No worries. You take your time. I always appreciate people like yourself, who give their time to make videos. I recently bought a new V85tt, so just absorbing as much info as I can. I've had a Guzzi in the past. Love the brand!
Nice one like the bike and your talk cheers
Hya I got a red 85 it's awesome seat is a bonus plus full luggage I'm a first trier ov a guzzi after 1050 and 1000 bmw and caponord goes some f a pushrod so more video's they're great.
Cheers! This was my 2nd Guzzi after the V7, definitely a good bike for the terrible UK roads!
I think cruise control light should be amber/yellow, (as when not set is blinking green and maybe confusing for sec).
Also light switch icon situation should be improved. If you have V85TT you know what I am taking about
Well since the last dealer left me without working cruise control, that's not something I've had to worry about unfortunately :-/
Good review, I definitely agree it's a comfy and sweet handling motorcycle.
BTW what's the rear extension mudguard/mudflap you have at the back of the bike? I think I need to add something similar to control spray!
Hi, it's a Powerbronze mud deflector... hang on.... here you go: www.powerbronze.co.uk/moto-guzzi-v85tt-19-20-360-m101.html
(no link with them except as a customer, etc, etc)
It doesn't look great (IMO) but does help a fair bit with keeping crud out of the seat lock, and a top-box lock if you have one.
I enjoyed your video, especially 'Mmm Tea'. 😆 I'm on my second Guzzi, a V7ii which replaced a Triumph Tiger 800xc. I loved the Triumph but found it too tall: I love the V7 but find it too small. I think anyone could guess what I think might make a suitable replacement for them both . . .
Just this weekend I have ridden a tiger - not sure what model - it's a couple of years old - 800 I think. The tiger WAS on my shopping list before I got the Guzzi, and I have to say I prefer the V85 for the roads round here. No regrets so far! Given infinite garage space I'd have kept my V7III for sunday puttering, but the 85 is just a far better all round bike in my opinion.
(edit: it was a Tiger 900 GT)
You didn't test the bike before buying it? Guess I'm not the only nuts who did that. 🤣
Yeah normally I would... but for some reason I was sure it would be ok! (I had watched every review out there too 😂)
I share your thoughts on the BMW boxer range but I want a bike to drive to the North of Norway next June with my wife.We are both in our late 50s.I have been looking at the V85TT but I am not sure about pillion comfort.My wife keeps noticing those RT 1250 things.How would it fair with a Pillion?
Can't help you with that I'm afraid - never owned a boxer. I did have a K100RS back in the 00's, that was certainly comfy two up. When I went to the North Cape many many years ago, I did the trip on an overloaded GPZ500S - Not sure I'd recommend that for two people though!
I don't hate the GS's, but can't help poking fun at them from time to time, as they're so very _serious_ ;-)
We took a V85TT for a test ride, as I wanted a v7 but partner didn't feel it would be good for her on the back. We liked the V85 so much when we got back to the dealer and he said "so, what colour do you want?" We put a deposit down there and then. We've done over 1k two up so far and it's very comfortable for pillion, especially considering we are both tall, it's a very roomy bike. The only thing I had to get used to was the pillion footrest hangers, they stick it a bit and pillion feet will also hit backs of your legs if you tend to waddle as you pull away. Once you adjust your technique you don't even notice that anymore.
I've emailed two dealers so far to try and ride one of these. Got money burning a hole and not had a reply..... think it might be a perfect bike for me but I need to ride one!
Btw what actual range did you get to a tank?
Yeah, sadly I've found dealers in the UK to be total cr@p when it comes to replying to email. I even filled out a form on the main MG site and nobody every got back to me. It shouldn't be that way, but that's where we are, sadly. I forget exactly what range I got on the day but it was over 60mpg average. Typically I would expect to get 250 miles from a tank - more if its not been thrashed everywhere. 300 is definitely possible if you take it steady. E10 fuel may reduce that though I guess?
MultiVogon thanks for reply. Yup I did the form on the main site too... still nothing. I always run on good super fuel these days. 👍
I was getting quite excited there for a while thinking that there was finally a Moto Guzzi that I could actually fit on 😁
Then you burst my bubble by saying that you were 5'9 😩
I guess me and my 6'4 middle-aged body will have to keep wishing...
I'm over 6' and the only problem I have with mine is buffeting, I have the taller screen but it needs a bit extra for taller riders. The riding position is fine. I've done 7 or 8 hours a day and my back was slightly sore the day before, went riding expecting it to be worse and was surprised to find I felt better after the ride than before.
Have you sat on one though? Not sure why it wouldn't fit you? There are low and high seat options available I believe too.
Screw wishing. Buy the bike and enjoy life. I'm 49 and every bone in my body aches but I have 6 bikes in the garage. I WILL NEVER QUIT.
By the way, I'm 6.02" and I fit perfectly fine.
@@tedmarakas2626 Well, 6' and 6'4 is a huge difference sometimes. I'm 6'3 myself (if that is equal to 194 centimeters)
@@Manpeace It is true. 6.02 and 6.04 can be a big difference regardless of the weight. One thing that tall people must make sure is that the cylinder heads don't hit their knees. My inseam is 34 and I haven't hit my knees on any of my Guzzis BUT I have a highly modified 1973 V7 sport with custom tank and bodywork and my knees are extremely close to the heads. I guess, a tall person should sit on a Guzzi before putting down a down payment and this is true for every other bike regardless of the manufacturer.
What are your thoughts on performance? I sold my cb500x last sunday, and I am looking for a replacement. Looking a this and the new Tuareg
I mean, depends what you're after. It's not the fastest bike I've ever owned, it's not the slowest. It carried me across Wales, up through England and into Scotland on routes ranging from motorway to gravel forest road. Handled all of them with ease, and comfort. It isn't a sports bike, it isn't an R1250GS, it isn't a CB500X (another bike I considered!). It's a great bike for many people though. I suggest test riding one to see if you like it :-)
@@MultiVogon will do that! I am not looking for a powerhouse, just something with a bit more oomph and comfortable. But when I look back in the garage after a days ride, i still like the looks :D
Sorry and enjoyable review.
Silly American gallons! lol 😂
Great video thanks. Really sounds like a fabulous bike. Of course one thing that really lets Moto Guzzi down is their crap customer service. I have a Ducati too and I thought their attention to warranty was as bad as you could get but oh no.....I have v7iii which suffered from startus interuptus half way through a trip back to Spain from Scotland this summer and 7 weeks later MG is still trying to fix the charging system which after all only has two components! Just a joke really but a serious bike at the price point of the V85TT has to be backed up by adequate support IMHO anyway.
Yeah, it's not as if there's loads of dealers to choose from here in the UK, either. I wasn't impressed with my 'local' dealer (2hrs away) so for the next service I'll take it back to where I bought it and try them out (4hrs, + toll bridge + different country ;-) I *know* that I should just buy japanese and be done with it... but... but... It's the same reason getting my car serviced is a pain - I should just have a ford or a vauxhall as there are dealers everywhere... but I'm not ready to become that beige quite yet..... (yes, I know the official colour of the travel in the UK is 'beige' 😂)
@@MultiVogon right on! But in my case the fault isn't the dealer. There are only two components in the charging system and the dealer knows as I do that one or both of these is blown. The fault is the warranty and warranty parts process. It is all controlled at a blisteringly slow and 'I don't give a fuck' way by a MG and or Piaggio warranty manager. MG just don't care, the warranty is useless.
@@mholbrook472 Yes I've heard similar stories... has Piaggio saved Moto Guzzi... or doomed them...? 🤔
@@MultiVogon From where I'm sitting your M85TT is beige!!😂😂 But the reason I'm here at your video is because I'm seriously considering one. Thanks for the insightful review.
@@mholbrook472 I was hoping (if that's the right word) that the problems were due to the general shortages that are effecting just about everything at the moment. I already own a Norton that has been off the road and back with the dealer for 15 months because he is awaiting a part from Bosch. I'm considering a M85TT but don't really want to have a similar experience again.😒
Egg sarnies I hope. 👍
Sadly, it was petrol station chicken & sweetcorn this time 🤢
@@MultiVogon I'm with you on the something different thing. That's why I walk backwards everywhere.