Author Topic: V85 TT test ride  (Read 1562 times)

Offline Canuck750

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V85 TT test ride
« on: September 22, 2022, 09:05:20 PM »
On September 2nd I took a V85 out for a test ride, first time I have swung a leg over the model.

My 2 cents.

My test ride was two weeks riding around Italy, starting in Rome, north to Todi, then Sienna, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Mandello, Bologna, Imola, Then to the Adriatic to Pesaro, south to Foggia, across the peninsula to Solerno, the Amalfi coast, Pompeii up the coast then back to Rome. About 3200km.
Roads varied from a couple days on the Autostrada at the legal 130 km/hr to the third level mountain roads barley wide enough for a vehicle to pass.

Impressions;

I liked the bike, it was comfortable for all day riding, decent range of about 450 km, I like the bar and peg positions (5’-9”). The V85 reminds me a lot of my KLR but much more power. I found the bike to be comfortable up to about 145km/hr, after that the motor seems to struggle.
The bike I rented had 52,000 km on it, so definitely broken in. It burned 1/3 of a litre of oil on the 3200 km trip.
I didn’t care too much for the instrument, would prefer a conventional tach. The cruise control was pretty basic IMHO.
The rear shock made creaking noises at slow speeds around town, but the bike sucked up the rough roads with ease. The rental outfit had wrapped the headers and an aftermarket muffler was installed. The bike came with the aluminum top box, not the huge one but it was big enough. The small Givi plastic side cases were a joke. The stock seat was fine. The windshield and tank shape gave adequate wind and rain protection.
Slow speed stability was very good, well suited to busy city riding, not too heavy and not too tall.
The motor seemed to ping a bit on hard throttle through the first couple of gears. Only E85 was available at most gas stations.
Overall I was happy with the bike.

Would I buy one…. ? 

Given it’s twice the price of my KLR and feels similar in stature, ride, I would really have to think hard about it. The V85 has a lot more power but not great power in my opinion. For a one up adventure bike that is suited for the pavement I would prefer a bit more punch. I would like to try a Honda Africa Twin for at least a week to see if it’s an all around better bike. If my wife ever decides to stop touring I would sell my K1600GTL in a heartbeat to get something lighter and still have the power for long haul riding. I have had Beemers for over twenty years but the GS doesn’t do it for me, ditto with the big KTM.

Perhaps Guzzi will put the new water cooled V twin into an adventure chassis, now that could be a game changer.
« Last Edit: September 22, 2022, 09:06:04 PM by Canuck750 »
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline Huzo

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2022, 02:23:15 AM »
You’d have to think that the new motor will be slammed into everything they can assign it to wouldn’t you Jim ?
I’m sure mine will feel decicedly dated after I ride one one of the new things.
But then…We have been dating a long time.
« Last Edit: September 25, 2022, 09:56:19 AM by Huzo »

Offline LowRyter

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2022, 09:41:53 AM »
Canuck- I agree with your riding impression.  I might add that the soft springs seem to sag a little bit in the corners.  I'm sure this is great for off road.  I recently took my Duc down a 5 mile gravel road and it sure got my attention with a little pucker factor.  I'll bet a TT would've been a lot better.



« Last Edit: September 25, 2022, 04:11:57 PM by LowRyter »
John L 
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Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2022, 12:25:12 PM »

 the GS doesn’t do it for me, ditto with the big KTM
what about a MultiStrada? Over on the Ducati forum a lot of ex BMWers are loving them.
There’s also the Harley? The PanAmerica also lowers itself at stop for those about 5’8”  :wink:
« Last Edit: September 25, 2022, 12:40:33 PM by fotoguzzi »
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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2022, 12:25:12 PM »

Offline Huzo

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2022, 12:27:33 PM »
what about a MultiStrada? Over on the Ducati forum a lot of ex BMWers are loving them.
There’s also the Harley?
I’m utterly impressed with what Harley could do first time out of the blocks in that genre’.
If they ditch that ridiculous front abomination and a couple of bugs, that thing rocks IMO.

Offline Canuck750

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2022, 02:58:28 PM »
what about a MultiStrada? Over on the Ducati forum a lot of ex BMWers are loving them.
There’s also the Harley? The PanAmerica also lowers itself at stop for those about 5’8”  :wink:

I looked a new Multistrada in a Ducati dealership in Rome, that V4 is putting out something like 175 Hp, nuts ! (in a good way)

I did like the new Ducati Desert, L Twin, 110 hp, 21" front wheel, 18" rear, way more off road capability than I am ever going to use but it looks good.

The new Italian bike that really gets my attention is the new Aprilia Tuareg 660 Twin, 79 hp and 449 lbs wet claimed and 240mm suspension travel, 275 mile claimed range. ABS, Traction Control, ride modes, cruise control.

48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline Canuck750

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2022, 03:10:01 PM »
I’m utterly impressed with what Harley could do first time out of the blocks in that genre’.
If they ditch that ridiculous front abomination and a couple of bugs, that thing rocks IMO.

I would wait to see how the HD reliability holds out, I have read of a few issues, not big deals but when the exhaust header melts the coolant hose.... really!

In Canada, the Pan America start at $25K, compare that to the Aprilia Toureg 660 twin that starts at $14,600 CDN.

As far as off road capability the Tourage will leave the HD in the dust. And the HD weighs in at 568 lbs wet, as a comparison my 1972 Eldorado weighs 566 lbs wet.
The HD is more than 100 lbs heavier than the Toureg (449 lbs wet advertised) and the Guzzi V85 TT wet weight advertised at 507 lbs. If I was after a solo ride adventure bike with real off road capability I think the new Aprilia has to be one of the top pics.
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #7 on: September 25, 2022, 07:48:48 PM »
I owned an extremely modified '08 KLR 650.  I'll take the '22 V85TT over it every time.  Cruise Control, shaft drive, and no issues with curvy roads.  Very confidence inspiring. 
2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
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Offline Huzo

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2022, 08:10:23 PM »
I would wait to see how the HD reliability holds out, I have read of a few issues, not big deals but when the exhaust header melts the coolant hose.... really!

In Canada, the Pan America start at $25K, compare that to the Aprilia Toureg 660 twin that starts at $14,600 CDN.

As far as off road capability the Tourage will leave the HD in the dust. And the HD weighs in at 568 lbs wet, as a comparison my 1972 Eldorado weighs 566 lbs wet.
The HD is more than 100 lbs heavier than the Toureg (449 lbs wet advertised) and the Guzzi V85 TT wet weight advertised at 507 lbs. If I was after a solo ride adventure bike with real off road capability I think the new Aprilia has to be one of the top pics.
Yeah Jim.
We’ve both just spent quite a bit of time on European roads both small and mega large, fast Autobahns and Autostradas. You’ll doubtless have seen the dominance of big “dual purpose” bikes doing road duties.
I think a hell of a lot if riders are now selecting KTM 1190’s, BMW 1250’s, Honda Africa Twins and the like for long distance highway work.
Really, who buys a Kawasaki ZX14 R, Hyabusa or similar mega road bike these days ? Sure you’ll see them, but not en masse…
That Harley needs some ironing out for sure, but HD are not stupid or averse to listening to customer requests, who knows, they may do a Guzzi V100 trick and give the punters what they want…!
The melting hose was/is unforgivable and somewhat perplexing, but they’ll sort it.
The race rep thing is dead and stone cold now and I think considering what Harley had in the dual purpose niche before the Pan America to now, they have catapulted themselves forward a long way relatively speaking.

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2022, 07:33:39 AM »
I owned an extremely modified '08 KLR 650.  I'll take the '22 V85TT over it every time.  Cruise Control, shaft drive, and no issues with curvy roads.  Very confidence inspiring.

Your talking cherries and watermelons trying to compare the Tuareg 660 with the Pan America.  One would require less human strength to man handle in the rough stuff, and the other would be more comfortable getting to the rough stuff. 

The "Adventure" category is very wide, spanning from street bikes that have the adventure bike look, to full on dirt bikes that have the adventure look.  Take your pick based on the type of riding you are going to do.

I was torn between the V85TT and the Tuareg 660.  In the end I decided that the Tuareg would make me think I could go places I have no business going alone. 

To me, the Adventure touring bikes like the R1250GS, Pan America, Multistrada V4, Super Tenere, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, etc. are better left to the expert riders who can still bench press 300 lbs. 
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Offline Clifton

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2022, 09:54:59 AM »
I owned an extremely modified '08 KLR 650.  I'll take the '22 V85TT over it every time.  Cruise Control, shaft drive, and no issues with curvy roads.  Very confidence inspiring.

I have to agree, had two KLR's myself and have no interest in another one. I also had two Africa Twins, a 2016 CRF 1000 DCT and 2020 CRF1100 6-speed. I liked the 16 until the forks developed stiction but did not like the tube tires and no cruise. I really didn't like the CRF1100 for a number of reasons and actually traded it in on a 2021 V85TT. If I was to have only one motorcycle it'd likely be a V85TT because it's fun to ride on all kinds of roads, has great range, 60+ hp at the wheel is ample for my kind of solo riding, LED lights, cruise, shaft drive, tubeless wheels, sturdy top-load panniers, easy to work on, and pleasing to just look at while enjoying a beverage at the end of the day.
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Offline Huzo

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2022, 10:25:31 AM »
I reckon my Norge is an adventure bike, by virtue of the fact that I’ve had a lot of adventures on it.

Offline Canuck750

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2022, 11:49:56 AM »
I reckon my Norge is an adventure bike, by virtue of the fact that I’ve had a lot of adventures on it.

You nailed it Huzo!

Outside of my vintage Italian bikes the motorcycle is a tool to take me on and to adventures.

A saying my long time riding buddy uses is "I love my motorcycling, not my motorcycle".

That said, for a 'modern' motorcycle I have chosen the best tool I can afford / find for the purpose. When my wife told me that she wanted to get back into long distance touring in 2016 we chose the BMW K1600 GTL, in my wife's opinion it was the most comfortable passenger bike she sampled and it had the handling and power I liked. I chose my first KLR 650 back in 2008 after riding to Mexico and the copper canyon on a BMW R1150RT and finding there was no hope of any support / service in central Mexico outside of the KLR 650. I have ridden to the Arctic circle several times and dipped the wheel in the Arctic ocean on a KLR 650, again because it is the most popular bike in the north country and there is a chance it can be serviced if need be in remote places, not that the KLR has ever let me down.

There are many, many bikes with a better spec than the lowly KLR 650, but I have yet to find one that is as durable and more importantly widely supported in the out of the way places. The BMW 6 is comfortable and quick and great for two up, but if I was contemplating a trip to South America or Africa it would not be coming with me.
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #13 on: September 26, 2022, 11:58:17 AM »
You nailed it Huzo!

Outside of my vintage Italian bikes the motorcycle is a tool to take me on and to adventures.

A saying my long time riding buddy uses is "I love my motorcycling, not my motorcycle".

That said, for a 'modern' motorcycle I have chosen the best tool I can afford / find for the purpose. When my wife told me that she wanted to get back into long distance touring in 2016 we chose the BMW K1600 GTL, in my wife's opinion it was the most comfortable passenger bike she sampled and it had the handling and power I liked. I chose my first KLR 650 back in 2008 after riding to Mexico and the copper canyon on a BMW R1150RT and finding there was no hope of any support / service in central Mexico outside of the KLR 650. I have ridden to the Arctic circle several times and dipped the wheel in the Arctic ocean on a KLR 650, again because it is the most popular bike in the north country and there is a chance it can be serviced if need be in remote places, not that the KLR has ever let me down.

There are many, many bikes with a better spec than the lowly KLR 650, but I have yet to find one that is as durable and more importantly widely supported in the out of the way places. The BMW 6 is comfortable and quick and great for two up, but if I was contemplating a trip to South America or Africa it would not be coming with me.

A lot of caveats in your post which shows there is not one perfect bike for every type of riding and rider, but there is the perfect bike for a specific ride for each rider.

2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2018 V7 III Carbon Dark #0009 of 1921
2018 Road Glide Special
2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2017 Suzuki Van Van 200
2009 Harley Davidson Softail Custom

Offline Canuck750

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2022, 12:33:23 PM »
A lot of caveats in your post which shows there is not one perfect bike for every type of riding and rider, but there is the perfect bike for a specific ride for each rider.

Indeed!
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline Clifton

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #15 on: September 26, 2022, 01:43:31 PM »

.....There are many, many bikes with a better spec than the lowly KLR 650, but I have yet to find one that is as durable and more importantly widely supported in the out of the way places......

I changed from KLR's to DR 650's and never looked back. The Suzuki only has a 3.5 gallon tank and doesn't come with a rear rack but I added a rack, skid plate, soft bags, Sargent seat, and IMF 5 gallon tank on the one I left in Arizona to ride around the west. I prefer the DR for a few reasons; it's lighter, the air-oil cooled motor seems a bit stronger and I've never heard of one that uses oil (neither of mine nor my friend's did but all of our KLR's did to varying degrees), the overall Japanese build quality vs the 2008+ made in Thailand KLR. The DR motor utilizes a gear driven counter-balancer vs the KLR's bicycle chain driven balancer......
24 Stelvio
21 V85TT
22 Goldwing
20 XT250
14 CB1100
93 R100R

Offline Cam3512

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #16 on: September 26, 2022, 02:26:08 PM »
The V85 does everything I ask it to.  No need to look further.  As far as “2 up”, that ship has sailed.  I ride motorcycles by myself, to be ALONE!
Cam in NJ
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Offline Sykestone8886

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Re: V85 TT test ride
« Reply #17 on: September 26, 2022, 02:48:53 PM »
I’ve had the pleasure of taking the aprillia Tuareg for a ride albeit only 30 miles and no off road, it truly is a wonderful machine, plenty of power but after looking into service and ease of maintenance I’m going with the v85 tt I don’t want a bike that I have to tear half of it apart to do a valve adjust , I like the ease of guzzi maintenance!!!
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