Author Topic: Interesting review of the V85TT...  (Read 7659 times)

Offline twowheeladdict

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Interesting review of the V85TT...
« on: February 21, 2020, 07:45:54 PM »
Give it a few minutes before you decide to shut it off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gde6-bnS3cg
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Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2020, 07:58:54 PM »
Good vid. Certainly starts out a bit negative but then comes to understand Guzzi. Its a fair statement around the 4:15 mark where he says Guzzi made a retro Adventure bike and how Guzzi does not think inside the box or even make sense.

One of the better videos out there but still not enough to make me want a V85TT.
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Online rtbickel

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2020, 09:39:26 PM »
Ride one for an hour and it might change your mind :evil:
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Offline Zinfan

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2020, 11:18:06 PM »
They must cost a lot more in South Africa since that seemed to be all they wanted to talk about.  I'm not sure I agree with their "riders are probably rich quirky ones or those that have another adv bike" analysis, by all accounts the V85 is selling well to all sorts of riders.

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2020, 11:18:06 PM »

Online Huzo

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2020, 11:23:51 PM »


One of the better videos out there but still not enough to make me want a V85TT.
If you’re waiting for someone to talk you into it, then you don’t want one anyway.
In that respect it’s like taking a piss..

Offline blu guzz

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2020, 04:49:18 AM »
I liked it.  Seemed an honest review.  I loved at the end how the old farts who I guess didn't ride it didn't understand its attraction.  In the states, the V85 is priced very aggressively against the other bikes he mentioned.  My Adventure was $11,900.  A comparable Africa twin would have been at least $15,000 and similar for many of the others (790KTM, Rotax Beemer) with the bags and a screen. What makes this such a good deal for me is the luggage.  A similar set with the brackets would cost two grand.  The screen is OK for summer use, so I invested $200 in a CalSci large screen.  Other then that, no additional money spent.  Every Beemer I bought needed at least $500 for a seat and $200 for a decent screen.  I have never met any South Africans, but they sound like a fun bunch. 
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Offline blu guzz

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2020, 05:17:01 AM »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPliKG3rrHkoint:

This one is good as well, very realistic from an actual owner at 4,000 miles.  He brings up a very valid point: If you want a shaft drive in under 1000cc, there are no other choices.
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Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2020, 05:39:22 AM »
Ride one for an hour and it might change your mind :evil:

Or it may not. I did a 20 minute test ride on mixed roads and its simply wasnt the bike for me.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2020, 07:17:48 AM »
Ride one for an hour and it might change your mind :evil:

Which is why I opted out of the test ride when sitting on one at the dealership.  I could see that bike replacing both the Himalayan and V7III if I need to reduce my bike count. 
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Offline Johncolleary

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2020, 08:20:18 AM »
I ride a Stelvio and when I test rode the V85 it just does not compare in my opinion.  If it handled as well as the stelvio I would consider it but the stelvio has spoiled me.  I rented a 800GS for 4 days in the pacific northwest and I hated it, nothing to compare to the stelvio. 
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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2020, 08:28:52 AM »
I have never ridden a V85 so my opinion is just that and not meant exclusively toward this particular bike. That being said, I have found during my life’s adventures that I have never found, in any aspect of mechanics, that hybrids, all purpose, cross overs etc are not very good at either of the jobs they are designed for. I had a fish and ski boat as an example. Owners of the bike in question please don’t take offense as not intended and maybe someday will ride one and see for myself.

Offline Moto Vita

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2020, 09:07:02 AM »
I have never ridden a V85 so my opinion is just that and not meant exclusively toward this particular bike. That being said, I have found during my life’s adventures that I have never found, in any aspect of mechanics, that hybrids, all purpose, cross overs etc are not very good at either of the jobs they are designed for. I had a fish and ski boat as an example. Owners of the bike in question please don’t take offense as not intended and maybe someday will ride one and see for myself.

 Did your boat work better for skiing than a dedicated fishing boat? Multiple specialized pieces of equipment will of course be better for their intended purpose, but for people who actually use their equipment for multiple purposes and can't, or don't want to, purchase, maintain, and store, multiple pieces, compromised, versatile, equipment makes sense.

Offline Tusayan

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2020, 09:14:55 AM »
I think the appeal of adventure bikes is that people have found they work better for sport riding on tight real world roads than sport bikes, and can also do a little off road work when necessary.  This goes right back to the 70s when for example Cycle Magazine did articles on people converting Enduros to sport bikes and waxing sport bikes on the street.  The appeal is not them being an acceptable compromise, but instead that they are the best thing available for one particular job...  and unlike sport bikes also have additional dirt road capability thrown in as an added benefit. Stick a set of touring hard bags on them and they have a second additional capability.
« Last Edit: February 22, 2020, 09:19:07 AM by Tusayan »

Offline s1120

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2020, 09:35:50 AM »
Once agean a reviewer moaning the lack of 150HP, high tech multivalve motors with liquid cooling and speed shifters on every bike produced.. He did have some points, but IMHO the modern bike reviewers do more harm then good to the buyer... Only pushing that "next best thing" for the manufactures.
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Offline Tusayan

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2020, 09:41:29 AM »
I haven’t had the perspective on motorcycles that these guys have for so long that I can hardly remember.  I probably outgrew it in about 1988. 

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #15 on: February 22, 2020, 09:47:38 AM »
Once agean a reviewer moaning the lack of 150HP, high tech multivalve motors with liquid cooling and speed shifters on every bike produced.. He did have some points, but IMHO the modern bike reviewers do more harm then good to the buyer... Only pushing that "next best thing" for the manufactures.

I agree.  Where I ride my Van Van 200, I would not want anything else.  Where I ride my Road Glide I would not want anything else.  I could see the V85TT become the compromise between the Himalayan and the V7III though.  I will say though that there is an element of excitement that comes with 160 HP at your disposable.  If I lived in the straight road states I would probably want some acceleration beast whereas for the tight twisties outside my door, is a waste of money for me. 
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Online lazlokovacs

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #16 on: February 22, 2020, 10:29:00 AM »
the old adage I always heard was

ride a guzzi for an hour and you won't get it, keep riding and after about a a day or two you'll get it. And probably never ride anything else.

Seemed like the south african bloke was going through that exact process, fun to watch!




Offline s1120

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #17 on: February 22, 2020, 10:34:47 AM »
I agree.  Where I ride my Van Van 200, I would not want anything else.  Where I ride my Road Glide I would not want anything else.  I could see the V85TT become the compromise between the Himalayan and the V7III though.  I will say though that there is an element of excitement that comes with 160 HP at your disposable.  If I lived in the straight road states I would probably want some acceleration beast whereas for the tight twisties outside my door, is a waste of money for me.

Agree..   There is always more... and will always be more. Thats what the push is. But sometimes you lose the joy of less, when you always strive for more..
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Offline s1120

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #18 on: February 22, 2020, 10:38:28 AM »
the old adage I always heard was

ride a guzzi for an hour and you won't get it, keep riding and after about a a day or two you'll get it. And probably never ride anything else.

Seemed like the south african bloke was going through that exact process, fun to watch!

I remember the day it hit me...  I liked them since a test ride in the early 90's..  But just got my first last winter. A few weeks into riding it, im on a mountain road with it, and it came to me... you know... this is a lifetime bike...  Not a stepping stone to the next..  There will be others, and I will adapt the one I have to suit me..  But really I would have no reason for wanting to get rid of it. It can be adapted, it can be fixed.. it can be whatever I want it to me.. 
Paul B

Offline keener

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #19 on: February 22, 2020, 12:01:48 PM »
the old adage I always heard was

ride a guzzi for an hour and you won't get it, keep riding and after about a a day or two you'll get it. And probably never ride anything else.

Seemed like the south african bloke was going through that exact process, fun to watch!


i think a good review ........and also i would say the best of motorcycles are ones that you ride and within that hour ...you know you want it ....  My Griso was this way way for me an hour and a bit i was hooked , never ridden a V85 yet could be the ticket..
« Last Edit: February 22, 2020, 12:16:56 PM by keener »
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Offline kingoffleece

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #20 on: February 22, 2020, 12:15:13 PM »
I don't believe it's even remotely possible to test ride a motorcycle for a short period of time and come to any meaningful conclusion as to what it's real nature is or how it compares to what we all have and have ridden for 1000's of miles.  Unless, of course, you're either a professional motoscribe (idiots, most of them) or need 150 plus rear wheel power.  Nothing can account for either of those scenarios.
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Offline keener

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #21 on: February 22, 2020, 12:28:13 PM »
I don't believe it's even remotely possible to test ride a motorcycle for a short period of time and come to any meaningful conclusion as to what it's real nature is or how it compares to what we all have and have ridden for 1000's of miles.  Unless, of course, you're either a professional motoscribe (idiots, most of them) or need 150 plus rear wheel power.  Nothing can account for either of those scenarios.


Well each to there own opinion  ...eh   all the bikes I have I really liked/ loved initially after an hour or two, I didn't have to get to know them  ...and have kept them and eventually I have added aftermarket to keep up with my intentions.  :grin:
Nothing to do with HP although it does help  :   
« Last Edit: February 22, 2020, 12:42:55 PM by keener »
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Offline kingoffleece

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #22 on: February 22, 2020, 12:34:28 PM »
It's all good.  Sort of like the guy who marries the first girl he dates.  It can work, but the trend is not friendly.  It matters not. No observation is 100%.  Motorcycles, as is most of life itself, best plotted on a bell shaped curve.  And something about we enter and leave the world in mostly the same way-crying and messing out pants.  I say a English pint of strong :boozing: ale for everyone!
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Online Huzo

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #23 on: February 22, 2020, 12:37:06 PM »
excitement that comes with 160 HP at your disposable.
Your licence is disposable, did you mean disposal..?

Offline Zinfan

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #24 on: February 22, 2020, 06:34:17 PM »
I find the seating position and handling of my V85 to be much better for me than that of my Stelvio (sold).  Now the down low grunt and torque of the Stelvio isn't something the V85 can match but I find I do like what they have done with the overall package.  I owned a Tiger 1050 for a few years and while I liked the bike I never really used all that power for anything so I sold it and bought a 2013 V7 which suited me better.

 I remember when the BMW F800GS was just coming out for the first time and I drove up to the Bay Area for a test ride excited to see what it was about.  That was a bike that I rode for 30 minutes and didn't want to buy, just not right somehow.  When the V85 test ride program was touring the country last year I rode my Stelvio 220 miles down to the shop for the test ride. I got two 20 minute rides on the V85 and went in and placed my deposit on one, it just worked for me.  Just before listing my Stelvio for sale I took it for a ride to make sure everything was correct on it and once I got off it I had no doubts that the right thing for me was to sell it and have the V85 as my only ride.  No regrets on owning the Stelvio at all but for me the V85 works best.  YMMV.

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #25 on: February 22, 2020, 08:34:45 PM »
Did your boat work better for skiing than a dedicated fishing boat? Multiple specialized pieces of equipment will of course be better for their intended purpose, but for people who actually use their equipment for multiple purposes and can't, or don't want to, purchase, maintain, and store, multiple pieces, compromised, versatile, equipment makes sense.
Yes it did do a better job as a ski boat than a fishing boat and it did do a fare job at both but not great at either same as an adventure bike more than likely for me. I see your point Sir.

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #26 on: February 22, 2020, 09:39:12 PM »
Your licence is disposable, did you mean disposal..?
Typing on a phone while waiting in line.
2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
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Online Huzo

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #27 on: February 23, 2020, 12:12:05 AM »
Typing on a phone while waiting in line.
That’ll do it TWA.... :thumb:

Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #28 on: February 23, 2020, 05:57:27 AM »
I don't believe it's even remotely possible to test ride a motorcycle for a short period of time and come to any meaningful conclusion as to what it's real nature is or how it compares to what we all have and have ridden for 1000's of miles.  Unless, of course, you're either a professional motoscribe (idiots, most of them) or need 150 plus rear wheel power.  Nothing can account for either of those scenarios.


Like tasting foods sometimes toy need to try things several times do develope a palate for them. Other foods it only takes one small bite to know its not for you. The V85TT is my Hákarl.
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
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Re: Interesting review of the V85TT...
« Reply #29 on: February 23, 2020, 06:18:08 AM »
I wouldn’t think anyone could find out anything new or interesting that hasn’t been covered already.
You either want one or you don’t, what’s anyone going to be able to say that’ll sway any considered opinion that you already hold ?

 

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