2021 V85 TT Centenario E5

[Luap McKeever]

Considering purchasing one of these. Would like some objectivity on the model. Pros, cons, common issues, real world experiences, etc.

Goal is a good 50-50 bike. There's a lot of gravel roads around here that I want to ride and explore on, so handling both on and off road are a must. How capable of an off-roader is it? How about on the highway? Reliablity issues, etc.  Thanks all.

[Dave Swanson]

I can't give you much feedback regarding off road, but I am sure it will handle any gravel road in your area.  The more miles I put on my TT the more it endears itself to me.  It is the most comfortable bike I own for all day in the saddle and handles so well it never feels lacking. 

Like many of us I used to be more of a hard charger, but have been slowing down a bit in recent years to smell the roses a bit more, therefore the lack of all out punch at 70-90 is not missed as it might have been 10 years ago. 

I succumbed to V100 fever last year, and I must say I do love the Mandello, but if I had to sell one of the 2 for some reason I would keep the V85TT.  To me it checks almost all the boxes as the perfect all rounder. 

[inditx]

Well, I’m only at the 1st service interval on my 2023 but I must say that I’m still smitten.
I have 800 ft. of gravel each way to contend with on my driveway and it takes it in stride.
Weight, handling, motor, looks and functionality suit me well. And as an all-rounder, I haven't found a better example.
I’ll keep you posted.
There are some things to be done but mostly minor accessories imho.
RideOn!
inditx

[Vagrant]

Ten times better than the Quotta you were considering. Call Cadre quick. He has deals😇😇

[Matteo]

I agree with Dave. My Centenario has been comfy and capable. Eats up dirt and gravel roads. Never a problem passing on the highway. Handling is a joy.I added a taller screen, also put some plugs atop the cutouts in the front of the tank to eliminate the turbulence they created. Oxford heated grips and engine guards top off my add ons. Only thing I'd like to do is smooth out the throttle a little. I usually ride in rain mode which seems smoother around town.
Matt

[Clifton]

I'll second, or third, what Dave said. I live on a dirt/gravel road which leads to another one, that goes to a paved road, so I'm on those two every time I leave the house. In addition a lot of the little local roads I ride on are broken pavement or gravel, and the V85TT is great on them.
Once last year, after riding my T700 over various such roads, I decided when I got back to repeat the same ride only on the V85TT just to compare. I was surprised that it did just about as well, except in one section where there were ledges or steps. I made it ok on the V85 but it was easier on the T700 with its 21" front. After that I decided to sell the T700.

[piecemealadventurer]

Ive had a centenario since Oct 23, it had 5,000km on the clock and Ive added 10,000.  Completed a few off road trips in the high country here in Australia and it went well. Not as capable as the F800GSA I had but more comfortable and easier to ride in many ways
The standard Dunlop Trailsmart tyres arent great, I replaced mine with Bridgestone A41s.  If you use guzzidiag it doesn't work on this bike.
Mine is set up as a travel with tall screen, cases and heated grips

[twowheeladdict]

only limited by your skill level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fkckdil830

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOLW3-Cg7Gk

[Motormike]

And your budget to make repairs from the inevitable drops!

[sidmonsters]

Was at Cadre this weekend and can second the deal pricing!  Also talked for a while with Tim; he works there and owns one as his daily rider--110miles/day commuting.  He has high praise for the bike and I'm sure has good insights into any common issues from their sales and service experience.  Will admit I sat on one, as well as the new Stelvio.  Just having feet flat on the ground and bringing those to vertical is dreamy (comparing to my hulking 2013 Stelvio NTX).

[twowheeladdict]

Takes a beating and keeps on going.

https://youtu.be/Gotu086x2ig?si=JsHSqDRR-9GdLdm_

[piecemealadventurer]

'only limited by your skill level.'
Its a great bike and I'm very happy with it but its just not to be a heavy duty adventure bike.  Hence, it is a lot easier and comfortable to ride that the F800gsa I had.
An example of this on the F800 GSA the air intake is right up high in behind the fairing.  Ive done water crossings that are almost hip deep on the F800. On the V85tt you just cant do that because the air intake is under the seat.
I recently did a 4000km return trip a mix of sealed and dirt dirt roads in a week. The bike is a great tourer but I wouldn't take it into the Australian outback like I did on my old GSA.  That is all I was saying.  The V85tt is by far a nicer bike to ride.
https://piecemealadventurer.com/2024/01/31/a-little-trip-north-in-new-south-wales-and-queensland/
https://piecemealadventurer.com/2024/01/01/a-small-tour-in-victorias-high-country/
https://piecemealadventurer.com/2021/08/23/the-world-heritage-purnalulu-national-park-aka-the-bungle-bungles/

[grahnel]

surprised by the BMW F800GSA verses V85TT comfort comments. I own both and the V85 with full mistral is characterful and the F800 a bit soulless but one is stilled fighting fit rust free at 31000 miles with suspension that rides like a magic carpet and long distance  tireless performance in the heat of the day. The other crank sensor gap went walkabout, tipover valve failed and front discs loose at 4K.

[piecemealadventurer]

I did 80,000 hard km on my f800 it was a great bike. A bit too tall for everyday riding and I felt the very narrow front tire meant it tipped in a bit quick at times. It was a super capable bike. I find the v85 seating position just great for me, the seat is firmer which I like. The 110 front tyre gives better all round handling. I think the breaks are better that the gsa and I do like that you can set up your own custom riding mode.

Both are great bikes and have their strengths and weaknesses.

[Matteo]

Shaft drive is all I need, and a comfy seat, oh and easy maintenance that's all I need. And cruise control and 6 gallon tank, good handling and heated grips, that's all i need. And tubeless tires and........

[sunGuzzi]

Have done quite a few outback trips on my '21 Travel and crossed the Aussie continent via the dirt last year...Such a well balanced, super dependable and 'frugal on the fuel' bike for long haul remote km.

[piecemealadventurer]

Thats great to hear.
I was concerned about the air cooled engine in heavy sand.
Looks like Motoz tractionator on the bike.  They ae such hard wearing tyres