went to look for V85 almost came home with V100

[SemperVee]

We finally made it through two hours of busy Seattle 405 traffic to our small Guzzi dealer in Bellevue to sit on a V85 TT Travel just came in stock, but  once arrived and sitting on it I was more interested in the 2024 Stelvio sitting next to it! It was more comfortable to sit on than the 2025 V85 TT Travel and had lots of electronic goodies to play with. My frame of reference is two DL1000 Vstroms with 45,000 combined riding miles. The V85 sat taller than I expected for some reason. I am not a weak guy, 5-9 and 200 lbs of previous competitive powerlifter strength, but lifting the 24 Stelvio off the sidestand felt heavier than I expected. I actually felt most comfortable on the V100 S with gold wheels  set with the handlebars and low seat. It felt very similar to my Norge in comfort. This was the S model with semi-automatic suspension, which I really would want if I purchase something new. Decisions, decisions. My girlfriend is encouraging me to buy a new motorcycle so I can work less on the Norge and have more time for other things. To consider buying new with a warranty after two hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic and traveling less than 60 miles, I really have to think hard since the BMW dealer is only half the distance if I go that way, and of course, Harley-Davidson is always nearby, though known for the now worst horrible reliability with the Pan America. Or find a late model guzzi out of warranty. The new water-cooled engine is so compact and clean-looking in person. I was not impressed by pictures alone, but sitting in one and looking at it, they are beautiful in their own new way even water cooled.  It is done so artistically it's breathtaking in it's beauty the new engine seen in person and in both the V100 with bags and Stelvio!  WOW  decisions decisions, great problem to have.

[PeteS]

If you rode them all, that might clinch your decision. I also found the Stelvio too heavy compared with the V85. Test rode the 2025 V85 last year and thought it had plenty of power and bought one. This year I rode the V100 and now am looking to get one of those. I think if gravel roads are not your thing then you would be more than happy with the V100. I will still keep the V85 as I think its more versatile, handle larger luggage and go off road but for highway cruising the V100 will be hard to beat.

Pete

[SemperVee]

If you rode them all, that might clinch your decision. I also found the Stelvio too heavy compared with the V85. Test rode the 2025 V85 last year and thought it had plenty of power and bought one. This year I rode the V100 and now am looking to get one of those. I think if gravel roads are not your thing then you would be more than happy with the V100. I will still keep the V85 as I think its more versatile, handle larger luggage and go off road but for highway cruising the V100 will be hard to beat.

Pete

I'm still quite attracted to the 2025 V85 travel as it seems "just right" and still air cooled and possibly easier to maintain.

[bronzestar1]

I'm still quite attracted to the 2025 V85 travel as it seems "just right" and still air cooled and possibly easier to maintain.

There's no doubt the air-cooled model will be easier to maintain than the newer water-cooled ones.  Just think of what Guzzi had to add on a water-cooled bike:  radiator, hoses, water pump, t-stat, temp sensor, etc.  All of those could be potential leak spots...not an issue with the air-cooled bikes.  I had a '23 V7 Stone Special Edition (just sold it, going to get a '26 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory) and a '24 V100 Mandello Navale, and the V7 definitely has the traditional Guzzi character, the V100 not as much.







 

[ridingron]

I'm still quite attracted to the 2025 V85 travel as it seems "just right" and still air cooled and possibly easier to maintain.

I've put 400-500 K miles on water cooled bikes. Never had a problem. Maybe because they were Hondas?

[blu guzz]

I think you have trouble with water cooled bikes when the maintenance is neglected and the bikes have aged a bit.  This is true to a degree with an air cooled bike as well, but a failure usually has a more drastic and immediate consequence on a water cooled bike.   If it springs a leak, you may be stuck where ever you happen to be at the time. 
My largest concern would be if they are using plastic parts instead of metal for connectors and junctions.  I wouldn't put it past them if they could save a nickel to use plastic.

[PeteS]

Never an issue with three water cooled bikes. Honda Goldwing and Kawi KLR might have just added coolant. Zero maintenance required on my 2011 Triumph Tiger. If you want to quibble about maintenance, talk about adjusting overhead cams with shims vs pushrod engines with screw adjusters.

Pete

[bronzestar1]

"...My largest concern would be if they are using plastic parts instead of metal for connectors and junctions.  I wouldn't put it past them if they could save a nickel to use plastic.

I had an MV Agusta F4 750, and it ran way too hot for my liking.  Ended up replacing the plastic radiator fans with metal ones; replaced the OEM water pump that had small plastic vanes with one that had larger metal ones; wired a bypass switch for the radiator fans; and flushed the cooling system with distilled water and refilled with Engine Ice coolant.  Hoses were fine, t-stat was good, and that solved the overheating problem.  On an air-cooled bike like a Guzzi V85, probably only things you'd have to do is add an oil cooler, and maybe a deeper oil pan, that's it. 

[steven c]

 I really like my 2020 V85 but I do miss the power of My 06 Buell Uly that I had.

[SemperVee]

Actually just filled my second space next to the 07 Norge  with a new to me well taken care of original owner low mileage 2003 Cali EV Hydro.

[Motormike]

Even the big touring Harleys are water-cooled these days.

[Air-Cooled]

Even the big touring Harleys are water-cooled these days.

Only the exhaust area of the head is water cooled.  The cylinders are entirely air cooled and both the heads and cylinders still have the classic and functional cooling fins.

[SemperVee]

 For me this is moot now as the empty space has been taken up few days ago bu a surprise 03 Hydro Cali EV.  That will keep me busy for a bit.