Anyone go from a BMW R1200gs to a TT85?

[dave1068]

Hey gang,

Have a 2013 BMW GS that I like but I still like my Guzzis, Has anyone gone from the GS to the new TT85? If so, what are your thought?
Thanks-

[Huzo]

I’ve had both..

[dave1068]

Feel free to compare and contrast them and the good and bad. Thx-

[blu guzz]

The 1250GS is the 800 lbs. gorilla in the room when it comes to these types of bikes.  Although people were putting together desert sleds since there have been bikes,and the big 4 had smaller "enduro" models with lights and signals,  the then 800G/S was the start of a cross country capable machine with corporate involvement.  I would say the V85 is closest in spirit and intent to the air-head versions of the GS before these modern versions we have now with all of the riding aids.  Those air heads were simple and I find that at least for 2019, although the V85 has some riding aids, it is simple as well.  I think that is why, late in my riding career I have circled back to Guzzi.  I look forward to hearing the comparisons.
 

[SIR REAL ED]

I’ve had both..

   Sometimes.... when you ask someone "What are your thoughts?"  That's what you get!   

[wicks]

I thought, as well.

[Cam3512]

I bought a V85 because it IS a Moto Guzzi.  I don't need a comparison to anything else.

[Huzo]

  Sometimes.... when you ask someone "What are your thoughts?"  That's what you get!   

Sorry mate, that sounded terse of me..
The best word I can think of to describe what the GS lacks is..”individuality..” and that’s not necessarily a criticism.
They are so damn good that if you buy one, you can find anything and everything you need to know on line in five minutes. The Bavarian engineers have done all your thinking for you, is that a good thing..?
If YOU think it is, then yes..!
I don’t..
The GS is reliable..(So is a wooden spoon)
The GS has a nice flat torque delivery..(So does a cement mixer)
Every man and his dog has a GS in Europe..(handy for incomparable dealer support)
If you want to loan your grandmother a bike to go 800 k past the Arctic Circle... (get her a GS)
I suppose the take away message from me is that a GS will reduce to a minimum the worries that gnaw at your guts when you are alone in your tent in Honningsvag and wonder if the bike will start in the morning, that BMW symbol on the tank gives confidence that Moto Guzzi cannot provide, but it all seems too “bland and easy” on a GS.
You know..
(Whilst sitting at a cafe in Melbourne with the R1200 GS, a young bloke tumbles off his ZX 6 Kawasaki, with one left mirror and a dry chain dragging in the ground..)

“Jeez mate, where did you get the Nordkapp sticker..?”
“Nordkapp..”
“Shit I bet that’s a long way..”
“Yeah it is..”
“Yeah ‘spose, but still it’d be easy on one of those eh...See ya’...”
And he’s probably right..

Oh why did I take one to Nordkapp instead of my Norge..?
I didn’t have the balls to do it on a Wog bike, I just needed the perceived reliability and dealer support of BMW, which came in handy..TWICE..!
I went back in the next year on my Norge and never touched the spanners (wrenches)...

[Perazzimx14]

I bought a V85 because it IS a Moto Guzzi.  I don't need a comparison to anything else.

That's as valid a reason as any but of no help to the OP's question. The OP was asking IF anybody had gone from a Camhead R1200GS to a V85TT and if so what are you thoughts on doing this. He did not ask what made you buy a V85TT.

[Cam3512]

That's as valid a reason as any but of no help to the OP's question. The OP was asking IF anybody had gone from a Camhead R1200GS to a V85TT and if so what are you thoughts on doing this. He did not ask what made you buy a V85TT.

No less valid than someone with a GS and NO Guzzi, on a Guzzi forum.

[Huzo]

No less valid than someone with a GS and NO Guzzi, on a Guzzi forum.

ZING.......!!!!
Realistically, if you take in to account the on paper comparisons, the BMW can’t be placed below the Guzzi.
They are a phenomenal piece of kit and really can’t be beaten.
They are in some respects, victims of their own success, in that they are just so damn common, you become part of the “herd”, with all the benefits and drawbacks that brings.
With the possible exception of their gargantuan bulk, they are probably a better proposition for anyone who needs convincing. Personally I’d like to see a scaled down 900 cc version, instead of the parallel twin 800 with the mixmaster engine.
As soon as you get on a Guzzi, you inherit a “cred” that may or may not be desireable..
I think it is..

[Huzo]

He did not ask what made you buy a V85TT.

Well he sort of did mate..
He asked “What are your thoughts..”
And as for relevance, I read some of your posts and thought I was on Gordon Ramsay’s forum..
We’re nothing if not flexible..

[Perazzimx14]

No less valid than someone with a GS and NO Guzzi, on a Guzzi forum.

Interesting that you elude to knowing what total strangers own. 

[MacGlennon]

Yup- I’ve had both. My GS was a 2011 camhead, that I bought new from my local BMW/ Guzzi dealer. I live in New England, and that GS was what I considered, and still consider probably the perfect bike for the twisted crappy wonderful roads that predominate here. As fast as I dared ride it, that thing was unflappable and would just eat up whatever I could throw at it. Utterly reliable too- an extraordinary motorcycle.

That said, I’ve owned a bunch of Guzzis. The last 2 that shared space with the BMW in my garage were a 1200 sport and a V7lll. It’s hard to quite put my finger on it, but there is something special about them and I also like the fact that it actually is kind of a rare thing that you see one on the road. At Americade last year I think I saw only one or two other Guzzis. Anyhow, when the V85 was first announced, I knew that would be the bike for me. The GS, despite it being so awesome, it’s physical size and weight were something that was becoming more than what I was wanting. Besides I have been taking less trips and my wife was coming with me on rides less and less too.

I got my V85 in October and I’m super happy with it. Although I think it’s only slightly less heavy than the GS I’m able to move it around easier. Size- wise it’s 7/8s to the BMW which feels perfect. It handles great, better than the BMW and has all its crazy Guzziness in spades. It’s a very fun bike. Power-wise of course it can’t hold a candle to the big Beemer (the Guzzi is more of a revver too) but in my old age I’m finding that to be less of an issue. Although some have complained about the suspension I find it to be really good- no upgrade needed. Brakes awesome.

Aftermarkets a little thin, but I’m expecting that to improve. I added bags, a centerstand and engine bars. I’m thinking a windshield over the winter and that will be it. I haven’t taken a trip on it yet but I think it will tour well, although I doubt it can match the GS.

I recommend the V85- Despite my time on it has been somewhat limited, it definitely ticks all the boxes for me and even though it replaced a bike that I truly loved, I consider it a good move. 

[Perazzimx14]

Yup- I’ve had both. My GS was a 2011 camhead, that I bought new from my local BMW/ Guzzi dealer. I live in New England, and that GS was what I considered, and still consider probably the perfect bike for the twisted crappy wonderful roads that predominate here. As fast as I dared ride it, that thing was unflappable and would just eat up whatever I could throw at it. Utterly reliable too- an extraordinary motorcycle.

That said, I’ve owned a bunch of Guzzis. The last 2 that shared space with the BMW in my garage were a 1200 sport and a V7lll. It’s hard to quite put my finger on it, but there is something special about them and I also like the fact that it actually is kind of a rare thing that you see one on the road. At Americade last year I think I saw only one or two other Guzzis. Anyhow, when the V85 was first announced, I knew that would be the bike for me. The GS, despite it being so awesome, it’s physical size and weight were something that was becoming more than what I was wanting. Besides I have been taking less trips and my wife was coming with me on rides less and less too.

I got my V85 in October and I’m super happy with it. Although I think it’s only slightly less heavy than the GS I’m able to move it around easier. Size- wise it’s 7/8s to the BMW which feels perfect. It handles great, better than the BMW and has all its crazy Guzziness in spades. It’s a very fun bike. Power-wise of course it can’t hold a candle to the big Beemer (the Guzzi is more of a revver too) but in my old age I’m finding that to be less of an issue. Although some have complained about the suspension I find it to be really good- no upgrade needed. Brakes awesome.

Aftermarkets a little thin, but I’m expecting that to improve. I added bags, a centerstand and engine bars. I’m thinking a windshield over the winter and that will be it. I haven’t taken a trip on it yet but I think it will tour well, although I doubt it can match the GS.

I recommend the V85- Despite my time on it has been somewhat limited, it definitely ticks all the boxes for me and even though it replaced a bike that I truly loved, I consider it a good move.

Looking at specs on the internet both the GS and the V85 have nearly the same fuel capacity with the Camhead GS being 505lbs.  RTR and the V85 being 503lbs RTR.




 

[jas67]

Looking at specs on the internet both the GS and the V85 have nearly the same fuel capacity with the Camhead GS being 505lbs.  RTR and the V85 being 503lbs RTR.

Maybe the V85 has a lower CG, making it feel lighter?
Maybe BMW lies more about weight than MG does?

Anyone got some real-world weights?

[Kev m]

Maybe paper doesn't matter if you just plain like one more than the other?

[Perazzimx14]

Maybe paper doesn't matter if you just plain like one more than the other?

So full circle to the OP's question?

[Kev m]

So full circle to the OP's question?

Which is why we probably can't answer it for him.

[kingoffleece]

When the word "better" is removed the discussion changes.

[Kev m]

Quote from: Perazzimx14 on Today at 05:59:22 PM
So full circle to the OP's question?

Which is why we probably can't answer it for him.

Edit - actually no. The op was smarter than we. He asked a very specific question that very few here (neither you nor me) can answer. He asked for thoughts "IF YOU HAD A R1200GS AND WENT TO A V85TT"

Otherwise we're disqualified from the question.

[dave1068]

Thanks for the replies, interesting range of responses. I had a 1200 sport for a short time and Stelvio for 6yrs. Liked the Stelvio but too many problems prior to the tappet issue which only got resolved after I wrote a letter to the CEO of Piaggio in which they were done for free at my dealer. Would like to get another MG in my future, perhaps a Stornello as a 2nd smaller bike or the TT as a sole bike. Time will tell.....

[jas67]

That's as valid a reason as any but of no help to the OP's question. The OP was asking IF anybody had gone from a Camhead R1200GS to a V85TT and if so what are you thoughts on doing this. He did not ask what made you buy a V85TT.

OP has a 2013 R1200GSW (W=water cooled, sometimes called LC=liquid cooled) -- that's not a "Camhead", it is a Wasserboxer (liquid cooled).  OK, technically, still a "Cam Head" in that it is overhead cam, but, the term camhead with respect to BMW's refer to the last of the air/oil cooled 1170cc boxers that cam after the "Hex Head"  1170cc boxer.   

The Wasserboxer makes about 15 more HP than the Camhead, and better low-end torque too.

All that said, best thing for OP to do is go ride a V85TT himself.

I can sort of answer the question of comparison.   While I don't have an R1200GSW myself, I do have an R1200RS (same motor, albeit with taller gearing), and lower weight, and lower CG.  I road my R1200RS to the V85TT demo day.    Riding the V85TT, was thinking to myself, I could be quite happy with it as my main bike, and that if I didn't already have the R1200RS, I'd likely buy one to replace the F800GT that I had replaced with the R1200RS.

While the R1200RS does make a good bit more torque and HP, the V85TT definitely didn't feel weak or slow.

I also thought the V85TT felt more nimble than I remember the R1200GSW being (have ridden several)..

[Kev m]

I can sort of answer the question of comparison.   While I don't have an R1200GSW myself, I do have an R1200RS (same motor, albeit with taller gearing), and lower weight, and lower CG.  I road my R1200RS to the V85TT demo day.    Riding the V85TT, was thinking to myself, I could be quite happy with it as my main bike, and that if I didn't already have the R1200RS, I'd likely buy one to replace the F800GT that I had replaced with the R1200RS.

Answering the OP is like saying I'm 6 steps removed from Kevin Bacon....

[SIR REAL ED]

Sorry mate, that sounded terse of me..

No worries mate,  made me chuckle.  Brevity is the soul of wit.  I took it as "Strine humor."   

[jas67]

Answering the OP is like saying I'm 6 steps removed from Kevin Bacon....

Was simply comparing it a bike that is quite similar in terms of weight and power delivery, geeez.

[dave1068]

All good replies, Ill see if I can test ride one in the spring....