The V85 is a new direction for Guzzi... And probably not for me.

[twowheeladdict]

I’ve never ridden a Guzzi...but I can see myself owning this...

Buy one now.  They aren't made anymore.  Still some leftovers out there to be had. 

[Kev m]

Ha ha, so I second the motion to continue this discussion ad nauseum at a brew pub!

That said, I'm sorta the opposite in some ways. I like something in every bike I ride and the complaints or niggles take time to come out. Sometimes I WANT to like a bike and I ignore the niggles for the first couple or 10 thousand miles. But eventually I have to admit defeat or disinterest.

Meanwhile, I took some time today to continue to stalk the Guzzi demo fleet.

I would have ridden the V85 again, if there weren't others who were more interested in it. So to be true to myself I rode the V9 and V7III back-to-back.

It both solidified how much I like the V9, but at the same time how unwilling I would be to get rid of one of our V7s to get one.

Then again it reminded me how the V85 feels like more a V7 motor than a V9, just a freer, higher, revving version with more hp.

Maybe the V85 is more a middle ground between a Duc and a Guzzi smallblock.

In contrast the V9 reminds me more of a Guzzi big block. I wonder if there's a flywheel difference?!?

Oh and the V7 is more nimble while the V9 more stable than each other. The V85 is both nimble and stable, but feels much different from both.

[kingoffleece]

Thank you, I'll have another!

[jas67]

I met Kev M at Wide World West Chester yesterday for the V85TT demo event.

Guzzi have a winner on their hands with the V85TT.

The first thing you notice when you turn the key on is the TFT display, which has excellent contrast and very easy to see.

A tap of the starter button, and the engine comes to life.   It is unmistakably a Guzzi   

Changing ride modes is a little tricky at first.   It is weird to press the starter button once the engine is running.  You have to "double click" the button to get it to change modes, for the first change, then each subsequent push within a second of the first "double click" toggles through the modes.   "Off Road" mode disables rear ABS, which, is excellent, as the rear brake is a valuable tool in getting around tight corners on loose surfaces.

Like the V7III it has a very light clutch feel, easily as light as many bikes with a hydraulic clutch.    Power from the 850cc twin is smooth with a good linear pull from about 3000 RPM to 7500 RPM.    Torque feels similar to that of the V7III, but, goes about 1,000 RPM higher than the V7III.    That said, the V7 is a lighter bike, so, this motor definitely makes more torque.   Please Guzzi, put this motor in the V7!

The chassis is quite good.   Despite not being a simple swing arm, and not a CARC, or any other kind of parallel linkage or anything like that, I didn't notice any jackshafting under power or engine braking.   The people running the demo said they had the preload on the lightest position.  No mention was made of damping adjustment, if it even has it, or if it does, what it was set to.    The rear felt firmer than my R1200RS (which has Ohlins, and is tuned to my liking), and also firmer than other ADV bikes I've ridden.   I'd expect it to be a little more compliant than it is.  It is fine for on-road, but, might be a little harsh on some hard-pack washboard off-road.   An Ohlins or WP shock would likely be just the thing.

The front suspension, an inverted fork,  is a good match for the rear.    I didn't, or course get to really test its capabilities on the guided test loop, but, expect it is good.

Brakes are what you'd expect from dual Bremo four-piston calipers on what look like 300 or 320mm floating discs.   They're a two finger affair with a light lever and good modulation.

As others have said, it has light, nimble handling, yet is quite stable at speed.

It has cruise control!     I wish this could be added to the V7III!    I have only one bike with cruise, my R1200RS, and it is a HUGE wrist saver.   

Ergos are standard upright ADV.   Bars are high enough for good control when standing on the pegs, as you'd do on true offroad riding, but still very comfortable when seated.

If I didn't already have my R1200RS, I'd likely be buying one of these for a touring mount.   It is all-day comfortable, and has cruise control, and the Adventure model has good luggage capacity.

While I was riding it, I was pondering which bike I could sell to make room for it -- kind of like deciding which of your children to sell.   

If I had the time to go do actual ADV riding, this would be my pick.   It is much lighter than BMW's R1200GS, making it, IMHO a better off-road mount, and shaft driven, vs, the F850GS's chain drive, which is a clear win in my book.  Chains and dirt are never a good combination.

It is competitively priced against the F850GS, and many thousands less than the R1200GS.

I would suspect that a road-going variant, think modern day Breva or 1200 Sport, would make me weak in the knees.   And a V 7 IV with this motor, along with cruise control, "take my money!"

[egschade]

Kev - it seems you've been focusing on the engine comparison and ergonomics but how about the suspension? The one thing on my V7 III I'm a little disappointed in is the suspension. My cranky back craves a plush ride (like I had on my GS) and the V7 is more on the harsh side when encountering the lousy, lumpy NJ pavement. How did the V85 feel on bad pavement?

Yes, I could sink a couple grand into improving the V7 suspension but I'm thinking it might be better spent as a down payment on a more compliant riding bike.

[egschade]

Kev - it seems you've been focusing on the engine comparison and ergonomics but how about the suspension? The one thing on my V7 III I'm a little disappointed in is the suspension. My cranky back craves a plush ride (like I had on my GS) and the V7 is more on the harsh side when encountering the lousy, lumpy NJ pavement. How did the V85 feel on bad pavement?

Yes, I could sink a couple grand into improving the V7 suspension but I'm thinking it might be better spent as a down payment on a more compliant riding bike.

Of course JAS67 answers my suspension/ride quality question as I'm submitting it. Thanks for the great write up!

[jas67]

I made this a separate post, because I didn't want to take away from my V85TT review.   I expected to like the V85TT, and was not disappointed.    I do like it a LOT.

The rear surprise for the day was the V9 Bobber Sport.   As Kev M said in his initial review, the engine feels like it has more low-end grunt than either the V85TT or V7III.    It is noticeably quicker than the V7III, and at least feels quicker off the line than the V85TT.   

I expected that fat front tire to have a heavy feel in turning, but, it was actually quite light and nimble feeling.  I guess that makes sense, as it is on a 16" wheel, making the overall diameter the same as the 18" wheel on the V7.   I still think it is a bit goofy looking, but, it was quite enjoyable to ride.

The Bobber Sport has its wide flat handlebar mounted in clamps  similar to those on the V7, where the regular bobber model has riders that raise it up about 2 to 2 1/2 inches and adds pullback as well.   The regular Bobber that was on the floor inthe showroom must have been a left over 2017, as the foot peg position was several inches forward of those on the Sport.   I would definitely NOT be happy with those ergos.    The foot peg position of the Sport is maybe an inch forward of the V7 III.    Overall ergos feel quite close to that of the V7 III.   The angle of the sides of fuel tank  is quite odd between the knees though, I don't feel that I can comfortably grip the tank between my knees in spirited riding.

The small, thin seat is quite gripping, and didn't feel overly hard as you might expect from such a thin (thickness, not width) seat.  Under acceleration I felt myself slipping rear-word, not due to the seat being slipper, but, was moving inside my Aerostich overpants.

I can definitely understand why Kev M is smitten with this bike. 

Guzzi needs to put this (or the V85) motor in the V7!

[jas67]

Of course JAS67 answers my suspension/ride quality question as I'm submitting it. Thanks for the great write up!

The V85TT suspension is definitely more compliant than that of the V7 III, which, is much better than the earlier V7 models.

[Kev m]

You're right Eric. The truth is I'm not very needy when it comes to suspension so I didn't concentrate on it. Jay is in a better position to comment on it anyway.

[twowheeladdict]

Kev - it seems you've been focusing on the engine comparison and ergonomics but how about the suspension? The one thing on my V7 III I'm a little disappointed in is the suspension. My cranky back craves a plush ride (like I had on my GS) and the V7 is more on the harsh side when encountering the lousy, lumpy NJ pavement. How did the V85 feel on bad pavement?

Yes, I could sink a couple grand into improving the V7 suspension but I'm thinking it might be better spent as a down payment on a more compliant riding bike.

If you like everything else about the bike, just upgrade the suspension. 

I have yet to own a bike that didn't need some type of upgrade whether it was seat, brakes, suspension, windshield, pegs, or all of the above. 

As I am aging and riding more for pleasure than obsession I am finding myself gravitating toward the adventure style bikes because they don't limit where I am willing to ride.  Nice quiet farm roads and wildlife management areas with no traffic are a pleasure to ride and supple suspension is a necessity.

[s1120]

You're right Eric. The truth is I'm not very needy when it comes to suspension so I didn't concentrate on it. Jay is in a better position to comment on it anyway.

I think that's the takeaway right there..  Its so good it just doesn't become a issue at all...  I felt no want to change anything about it at all in the short ride I took..  It was just right. Granted bolth the V85, and V7 are better then my 02 stone..... 

I think the real take away from this is that right now... I think Guzzi is making a amazing bike, and really the complete line of bikes are a winner...  They might not have a bike for every market segment... but what ones they do... they fit it great.


Just as a aside.....  When I was at Americade and doing demo rides.... there was NOTHING in the honda line that I had any interest in riding at all..  I know they are all number one and all...  But really..  I cant help to think they are missing the mark on a lot of things.

[roadscum]

I think that's the takeaway right there..  Its so good it just doesn't become a issue at all...  I felt no want to change anything about it at all in the short ride I took..  It was just right. Granted bolth the V85, and V7 are better then my 02 stone..... 

I think the real take away from this is that right now... I think Guzzi is making a amazing bike, and really the complete line of bikes are a winner...  They might not have a bike for every market segment... but what ones they do... they fit it great.


Just as a aside.....  When I was at Americade and doing demo rides.... there was NOTHING in the honda line that I had any interest in riding at all..  I know they are all number one and all...  But really..  I cant help to think they are missing the mark on a lot of things.

Maybe, maybe not. It depends how important a good suspension, ride quality, handling, etc. is to the owner. For me the V7 III Special required fork emulators and an upgrade to top notch Wilberss shocks. NO suspension fits all riding styles, rider weight/load, road conditions, etc... As always,YMMV.

Paul

Paul

[Kev m]

Maybe, maybe not. It depends how important a good suspension, ride quality, handling, etc. is to the owner. For me the V7 III Special required fork emulators and an upgrade to top notch Wilberss shocks. NO suspension fits all riding styles, rider weight/load, road conditions, etc... As always,YMMV.

Paul

Meh, with that level of pickiness with regards to suspension I don't believe you would have been satisfied with any "off the shelf" bike.

[twowheeladdict]

Meh, with that level of pickiness with regards to suspension I don't believe you would have been satisfied with any "off the shelf" bike.

The Triumph Trophy SE with its electronically adjustable suspension was the best I ever owned.  The sport mode was spot on, and the comfort mode soaked up the concrete roads with aplomb. 

Sure wish they made a version of that bike with less weather protection.  I couldn't stand it if the temps hit 80 which around here is 6 months of the year. 

[pete roper]

I’ve never ridden a Guzzi...but I can see myself owning this...

There are a lot of Grisos out there at stupid small money at the moment. What are you waiting for?

[Litre1000]

There are a lot of Grisos out there at stupid small money at the moment. What are you waiting for?

I’ve been buying & riding Victory motorcycles since 2003. So I’ve become “conditioned” to a test ride before I buy. That’s not the case with Guzzi. Here in N. IL, you don’t get to test ride a Guzzi. If you buy it and end up not liking it, you’re gonna be stuck with it for a long time due to the brand not being very popular here. So if I’m buying on looks alone, I’d really rather have a red 97 1100 Sport. At least if I don’t like riding it, I can just sit back in a chair, sip on a beer, and enjoy its beauty! I know, I know...the Griso will outperform the Sport every way imaginable. Or so I’ve read.....

[tcunnien]

I went to West Chester PA this past Saturday to try out the V85. I have been looking for something to replace my Norge. It seems to be gaining weight as I am getting older and getting harder to move around the garage and parking lots. For me unfortunately my initial impression is that I may have to take the V85 off the list. The test ride ride loop was about 20-25 minutes long with a good mixture of paved road types. We had freeway, in town, rural back roads, roads with some great curves so you did have a chance to sample many of the bikes handling and power characteristics. I really loved the bike, it felt light, nimble easy to move around the parking lot, with my 30 inch inseam I could reach the ground with the balls of my feet not the tiptoes which was good. There was some confusion if the bike I used a had the low seat or the normal one so I can't say with certinty which one I was on. The problem I had with it is that I found it to be somewhat buzzy in the handlebars, with the result being my hands were numb after about 10 minutes into the ride. The mirrors also were somewhat buzzy also I could make out things but as you would expect the higher the rpms the less I could see clearly. For those of you that have ridden these bikes I was on the gray colored one. I would be curious if anybody else noticed this. This is a deal breaker for me as I don't want to spend that kind of money and try to sort out that kind of problem. My plan is to wait until next spring when I retire and try one again after the excitement dies down and dealers have had them on the floor for a bit. I am hoping that what I experienced might have been due to riding a bike that has been ridden rather harshly due to it being part of the demo fleet put into a trailer at the end until the next event and then repeat with little or no maintenance in between. I am hoping that the production bikes might not be as buzzy for me. I am hoping as I really liked the bike and it would suit me if only....... Like I said I am hoping.
 

[Kev m]

I went to West Chester PA this past Saturday to try out the V85. I have been looking for something to replace my Norge. It seems to be gaining weight as I am getting older and getting harder to move around the garage and parking lots. For me unfortunately my initial impression is that I may have to take the V85 off the list.

<snip>

There was some confusion if the bike I used a had the low seat or the normal one so I can't say with certinty which one I was on. The problem I had with it is that I found it to be somewhat buzzy in the handlebars, with the result being my hands were numb after about 10 minutes into the ride. The mirrors also were somewhat buzzy also I could make out things but as you would expect the higher the rpms the less I could see clearly. For those of you that have ridden these bikes I was on the gray colored one. I would be curious if anybody else noticed this.

So AFAIK there was NO lower seat available on any of the demo bikes. Though the rep did say that they have the preload set low for extra sag on them. I also thought, and I think Cam can confirm or deny this, that when at Hamlins he pulled two of the rubber bumpers off one of the seats temporarily to simulate a lower seat. But he definitely said on Friday in West Chester that they were the standard seats.

I'm a little surprised about the buzziness. I don't recall that, nor did I recall either Cam or Jay remarking, but all three of us rode the two McDonald's editions and none of us rode the gray one so something could be wrong or different on the gray one. Or it's just a difference in perception I really can't say. But mirrors, yeah, I don't recall them being blurred at all.

[Zinfan]

So AFAIK there was NO lower seat available on any of the demo bikes. Though the rep did say that they have the preload set low for extra sag on them. I also thought, and I think Cam can confirm or deny this, that when at Hamlins he pulled two of the rubber bumpers off one of the seats temporarily to simulate a lower seat. But he definitely said on Friday in West Chester that they were the standard seats.

I'm a little surprised about the buzziness. I don't recall that, nor did I recall either Cam or Jay remarking, but all three of us rode the two McDonald's editions and none of us rode the gray one so something could be wrong or different on the gray one. Or it's just a difference in perception I really can't say. But mirrors, yeah, I don't recall them being blurred at all.

I rode both the gray and yellow one back to back.  I did not notice any handlebar buzz on either bike and I was looking at the mirrors on the gray bike during my ride and thought they were very clear compared to my Stelvio's mirrors.  I've never ridden a Norge so can't compare that to what I saw.  I will report back once my bike is in my hands and have had a chance to ride it more than 20 minutes on surface streets of L.A.

[hauto]

I rode the yellow with bags and the grey V85 on Friday.Two up on the yellow one the front end had a slow speed wallow.Probably due to the preload set soft and a passenger on the back.I thought the grey one was a bit of a freak.It ran great.I never felt any buzz in the bars.I wasn't over wellemed  with the mirrors,the view was kind of chopped off. If my current life situation was different(trying to sell a house and move) I would of put a deposit down that day.

[kingoffleece]

That's what  mirror spacers are for.  And aftermarket seats.  And suspension if you'd prefer.  Some tweaking is to be expected for any machine that does not come with adjustability from the factory.

[Cam3512]

I rode the Ronald McDonald with bags.  The stock seat had the rubber bumpers removed to lower it some.  NO buzz in the bars.  Sat on the grey one that the rep said had a higher seat.  Definitely felt the height difference.  I ordered the factory lower seat for mine.  The more flat foot, the more better.  For me.  We have about the same inseam.

[tcunnien]

It was good to see the feedback from others that rode the bikes. It has always been interesting to me how different people get different responces from riding the same machine. I have no doubt that I am someone who for some reason is just more sensitive to vibrations when it comes to my hands. After I rode the V85 I took out the V7. Hands were fine for that test ride. Who knows?

[frans belgium]

I went to West Chester PA this past Saturday to try out the V85. I have been looking for something to replace my Norge. It seems to be gaining weight as I am getting older and getting harder to move around the garage and parking lots. For me unfortunately my initial impression is that I may have to take the V85 off the list. The test ride ride loop was about 20-25 minutes long with a good mixture of paved road types. We had freeway, in town, rural back roads, roads with some great curves so you did have a chance to sample many of the bikes handling and power characteristics. I really loved the bike, it felt light, nimble easy to move around the parking lot, with my 30 inch inseam I could reach the ground with the balls of my feet not the tiptoes which was good. There was some confusion if the bike I used a had the low seat or the normal one so I can't say with certinty which one I was on. The problem I had with it is that I found it to be somewhat buzzy in the handlebars, with the result being my hands were numb after about 10 minutes into the ride. The mirrors also were somewhat buzzy also I could make out things but as you would expect the higher the rpms the less I could see clearly. For those of you that have ridden these bikes I was on the gray colored one. I would be curious if anybody else noticed this. This is a deal breaker for me as I don't want to spend that kind of money and try to sort out that kind of problem. My plan is to wait until next spring when I retire and try one again after the excitement dies down and dealers have had them on the floor for a bit. I am hoping that what I experienced might have been due to riding a bike that has been ridden rather harshly due to it being part of the demo fleet put into a trailer at the end until the next event and then repeat with little or no maintenance in between. I am hoping that the production bikes might not be as buzzy for me. I am hoping as I really liked the bike and it would suit me if only....... Like I said I am hoping.
 

To my knowledge, there is only one seat available (lower seat was promised), so imho you had the 'normal' seat.
No buzzing on my bike, no numb hands.  Of course it's a Guzzi, not a 6 cylinder Gold Wing, so you get a bit of blur in the mirrors at certain rpm's.  And if you feel trouble in your hands coming up (autobahn after xxx km), there is the blessing of the cruise control.
I suppose your demo was not tuned correctly?

[twowheeladdict]

I’ve been buying & riding Victory motorcycles since 2003. So I’ve become “conditioned” to a test ride before I buy. That’s not the case with Guzzi. Here in N. IL, you don’t get to test ride a Guzzi. If you buy it and end up not liking it, you’re gonna be stuck with it for a long time due to the brand not being very popular here. So if I’m buying on looks alone, I’d really rather have a red 97 1100 Sport. At least if I don’t like riding it, I can just sit back in a chair, sip on a beer, and enjoy its beauty! I know, I know...the Griso will outperform the Sport every way imaginable. Or so I’ve read.....

I have made purchase contingent on the test ride. They knew I was a serious buyer. Optionally, find a used one to test ride. I've told dealers that wouldnt let me test ride that I will look for a used one to ride, but if I like it and the price is right I will buy the used one. Sometimes that changes their mind.

I showed up at one dealer on a test ride of a competing bike and said I really like it but am still interested in the bike he has and was just doing sitting comparisons. When he saw that he might lose a sale he decided to let me ride it and i bought it.