2025 V85 TT Travel review after 750 miles

[ssrealty]

V85 update
Just wanted to give update on my new V85 Travel TT. I rode Twisted Sisters in Central Texas and have 750 miles on odometer.

I sold my 2014 Ducati MultiStrada 1200 with 34,000 miles after owning nine years and purchased new. I spent more in maintenance, tires, chain replacement, and 30,000 mile service the past two years than what I sold bike for. The 15,000 mile valve service requires 8-10 hours of labor.

I was looking for a more affordable bike. I have a 2017 V7 Stone that I purchased new and have 21,000 miles on odometer. It has been the most reliable and least expensive bike to maintain that I have owned to date. I love the shaft drive and thought the V85 would be a more affordable bike to own and maintain.

The V85 TT Travel has the heated seat/grips, more riding modes, custom riding mode, side bags, MIA multimedia system, 6-axis inertial platform with ABS cornering, cruise control and larger tourer windscreen. Below are comments and features of the V85.

Screen
The screen is much better than previous V85 model. All readouts are legible during day with bright sunlight and at night. The contrast allows everything to be read with a quick glance.  The top of the screen shows time, outside ambient temperature, heater grip and heater seat status, riding mode, and miles remaining on tank of gas. Unlike my Ducati MultiStrada, you don’t have to toggle switches to see these items. Navigating the screen options is very simple and intuitive.

Suspension
The suspension soaks up bumps and handling is nimble. The MultiStrada may handle slightly better with more aggressive riding with 17” front and rear ties. For leisure riding, I did not notice any handling differences between the Ducati MultiStrada and V85 TT.

Cruise Control
Very easy to use. This is a game changer on long rides. The Ducati MultiStrada did not have cruise control. The display will show the speed setting you saved cruise control for. Click the switch to left to activate. Once activated, you can toggle speed up or down in 1mph increments. Cruise control will deactivate by pressing clutch, pressing hand brake and rear brake, and reversing throttle up. Smoothest of these options is using clutch lever. The cruise control light will remain on and blink constantly when not engaged. Click switch to left to shut off. Turning cruise control on and off requires you hold switch 1-2 seconds. One click to set cruise speed. It is easy to accidentally turn off if you press the button longer. Cruise control works great; however, when going down a hill and decelerating, the system is jerky and not smooth. It is very noticeable and almost feels like something is wrong with bike.

Tip… When cruise control is not activated, the 1mph up and down switch will toggle riding modes on the fly. You don’t need to close throttle to change riding modes.

Side Luggage
I like the side luggage bags much better than the Ducati MultiStrada. They open/close and can be removed more easily. My C4 modular Schuberth helmet fits on the larger right bag on non exhaust side. There are hanging straps that hold the lid level in place while you place items in area. The ignition key works with the side bags. There are two key locks on each bag- one to open and close lid, and one to remove bag from mount.

The top case is not available until next year, and it is very expensive- around $899. I assume the ignition key will work but am not certain.

Brakes
Front and rear brakes work well. The front brakes are not as powerful as the Ducati MultiStrada. Ducati has weak rear brakes and require frequent bleeding if not ridden for longer periods of time. Rear V85 brake is much better, and I have never had bleeding issues with V7 rear brake.

Windscreen
The windscreen is adjustable while riding. It takes a good effort to push screen forward to move  up and down. This is a much better design than previous V85 model. I did not notice a huge difference in wind buffeting between low and high screen settings.

Clutch and Transmission
The clutch lever is light. I never had any false neutrals, and getting into first was easy- never had to hunt to find neutral. It does not make a big clunk noise when you go from neutral to first gear. Downshifting worked flawlessly and was easy to rev match. Transmission shifts smoothly with nice tactile clicks and feedback between each gear change.

Phone MIA Connectivity
The V85 TT travel includes the multimedia option. I have not used this extensively. You have to download the Moto Guzzi app and connect to the bike via Bluetooth. I listened to music, but did not receive or make any calls. The left switch will play/pause music, and the up and down keys will move to next or previous song.

Ergonomics
I have the low seat option. I am 5’10” with a 30 “ inseam and struggle to flat foot on most adventure bikes. The lower seat helps. I think the V85 weighs a little more than the Ducati MultiStrada and is top heavy like any other adventure bikes especially with large tanks. The riding position is very comfortable, and the seat was comfortable. I use an Air Hawk cushion for longer rides. I always have to be careful when coming to a stop to balance the bike due to weight.

Fuel Consumption
Surprisingly, the V85 does not get better gas mileage than my Ducati Multistrada which has a much larger 1200cc engine and around 140 HP. I can get around 50 MPG on the MultiStrada riding 60-70 MPH. So far, I have averaged about 46 MPG on the V85. Maybe gas mileage will improve when engine is broken in.

The Travel edition has a six gallon tank. You should be able to ride 250 miles on a tank if not more. When you fill up, the miles remaing on top of display reads 255 miles. The readout does not lower mileage remaining for about 15-20 miles. I have only had the low fuel light come on one time with frequent fill ups. I think there as 1-2 gallons remaining in tank when low fuel light came on.

Heated Grips and Seat
The heated grips work and are adequate. The Ducati MultiStrada in highest heat mode provided more heat. However, I have only ridden in temps as low at 55 degrees. I have not tested in freezing temperatures.

I love the heated seat. I was concerned seat would not heat through the Air Hawk cushion, but it did. I think the heated seat works better than the grips.

Engine and Drivetrain
I love the transverse V air cooled engine and shaft drive. Engine may be old school with pushrod valve system, but it is very easy to adjust the valves- no shims or removal of cams needed for adjustment. The engine covers can also warm your hands at a stop in cold weather.

The engine has tons of character and plenty of low end torque. I find myself shifting gears sooner and not having to max the revs up to gain speed or accelerate quickly. Air cooled also means lighter weight and fewer parts since there is no water pump, hoses, or radiator. Again, lower maintenance and cost of ownership. I also like the gun metal grey valve covers.

I hope this is helpful for anyone looking to purchase a V85 TT Travel.

[blu guzz]

I think you will find that everything improves as it builds miles.  When I had a V85TT, I found that not having the cases on it helped the mileage get to 50 or sometimes a little better, but my V85 was a Euro 4 version so ymmv.  Enjoy your new bike.

[antmanbee]

Very nice informative review and comparison.  Thanks

[PeteS]

I think you will find that everything improves as it builds miles.  When I had a V85TT, I found that not having the cases on it helped the mileage get to 50 or sometimes a little better, but my V85 was a Euro 4 version so ymmv.  Enjoy your new bike.

I get 52-55mpg on my 2025 V85TT at those speeds so the bags may have something to do with the lower mileage.

Pete

[Tkelly]

Do you use premium or regular gas?My14  Stelvio ran fine on regular.

[PeteS]

Do you use premium or regular gas?My14  Stelvio ran fine on regular.

In my case I have only used premium so far in the V85. Around here thats 93 E10 or 90 ethanol free. Not going to quibble if it gets better than 50mpg. I run regular in my other newer bikes and premium in the antiques.

Pete

[Motormike]

I would think the most glaring difference between the Multi and the V85 would be the dramatic difference in horsepower and acceleration.  Well, that and cost of ownership! 

[blu guzz]

My V85 would run fine on regular, but I usually used Hi test.  In regard to the Duc, my son had a multistrada and I was so excited to ride it until I rode it.  The seat tried to push my junk into the tank.  It was a nervous feeling bike to me in that the throttle was too sensitive for my hand and so I had a hard time being smooth with it.  The handling felt too quick.  I guess I had spent too much time on Guzzis by the time he had it because I didn't like all of the things that were supposed to be highlights of the Duc. To each their own.

[MotoJP]

Is there any wind buffeting at highway speed and if so, how is it?  I'm 5'8''.

Thank you!

[YellowDuck]

Great review.  The first Guzzi I ever rode was just last month, a V85 Strada demo. I am coming from the opposite direction, with a Ducati Sport Classic (maybe 85 hp) and a Royal Enfield Interceptor (maybe 41?). I thought the motor in the V85 absolutely ripped!  I can't understand how anyone would need more power in this kind of bike.  I also found the front brakes to be very powerful, easily on par with the Discacciati setup I have on the Duc.

I agree with everything else you wrote.  I was really impressed with the screen and the various tech.  My only disappointment was that the rear suspension just about launched me over a few harsh bumps, but when I got back from the ride I noticed that the rear preload was at its lowest setting, and I weigh maybe 220 in gear so perhaps I was bottoming it out.

Anyway, I didn't order one because I am too cheap but I did fall in love with the whole MG vibe and ended up picking up a 2023 V7 stone with hardly any miles on it.  I think the Enfield's days may be numbered     I do plan on getting into a bit of touring again, so maybe a V85 is in my future at some point.  It really is such a sweet bike.

[Dave Swanson]

Excellent review, and I am happy you are getting on with it so well.  In my opinion it comes as close to being the best all around motorcycle out there that there is.   

I have thought about a MS from time to time.  Your synopsis of service costs have made me glad I never went down that path.   

[Luap McKeever]

Great early review for sure. I know what many mean about the V85 being a great all arounder. My '21 is so much fun to ride it should be illegal.

Do us a favor and come back here with your 20,000 mile review. These Guzzis get better with more miles. Enjoy!

[Vagrant]

Yellow Duck, at your weight it should have been in the second from softest on the rear. I suspect somebody had messed with the rebound and had it cranked all the way in. When adjusted right, this is great stock suspension.