V7 or V85tt for moto traveling?

[Zimmermichaels1ea]

Okay this forum has given me great advice in the past, and now I'm leaning on all of your collective knowledge and experience once again to help me make up my mind.

Here's the setup:  I have a '23 V7 Special upon which I've traveled over 6,000 miles this summer.  Then -- quite impulsively -- I picked up a 2021 V9 Bobber Centenario with 600 miles on the clock, ostensibly for my oldest son, but if I'm being honest, I just fell in love with the Bobber and decided to keep it when my son defected to a Kawasaki 
Despite some suspension and tire problems with the Bobber, it's here to stay and I'm addressing those shortcomings.

So back to the V7 Special, I've done 4 nice, high mileage for me, weekend moto camping trips this summer.  I've purchased soft saddle bags and a tail bag from Chase Harper bags, very economical and they've done the job. The three bags have @ 75L of storage volume. The soft bags are slightly fiddly to set-up and the hold a moderate amount of gear -- just enough for a weekend trip as long as I strap my sleeping pad and bag to the seat in dry bags. I also added a Givi windscreen and a trusty Cramp-Buster for the throttle and my budget touring setup is complete.

However, I'm thinking of investing in Givi 46L Trekker side bags and a Trekker 52L top case and the associated side carrier frames and rear topcase rack, and that adds up to well over $2,000 USD!  YIKES.  Would like to get a bigger windscreen too....more $$.

So here's where I'm looking for advice and opinions:
Do I invest all this in the V7, or would I be better off selling the V7 and moving to a V85tt?  The one I'm considering has the aluminum side cases and top case.  I know that there are differences between the two 853cc power-plants, but I'm not sure what difference that makes.
Is the V85tt better at interstate highway travel?  What other factors make the V85tt better as a touring bike?  The windshield seems skimpy on the V85, and it's not much heavier than the V7. 

If anyone is interested in the Chase-Harper bag setup on my V7, I can post some pictures.

[Zimmermichaels1ea]

My V7 Special with fully packed bags for a multi-day camping trip

[Clifton]

I think I'd change to the V85TT Adventure, assuming it's a 21+, the tubeless wheels alone would be worth it to me on trips. I recall changing the rear tire on my V7 Stone and it was a bit of a PIA doing it in my garage on a lift. I remember thinking thank goodness it has tubeless wheels because this is not something I'd want to do on the side of the road to change a tube.

Anyway I really enjoy traveling on my V85. I took the trunk off and it's never been back on but I use the top load panniers along with a dry bag on the back seat and my tent on the rear rack. For shields mine came with the low and I bought a taller shield that comes on the Travel. In summer I use the low and put the tall on for spring and late fall. I use a deflector on both, both work well for me, and it's simple to swap them. The V85 is roomier and more comfortable than my old V7 but I've not compared it to the newer V7 850. And it rides much nicer on irregular pavement, gravel roads, etc.

[bad Chad]

There is only one good way to answer your question, and that's to go ride a v85.  Yes, they are all Guzzi, and of course share a blood line, but there are dramatic differences between the v7/v9 line and v85, so much so that to really understand it, one has to ride it.   You're going to get a bunch of opinions, and by and large they will likely be pretty good ones, on this issue.  But none will come close to experiencing for your self.

[Zimmermichaels1ea]

Good advice.  I do have a test ride scheduled.  I really wish I could rent a V85 for a trip!  That would be an ideal way to test.

[Kev m]

There is only one good way to answer your question, and that's to go ride a v85.  Yes, they are all Guzzi, and of course share a blood line, but there are dramatic differences between the v7/v9 line and v85, so much so that to really understand it, one has to ride it.   You're going to get a bunch of opinions, and by and large they will likely be pretty good ones, on this issue.  But none will come close to experiencing for your self.

∆∆∆ This.

And I'll add that on paper the V85 is probably hands down the winner. But I'd still take a V7.

[davethewelder]

∆∆∆ This.

And I'll add that on paper the V85 is probably hands down the winner. But I'd still take a V7.

I had a 2022 V85TT, put 18,000 miles on it and on road trip, traded mainly due to horrible buffeting. Just bought a V7-850 Stone Ten. The v7 would probably need a windscreen and the motor is sweet from 3000 to 6000, the V85TT needed to be rev’d higher to make similar performance.  V85TT suspension is way better, if you get one with luggage I’d say the V85TT is better but it’s a coin toss, have fun deciding!

[Tkelly]

Except for the short shield you have a working camping outfit that you can remove when not traveling.You will take a beating selling it if you can find a buyer so get a tall shield .If money is no object buy a new T.

[bad Chad]

From my perspective, any well looked after Guzzi, can do about everything 98% of the riders on this forum will ever ask of it.   Any made in the last 50 years can do a decent fire road, assuming the rider is up for it, some will do it far better than others, but they will all do it.  Just like any Guzzi will slice through the mid day air at 85mph, all day long, without issue, but some will do it better than others.

One of the great things about Guzzi, is that the bike can be just about anything its owner wants it to be.   We live in a golden age of ICE motorcycles, and for my money, nothing beats a Guzzi!

[blu guzz]

real cruise control on the V85 - once you have it, you will never go back.  it all depends on your inseam and ability to comfortably support the higher V85, but if you can, you probably wouldn't look back.  After market screens are easily had.  I got a Cal-Sci and it worked perfectly.

[Moparnut72]

I just purchased a '26 V7 850 Special. A vast improvement over V7lll both in power and suspension. Mine is still pretty stiff with only 400 miles but everything is loosing up nicely. I think it will make a nice touring machine roomy enough and plenty of power for passing. I don't know what additions and improvements have been made from the '24 and '25 models if any. The '26 has cruise but I haven't been able to determine for sure if the '25 models have cruise or not. I have heard both yes and no. Also there have been some confusion as to the model year designations. I believe some '24's were sold '25's. I was also told my '26 is a re-titled '25 but I don't believe that is true but maybe it is. There seems to be a lot of confusion out there in this regard. Anyway I am thrilled with mine and wouldn't hesitate a second to take off on a long trip with it. I put the CBow side case mounts on it taken off my V7lll. They fit pretty well with only some minor cutting and grinding. There are lots of cases and bags that fit these mount and they look pretty good with the cases off.
kk

[snobear]

I can't speak to the V7 but the V85 is a great travel bike with a few mods.  I have done a few 1000km days with it this year.
Better windshield and lower wings greatly improve the buffeting problem.  I swapped out the hard side panniers for some Turkana soft bags which are nicer to pack and hold more.  I moved the topbox ahead 4" as well so when my tent  is strapped on ahead of it I have a good backrest.  You will love cruise control while travelling.

[PeteS]

First requirement for a long distance bike is can you sit on it for 8-10 hours a day for weeks and still be comfortable. The V7 looks OK to me. I have ridden on smaller bikes and bigger bikes and both worked. Passing power is a plus.
I now have a 2025 V85tt and it fits me perfectly these days. Its also the first bike in many years that I don’t have to change or modify the stock seat. I did find the suspension harsh but a new shock helped a lot and fork cartridges will get installed this winter.

Pete

[Kev m]

I just purchased a '26 V7 850 Special. A vast improvement over V7lll both in power and suspension. Mine is still pretty stiff with only 400 miles but everything is loosing up nicely. I think it will make a nice touring machine roomy enough and plenty of power for passing. I don't know what additions and improvements have been made from the '24 and '25 models if any. The '26 has cruise but I haven't been able to determine for sure if the '25 models have cruise or not. I have heard both yes and no. Also there have been some confusion as to the model year designations. I believe some '24's were sold '25's. I was also told my '26 is a re-titled '25 but I don't believe that is true but maybe it is. There seems to be a lot of confusion out there in this regard. Anyway I am thrilled with mine and wouldn't hesitate a second to take off on a long trip with it. I put the CBow side case mounts on it taken off my V7lll. They fit pretty well with only some minor cutting and grinding. There are lots of cases and bags that fit these mount and they look pretty good with the cases off.
kk

The VIN is THE VIN. They can't change the model year digit or the title. It's certified for a particular model/year.

Now I can't say if any of the new ones were built to be sold in NA as 25 models vs 26.

But the DIFFERENCE between the previous 850's with the smaller throttle body and integral ECU should be stark.

If it's for cruise, is the new one with the bigger throttle body and separate ECU.

[Bulldog9]

IMO, if talking about new models (2025-2026) the most significant issue is seat height and styling.

Most Guzzistas I know who own V85's say it is the best Guzzi they have ever owned. Most have lowered their bike due to seat height. That said, I think the V85 has lost much of its edge to the V7 with the V7850 and its advances with the 2026 now having Cruise control.

The V750 has also made improvements in suspension where the OEM is liveable. The V7ii was unrideable (first ever for me), the V7iii was better and liveable, but the V750 is much better. I think it is still down on max power from the V85, and the V85 has better suspension and front brakes, but V7 improvements makes more than enough so that the differences may not matter, especially with the new V7 Sport Model line.

So it all depends on what you want for seat height and style.  I've not ridden a 2025+ model, but my $$ would be for a V7. Comes as a blank slate to allow you to add bags, screens, racks, etc as you see fit.

[Clifton]

I guess the cheapest way to tour on a new Guzzi would be start with a V7 Stone which comes with tubeless wheels and cruise then build from there. Add a windshield, rear rack, center stand, bag mounts, and luggage and this could be a pretty capable paved road tourer.

[red stripeguz]

My problem with the V7 for long trips is my butt is feeling it after 100 miles or so. The V85 seat looks like it would be better for long trips

[bad Chad]

Seats are super easy to fix.  For around $500 you can make any seat fit you anyway you want.  Don't buy a bike based on OEM seat, if you do your limiting your horizon by magnitudes.

[Clifton]

Seats are super easy to fix.  For around $500 you can make any seat fit you anyway you want.  Don't buy a bike based on OEM seat....

I agree 100%. In fact this evening I installed a foam and cover kit from Seat Concepts on my CB500X which made a huge improvement, the stock seat was pretty bad.

A couple things the V85TT has going for it is the suspension and seat are just fine. In fact it's the only bike I have with a stock seat and it's one of the best.

[kingoffleece]

Right.  Seats and screens easy to fix.
Maybe I'm the only guy to raise my V85 seat-and I'm only 5"11".
Any LD bike has to have enough room for me to dangle my legs.  5 knee surgeries will do that to a person.  No, I can't flatfoot the bike, and no, I don't care.  I seem to manage quite well and have for 20 years with the higher seat.  Mine went up 1 and a half inches.

That all said, I did plenty of 500 mile days on a 2015 V7 MK1.  It was also fine.

[Zimmermichaels1ea]

Well, I rode a V85tt.  Very nice, for my height/inseam it's right at the edge of me being able to flatfoot comfortably.  The ride was very nice, the cruise control was very cool.  Performance wise the V85 seemed very much like my V7.  To tell the truth, I didn't really notice a huge leap in performance over my V7, maybe it was a bit quicker off the line.  I didn't get out on the interstate so I'm not sure how this bike's taller touring screen would help at 70+ mph.

I did add a new windshield from Givi with a Puig extender, out on the interstate, this set-up make a huge difference!  It5 also begins to negate some of the V8tt's advantages.  It's a very nice windshield, but buffets my helmet horribly without the Puig extender.  Windshield pic below without the Puig extender.

This weekend I'm taking my V7 out on @ a 500 mile round trip overnighter cruise.  Then I'll decide on the V7 vs. V85 choice.  I must say, if my V7 had cruise control and tubless tires, I'd flat out keep it and add some nice bags!

[Zimmermichaels1ea]

Final follow up question:  Is there a way to add cruise control to a V7?

[red stripeguz]

I just really had no interest in paying for, and having, a Russell seat on the V7. I solved that problem by buying a Norge that came with a Russell seat :)

[bad Chad]

Well that works, but you really had no interest in a v7 either.

[red stripeguz]

Well that works, but you really had no interest in a v7 either.

Well shit, don't tell it to the V7 sitting in my garage, it might feel bad. :)   Different bikes for different purposes

Hopefully will be getting a V85 in a year or 2 as well (mostly for my partner)

[Kev m]

Final follow up question:  Is there a way to add cruise control to a V7?

For all intents and purposes, no.

There are mechanical throttle locks that night simulate the affect of cruise.

But the bike is not setup for actual cruise control in anyway.

Of course the NEW Ride-by-wire V7 models have it