The V85 or the Quota

[snobear]

I have grown fond of the older Moto Guzzi's and now find myself needing to make a decision.
I have a 2022 V85 but have always been intrigued by the Quota 1100ES.
I now have an opportunity to purchase a 2000 1100ES, if I do, at the end of the day I will divest either the V85 or the Quota.

I am curious to hear from those that may have had both and how they compared.  The Quota/V85 will be my long distance traveler with a few logging and gravel roads fit in.
My tougher riding belongs to the much beloved DR650.
I have had the V85 for about 15,000 kms now and it does things well but lacks some of the old Guzzi character in my mind.  Purchase of the Quota is waiting for the snow to clear so the owner can get it out and running.

[Dave Swanson]

I only have V85 experience so I wont butt in too much.  BUT I think it would be great to have you get the Quota and do a real world side by side comparison for all of us.  I have always been Quota curious myself. 

I have a pretty good idea which one will end up staying in your garage, but it will be very interesting to see this play out. 

[PeteS]

I have never owned a Quota but recall they had some quirks. They have the EV motor with a single throttle body. Intrepid traveler Nick now has one. Hopefully he will chime in.

Pete

[snobear]

I have never owned a Quota but recall they had some quirks. They have the EV motor with a single throttle body. Intrepid traveler Nick now has one. Hopefully he will chime in.

Pete

I have communicated with Nick a bit on this one already, thanks

[Dave Swanson]

Greg Bender also has quite a bit of Quota experience.  I am sure he would be willing to share his knowledge.   greg@thisoldtractor.com

[Perazzimx14]

I have only test rode a V85 but owned a Quota. The Quota produced the most buffeting of any bike on earth. Head in paint shaker type buffeting e so violent it blurred your vision. Also wind noise that sounded like and was as loud as an Ambulance siren anytime you got to highway speeds and increased in intensity as you rolled on the throttle. Around town 2-lane back roads its was fine a long legged Adventure bike. One trip on the slab from Mid-Ohio back to Pennsylvania ruined me proper.

Shame is the 1100 motor is one of Guzzi's best and the geometry of the bike was good. But no way to cure the buffeting and the little bit of aftermarket stuff that was available for theses bikes is long gone. Even used parts are rare as there ws never a lot of these in country.

A nice clean example has popped up recently near me (maybe the same bike you are looking at) and as nice as it looks you could not pay me to take it.

If you buy the Quota and can only keep one bike it will likely be the Quota because you'll play hell trying to find a buyer for it even after you cut the price to almost nothing.

[snobear]

Thanks for the honest feedback

[Cam3512]

I have only test rode a V85 but owned a Quota. The Quota produced the most buffeting of any bike on earth. Head in paint shaker type buffeting e so violent it blurred your vision. Also wind noise that sounded like and was as loud as an Ambulance siren anytime you got to highway speeds and increased in intensity as you rolled on the throttle. Around town 2-lane back roads its was fine a long legged Adventure bike. One trip on the slab from Mid-Ohio back to Pennsylvania ruined me proper.

Shame is the 1100 motor is one of Guzzi's best and the geometry of the bike was good. But no way to cure the buffeting and the little bit of aftermarket stuff that was available for theses bikes is long gone. Even used parts are rare as there ws never a lot of these in country.

A nice clean example has popped up recently near me (maybe the same bike you are looking at) and as nice as it looks you could not pay me to take it.

If you buy the Quota and can only keep one bike it will likely be the Quota because you'll play hell trying to find a buyer for it even after you cut the price to almost nothing.

So why does your signature show you own a V85TT?  I’m tired of you bashing the brand.  Why are you here?

[Bulldog9]

I have grown fond of the older Moto Guzzi's and now find myself needing to make a decision.
I have a 2022 V85 but have always been intrigued by the Quota 1100ES.
I now have an opportunity to purchase a 2000 1100ES, if I do, at the end of the day I will divest either the V85 or the Quota.

I am curious to hear from those that may have had both and how they compared.  The Quota/V85 will be my long distance traveler with a few logging and gravel roads fit in.
My tougher riding belongs to the much beloved DR650.
I have had the V85 for about 15,000 kms now and it does things well but lacks some of the old Guzzi character in my mind.  Purchase of the Quota is waiting for the snow to clear so the owner can get it out and running.

I like to keep something NEWish in the stable at all times. By Newish, I mean less than 10-15 years old.  My vote would be V85, but depends on the state of the Quota and any issues that may make it a good long distance option.  The V85 has plenty of character, but it is SMALL Block Character, not Big Block old School like the Quota.  Keep both, and if in the US insure with Hagerty. I pay about $85/year for each of my bikes.

[snobear]

I like to keep something NEWish in the stable at all times. By Newish, I mean less than 10-15 years old.  My vote would be V85, but depends on the state of the Quota and any issues that may make it a good long distance option.  The V85 has plenty of character, but it is SMALL Block Character, not Big Block old School like the Quota.  Keep both, and if in the US insure with Hagerty. I pay about $85/year for each of my bikes.

Wow I pay over $1,000 per year on the V85 and the Quota will be similar.  Our rates are based on engine size and over 1000cc is a big jump again.
I need to get moved to the good old US so I can afford insurance.  We do have vintage insurance but it only applies to vehicles pre 1987.

[PeteS]

I like to keep something NEWish in the stable at all times. By Newish, I mean less than 10-15 years old.  My vote would be V85, but depends on the state of the Quota and any issues that may make it a good long distance option.  The V85 has plenty of character, but it is SMALL Block Character, not Big Block old School like the Quota.  Keep both, and if in the US insure with Hagerty. I pay about $85/year for each of my bikes.

I haven’t owned a Quota but have owned a well tuned ‘98 EV. The V85 loses nothing to the EV. Maybe not quite as torquey but with its six speed every bit as quick at every RPM. The Sport 1100s and four valves are noticeably more powerful though.
If a Quota and V85 were lined up at the dragstrip, my money is on the V85 by at least five bike lengths.

Pete

[inditx]

Owned both
The Quota is top heavy and tall and as one member stated, produces horrible buffeting that I never could remove. The Quota was the only bike I ever dropped with my wife on board. Fortunately it was in the grass. 
Hands down V85 
ymmv
inditx

[Bob Mehmen]

    We have over a 100,000 miles on the two Quotas we have. Have done three Iron Butt rides with them 2-up. My friend had a Quota and now has a V85TT says he prefers the V85 only because of the fuel range. The Quotas can get thirsty at times.

[Turin]

I've owned two Quotas. Absolutely loved them and I'd have another in a heartbeat.  They were great commuter bikes.  Decent touring bike, but a little thirsty. They handle much better than you would expect. I never experienced any buffeting.  I am on the tall side, maybe that has something to do with it.

[Perazzimx14]

Talk of fuel consumption on the Quota reminded that MPG on mine was erratic. I don't care if bikes are gas guzzlers or sippers but its nice if there is some consistency. I remember riding the BRP on the Quota and one tank you could go 200+ before the low fuel light came on, top up and the next tank you might go 150 miles before the fuel light came on.

I owned the Quota for a total of 5 months and put 4,503 miles on it. While ultimately I couldn't come to terms with the Quota it It did teach me that I liked the SUV's of the motorcycling world for their comfort, open ergos, handling and performance.

[davethewelder]

I had a V85TT, if it weren't for the wind buffeting....   Dont know anything about the Quota, but the V85TT is newer, handled really great, good lookin' now I kinda miss it....

[Cal3Me]

I've owned 3 Quota's and liked them all. They all averaged low to middle 40's for MPG. Lot's of travel to make them comfortable. At my height of 5' 9" never had a problem with buffeting. They all had a couple quirks when new but all things easily fixed. All in a matter of taste .......

[Vagrant]

How much agrivation are you willing to live with. Buy new. Fix nothing.

[Tkelly]

Buy the  cheap Quota and be glad you aren’t paying for US health insurance.

[turboguzzi]

I have only test rode a V85 but owned a Quota. The Quota produced the most buffeting of any bike on earth. Head in paint shaker type buffeting e so violent it blurred your vision. Also wind noise that sounded like and was as loud as an Ambulance siren anytime you got to highway speeds and increased in intensity as you rolled on the throttle. Around town 2-lane back roads its was fine a long legged Adventure bike. One trip on the slab from Mid-Ohio back to Pennsylvania ruined me proper.

Shame is the 1100 motor is one of Guzzi's best and the geometry of the bike was good. But no way to cure the buffeting and the little bit of aftermarket stuff that was available for theses bikes is long gone. Even used parts are rare as there ws never a lot of these in country.

A nice clean example has popped up recently near me (maybe the same bike you are looking at) and as nice as it looks you could not pay me to take it.

If you buy the Quota and can only keep one bike it will likely be the Quota because you'll play hell trying to find a buyer for it even after you cut the price to almost nothing.

Excellent input
A lot depends on your height (im 6'3") and personal preferences,
For instance, I was totally annoyed by my original 1000 SP fairing, replaced it with a GIVI, and then proceeded to trim it in steps until i got no more helmet buffeting, but it protects well up to shoulder height.
must have taken away something like 6", so its now more like a sport screen.
I could easily see myself having a long term relationship with a Quota, replacing my clunky 1986 R80G/s, but the german cow has also enderaing points.
If i ever end up with one, id spend some time finding a solution for the screen to fit your needs

quite a few ideas here:
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_quota_windshield_options.html

[snobear]

Well I just need to get the Quota in my shop and do some riding.  I did add wings to my V85 for wind buffeting but on the 1000SP the air flow is exceptional for my height of 5' 11".  Now I did replace that windshield with what I thought would be the same height but the new one is about an inch taller when I got it so we will see.
If the Quota has buffeting issues I am guessing some lower wings will help alot.
The info shared here has been very informative and I appreciate the feedback.
The answer seems to be I may need to keep both, dam Guzzi's are sort of making me a hoarder again when I am trying to make more shop room.

[Dave Swanson]

I am looking forward to the side by side comparisons to come. 

[Perazzimx14]

Well I just need to get the Quota in my shop and do some riding.  I did add wings to my V85 for wind buffeting but on the 1000SP the air flow is exceptional for my height of 5' 11".  Now I did replace that windshield with what I thought would be the same height but the new one is about an inch taller when I got it so we will see.
If the Quota has buffeting issues I am guessing some lower wings will help alot.
The info shared here has been very informative and I appreciate the feedback.
The answer seems to be I may need to keep both, dam Guzzi's are sort of making me a hoarder again when I am trying to make more shop room.

Gustafsson used to make or maybe still does make winglets for the Quota. I bought them and little if any improvement. For others it made a night/day difference.

I also forgot the Quota uses tube type wheels. Some riders swear by them while other myself included swear at them.

The Quota was also know for the wheels cracking at the spoke nipples and also the collector on the exhaust.

[bad Chad]

There are OEM touring shields for all v85 , as well as a plethora of aftermarket options to mitigate buffeting.

[JoeB]

Never owned a Quota but did do basic maintenance on a friends bike.
There was something going on with the efi. Stalling at idle and some hesitation coughing around 2800-3000 rpm's is all I can remember.
He had to take back to the dealer to sort it out.
They did, but I'm not sure what it was they did. Was more than settings.
After that it was fine for him.

Edit to add I don't think it wasn't an isolated incidence.

[guzziart]

Wow I pay over $1,000 per year on the V85 and the Quota will be similar.  Our rates are based on engine size and over 1000cc is a big jump again.
I need to get moved to the good old US so I can afford insurance.  We do have vintage insurance but it only applies to vehicles pre 1987.

Yikes!  The v85 is the most expensive in my stable to insure at $239/yr, for all my other junk except the 305 Dream the total annual renewal with (whatever) discounts came to $535.  The auto & homeowners insurance is a completely different story though...unfortunat ely.
Art

...oh, I never rode a Quota but like my '23 v85 although I'm one of those characters that thinks there's too much buffeting behind the screen even with mouse ears, winglets & Cal Sci screen.  Maybe that business has been cured in the newer v85's. IDK.