Had mine a month now love it, makes me smile every time i am on it, Ive put a top box on it, added an extra mud flap extender to the front wheel and Kickstand Enlarge Plate Pad. Has great low end torque, i dont want speed, i want to enjoy the ride and this one ticks the box.🤩
73 years old here, many many motorcycles in my life and I must say this one is one of my all time favorite, probably my favorite. I got some Guzzi engine guards and had them chromed for a little bling. Also the softer / lower seat as I’m 5’8”. . The X Steam windshield extension , no buffeting, works really well. Center stand and enlarged kick stand foot for softer ground. Got the front mud guard like you. I have the pivot foot pegs. the first 2000 miles I got to the point that I just couldn’t take the noise coming from those Michelin Anakee any more. I put some Continental Trail Attack 3’s on and couldn’t be happier. I’m in Northern California on the coast and twisties is the way here.
I think you summed the bike up perfectly.....A hugely characterful, mid capacity adventure bike with shaft drive sounds very appealing! Sometimes it requires a bit of bravery to opt for something quite so different, but I should imagine that every time you rode your V85TT you would feel a real sense of occasion. Thanks for the review.
Hi Mark! I just bought a V85tt travel today and I love it! Your awesome reviews helped me as always with my decision. I appreciate your informative, no nonsense style of reviews. Cheers!
Thanks Mark! As always, a very informative and entertaining review. Your reviews helped guide my motorcycle purchase 6 years ago, and i've been watching ever since. I've been planning on buying a v85tt Travel for my next bike, so I was happy get your professional opinion on it. Cheers!
Hi Mark, a really good video and an in depth review. Just enjoy watching your videos and the lovely sunny weather you seem to have luck on your side. Keep em coming Mark and ride safe sir regards Gary.
I enjoy watching your reviews along with Missenden Flyer. I was thinking how the English roads don't do justice to these bikes until the 12.45 minute mark when you could've been in Australia. I take it all back.... another fantastic review 👍
Thanks yes there are some good roads in the uk you have just got to pick your places and times .... Scotland Wales peak district etc are amazing best regards mark
I have just test ridden the 2023 v85 with the wife on the back and was blown away. What a fantastic machine, comfortable, great on fuel, great looks. Lovely low down torque and at 63 years of age easy to get on and off. My days of big adventure machines are gone 1200gs and a few fjrs. Wish I had tried one years ago.
@@GS-xg4nz it's difficult to say, they are very different bikes. Our gs was an 07 so one of the last pushrod engines and before the gs became so wide at the front that they look more like a puffa fish than a bike. The v85tt feels a lot narrower and easier to manage by hand, lovely engine but the GS has more torque and dare I say it more presence on the road. In an ideal world I would have both but not a newer GS, no later that 08, for me a slimmer plain no gadgets tourer with ABS removed.
This bike is on my watch list for sure. My BMW K1200RS is a great bike and I love the power but at 65yo w/two knee replacements the riding position is getting to me so I need a more "upright" seating position. Also my trout fishing takes me to some minor off-road places much more suited for this style bike. The thought of buying a new bike puts me off a bit, I'd rather have someone else blow the dust off it, but the 2021 features over the 2020 are hard to pass up. Cruise control, ABS and shaft drive are KING in my book. I think I'd also opt for the factory center stand. Great Review Mark, Thanks! Cheers
Brilliant bike, very much reminds me of my R80GS /R100GS used to be - a long range adventure bike you motor down highways and backroads. I did on mine a lot. Sort of bike in Australia that made more sense than a sports bike.
Great review Mark. Very cool motorcycle, would be nice if it had a bit more get up and go. Wonder if they will eventually put the motor from V100 Mandello in the V85TT.
Nice one Mark. This is a bike I have my eye on. Great looking bike with a bit of character. I had discounted it for 2 reasons, 1. There's only 1 dealer in the West of Scotland 2. Tubed rims. Now they've sorted the rims there's only one reason left😁. I'm hopefully going to change my bike next year and this model will be on my hitlist to try. Great review as always. Thanks for posting.
Great review. I was tempted by the Breva 1200, from a few years back but thought twice because of power to weigh ratio. Loved the torquiness of this. You’ve managed to make me re rethink. Cheers 🤔
It's so ugly that ends up being beautiful! That exhaust sound is quite distinct and adorable as well. Definitely the kind of bike you buy and give it a name!
I picked up a 21 Nero V85TT and love it. Most of the other similar sized (T7, Etc) were impossible to find during the pandemic. Only downside for me is the seat and that’s only because I’m of an bit old school dirt bike rider. I would rather have a flat seat with more room to shift positions on. Not a pinion rider so I don’t really need this style of seat. However it is a fun bike to ride and is plenty quick for my uses. I upgraded the pegs with Pivot Pegz, added a center stand and pannier racks. Now once I get rid of these street tires for some that are capable in the dirt, “Lucy the Guzzi” will be set for adventure.
I've got the 2021 Nero black special edition. Its a great bike - lots of fun to ride with real character. So far no reliability issues at all - it seems better finished than the new KTM's and is way more fun to ride. .Its very comfy to match the incredible range of the bike. It can be ridden very hard in the corners and still keeps its shape - just be careful as its easy to catch the peg or your boots when you lean it over! Downsides - its not very fast in a straight line as the shaft drive eats up a lot of the power, the gearbox is clunky and I found it needs aftermarket pegs as they are very small if you are gonna stand up and ride. That's about it - some people make the mistake of a getting a larger aftermarket screen but its truly better with the smaller screen that some editions come with as you really wont be tearing along at 100mph very often!
I've got a 850 V7 which has the same motor (albeit de-tuned) in a different chassis with more basic suspension and brakes and I love it. Grunt, comfortable, light clutch, character, enough power for l'il ol' me (recognising that more aggressive / sporting riders may want more), relaxed but sure-footed handing - it's great fun on A and B roads.
Hello Jim I’ve had the 2021 V7 850 Special for 6 months now and 4500 miles and really enjoying it; has a nice lower seat height where I am 69 years old now 5’7 and a 29 inseam; just last week I purchased my second Moto Guzzi a 2022 V 85 Centenario ; I’m having the dealer put a 1 inch lowering kit into the suspension front and rear to bring it a inch lower and removing 3/4”rubber bumpers under seat to lower it a little more within my reach; it’s been 35 years since I decided to start riding again and being 100% Italian I am a bit biased towards Italian Moto Guzzis; Take Care John
Thanks Mark, good review. I have had this bike (Travel version) since October and really Love it. I have had a 1200 GS Adventure and the new Triumph Tiger 900 Rallye Pro, but the V85TT ticks every box for me. The sound is great, its comfortable, it looks good and it has a big tank and is shaft driven...happy days. Regards, Alex
Could you compare the Tiger 900 RP and MG V85tt in a few sentences? I'm very interested In these two bikes.. but the main problem is.. I can't test none of them..
Tiger did everything, was powerful and looked pretty good, albeit didn’t particularly turn heads. It had a small fuel tank and was chain driven. The Guzzi looks amazing, slightly lower, but not lighter with a big fuel tank and shaft driven. The Tiger’s quick shift was superb and there isn’t this option on the Guzzi, although the switch gear is to a very high standard and is a dream to ride, at a slower pace. The Guzzi is much more characterful with that V Twin, transverse air cooled block, plus it’s cheaper.
@@AlexEdwards1973 that's the first thing I'm looking for in the bike... Character! So many transformers out there :D .. second thing would be comfort,.. for a pillion as well. Can you tell me one more thing.. which one is more comfortable?
The new model has cross-spoke wheels taking tubeless tyres. Big upgrade. I wouldn't entertain any road bike with tubed tyres. Bit heavy, but I bet it's stable. As far as adventure bikes go, I like the look of it, although I don't like the screen. Naked for me. Another thorough review.
Never even heard of moto guzzi before. (Just my ignorance, they actually exist in America!) Nice looking bike, reminds me of the old school can am colors. All bikes should have cruise control and I love that this has it. I like that the engine does that BMW shake thing, lol. Speedo is nice and visible. Just needs an automatic gearbox and I need to grow an inch.
Demo'd one and loved it. Only thing I'm not crazy about is the frequent valve checks. They need to put hydraulic lifters in it. With that change, I'd have one in a heart beat.
@@MyMednas True, but as much as I ride, it would be inconvenient. For people who only put 6k miles a yr on and only need to do it once as a winter project, it would be acceptable. I would need to do it 3 or 4 times a yr.
The valve checks are easely done with how the engine is and all models until the 2021 year have been recalled for new valves, the titanium valves had a design fault wich they rectified with new ones that should go longer without checking
My BMW GSA 1250 engine doesn’t move sideways, the old air twins did though😆. I think it’s a great bike which is appreciated by a growing group of riders who are a little tired of the obsession with horse power. On the road torque is king and I do hope they do a water cooled version with the new 1100 engine from the Mandello. High torque and about 115hp would be perfect.
Hi ...all my info I get is from moto guzzi official site , Motorcycle news, Ultimate specs etc....and they all call this engine a transverse v twin ...I agree with you that the crank is longitudinal down the length of the bike but the cylinders are transverse ie across the bike and it's the cylinders in question here I believe ...have a look at all the descriptions on the top sites on this bike and they all call it transverse Thanks for watching and your comment cheers mark www.motoguzzi.com/gb_EN/models/v85-tt/v85-tt-evocative-graphics-850-v-twin-4s-2021/ www.motorcyclenews.com/amp/bike-reviews/moto-guzzi/v85-tt/2019/
That's a lovely bike but the wind noise caused by that screen was noticeable so I don't see the point. I had to remove the screen on my Meteor for the same reason, much better without it. Nice review Mark.
Thanks James yes sometimes bikes with no screens can be quieter wind wise than ones with ...I found that screen was a bit low for my liking Anyway great bike to ride Cheers mark
Mark, excellent review as usual. You really deserve many more subscriptions imho. Always on the look out for my next bike and shaft drive with character are important features for me. Definitely on my list. ATVB.
Always fancied a Guzzi but have been put off by stories of poor finish and cookey electrics. I suspect that won't matter though it's a nice bike and a change from the usual choice. Actually having seen the review I want one. You're in my neck of the woods.
I'm sure they have sorted it now Tim with these latest models the finish looks excellent and the dealership told me they don't have any back in that go wrong :) Cheers mark
Hi as it's a low reving v twin it feels relaxed at most speeds,even at higher speed it's only doing like 4/5k rpm in top gear ....only thing I'd change is the screen ...I'd highly recommend it .... lovely to ride Best regards mark
it's my first bike. 4500 miles since July. have done some 250-280 mile days on it and still remains comfy for my 6ft frame. On paper it could do with more power but in real world riding its not an issue. if i can't keep up with friends its because of my ability not the bikes power. Brakes great. Lights great. more costly than equivalent Japanese bikes but you pay your money and take your choice.
Hi Mark, Many thanks for the informative review. this is definitely a front runner for my next bike...would you take over a tracer 9 gt or vstrom 1050xt? Cheers 👍
I was concerned when my bought my nearly new Guzzi in 2009 as I’d also heard tales of poor finish and reliability issues. After 12 years I can report the finish and reliability has been similar or superior to the previous Japanese and Triumph bikes I’ve owned. I’d happily buy another.
I almost bought (own a 2016 MG V7 Stone) but bought a 2020 KTM 790 Adventure S instead last December 2020. When I test rofe the V85 I found it top heavy at a stop (almost droped the bike). The KTM was better balanced and handled way better. Also the KTM was more of a cross betwen a sports touring/adcenture bike, more power, and lighter weight. The plus on the V85 was that it was air-cooled and shaft drive. But the KTM was more fun and overall a better choice IMO. just saying
Longitudinal Vtwin, Mark, the crank is what matters. Actually everything is longitudinal crank, transmission and drive shaft. Makes a lot of sense... Andy B
@@markpulling12 Agreed, the marketing guys make up BS as they go. I was mainly trying to highlight how it is made differently but in a consequent good engineering way. Andy
Nice lookin bike I must say I like this V twin better than the Boxer of BMW to look at I know someone who had an earlier model of this and he sold it because the big engine service that includes top end was gonna cost him an arm and a leg . good review though Mark cheers . : )
I was thinking of getting this but found four things that I couldn't live with after my test ride...Tall seat (and i own a BMW GS)...Where the side stand is... the screen is not that protective against the wind and the TFT central display is too small for me considering how much space is not used on it overall... NEC this year may show the new touring bike. Never understood why other bike companies don't have a shaft drive mid-range bike like this.
Not a transverse V-Twin. Harley Davidson is a transverse V-Twin. The Moto Guzzi is an inline V-Twin. This is to do with the direction of the crankshaft, which on the Moto Guzzi is inline with the direction of travel of the motorcycle. Another way to think about it is, would you describe a V-8 engine in a US muscle car as a transverse V8? Well if the crankshaft went side to side, like the transverse engine in an Austin Mini, then it would be a transverse V8.
Thankyou for your comment this is copied directly from guzzi.com Pared-back, functional and a dream to handle, the V85 TT transforms even the most banal everyday excursion into an adventure. Its clean, sculptured lines showcase the Mandello eagle's pride and joy: the transverse 90° V twin air-cooled engine with OHV distribution and two valves per cylinder best wishes mark
Hi Matt. ....well it's a brilliant jack of all trades bike ...often forgotten in today's market of super expensive bikes I had a 2014:model and the engine is punchy smooth and very economical 70 mpg ,go for 2011 MY onwards , extremely reliable ,I did my first on board reviews on one have a look ! Cheers mark
I owned a Moto Guzzi Monza in the 80's. In many respects, the nicest bike I have owned, but badly let down with dreadful electrics. I never knew if it was going to start, and it blew fuses constantly. I like this bike, and the new V100 is stunning looking, but I just can't bring myself to consider them. It's a shame really, as there is something special about riding them.
Many thanks ,they probably have got the reliability sorted now ,bit like Ducati really....I Know what you mean, a very different riding experience ... looking forward to the v100 ... cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Maybe. Or maybe not. MCN have a V7 on long term test and today reported a starter motor problem. A little hint by those in the know traditional problems still exist perhaps?
reliability pretty much sorted these days, their engines bullet proof for years, now with Aprilia electronics. Sold my Griso at 90,000ks no issues, California custom 1400 I now have has been all over Europe \ Africa.
Is it possible to achieve 3,5/L/100km or 80mpg at 50mph or 80kmh constant speed in 6 gear solo ride without the panniers..I m 179 100kg...on nice flat open asphalt road??
@@markpulling12 oh fab mate. Its poss my next bike although am 6’1 but really love the bike. Your reviews are just best on here imo. I have a friend in Spain who goes to rallyes all over Europe on the older V7, never had an issue in 80000kms, think their electrics have been sorted.🤞i ve said it before but thank you for all your hard work and quality u provide. I have currently had double foot surgery so i am salivating on u tube. I have a shortlist to test drive when recuperated and there is a guzzi dealer 18 miles away. I love the look of that v100 but dont want water cooling if poss so jkeeps maintenance to a minimum. Cheers safe riding
@@rogerwilliams2902 An engineer explained that it was caused by the shaft drive in a you tube video years ago and he went into detail how it was caused . It's too many years for me to remember the title of the video but that's where I got the information from .
@@PhilipKerry Sorry mate, but when the throttle is blipped, the torque reaction tries to rotate the engine around the crankshaft, hence the turning moment. The shaft drive is stationary , so does nothing . Most of this torque reaction comes from the thrust from the pistons to the cylinder walls , the longer the stroke the more the thrust. ( if my memory still works ! ).
Detailed review but please can you use any other descriptive word than "nice"? Saying everything is "nice" just makes it sound middle of the road or bland!
