A comprehensive, no-nonsense review, many thanks. Just passed my A2 here in France. Read the A2 V85 is also excellent as the torque is not affected much. Top of my list!
Since the 70's, Guzzi everytime over a Beemer. Even several police forces thought so. The first non American bike purchased by an American police dept. I'm a mc mechanic, There has never been a nicer engine designed to work on or build. Wonderful.
No, enjoyable bike, just not enough power for me personally, if I had enough money I’d have both - the Enfield for slow green laning, sorry for the slow reply...
Great vid cheers Andy, will keep my eyes peeled for you this weekend in Scotland. Just looking at your route, be careful if you stop or are overnight in Edinburgh, there seems to be a big problem with bike theft, we see lots of stuff up here online. Ride safe chaps and enjoy 👍🏍
Watching your videos led too this bike being in my garage so thank you. My experience in the black Country was very negative so I just went up the road and brought a Z900rs. Recently Arnold's motorcycles moved there guzzi operation just 15 miles up some very pleasant roads so I eventually got the bike I wanted and of course euro 5 with tubeless tyres so got there in the end. Like you I have enjoyed many miles on BMW r1200 especially air/oil cooled. When the water cooled model arrived I did buy one but it left me cold it's an appliance now not a motorcycle. Maybe this is why moto guzzi have collected many new riders from other manufacturers. Keep up the good work with Dave!
I recall your sport touring comparo with your friends, what was it, 2 years ago? Still one of the best, real world, real rider vids out there. So it is with pleasure I see you've taken to the new Guzzi V85TT, and tremendous interest in seeing your ongoing impressions of the new bike. I'm no stranger to Guzzi or BMW, so particularly appreciate your thoughts, I've owned 5 BMW's (no GS, tho!) and 3 Guzzis -- both brands get in your soul and when they do, find a place in the garage again and again. This one is just stunning, certainly the best looking Guzzi in recent memory - and looks to be far more real world capable than many Guzzis I've known, having personally compromised on them in order to ride them -- and I rode them happily. So, I'll keep watching, Andy -- I've got a feeling I've got an V85TT in my future too. Enjoy the trip.
I agree with you tubeless tyres would be nice, I'll also be waiting for around one year to see if there are any issues before possibly buying. Good review.
Thanks for a really honest review.. Can't wait for pics while in Scotland , as that paint job will look well cool against a mountain backdrop! .Interesting point about the high beam switch messing with the clutch lever, I'm saving for a Stelvio.. but the V85TT is rather sexy. ( Something you'll NEVER say about a GS! ) The only thing that I cringe about ..is that 'one-sided' shock! ...it goes against the grain of 'logical engineering'! uneven load...blah blah etc... The eagle 'light up' on start-up is uber -cool... hah! Subscribed ! - But give us lots of on board carves outa corners .. and stills with a mountain backdrop! Cheers ! Darren ......
Elisa Battle 1 week ago It comes down to how one defines motorycling. Currently own a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 cc that I have had for 20 years. Once took me 120 miles on one cylinder at highway speed when one spark plug wire crapped out on a Sunday morning with no shops open. At almost 70 years old it has gotten too heavy to maneuver in and out of situations. Purchased a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone at more than 100 pounds less wet weight. Absolutely love it. Will stay with Moto Guzzi for the rest of my riding life. I have owned BMW, Laverda, Ducati, Moto Morini, Triumph, BSA, Zundapp, Indian, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Cagiva and loved them all for different reasons, but the fact that I can physically handle the weight of a bike that will cruise (illegally) at 85-90 mph for as long as I need, looks good, is reliable and affordable and unique, why shop for anywhere else?- -Mike Battle
I love this bike and I am very eager to learn more about it, because I'm considering this one as my next bike. Then again I'm not sure if it has any quality issues. Looking forward to your Scotland-trip 👍👍😎
I made 4000 kms since June 7th. One sealing had to be replaced on the shaft drive oil refill hole at the 1500 kms service and I tightened a nut of the left mirror. That´s all. This bike is sheer fun and really comfortable.
GSA is a Citroën. It will NEVER be a BMW. No matter what they think in Bayern. Don't be so stupid to call a bike a GSA. You are wrong. And you should know better.
The Guzzi has a lot to commend it. The price is compelling. ( I'm curious about how many GS riders bought their bikes without even considering alternatives !)
Good comment...I’ve got a GS and yes your absolutely right, I went in blinkered . I’m not disappointed in any way but alternatives are not looked at or considered.
@Frank D'Amelio You see? You don't like them for the brakes, and still you buy it. You're Frank D'Agnello, not D'Amelio! That is the sheep effect! Still don't see that?!
I had a test ride on one and found the throttle was "pulling" to close and had I to keep adjusting my hand to keep the throttle open. I presume you're not experiencing this. A planted ride and fell into bends very readily. However, riding an inline four, I found "short shifting" on a large cc twin engine very alien. Great character to it though. I'd have to wait until the lower seat version is introduce and would certainly have a centre stand and engine bars fitted.
It’s a lovely looking bike but I’m not sure I’d have one. The lack of dealers puts me off and the tubes tyres for some reason. Anyway did you look at the Honda CB500 X it’s a great compromise bike a bike that you buy with your head really and not your heart. I still have loads of fun on mine and can just about keep up with my GS mates. Keep the videos coming, I really enjoy what you do.
A very comprehensive review and certainly far more humble than just a few videos back with all your self-justifying cocky cost comparisons to humble Dave's GS. You showered your accessory-laden Himalayan with the highest of praise then, practically the greatest value for money available on two wheels. Now you casually dismiss it with a smirk as a bloody sack of crap? I understand it's natural for opinions of one's ride to change over time but this is quite a drastic swing in opinion over a very short time. Not at all a solid foundation for believable reviews really. Good luck with your new ride you fickle fellow. Looking forward to the footage of the Scottish tour. Mr. Truman, You sir are a class act.
Kevin Daly yes I’m fickle, or more precisely was trying to persuade myself I’d made a good buy - some sort of psychological weakness of mine! To be honest the REH never let me down but there wasn’t enough power and I hated chain drive.
I can't imagine you put enough miles on the Himalayan to have needed any chain adjustment or lubricating whatsoever. You also apparently have issues with tube tyres even though you likely hadn't a puncture during your short ownership either. So in a sense you sold it on for issues that were really non issues. If you stand back far enough it appears as though you're climbing your way back up to another GS, which is clearly where you'd prefer to be. How about an interim video on that camper van that got you into this mess in the first place? Thanks for the response.
Andy thank goodness you seem to be getting back to your normal self as when the Himalayan appeared I and many others thought you had lost your mind. In many ways don’t you think you should have just kept that GS you had a few years ago? Then you went backwards with the R1200R which is a great street bike but not a tourer. I’ve had one. Indecisive or are you just not sure? Looking forward to viewing your Scottish trip. 360 camera can be fun but don’t overdo it as it can make the footage look weird rather than cool. Safe riding to all.
This Bike is awesome 😍. I love the beautiful V85TT. Thanks for nice review. I see only 2 cons so far : first : tubes in tires & second : both set of footpegs are to much low height. I would add the touring windshield for better protection. Cheers from Montreal.
Trekky Delirium pegs haven’t proved a problem for me and I’ve had it pretty well leaned over. Perhaps it has been altered slightly since launch - not unusual.
Excellent review. I just wanted Dave to be more critical, but I guess he can’t cos it looks a good bike. The bad points you mentioned would all niggle me as well. The screen as it’s lower than the GS, can you fit a taller screen if needed.? Hope it’s reliable for you and enjoy the trip to Scotland.
Best review yet ! can you please answer me 2 questions 1. Do you need to buy different seats for different heights and 2. Were is the Air filter located and is it easy to access. I may be buying one I have Subscribed to your channel and looking forward to some more reviews mate.
It’s all about the ride-, Keeping it alive If you are over 6’3” or under 5’4” you might need a different seat if one is available, otherwise it is pretty middle of the road height wise. Air filter is easy to get to under the saddle, four clips and pull it out.
Thanks for the reply, I’m 5,4 and lower most seats on bikes I buy . Like my last 3 bikes Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, Ducati Scrambler 800 , my Current rides are Benellli 1130 Trek , SWM 650 Superdual and Suzuki DRZ 400 . But next year will hopefully trade the Benellli in on the V85 and the SWM Superdual and DRZ on the SWM 500 ( and make it into a Rally bike ) I ride heaps in Australia. But looking forward to your longer team reliability reviews on the V85. And that’s fantastic about the air filter location as well
I’m from Australia. There is a waiting list over, supply problems over here. I have heard the rider will experience uncomfortable heat from the air cooled engine during hot weather. Like we get down under. Is this an accurate criticism????
Hi again Andy, I've just ordered mine today for sept 1st delivery, took demo bike out twice and really liked it, I hope your opinion is still the same about yours now with a few miles on the clock?
Love the bike hate that camera makes everything look stretched out and poor, the sound is crap too just use a normal camera or go-pro, look forward to seeing more of the bike and the legend that is dave 👌
Andy puts his finger on the things that interest regular riders eg is the seat bearable after 300 miles! His Guzzi is an attractive package, but will it last like a BMW? My BMW f650gs 800cc twin - similar size/performance - is still a great all rounder, after 25,000 low fault miles. The Guzzi's low maintenance shaft drive attracts me, but 20kg/50lb more weight than the BMW does not? His next reliability report may decide it.
3D Moto, I had phoned to purchase a V85TT and trade in a V7 III, but they never phoned me back, so I purchased a V85TT from someone else. I must add, they did have my correct phone number as they did reply back to me what my number was over the phone?
I like it, i hope they dont change it and just refine it. I'd be cool with one with a tach and speedo, i dont need different modes and mpg is what it is and u can figure that out easy enough.
@@andybcole Will be picking up my 2022 travel edition after the top box and engine guards are fitted.I’ve heard so many good things about this bike,I finally pulled the trigger.Shaft drive is the icing on the cake.Thank you for your reviews on the TT.👍🏻👍🏻
@@andybcole Oh. Sorry forgot to say your bike looks cool. If Aprilia did the LCD screen does it have a fuel gauge as Aprilia does not consider fuel gauges important on the Tuono or RSV4 which is such a shame. Hope you are prepared for the midges. Don't bare any flesh and certainly don't camp. I speak from bitter experience.
marc johnson any tyre with an MT type rim can be used with or without tubes, the problem is how the spokes are fitted to the wheel - that’s where the air comes out! Some people seal the spoke nipples with rim tape.
Great video, thanks. Looks are marmite among my mates, but I reckon she's got charm. The p*** taking of Dave in this/previous doesn't come across well regardless of your fun/well meaning intent! Looking forward to the next... Subscribed.
I don't have a problem with the modern chain drive needs very little adjustment. I don't like tubed tyres nor spoke wheels but then Im not an off road round the world adventurer. Nice bike tho.
The shaft drive is because of the way the engine is designed, it's just like a car's shaft drive, the rotational force goes straight back and then gets turned into forward force through the gear near the wheel. Having a chain or belt would complicate the exchange of power
Thanks for the review, enjoyed it very much. I have that exact bike on order for whenever Moto Guzzi ships them to the United States. If I may ask a question did your bike come with the Moto Guzzi Mia phone integration module? I thought I had read that it was part of the bike but now I'm not so sure and it is something I'd like to have.
A couple of questions as I'm very interested in possibly buying one of these. 1. What are the Service intervals and costs? 2. How is it on motorways? Vibey at all? I'm test riding one in a couple of weeks and I cant wait! Great video and I will subscribe for future updates.
Brilliant on motorways, not vibey at all and will sit at motorway speeds all day long. Not sure on the service intervals, I’m lazy and just wait until the light comes on!
Love your new bike Andy, but don't completely dismiss the RE Himalayan. Look at Itchy Boots on youtube, to see what it can do. It's simpy horses for courses... BTW, I haven't got a RE. I've always been a Honda man...
Don Graham I agree and am subscribed to itchy great for her kind of riding in those climes, not so good for making progress on an A or B road though...
@@mnnic4292 I have an 1100V4RR... I actually am craving something completely the opposite. This V85 I think is the ticket.... Would look great next to the V4RR as well...
Calling all Retro and Guzzi owners. We've been testing the Moto Guzzi V85TT and need to interview some riders of Retro bikes or Moto Guzzis. The V855TT offers a little more comfort and practicality, than some of the other bikes in the Guzzi range. We wondered, would you consider swapping your bike for this new model? Email alison.silcox@motorcyclenews.com to be involved.
looks good ??? the bmw is butt ugly , over priced , weights to much ..that stuck up snob on the bmw .. '' himmm . ya . well I got this '' ..Christ bmw riders are butt holes everywhere
