People that ride Guzzi’s know,we don’t care whether anybody else likes it,whether it’s class leading or whether it’s super powerful,all this doesn’t matter...I’m on my 3rd and will add a v85 one day,already know I’ll love it
The south-african price makes it a tough sell. In europe it is cheaper than all of the competion you mention. That suddenly makes a lot more sense, because it's an unconventional / interesting choice for an adventure bike, and it's a smidge cheaper aswell. I believe it also appeals to many, who don't want, need or can handle the 160hp power-race of the class leaders. Here in Denmark Guzzi sales are up almost 500%, entirely because of this model.
One redeeming feature of Guzzi's is their ease of D.Y maintenance. Owners willing to service their own bikes will love them. Possibly the the easiest valve clearance checks you could wish for. Mated to the clean, low maintenance shaft-drive it's a home mechanics dream. Frugal on fuel with a proper touring range from the tank and it's all making a bit of sense.Yes it's a little heavy, yes Guzzi dealer network coverage can be sparse in many countries, yes it's expensive to buy new, but wait a few years on the used market and you won't be able to find one. Owners will be still singing along at 100,000km + and cost very little over the long term. It's a return to basics and a salute to the past in an age where we now have way more HP and bike than we can realistically use on public roads.
I have been thinking about buying the V85 and it is true that the valve clearance checks looks easy on the Guzzi, but you have to do them every 10 000 km. On my Kawasaki you only need to check them every 40 000 km... Don't know if thats a big problem but that alone is holding me back for the moment.
Alan B'Stard M P People pretend this doesn’t matter. I’ve punched a hole in 2 radiators in my life. Both dirt bikes, one in the middle of the AZ desert. Luckily was with a friend, it was still not fun, at all.
Picking up mine in 2 weeks... saying bye bye to my Africa Twin. The Guzzi just grows on you. I spent an hour test riding it and came back with a stupid grin on my face.
This is the adventure bike for the rest of us. The new transalp, good for everything. First 5 mins you will think: "it is a joke?". After 30 mins it will be very hard to return it to dealer after the test is done...
You either get Moto Guzzi or you don't. Most people don't as do any of these guys (i'm being polite). And we Guzzista like it that way. Sorts the wheat ftom the chaff and all that. Guzzis, more than any other bike, need more than a one hour test ride and a quick look at a spec sheet to appreciate. They also have far more history than any other Italian marque especially over rated Ducati.I suggest you stick to your Beemers, transformers and other crap covered in plastic. Oh, and Mandello Del Lario? Wonderful town.
It's the only one with the engine round the right way for a shaft. If only BMW starting making smaller boxer engines. I think there was a 850 version of the r1100gs much smother and better on fuel but not as popular
This is exactly what an adventure bike should be, easy to maintain, frugal with a large tank, shaft drive and comfortable. Yes the price is a bit high but then it's a genuine EU built machine rather than a machine with an EU badge that's farmed manufacturing out to Asia.
@@paultaylor701 Yes its true, upon reaching 18 years of age we all get our own pair of wooden shoes, if you are lucky in Royal Orange. They are supposed to be used in case of high waters and flooding so you can just walk yourself on water to safety.....seriously.
You forgot to mention that in Europe you almost can't get one, 'cause they are mostly sold out. In fact they were sold out at the preorder faze. It's the most sold out bike they ever produced. Ever.
I own one of these lovely bikes and it's a joy to ride honestly. It has a lot of character, and not in a bad way whatsoever. It is extremely forgiving, yet never gets out of shape.
That is one good-looking bike! It somehow reminds me of a brand new modern version of the old-school Airhead BMWs. It's definitely not intended for a horsepower crazed Rider but I could just see myself riding in "the valley" in California from Vineyard to Vineyard. That bike just oozes class. And Donovan that was a excellent video thanks for your efforts
Thank you for sharing that Tim McD. Very intersting.. those guys are a hoot. I have a 2009 Guzzi Norge and i just love everything about it. It is not for everyone.
I've got the same engine in my V9 Bobber and it only gets around 60 hp. So they've adjusted it for this bike. But like any Guzzi owner will tell you....who cares I love my bike....like in I LOVE... Best reviews on the YOU TUBE
If what you need is a weekend toy, any motorcycle will serve you acceptably well. Now, if what you want is a real machine for everything, Moto Guzzi is the answer. Cardan is for connoisseurs only.
With Tubeless spoked wheels/rims & with a low front fender i would at least have gone for a test ride; in others colours available: the V85TT is better looking.
Wait... you say it costs as much as BMW850, Ktm790 or AT? Not in Europe for sure. It is actually cheaper than any adv bike other than the YamahaT700. Sounds like SA Guzzi dealer got a bit greedy.
I've got sod all money, but absolutely love this bike and hoping to get one real soon, test rode one for 3 fantastic hours it beautiful,all day comfort 450ks worth of fuel long tours weekend blast bit of off roadng,3 in 1 with stunning looks,keep your gs,tigers and ktms
The best bike I ever owned was an R1150GS, and this reminds me of that. I bought a KTM 1290 SAR the summer to replace my old GS in favor of one of these, but I certainly gave this thing consideration.
thepassionofthegoose haven’t had an ADV bike in awhile, hoping everything works out and I will have it on Saturday. Been a bit discouraged by stories of catastrophic failure but I’m taking the plunge!
@@CCitis Rode mine across North America several times (SF to NY) and to Alaska twice with no issue (even had the dreaded mechanical brakes). I actually kept it to restore, but since I put 20-40,000 miles on my bike yearly I opted for a new bike instead of another rebuild. If it's clean I'd jump. Best of luck tomorrow. New bike day is amazing. Cheers.
Bikes like this should be celebrated. Disappointed in the modern approach review. Buy any ricer bike if your tight on money. It makes no difference which you buy; they’re all lifeless clones. Motorcycles need a soul. Surprised they didn’t mention that. Also 80hp from a small capacity 90 degree air cooled 2 balance engine is pretty impressive actually.
Your review is spot on. I tested one and "quite liked it". I then bought a Ducati Multistrada 950 which was cheaper and better at absolutely everything. I am a big Guzzi fan but the V85TT, whilst interesting, isn't quite good enough in my view...
5000 miles later love this bike. Bought a '17 GS 1200 last year rode it for a month and sold it , meh. The sounds coming from the water cooled engine bay were loud and annoying, the vibration put my hands numb no matter what I tried and the beast weighed a ton. Great for two-up high speed highway blasting not much else. Sold and got the bike I really wanted, the v85tt I had test ridden a year earlier when it first came out. The air cooled engine is smooth, the transmission is silk and the exhaust note with the Mistral header sublime. About $6000 less than a new GS. Love the handling, the drive modes , the cruise control, the off road handling is very good too. Have done many 500+ mile days and many secondary and off road adventures. Love this bike. Dropped 40lbs in weight through prudent choices (and that doesn't even include ditching the hard cases and racks!) and run it with Mosko R80s and a Puig BMW GS touring screen. Test ride one , you'll love it.
@@anturiaethaucosmicadventur5364 Hi ,Anturiaethau (is that a Greek name?), The easy weight savings are as follows: Lithium battery, aftermarket exhaust, Replace rear 11 LB rack with a 2 LB aluminum rack (obviouslly with lower carrying weight limit, But still serviceable)) Removed the center stand and some plastics to expose the beautiful red rear subframe. Passenger pegs are large heavy items that can be removed as well depending on your needs. The ounting points for the pegs can be utilized to attached soft luggage straps. Those were the major weight savers that anyone could do. Lastly I replaced the entire front headlight and frame mounted superstructure with a custom faux number plate and LED lights that are bar mounted (IE they turn with the handle bar like a proper naked bike.) This customization took several months from conception but I like the look and it saved another 7 LBS of weight.
I love the looks and can live with the lower power, but need to ride this and the KTM 790R, I believe they are the same price. I would give up some HP for comfort and drive shaft
Seems price is quite a bit higher in South Africa compared to other models. I guess a Tiger 800 could be less expensive here in the U.S. but you would be missing many of the features of the V85TT like luggage and such. I actually own a V85TT and put over 13,000 miles on it in six months including over 5,000 miles in Mexico and I love the thing. To each their own but at least here price isn't an overriding factor IMO.
If you think that's pricey, have you got a vague idea on how expensive is producing entirely in Italy in times when every brand IMPORT its own stuff, de-locates its own production for the sake of the globalization? Moto Guzzi is entirely made in Italy in Mandello del Lario from the 1921, that means quality and quality has a price ofc.
Great review and video, sir. Who would buy this? I would! I've got a Goldwing for touring and I'm getting ready to get rid of my 2010 Kawasaki V2K just because I want something that is different than everything else I come across on the road. To me that is Guzzi or Royal Enfield. However, whichever I decide (really leaning towards the Guzzi if I can find one) it will be a used one of no more than 5 years and not new. I just can't justify $12.5 k (which is about what they go for here in the U.S.
After watching lots of vids from lots of motomag vlogs etc I have learned this: Nothing NOTHING matters to these reviewers except HP. Bike has a dildo for a seat but puts 300 PS to the rear wheel? Best in class. Vibration so bad you need your arms amputated after a 1/2 hour ride, BUT leads the next bike by 50 HP? Number one pick. A Locomotive on two wheels, 60 feet long, and 220 tonnes but makes an astonishing 5000HP? Best bike ever. Motomag reviews are good for visuals, that's about it.
Is it an Adventure Enduro or a Classic Enduro or a Scrambler? It can't really be defined as any one of them but more so as a combination of all of it... and of course you need to be a fan of Guzzi's engine concept and character... and that makes it worth it...
Lot of money: Where I live the Moto Guzzi V85TT is 11984 €, the KTM Adventure 790 is 11800 €, Yamaha Tracer 900 GT is 13599 €, the Triumph Tiger 800 XRT is 13750 and the Ducati Multistrada 950 S is 15390 €. So out of all these it is one of the cheapest. To really save money you would have to go to the Suzuki vstrom 650 XT (10200 €), the Kazasaki vesys 650 (8400€) o the Yamaha Tracer 700 (8600 €). All prices of bikes I am currently looking at as of july 2020 and available in my local dealers. Of course you could also get a Royal Enfield Himalayan for much less (4500 € ??) but the riding experience on the highway does not compare.
The real question is why this over a Stelvio. Better yet, if you are looking for a sportstourer, why not the Norge? Specially the 2 valve, those are, for me the real questions...
R Zu Yes sir. I live in southeast NC on the coast and the nearest authorized dealer is three and a half hours away in Charlotte. In fairness to Moto Guzzi, the nearest BMW or Triumph dealers are two hours away in Raleigh. The majority of bikes on the road in my town? Harleys, Japanese sport bikes and cruisers and some Indians. I ride a Triumph T-Bird but when it comes time to make a change it will likely be one from japan.
I completely agree two welds crossing each other oh jesus especially one of this is the one which support the spring...but you knows this is an homemade bike and this error are frequent, I hope for later production they will change that
In Denmark a V85 cost about 20% less then the GS850 and the 790........I guess that's just change me from "old and rich"....to just "old" .....damn.....
With all due respect, what does this bike lacking? Genuine air-cooled engine, enough power, shaft drive, cheap to maintain and insure, traction control, cruise control, big tank, excellent range, comfortable to ride, off road capable. And to that guy in the middle mockingly saying "what 65 at the back wheel" do your Japanese bikes have no power loss? I guess some people are deep in some manufacturer's pocket to give credit to this great moto guzzi at this price. If 80bhp (as that guy mockingly said "what 65 at the back wheel" ) is not enough, you probably don't know how to ride. and BTW this bike put 71bhp at the wheel, not 65. Get your facts checked. I am sure that if this bike was badged Honda or BMW that guy in the middle would call it tye masterstroke of the century. So if you have a high income you buy this bike, but if you have low income you buy a bike with higher horsepower like 1250gs or some other Japanese crap, right? Man what a load of...
Its because in South Africa, pricing puts it in line with more capable competitors. In Europe it's cheaper than the competition so it makes more sense.
If you have to explain Moto Guzzi to someone they will never get it. You buy them with your heart and you will smile every time you walk into the garage. Isn't that what motorcycling should be about. What's wrong with some style and joy every now and then over a raw spec sheet comparison as the definitive marker of what makes a good bike. Life is short, live it don't just exist.
80hp from an only air cooled 850cc is very good. A Harley 1740cc M8 with four valves has 87hp on crank, and the new R18 1800cc BMW has 90hp. Really a review from someone who does not understand the difference between air and water cooled engines. Reviewer has no idea, give him space bikes to test....
I don't think it's trying to be a class leader, it's more of a cafe racer from the naked/retro style class, but in the adventure world. It's an adventure bike for the street, with the ability for some slight off-roading. And I love it for that. I want one because it's different, and not another GS or Strada or whatever. It looks gorgeous and comfortable, what else could I ask from something like it?
Sorry, I had to stop watching after 4 minutes. Not because of the bike, which is absolutely gorgeous. This guy has obviously not the slightest clue what it's built for.
This guy probably drives a Golf 5 1.9 TDI. He loves the fact that there are cheap parts everywhere. Completely without soul. Get in touch with your feelings man. Not everything is about suspension travel length and about top speed. Is it really a problem if a motorcycle's top speed is 180kmh instead of 210kmh? Are you actually ever going to go past 150? For me, that design, that engine is worth more than those 30 kmh extra. It's the same appeal that Alpine and Alfa Romeo have. Of course a Porsche and a BMW look like better cars on paper, but drive an Alpine or Alfa, and you'll never ever even look in the direction of the Porsche again. Some things can't be explained on paper.
Perfect in Europe: Here it is cheaper, we cant almost ride offroad, we cant speed anywhere, looks good for us nostalgic imperialistic pricks and has a shaft drive.
That's the first poor review I have watched and I have watched alot. You guys clearly had zero respect for the brand. And here in the UK its cheaper than its rivals.
This is very ignorant review as obviously the most ignorant reviewer of that South African team... he need to read more get more knowledge and be more educate with words..
We say guzzy down under in Europe I hear it called moto gutzi bit l like Subaru impretza we say imperza,but if I were an Italian it would be however it's supposed to be said !doesn't bother me how it's pronounced 🙂it's a stunning bike
