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I have a visceral relationship with my V85TT. I do not know how to put my relationship with her in words. I can't categorize my Moto Guzzi. Is she a classic? modern retro? ADV? Street? I think she is unique. She is one of the most agile motorcycles despite its weight. She doesn't like highways. She wants winding roads and mountains to take off and fly like an eagle. In her environment she feels like silk. She glides. She loves to ride into the rain because she is stable. No matter what, she takes you back home. She leaves me with a big smile on my face. Please do not categorize her. She is unique.
2021 V85TT is my first Guzzi and most likely my last ADV type Motorcycle. I run 60/40 - in the Andean Mountains.... almost 10K Kilometers this last year of PURE ENJOYMENT; and trips with my GF are a breeze.... a good friend just returned after Travelling 2Up from Quito, Ecuador to Argentina and Back... 23K Kilometers in 90 Days... Always off the Highways... one set of Brake Pads and one set of tires... Enough said
I own a v85tt. I would have to say that the build quality is "hand built" excellent. Most owners experience bullet proof reliability, me included. Also it has a refined mechanical elegance and ease of maintenance that is outstanding. This is my second Guzzi; they get under your skin.
I have owned one for over a year and it has been the centerpiece of my channel. With your little test ride, you have not even scratched the surface of what this bike is capable of and what it does for you on an emotional level, especially when you really get it dialed in. Concerning what the V85 is truly capable of, I think MotoGeo would like to have a word with you ... =) ... I for one come off with a big smile after every ride and turn around when walking away, not many bikes can do that!
That (Moto Geo’s review) is one of the most cinematic bike reviews I have seen (especially the cooking the burger, mushrooms and melted cheese over a beautiful camp fire). He definitely enjoys his off-road experience much more after deflating the tires a bit. Thanks for the reminder of Jamie’s great work on the V85 TT.
While I can appreciate your video I'm going to leave a little constructive criticism. If you don't know anything about a manufacturer like guzzi then maybe you shouldn't review one. If you don't know how to ride off road, which clearly you don't, then maybe you shouldn't talk about ANY bikes off road capability. I'm just saying, maybe stay in your lane because you're giving bad information about things that you don't understand. I hope that doesn't hurt anyone's feelings. And it's not just you. I'm seeing a ton of content from people that obviously don't know what they're rambling on about and I think about a new rider that doesn't really know any better watching things like this. There's no magic bike that will make someone just starting to ride in their 20's or 30's who started with a rebel 300 or a GS500 on the street able to keep up with Travis Pastrana. I chased him and his crew for 5 years in my youth. And I learned a lot, becoming a much better rider in the process. But the three most important things I learned is, 1 I'm just not talented enough to keep up. 2 my then Honda xr250 was way more capable than myself. And 3, recoil of the suspension. So you can't talk about limitations of any bike, when in the right hands can superceded your own.
After riding a Norge for 5 years and doing long moto camping trips I had to switch gears and get equipped for more adventurous Turing. My V85 does everything I need in comfort and style but with simplicity. I wouldn't trade it for for anything. I can only have one motorcycle and it checks all the boxes, Commuting , Ripping up twisty B roads, Adventure mototuring. It is not a dual sport. Its like no other bike. Its in a class by its self. I have 17 k on mine after 2 years with out visiting the dealership, I do all my own maintenance and mods. Guzzi to Alaska in 20 days. Can hardly wait to head north to the ferry to Haines then wonder through the Yukon and Bc.
Had my v86 for 6 mo. now and love it. Had a v65sp for years and sold it due to lack of folks to ride with. V85 and Moto camping brought me back. Easy to work on, simple and DIFFERENT. I like something different. First ride was corpus Christy to Amarillo. 650 miles, legal speeds in 11hrs. Not bad for an old Mo Fo. Keep up the great videos.
I've had one for two years - with stiffer suspension they can do well off road though the suspension travel and 19" front limits somewhat. Very reliable, air cooled, shaft drive and full of character - what's not to 💕
My V85TT is my second Moto Guzzi, the first being a 2008 1200 Sport. After purchase, I've only had one trip to the dealer on either of these bikes (13 years!) and that was to turn off the service indicator on the V85. Since then I've decided to just let that little yellow wrench shine and stop worrying about it. For me my V85 is my "one bike to do it all". When I had my 1200 Sport I always felt like I needed to have 2 bikes so I could do the off-roady stuff I like in the desert Southwest, but in January 2020 I sold everything and did a fly-n-ride to AF1 in Austin for a special deal on my V85TT. This bike has taken me back and forth across the US and down into Copper Canyon in Chihuahua with never a beat missed. I've previously had similar purpose bikes from Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki but none of them delight me like the V85. I have gone to a lot of demo days and ridden plenty of bikes, but when it's time to go home I always come to the realization that nothing I rode that day is as pleasing as what I'm riding home, I made the right choice and I'm very happy about that.
I reviewed this bike on my little channel as I've owned it for over a year. Watch the lost rider Spain channel and see them doing trials with it. I love my Guzzi and think off road skills on any bike play into what that rider can do do on it. Agree it's not a BMW 1250Gs but it's very capable and Guzzi (pronounced Goot si) has been around since 1921 and very reliable. Thanks for shinning a light on a great bike.
All Guzzi's are ready to relaxe. Parts are no problem to get. I rented a v85tt and made a ride of 2500km (1560 mi). After that I ordered one. What I learned, Guzzi's don't win by numbers on the datasheets, but no other bike before made me happier while riding it. So defently I can recomment Moto Guzzi for everyone who's priority is riding pleasure, not race winning.
Good video Dork, love the name btw! My 11 yo son and I double on the v85tt, he’s over 120lbs plus all our gear and we did a road trip through Jasper to Banff on the road to gravel back roads. It’s much better than my previous Ducati Desert Sled for 2up. To sum up the V85TT, it’s an exotic, reliable do all street bike that plays awesome on the street, gravel and easy trails, even 2up with gear. I want to upgrade suspension in the future of course but out of all bikes available, the V85tt is the best value for money currently in my experience. 8600 kms, couple warranty items fixed that was an inconvenience, but every bike including Japanese have their issues on warranty or recalls. Pro Cycle in Calgary has been great to deal with.
Everyone should own at least one Moto Guzzi in their lifetime. There’s just something about them that you don’t experience on anything else. My Stornello is probably the worst bike that I own……. yet it’s my favourite.
I have been eyeing one of these exact motorcycles on my local used motorcycle dealer website for two months. After watching your video and many others I decided to buy this bike ! It is a 2020 with aftermarket slip on exhaust ( $864 receipt was in pannier box) and only 129 miles on it. I paid $11,950 for it and put 3.5 hrs with 110 miles of riding in one day and I absolutely love this motorcycle! At 5’7” tall I have to tip toe a bit at stop lights but while riding it fits me fine. I’ve yet to venture down dirt roads and trails but that is why I bought this bike to handle the mix of both pavement and dirt for motorcycle camping adventures. My other bike is a ‘03 Harley softail Deuce and I love it but it straight up sucks in any sand period ! 😝 the V85tt gives me a familiar feel of torque that I’m used to with my Harley and satisfies my love for the Big V twin , that and I have a weakness for Italian Women 😉🥰 Once this Moto Guzzi is paid off I plan to buy the new KLR to satisfy my all out off road riding and at that point I feel I will have covered the full spectrum of the terrain I plan on riding. Thanks for a fine video and honest review as I bought my V85tt unseen in person solely on these videos and now owning this fine mechanical work of art I couldn’t be more happy with my purchase! 😁✌️
1.5 years 16000 miles CDR TAT Blackhills completely dependable and capable as an ADV bike. Running Motoz for off-road trailmax for daily driver. The bike will get you to the trail as well as back to the house in comfort and style. Suspension infinitely tunable. Most of all no chains no water jacket. Love It!
After 14 years of V-Strom ownership (3-650s and 1-1000) I traded my 650 for a 2021 Guzzi V85tt Adventure. Every time I ride it, I fall more in love with it. Plenty of power. Comfortable ride. Shaft drive and five modes of riding, although I have not programmed the Custom yet. Cruise control and heated grips. In the twisties, my V85tt thinks it is in the Italian Alps--point it and it goes there. I do not miss the V-Strom. As for your review, it looks like you were riding a Traveler, which is set up mostly for touring and with 90/10 tires. My Adventure has the Anakee Adventure tires made for a little more unpaved roads. Perhaps if you had been riding the Adventure model, you would have felt a little better about the off-road test. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the shout out! I agree with everything you said about that bike. It's probably a 80/20 bike, Great for the vertically challenged or someone that just wants to head up the coast or back country roads and hit up some campgrounds and do some Moto camping. Great offering from Moto Guzzi!!
While it may not be "a BDR bike", my (clearly unpopular) opinion is many large bikes on the BDRs are not the best choice for harder BDRs. But how cool that you know how that beautiful Moto Guzzi goes. You are living the life for sure, and I'm loving being included, albeit vicareously.
Hi Dork, agree, V85TT definitely a street bike with a touch of adventure, not for BDRs or off road travels. I liked the ride and comfort better than my VStrom 650. I test-rode one at Americade a few years back, same as you noted, very comfortable seat, windshield too short, nice sound - freaky with the cylinders mounted "crossways" you crank it and you get that sideways pull, but smooth at cruising speed. You will definitely get noticed riding one of these as they are rare. So many choices, lol! Nice straight up video, what a blast you must be having :)
I disagree. My brother and I rode ours on the Idaho BDR this September with no problems. This bike is quite capable off-road so long as you aren't riding at a race pace.
I loved my V85TT when I had it, but it was not the right bike for what I wanted from an ADV. Thankfully the Tuareg does exactly what I wanted from an ADV bike. In the UK the dealership network is pretty good, and Moto Guzzi are very reliable bikes. So for us here in Blighty, the concerns you had are not really an issue. If I was in the USA for example and had no dealership near me for any bike, I think I would be even more inclined to buy a Moto Guzzi, as the servicing on them is sooooo easy, you can do valve checks and adjusts at the side of the road if you needed to. I think the air filter is the most fiddly maintenance item as it requires removing the battery and side panels.
I saw a video of deliberate test bike ridden to 50,000kms before braking down every single part of it including the entire engine to see if their was any wear and tear and the only thing they found was a leaking shaft seal 👍
Thanks Ben. An accurate review. I will preface by saying that Team BigRock-Dork's review of the Tuareg totally convinced me to order one. I currently ride a V85TT and it is true, it's a large heavy bike. However, in my opinion, having owned several MGs, they are very reliable and have a sweet character to them unlike many Japanese bikes. I will always be a big fan. The engine design is super simple. They are also relatively easy to find in stock these days, unlike the T7 and KLX300 which I've been hunting for and has proven as illusive as the unicorn. I don't know how accurate an Aprilia dealer's statement is but the sales rep told me it was because the Italians did not shut down their factories like the Japanese did over the last two years. I really hate the V85's seat due to it's lack of any way to really move back and forth on it. Love the shaft drive, engine look, and the modes have kept me out of trouble. But as you noted, it is a heavy bike. Wet, it's around 520Lb. Tires suck unless you are only on pavement, which is not its intent according to MG. I am trading in the puppy for the Tuareg and can't wait until it arrives. Much more capable for my intended uses I believe. I live in Denver so both MG and Aprilia are close by. However, it is accurate about suspect distance for many to local dealers and service. But dang, Kawasaki and Yamaha seem to create more ads these days than bikes. If you can't get them, you can't ride them, and not much fun is to be had sadly. Cheers and happy riding.
I am in the same boat kind of, as the 660 Touareg is on my list for later this year, but I will keep the V85 around for sure, after dialing it in and replacing the boat Anker the stock exhaust was, she really came alive along with other bits and pieces. For now, I have a 310GS for the stuff I don't want to take the V85, and the 660 will slide nicely in the middle!
Isn't the Tuareg a parallel twin?...Hmmmm.....I have a BMW parallel twin and I really don't like the power delivery from the engine. V-twins are sweet. Flat boxer twins are also great. Parallel twins....I'll pass. My advise......ride one before you order one.
I picked up my Centenario edition last week. I'm halfway through the break in milage and riding this bike has been a treat. It's a whole different animal than my cruiser of the same weight, yet now the V85TT feels like half that weight beneath me. I added an aftermarket screen and I had to adjust the handlebars. You described my riding pretty well - do some miles and then a little non-pavement to get to the campsite. Another Moto Guzzi dealer will be opening in Portland soon. I received mine in Washington (I live here) after ordering it online from Italy, though for some reason the side cases and top box are still somewhere between here and there. This bike is perfect for my needs. It might not be as highway capable as I would have liked but it'll more than do.
8 days ago? Who didn't invite me? Seahorses forever! Both the V-Strom Adventure models (650 and 1050) come with beautiful 35 liter aluminum boxes. You really should ride the 1050 👍
Just bought one today. I will tell you more about it after few 2000s miles. It looks amazing though. I all ready have a Guzzi California 1400 touring, I love the character of them and the engine is fantastic. I live in San Diego, the dealer is 20 minutes away. Service guys are cool. The longest time it takes to get you in, 7-10 days. We can always schedule an oil change or service few weeks before it is due. So, service is never an issue in Southern California..
I bought one because of all the features and luggage for $13k so a great value. Super easy to work on yourself. I did my first service and valve adjustment and I've never worked on a bike before. Super comfy, low maintenance, sweet looking, versatile with street/light offroad. Approachable seat high for people around 6'. Enough power to be fun but not too much to be stupid. Giant gas tank for 250-280miles of range. Downsides are they are built by hand so some human error like loose screws when purchasing, and the dealer network is few and far between. Only thing I wish it had was a quick shifter up/down. I posted a couple videos of mine on my channel.
I felt the need to send you five dollars thanks for actually giving one of these bikes a fair minded review. Too often dirt riders review these bikes like they are trail bikes. No. As you rightly point out, they are for people like me. Someone who wants a touring bike they can take up a dirt road once in a while. I don't have one of these bikes but I really want to buy one. I have owned a BMW R1150R since it was new. So, weird, air cooled, big, European, shaft drive twin is right in my wheelhouse. I want a comfortable bike that has some wind protection and is easier to commute on in the winter and more suited to taking long rides but that can also handle dirt and gravel when I need it to. That is it. I don't want to be a "real dirt rider" and pretend I am super motocross every weekend. If I wanted that, I would buy a trailer and an enduro. Too often internet reviewers pick nits on bikes, because the truth is bikes today are awesome compared to what they used to be and it is hard to find much wrong with any of them. Worse, they don't review bikes for what they are. This is especially true for ADV bikes, where being good on dirt seems to be the only thing that matters and no appreciation is given to the real purpose of the bikes. Your review is a very welcome exception. I love your channel. It is the most informative and honest motorcycle channel on RU-vid.
This bike is so supple in throttle, braking and handling; so nimble and stable ; it's effortless to ride. My old V-Strom 1000 had more power but this Guzzi has been so carefully refined, the V-Strom felt Stone Age in comparison. In more than 50 years of riding this is the most enjoyable bike I've owned. When engineer brother took a V85 Travel for a testride, he immediately traded in his KTM 890. In the mountain twisties, I can't wipe the grin off my face.
thanks so much for these last two videos! I bought my KLR 22 adv abs after your videos knoing it would be OK and easily in budget my current want is a new AT with DCT or a PAN AM I'd love for you to test a new AT with the DCT sometime! my closest dealer is actually an aprilia / MG dealer! they cant keep the touregs in stock but theu have TONS of this MG so much they have left over models even!! they offer nationwide delivery on some because they cant sell them so I was really curious it didnt seem to have any bad reviews but most were european and I just take their reviews with a grain of salt I too am a big american and I'm like you i love riding off road but realistically Im more 70/30! thanks again keep up the awesome work!
A year after my last comment, I still own and ride and love my V85TT. If you can’t get this bike leaned over scrapping with sport bikes in the twisty bits, it’s you… not the Moto Guzzi V85TT. I have new Motoz RallZ tires waiting to be mounted. More adventure ahead…
I don't think the V85TT is my next bike, but it just might be my last bike. It is definitely a porker at 510 lbs. wet, but I love the elegant simplicity of the design. Transverse V-twin, crankshaft, drive shaft, wheel. The exhaust comes straight out and down under... Air cooled... It is almost steampunk in its simplicity. Also, easiest valve checks ever... I love the matte gray/green of the Centenario model. My head says "Tiger 850 Sport," but my heart says "V85TT Centenario."
@@mattshanley1 I do really like the Centenario colors, but I've decided on the 2022 Travel model with the gray you noted. Really thought about the Tiger as well, but it kind of left me cold.
Thank you for review! I have ridden my V85TT now 14 tkm and loving it. I would fit quite good on your category that I ride mostly paved (curvy) countryside roads and with this bike been not afraid to end up on gravel time to time. I assume there is better fit bikes who love more off-road. For me this is perfect companion on motorcycle trips, short or long, at the moment - never say never, might fell in love some other in future 😆 Have to say that changing factory tires (Michelin anakee adventure) to Bridgestone battlax A41 riding on highways got much better, feels much smoother and quieter.
I have a 2020 V85 with 7000 trouble free miles I purchased new 1 year ago this May. I bought the bike because in partly it’s unique and I know the brand characteristics which equals fun for me. Maintenance I can do at home yes an oil change every 5000 and valve rocker style adjustment almost anyone can do in a few short hours. Shaft drive yes please! No more cleaning, oiling and adjusting chains. It’s seems everyone compares “ adventure" motorcycles to the BDR as of late. I am a supporter of the BDR but we forget the vast miles and many states the BDR covers. Would I take a V85 on the CO BDR routes no probably not, but the NEBDR yes and I did with a riding buddy on his V85 last year section 1-2 and the bikes performed well. We could use a little better suspension but With buddy’s bike outfitted with knobby up front where I had Dunlop missions all around. Yes so we have little supporting dealers at their time but I think Piaggio will improve this as the bike seems to have some success. Parts yup have to wait a little longer some a lot longer but hey what manufacturer isn’t having delays! Thanks for the honest review, your dorkiness is unique to RU-vid on insight to everything motorcycles and your fun to watch, hmmm kinda of like owning a Moto Guzzi
The MG and BMW aren’t the only ADV bikes with shaft drive. The Super Tenere (arguably the most underrated ADV bike on the market) is also shaft driven.
Decided to trade in a 2022 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 after laying eyes on this beautiful machine... But the bank insists I make at least three payments first! 😆 More on this bike if you can, PLEASE! What a lovely machine!
@@Bornfromjets719 haha and ty! The V85 is truly a love affair for me and while not perfect from the factory and as pointed out not intended for the hardcore gnarly stuff, it is pretty amazing for everything else.
Bought a used one that's all decked out. I would like to ride a stock one to see how it compares. I haven't been off road yet as previous owner fitted street tires. But that's changing soon. I got tired of coming across gravel roads and such on my Honda Fury. So now I have both. If the Africa twin had a shaft drive I would have bought the dct. This bike checks all of my marks. Love it. If I enjoy the light trails I might get a crf 300l do do more serious off road but this is my touring bike. I've done a 500 and a 350 mile day trip so far. All day comfort is nice.
They need to acquire dealers in the Midwest. I'm in Western Iowa and cannot find a dealer within a reasonable distance of travel. I would seriously consider a purchase after a test ride.
Thanks for the review! Looks like you had a great time. Most of the reviews I have seen of this bike are either pros who can ride anything anywhere OR those who rarely or never ride off pavement. Therefore I appreciated a review from the Dorkside. Two questions: I agree (and so does the 19" front wheel) that this bike isn't really trying to be the same thing as the other middleweight advs; however, do you think your recent experiences on the other bikes affected your ability to evaluate this bike for what it is? Moving from all pavement (50000mi and 20 years of riding) to exploring more and more off pavement (bought an old KLR last fall). Do you think this bike would handle exploring the forest roads of OR well enough? I don't plan on OHVs or BDRs but want to be able to ride the roads fairly hard and want to be able to climb (nearly) every mountain and perhaps ford (the very occasional) stream.
Holy crap. Thanks for the donation! That's the first time anyone has actually used that feature. Thanks for helping me test it out! I'm sure that riding this bike literally immediately after riding the Tuareg colored my perception a little, yeah, so take that with a grain of salt. It's not really what I personally am looking for in an adventure bike, but I can see it being a great fit for the right rider. Yes, I do think it'd be fine on most logging roads and forest service roads in Oregon. Basically any road that goes through from one place to another is probably fine, but I'd stay away from the older more abandoned and less traveled stuff wherever possible. Tires will make a huge difference in this area. Otherwise, if you go slow and avoid a lot of sand, mud, or anything super rocky or technical, you'd be fine.
The V85TT and Touareg are both on my "Sure would like to ride one day" and "Not comfortable with the dealership distance" lists. The V85TT is a really handsome bike, IMO. It is half or less the price of a loaded GS, shaft drive and very distinctive. If I was close to a dealership I would totally consider it for ADV touring, limited to off-pavement, but not off road.
I like the look and sound of the 85tt, good points about availability and dealers, I'm interested to n how you think it compares to you Norden and There? also have you considered the Aprilia Tuareg 660, I watched. Zak Courts from Revzilla who put it to the top of his 2022 Daily Rider leaderboard. ride safe.
I was seriously looking at one of these as my dealer is only 5 minutes away. I ended up with a lightly used Vstrom instead. They have a lot of similarities. Price, reliability, and aftermarket of the Vstrom made the decision for me. Also wondered about overheating on the V85tt. Did you experience that at all? Thanks for your review.
That windshield looks much bigger than most. Isn't there a tour model or something..? A travel ..? I think there are 2 models.. One has more highway specs.. Maybe that is the one you rode.👍
i think they're gorgeous. (minus the hard luggage). Get some italian popo riding gear, some flashing lights, and scare the bejesus out of some folks on the road.
I have one.. A Guzzi - V11 sport - at 16k miles the speedo drive has broken 3 times. The Tach stopped working. And now the fuel pump is leaking. The Speedo drive unit in NLA from the dealer.. SO I had to find a knock off from India. And it has lasted longer than the stock unit. VS my BMW 1150 GSA with 235k miles on it. Yea ill skip this brand.. Now the Aprilla looked like fun.
Mate, you're talking about a bike manufactured almost 20 years ago. Guzzi's reliability has much improved since then, as many comments around here stated. And the BMW r 1150 series were the peak of BMW and all motorcycle company's production regarding reliability (things have changed, BMW now builds its parts in China, only to put them together in Berlin).
@@francescoporcari8597 I can go to the BMW dealer and get almost any part for my 1992 R100 GS. VS guzzi- abandons the platform at 10 years, then its good luck getting parts.
@@bamills6771 Guzzi had bad management up to 2007, that's true. But you're definetely wrong about the parts and platform, they've been using two engines since the 70's (small block & big block).
@@francescoporcari8597 Plastic gastanks that de laminate due to Ethanol - Tachometers - Speedo drives ( that connect the cable to the bike) that fail.. All parts NLA - or no upgrade parts available.
