MOTO GUZZI V85TT REVIEW - Is it any better than a 40 year old motorcycle? 

Thank you for this interesting topic. I agree with what you say. I bought a R100Gs in 1988. Did a lot of journeys in Europe and Morocco together with my wife. Had to sell that marvellous BMW some years later. In 2022, I bought a V85TT as I thought it was the closest bike to the R100Gs on the market. And it really is! At 65, I am very happy to ride again a simple and good motorbike, and guess what, my wife likes it very much to ride a bike again as a passenger. Because it is worth mentionning that the V85TT is very suitable for long rides for two people (I am French, I hope my English is understandable, merci).

The MG is the motorcycle's industries best kept secret.

I owned an R80GS for 15 years did everything on it. Since then I have a Guzzi 1100 Breva and a Harley. I recently bought an 85tt travel as it was the nearest thing to the R80 on the market. What a great bike, light nimble, and all day comfortable. I also like the fact that there are not dozens of them everywhere you go..

V85tt is what BMW could be still making and selling (even just as a sideline) if it had not killed the airhead line to focus on ever heavier, larger, higher displacement, more powerful, (uglier ?) liquid cooled ‘flagship’ models that sound and cost more like a small car…. The charm of the V85tt is that it takes the wonderful essence of the 80s BMW and ads to it tubeless spoked wheels, modern brakes, ABS, decent suspension, cruise control etc.

I wanted to buy a smaller BMW boxer twin adventure bike. I had a F850GS but I wanted a shaft drive with a bigger fuel tank and a lower ride height. Since BMW decided to go in the opposite direction with the R1300GS, I bought a V85TT. It is not as refined or smooth as the BMW but it is exactly as you say, a slightly better version of a R80G/ST and goes to 99% of the places I want to go as well.

V85TT is a great bike. Guzzi has done a huge amount of work to improve their vehicles. Fully modern, light weight and great price. It is not an adventure bike, it is "retro enduro". I disagree, a 40 year oild BMW doesn't hold a candle to the Guzzi. Apples and Oranges

Nicely done . I have a v85TT , But I understandi the airhead bmw GS , Maybe … I get one as a project bike next to my V85tt (I love that bike). Greetings from Holland

Well done, and a fun review! This will be my last bike (I'm 71) when I purchase one early next year. I'm really looking forward to doing some non-technical dirt riding for the first time in my life, and it's clear this machine is up for it. My local dealer has a '22 Guardia d'Onore edition in stock, but it's too beautiful to ride off-road, so I'll get a color scheme that I don't mind getting dirty instead. Finally, the extra features and luggage that come with the "Travel" edition make it the clear choice for anyone planning longer adventure tours.

That last bit of conclusion....spot on (40 years riding and still, and really miss character on bikes).

Great video as always. Enjoyed it I have an R80 G/S & R100GS Sidecar. Always considered the V85TT as a next (additional) bike. Good to know I haven't been too far off the mark

Nicely produced content gentlemen! It's not often you stumble on Quota and Stelvio discussions although there's no denying the popularity of the v85tt in remaking the marque. What with the new factory being completely modernised and set for completion in 2025 and the v100 watercooled range; it'll be interesting times ahead for MG. My 76 year old mum loves riding pillion on the back of my Stelvio NTX, even after a comedy spill at nil miles an hour! lol (vid on channel) I keep eyeing up the v85 but I'm enjoying the de-cat burble of the my green coloured 1200 even if it's not as eco"green"-ra ra ra. Shall sub. Best wishes!

Thank you. As a man who cut his riding teeth on old airheads like the 90S and it's contempories and rode the subsequent generations of boxers, often looking at bikes like the LeMans but put off the Italian build faults, this is a perfect comparison to enjoy.

Nice review. Thanks.

The V85TT has quite a power advantage over the R80 and the ABS is a substantial plus. For me the Guzzi for an easy win. I bought a new airhead R100 gs in the 90s hands down the worst bike I've ever owned out of about 20 bikes. I'm not anti BMW, I still have a 1991 R100RS and it's a fantastic machine. Having said all that I enjoyed you video. 👍

Talk about character. I love the look of that BMW!

.... lighter, simpler, easier, cheaper ....... we had a blast back then on this type of bike and thanks to Moto Guzzi we will have the same blast as older blokes with 40year old riding heart's again!

gr8 vid well done

Nice review, agree with a lot of what you say.. I've owned two v85s and ridden loads of old GSs. We use two v85s as camera bikes on our YT channel (Lemon Drizzle Gang). I agree about the "Guzziness" of the v85 being somewhat diluted compared to previous models but given the constraints modern manufacturers have to comply with I think they've done amazingly well to keep most of Guzzis positive attributes with that in mind. One thing you don't mention (and pretty key to adventure bikes) is fuel consumption and range. On the road the Beemer would be working much harder at any sort of pace, trying to keep the v85 in sight and guzzle fuel doing it. The v85 gets superb mileage (I average 65mpg ridden swiftly but not going mad) and has a massive tank to boot. Non twin plugged airheads are thirsty beasts. Also I think it's a bit misleading to say they are pretty close on the road, the guzzi handles and brakes way way better (as it should of course) and has another 20 ish bhp, they're not even close imo. I rate the v85 handling above every other Guzzi I've owned (all the CARCs for example) and only a notch behind the new v100. No getting away from how good the early GSs are at what they do though ;o)

I have both the guzzi and a 1981 g/s and agree with your opinions. Both bikes are keepers. Will have to empty the shed to pay for the guzzi😅

After only 3 minutes into the video I though: you deserve more views. So, here's a sub! I really enjoyed your video.

interesting comparison. Having ridden a late 80's R100 for a decade and a half, and then switched to a Moto Guzzi CARC (Breva 1100, Sport 1200) model, I would say your observations are quite apt. I will say the handling on my Breva/Sport was flawless off the showroom, where as you have done, the BMW required significant suspension upgrades to reach the same level. The serious degradation of the BMW's electrics prompted the move, but then I spent two years rewiring the Guzzi electrics to assure it would start when you push the button. Living in the USA, it does seem that parts and support were easier to come by on the BMW. Final word is I love my Guzzis, character, sound, looks, handling. Don't think I'll ever sell.

Well done on this video, I enjoyed it so I subscribed .. I have just bought a Mk 4 Le Mans as a retirement bike to tinker with but I am eying off the V85TT as my do it all tool.

Shweinehund(Pig-dog) I love it!! That's what my mom would call my older brothers when they came home after drinking too much. Of course, it was followed by a door slam or two😂. Perhaps my wife will be calling me this when I pull the trigger on the V85tt.

I have the V85TT Travel as well as a V7III Stone S. I love Guzzi for its simplicity. I wish they’d made a “V8 Scrambler” with off road capable suspension and the V85TT motor.

Ah, yes-the Guzzi love mixed in with the BMW GS affection. I have a V7 II that I’m slowly modifying into a GS style throwback as well as to pull a sidecar. Just got some leading axle forks to throw on for both higher ground clearance and to lessen the trail for sidecar hauling. Bought an R80/7 recently, and looking to likewise add some more dual sport capability.

I Ride BMWR850R from 2001.Love the Bike. Funny video.

Still riding a 42 year old Honda XL250SB. Only thing that comes anywhere near it to day in terms of value and lightweight is the Voge 300. I would love a Guzzi 350TT though!

I had R80GS and a R100GS. Unfortunately, BMW ended production. Now I am a happy owner of a V85TT. It is the real successor of the famous 2 valve BMW's. I like them all!!

Yes Guzzi character is very prominent in older Guzzi's. This is the least Guzzi like in terms of rideability, mechanics and the gearbox is so much smoother than any previous Guzzi due to its Aprilia cousins. The engine is the typical VTwin. Still bags more character than most other brands around. To me the key question, which I know to be true for older Guzzi versions, wil this V85TT still ride in 40 years?

I've owned 2 quotas, one 1992 r100gs and just bought the 85tt guzzi. in order of preference for me" 85tt, the quotas, the 92 gs. the gs frame was made of flexible tubing, the rear shaft implded on zero notice at 35,000 miles. wouldnt trade a quota for any 100 series airhead gs.

He tenido la r80 y ahora tengo la v85 del 19 ( primera ed ) y la verdad es que es evocador lo que se siente al montar la guzzi... para un piloto mayor que recuerda como eran las cosas hace 30 años. Si embargo la nostalgia no debe nublar el entendimiento. La guzzi es una moto mucho más manejable y confortable que la r80. De mi BMW recuerdo con pasión la suspensión y la sensación de hierro. El manillar ancho y el bamboleo del motor. También el arranque en los días fríos. De mi guzzi solo me quejo de esto.: De que sea guzzi y que dependa de los de piaggio . Si tienes cerca un buen concesionario y taller... No lo dudes !

Ah ha! In my age. That little Gudzi remine me off those old beemers but in more refine reciepe. I owned two Beemer that i loved by their simplicity and reliability. Those old beemer was unkilable and ultra reliable that not even The v85 have why! Those F electronics gizmos. I own a little 85 and love it beside those electronics.

The worst thing on the old BMWs are the Constant Vacuum Carbs. Mikuni VM32s will do a lot of good for throttle response.

Beeker, mi mi miiii

Well Guzzi is behind BMW until they BMW rips off Moto Guzzi design. Moto Guzzi mage Griso and Cali Eldorado 1400 BMW then copied them by making RnineT (first gen) and R18 later on. Ps any bike will go off road but some will do it better than others. Tyres are key plus there are many examples of people taking the V85TT to 2 or 3 days enduro events. And You can upgrade the suspension. Get rid of the Euro 5 exhaust nonsense with a nice open system from Mistral with a cat delete and some velocity stack. After a ECU flash You have about 85bhp on the back wheel. I used to own a BMW boxer 1100 now I have a Guzzi 1400. When they were released they came with TC rigid modes cruise control in 2013. BMW had nothing in that segment until the R18. And HD didn't have any electric aids until 2020. People often say that Guzzi are stuck in the past. But thanks to connection with Aprilia their electronics are top notch.

I own a 2021 v85tt and while not perfect it is very nice. You can cruise in comfort with cruise control and with the right tires and judicious use of the clutch get far away from civilization.

Guzzi is the coolest bike, sorry.

I love a bloke shitting on the Quota that can’t even pronounce the brand’s name.

The BMW’s coolness wins 🎉

Beaker!!!

Guzzi 100% BMW Boring 😴

V85 TT is not an off road bike. Just an off-road style.

Why or why the continued mis-pronunciation of Guzzi, its not a Guzzy its a feckin 'Gutsi'!!!