Moto Guzzi V85TT
Discussion
Just popped a deposit down on a 2020 model "Travel" in the rather fetching(?!) beige.
It'll be replacing my RE Himalayan 411 after a 2 month wait for a replacement throttle body under warranty made me seriously consider my long term ownership of that bike.
The V85 feels like the big brother to the Himi - retro style adventure bike with quirky looks and a bit of character. Reviews seem to be favourable, with the main criticisms being lack of power and unconventional switch gear. Coming from 25bhp and practically no switchgear,I don't think that'll be an issue for me.
Looking forward to it. Not sure whether to keep the Himi for light duties, or move it on. I like the little bugger more than I should!
It'll be replacing my RE Himalayan 411 after a 2 month wait for a replacement throttle body under warranty made me seriously consider my long term ownership of that bike.
The V85 feels like the big brother to the Himi - retro style adventure bike with quirky looks and a bit of character. Reviews seem to be favourable, with the main criticisms being lack of power and unconventional switch gear. Coming from 25bhp and practically no switchgear,I don't think that'll be an issue for me.
Looking forward to it. Not sure whether to keep the Himi for light duties, or move it on. I like the little bugger more than I should!
I could, but in the last 6 months it's needed a fuel pump, starter motor, new battery, various relays, and still has intermittent starting issues and has left me stranded on multiple occasions. While it's under warranty I'm letting RE deal with it, but it feels very much like a Friday Afternoon bike, and I'm rapidly losing faith in it.
Love mine! First "adventure" bike from decades of sports bikes and nakeds. Loved the looks and idea of the engine and shaft drive.
I was hesitant at the perceived lower power but its not an issue at all on the road, engine is a peach! Good torque and wants to rev so you can potter around or wring it out if you want to make progress, surprisingly smooth at higher revs as well so cruising at normal motorway speeds is pleasant. Ive added a rapid bike to sort the fuelling as its bit snatchy at lower throttle openings.
The stock the suspension is supple and clearly tuned for road riding, it still surprises me how nicely it turns into corners and holds a line.
Switchgear isn't that difficult TBH, cruise control takes a bit of getting used to but works well. Only "weird" thing is you use the start button to change engine modes when you are moving then have to roll off the throttle for the mode to activate (makes sense when you try it)
Not sure what you use your RE for, but the V85 isn't the most comfortable off-road, its fine on gravel tracks and dry lanes, but anything more I struggle with. Although I'm not a great off road rider so others may have more success! (Tempted to stick some different tyres on and try again!)
I was hesitant at the perceived lower power but its not an issue at all on the road, engine is a peach! Good torque and wants to rev so you can potter around or wring it out if you want to make progress, surprisingly smooth at higher revs as well so cruising at normal motorway speeds is pleasant. Ive added a rapid bike to sort the fuelling as its bit snatchy at lower throttle openings.
The stock the suspension is supple and clearly tuned for road riding, it still surprises me how nicely it turns into corners and holds a line.
Switchgear isn't that difficult TBH, cruise control takes a bit of getting used to but works well. Only "weird" thing is you use the start button to change engine modes when you are moving then have to roll off the throttle for the mode to activate (makes sense when you try it)
Not sure what you use your RE for, but the V85 isn't the most comfortable off-road, its fine on gravel tracks and dry lanes, but anything more I struggle with. Although I'm not a great off road rider so others may have more success! (Tempted to stick some different tyres on and try again!)
acricha3 said:
Love mine! First "adventure" bike from decades of sports bikes and nakeds. Loved the looks and idea of the engine and shaft drive.
I was hesitant at the perceived lower power but its not an issue at all on the road, engine is a peach! Good torque and wants to rev so you can potter around or wring it out if you want to make progress, surprisingly smooth at higher revs as well so cruising at normal motorway speeds is pleasant. Ive added a rapid bike to sort the fuelling as its bit snatchy at lower throttle openings.
The stock the suspension is supple and clearly tuned for road riding, it still surprises me how nicely it turns into corners and holds a line.
Switchgear isn't that difficult TBH, cruise control takes a bit of getting used to but works well. Only "weird" thing is you use the start button to change engine modes when you are moving then have to roll off the throttle for the mode to activate (makes sense when you try it)
Not sure what you use your RE for, but the V85 isn't the most comfortable off-road, its fine on gravel tracks and dry lanes, but anything more I struggle with. Although I'm not a great off road rider so others may have more success! (Tempted to stick some different tyres on and try again!)
Nice write up, thanks. I'm not an off roader by any means, but I live in rural Lincolnshire and the fen roads are often rutted and deteriorating. The RE proved to be a hugely confidence inspiring bit of kit, to the extent that I did seek out (and enjoyed) a few gravel tracks/green lanes. I was hesitant at the perceived lower power but its not an issue at all on the road, engine is a peach! Good torque and wants to rev so you can potter around or wring it out if you want to make progress, surprisingly smooth at higher revs as well so cruising at normal motorway speeds is pleasant. Ive added a rapid bike to sort the fuelling as its bit snatchy at lower throttle openings.
The stock the suspension is supple and clearly tuned for road riding, it still surprises me how nicely it turns into corners and holds a line.
Switchgear isn't that difficult TBH, cruise control takes a bit of getting used to but works well. Only "weird" thing is you use the start button to change engine modes when you are moving then have to roll off the throttle for the mode to activate (makes sense when you try it)
Not sure what you use your RE for, but the V85 isn't the most comfortable off-road, its fine on gravel tracks and dry lanes, but anything more I struggle with. Although I'm not a great off road rider so others may have more success! (Tempted to stick some different tyres on and try again!)
90% of my riding will be commuting on a reasonable surfaced A road, but I do a bit of 2-up that the Himi unsurprisingly struggles with over distance.
On paper the V85 ticks all my boxes and feels very much like a big brother to the Himi. If I'd not had the reliability issues with the RE I'm not sure I'd be looking to replace, but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a slightly more powerful bike for the roads, without getting too silly. I may keep hold of the Himi for a bit and see which of them I reach for the keys for first!
Moto Guzzi Chalon-sur-Saône this afternoon lent me a V85TT while my V7 Special is having its first service.
It is essentially the same engine as the V7, even with a bit more power, it steers a lot more quickly and chassis/suspension feels a lot more compliant.
However, the fly-by-wire throttle and/or FI implementation makes it a bit stumbly/jerky when trickling through town at slow speeds. Perhaps it’s just this particular bike, but it’s difficult to keep a totally constant throttle as every little bump in the road affects it as it’s so overly sensitive.
The early FI KTM990 Adventures suffered in the same way compared to the carb 950 version, so much that 3rd cams were fitted by many riders to give some ‘slack’ or at least render the reaction less immediate to the slightest movement.
It is essentially the same engine as the V7, even with a bit more power, it steers a lot more quickly and chassis/suspension feels a lot more compliant.
However, the fly-by-wire throttle and/or FI implementation makes it a bit stumbly/jerky when trickling through town at slow speeds. Perhaps it’s just this particular bike, but it’s difficult to keep a totally constant throttle as every little bump in the road affects it as it’s so overly sensitive.
The early FI KTM990 Adventures suffered in the same way compared to the carb 950 version, so much that 3rd cams were fitted by many riders to give some ‘slack’ or at least render the reaction less immediate to the slightest movement.
Well I bought it today. Have put about 200 miles on it and am generally very happy. Switchgear takes a bit of getting used to. The turn signals especially are very lacking in tactile feedback so you can't easily tell whether they've been switched on or off without looking. But the handling, ergonomics, and power delivery are nigh on perfect for personally.
I take the point about the low speed throttle control, it's a little jerky, but can be mitigated with clutch. I don't foresee too much town work, so hopefully won't be an issue.
What is an issue though is the tubed tyres, especially as I picked up a screw in the rear on the way home! Luckily held enough air to limp it back, but I'll need to sort out a new tube tomorrow if I can. No center stand either so that further complicates things.
I'll likely chuck some Slime in the new tube when fitted.
I take the point about the low speed throttle control, it's a little jerky, but can be mitigated with clutch. I don't foresee too much town work, so hopefully won't be an issue.
What is an issue though is the tubed tyres, especially as I picked up a screw in the rear on the way home! Luckily held enough air to limp it back, but I'll need to sort out a new tube tomorrow if I can. No center stand either so that further complicates things.
I'll likely chuck some Slime in the new tube when fitted.
I rode the loaner V85TT back to Chalon just now, and it seemed less stumbly, as I deliberately kept the revs higher in general. It still has a slightly fluffier feel to the more ‘direct’ throttle than the V7, then again not dissimilar to the same electronic throttle on my Tiger 1200.
The reason I chose the V7 and not the V85 was to have a retro roadster for Sunday rides and not a smaller quirky version of my Tiger. Overall, I am happy with my choice, but the V85 is cracking roadbike if lots of luggage plus pillion are not a regular occurrence. The chassis/brakes are excellent, it eats twisty B roads and would be better on motorways than the V7.
My neighbour was meant to testride one recently but weather has been s
te and his missus isn’t too well at the moment. For solo riding I’d probably recommend a V85 over a Tiger 900, which he was also considering.
Hope you future riding is puncture-free!
The reason I chose the V7 and not the V85 was to have a retro roadster for Sunday rides and not a smaller quirky version of my Tiger. Overall, I am happy with my choice, but the V85 is cracking roadbike if lots of luggage plus pillion are not a regular occurrence. The chassis/brakes are excellent, it eats twisty B roads and would be better on motorways than the V7.
My neighbour was meant to testride one recently but weather has been s
te and his missus isn’t too well at the moment. For solo riding I’d probably recommend a V85 over a Tiger 900, which he was also considering.Hope you future riding is puncture-free!
Got the puncture fixed this morning and put another 100 miles on the bike. Good mix of roads again, just trying to get a feel for it.
Engine really is a peach, lots of grumbly character with more than enough power for my riding.
Had the missus on the back and she has no complaints (which makes a change).
Engine really is a peach, lots of grumbly character with more than enough power for my riding.
Had the missus on the back and she has no complaints (which makes a change).
RoadToad84 said:
Got the puncture fixed this morning and put another 100 miles on the bike. Good mix of roads again, just trying to get a feel for it.
Engine really is a peach, lots of grumbly character with more than enough power for my riding.
Had the missus on the back and she has no complaints (which makes a change).
Glad you’re enjoying it. If only they’d put that engine tune (and those brakes) on the V7! Engine really is a peach, lots of grumbly character with more than enough power for my riding.
Had the missus on the back and she has no complaints (which makes a change).
That said, the 160km trip home this afternoon, cruising through the Burgundian twisties between 4500-6000rpm from Blanzy to Mâcon and back to the Bresse, and was glorious… and better brakes would just make me ride like even more of idiot
I've not ridden a V7, but I do like the look of them very much. Modern looking bikes covered in plastic and full of electronics don't do it for me, and I'm not a speed merchant. The roads around me are generally terrible condition, so having something that can cope with bumpy, poorly made surfaces was important. I did consider the Triumph Scrambler and Ducati Scrambler, the Guzzi felt a bit more authentic, and I've always wanted to try one.
So far, no regrets. Though with the bike living outside, the search is on for a decent cover for it now, as I don't want to risk those Italian electrics any more than I have to!
So far, no regrets. Though with the bike living outside, the search is on for a decent cover for it now, as I don't want to risk those Italian electrics any more than I have to!
Having ridden an hour each way on the V85TT it certainly handles humps and bumps better than my V7. Roads in this part of France are pretty good in general, if I encounter a poor condition forest road in the Jura or the Morvan, I just lean/stand on the pegs more.
Mine doesn’t have a garage either (the barns here are full of other stuff, and/or the gravel floors cannot be guaranteed nail/screw/staple free), so it lives on the rear terrace, out of sight of the road and secured with a hefty chain.
There is a handy exterior power socket behind the wooden cupboard so I can leave it on an Optimate when we’re back in Geneva.
Mine doesn’t have a garage either (the barns here are full of other stuff, and/or the gravel floors cannot be guaranteed nail/screw/staple free), so it lives on the rear terrace, out of sight of the road and secured with a hefty chain.
There is a handy exterior power socket behind the wooden cupboard so I can leave it on an Optimate when we’re back in Geneva.
Michael_B said:
Having ridden an hour each way on the V85TT it certainly handles humps and bumps better than my V7. Roads in this part of France are pretty good in general, if I encounter a poor condition forest road in the Jura or the Morvan, I just lean/stand on the pegs more.
Mine doesn’t have a garage either (the barns here are full of other stuff, and/or the gravel floors cannot be guaranteed nail/screw/staple free), so it lives on the rear terrace, out of sight of the road and secured with a hefty chain.
There is a handy exterior power socket behind the wooden cupboard so I can leave it on an Optimate when we’re back in Geneva.
What a setting though! Suits the bike. Certainly more than dreary old Lincolnshire at the moment!Mine doesn’t have a garage either (the barns here are full of other stuff, and/or the gravel floors cannot be guaranteed nail/screw/staple free), so it lives on the rear terrace, out of sight of the road and secured with a hefty chain.
There is a handy exterior power socket behind the wooden cupboard so I can leave it on an Optimate when we’re back in Geneva.
Another hundred or so miles yesterday though, and logging my fuel use reveals a very pleasant 65mpg, slightly better than the on board computer calculation.
RoadToad84 said:
What a setting though! Suits the bike. Certainly more than dreary old Lincolnshire at the moment!
Another hundred or so miles yesterday though, and logging my fuel use reveals a very pleasant 65mpg, slightly better than the on board computer calculation.
The weather down here in SE Burgundy is generally a bit warmer than Lincs, though I’m not sure you’d want the 5-6 weeks of 35-40C we get most summers.Another hundred or so miles yesterday though, and logging my fuel use reveals a very pleasant 65mpg, slightly better than the on board computer calculation.
Talking of fuel consumption, I’ll be interested to see after finishing the <4250rpm running in period, if my V7 ends up a bit thirstier.
Mrs B is off to London tomorrow for two weeks, visiting our daughter (and new grand-daughter), so I might pop over to the French house and take another spin around the countryside.
PS. I believe you should say ‘matt gold’ instead of ‘beige’
800 miles in, and I'm still smitten. Everything about this bike just feels right. Took a ride up to Skegness via the Lincolnshire Wolds, and it lapped up the twisty back roads, neutral but confidence inspiring handling, with so much low down grunt. Highway cruising is effortless, the cruise control is surprisingly useful. I've read reports of turbulence/buffeting being an issue, but it's not an issue for me. It does have a clip on wind deflector which does seem to make a difference.
Overall fuel consumption is 61mpg which is pretty impressive considering a lot of that has been 2 up, or commuting the 7 miles to work.
More gratuitous pics below
Overall fuel consumption is 61mpg which is pretty impressive considering a lot of that has been 2 up, or commuting the 7 miles to work.
More gratuitous pics below
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