2024 Moto Guzzi V85 Review - Updated With Three New Flavors And Still Funky

[@peterellis9684]

Me: Moto Guzzi loyalist who loves his 2020 Travel. If you're thinking about a Moto Guzzi but are hesitating, don't. They're in a class of their own, they're assembled by hand in a beautiful in northern Italy by people who take enormous pride in their work, and they last a very long time. And no chain. : )

[@curbjumper]

Enjoying my 2021 V85tt, which I bought new, now with 33,000km on it. It came with 3 alloy boxes, and 5 modes; -sport -road -rain -off road -and custom (user configurable) I use mostly sport mode and custom; it is good to be able to shut off the rear abs and traction control for loose surfaces. This is the 47th bike Ive had during 55 years of riding, and is easily in the top five for ease of maintenance, usefulness, and travelling comfort. I have had only 2 issues: 1. The turnsignal switch failed while under warranty, and was promptly replaced by the local dealer. 2. During a 1600 km ride during which half was during a hard rain, the trans somehow took on approx 400 ml of water which mixed with the trans oil. I noticed this because oil was being forced out the pressure/ blow by valve on top of the transmission. Draining and changing the fluid resolved this. No other issues to report; it is a very nice long distance motorcycle 👍 Also, I ditched the catalytic converter and replaced it with the Mistral head pipes, Mistral V-twin Boost Plug, and DNA air filter. This changed the throttle response drastically, in a good way 🤗

[@DraganBakema]

My 2021 Centenario V85tt has all the modes, also custom. But what makes this newer model special is the new light indicator switch (straight from the Aprilia Tuareq 660) and the adjustable rear suspension knob. They fixed exactly what was needed. Because I drove 45.000 km in two years and had zero problems with this bike. The only thing I didn't like was the fancy, but not so tactile/functional switch button for de light indicators and there was no knob for the rear suspension...but now they actually changed exactly that. Amazing updates.

[@abhayvadhavkar2231]

I have a 2022 Guardia D'Onore. It is simple, rugged, and functional. I've taken it on roads where I thought the welds would pop. Nope, it's tough as nails. It is not stellar at any one thing but if you want a reliable machine that can do it all and yet weigh about 500 lbs with a 6 gallon fuel tank, there is no competition.

[@jamesfairmind2247]

Of all testers/reviewers of this great bike, Jon Beck is the most credible because he really put the the previous travel model through a proper off-road test. He is not just a keyboard warrior. I was considering the 2023 model available (at massive discount everywhere now), but Jon's comments re knee clearance and improved aerodynamics really struck home to me as a 6'2'' rider and that has swayed me to order a 2024.

[@rcnanofalcon]

What a beautiful motorcycle!

[@Buddlertom]

no no no, the Euro 5-model already had 5 ride modes: rain, offroad, street, sport and custom. So this is no upgrade for 2024. Still a very nice and underrated bike.

[@ToriADVMoto]

Thanks John. I think you're one of the best reviewers. I do not usually like to watch launch ride reviews. But I saw it was you and I had to watch. I own a 2022 Adventure because of you. Just wanted to thank you. If you know, you know. Uniquely I got an adventure model and then swapped out the bags for the travel setup. What a great all-around bike. From doing the dirty dozen in Colorado to rip and the canyons on the weekends or hitting the highway. It's an amazing machine. Interested to know how the variable valve timing feels.

[@mattguzzim1744]

John, I got a 2020 V85TT Travel, in part because of your excellent review. I loved it. Then I hated it. Then I took the catalytic converter out and replaced the exhaust, then I loved it again. I sold it and got a R1200GS (opportunity purchase) and now, with the redesign and engine improvements I may go back to it.

[@fylusdoes]

interesting. I’ve for E5 TT and thinking of either selling and getting R1200GS or getting new exhaust for TT. what didn’t you like about GS comparing to TT?

[@brayvdb2191]

geez, make up your mind

[@mattguzzim1744]

@@fylusdoes The GS is more capable off road because of the ESA. That's why I got it. But the V85tt is smaller, and much better looking. Especially the new ones. And the knock sensor and variable timing in the new engine fixes a major gripe I had with the V85TT.

[@pauld.b7129]

Try the Stelvio if you're on a 1200 already. Thats the liquid cooled 1100, looks great

[@mattguzzim1744]

@@brayvdb2191 what do you care? I wanted to try the GS but still love the V85TT.

[@tedmarakas2626]

Why on earth do you need rider modes on a bike under 80Hp? I have a 2021 model adventure and under many weather or terrain conditions I never had the need to switch.

[@ramblingprose6603]

It is a gimmick, I only use road, or custom which has all the interference switched off that I can

[@tedmarakas2626]

@@ramblingprose6603 I agree. The only use that I have for all these modes is the ability to switch intervention off. Many bikes use modes because they are way too powerful for most riders ability especially when the power is above 120Hp. However, all these modes and electronics ruin the connection between the rider and the machine. Maybe I am just old school rider. As a marketing gimmick, the companies have installed all these electronics on motorcycles with low power which makes no practical sense and they charge extra on the MSRP for them.

[@heikothomas5883]

I had the first (E4) model and the second one (E5). I loved both of them for many reasons but the engines did not like temperatures above 25°C, especially when riding at at low speeds (due to little air-cooling). The remedy was to use high octane gasoline which (in Germany) is way more expansive and not always available. I hope that this 3rd generation will not have that issue again, because the V85 is high on my list of favourite motorcycles.

[@chrissunde1104]

I own a 2021 v85tt and love it. If you mentioned the drive shaft I missed it. It's a big part of the Moto Guzzi experience.

[@stevesteve1965.]

You can always add 'Octane Booster' if you have difficulty finding high octane fuel.. I use it occasionally and it's fine..also you can add a Mistral booster plug

[@philipparana9225]

They should make a strada travel, i highly doubt many are taking this off road in more rhan a fire ir gravel road

[@ironhorsehero1988]

I’ve noticed a few owners have added a low front mudguard which in my view the bike should have as standard. Here in the UK with our weather a functional mud guard is essential.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

I was interested in getting one of these until I found out it's ride by wire and controlled by modes.

[@chrishaddad5362]

Is parts availability good for Guzzis?

[@BladedAngel]

For this model? Probably, since it's really popular bike that's also been around for years now, and since it's still be produced, Guzzi definitely makes new OEM parts for it. Worst comes to worst, you could always buy parts from other owners on eBay or Marketplace. I have a 2017 Audace and even though the California Platform was discontinued, I find plenty of parts on eBay all the time. I needlessly hoard things, but my bike literally has had 0 issues in the 15,000 miles I've had it, but if it does, I likely already have what it needs to replace it!

[@stepp123456]

what jacket do you wear? thx...

[@kalaharimine]

Problem is extra weight and height are the antithesis of practicality. As for rider modes and electronic gizmos, it's mundane cope.

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Air cooled?

[@stevenagy88]

Yes

[@le_kakis]

What is the name of the jacket the reviewer is wearing?

[@vacilandoarcher]

Carl

[@kurtsunderbruch4711]

I'm curious. If the presenter were to describe the engine in an R27 BMW, would he call it transverse or longitudinal? Why?

[@thorick590]

Sounds great ! So the Goose has finally twisted the cylinders from straight, an innovation that Honda did first on their CX500 transverse V-twin back in 1978 ? Inna Italia, we do eet on-uh OUR-uh time-uh ! :-)

[@ramblingprose6603]

the honda is a copy, several decades after other transverse v-twins including MG

[@thorick590]

@@ramblingprose6603 nope, there were too many innovations in that CX500 that were never seen before in a production transverse twin of 500cc or larger: twisted cylinders, counter rotating alternator, pressed steel frame with stressed member engine, short stroke high RPM engine with 4 valves per cylinder. I love MG, but I have to give credit where it is due...

[@NicholasGodfery-r1d]

Emie Tunnel

[@williammuir638]

❤guzzi 😊