Moto Guzzi V85 TT adventure bike review | 2019 launch road test

We put Moto Guzzi's new 'classic enduro' though its paces.
To read the full review of the Moto Guzzi V85 TT, click here: www.bennetts.c...
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[@stuartscott2330]

Have my v85 a month now and absolutely love it, coming from a sports bike I thought I'd miss the power but I don't, the v85 is just lovely to ride!

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

Would you pick this over an rs660?

[@edoardocesana5749]

@@TheG60528XiJinPing it depends on what you plan to do with the moto...

[@unounv]

Good to know I’m getting one tomorrow!! Pumped!

[@azerua99]

Do you still got it ? Any problems ?

[@bobbennett2075]

One of the more useful reviews I have seen so far on this bike

[@bobbennett2075]

My last name is only a coincidence w sponsor

[@julianperry5141]

What a fantastic presenter. Well done, this bike definitely on the radar

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Your's is the best review of the V85TT to come from the launch. Not laden with syrupy oohs and ahhhhs, some riding with "verve" and you didn't pussyfoot around in the gravel. Nicely done.

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Good comment Simon. "Would I be concerned about running out of performance?" I learned 25 years ago with a Ducati 900SS that horsepower is a very academic concept, as staying ahead on the road in a pack of aggressive CBR and R1 riders depends more on skill and a good chassis, tyres, and brakes than on a notional >100 bhp at the crank. If the bike has a useable engine and comes in a decent package that floats your boat, then fill your boots.

[@barriereader9116]

Bought one, love it. Pain to get it insured, I think Piaggio forgot to tell the dvla they,d made one. Sorted now. Did 150 miles on it the fist day and enjoyed every one. It's a keeper.

[@ibanezmnm]

Four Fingers how much is it ?

[@davidbesant]

I had that problem with my DL1000XGT. The companies I normally use wouldn't quote as the model wasn't listed. Ended up paying double the expected price in the 1st year. Second year was fine, it was listed everywhere.

[@psyclone63]

Simon is one of the best reviewers out there.

[@CyberGasty]

I tried it yesterday and was really pleasantly surprised with the ride. Was looking for words to describe it, and then watched your review and that is it. Thanks again for a great review and thumbs up for a great bike. I am not into this category of bikes (adventure-touring), but I liked it very much, if I compare it with bikes I tried like Vstrom and GS. There is something special going on with this bike, although it might sound as a cliché.

[@lleifior2]

Love mine - 1000 miles in the first couple of weeks - comfy to ride over a long distance - good economy allows you to do proper distances without having to stop for fuel. Rides and handles like a true Guzzi, proper bike,

[@trailnerror2887]

Holy shit. What a excellent job with this review. It was basically a virtual test ride. I have a KTM 1190 kinda nervous right now.

[@barryolaith]

As already said by others, a really excellent, comprehensive review. Thank you. I think this must be the best bike Guzzi have made since the Griso, with far wider appeal.

[@jamess9162]

Great Review thank you.,I took one out on demo yesterday and now I gonna trade my Ktm 790 duke for one. It really is a beautiful bike.

[@giuliobuccini208]

Comparing the v85 to massive scramblers has not so much sense for me. The v85 is the new Honda Transalp, IMO. The bike is good for everything: traveling, commuting, urban riding and also some offroad. Take in account that a group of a dozen of simple standard Guzzi Stone v7 travelled 4.000 km in central Asia with no problems. Not a burned indicator lamp. Pushrods, no radiator, cardan means a robust bike for going everywhere.

[@b8tzim767]

Cardan?

[@giuliobuccini208]

@@b8tzim767 opssss.... shaft-drive

[@b8tzim767]

@@giuliobuccini208 Grazie

[@wanionwombat9338]

I had a 1990 Transalp. Now thinking about purchasing a V85TT. It's not a fast bike, but it looks like it will bring a huge smile to my face.

[@mrcintheuk4641]

Excellent review. This bike really appeals to me, with its overall looks, 23 litre tank, shaft drive and every day practicality, but I can't afford it, so I'll just have to book a test ride and hope I hate it. 😬

[@chrisw4215]

Have you done it? :)

[@ardav951]

I did so. Loved it. Bought it. What a fantastic bike!

[@00andrew000]

​@@ardav951lol, congrats man

[@motorcyclesplanet]

Probably the Best Review i have come across on any Motorcycle to date , Very well edited and explained, Well done to this Journalist and funny ending with the = that was a lot of talking hahahaha

[@norsefalconer]

If I had this bike, I'd never make it into a store, etc. I'd get about 10 steps away, turn around and just stand there looking until I just had to get back on.

[@guambra2001]

You have great energy and speak plainly. Keep doing those things because this review was great.

[@briananderson2219]

That has got to be one of the best looking bikes made

[@John-ev3cz]

Thanks for the good review and honest comments; being 69 years old now and not riding for 35+ years I just purchased a 2021 V7 850 Special about 4500 miles on it; really liking it put a Mistral slip on gave it a nicer sound; just purchased a 2022 V85 Travel also and asked dealer to switch out gray color body parts for green and silver Centenario body parts; and being 5’7 with 29 inch inseam asked the dealer to install a front and rear suspension lowering kit and remove 3/4” rubber bungs under seat to lower it a bit more; I understand the nature of these bikes and I am getting some vibration through handlebars with my V7; I’ve tried different grips even added the lead shot to the inside of the bars to reduce it; I’ve also heard with all Guzzis as time goes on and miles add up they smooth out a bit? I’m anxious to try out the V 85 hope the seat height is right with the adjustments and it sounds like the 2022 model has better low in mid range torque which should be nice; being in the USA down the road I’d like to decat both bikes to make them run cooler and a bit richer not worrying about E5 emissions! thanks again John

[@matthewcoldicutt5951]

Gordon Bennett! Good review from a reasonable , non dramatic journalist who can really ride properly too. Wish I could afford one, but can at least stretch it to a V7 lll on an attractive deal, and let's face it, most rides on a V85 will be on the road , not through the soft stuff. Nice to have the option an 85 TT would give though

[@FourIntoOne]

Good review, thanks. Makes a decent noise - no one seems to mention that. That induction roar.........

[@eddyhoughton6542]

My God! I just realised the Italian dude following you was keeping up on a V9 Bobber. He must have balls of steel!

[@ianmills35]

Cracking review, you’re right there was a lot of talking but all good honest stuff. Thank you. 👍🏍

[@tonibeitlich9948]

Respect for your lean angle, nice bike, interesting review

[@disekjoumoer]

Nice review, Simon. If I had the money, I'd get one tomorrow. I simply love it.

[@cpuuk]

Grind those pegs ;-) Best vlog review of this bike to date.

[@paintup46]

I know it doesn’t really compare but, my old cx500 with tall knobbies, dirtbike bars was my favorite bike to ride, so far. I really miss it. I thought I would be happier with a newer bike but, I took that thing everywhere, lots of mild off-road and highways. It just felt good, engine sounded good, I loved the way the heads looked poking out the sides. I’ve been wanting a a “real” Guzzi for a while and making a scrambler out of it but this bike, just beautiful. I think it’s what I want.

[@matthiasmuller2203]

Great review, thanks a lot! Bought mine last week, looking forward to go for a ride… Stay save, all the best 🏍

[@johnthompson9896]

Nice bike, I hope Guzzi bring out one with mags and tubeless tyres as i think it would be good as a 100% road bike!

[@jackalster77]

I own the bike. The tyres are actually tubeless themselves but are fit with tubes, because the wheels have spokes. Pity.

[@glimmerman]

Seem to scrape less as you ride more. I think I’m sold, “it’s just nice” is just where I want to be. Thanks for a great review 👍

[@stefanferia5866]

What a great review for this amazing and pretty bike. Nice job dude.

[@citizenpmd565]

Great review, the bike looks great too, love the shaft drive, big tank and old school engine. Less impressed with inner tubes, no need whatsoever for this, I could have a reasonable go at fixing a roadside puncture with a repair kit but zero chance of removing a wheel , getting the tyre off the rim then reassembling the whole thing. Also needs a mud guard closer to the front tyre, current set up will cover the engine etc with mud and shite. Strangest thing is the upper mounting point for the rear shock, attached to a small welded bracket onto the rear sub frame, that looks very vulnerable, you'd have to be very confident in the welding of that tiny bracket over the long term. The bike is a bit of an enigma, bits of it I love but a few questions remaining.

[@sarahdell4042]

Tubes are such a pain to change on the side of the road! I’ve done it more than I care to, but that’s what would keep me from owning this.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

no, moto guzzi did the right thing with the mudguard. I broke my f800gs mudguard going through mud and sleet and it threw me over the bars in the process.

[@mikefry6765]

Best written review and video review on this bike well done Mr H 👍

[@Dante_S550_Turbo]

You even give prices when you mention a bike and full model name. you guys are awesome and thorough!

[@edzaslow]

Very nice review. About $13,000 USD, which I think is a very attractive price.

[@raycollington4310]

While knowing nothing about Guzzi quality or dealership support, I quite like the look of this machine. Love the push rod engine, just imagine a valve clearance job in comparison with the Ducati valve job on the elastic band twin. Will be interesting to see how this sells.

[@r6ymy]

Did the valves on my V7 last weekend, takes half an hour, cost of two paper gaskets.

[@raycollington4310]

@@r6ymy Well said.This arrangement would suit me, traditional simple set-up. While someone will educate me that the Ducati demo rubber band job will perform better on race track or the like, the fact remains that it looks to me that the designer set out to make the arrangement as complicated as possible. Some TV programme on the history of Ducati stated the company was going under and cost of manufacture needed to be slashed, hence the London Rubber Co job. Ducati fans will crucify me for saying this but for me, simplicity and maintainability wins every time. While I like the MG on paper I admit not knowing how well it is executed or supported!

[@rumien1383]

Lovely looking bike, as are many Guzzis, but dealership support often seems to be an issue. That's probably enough to put me off.

[@YourBusinessCardGuy]

14:58 Listening to that start reminds me a lot of Rockster. Tracktor baby.

[@warp65]

I love this bike. I'm still on a mk5 le man and lived through the 850/940 aftermarket kit period, I wonder if that will replay? Really good review, you convey the feel of the bike well and its specs. 👍

[@dcoverflow]

I really enjoyed the review. I've been eyeing Guzzis for a while. I've owned BMWs and Ducatis in the past (among other bikes), and something like the V85 or a BMW nineT fit what I envision my next bike to be. I really enjoyed my air-cooled 885cc Bonneville, more so than many of the higher powered bikes I had previous to it.

[@MrAndrew1953]

I'd go for a taller screen, Arrow pipe and Ohlin shock plus a set protection bars for the heads.

[@bobpowar7857]

That display is used on the Aprilia bikes My Tuono as it 👍🏾

[@trezapoioiuy]

They called it Classic Enduro instead of scrambler because, opposite to a scrambler, it's not just for the looks. It looks a bit like a scrambler, but it's an actual touring bike.

[@jimenagulla9081]

Love its look, not too crazy about the cylinders poking out that far but I guess that typical motto guzzi design? It's look is really growing on me!

[@scot3d90]

Nice review. Thanks. I'll be watching for this bike in the US.

[@kimhorton6109]

Holy living shit! The size of that gas tank is amazing!!

[@peterblatchford383]

Test rode one this week. It carries it's weight well and is easy to ride but lacks power. Very flat unless revved. Test before buying - it won't suit everyone.

[@pererikteaching]

One of the best reviews I've seen on a motorbike. Well done! I have seen a lot of motorbike reviews. You mange to balance feeling and facts well. You manage to cover what I want to know about the bike without talking a lot about other stuff. Maybe I would like to know a bit more about vibrations and discomfort on longer rides. You mention it slightly but hmmm Is it a problem or not?

[@MaxUtley]

That review was just right... looks awesome. getting one for Hong Kong . Will keep my KTMs for Africa

[@DanielBannon]

Well put together and informative, sir, from across the pond in Pacific NW (Seattle). We've sure got the roads here, too, but most of them are in danger of being a bit slick in the corners due to almost constant moisture. Keeps one on their toes, for-sure, and I've done my share of hard road riding in drier conditions: California, and on/off road in SA, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana too. The latter four countries via BMW's big GS. Think I'll take a pass on this one, upcoming (seeking new bike of some sort) though will be perfect for a certain kind of rider, in certain circumstances, as you so-ably demonstrated. Thanks again.

[@VelkePivo]

Nice review. Thank you. But I do wish you'd gone deeper into the comparison with the BMW urban gs

[@robertbickerstaff2538]

Excellent review. Beautiful bike. 👍🏻🙂

[@SickBikeDude]

The only thing that keeps me from buying any Moto Guzzi here in the states is dealer network.

[@ThePalmatron]

Lovely bike....Thanks for the good review!

[@jslider1968]

ordered mine already and waiting for the boat. supper pumped worried a bit about the exhaust and engine off-road not sure how it will like serious rocks and logs so far haven’t seen a reviewer do any

[@robertthomas1194]

Not really an offroader cobber... More a bit of an 'allroad' tourer instead. Meaning gravel, maybe a bit of dirt, but that's about it. You'd really need to be looking at F850 BMWs & KTM's new parallel twins for more serious offroad ability. That 19" front wheel will always be a limiting factor. When the going gets really rough only 21" fronts will really cut it. Having said that this new Guzzi is the duck's nuts as far as I'm concerned. I'd love to have one as an outback tourer!

[@symbian1530]

Excellent review

[@jeffstiller1118]

Nice work thanks for the review

[@ToolkiT73UK]

@9:22 my MG V7iii has a similar system for the TC.. you get used to it.. though have to say hardly ever need to use it..

[@albertopadovani4237]

Nicely review for the new Moto Guzzi's Motorbike V85 Tutto Terreno! 🇮🇹🏍👍

[@MrAndrew1953]

I understand where this bike is coming from having had a BMW R80GS and an R100GS. I enjoyed riding those bikes on dirt back roads to my parents home in Canberra from Melbourne. You had to put dirt oriented tyres on them. Do anything about the pegs? Love the shaft drive, two pot bullet proof motor and centre stand.

[@22fret]

Aluminium pushrods? Such a soft metal for this job? I find that quite courageous, to be honest... Quite a quiet gearbox for a Guzzi, not bad...

[@steveone]

I think he should have said titanium pushrods .

[@awrebyawe]

nice review. Curious about this bike. I like it, but I don't think it's the sort of thing i'd buy, probably need to see and hear one in the flesh!

[@svaralen]

Hi, great review!! Will you recommend this beauty for beginners as first bike!? Thanx ✌️ grettings from Serbia 😎

[@aladinfox4098]

Great enthusiastic review..👌

[@christopherhudson5767]

Great review, have booked a test ride through M&P Swansea, the engine sounds great and the yellow/white/red colour scheme looks amazing. This is a bike that looks so much better in the flesh & if I had the money would definitely be in my garage. From your review it seems like a bike I could tour on quite happily and take in some light off roading. Bit concerned about grounding of pegs though. Thanks.

[@essexriderunleashed9321]

As a hard core BMW gs fan I would pick this bike over gs any day. I think I found the replacement 🤔

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

What makes you say that?

[@nigelfisher6896]

Great review. Thanks for posting. Just one question, I love the look of this bike, I'm just wondering what the heat transfer to the rider is like. I live in Australia, I've had a Tiger 800 & Versys 1000. Both sold because they were far too hot in the summer. I'm hoping this is better. I could test ride one, but it's winter here ATM.

[@ctydecks]

You shouldn't feel it, if you wear motorcycle pants. I rode 13 T km on a MG V7C in a leather suit around AUS, it was hot but rather the weather than the heat coming from the engine. Also we are currently travelling (or not for 90 days already, because of COVID-19) since October in South America 15t km. These bikes are great for travelling, very reliable, comfortable (we travel 2up) and economical, not so good in stop & go (as they are air cooled) in hot weather, but it's manageable, just have to start the engine back up, every now and then.

[@luishcoreia]

Any experience of two up riding and long distance touring on this bike?

[@craigpennington1251]

A rethink on the foot controls and pegs is highly recommended. That could be fixed easily by putting on taller wheels and rubber. That front fender is useless.

[@lenmcmorrow869]

Great review I own one and agree with what you have to say and the enjoyment is still there after 2 years of ownership. On a separate point what Jacket is Simon Wearing and is it still available cheers Len

[@semajohn]

I do like the additional information display. The rivals, bike info etc. I wasn't going to bother watching this as I've seen quite a few reviews now. But that little bit of extra effort made all the difference. 👍

[@masterspin7796]

Fantastic review!...I would like to see how it does on long freeway romps..80m.p.h. +

[@twomassable]

Why is it that as soon as the engine is put in a motorcycle the engine configuration changes? In the car world this engine would be a longitudinal engine because the crank shaft is in the direction of travel but put it in a motorcycle an it suddenly becomes a transverse V-twin engine. Someone please explain.

[@raynic1173]

That's a pretty spirited ride for someone not familiar with the road and sponsored by an Insurance co. Don't let the boardroom suits see this!

[@Supernova12034]

16:27 Thats how you review a bike, one word, descriptive, succinct adjectives!

[@rosariomaccarrone4737]

wow, the video i was looking for before to go to try one!

[@MaxUtley]

Brilliant review. One of best

[@NickTruelsen]

Great review, thank you

[@OGszymekk]

Awesome motorcycle to hold in your garage, imho real adventure bike cant have cylinder going outside. I dont want to think about cylinderhead damages when i go offroad 300km far from home ... Design od this motorcycle is awesome its true.

[@SloppyLink]

Great review. I love mine. Solution for dash, leave it on night mode, much nicer 👍🏽😊

[@dungbeetlemovies]

At 4:37 changing down whilst cranked over on a shaft drive bike - that's brave! :D

[@grtbgf]

are the shifts really that loud? and clunky

[@Dave-sw2dm]

...and now they have tubeless wheels. Glad I waited. :-)

[@peril1954]

Great review for someone who is genuinely interested in the bike as opposed to another tosser on YT who tried to do a 900 mile McDonalds run in less than 20 hours. He then complained about the seat FFS. Realistic thanks.

[@reverendhoover]

Is that a Tuccano Urbano jacket, Si?

[@Meekerextreme]

How does the under bike exhaust handle boulder fields? I'm in Colorado and that exposed engine worries me and the same for the exhaust. The guard Moto Guzzi sells looks like a joke, so aftermarket would be needed to really protect the engine.

[@DoNotClickUFreak]

What jacket is he wearing?

[@tyroy57]

good work mate

[@kostakis3]

The bike looks awesome

[@suowner]

This guy looks like JIm Breuer's MC riding, parting, good times, uncle. Good vid too.

[@mcsedad]

Great review - thank you!

[@TheDresdner]

The Bluetooth option is a 300 euro extra

[@ItsDaMechanic]

Not a big fan of the blue display either. Should be an option to change the color scheme.

[@TwoHawksHunting]

The V85 TT is a good looking machine. I think it deserves a lot more horsepower and better ground clearance though.

[@reactionbros2516]

I have a huffy white lightning 1988 bike and was wondering if you knew how much it is worth

[@norsefalconer]

I think you should trade it for a compass 😉

[@georgiosgusos9919]

...did you scratch the road while turning....what was that noise...???

[@craigdalton2527]

It's the pegs scraping the ground due to a low ground clearance when turning.

[@georgiosgusos9919]

...thanks...but what kind of adventure bike does that...???

[@craigdalton2527]

@@georgiosgusos9919 They are marketing this as a classic enduro, not really an adventure bike. Given the low ground clearance and 19" front with and low suspension travel. The off road is more like gravel road, nothing serious. This a an easy to ride good looking bike.

[@admiralbeez8143]

I just wish it had proper gauges. Do we all want iPad Minis for our instrument clusters?

[@gadjodilo100]

A "charming" bike as you said.... are these 35mm front suspension? 11000 pound a competitive price???????

[@ItsDaMechanic]

Red and white bike looks best.

[@robertthomas1194]

Have you seen the all-red one? That particular bike oozes class. The tri-colour models seem a bit gaudy to me. Not sure how well these colourways will date.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

lovely TT

[@telosfd]

At 4:57 these indication at speedometer are kilometers?