Is the Moto Guzzi Stelvio better than the V85TT ?

[@DiogoMachadoMendes]

Thank you for this great vídeo! I tried the Stelvio and the new 85tt this week. My brain says Stelvio, my heart says 85tt. Always follow your heart !

[@chrissunde1104]

I own and ride a 2021 v85tt and can't bring myself to trade it. I guess it's earned a permanent place as a member of the family. Fun on twisty back roads of Maine and capable on longer trips as well. I must admit there are moments I wish for more power, but overall the v85tt is a satisfying bike to ride.

[@BlackHeart_YouTube_Channel]

Guzzis are very, very reliable and easy to maintain bikes. Beside of being very good looking and have the best engines out there. You will never ever get so much emotions while riding and while looking at it with a japanese bike.

[@davidmatthews3093]

Talk for yourself. A couple of years I was looking to downsize from my ST1300 Pan European and on paper the V85TT was the ideal bike because I wanted a touring bike that was good on small badly maintained back roads as well as on good surfaces do I test rode one. I’m afraid I was underwhelmed, my dream was shattered, it was so full and uninspiring. A few weeks later while I was having a new tyre fitted to my Honda I tested a CB500X with no expectations. It was brilliant, it had the character that the Guzzi lacked. A few weeks after that I test ride another 500X and traded in my Pan European. What a great move. Armchair experts might talk about character and enjoyment but experience often proves them wrong. I still love the look of the V85TT but I have no wish to own one. If only the riding experience had matched the appearance.

[@BlackHeart_YouTube_Channel]

@@davidmatthews3093 Alright, you are the only one who believes that :-) That said, the V85 is the most boring of the lineup and still an amazing bike.

[@flat6fever680]

Liked and subscribed. Just found you guys while researching my new V85 TT Travel. You guys are a great way to wake up with a cup of coffee and the pups on a cool foggy morning in the Appalachian mountains of Central Pennsylvania. A cool morning but a warm sunny day ahead. Sun burning through the fog now. Nothing like September weather in this part of the world. I love the looks of the Stelvio but live on a rough dirt road and need the plush suspension of the V85 over the sharp looks and extra power of the Stelvio. The charm and character and engine of the V85 are really something else. It's lovely down low and in the mid range and rips on top. How'd they do this with an air cooled lump? Feels like my water cooled GS's. Sidenote: test rode and wanted to buy a new Honda TransAlp but my God it was dreadfully lacking character, feel, low and mid range punch, etc.. So glad I rode it before buying it! Bikes need to be a V twin or Boxer to have any character IMHO. Cheers

[@joannehowell861]

Lovely review gents. I'm lucky enough to own both the new Stelvio and a Euro5 + V85. I had a MandelloS but due to problems with my left leg I needed to stop about every 30 miles and walk around to get the blood flowing again. So swapped the Mandello for the Stelvio. I fully agree they are both great bikes, but the new V85, in my opinion, is a big step up from the previous model. Fueling is near perfect and it is a fair bit quicker. I find the Stelvio suspension OK on anything but the really gnarly roads where it tends to get a bit out of shape. By the way I'm Steve Howell and not Joanne. Keep up the good work gents.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thanks Steve that is interesting feedback makes me want to try the new V85TT I will see if I can get a go and do an update to this review (if it ever stops raining) 👍

[@whisperdancer]

How do you compare both the Stelvio and the Mandello S? I test rode both and felt right at home with the Mandello (coming from a naked bike nevertheless). In the end I got a Mandello S, but my time with the Stelvio was just around 30 minutes...

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@whisperdancer I rode a mandello S recently and loved it (did a review) TBH that’s the bike I would buy

[@barneyhaye863]

I rode the Mandello, the Mandello S, and two Stelvios (one for a week’s hire two-up on holiday)… and bought a Stelvio. After 4700 miles I’m sure I made the right choice. I found the suspension of the Mandellos too hard (though that is supposed to be easily adjustable on the S), the riding position gave me backache after a half hour (age?), and the turning circle is wide. The Stelvio is more agile in traffic, has great weather protection and is a superb bike for a pillion. Riding a v85 recently I missed the grunt and top-end of the Stelvio. As regards riding at 20, it depends on the ride mode. Use Road for town riding and Sport when you get free. The Stelvio will pull sixth gear with the engine idling and you can slam open the throttle to pull to maximum speed without a stutter from the engine. Really enjoyed your discussion on the video. Keep it up!

[@NakaNakaDerkaDerka]

Fueling can be sorted on gen 1 with upmap…

[@stelios_poulman]

I test rode a Stelvio a couple of weeks ago and thought it was a brilliant bike for my touring. I am 6'2" and it has the perfect riding position for me. Interestingly, I felt the same as you about the suspension and decided I will wait until next year hoping they might introduce the Mandello electronically adjustable suspension to the Stelvio. However...I have been wondering about the 2nd Gen V85tt with the variable timing. I think it's a trip back to the dealer to test ride one of those. It could save me a bit of money, too! Oh, btw, thank you for the very informative video!

[@Buddlertom]

Love my V85, model 23. Own a 97 BMW R1100R and a Honda Blackbird, too. The V85 is so easy and smooth to ride. Never had the impression to lack power. Installed the Mistral Y-Pipe (with cat) and headers, V-Twin-Boost and K&N. Bike is a bit louder, sounds more impressive, also 10 kg less and more omp above 3000 rpm. Easy to ride with less than 4 liter/100 km without being slow. Awesome. The Stelvio is beautiful, great engine I suppose, but much heavier and much more expensive.

[@dougmclaren4328]

Enjoyed the vid, a nice review and comparison. I had a 2012 Stelvio for three years, and have owned a V85TT for four years. The new Stelvio sounds superb, even put in ear buds just to listen to it.

[@chrissunde1104]

Forgot to mention; very good informative and enjoyable review.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thank you, have a test of the Stelvio see what you think

[@robertlindstrom540]

After a lifetime on japanese bikes (since -74) I always find something wrong when I try european or american brands. But I like the looks of a Guzzi engine, and also that V85 form and double headlamp. It is a pretty thing and I would propably like it if I rode it. But my old Kawasaki will propably see my riding days out, I´ve owned it since 2012 and it fits me now like old shoes do just before they fall apart. I`ve never liked tinkering much, and with japanese I don´t have to. But as with the girls, we can always look, eh? Nice comparison video though, so thanks.

[@BlackHeart_YouTube_Channel]

Guzzis are very, very reliable and easy to maintain bikes. Beside of being very good looking and have the best engines out there. You will never ever get so much emotions while riding and while looking at it with a japanese bike.

[@degutube]

Great timing for this review. As a V7 Special owner wondering what might be a next bike in the Moto Guzzi range. I must say I do love that V85!

[@savage22bolt32]

❤ my 2016 V7 ii Stone!

[@Tobias42]

I switched from a V7 classic to a V85TT and I'm loving it! Better suspension, more power, better wind protection. But it feels a bit bigger and heavier in the city.

[@karstbeens7599]

I didn't ride the Stevio , but what a fantastic bike is the v85 . My first Moto Guzzi after 42 years on a motorbike , I love it 👌

[@caleroby9483]

Me too. 2023 Travel and.... Yes. 😘 My first Guzzi. 👍

[@fazerguy5654]

Just bought a 19 plate v85tt and fell in love straight away then pulled away and thought wow. Then I had a dilemma wether to buy the 2nd gen new one, took me a good 1/2 hour in the showroom,but loved the McDonald colour when they came out so went for the old one. Doing a guzzi weekend camp with a club and never done that before so shows what a pull it's got.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Guzzis grabbed me the same way in 1977 after my first ride on a Mk1 Le Mans

[@fazerguy5654]

Yes nearly bought a Cali in 79 but was talked out of it because of wiring issues and getting spares. Always regretted it, especially now I've bought the v85tt.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Have you seen our review on the 850 Cali ?

[@fazerguy5654]

Yes but just watched it again and remembered I was depressed I didn't buy it and now again 😂

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@fazerguy5654 Dave has since sold that bike

[@richardjohnson3463]

So good to see you boys back ❤

[@KenZoKu-bs9jr]

Primero agradecer a LDG la referencia de hacer pública una pregunta que mucha gente quiere saber. Segundo... Yo tengo una de las primeras V85TT que se fabricaron y he pasado por todo. Incluido el menosprecio de muchos guzistas que decían que no era una verdadera Guzzi. De hecho, en el centenario hice una peregrinación de 4000 kilómetros e hice más amigos motoristas de BMW que de Guzzi. Dicho esto... La V85 es mucho más democrática que la nueva Stelvio. No solamente cuesta menos dinero de adquirir y mantener sino que es la moto ideal para mucha más gente. Si tú eres un privilegiado que puede calzar la Stelvio, bien. No hay nada que decir de las personas que tienen los pies grandes y calzan un 46. Ellos no pueden calzar un número más pequeño, simplemente es eso ( aunque tampoco caben en las sillas normales o en los trajes normales ).

[@boblynch7535]

Out here in the intermountain west HP matters. It’s not so much about top speed as the ability to maintain 90 to 100 for extended periods. It doesn’t hurt over taking either. I ride a Tiger 900. Love it. But a Guzzi keeps creeping into my mind.

[@raymondclark1458]

Amazing review and it’s a pleasure to listen to you gentlemen. Very articulate. I’m stuck choosing between either a V85 or 2017 Stelvio. This helps a ton. Thank you.

[@PGS675]

i really appreciate this authentic review of these gentlemen! i strongly agree. thank you

[@ozyrob1]

Thanks for doing this video fellas. I'm weighing up betweenthe 2 bikes so it's exactly the video I wanted to see. Also good that I'm a similar age to you guys too. 👍

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thank you glad you liked it

[@bar0756]

I adore the V85, for me its a keeper, the ultimate all-rounder. I installed a free breathing exhaust system, upmap ecu flash, dynojet pc6/at 300 dynamic fuel correction. Runs so much cooler! Hp and torque are way up, buttery smooth everywhere. Its a gem of a bike!

[@NakaNakaDerkaDerka]

Geez u spent a bomb going the full dynojet mods from the USA…

[@bar0756]

​@NakaNakaDerkaDerka Lots of people already have an uograded exhaust with Y pipe. The electronics are fifteen hundred dollars. If the bike is a keeper then long term ownership cost is not all that different percentage wise. But the bike is!

[@savage22bolt32]

@bar0756 do you know any place to go, to updrade the ecu on a 2016 V7 Stone 750cc?

[@boog3690]

I've been looking at all three. V85TT, Mandelo and the Stelvio. All on my list. Been test riding various models to see what I like best. We shall see.

[@constantinosadam]

I heard nothing about air protection in the comments. Stelio is much better than V85 and this give you a great advantage in the highways

[@SBKPete]

Great review and discussion lads. Very enjoyable 😊

[@reinmansmith]

An excellent comparison to make thanks chaps, very useful 👍

[@benlark8603]

Excellent piece as always, thankyou!

[@mrrarerooster3578]

A great watch LDG. I do like your after ride chats to get a sense of the bikes you've been on. I ride a V7 in Pembrokeshire and I might have to try a V85tt one day. I recon it would suit the roads I ride which seem not dissimilar to your own. BTW I've managed to bag two slices of Lemon Drizzle in the last week. Not bad going eh

[@per-arnehjorth9785]

Great video and groovy music! Moto-Guzzi is one of a few brands I have never tried. Hope soon to get the chance to ride the V7 Special or the V85TT. 😊

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Guzzi has always been an acquired taste but these recent bikes make their charms much more accessible

[@markb3180]

Excellent review and comparison and have to agree A & D are a very good dealer. Changing the subject, how's the glass door??

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

It came off a Lot better than I did, I think my daughter broke a rib laughing at me 🤣

[@martinowl]

I bet it smarted a tad at the time!ouch.

[@markb3180]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Good to see you're on the mend and still producing such good vlogs. 👏👏👏

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@markb3180 thank you

[@r6ymy]

I know what you mean about that odd feeling on first tip in. I've got a V100 S Mandello, and it always feels a bit odd on the first corner leaving my estate. After that it's great! Interesting comparison with the V85. I've looked at them and sat on one but never ridden one, must try one sometime.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

It’s a strange phenomenon isn’t it once you get going it’s perfectly fine

[@checker3694]

It would be nice if you did a review on 2024 v85tt and one in this video. It would be only one on You tube, and a very interesting whats changed after 6 years

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

There is one in the pipeline 👍

[@farchmarch7043]

Of course the Stelvio is far better than TT 85!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Not our conclusion if you watch

[@wudntulike2no32]

This is the first comparison I have seen of these two bikes. I have been looking at a v85 for a while now but I wondered how the new Stelvio was in comparison.

[@stevesteve1965.]

Neither are better than the other they are just different. Many of us V85TT owners adore them and wouldn't want anything else, they are a charming pleasant capable machine you cannot and shouldn't compare to anything else on the market let alone Guzzi's own V100 Stelvio. When Guzzi make a bike it's their version of that bike in the market. It's utterly pointless comparing say a BMW GS, Tiger900, KTM etc..its a Guzzi it's it's their own interpretation of that style of bike the Guzzi way. You either get it or you don't.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Did you actually watch the video or just read the title ? We have been riding Guzzis since 1977 we defiantly “get it” Anyway thanks for watching

[@dannyhampshire2825]

Very enjoyable love this make of bike

[@bav114]

Great video. I’m thinking about one of these when I get rid of my GS next year. I think a test ride is in order. On a different subject have you ridden the new BSA Gold Star?

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

We were due to review one couple of weeks ago but it was sold before we could do it

[@samjoentess9168]

Nice one lads

[@nockianlifter661]

I prefer their baby brother 660 Tuareg. Lighter.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Not tried that yet but very keen to I think I would love it

[@nockianlifter661]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Not as relaxed as the Guzzi, but so much lighter.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@nockianlifter661 my sort of bike, Stewart one of the LDG team rode on and thought it was fantastic

[@sandwaves5642]

Stelvio is better, prettier, slightly more comfy and more powerful than the V85TT.... BUT it also, is thirstier. The coolant should be checked before winter storage ( in cold countries ), and - the price ! 😖 Would I swap my Centenario for Stelvio ? - yes - if I had a well functioning spinal cord and more physical power 🤷‍♂🤷‍♂ Would I do it because Stelvio is a better bike ? - NO - I'd do it, just to have a new, pretty toy, and for showing off. Otherwise, if I had enough 💰💰💰💰I would keep both, but still, use the V85TT - Stelvio is tooooo heavy - 4 me

[@stonkerontheroad9609]

I wish they would black the engine out on the V100 and Stelvio. Also offer the other V85s with alloy wheels and the travel in a better colour. Frustrating innit?

[@uglybiketours4344]

Simon Hargreaves was on the launch of the new Stelvio. In the end of his video and the conclusion he mean...."..that's a elephant in the room, and this is the V85TT..." 😂😂 There is nothing more to add 😉😉

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Yes I watched that as well, SImon Hargreaves is an excellent jourrnalist

[@uglybiketours4344]

@@LemonDrizzleGang 100% agree 👍🏻👍🏻 I'm from Bavaria, and I watch all the videos from him. He have a real good mix between the facts and the passion for ride. Greetings from the Alps 👍🏻👍🏻

[@P.O-GSArider]

🤘👍👍🤘

[@marcbrasse747]

You think so? For those who are less certain: Watch the video as I will still do now. 😁

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Sorry don’t understand your comment

[@marcbrasse747]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Just joking. The question you pose is if the V100 is better then the V85. I was suggesting, or at least tried to, that I already knew the outcome before watching but would have a look anyway to be sure. 😁

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

I just re read it and got what you meant completely sorry for being a thicko 😁👍

[@marcbrasse747]

@@LemonDrizzleGang No problem. It’s me who should excuse myself for writing such weird comments. 🤣

[@drdoolittle5724]

Sorry Lads, but methinks a big Moto Guzzi will not be your last bike, you will be on something smaller, shorter,lighter, with no gears, but at least you will be happy still on 2 wheels! I know, because.............!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Watch our Himalayan 450 review for a similar opinion

[@johnwiffen6655]

Traded a Mandello in for a Stelvio. A terrible mistake. Awful suspension awful gearbox.

[@idontwantahandle12345]

Nice review Gents. Be nice if Dave could shut up sometimes and let you other guys actually finish your sentences.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Haha that’s why we love him

[@constantinosadam]

I heard nothing about air protection in the comments. Stelio is much better than V85 and this gives you a great advantage in the highways. V85 is actually very poor there

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

So you missed the comments we made regarding the electric screen and how it affects my schuberth helmet and the bit where Dave describes holding his hand above his head to see where the wind is in relation to his visor and how much difference having the screen in different positions affects “air protection” Also Johns comments re both the V85 and the Mandello screens A rewatch might help