Moto Guzzi V85TT - An Italian Adventure

Having fallen in love with the Moto Guzzi Mandello v100 and V7 but having a current need for a more back road, off road bike capable of motorway travel and with carrying capacity, I thought I would would refresh my memory of the Moto Guzzi V85TT. So of I popped down to Mototechniks, my local Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, Yamaha dealer.
www.mototechniks.com
Http://WWW.Moto Guzzi.com
‪@motoguzziofficial‬
Instagram: the_all_year_mo...
Photos and memories to:
Email: [e-mail]
The All Year Motorcyclist Web Page
www.haywards.co.uk/the-all-ye...
#motoguzzi
#motoguzziv85tt
#mototechniks
#offroad

[@curbjumper]

I have a 2021 V85tt, bought new; I have ridden it for 32,000km and used it extensively as an examiner to follow, test, and evaluate riders who are attempting their on-road test. It is hands down the best motorcycle I have ever owned for travelling, vacations, and highway riding. I have done all maintenance myself; the valve clearance inspections/ adjustments are easy to do. I have had one issue during 32,000km with this bike: the turnsignal switch failed. The local dealer replaced it at no cost to me. I have owned 3 Ducatis prior to this Moto Guzzi, and I love Italian bikes; just be prepared to have consumables such as oil filters, associated o-rings and gaskets for oil changes etc, stocked up and in your garage. Change the oil as scheduled, change the trans oil and final drive oil earlier than recommended. This is because if your bike was built on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon, it may have an incorrect volume of trans oil from the factory, or perhaps olive oil may have been used instead of gear oil, in the case of the factory techs/ assemblers being drunk on red wine during the work day. I cannot blame them for that, just check your bike. I installed the centerstand, which is a must-have for getting the rear wheel off the ground, to rotate the crank via the rear wheel to find TDC for doing valve clearance checks. I have also replaced the head pipes/ catalytic converter with Mistral head pipes, which has noticeably improved the smoothness during acceleration and allowed for cooler running. The OEM windscreen is useless to me. Buffeting is intense. I have purchased a shorter screen for hot summer days, and 2 taller, adjustable screens for travelling, which eliminated all buffeting issues. I am 5'10", 200lbs, 30 inch inseam, 60 yrs old with 54 yrs riding experience. It takes all of my skill to handle this bike at slow speed with a full tank of fuel and a load of luggage, but it is doable, I have not dropped it (yet); I prefer a smaller, lighter bike for city riding & commuting. Otherwise, this red-framed beauty is a keeper, and I would not hesitate to purchase another one. The 400km fuel range, cruise control, shaft drive, comfortable seat, and 3 alloy boxes make for a great travelling machine. I can sit on it all day, day after day, during a road trip, and still be fresh and not sore; TAYM, yes the seat is magnificent 👍 Yes, it is not cheap to buy; I walked into the dealership, laid down, and handed them my wallet. It did hurt, however what price can we put on thousands of kms of pure riding pleasure? Worth every penny.

[@TAYM]

Incredible 😁 fantastic comment and of far more use to perspective purchasers than my effort 😁 thanks CJ 😁

[@curbjumper]

@@TAYM Thanks for saying so, however, keep in mind that YOU are the person doing all the work bringing us these fantastic videos; very good content, and as always 💯 per cent fun to watch.

[@TAYM]

@@curbjumper thanks CJ 😁

[@daintree2455]

It's Italian it's beautiful. I like everything Italian cars,bikes,boats,food,the country, the people and buxom signorinas. Thanks TAYM

[@TAYM]

Absolutely 😁😁😁 thanks DT 😁

[@nigelfisher3756]

@daitree2455 I’m with you all the way on all things Italian……way to go!

[@mikerider58]

I love motto guzzi King of Classic imo 👌 great to see them join what l call ' The slightly off road party" A smooth Slick Sonar 👌 Adventure bike 🏍 emitting sound pulses that other bikes can only dream of 😊

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 brilliant 😁 thanks MR 😁

[@melfzs]

Great day for it TAYM and a lovely looking bike to go out on too! I love the Guzzi's always have done but never got around to buying one ,weird 🤔 , anyway the sunshine is calling I'm off out on my Classic, nice Video, cheers 🍻 catch up later 👍

[@TAYM]

Have a fantastic ride 😁 thanks Mel 😁

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

Awwwww one of my favourites I think it looks marvellous and I can tell you have a soft spot for it. I reckon it would make an excellent winter bike it looks tough and plenty of character to keep you entertained. It is a fair amount of money at list price but get online and there are some deals to be had and some nice low mileage secondhand ones at reasonable money. I just wish they made one with maybe a 31" seat lol. I don't know what some people are alluding to TAYM just because you can see virtues in most bikes is not a bad thing I think it is fairly obvious when a bike doesn't really do it for you and equally when you really fall for a bike. I don't think there are many truly bad bikes these days and why rubbish a perfectly good bike just because it isn't necessarily one you'd buy.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Mike 😁 very wise words 😁

[@barryjmarling]

Such a fantastic looking bike,great colour,honestly believe this would be my next bike when I finally sell my Bandit in a few years,great video of a work of art,I mean motorcycle.

[@TAYM]

Thanks BM 😁 😂😂😂 it is a splendid looking bike 😁

[@icedidi]

it's a work of art and as always, love that engine. Was surprised at the bhp figure and the number of idiot lights, very festive!

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 I know, the dash goes crazy and it surprised me how quick it went from green to red 😂 Thanks Ice 😁

[@redhedhair]

Love Guzzi`s. Love the V85 👍... Disco on the dash ! made me chuckle😂. Thanks TAYM

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 thanks RH 😁

[@nigelfisher3756]

A bloody good bike…..I’m very pleased Guzzis are underrated, makes one feel special when out on it.

[@TAYM]

Thanks NF 😁 yes, keeps them special 😁

[@crumblymal8479]

Excellent TAYM the Guzzi looks very fine and I notice it only has the single front mudguard which makes it look like a proper off roader not one on top of the other like most seem to do , I think if Dave got on it that screen would be perfect for him all he would need is a good pair of platform boots as I would 😂👌👍

[@TAYM]

Yes, the problem with the lower front mudguard is shit and stickers get stuck in them so whilst on the road it might help, on the back roads and tracks round us not having the lower is better 😁 thanks Crumb 😁😂😂

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

Great review naughty boy it looks a good bike i must try one 👌💯👍

[@TAYM]

Thanks FMG 😁😂😂😂

[@paulwatts905]

Bought one last year , love it so far 😉 It does have self cancelling indicators. I just find it hard not to think about old italian electrics 🤔but so far{ 1500mls} all good. Like you i find most bikes from mopeds to superbikes "marvelous". Thanks for sharing

[@TAYM]

Thanks PW 😁 if you look in the comments you will see plenty of owners with high mileage and no problems 😁 but I know what you mean 😁

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I’ve always been a fan of the V85TT. For a shorter guy I could make do with that seat height, I’d just have to mind my manners off-road. The shaft drive makes it desirable on long trips. Gorgeous bike!

[@TAYM]

Thanks PW 😁

[@MsDenver2]

It’s a great bike, looks very well built 👍😊, great for touring, it’s a good high bike for views on a ride . I think I w; have the blue,white and black, I like it aswell because you don’t see many of them.

[@TAYM]

Yes, very individual 😁 thanks Ms D 😁

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I own a V85tt 2021 100th anniversary model. “ Love ❤️ it “ , BUT yes you are right about the screen the buffering is horrendous 👎, I sorted it mostly with a Wind deflector, and further more with a Palmer products UK adjustable bracket for the screen. The 2024 model has an adjustable screen . I live in Australia and up to around 7000miles on mine . You can get over 400km on the tank . Probably the nicest bike I have ever owned ( not in power , handling, weight BUT style and it’s characteristics is fantastic. A great 👍 bike . Off road I would say it’s a “ soft off roader “ with its only 170mm of travel front and rear .

[@TAYM]

Thanks It’s All 😁 marvellous comment and great info 😁 thank you 😁

[@UncleLongbeard]

I really like that one. Don't know why really

[@TAYM]

Because it’s different? May be 🤔 thanks Uncle 😁

[@Suzuki_Ste]

A great bike same BHP has the SV but loads of torque its all about the torque as said before, must try a V7 stone in the new year see if I like it, ride safe and keep them videos coming. Shiny side up 😊.

[@TAYM]

Thanks SS😁

[@lanehawley4987]

Appreciate your review of the bike,I'm taking delivery of mine this week. Will be the first guzzi, To go along with 3 kawasaki's. Looking for old schol charm,I think I will find it here.

[@TAYM]

Thanks LH 😁 yes, definitely charming 😁 very jealous 😁

[@volt8684]

Like everything italian pleasing to the senses, the looks, the food, wine, lakes, women, language, cars and motorcycles. The buffeting was very noticeable. Still couldnt tempt me as other reviewers say have been temperamental. On looks and paper very desirable indeed. A bargain compared to gs and other big adv bikes like triumph. A new one for a winter hack!!! Crikes Taym u must be printing it😂. I do wish other manus would consider shaft or enclosed belt drive to avoid the cleaning and pratting around with the chains. Esp for old codgers like me. I had an old bt1100 bulldog with shaft drive and was a joy to keep clean but the carbs on that were a nightmare with modern fuel. I like the fact these are rareish and u can be an individual but very attractive in appearance. Where I live dealerships a no no and tbh think it’s needed for support for peace of mind. The engine characteristics is perfect. Love one if wasn’t scared of problems. The most desirable Italian bike for me if I could afford it is the ducati diavel. I test rode one of those and had I the money would have bought there and then. Not practical but soooo desirable. See if you can test the new v4 taym

[@TAYM]

I am with you all the way 😁 thanks Volt 😁

[@GapBahnDirk]

We could hear the wind buffeting! That stealth castle was a very effective design 👍. I bet it fooled the enemy 😁😁. The V85TT doesn't have a pretty face. It is a Moto Guzzi though👍. I think that the classic V7 special would be my choice.....

[@TAYM]

Yes, it wasn’t bad to ride but the wind was hitting just where the mic was 😂😂😂 thanks GBD 😁

[@AdamS-rn1pu]

Hi, I too have a V85TT (yellow and white), bought used with 10k miles on it about a month ago. So far only done about 500 miles, have to agree with a lot of your comments and some of the others listed below. Looks cool, handles far better than it's any right to, good on fuel and pretty comfy. Screen looks OK but you do get buffeted in the forward or back position (it pivots) , so maybe I'll add a cheap deflector and see how that goes. You may think 75/80 BHP is underpowered but in reality its enough for every day and you can use all of it. Basically I like riding this bike and look forward to riding it which is what you want from a bike (I've had +30 bikes of all sorts and power in +40 years riding) I am fortunate to have 2 bikes the other a Z900RS, but I've done a couple of 5 day tours on the Kawasaki that and wanted something I can ride all year and take on longer trips and I think the Guzzi fits the bill. If you are thinking of getting one, go for it, I have a centre stand and heated grips (warmish rather than hot), both sensible options. Really good value at the moment!

[@TAYM]

Marvellous 😁 and what a wonderful second bike you have 😁 thanks Adam 😁

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

I guess it splits opinion like the rocket but the looks of it have grown on me and I must admit it does look solid . Thanks TAYM

[@TAYM]

Thanks GCk 😁 yes, it’s different and that either scares people or attracts them 😁

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

Afternoon Mr TAYM. Though I really like the look, and the sound, I am just not sure how effective that screen is, judging by the distortion of the mic caused by dirty air. As you know, this was my main gripe about the Tracer 900 I had in 2019. Anything over 40mph was noisy, and at 70mph my brain was rattling around in my skull, causing blurred vision. Yes, I know you could buy a different screen, and one of those spoilers, but you shouldn’t have to. Nice review though 😊

[@TAYM]

Thanks Ian 😁 yes it was directing wind straight to just under my chin where the mic is😡

[@neilrichardson3986]

Waiting for the water-cooled engine, then I will buy one 💚🤍❤

[@TAYM]

Yes, that will be interesting 😁 thanks NR 😁

[@OlManShit4Brains]

G’day Taym. Fair dinkum bloke, can’t believe I just returned to my digs from picking up my new v7 stone special edition & what do I see on my phone?? Any guesses?? Only Taym reviewing another Moto Guzzi🫣. All I can say is Bellissimo, Perfetti even😂😂. I rode to Melbourne & dropped Anni the 120 anniversary Continental for her centre stand fitment & second service, took a bus to another dealership & rode Isabella, my new v7 special edition home only to find this true blue review by you! No kidding mate, I recon if your bank balance can stretch to it, this would be the winter bike for you. Just imagine what no chain means🙃. Shiny side up mate. Hooroo for now…. I almost forgot, ummmmm, 1,795th if my poor adding up skills are accurate 🤪🤣🤣🤣

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 what a marvellous name, Isabella 😁 marvellous bike too 😁 thanks S4B 😁

[@dungspreader]

Very nice bike , it looks even better in the green/silver centenario livery . I've often wondered when we'd see an Italian tricolour version which would be stunning in green white and red . Price is a major factor for many but here in Canada it works out about the same price as a Suzuki 800 Vstrom or a fully equiped Honda Transalp .In the Guzzi's favour it has shaft drive and cruise control [very convenient for long distance touring ] air cooling [ so no radiators and water pumps to worry about ] easy valve adjustment [ DOHC valve adjustments at a dealers can be very expensive ] . I was very interested in one but was discouraged by the low power output for the roads and conditions here . I have seen a youtube video since where they were able to tune this bike for another 20 hp , no warranty with that obviously .But I might give it a go if I could find a used one for the right price . But the new Stelvio looks a very desirable machine too , oh those Italians ,they have such style !

[@TAYM]

Yes, it’s not cheap 😁 the Stelvio sounds wonderful, can’t wait to ride that but reckon it’s going to be even more 😁 thanks DS 😁

[@dungspreader]

@@TAYM . In Canada the Stelvio is being advertised at approx $19,000. A base model Mandello is 18k and the electronic doodads model is 20k . The V85TT is 15k a Suzuki 800 Vstrom is 15k . Tiger 900 GT pro is 19.5 k . Just for comparison.

[@TAYM]

@@dungspreader yes, they have also improved the V85 😁 more hp more electronics, better looks and a strada model with bits missing and alloy wheels 😁 sounds like Guzzi are really going for it next year 😁 thanks DS 😁

[@mikehurley5052]

Love these but too tall for my short legs. I wouldn't class an 11k bike as a winter hack, bit posh for that and i dont fancy throwing that down the road on slippery roads and ice, thats the job for used Himmy.

[@TAYM]

Funny you say that 😁 might just go have a look at one 😁 thanks MH 😁

[@hobnob15]

All I can say TAYM is you should trade one of your trumpets in for an Italian stallion I’m sure you wouldn’t regret it 😉 Ciao for now 👍🏻

[@TAYM]

Thanks HN 😁 that could work but just don’t think I could do it 🤔 I love my trumpets too much 😁

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Def a looker but its in that not quite an adv bike and then you have the Yamaha Tracers etc. A tricky choice for sure if you looking for a bike in this area.

[@TAYM]

Thanks MT 😁 yes, we are definitely spoilt for choice 😁

[@brockett]

If you "like all bikes" then that is no bad thing. We who have ridden bikes made in the fifties, sixties etc with magnetos, advance and retard levers, kick starts, 6volt dynamos and lights, carburettors and manual choke levers etc we know that almost all modern motorcycles will knock the socks off those old bikes in so many ways. I may say that I prefer the SV to the Z650 but the Z650 has a good deal more usability and reliability as compared to a 650 twin from the 1950's & 60's classic era.

[@TAYM]

Absolutely 😁 I think some people are definitely in danger of losing perspective with modern bikes 😁 we have come a very long way but for me some of the characteristics of old bikes should be retained 😁 thanks B 😁

[@brockett]

@@TAYM I like a bike with a three way matching convergence - How it 'feels', how it 'goes', how it 'sounds'. I expect your Bertie fits that model.

[@TAYM]

@@brockett absolutely 😁

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Mr. TAYM, some people are installing aftermarket big low fenders in front, for obvious reasons. That will help with the winter. Central stand is available too.. Thanks for the mention, I do say that .. It's cool place overall. The pond is cool too, any ducks around?

[@gwynnromano5881]

The most popular is the front mudguard of the 2016 Aprilia Caponord 1200 rally, a direct fitment

[@TAYM]

Thanks Stefan 😁

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Love it, well it's a Guzzi? Love the colour too, like daintree2455 says................ (It's the only good looking adventure bike there is!!)

[@TAYM]

Thanks LB 😁 yes, only the Italian’s can take the most functional of machines and make it beautiful 😁

[@PeterW961]

Hello there! As a all year rider myself, I’m considering changing my faithful v-Strom 1000 for a new bike. Has my eyes on the v85tt and the V-Strom 800DE. I know they are two different bikes. Love to take long trips with my wife. Which one of the two would you consider being the best option for commuting and long rides with passenger? Peter from Denmark. 😊 Btw thanks for the good videos! 👍

[@TAYM]

With my heart it would be the V85TT😁 with my boring sensible head the 800DE 😁 So I think the V85TT overall 😁 thanks Peter 😁

[@derekskinner8682]

It looks like it could star alongside lightning mqueen in the cars movie in them colours with that face 😂

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 definitely a character 😁 thanks DS 😁

[@daviddavies5347]

I went to look at it when it first came out. Suspecting it was too tall for me - and, sadly, it was or I’d have had one! 🙄🤣

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 thought it would be 😁 shame they don’t do a v35 still 😁 I bet that would be fun 😁 thanks Dave 😁

[@sambagogo777]

I'm surprised they let you park your Thruxton RS Chrome Edition out front because it made their wares look second rate in comparison, haha!

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 it always pulls a crowd too 😁 thanks SB 😁

[@joetocchio9666]

The word you are looking for is spumoni.😂 That's the stuff!!

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 thanks JT 😁

[@greywolf9292]

Somehow this colour scheme softens it's facial expression but I still think it's got a visage that not even a mother could love, it's just so Angry bird/Big bird looking. From a side on perspective it's not too bad but it still has that goggle eyed Beaky appearance. Obviously looks are subjective its performance and handling which matter most, coupled of coarse with reliability which may be a stumbling block. Sure it would make a good winter bike with the advantage that your other bikes won't be jealous of its looks 😂 As my father used to say, " you don't look at the mantle piece when your poking the fire" 😮😂😂

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 I quite like the look 😁 as far as adventure bikes go, I would say it’s handsome 😁 the big question is probably over reliability I would think 😁 thanks GW 😁

[@stonkerontheroad9609]

How do you find the performance compares to the V7? It's lighter and it felt more spritely to me.

[@TAYM]

I thought it actually feels like a bigger bike 😁 which I know physically it is but I am sure you know what I mean 😁 thanks Stonker 😁

[@stonkerontheroad9609]

@@TAYM Oh yes it feels bigger but also felt more powerful.

[@daintree2455]

Just thinking about taste...soft polenta and squid cooked in it's own ink...Italian, very cool and unbelievably tasty.

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂 blooming heck, very cordon bleu 😂😂😂😂 thanks DT 😁

[@JW-ym5yb]

Why is it bad to like motorcycles on a motorcycle channel? Hmmm. Odd. I really liked this Guzzi. Opps, I mean I don’t, I mean there was the wrong number of screws holding the fuel filler in place, how could they do that? 😂

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂😂 brilliant 😁 thanks JW 😁

[@timothybrockbank7474]

Tiramisu

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 I always forget about tiramisu 😁😂😂😂 thanks TB 😁

[@daintree2455]

2 team effort

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂

[@ruahinesrider]

1😂

[@TAYM]

Marvellous 😁

[@ruahinesrider]

These are the ultimate winter ❄️ bike & a couple models to choose from & fair price too. Been around a few years now so be low km second hand examples around.Great ADV bike too.

[@ruahinesrider]

​@@TAYMA few models to choose from 76hp to the top model which is 80hp.Love to see you get one of these.

[@paulclarke1233]

H i all year motorcyclist, I no you like the but it's the most uglyist bike out your triumph tiger is a much better looking and I think the better bike

[@TAYM]

With out doubt 😁 but it is also significantly more expensive 😁 thanks PC 😁 I would definitely consider the tiger 850 which is significantly cheaper 😁