Moto Guzzi V85TT Review & Road Test | Joining The Moto Guzzi Clan?

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks for watching. Let me know what you think in the comments below. More videos like this here: kzbin.info/aero/PLmgCmljtdCzUPlkO9kNjj0ARrfojWPFFU

[@rydernikolas8860]

i know im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the account password. I would love any assistance you can give me!

[@rayangrayson7769]

@Ryder Nikolas instablaster :)

[@rydernikolas8860]

@Rayan Grayson i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@rydernikolas8860]

@Rayan Grayson It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much you saved my account!

[@rayangrayson7769]

@Ryder Nikolas happy to help :D

[@stuartscott2330]

I've owned mine now for 2months, absolutely love it and I'm coming from a sports bike. I thought I'd miss the power but not at all, lots of character from the engine and the more you ride it the more you fall in love with it, I've the yellow/white and red framed bike and think it looks great.

[@tedmarakas2626]

Stuart, I'm working out a deal on a 2021 Adventure V85TT, I haven't ridden one yet but I'm sure it will be fine. I own 4 sport bikes including 2 APRILIA TUONO, a KTM Supermotard, and then.....I bought a 2017 V9 Bobber. I don't know how but it became my favorite bike within a week. Check out my ridiculously custom V9 by typing Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber accessories. I've made two videos and about to make a third. I'm looking to get the Adventure version even though I like the Travel BUT......I really dislike the side bags on the travel, I prefer opening the top lid instead of having crap falling from the side and also the lack of the rear tail box. I have no idea why Moto Guzzi doesn't offer the large windshield, heated grips and driving lights on the Adventure model, silly move but they can be added on. I like their move to install true tubeless wheels, spoked instead of cast. Also optional Ohlins or other high quality suspension would be nice.....but not a deal breaker.

[@DrStephenCary]

I have a V85TT Travel. Done a few 1,000 mile trips all over California. It continues to grow on me. And I have to say, your review is spot on. I tried the Tiger 900, which is lovely, but the Guzzi, for me, sparked the most joy. Happy shopping

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks so much Stephen. Great to know. Cheers

[@dougfielding8215]

I don't think it's an ugly duckling at all. I think it's the best looking adventure bike out there (there is actually well thought out styling). The GS 1250 is ugly in comparison. For me, it's this or the Pan American. I like the shaft drive and air cooling on this, so I think I'll become a Guzzi convert.

[@sproutandkidneysoup2296]

I had a Guzzi Monza years ago. It was a lovely bike to ride, but the wiring and fuses couldn't cope with electricity, and a lot of bolts wanted to escape all the time. I got used to one of the rear indicators spinning around, but having the lights fail on country roads wasn't ever a situation I was comfortable with. I'm sure they're a lot better now. It was 35 years or so after all. I must admit I like the new Guzzi bikes, despite my previous experiences, and this is on my list so thanks for the review.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers

[@seethebutter]

It does favor Crow T. Robot on mystery science theater 3000!

[@RevelatorAlf]

can't say I've had the pleasure

[@nigelfisher3756]

Thanks for a balanced and reasoned review. I’m thinking about getting one of these V85tt’s in a plain colour; I happen to think it’s not the ugly duckling you allude to - certainly not in the plain colours or the sand/travel iteration. Well done Guzzi for producing a very modern retro and versatile bike. One you get to know how to ride a Guzzi, you tend to be smitten with the marque. There’s also a great owners pub in the UK.

[@tedmarakas2626]

I'm not sure about the ugly duckling part.....I find it to be quite pretty and unusual. Maybe the Ronald McDonald version is a bit bold but I'm always attracted to the unusual and different. I'm NOT a "me, too" kind of dude.

[@DarioBoriani]

Nice review. Moto Guzzi has been around for 100 years. Oldest European motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production. Storied pedigree. Hardly an 'up and coming' brand.

[@JamiePryke]

I was shopping around test riding different bikes recently and was shocked how much I enjoyed the v85tt. So much so I had another test ride at a second dealer, swiftly followed by a deposit. Can't wait to pick it up and rack up some big miles. Such a lovely machine to ride in so many ways and like nothing else I've ridden.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes I enjoyed this one too

[@williamvangindertael2403]

Love my V85TT .Switched to Guzzi after 2 X BMW R1200GS .No regrets at all !

[@RevelatorAlf]

Fab bike I must say. Cheers

[@forestmotoadventures]

Do you miss the top-end power? I am hopeful it will be enough passing power.

[@williamvangindertael2403]

@@forestmotoadventures Nope.....It is a different bike.Don't compare it with a BMW GS.( 80HP against 125 HP ). A BMW is a great bike and super efficient but a MOTO GUZZI is brilliant and it grows on you and you become part of the "Guzzisti " family 😊

[@bav114]

Interesting. I’m tempted 👍🏻

[@tedmarakas2626]

Now....that's interesting. The GS ia very capable bike with all the bells and whistles. I'm a Moto Guzzi fanboy but a couple of years ago I considered getting a BMW GS. However, I felt like I was riding on an elephant, too heavy and a pain riding in congested cities like NY. Currently I have half a dozen bikes in the garage including a BMW F800ST but my favorite is my Moto Guzzi V9 and soon a V85TT. The F800ST is good at everything and lousy in so many categories, I'd like to sell it but it is reliable and an inexpensive work-home commuter but as for riding pleasure......yak

[@deeveeuhs]

I disagree on the looks of this bike, I absolutely love it! I’m in the market for an adventure bike but don’t want to go with the obvious choice and get a GS. I guess the next step for me is to test ride it.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep definitely give it a go

[@florentineantiquerestorati5199]

I agree. I wish reviewers would make it clear that when it comes to esthetic considerations it is a VERY personal matter instead of just saying "the bike IS odd" of "the bike IS a little bit of an ugly duckling" I love the looks as well and I resent such global statements. Aside for that, great review.

[@tedmarakas2626]

I rode the 2019 GS and even though a very comfy and capable bike.....it is HUGE, very much like sitting on an elephant. Riding in a congested city like NYC is not fun or off road, however, it is excellent for long highway riding

[@tristanyseult]

what do you mean an up and coming brand, its one of the oldest motorcycle companies in the world

[@RevelatorAlf]

as in it's emerging with new bikes and generating more sales

[@petergrabsch3736]

Love the look of this! Clean your spectacles old man!!

[@RevelatorAlf]

ha ha

[@Jonathan-L]

As an ex-LeMans III owner from 1983, I'd love to have a ride on the new generation of Guzzies. Alf, many thanks for sharing your experience with the big fellow from Mandello del Lario :)

[@RevelatorAlf]

Ah thanks so much. Cheers

[@michaelhayward7572]

Unfortunately you will be disappointed. If you love your 70-80's bikes, anything modern is too quiet, too refined, too smooth, and totally lacking in soul and character. I've ridden modern air cooled Ducatis, Guzzi V7's, Hinkley Triumphs, 21st century Harleys, and they are all not a patch on their forefathers. So beige, so boring, but start on the button reliable. Its like Honda made them. Being a Luddite, and, fortunately a mechanic, i'll stick with the older stuff.

[@bmp72]

Yep, have to confirm, youll be disappointed. Had a LM3 too, tried the V7 and V9, the modern Guzzis just dont have it...

[@shaneparker5055]

Have brought one of these great bike except the screen which has terrible buffeting replaced it with a Givi airflow screen massive difference.

[@RevelatorAlf]

ah great to know cheers

[@tealbunny]

Yes Guzzi is the best . Eazy maitinance, shaft drive , all arround sweet ride.Ride safe Ride free freind. Thats my next motorcycle. Currently have a 2009 norge and have done three trips last one to Mount Rushmore 6000 miles. Dreaming of the next adverture.getting crouded in my garage.l

[@scootjockey]

You must be reading my mind i have already been to the Guzzi dealer in Laer Germany " Baeker", i must ride one before the Pan America comes out to get an idea where my journey is heading cheers Alf. Yamaha Tenere 700 ,KTM 890 next year !!!

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes they are two on my list too to try out. Cheers

[@CLP2102]

love the review, it has answered some questions I've had. I'm stuck between this and the Africa twin. i personally love the styling, it cant be mistaken.

[@RevelatorAlf]

thanks so much. got an Africa twin review coming soon too

[@CLP2102]

@@RevelatorAlf sweet, I look forward to it.

[@tedmarakas2626]

Africa Twin is great BUT it isn't a Moto Guzzi. Ride a Guzzi and you'll understand. Guzzi isn't about the latest and the greatest. They're all about being different and soul moving with quality and true to heritage. Riding a Guzzi is a love or hate relationship. No middle ground. Moto Guzzi has a following, people who buy their bikes and after some time sell them wind up regretting it or buying another one. It isn't a company that you forget about and move on to a Japanese mass produced in large numbers. Also, you won't see one parked on every block or expect people to know about them.

[@neilb4297]

Very good review Alf, one of the best Of the many I’ve seen. Well informed with sensible insight for a change. I agree with almost all of your thoughts except the handling, which I thought was very precise and confidence inspiring actually. Did you buy one ? I’m awaiting delivery of the 2021 updated model to replace the GS LC I’ve had for the last four years.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks so much. No in the end I held off buying but still a great bike for sure

[@williamjohnson6517]

My brother literally just bought one of these in New York State. He's has the hard cases I think it's probably top of the line. 🤔Me I'll stick to my Harley's in North Carolina. We both grew up in the UK , me for 50 years ( long story). I've told him to watch your pod cast. 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸😎

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks so much. Cheers

[@athewake]

Don't forget if you are riding this before its first service, the engine has been restricted to avoid over revving during run-in then after service full power is available.

[@RevelatorAlf]

ok good to know

[@robertthole9320]

Seriously? Is it stated in the manual that it’s restricted?

[@BoomerBass523]

Nice review! I didn’t know much about MG. Thanks

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks so much

[@mjerse50]

Awesome reviews ✅🌈🏍🏍

[@6thwatergateplumber]

What kind of light do those additional tour lights put out? It would have been nice to see that as that windshield light package is available as an accessory on the original bike as well.

[@RevelatorAlf]

not sure

[@giuliobuccini208]

I have a big 1200cc adv bike with a lot of power that I don't need. Now I'm looking for something more "usable". The fight is between the V85 and the teneré 700. I would like to fly over the dunes with the T700, but I suppose the v85 is more than enough for normal people. It is the modern Transalp, the bike good for everything.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes indeed it is I think

[@davebunce4820]

Great video Alf, interesting review from prospective purchaser rather than just another bike reviewer. Is Africa Twin on your shortlist?

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks so much Dave. Yes indeed it is. Cheers

[@Rninetugs]

The looks grow on you. What's it like for carrying a pillion with the panniers on? Feeling like going for one of these over a rninet GS now

[@nokoolaid]

Do they still have the MG Stelvio in Europe? They discontinued it here. That would be my first choice for a MG. They are interesting bikes. Unfortunately, the dealers are few and far in between here in the states.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes they are spread out here too. Don’t think they are sold here

[@gastramp]

Will it sit at the continental 85mph all day? If so I'm tempted. Only had litre plus bikes for years....

[@RevelatorAlf]

It'll do that with ease I'd say

[@kimhicks8443]

So no centre stand then? How are you supposed to change a wheel? hold it up with your hand while changing the tyre? Why so high? does it need to be so high? if your a bit of a shorthouse it makes a huge difference.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Where there’s a will there’s a way. Just need to be imaginative. Cheers

[@roytoal9947]

There is an option

[@robertparisi8016]

Milk crates and boards, if ur out there lots of branches, rocks lol

[@splodge57]

Worth paying for the optional centre stand.

[@TheQ427]

I personally love the V85TT looks included if the colour is the two paint scheme yellow/white or centenario edition (all others dont look good in reality). My dislikes are the ugly display (would have loved conventional dials) and the useless gearindicator plus Piaggio as mothercompany of MG which isn't known for best customer care. If I wouldn't have my RE Hima I would definately go for the V85TT. Stay safe

[@BN1960]

I would say something a lot lighter than a Guzi is needed for off-road? Something a lot more crashable too CRF250L? DRZ400E?

[@RevelatorAlf]

agree totally

[@sathishrao7926]

Nice to see Bike review on the channel ! I’m not a fan of sideward projecting Transverse V engines ! They make the Guzzis look ugly and also possibly scare the riders with the cylinders right in front of their knees ! I’d prefer to own a Tiger 900..

[@RevelatorAlf]

I actually love that look. Cheers

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

In Australia most would take it off road ( light off road anyway ) around 20% in Aus would probably take it on “ the trail less traveled “ 👍 I’m definitely considered it myself

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep for sure

[@Pescador-Flandria]

An upcoming brand, 100 years old?

[@J.O.R_BR_Overclocking]

Good catch

[@burkhardvolkel7330]

At first - please excuse my bad english - but I have to seen and HEARD you - just about THREE Times! Please a little bit slower so otherweise I can't understand you! You are speaking like a Machinegun - so fast - but know, you have international Viewers ;-) Good Video and good coments about the V85TT :-) I love it! My one cames on Saturday I hope ...

[@RevelatorAlf]

Enjoy

[@BanjoLuke1]

Everyone seems to love this bike. I get it. It is a heavy old thing and not really suited to much worse than loose macadam, but is a lovely backlane bike at speeds where a fairing is not needed. Do be careful with the slightly awkward (or was it self-mocking?) pronunciation of what you rendered "tooty terrain-ee". Ask an Italian. These things seem to have hit the spot for a certain age group in a certain seam of the bike market. They are so very, very far removed from the (relative) purity of the early "big trailies" - R80G/S, Cagiva Elefant, DR Big, Morini 501 Camel et al. I never took a big trail bike like the above onto anything naughtier than a summer meadow or a forest track. I suspect that this 2-wheel equivalent of a Range Rover will see very little any naughtier than that in its target customer group (40-55 years?) The trick if you want to ride "technical" off road sections is to get yourself an old enduro bike (250cc or similar) and have a proper go. If you want one of these, put good, grippy road rubber on it, wack up the preload and keep it on tarmac. Too many people totter around off road on things like this and 1250GS land whales, looking like uncomfortable hens trying not to lay an egg. Much more fun on a lighter bike. Much more.... Keep these things for watching yourself in shop windows.

[@oplon82]

Since I'm an all seasons rider, how would you comment the heat coming from the engine? In Greece during summer we get a temperature close to 40 degrees Celcius sometimes. I had no problem with my CB500X but I heard this bike turns the heat on the rider afyer a while! I intend on doing a lot of travel. Any comments you may have are highly appreciated.

[@RevelatorAlf]

That’s a good point. I would say on first impressions it should handle ok for you as there is some oil cooling too. Possibly choose an oil with greater temperature range too. Cheers

[@_audacerider3838]

As a Guzzi owner I can only approve this Vidoe!! But I still think that the Big Block 1400 well what can I say I own one :)

[@RevelatorAlf]

Can’t wait to see it too

[@_audacerider3838]

@@RevelatorAlf Wednesday should be a good day and I want to go out for a Ride so if You up for it we can meet up. Newlands Corner or Loomies, Whiteways or Box Hill I'm open to suggestions. Send me a message on my Instagram @audace_rider

[@_audacerider3838]

I think you should also test ride Suzuki Vstrom 650xt yamaha T700 and a really cheep and cheerful option Benelli KRT502

[@RevelatorAlf]

Ok sounds good

[@wilko527]

I prefer this color to the yellow tbh. The yellow does look a bit like a duck. Lack of dealer support is a bit of a negative. But on the plus, really easy to ride and well its just a guzzi.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep agreed. Cheers

[@paulprosser4108]

Just buy it Alf.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Ha ha could be a winner

[@renhoek]

Ah. Number 2 coming up. Only 6 more to go... 😉

[@RevelatorAlf]

I’m starting to climb ha ha

[@nigelfisher3756]

Owners club......

[@saddle8bag]

Nice bike, but those clutches like in the old BMWs are a no go. Dry clutches aren't known for longevity. Couple that with having to tear the bike apart to get at it and no Guzzi shops near me equals off my list. Aside from that I like it. The rest of it seems designed for simplicity and low maintenance. I even like the way it looks. If I had a local dealer, I'd consider it. Love the tan color too.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes the other variant colour I really love I must say. Cheers

[@nokoolaid]

It all depends. Some folks replace clutches 40-50k miles, some at 100k+. Two things that kill them are a leaking rear engine or transmission input shaft seals or not checking the reservoir. What happens is that as the clutch wears, the fluid level actually rises and if there isn't enough free volume in the reservoir the slave cylinder doesn't allow the clutch to fully engage.

[@saddle8bag]

@@nokoolaid Sounds like better than avg dry clutches. I used to own Ducatis and I'd go thru a stack of them about every 12k miles. On those bikes, it was a simple pop of a cover and swap affair. I seem to recall that changing one on a Beemer is about a 9 hr job...by some who knows what they're doing. That wouldn't be me.

[@nokoolaid]

@@saddle8bag It is a long job. Probably a weekend for me. The bike has to be split in half. I'd do all the seals at that point and clean things up. The old airheads were a bit easier for sure. Cops seem to get the worst out of them from severe use, but I'd be surprised if the average rider got less than 75k out of it. The new watercooled boxers have the clutch in the front. It's a lot easier to do and cheaper in parts too.

[@ichzuhause8204]

@ James Changing clutch at „an“ old BMW‘ was done within an hour.. Now? It is a desaster👎 Without special tools you will ruin the frame. Do younreally thing that is „devellopment“ 🤮

[@sv650nyc7]

Awkward looking? This is the most beautiful adventure bike to me, by far. Also, an LCD screen is black & white, a TFT screen can display colors.

[@RevelatorAlf]

yep nice screen

[@robertyboberty7495]

Typically Italian, form and function without pointless downgrades to save a few pounds per unit and the duckling turns out to be ...........

[@RevelatorAlf]

Ok

[@DraganBakema]

Ugly duckling?????!!!!!!!

[@RevelatorAlf]

little swan then...

[@DraganBakema]

@@RevelatorAlf thank you, pfieuw that was close

[@philiplaurell1163]

You need to stop groaning into the mike. It's really annoying.