MOTO GUZZI V85TT REVIEW - Is it any better than a 40 year old motorcycle?

Рет қаралды 21,971

Күн бұрын

For the first time in my life I've actually bought a bike that isn't over a decade old! The Moto Guzzi V85TT charmed me in the showroom with its looks, simple mechanics and similarities to my R80G/ST. But is it actually any better than 40 year old machine that sits next to it in the garage? I asked Richard Stubbs of ‪@rustynuts82‬ on a tour of Pembrokeshire to help decide.
Filming and Editing: Owen Howells www.owenhowells.com
Drone & additional filming: Jason Stubbs
0:00 Introduction to the V85TT
0:22 Road riding on the V85TT
1:17 Looks like Jar Jar Binks & reminds Rich of the dreaded Quota!
3:28 Guzzi are always a few years behind BMW
4:00 Classic bike woes
4:33 Off-road Testing
5:29 Which is better?

Пікірлер: 94

@pascalt9655 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for this interesting topic. I agree with what you say. I bought a R100Gs in 1988. Did a lot of journeys in Europe and Morocco together with my wife. Had to sell that marvellous BMW some years later. In 2022, I bought a V85TT as I thought it was the closest bike to the R100Gs on the market. And it really is! At 65, I am very happy to ride again a simple and good motorbike, and guess what, my wife likes it very much to ride a bike again as a passenger. Because it is worth mentionning that the V85TT is very suitable for long rides for two people (I am French, I hope my English is understandable, merci).

@bigberthaontour 11 ай бұрын

English is very good mate, and thanks for the comments. I was actually thinking of getting either a v85TT or a R100GS, but didn't fancy the hassle of getting an old 2nd hand bike sorted after buying it...already done all that one the r80! Still glad I made the choice, what a lovely bike it is.

@davidspin5353 11 ай бұрын

The MG is the motorcycle's industries best kept secret.

@ArtTheTractor 11 ай бұрын

V85tt is what BMW could be still making and selling (even just as a sideline) if it had not killed the airhead line to focus on ever heavier, larger, higher displacement, more powerful, (uglier ?) liquid cooled ‘flagship’ models that sound and cost more like a small car…. The charm of the V85tt is that it takes the wonderful essence of the 80s BMW and ads to it tubeless spoked wheels, modern brakes, ABS, decent suspension, cruise control etc.

@bigberthaontour 11 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more. I took one very short test ride around the block and immediately felt at home on the V85TT, feels like a modern day airhead

@abhayvadhavkar2231 10 ай бұрын

Couldn’t have said it better myself. You completely get it.

@big566bunny 9 ай бұрын

Absolutely! Give me 50hp (but max torque), cut out electronics as much as possible (sad about the EU nanny state), and cut the weight. BMW would own the dual sport world and maybe the mid adventure bike range.

@lenbell1365 6 ай бұрын

Sorry but the spoked wheels on the V85tt are tube type unfortunately! I wish they’d made them tubeless 😢

@ArtTheTractor 6 ай бұрын

@@lenbell1365 I think that the early model years might have had tubes, but later model years have spoked tubeless wheels

@nathanwilliam1569 2 ай бұрын

I owned an R80GS for 15 years did everything on it. Since then I have a Guzzi 1100 Breva and a Harley. I recently bought an 85tt travel as it was the nearest thing to the R80 on the market. What a great bike, light nimble, and all day comfortable. I also like the fact that there are not dozens of them everywhere you go..

@bigberthaontour 2 ай бұрын

Yeah they are surprisingly rare…I just rode Wales to Instanbul and didn’t see a single one on the whole journey…GS’s now that’s a different story! I haven’t got my Guzzi anymore but do remember that excited wave both me and another v85 owner gave when we rode past each other 🤣

@abhayvadhavkar2231 10 ай бұрын

I wanted to buy a smaller BMW boxer twin adventure bike. I had a F850GS but I wanted a shaft drive with a bigger fuel tank and a lower ride height. Since BMW decided to go in the opposite direction with the R1300GS, I bought a V85TT. It is not as refined or smooth as the BMW but it is exactly as you say, a slightly better version of a R80G/ST and goes to 99% of the places I want to go as well.

@bigberthaontour 10 ай бұрын

Great to hear your enjoying it, such a nice bike

@billcope7434 6 ай бұрын

I bought a '21 V7 stone a year ago, it has gotten much smoother as the miles have added up. I am approaching 10k miles and thinking about adding a V85tt to the fleet.

@seethebutter 11 ай бұрын

V85TT is a great bike. Guzzi has done a huge amount of work to improve their vehicles. Fully modern, light weight and great price. It is not an adventure bike, it is "retro enduro". I disagree, a 40 year oild BMW doesn't hold a candle to the Guzzi. Apples and Oranges

@mdesmit3415 Жыл бұрын

Nicely done . I have a v85TT , But I understandi the airhead bmw GS , Maybe … I get one as a project bike next to my V85tt (I love that bike). Greetings from Holland

@patrickfitzgerald2861 10 ай бұрын

Well done, and a fun review! This will be my last bike (I'm 71) when I purchase one early next year. I'm really looking forward to doing some non-technical dirt riding for the first time in my life, and it's clear this machine is up for it. My local dealer has a '22 Guardia d'Onore edition in stock, but it's too beautiful to ride off-road, so I'll get a color scheme that I don't mind getting dirty instead. Finally, the extra features and luggage that come with the "Travel" edition make it the clear choice for anyone planning longer adventure tours.

@billcope7434 6 ай бұрын

Did you buy one?

@patrickfitzgerald2861 6 ай бұрын

@@billcope7434 I tested it and didn't like it, so no.

@billcope7434 6 ай бұрын

I bought one a week ago. @@patrickfitzgerald2861

@stephenclark6832 Жыл бұрын

Great video as always. Enjoyed it I have an R80 G/S & R100GS Sidecar. Always considered the V85TT as a next (additional) bike. Good to know I haven't been too far off the mark

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

There’s a certain charm to the TT which is very reminiscent of the airheads, one of the main deciding factors for buying it

@VPB1970 7 ай бұрын

That last bit of conclusion....spot on (40 years riding and still, and really miss character on bikes).

@ozyrob1 2 ай бұрын

The V85TT has quite a power advantage over the R80 and the ABS is a substantial plus. For me the Guzzi for an easy win. I bought a new airhead R100 gs in the 90s hands down the worst bike I've ever owned out of about 20 bikes. I'm not anti BMW, I still have a 1991 R100RS and it's a fantastic machine. Having said all that I enjoyed you video. 👍

@davgb7904 Жыл бұрын

Thank you. As a man who cut his riding teeth on old airheads like the 90S and it's contempories and rode the subsequent generations of boxers, often looking at bikes like the LeMans but put off the Italian build faults, this is a perfect comparison to enjoy.

@CavalierNTX 11 ай бұрын

Nicely produced content gentlemen! It's not often you stumble on Quota and Stelvio discussions although there's no denying the popularity of the v85tt in remaking the marque. What with the new factory being completely modernised and set for completion in 2025 and the v100 watercooled range; it'll be interesting times ahead for MG. My 76 year old mum loves riding pillion on the back of my Stelvio NTX, even after a comedy spill at nil miles an hour! lol (vid on channel) I keep eyeing up the v85 but I'm enjoying the de-cat burble of the my green coloured 1200 even if it's not as eco"green"-ra ra ra. Shall sub. Best wishes!

@bigberthaontour 11 ай бұрын

Hehe, poor Quota, we do give it some abuse! Maybe it’s not that bad really. Cheers for the bike anecdotes, enjoy reading them :-)

@abhayvadhavkar2231 10 ай бұрын

You can decat a V85TT

@waveydavey750 10 ай бұрын

Nice review, agree with a lot of what you say.. I've owned two v85s and ridden loads of old GSs. We use two v85s as camera bikes on our YT channel (Lemon Drizzle Gang). I agree about the "Guzziness" of the v85 being somewhat diluted compared to previous models but given the constraints modern manufacturers have to comply with I think they've done amazingly well to keep most of Guzzis positive attributes with that in mind. One thing you don't mention (and pretty key to adventure bikes) is fuel consumption and range. On the road the Beemer would be working much harder at any sort of pace, trying to keep the v85 in sight and guzzle fuel doing it. The v85 gets superb mileage (I average 65mpg ridden swiftly but not going mad) and has a massive tank to boot. Non twin plugged airheads are thirsty beasts. Also I think it's a bit misleading to say they are pretty close on the road, the guzzi handles and brakes way way better (as it should of course) and has another 20 ish bhp, they're not even close imo. I rate the v85 handling above every other Guzzi I've owned (all the CARCs for example) and only a notch behind the new v100. No getting away from how good the early GSs are at what they do though ;o)

@bigberthaontour 10 ай бұрын

That’s a nice extra bit of info for the comments, agree entirely. Been very impressed with how easy it is to ride the Guzzi long distances and the handling is superb. We are still finding our feet with motorbike reviews and I think we could’ve done with a few more bull-it points to guide us and make sure we cover key points, the whole thing was just done “on the fly”. Right off to check out Lemon Drizzle Gang 👍

@Janet-vx9qn 10 ай бұрын

You won't find anyone over there who knows how to pronounce "Guzzi" either....@@bigberthaontour

@bigberthaontour 10 ай бұрын

@@Janet-vx9qn I do know how to pronounce “gootzee”, I just forget 🤣

@bigberthaontour 10 ай бұрын

@@Janet-vx9qn I do know how to pronounce “gootzee”, I just forget 🤣

@rodenheap68 8 ай бұрын

Well done on this video, I enjoyed it so I subscribed .. I have just bought a Mk 4 Le Mans as a retirement bike to tinker with but I am eying off the V85TT as my do it all tool.

@bigberthaontour 8 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Yep the V85tt is defo a good all round day to day bike. I have to admit though I'm already selling mine...seat was too uncomfy, fuel injection too annoying and it really wasn't much cop on a proper offroad! I loved the way it felt to ride though so it's a shame it had to go

@tomposti6361 5 ай бұрын

.... lighter, simpler, easier, cheaper ....... we had a blast back then on this type of bike and thanks to Moto Guzzi we will have the same blast as older blokes with 40year old riding heart's again!

@BornagainE Жыл бұрын

Shweinehund(Pig-dog) I love it!! That's what my mom would call my older brothers when they came home after drinking too much. Of course, it was followed by a door slam or two😂. Perhaps my wife will be calling me this when I pull the trigger on the V85tt.

@smchusky3286 Ай бұрын

Nice review. Thanks.

@ericronan6389 Жыл бұрын

I have both the guzzi and a 1981 g/s and agree with your opinions. Both bikes are keepers. Will have to empty the shed to pay for the guzzi😅

@QuackLoud 6 ай бұрын

Talk about character. I love the look of that BMW!

@monsterslayer4317 2 ай бұрын

interesting comparison. Having ridden a late 80's R100 for a decade and a half, and then switched to a Moto Guzzi CARC (Breva 1100, Sport 1200) model, I would say your observations are quite apt. I will say the handling on my Breva/Sport was flawless off the showroom, where as you have done, the BMW required significant suspension upgrades to reach the same level. The serious degradation of the BMW's electrics prompted the move, but then I spent two years rewiring the Guzzi electrics to assure it would start when you push the button. Living in the USA, it does seem that parts and support were easier to come by on the BMW. Final word is I love my Guzzis, character, sound, looks, handling. Don't think I'll ever sell.

@rickt.223 Жыл бұрын

I have the V85TT Travel as well as a V7III Stone S. I love Guzzi for its simplicity. I wish they’d made a “V8 Scrambler” with off road capable suspension and the V85TT motor.

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

Or a higher spec off-road edition of the v85TT!

@stoffel140389 Жыл бұрын

After only 3 minutes into the video I though: you deserve more views. So, here's a sub! I really enjoyed your video.

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words! We’ll keep having fun with it and hopefully making better content as we go…still learning at the moment!

@dirkstuff5820 Жыл бұрын

Ah, yes-the Guzzi love mixed in with the BMW GS affection. I have a V7 II that I’m slowly modifying into a GS style throwback as well as to pull a sidecar. Just got some leading axle forks to throw on for both higher ground clearance and to lessen the trail for sidecar hauling. Bought an R80/7 recently, and looking to likewise add some more dual sport capability.

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

Great stuff. Rusty Nuts Bikes has done a twin shocker offroader out of a r100rt donor, might be worth looking at his build

@alandmorley 11 ай бұрын

gr8 vid well done

@skaraborgcraft Жыл бұрын

Still riding a 42 year old Honda XL250SB. Only thing that comes anywhere near it to day in terms of value and lightweight is the Voge 300. I would love a Guzzi 350TT though!

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

Love the 35TT and the old NTX too! Very cool machines

@TheFelole 3 ай бұрын

Yes Guzzi character is very prominent in older Guzzi's. This is the least Guzzi like in terms of rideability, mechanics and the gearbox is so much smoother than any previous Guzzi due to its Aprilia cousins. The engine is the typical VTwin. Still bags more character than most other brands around. To me the key question, which I know to be true for older Guzzi versions, wil this V85TT still ride in 40 years?

@dentaljournal 10 ай бұрын

I had R80GS and a R100GS. Unfortunately, BMW ended production. Now I am a happy owner of a V85TT. It is the real successor of the famous 2 valve BMW's. I like them all!!

@kawajocb1685 6 ай бұрын

I Ride BMWR850R from 2001.Love the Bike. Funny video.

@psalwasser 3 ай бұрын

I've owned 2 quotas, one 1992 r100gs and just bought the 85tt guzzi. in order of preference for me" 85tt, the quotas, the 92 gs. the gs frame was made of flexible tubing, the rear shaft implded on zero notice at 35,000 miles. wouldnt trade a quota for any 100 series airhead gs.

@KenZoKu-bs9jr 5 ай бұрын

He tenido la r80 y ahora tengo la v85 del 19 ( primera ed ) y la verdad es que es evocador lo que se siente al montar la guzzi... para un piloto mayor que recuerda como eran las cosas hace 30 años. Si embargo la nostalgia no debe nublar el entendimiento. La guzzi es una moto mucho más manejable y confortable que la r80. De mi BMW recuerdo con pasión la suspensión y la sensación de hierro. El manillar ancho y el bamboleo del motor. También el arranque en los días fríos. De mi guzzi solo me quejo de esto.: De que sea guzzi y que dependa de los de piaggio . Si tienes cerca un buen concesionario y taller... No lo dudes !

@lucmercierqc Жыл бұрын

Ah ha! In my age. That little Gudzi remine me off those old beemers but in more refine reciepe. I owned two Beemer that i loved by their simplicity and reliability. Those old beemer was unkilable and ultra reliable that not even The v85 have why! Those F electronics gizmos. I own a little 85 and love it beside those electronics.

@bigberthaontour 11 ай бұрын

If I had unlimited funds & time I'd work out how to turn it back to points and a set of dellortos!

@lucmercierqc 11 ай бұрын

Lucky you! Nice plans to tranforme it to realable carbs!

@MyFabian94 8 ай бұрын

The worst thing on the old BMWs are the Constant Vacuum Carbs. Mikuni VM32s will do a lot of good for throttle response.

@bigberthaontour 8 ай бұрын

Could definitely be a bit more responsive! Some days I do like the lazy CV power delivery though

@MyFabian94 8 ай бұрын

@@bigberthaontourWell, the Mikunis also give it a lot more Low-Down Grunt and extrude Noises from the Bike that make getting off the throttle just as addicing as getting on it.

@raspberryberet4544 Жыл бұрын

Guzzi is the coolest bike, sorry.

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

No apology required, it’s a nice machine for sure!

@tonnynijholt7090 9 ай бұрын

Beeker, mi mi miiii

@_audacerider3838 5 ай бұрын

Well Guzzi is behind BMW until they BMW rips off Moto Guzzi design. Moto Guzzi mage Griso and Cali Eldorado 1400 BMW then copied them by making RnineT (first gen) and R18 later on. Ps any bike will go off road but some will do it better than others. Tyres are key plus there are many examples of people taking the V85TT to 2 or 3 days enduro events. And You can upgrade the suspension. Get rid of the Euro 5 exhaust nonsense with a nice open system from Mistral with a cat delete and some velocity stack. After a ECU flash You have about 85bhp on the back wheel. I used to own a BMW boxer 1100 now I have a Guzzi 1400. When they were released they came with TC rigid modes cruise control in 2013. BMW had nothing in that segment until the R18. And HD didn't have any electric aids until 2020. People often say that Guzzi are stuck in the past. But thanks to connection with Aprilia their electronics are top notch.

@bigberthaontour 5 ай бұрын

If money was no object I would’ve loved to have kept the Guzzi and really convert it into an enduro ready bike, love the simple characterful engine. Just too much cash to make it into what I wanted, ended up with a 990 instead

@chrissunde1104 11 ай бұрын

I own a 2021 v85tt and while not perfect it is very nice. You can cruise in comfort with cruise control and with the right tires and judicious use of the clutch get far away from civilization.

@bigberthaontour 11 ай бұрын

Kinda how I feel about it, it’s charm outweighs its imperfections so I’m happy to own. How you getting on with the seat…had to buy the comfort the stock one killed me after 20 minutes!

@obfuscator 15 күн бұрын

Gestapo slap 😂

@thepastamanshop6525 Жыл бұрын

Guzzi 100% BMW Boring 😴

@roadmantop3769 Жыл бұрын

The BMW’s coolness wins 🎉

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

I’d better hang on to it then! 🎉

@jonparker1712 5 ай бұрын

I love a bloke shitting on the Quota that can’t even pronounce the brand’s name.

@bigberthaontour 5 ай бұрын

“Gut-si” There ya go, can I get back to crapping on the Quota now, ta

@touchingthecloth Жыл бұрын

Beaker!!!

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

Haha that’s the one!

@touchingthecloth Жыл бұрын

@@bigberthaontour Great vid! Youse have inspired me to have a go at my own build. Is it Richard-rusty nuts that built the 100gs? I have a 1250gs and smash it to buggery on the slithery lanes of Kent. Must head your way some time!

@rustynuts82 Жыл бұрын

@@touchingtheclothYes, not the one in this film. Thats Big Bertha, Owens converted ST. My G/S replica is the twin shock imposter!

@touchingthecloth Жыл бұрын

@@rustynuts82 Ha! Yes, I remember now. I watched the 1st race youse entered, maybe somewhere like Walters arena? I have a good similarly aged (63) pal in Somerset, wi a beemer and we often talk about Wales trips. Would you consider a couple o like mided 'tag alongs' some time?

@rustynuts82 Жыл бұрын

@@touchingthecloth yes of course, we could arrange a weekend off road meet up. It was at Walters.

@podunkman2709 Жыл бұрын

V85 TT is not an off road bike. Just an off-road style.

@bigberthaontour Жыл бұрын

19 inch front wheel and 170mm of suspension travel would suggest you are correct

@abhayvadhavkar2231 6 ай бұрын

I have ridden mine on unbelievably gnarly roads without a problem. Sure it's a compromise but the benefits on the street with a 19" front outweigh the disadvantage offroad as far as I am concerned. IMHO.