Moto Guzzi V85
 

I guess that there are no Moto Guzzi riders on the form, re my previous posting.
So I will repost when I get further information. If this new offering from MG is as good as they state, should be a contender in the mid class of adventure touring bikes. Salty

There are a few in fact who still own or have owned MGs.


It can take a while for responses on this site: few are hanging around here as a routine ready to engage on the keyboard - most are out riding their bikes!


Personally, I wasn't aware of this bike coming to the UK market*.
An air cooled engine always interests me, and 80 HP is plenty.
There is also what appears to be a substantial subframe for the pillion/luggage.

Moto Guzzi


* Some year, soon.

I think it will look awesome in the flesh (it looks good enough in the mock-ups), but not sure how it will ride, I assume it will be pretty heavy.

Crying shame that it's only expected in 2020/21.

I have been looking at a v7 recently, but if the V85 was already in showrooms there'd be very little to stop me getting that.

Like most Guzzi's, this V85 looks fantastic. It's got all the right things in nearly all the right places ... but like other "Adventure" Guzzi's in the past ... it may be a case of "All Hat, No Cattle".

I think that bike is going to look great next to new KTM & BMW GS ADV bikes down the Cafe on Sunday Morning. :oops2:

Not sure I'd want be piloting that Porky Guzzi in 2ft deep sand in Baja or struggling up a muddy slope in the Sierra, loaded up.

:helpsmilie:

Guzzi tried this dual sport thing before, going back quite a few years. The Quota Guzzi I believe first came along in the 80's. Carried on a few years, never sold well, had numerous short comings like forks made of Spaghetti
and 40 HP on a 500 lb. bike.

For the last 5 or 6 years Guzzi have had the Guzzi Stelvio, now a 1200cc bike,
IIRC. I rode a demo Stelvio back in 2011. The newer Stelvio is said to be much better. The one I rode was a huge thing, ON road only IMO a nice ride but no comparison the the BMW R1200GS. (IMHO)

ALL Guzzi's take time to "adapt" to by the rider. Guzzi's are an acquired taste to be sure. Last one I had to test was the fabulous Guzzi Griso. I reviewed at least three other Guzzi's sportier bikes though out the 90's and into 2000's. The Griso my last Guzzi test bike, in around 2007. A real beauty. Most hate them first ride, but over time and some tweaking of suspension, gets better and better. I ended up really liking the Griso, last Guzzi I spent real time on.
(1500 miles over two weeks)

I don't even know who currently own Moto Guzzi. I wish them well. We need them in motorcycling. bier

Piaggio rules OK?
 

A few years ago Piaggio swept the board of a few Italian brands:

https://www.piaggiogroup.co.uk/


The Stelvio is no more: reported to be killed off by Euro emission regulations.
The V85 may be the replacement:-
Moto Guzzi V85 | Piaggio Group


As much as anything, it may depend on what happens in Italy, overall - a new government, locked in dispute with the EU - see who blinks first.

I mostly agree - most V85s won't see dirt, and very few will be used for the off-road adventure journeys that the marketing already talks about.

But, depending on the implementation, there should be advantages to running a V85 that will apply to overlanding. Stuff like the ease of maintenance and low COG with the V-twin.

I reckon the V85 will stand a good chance of fulfilling my personal recipe for 'perfect bike'. Even if it's not ideal for off-road gallivanting.

I absolutely agree with your last point though - I don't mind the unstoppable march of electric motors, but motorbikes are becoming too plasticky, too complex and too expensive - and too difficult to maintain (to the point where most people don't even take it on anymore). I like Guzzi sticking to its guns, but I wonder about its long-term strategy & future.

Some folk attribute this to the takeover by the Piaggio group who may have introduced modern workplace practices etc etc.
Certainly, the modern products do not seem to have quite so many idiosyncracies compared with the "good old days" of MG*.


* mentioning which, there is even a reincarnation of the MG car nowadays: owned by someone from the far east I believe - Chinese??

I ride Guzzis, and have had several of them through the years, including the Quota, Stelvio and V65TT. For gravel road touring, they were all ok. The Q and Stelvio being on the heavy side, of course - just like a GS, I imagine. Today, I have a SP3 for asphalt duty and a California EV with sidecar (soon) for winter duty. The expected V85 just might replace my current beefed-up KTM 690, as my off road ambitions have waned with age. If the V85 holds up for gravel touring, I’ll be happy.

I also ride Guzzi and have had quite a few over the years fine machines - my Guzzi currently is a fairly heavy stelvio abs 8v (257 kgs full fuelled with 32 litre tank) but i only ride this as a road tourer.

Specificly about the V85, I think it will be something like the original BMW r80gs, about 200kgs - it has Simple air cooled 2 cylinder engine, 2 valves, pushrod and rocker system, separate gearbox, dry clutch, shaft drive that are with Guzzi usually over engineered and very reliable, basic but very descent quality suspension. Excellent handling, so all very simple, along with a well built frame, simple standard type electrics not the - bmw style can bus set up, comfortable seat and quality of finish on Guzzi these days is usually better than BMW and up there with the best of the tap stuff.

This allows travellers easy servicing, very reliable engine developed from the current line up - Guzzi has been making V twins in this configuration since 1967 but have been making bikes at mandello since1921 the longest of all the european manufacturers and they are still built at Mandello Italy, not built in asia, china or elsewhere. There is great pride and has been massive upgrades in quality control. These are fine bikes.

Guzzi are quirky and take time to get used to them but thats part of the attraction that haven't had all the soul and uniqueness knocked out of them.

The V85 is a road bike with some off road ability but will be more than able to travel most places that someone on larger capacity gs or honda go. it is not going to be an off road machine and won't try to compete with the likes of KTM pure bloodline but as a travel / tour think of an old airhead with maybe 80hp and much higher and better torque delivery all with some ability to go off tarmac.

If they get it right then this should be a winner for many users and for moto guzzi.

Im looking forward to testing one. Jake.

Looks really promising indeed ! I like the fact that they go for the 80s' spirit : simple, reliable and stylish. That's what I want in a motorbike, I don't need all the technology modern GS got onboard...Mid-size is a good idea too! Especially that it's quite hard to enter the travel-bike market in the biggest category, where the GS is the queen and got all the attention for so many years...
If that works, we could even hope for a maxi-trail version in a few years :D

I ride a V7 racer to work every day. (its my wifes if the truth be known but I love it)Its a great Little thing.

Im looking forward to seeing the V85 in the flesh. Dont think im gunna be trading my 1190 ADV in but hey it might be a good thing for the wife.

guzzis
 

I have been riding a 750 Breva for 15 years now, seems perfect to me for touring, I dont want a large motorcycle as they are too heavy to move about, and I dont need to impress any one, I like the way it blends into the background and I get left alone
the new bike looks nice though, but at my age a new one is unlikely
just got this one settled in and running sweetly

I had a V7 for 15 months in 2015-16. The electrics live up to the Italian reputation and spares availability is zero. The dealer stole an £800 speedo display unit off his demo bike to sort my warranty claim. This unit is part of a mini Can-bus with the engine ECU, so air-cooled expertise isn't saving you when the water inside does more than cook the LED's. Yep, that's £800 for the equivalent of a blown speedo lamp outside the warranty period.

Hobby bikes for people who can just hop in their Ferrari to go drink coffee by the lake when it's not playing.

Andy

Guzzi v85 specs are out.
 

Well nice to see the guzzi V85 specs are out now, and excellent they are for a comfy travel bike mainly designed for tarmac. Several heavy Stelvios have done the RTW trips so i am sure this Guzzi with shaft drive and easy maintenance is a new and progressive move forward for travellers and should be very manageable off the road as well. Think of an OLD GS airhead with more power and torque and far superior braking suspension and handling and guzzles do handle well.

The Guzzi has longer stroke engines than airheads and is much slimmer profile. With 400km range from 21 litre tank, wet weight with 90% full tank is 229 kg, tubed tyres on heavy duty spoked wheels, , 830mm seat height,79bhp @ 7700 rpm and 80nm torque @ 3500 rpm, simple air cooled two valve tappet adjustment , separate gearbox , dry clutch and shaft drive( Guzzi shaft drives are very reliable unlike many BMW shaft drives. No fancy can bus simple repairable electrics, and very good build quality these days. There will be lots of add ons for those inclined exhausts panniers various upgrades etc but all at a cost like everything else.

Its not a race bred off road bike but will be a good road bike with dirt road usability. so don't expect a KTM here.

Priced around £11000 its a lot of wonga I suppose but so it seems is everything else. Even better is its built in Europe (Italy) at the same factory that Guzzi has been building bikes in since 1921 - so lots of history no doubt a few foibles as well just to keep things interesting - but behind it pride from its local workers some of whom have had several generations working at the factory, these are machines which are a true evolution of the marque not just a dressed up copy with a badge bought by some conglomerate.

Im sticking with my big heavy Stelvio as I being retired don't have the spare wonga to change bikes at the moment - I know there are many bikes out there many of them very complex in engineering and electronics but there is a big place for old fashioned thinking and simplicity .

If i were changing bikes now this would be top of my list i have to say.

http://discoverv85.motoguzzi.com/en/#project

Tchus Jake.

Hi Andy, thats more complex than i realised, I know the first versions of the stelvio did not have good waterproofing to the speedo unit, but do know of them operating ok even when wet inside, So far I've not had any problems and i ride all year round but i think they got onto top of this problem on the stelvio since 2011 version, hopefully they have done the same with the v85. I did not know that the bike wouldn't work without the unit functioning that is bad. However i have never had hassle with spares but then again I have never really needed any other than basic service items. So far my bike has been very reliable previous owner in Scotland done three trips to italy and been used all year round in the uk. many Stelvios have done huge round the clock all weather miles and keep going strong, the v85 is a replacement in a way for the stelvio. I did my usual prep i do with every bike though, grease and oil nuts bolts electrical connections etc as soon a s i get it i don't leave it upto the manufacturer to do this as none of them ever do be that guzzi bmw or hondokawasayamauki.

Its a shame yours was a problem but hobby bikes I am not so sure about as most folk I know who ride them are more than happy with them and ride all year round but i am sure your right the v7 did have a few electrical foibles.. Dealers can be iffy but not just Guzzi dealers many dealers are crap after market some are excellent.

Jake.

Hi Cholo I think the internet really throws up disproportionate reviews anyway, people are very quick to point out faults with lets say on here motorcycles - but i think all brands have there weaknesses and other people obsess about various brands. BMW are held up by many as be all and end all by some and thought to be the worst by others , Ive had BMW's along with many other makes of bikes over the years. They can and have all been good and bad depending on the day. I like Guzzis maybe because they are old school and have foibles but generally easily fixed. Unless your speedo dies so I hear. Anyway i think you buy what appeals and work around its weaknesses. Lots buy honda and suzukis for travels then spend as much again improving them to be able to do trips away, so very few bikes are faultless just maybe the owners like to think them that way. Ive always admitted Guzzi to be different and maybe have a few sortable foibles but generally they are generally over engineered, they are a constant progression of what went before so proven design, they are simple to work on and they have their very own unique feel and brand family, so I like them always have but are they perfect no. But they are more perfect than others !:innocent:

Indeed, I can only compare my own use. Until 2 years ago the bike was my only transport. This was how I did things for 25 years. Yorkshire is a cold, damp climate to which you then add warm weather use on your holidays. Some bikes (Yamaha and Suzuki) work but rot. My Triumph had one issue, the coil position, which stopped me once then became easy enough to fix. I could only stop Honda’s and MZ by old age and hard use. The Enfields broke down but could be fixed.

The V7 was only the speedo illumination, but it then had a few instances of running rough and one where I had to remove the battery to get the engine ECU back to start up. Thinking you could put a new lamp in the speedo makes you do the research which is where you find it's sealed and an £800 unit. The CAN style link to the engine ECU and the way none of the wiring runs fully front to rear made me think they were related. When they finally fitted the new speedo and suddenly it stops all the mis-fire and stalling stuff it pretty much confirmed it to me. The plugs they use (in my professional opinion as an Engineer working on trailer electronics) are their big down fall. Fine for a conventional electrical system in a dry climate, no use for electronics in a damp one.

A lovely bike, but if you need to be somewhere a Honda NC or CB500 or I daresay an Africa Twin will do better IMHO. Do the research, it would only take a change from Italian components to Japanese design/Chinese manufacture to cure what I found, so it may have happened.

Andy

Andy i have to say the Stelvio appears to me to have fairly standard electric, Ive gone through it front to back and its a standard harness so im sort of surprised that the V& has the can bus set up you describe I will have to ask down at the guzzi club meet what others have found. I hope that the V85b has stayed away from the can bus set up but will see. Jake.

Andy - I used a company to repair the electronics in my volvo speedo system took the clocks unit out and sent it off came back perfect - a few days later, Im sure the guys there could probably sort stuff like this - they do repair ECU's and all kinds of other electronic stuff. If mine plays up i will, give them first chance I think. Lets hope it doesn't play up in the first instance mind. Cheers jake.

V85 announced the price it is £10799 uk otr. extras available as upgrades ohlin suspension, metal luggage , bling lights etc. Torque now put out as 80nm at 3400rpm, 79hp and 7750 rpm. seat height 830mm, weight fuelled ready to go 229kg. I reckon its a nice bike for many, the ease of maintenance and basic design is big boon, here is hoping they have kept the electrics simple or if not lets hope they prove reliable.

Now come On Andy - cold damp climate, your near to a southerner to me up here in Northumberland, your in the warmer climates of coastline and rolling hills - your not getting away with this, every Yorkshire man tells me how he is from God's own county
Even ooop north here on the borders of Northumberland I swim in the sea a few times a week in me undies when out walking the dog - even in late November.

Now come on lad get a grip. get them rose tinted specs on and get down the coast for a morning dip. Yorkshire is beautiful. :thumbup1:

Jake

A link to as half descent overview of the bike. ( weight is very good at 208 kg dry, 229 wet full tank and all fluids.) you might have to type this in as I can't get the link to work here.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2018/...or-new-v85-tt/

Sorry to drag up an old thread but c’est la vie.

I went for a test on one today. So that you can get context my current bike is a 1986 BMW R80. I was wondering if I would notice too much difference between an 800cc boxer with shaft drive and an 853cc v-twin with shaft drive.

First thing I should say is that I planned for the day to be dry but my plan failed within 10 minutes of leaving the showroom - proper rain, not torrential but heavy enough to cause me to have to wipe my visor every 5 seconds or so.

The engine is lovely and is only let down by having some lights that flash when the engine spins above 5,000rpm and when the smile gets too big. Apparently this can be sorted out in the menu on the box of tricks modern bikes come with so isn’t a real problem. No doubt there are those that think 80hp is too little - the original BMW R80GS came with 50hp and my plain Jane R80 has seen some of those horses have escape so I think that it is plenty powerful enough - 100mph should be easy to go past fully loaded if that is your bag. The V-twin is lovely and smooth off tickover and makes a decent attempt to be noisy when opening up - not Harley loud though.

Handling was easy once I had got over how wide it felt relative to my bike - the suspension was a little hard but I hadn’t played with it at all - preload and extension are adjustable.

The cruise control was fun and easy to use, the main beam was too easy to flick on by mistake and I was very underwhelmed by the horn volume. The indicators were easy to use.

I had the bike for around 60 miles so it is difficult to say how much fuel I used but without going for it I would expect to get somewhat more than 60mpg (imperial) without too much hassle putting the range at over 300 miles From the 23 litre tank.

The weather protection was far, far better than I expected given that it has no fairing and just a small screen. The tank is designed so that your knees tuck in and the hand protection deflects the rain and wind from the hands most effectively. The only thing to get wet was my helmet, and a few drops on my trousers.

One thing that I did miss was the comfortable heated feet stands that my BMW has but the engine kicks off sufficient heat to dry what little rain got to my trousers without being uncomfortable.

looks like a nice bike to ride indeed

I’m off for a second test ride this weekend. Anybody got any questions I can try to answer whilst out playing?

Well, I went for a second test ride on the Moto Guzzi V85TT today. It really is fun to ride. The niggles I had last time were still there - crap horn and too easy to flick on full beam. However the lights that come on when the revs rise were less annoying and reminded me that I had a silly smile on my face - the noise of the standard exhaust at that point is lovely.

Compared to my BMW R80 looks wise I was struck by how narrow the bike is - other than the handlebars which feel so much wider than the BMW.

Now to nail down the price.

One thing that I realise that I completely failed to mention is that the brakes are significantly better in terms of power and feel than my BMW R80 - in part this will be down to the organic pads / cast iron disc on the BMW but I was still surprised at the difference in performance.

Anyway, to cut to the chase, I put the deposit down today and should get the bike in the next week or so once the extras have been fitted. I am more than a little excited at the prospect of its arrival.

Various extras have arrived att he dealers for the new bike but they are yet to be fitted. Not that I am impatient. Oh, no. Not me, the very epitome of patience and not champing at the bit in the slightest.

Once upon a time long, long ago there was a motorbike that belonged to Dad:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/b11kpkmnsq...%2008.jpg?dl=0

And as time went by the bike stopped being used when the children arrived. As the children got older Dad kept saying that he was going to get the motorbike back on the road but the children didn’t believe him so Dad proved them wrong for the first time and the bike, and Dad, was back on the road. After a while Dad decided that he wanted a new bike. He tried a few and liked them all but one captured his heart more than the others:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/b11kpkmnsq...%2008.jpg?dl=0


When the new bike appeared at home Dad introduced the two bikes and they all lived happily ever after:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ibqoibkfq2...%2048.jpg?dl=0

Moto Guzzi 850
 

Once upon a time I had a Moto Guzzi 850 T -74.
Same as on this picture

https://motorrad-fuchs.com/relaunch/...1/0/0000_1.jpg

I used it for 3 years of long distance touring.
And for daily usage, when not touring.
I worked perfect.
Change of oil and spark plugs, adjustment of ignition once a year. That was all.

Than happened other things in life....
The Guzzi was parket and later sold.

Later i had a MG California 1000 cc.

But IHO, 850 is the optimum size for the MG V-twin.

So, now whith this 850 TT, evertyhing falls in place.
Old type of simple and well proven architecture, perfect size, and some good improvements.

I want one !!!

I have to say that I am really enjoying mine - nicely balanced, very responsive on the throttle (and probably even more so once I am through the first service this weekend) and the build quality seems really good on the whole.

The two areas that I am less enamoured with the V85 are the pathetic horn - this will be changed out when it gets back from its first service - and the starter button that seems a little flimsy.

The set up for the instrumentation and controls is a delight and everything falls to hand in what feels like a natural position. I went for the Tour and Tour+ packs - I was after a centre stand, engine guard, and additional lighting and I will be linking my phone to the bike to get the sat nav system working. I am happy with those choices - the panniers are really good with the top loading lids - my BMW has clam shell panniers and I have grown to dislike that style so much so that I have made my own for the BMW that are top loaders. I don't really use the top box at the moment as it makes the bike a bit too busy aesthetically but it will go back on for trips. The touring screen is fitted but I have the standard one it replaced and may fit that back on at some point.

I am getting approaching 60mpg (imperial)at the moment but this is getting better as the engine beds in properly and I expect that the figure will settle at around 62-3mpg.

A little bit late but congratulate on a nice bike. It seems we have the same taste. :thumbup1:

I have had my V85TT for 12000 km now and I think its going to stay for a long time in my garage. No huge issues with it. It feels solid as when I got it.

Even if there are slight issues with parts availability and it is not cheap I just say to people that they should at least try it out.
But beware the factory setting is set low on the gear change lights/limiter. It can easily be changed in the meny.

Do I dare to say it is probably plenty of bike to go on a long distance adventures around the world? Yes, I think it will. Yes its a bit heavy, yes its slower in comparison to other similar bikes. But there are lots of good points with it. :mchappy: You do not need to go fast to get around the world.

I wholeheartedly share your thoughts about the horn. Have not any issues with the starter button though.

Glad to see another V85TT owner. Hope you still are happy with it.

My bike:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y5tj0ka8zd...12011.jpg?dl=0

Have you had any noughts about the muck sprayed onto the engine by the front wheel? I understand there may be some sort of fix with a “hugger” mudguard and a small extension piece - apparently they are a standard item on another Moto Guzzi model - I will try and find out some more details if I can remember where I saw them.

Edit: Got it now. -it is the front mudguard / fender from an Aprillia Caponord 1200 Rally 2016-17 - https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=291&product s_id=5667

There is also an extension piece but I can’t find that at the moment.

Yes the mud slinging is a annoyance.
I found the same front guard. But I also found these Pyramid Front Mudguards.
Front:
https://pyramid-plastics.co.uk/produ...zi-v85-tt-2019
Rear:
https://pyramid-plastics.co.uk/colle...zi-v85-tt-2019

I might go for these.


Edit: I found the fender extender.
https://pyramid-plastics.co.uk/produ...lack-2015-2017

I like the look of those particularly the front one - I wouldn’t go for the extenda. The price seems reasonable too. I will have a look at the splatter from the rear wheel to see if I would go for the rear hugger - what I couldn’t see was a price for the hugger.

What would you suggest?
 

Don't ask me why, but I have always (at least in order what my country offers) bought bikes not so common: From a XL 250 to a XR400 Honda up to a Traveller Edition of the KTM640 and here unknown Husqvarna TR650 Terra. I have loved all of them, I still own the Terra and I want to keep it.

I might be interesed to travel from Northeast USA down to Panama, maybe next spring.
Sabbatical days: 4 months. Mexico is my main idea! Even if it still diff to plan, and wishing conditions change, my intention is to join my son's Univ. graduation, and face south up to the channel. This might be a solo or partially shared travells.

Not so fan of BMW, nor KTM, I'd like or a jap or an italian 2wheels. 200kg easy ride and affordable. Some miles (mainly in tarmac) would be 2up, and eventually some off-road. Legally, later import it to Ecuador, where I live and work.

I have rode in seldom roads of southern Europe and Brazil, and mainly in South America (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia), I'd like to have this bike maybe to continue to another latin countries, and who knows where else!
Maybe a Triumph, better a Tenere T7 (option), but seems to be unconfortable for 2up and waiting lists are still long, Suzuki is nice or maybe back to Honda.

What would you say about the MG V85TT? I like this type of bike.
I look forward to read you guys and visit us in Ecuador!

Its an amazing looking bike the MG V85TT. And for sure it would attract attention down through central America. But maybe not the right kind of attention in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador etc etc.

Maybe the V-Strom 650 could be an option? The police down there somewhere uses V-Stroms, was it Panama, Costa Rica or Colombia? So at least there is a country or two that will have some basic spare parts for you....

If a Moto Guzzi breaks a specific to them component in the UK you can be ****ed. The dealer stole a speedo unit from a demo bike when my V7 had the illumination fail and Guzzi couldn't/wouldn't give a straight answer after a week. My Dad's 2002 Nevada had a 2003 rear disc fitted from new. Took us three goes, three months and a lot of postage to work out Tony from Mandello either owns a time machine or makes this **** up as he goes along.

Do your research on support in the area you are going or can access (then get a Suzuki or Honda as your main bike).

Andy

Guzzi parts in UK
 

https://www.gutsibits.co.uk/pr/Home/index.php

No problem.

Thanks for the comments, I still have at least 11 months to plan before hitting the road.
A big commercial group has invested with italian makes Piaggio/Guzzi/Aprilia in my country, maybe that can help not having a orfan bike. My journey will only be one-way. After that I want to import it to my home town. Maybe that will be after a 5400 o 5500 miles trip on the odometer, for a not so experienced ridder, that IS a big goal, reason I'm planning this a sabbatical, with more or less 3 or 4 months, so that's not gonna be on a hurry!
As I wrote, I haven't regret after choosing "alternative" bikes, and probably a Yamaha T7 (funky, i like it-still long waiting lists) or a Kawa can be more affordable, but my couple wants to join, so some parts may be 2up, where I have read good comments and thumbs up for the MG V85!
I was thinking only some scheduled maintanance on 2 or 3 spots, and later, from Panama, ship it to latitud 0.

Moto Guzzi
 

Stay with the Moto Guzzi.

And avoid the main streem, as you have done before.
You will not regret.

Go on then, find a speedo for a V85

https://i.postimg.cc/CMJKD1rj/Screen...517-130254.png

Andy

Easy, I go out and look at the one on my bike. It is there just above the headlights.

Oh, you mean a spare one. Well as the V85 has been in production for a short period of time so far I don’t expect here to be vast numbers on the market just yet for items that don’t die regularly - such items as speedos.

Over time the replacement market will become populated and used items will come in as bikes get trashed. It isn’t just true of Guzzis - how many replacement speedos have you seen for the Yamaha T7 so far.

I love my V85 - it has soul, it is the modern embodiment of the R80G/S - two cylinder, air cooled, shaft drive and pretty clear lines. The one thing missing from the V85 are the heated foot rests of my plain Jane R80.

6000 miles
 

Finally, I bought the v85tt!
I'm not a true overlander, and as a short scale entrepreneur I can only spend to 4-5 days/month out ridding in my country, place where you still find a lot of unpaved, narrow tarmac and secondary roads between the 3 regions that the equator line cross thru.
The Guzzi was a sort of project to travel to Italy, place where I found that old 250, and with a legal accord between that country and mine, spend a holyday and bring the bike to the Andes. The expence was to high! Later ride it on the UStates: mucho dinero!
Found a new dealer in southern Ecuador, went to them and bought the V85TT, new for this country as model and as make, even if it's still associated to the 70/80's (some still running) Police bikes.
I found this 850 simply amazing. Right for my size, weight and ridding style. Good design, ergonomics and really capable off-road 19" bike. It has been a pleasure since the last September!
Finally, we'd like (2up) to spend this sort of sabbatical as soon borders will reopen in SA, we crossfingers it maybe jan2022. We swap our plan and we can spend 14 weeks holyday. As I described before, this is also a not common bike, as I choose (there is a reason i might probably share with a pint of birra) so welcome any suggestions in order to modify of simply get some tech specs or tips. We havent cho$e the Travel Edition, becau$e of 'time' i$$ue$.
With soft saddle bags, an old (used on my xr) touratech tailbag+drybag and tank bag, we want to face south and try to reach emblematic or geographic landmarks between Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, and be back to work in this lattitude (where we host the HU Meetings):
00°24.088"S
078°34.590"W
where you all are welcome!

The first thing that I changed was to get a decent horn for the bike. To fit it I had to put it to one side so that the new horn didn’t hit the mudguard when turning and put together a slight extension of the wiring so that the wires weren’t stretched. A massive difference. I have also added a wind deflector to the screen to make the bike quieter to ride and with less buffeting - an easy fix and cheap too - not terribly pretty but still better looking than me.

At some point I intend to put a mudguard hugger onto the front wheel so that mud isn’t thrown onto the engine so muchas per the link above from Triangularity.

Otherwise I think that the bike is pretty well sorted straight out of the box - I just love the engine and it is happy two up and doesn’t stress about life. Am I happy with my purchase? Oh, yes, very happy - and I hope you enjoy yours too.

V85 as an overlander / trans-continental contender
 

Reviving this thread as I am seriously looking at the V85.
Has anyone ridden it as an overlander or on a long trans-continental adventure? Cheers

With one foot on the footpeg!
 

Amigos,
This moment is getting closer, and I will swap from passive to active! It has been a long time planning, using this bike in epic 'domestic' roads.
Finally I have at least a fixed week where I will depart an hit the Panamericana hg/road (and others) facing south on a Moto Guzzi v85tt 2up.
With also an arranged appointment, I plan to reach Huaquillas/Tumbes border and I look forward to be cruising on the Peruvian roads for almost 2 weeks and get to Bolivian territory by mid February.
We also plan to spend open time in Bolivia and no agenda to face to south and joion fellow riders and keep connected in order to border crossing and current info.
My main idea is to reach Ruta 40 and flow with time, budget with a sort of goal to return hitting Carretera Austral and go back to the mythical Argentinan axis.
Rather than changing the horn, I feel the side-stand sensor is too exposed, I will protect it, and maybe a bigger front windshield. I will appreciate if you can share mods or important info to make it a traveller bike.
Feel free to write, or simply suggest the DO'S and DONT'S of this ride.
Follow us on IG as @andariego2.0
Cheers,

The front windshield, I had forgotten about that since I sorted it out. I have the taller factory screen fitted at the moment - I have the standard one as well but it doesn’t do enough to keep my head out of turbulent air. I have also fitted a small extender to the tall windshield and now there is next to no turbulence moving my head around and it is much quieter.

Another mod I am considering is an extended front mudguard so the the engine gets some protection. There is one available, for Aprilias I think, that is a direct fit - there are links in one of the V85TT threads on the HUBB.

All in all I am very happy with the bike - it is happy when two up and neither my son nor I are lightweights - but there are a few areas that are under developed - the horn and the mudguards being generic to all riders and the windshield down to my height (not that I am exceptionally tall at 1.82m).

i'm happy to have found this tread. i've been thinking about getting V85tt for this same purpose, riding 2up thru Latin America. i know the V85 is not ideal for offroading but i am a sport rider and certainly would not take us out of our way looking for a challenge in the dirt. the relatively small size, cruise control and shaft drive are some of the main reasons i like this bike. my main concern is reliability, tho i understand recent Guzzis do well in that regard. i look forward to hearing more about this journey and about the moto fares.

bien viaje!
kev

Just bought a V85TT. I'll post some impressions after we have had a chance to bond.

Hi @nugentch
How is the bonding going?

My friend has had the v85tt travel version from new , for about two years now i think . First issue was the dealership overfilling the shaft hub......I believe mg did a bulletin regarding this .
Second issue was trying to alter the shift lights on the dash......bit first world but they are set low from new . Other then that it has been very reliable.........u do have to rev it to wake it up but it certainly moves when u do . Corrosion wise........just use acf50 or similar......rear shock does seem to suffer .
Front mudguard thing from aprillia looks good and works OK.
I bought him a motech travel rack for it.....looks good and easy to install .
Tyre wear is excellent not hard on them at all . All in all it appears to be very reliable....... although that's probably screwed it now .

There is also an extender available for the hugger mudguard from the Apillia - I'll have a look to get a link. EDIT - the mudguard is from an Aprillia Caponord 1200 Rally 2016-17. The link I had has stopped working for some reason. The extender is available from here. One thing worth saying about the exptender is silicon sealant only works for so long - fortunately I saw that it was tryiong to escape so save it but I think a couple of rivets may be used when I refit it.

Without the hugger there is a lot of muck sprayed around but the hugger controls it pretty well and the hugger extender keeps the road crud off the engine. I just wish I had fitted them from the start...