MOTO GUZZI V85

[SportsterDoc]

I really like my little MG V7R reliability issues not withstanding. Has 7K MILD miles on it and in that time the rear tail light stopped working (burned out bulb). Rear drive leaked significantly (a somewhat known issue). Fixed to the tune of $450 by a non MG authorized shop. Also had one other issue that was dealer related but I'm not going to fault the bike for that. Dealer dropped the brand 2 years after I bough the bike (and that quite possibly is the biggest drawback of owning a Guzzi...not having a reliable dealer/mechanic available across huge swatches of the US.)

The V85 has many unanswered questions. The stated HP is suspect by a wide margin. Many of the tech savvy Guzzista on a site I frequent don't believe that number and also don't think the production machine will come close to it. I really like the Angry Banana Yellow paint scheme with the Red frame. But that huge MG eagle across the head lights really puts me off.

Even if HP was in the mid 50's I would seriously consider this bike IF I had a reliable dealer with a competent mechanic or two on staff within 150 miles of me.

WildGuzzi.com?
Lots of good tech folks on that forum.

Owning a Goose will make a mechanic out of many riders...sorta like riding an ironhead (pre 86) Sportster...wrench or push.

[rboe]

I think it was on Facebook, horse power was rated around 80hp, but the bit that gave me a huge pause - retail price to be around $14,000 - which is way too much. Deal breaker for me if that holds true. My Griso was only $12,000 new.

[the Ferret]

Its rated at 80 but most are saying it will most likely put out more like 65 at the rear wheel. It has the same basic motor as the 900 roamer which puts out maybe 56 hp.

[Riko_imp]

I think the choice of motorcycle always has been, and always will be a matter of personal taste, along with a touch of budget thrown in. That said, I personally have never cared for the aesthetics of the Guzzi, going way back to the big tourer Guzzis of the late '60s. I have known several Guzzi owners over the years that lamented over Guzzi fit, finish and reliability issues as well.

For me, the choice was to revisit a modern version of my beloved 1974 CB750 Four, and I suspect many other Forum members are in the same boat on that aspect. Then throw into the mix the fanatical engineering Honda was ahead of the curve with back then, to the extensive development that went into the CB1100. Granted, as with all machines, the CB1100 has had a few hiccups, but I think generally those hiccups have been statistically few. Would I trade in my CB1100 for this new Guzzi, or for that matter, any other new offering of any other brand available at the moment? No, I personally would not, even if it was an even trade. The look of the CB1100 is nostalgic, the feel pleasantly familiar, and I enjoy riding it more than any of the dozen or so bikes I have owned in years since my CB750 Four..

You're right. I like Guzzi but will never buy one again after my bad experience with a slightly used modern California. Something with the engine and valves quickly went wrong, so I gave the Guzzi back to the dealer and took the CB instead. Never regret it. Any sort of pseudo enduro bike is not of my concern. Way to ugly and I'm not interested in riding offroad, you can't do anyway in Europe without doing it illegal, despite from the fact that an offroadride will harm your bike faster than you can count to 3....

Wisedrum

I've seen much more uglier ADV bikes than this.

Anyway, digging the color scheme

[the Ferret]

Had not seen it in grey, only in the McDonald's color scheme. Looks good in grey.

[Capo]

I’m glad it exists. Variety is the spice of motorcycle life. I can’t say I’d be tempted to choose it, especially in light of Guzzi’s dealer network. And if, indeed, it’s priced at $14k USD. And other than style, I can’t imagine it’s the ideal choice for ADV work. But, again, I’m happy it exists.


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I just bought this to re- ignite my love of off- piste riding. ‘99 DR350SE. Pine Barrens, here I come!


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[LongRanger_imp]

Visually, if you look at the V85, it doesn't offer anything new, innovative or unique compared to its mid-sized competition, aside from engine configuration. Same beak, same bags, same tough-guy looks, but in all practicality it's just a rehash of models already available from more established manufacturers. I imagine MG will be fortunate to sell 300/year in the U.S. and that Triumph, BMW, Honda, Suzuki, Ducati, KTM, etc., will continue to own this market. Honestly, I think it's 7-8 years too late.

Capo, the DR looks awesome. Enjoy!

[Riko_imp]

Visually, if you look at the V85, it doesn't offer anything new, innovative or unique compared to its mid-sized competition, aside from engine configuration. Same beak, same bags, same tough-guy looks, but in all practicality it's just a rehash of models already available from more established manufacturers. I imagine MG will be fortunate to sell 300/year in the U.S. and that Triumph, BMW, Honda, Suzuki, Ducati, KTM, etc., will continue to own this market. Honestly, I think it's 7-8 years too late.

Capo, the DR looks awesome. Enjoy!

thats your classic retro bike right there...like your CB, its marketed as a retro bike

as a 'retro adventure' its unique

[Riko_imp]

cool article too:
https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/di...ermot-2018

[DaSwami_imp]

I very much liked my V7II: Shaft drive was very smooth and a lot of torque out of only 744 cc.

But I did not trust the reliability of the ECM program, did not like the dry clutch rattle, was concerned about the plastic/metal in-tank fuel filter and came to despise the new dealership owner.

All emotional judgements....I suspect the last item was the real reason behind the V7II falling out of favor.

The dealer network crisis is real, as MotoInternational is done and RPM cycles has dropped them. Fortunately, maintenance is easy and the only thing I would need a dealer for is tire changes. But it does make Guzzi a difficult choice in the practical sense...I love the bikes but am afraid to go down that road again.