2023 Moto Guzzi V85TT

[GoldOxide_imp]

Got to ride a 2023 Moto Guzzi V85TT today.

Rider report coming.

All the available and absolutely gorgeous V100 Mandellos I saw were sold, however, Moto Guzzi is offering demonstration rides in the coming days in my local region.

[mvk24_imp]

Looks like a nice bike! I have ridden alot of models and brands but I've never had the pleasure to try a guzzi.

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

[peterbaron]

Nice Guzzi

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks.

I'll get on the report the moment I crack open some time.

[the Ferret]

If you dont mind the throb of your AT or your old NC, you probably got along fine with the V85 although it probably felt a little underpowered.

Looking forward to your report

[KiowaEagle_imp]

And???

[GoldOxide_imp]

2023 Moto Guzzi V85TT Demo Ride



The following is an opinion expressed originating from a demonstration ride. I was the first customer rider on this machine, however, the machine already had 430 kms on the clock and had already reached 142 km/h previously. Tarmac coverage included: City, heavy urban city, parking lot idling (no wind), and freeway.


Pros:
[ul] [li]Upon ignition start-up, the feeling is immediately visceral. The sound is captivating, it feels alive below you, and the mirrors vibrate like a Harley. It feels like it has to go, and go now.[/li] [li]The cable clutch is surprisingly light and in fact: Pure joy.[/li] [li]The gearbox - uh, ... the gearbox. Through the entire six range: A rich and brilliant authentic "New York cheesecake". Each gear goes "click" (say that softy) into place, not "klunk" like many Japanese boxes and HDs. More amazingly, the transition from 1 to 2 is mouth-watering smooth - every time. Neutral was easy to find, and downshifting was on par with most other bikes.[/li] [li]Once the beastie was moving beyond first gear, the lump seemed to smooth out instantly. The mirrors were still and I forgot I was on a transverse V-twin. It was a pleasant "thrum".[/li] [li]Handling: Stellar, very agile. Beats hands down my last three Hondas (CRF1000, NC750X, CB1100). I laughed alone several times inside my helmet. I felt like I could do almost anything.[/li] [li]Suspension: Factory default was soft, like many Hondas and that was fine with me. It easily soaked up tarmac potholes.[/li] [li]Sold build quality and finish. Really nice overall build craftsmanship. Not perfect, but "near" Harley Davidson grade, and equal or better than Honda. The frame was solid, calm and quiet.[/li] [li]Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The CB1100 is a gorgeous bike. I don't think I have ever heard otherwise. In the beginning, I thought the Honda Africa Twin was an ugly big, like all ADV bikes. Frankly, I couldn't stand it. I later thought it was the best looking of the ugly ADVs. In the beginning, I thought the Moto Guzzi V85TT was a laughable design. Now I think the opposite, and unexpectedly, even the yellow, err, um, ... the gold and white version looks very nice.[/li] [li]Cruise control simply works. I like it. More figgly than an Africa Twin, but still welcomed.[/li] [li]The turn signal switch and cancel feedback: Cheesecake (New York, of course). The best I have felt anywhere.[/li] [li]The instrumentation TFT screen in direct cloudless sunlight: Easily readable.[/li] [li]The TFT content appears to be easy to interpret and navigate.[/li] [li]For me, the shaft final drive. I don't care about the power loss. This won't stop interested people considering the bike.[/li] [li]I had the low windscreen on my demo and I found (with my Klim Krios Pro helmet) the freeway buffeting essentially zero. Of course there was still wind noise, but I also wore earplugs.[/li] [li]Power: The V85TT does not struggle from stop. The V85TT cannot touch the CRF1000 or CB1100 in regards to inter-speed acceleration, but you still feel you are going fast and that is a nice (or a good enough) feeling for me. On paper there was 76 hp and 60 ft-lbs available at the crank - and it felt like something for sure that still resulted in a smile.[/li] [li]Throttle fueling was normal and predictable on my demo unit. No surging, no detected dead spots.[/li] [li]At over 6' 1" in height, I fit well in the frame. I would say more comfortable compared to the CB1100 and maybe a bit less over a long haul compared to on the Africa Twin. For now I consider this a positive since I could not find fault, however, a few more hours on the saddle was really needed.[/li] [li]Brakes: Strong, confident, quiet. Nothing wanting.[/li] [li]Front fork dive: Good, and better behaving than my OEM Honda CRF1000 and CB1100.[/li] [li]I found the saddle incredibly comfortable and grippy.[/li] [li]Sound: The V85TT is actually a pretty quiet machine. However, when you aggressively open the throttle, the neighbourhood knows about it and it sounds good, a thick, low frequency warble and not painful.[/li] [li]Standing on the foot pegs while riding: Workable. This was a bit harder to do compared to the Africa Twin, but not impossible. Maybe a two inch handlebar riser could improve that for me.[/li] [li]Handlebar width and orientation while seated worked well for me - better comfort than on the Africa Twin.[/li] [li]The fuel tank is massive for a 853 cc: 6 U.S. gallons.[/li] [li]The V-twin buzz factor at highest speed did not annoy me, and certainly less than mid-RPM on the CB1100. I am unsure how I might feel after several hours of non-stop riding though.[/li] [li]I expected the lump to lug more than usual at low RPM, but it seemed to hold its own when challenged. This engine felt best when revved at RPMs higher than the CB1100, and especially the CRF1000. The following examples were noted:

* 45 km/h @ 2000 in 5th gear didn't feel poor, but of course drop down one and it was silkier. This would be the lowest I would push the engine.
* 75 km/h @ 3500 in 4th.
* 102 km/h @ 4500 in 4th
* 115 km/h @ 4200 in 6th.
* 131 km/h @ 4500 in 6th.
[/li][/ul]

Cons:
[ul] [li]Maybe this was specific with my machine, but half the times upshifting into third took two attempts. I keep in mind the gearbox was far from being worked in.[/li] [li]The demo used 91 octane fuel. There is no explicit requirement to run high octane fuel in the bike, but it seems almost out of habit that owners do. Very, very few owners can stake a claim that they can successfully run regular fuel without issue. They seem so mum, or gun-shy to stake a claim. It is an air-cooled lump, essentially low compression two-valve heads at that, and I imagine on very hot, traffic congestion days it might hunger for extra octane (though the CB1100 never seemed to complain - but it also sported an oil cooler). I wished the fuel grade used was lower for the demo. So I still feel I am second guessing this requirement.[/li] [li]The V85TT is heavy. However, it feels significantly more manageable pushing around compared to the CRF1000 and CB1100 - at least for me.[/li] [li]The high beam switch felt really chincy and inconsistent with the overall machine build quality. I found this surprising.[/li] [li]On very long tours, long legged riders might need to affix a foot rest extension through the lump. Stretching the legs is a challenge on the V85TT and the nice ergonomic seat makes it hard to comfortably rest your arse on the passenger pad.[/li] [li]The TFT is slightly on the small side - especially when riding standing up.
[/li][/ul]





Summary:

The foundations of the V85TT are essentially old school. There is no question. A two-valve pushrod lump. But the beast is nicely managed with modern technology that is arguably much easier to maintain than modern mainstream brands. I didn't test the ABS or traction control aspects and I only used the default "strada" riding mode. Some others were sport, rain, off road, and custom.

The V85TT performed suburban and urban challenges effortlessly. Freeway riding was better than expected too. Everyday riding might be its sweet spot. Is this a fair, long distance, overnight tourer? I think for some it is. Available accessories seem to suggest so. After all, it is positioned as an adventure bike - but me thinks limit this weighty bike to day time off road-like adventures.

[peterbaron]

Thanks GO.
Very sure you enjoyed your test ride.
All for all, including look, ride, excitement, etc, etc, without going into details and $$$.... will you buy one or still contemplating about swapping bikes??

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks GO.
Very sure you enjoyed your test ride.
All for all, including look, ride, excitement, etc, etc, without going into details and $$$.... will you buy one or still contemplating about swapping bikes??

Thanks [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=3454]PB.

The goal is to add to my garageless collection.

Easier said than done. Negotiations are ongoing.

[peterbaron]

Understood and good luck with your decision!!!!