I just hit 2000 miles on my 2020 V85TT. Good review but let me share why I think this bike is a winner. It is an Escalade, that looks like an SUV but will never see dirt. like the Escalade, it is just a plush ride that encourages you to find the zen of the road. Decat really does help. It is a bike for touring. I have never found a bike this heavy so well balanced and easy to move about. My concern with the Guzzi is over engineered. You have to disassemble farkles on the right to get to the shifter adjustment on the left. The dry clutch requires a full engine removal. Oil changes take longer than most bikes. But I still love the emotional feel of the bike.
One of the most useful reviews on this bike that I've seen, thanks! Its definitely still on my list, just for the looks and character, but I'm also tempted with a 2018 or earlier Africa Twin......
Love your reviews they are on point, honest and informative. Had a Guzzi 1200 sport could look at it all day long but was a bit of a let down in the ownership dept, discs warped within 1,000 miles and dash filled with rain water not much later . But do agree love the look of this model
Big guzzi fan had them in the past but I plumbed for 1050xt vstrom which is amazing value etc ...himalayan for off road and back roads a jem...good honest review brill ..
I regularly apply FS365 which keeps corrosion at bay. An interesting bike that I am planning to test ride. Many things that you have highlighted with these three videos that are real life issues.
Your points were pretty much 100% re this bike. I love my V85, but the buffeting is terrible, and the dash def could be better... but the KTM dash is far worse IMO. I'd like a lighter bike, but enjoy riding mine whenever I throw a leg over it.
Hello Nathan, honest review, well done! :-) I can confirm all your comments, due to I've rented and spend my New Zealand trip (6000 km in total) beginning of 2020 with exactly the same V85TT. I just Would like to highlight that the brakes are working very well, too. Very much fun, easy and comfy to ride this bike on long distance, twisties (handling and chassis is great, too) and on some gravel roads. Just need 10 horses more ;-) Cheers
I've had two Guzzi's (Quota, Griso) and service is dang easy to do (valves, oil change - inspect the rest, perhaps bleed the brakes - which I'm tempted to pay to have done!). So I'm a bit surprised you don't do that in house.
I have an F850GS and I love it. At the time, the Guzzi did not have cruise control nor tubeless tires so it fell off the list. It does now so today, I might have seriously considered the Goose.
Thanks for your insight Nathan. I just got a new 21 V85TT and so far so good. Windscreen is crap as you noted. Hard decision between the MG and a used Africa Twin. Ended up with the MG for pretty much your same reasons. Now to get it ready for some travel. cheers mate
I like them FOR their [ comparative ] simplicity. I didn't want electro-this and adjustable-that, just wanted a solid 'basic' bike. I do have the tall screen with a stupid spoiler added and I don't like the look but I do like the lack of buffeting now ;-) . I believe the riding modes tweak traction control too (less in offroad, more in rain). Like you, I love the cruise control on it too :-)
If you want 10 BHP more just dump the CAT and the front downpipes which have CAT material a long way up them. Much more important than simply adding a new can. Then open the air-box up a bit and add a K%N or DNA filter. That along with an upflash will give you at least 10 BHP more.
I like this bike, and the new model has cross-spoke wheels. Bit heavy all togged up but not so bad if that figure you quote is with a full tank. Looks really good. Real character.
but the V85TT will have more character than the others mentioned and that will endear it more to peeps like me :D and i have had a new 2014 1000 vstrom (which i rid to Barcelona) and a new 2018 R1200GS 'Rallye' and found them brill bikes, but had no real character/foibles for me, too perfect to love long term lol :D thats why at present I am riding a RE Himalayan and love it, full of character and old school...but a new Guzzi? deffo next year for being individual and for living with their old Agricultural loving ways :)
Same as you i sold my r1250gs to save a bit money and I bought this v85tt travel last summer 2 very different bikes but still makes me happy every time I'm riding it but if i could i would definitely go back to the gs 1250 for the same price you can find a 2019 around 13k maybe next years
Right, I get what you mean. I felt the same when I rode a 2008 Thruxton at Triumph open house .. I went away thinking my 1984 Nighthawk 700 had more go in it at the time.
Have you had the bike in for the map updates to the engine? Riding my 2019 model back to exchange it for the new 2021, I realised it had been transformed from the model I originally bought. It's much more spirited. Not a 1000cc I admit, but it's woken up.
Just been re visiting this review Nathan pretty interesting both our ktm 390s went back under rejection at less than 300 miles so wound up getting a 1200 GS Rallye on an 18 plate pick it up next week, had the 1200gsa in the past so should be interesting.
Was seriously considering this one, but reading the thread on ADV Rider reminded me of people talking about their Buell's. I had a Buell, I don't want that experience again. Ill take bland and boring riding over "these bolts rattle loose" and "it could be leaking oil from" while sitting in the garage.
It is difficult to argue for this bike Vs a V-Strom 1050 on paper. It's a similar weight but less power for basically the same price! The difference is basically the charm of the air cooled longitudinal V-twin.
Thanks honarable. It's a common modification to try and prevent the front of the engine getting covered in road grime. It's the mudguard off of an aprilia caponord but to be honest it didn't really work.
Great straight forward review and I agree with each point Nathan. The Guzzi is very competent for what it's meant to do, good value and that great quirkiness factor that can't be quantified...you just like being a bit different or you get a GS. Agree with Steve that Left Coast US makes getting parts tricky but mine is slowly getting set up for some long summer tours. Euro / Brit aftermarket options are much better than in the US. Which tool box piece is on your bike? It looks snugged in quite nicely. Thanks for your help in keeping us informed!
Just got home with my -20 Brand new V85TT Traveler. Still do not understand any of the "computer" for instruments, lack the simplicity of my old 1150GS, which is still at home;). Sat very well, the height of the handlebars worked immediately, I am 1.80cm 6 "approximately. Missing the C-support, however, will come at the first service. Took a while to get a grip on the gear, and the indicator is stupid! And as you pointed out, it lacks in horsepower. However, do not think it will affect my ride, drive 95% asphalt and the rest is gravel. Was a long time ago I was out on "adventure". Nice bike, I must say. Mine is "sand-colored", gray with a red stripe, I should say. However, I am very skeptical of the boxes they send with, I think it's Givi, tried that brand before, I will give you £ 100 if you pick them up;).
A bit late in comments, but cheap servicing, easy to get at service parts, like valves. Reminds me of my old GS1100. Same type of handling and the 2023 Guzzi is a bit sharper on the throttle. Id buy one in a heartbeat but got to comes to terms with selling my 2017 DCT Africa Twin.
Great video , If you have an alternative choice of transport the Guzzi would be an ok choice I wouldn't buy one as my only transport. I used a Ducati Multistrada as my only transport for 3 years & I'd guess it was reliable about 10 months out of every 12 & off the road broke or being repaired for around 2 months of every year & winter destroyed the engine paint & wreaked havoc with the electrics . Reliability & build quality was the main reason I bought my vstrom 1050 Japanese bikes are just better built in my opinion.
Mine is my only form of transport. 13500 miles since February last year. Totally reliable. Couple of little niggles but nothing that was really an issue.
@@paulweatherly3222 Not saying a Guzzi can't be used daily but will require more care to keep in good condition & without extra care after a few years will suffer, my local Guzzi dealers test bike had been looked after but already started looking rough after less than a year, if you live in a big city where less road salt is used or do less miles in winter Italian bikes are ok Ducati didn't seem to bad initially just niggles & parts order waits/dealer availability waits after a winter or 2 engine paint gave up electrics started corroding & had more & more problems . Love the Ducati but I should never of used it through winter wish I'd bought a winter hack & would recommend you do to if you ride through winter
Reviews like yours from owners who have actually ridden their bikes a considerable distance are always by far the most valuable on TH-cam. Kudos to you for giving us this video. I heard from another long-term reviewer that his bike was burning a lot of oil (enough to have to check the level at every fuelling stop). Is that not an issue with your bike?
I have one 11000 kms, doesn’t burn oil at all. Most of these bikes came with loose sump bolts, which I tightened all of them as soon as I noticed it.. I’d suggest that guy who is burning oil hasn’t checked the sump bolts and that where he’s losing oil.
Yeh, you definitely have to do that. The euro5 mods ruin the engine. I think Guzzi have been dishonest selling it in the form they do 'cos the engine just doesn't work in standard trim.
Moto Guzzis for me are like Alfa Romeo cars , love them but wouldn't buy one ! Just bought 2nd 650 Versys a much under rated bike and sometimes dismissed as a commuter but a great bike ! A refreshing change to see warts and all reviews 👍
As thorough a review as ever Nathan, you should do it professionally!😂 Love the little anecdotes, ‘police cruiser’! Not sure I’ll be making that offer for it now though when you’re ready to sell🙁
Its just a big Himalayan, in the fact that it is what it is. You can either except its short comings or buy a more expensive option. Not many bikes could not do with "just another 10hp"........do you really need 160hp through one tyre? Nice review, just checking in after the BS6 review.......hope that holds up as well, the tank frames were changed for better stand up ergonomics. But if the cant carry anything, why bother?
Red is better . You either like Guzzis or you don't .I don't think there is a middle ground . Air cooling , shaft drive , comfortable riding position make it a good long distance proposition with minimal maintenance . Not a bike for performance freaks .
I think you're exactly right; love them or you don't. I have owned both, a Guzzi and several Ducatis. My conundrum is that I love the Guzzi for all the reasons Guzzi lovers do, but I am concerned that I'll regret the lack of power and suspension adjustability if I choose it over the Ducati V4 Multistrada. Way less money for the Guzzi ,and although neither brand has a dealership anywhere near me in Colorado, I could do the simple maintenance on the Guzzi being that it is so much simpler to maintain. I've never had troubles with either make. A very tough decision. I'm going to deliberately put it off to think some more. lol
My Ducati Multi 950s the stock windscreen made a horrible buffeting noise, I got the Tourtech one, and it is better. Still buffets but sheesh not nearly as bad.
Bro tighten your sump bolts, that oil leak you got there is a result of most of these bikes coming with loose bolts everywhere. service you can do in your sleep, valve check is also super easy, save that cash from the dealer rip off
Hi , I find that for my height , I get a lot of noise / buffeting, but if I lift myself up a couple of inches , much improved. I have the smaller of the two original screens and looking for an alternative to improve things . What make “shorter” screen do you have please ?
Think I am with you Nathan and would go for a used 1200gs ....It's a proven bike and just more refined. Buying from a main dealer you also get the 2yrs warranty and breakdown cover so it's comparable to buying a new bike from other manufacturers.
I just hit 2000 miles on my 2020 V85TT.
Good review but let me share why I think this bike is a winner.
It is an Escalade, that looks like an SUV but will never see dirt. like the Escalade, it is just a plush ride that encourages you to find the zen of the road.
Decat really does help. It is a bike for touring.
I have never found a bike this heavy so well balanced and easy to move about.
My concern with the Guzzi is over engineered. You have to disassemble farkles on the right to get to the shifter adjustment on the left. The dry clutch requires a full engine removal. Oil changes take longer than most bikes.
But I still love the emotional feel of the bike.
Great review, Nathan. I could listen to you talk about bikes all day.
One of the most useful reviews on this bike that I've seen, thanks! Its definitely still on my list, just for the looks and character, but I'm also tempted with a 2018 or earlier Africa Twin......
Love your reviews they are on point, honest and informative. Had a Guzzi 1200 sport could look at it all day long but was a bit of a let down in the ownership dept, discs warped within 1,000 miles and dash filled with rain water not much later . But do agree love the look of this model
Always enjoy hearing about your collection of bikes....thanks.
Its such a classic looking bike in my opinion, will age really well
Big guzzi fan had them in the past but I plumbed for 1050xt vstrom which is amazing value etc ...himalayan for off road and back roads a jem...good honest review brill ..
Needs a clean Nathan! And I’ll send you a box of stainless steel washers! But a great real world catch up.👍
I regularly apply FS365 which keeps corrosion at bay. An interesting bike that I am planning to test ride. Many things that you have highlighted with these three videos that are real life issues.
Your points were pretty much 100% re this bike. I love my V85, but the buffeting is terrible, and the dash def could be better... but the KTM dash is far worse IMO.
I'd like a lighter bike, but enjoy riding mine whenever I throw a leg over it.
Fit an MRI, and the buffeting dissappears.. I'm 6'2"
@@Llamaman8 I have replaced my screen with a low one from Powerbronze, all sorted now 🙂
Hello Nathan, honest review, well done! :-) I can confirm all your comments, due to I've rented and spend my New Zealand trip (6000 km in total) beginning of 2020 with exactly the same V85TT. I just Would like to highlight that the brakes are working very well, too. Very much fun, easy and comfy to ride this bike on long distance, twisties (handling and chassis is great, too) and on some gravel roads. Just need 10 horses more ;-) Cheers
I've had two Guzzi's (Quota, Griso) and service is dang easy to do (valves, oil change - inspect the rest, perhaps bleed the brakes - which I'm tempted to pay to have done!). So I'm a bit surprised you don't do that in house.
To retain the warranty primarily
@@nathanthepostman Ah, in the US we have a law that says we can do our own maintenance and keep the warranty.
I have an F850GS and I love it. At the time, the Guzzi did not have cruise control nor tubeless tires so it fell off the list. It does now so today, I might have seriously considered the Goose.
A good in depth review.
I like a basic bike but most important, it has to be reliable. Hard to beat the Japanese. Africa Twin?
Thanks for your insight Nathan. I just got a new 21 V85TT and so far so good. Windscreen is crap as you noted. Hard decision between the MG and a used Africa Twin. Ended up with the MG for pretty much your same reasons. Now to get it ready for some travel. cheers mate
I like them FOR their [ comparative ] simplicity. I didn't want electro-this and adjustable-that, just wanted a solid 'basic' bike. I do have the tall screen with a stupid spoiler added and I don't like the look but I do like the lack of buffeting now ;-) . I believe the riding modes tweak traction control too (less in offroad, more in rain). Like you, I love the cruise control on it too :-)
If you want 10 BHP more just dump the CAT and the front downpipes which have CAT material a long way up them. Much more important than simply adding a new can. Then open the air-box up a bit and add a K%N or DNA filter. That along with an upflash will give you at least 10 BHP more.
I like this bike, and the new model has cross-spoke wheels. Bit heavy all togged up but not so bad if that figure you quote is with a full tank. Looks really good. Real character.
but the V85TT will have more character than the others mentioned and that will endear it more to peeps like me :D
and i have had a new 2014 1000 vstrom (which i rid to Barcelona) and a new 2018 R1200GS 'Rallye' and found them brill bikes, but had no real character/foibles for me, too perfect to love long term lol :D
thats why at present I am riding a RE Himalayan and love it, full of character and old school...but a new Guzzi? deffo next year for being individual and for living with their old Agricultural loving ways :)
Same as you i sold my r1250gs to save a bit money
and I bought this v85tt travel last summer
2 very different bikes but still makes me happy every time I'm riding it
but if i could i would definitely go back to the gs 1250
for the same price you can find a 2019 around 13k
maybe next years
I followed your path David, GSA to Guzzi and now back to GSA, you realise what you’re missing after a while
Power and weight numbers sound similar to the mid 80's Nighthawk I had about 15 years ago. Never felt unpowered, but more would have been welcomed.
Right, I get what you mean. I felt the same when I rode a 2008 Thruxton at Triumph open house .. I went away thinking my 1984 Nighthawk 700 had more go in it at the time.
Have you had the bike in for the map updates to the engine? Riding my 2019 model back to exchange it for the new 2021, I realised it had been transformed from the model I originally bought. It's much more spirited. Not a 1000cc I admit, but it's woken up.
Have you tried the v7? It’s also on my
First big bike list
Excellent review. Have a great weekend.
Just been re visiting this review Nathan pretty interesting both our ktm 390s went back under rejection at less than 300 miles so wound up getting a 1200 GS Rallye on an 18 plate pick it up next week, had the 1200gsa in the past so should be interesting.
Good down to earth review mate!
Was seriously considering this one, but reading the thread on ADV Rider reminded me of people talking about their Buell's. I had a Buell, I don't want that experience again.
Ill take bland and boring riding over "these bolts rattle loose" and "it could be leaking oil from" while sitting in the garage.
It is difficult to argue for this bike Vs a V-Strom 1050 on paper. It's a similar weight but less power for basically the same price! The difference is basically the charm of the air cooled longitudinal V-twin.
Really good review.
Get yourself a few stainless cap screws and washers for those ram mounts
Great review! May I ask why add the extra fender in the front?
Thanks honarable. It's a common modification to try and prevent the front of the engine getting covered in road grime. It's the mudguard off of an aprilia caponord but to be honest it didn't really work.
@@nathanthepostman Thx for the explanation!
Great straight forward review and I agree with each point Nathan. The Guzzi is very competent for what it's meant to do, good value and that great quirkiness factor that can't be quantified...you just like being a bit different or you get a GS. Agree with Steve that Left Coast US makes getting parts tricky but mine is slowly getting set up for some long summer tours. Euro / Brit aftermarket options are much better than in the US. Which tool box piece is on your bike? It looks snugged in quite nicely. Thanks for your help in keeping us informed!
Just got home with my -20 Brand new V85TT Traveler. Still do not understand any of the "computer" for instruments, lack the simplicity of my old 1150GS, which is still at home;).
Sat very well, the height of the handlebars worked immediately, I am 1.80cm 6 "approximately. Missing the C-support, however, will come at the first service. Took a while to get a grip on the gear, and the indicator is stupid! And as you pointed out, it lacks in horsepower. However, do not think it will affect my ride, drive 95% asphalt and the rest is gravel. Was a long time ago I was out on "adventure".
Nice bike, I must say. Mine is "sand-colored", gray with a red stripe, I should say.
However, I am very skeptical of the boxes they send with, I think it's Givi, tried that brand before, I will give you £ 100 if you pick them up;).
A bit late in comments, but cheap servicing, easy to get at service parts, like valves. Reminds me of my old GS1100. Same type of handling and the 2023 Guzzi is a bit sharper on the throttle.
Id buy one in a heartbeat but got to comes to terms with selling my 2017 DCT Africa Twin.
Great video , If you have an alternative choice of transport the Guzzi would be an ok choice I wouldn't buy one as my only transport.
I used a Ducati Multistrada as my only transport for 3 years & I'd guess it was reliable about 10 months out of every 12 & off the road broke or being repaired for around 2 months of every year & winter destroyed the engine paint & wreaked havoc with the electrics . Reliability & build quality was the main reason I bought my vstrom 1050 Japanese bikes are just better built in my opinion.
Mine is my only form of transport. 13500 miles since February last year. Totally reliable. Couple of little niggles but nothing that was really an issue.
@@paulweatherly3222 Not saying a Guzzi can't be used daily but will require more care to keep in good condition & without extra care after a few years will suffer, my local Guzzi dealers test bike had been looked after but already started looking rough after less than a year, if you live in a big city where less road salt is used or do less miles in winter Italian bikes are ok Ducati didn't seem to bad initially just niggles & parts order waits/dealer availability waits after a winter or 2 engine paint gave up electrics started corroding & had more & more problems .
Love the Ducati but I should never of used it through winter wish I'd bought a winter hack & would recommend you do to if you ride through winter
Always honest reviews Nathan, I think I’m really happy I didn’t get one 👍I do like the look of then though
Reviews like yours from owners who have actually ridden their bikes a considerable distance are always by far the most valuable on TH-cam. Kudos to you for giving us this video.
I heard from another long-term reviewer that his bike was burning a lot of oil (enough to have to check the level at every fuelling stop). Is that not an issue with your bike?
I have one 11000 kms, doesn’t burn oil at all. Most of these bikes came with loose sump bolts, which I tightened all of them as soon as I noticed it.. I’d suggest that guy who is burning oil hasn’t checked the sump bolts and that where he’s losing oil.
Great interesting review straight to the point.
Just wondering why you didn't consider the Super Tenere? Cruise, shaft and bulletproof.
I have ridden one, and it's probably the most boring bike I've ever been on.
Have you tried the new 850 V7? Same size engine (albeit lower power), less weight, roadster style .... just wondering!
What was the side boxes called?
Really good review. Thanks.
Great honest review!!!
PG Tips!! Legend 👍🏻 Great honest review.
can you post link to the engine guards?
I traded an Africa twin Adventure sports in on a V85 with zero regrets..... De-cat pipe and a remap really bring the engine to life.
Yeh, you definitely have to do that. The euro5 mods ruin the engine. I think Guzzi have been dishonest selling it in the form they do 'cos the engine just doesn't work in standard trim.
Moto Guzzis for me are like Alfa Romeo cars , love them but wouldn't buy one ! Just bought 2nd 650 Versys a much under rated bike and sometimes dismissed as a commuter but a great bike ! A refreshing change to see warts and all reviews 👍
What seat is it ? How would you compare its comfort to the stock seat?
Parts are hard to get in California, over two months and nothing yet.
What parts are you waiting for? I’m in Cali and considering this bike for a pacific coast trip to Vancouver
What is the name of that handlebar risers?
Will it fit better for a 6 feet tall guy?
Thanks a lot!
front mudguard, where di you get it?
Please mate
It's off the aprilia caponord rally. It bolts straight on
u d man!!!@@nathanthepostman
As thorough a review as ever Nathan, you should do it professionally!😂 Love the little anecdotes, ‘police cruiser’!
Not sure I’ll be making that offer for it now though when you’re ready to sell🙁
Awesome bud cheers 👍🏻
Its just a big Himalayan, in the fact that it is what it is. You can either except its short comings or buy a more expensive option. Not many bikes could not do with "just another 10hp"........do you really need 160hp through one tyre? Nice review, just checking in after the BS6 review.......hope that holds up as well, the tank frames were changed for better stand up ergonomics. But if the cant carry anything, why bother?
Red is better .
You either like Guzzis or you don't .I don't think there is a middle ground .
Air cooling , shaft drive , comfortable riding position make it a good long distance proposition with minimal maintenance . Not a bike for performance freaks .
I think you're exactly right; love them or you don't. I have owned both, a Guzzi and several Ducatis. My conundrum is that I love the Guzzi for all the reasons Guzzi lovers do, but I am concerned that I'll regret the lack of power and suspension adjustability if I choose it over the Ducati V4 Multistrada. Way less money for the Guzzi ,and although neither brand has a dealership anywhere near me in Colorado, I could do the simple maintenance on the Guzzi being that it is so much simpler to maintain. I've never had troubles with either make. A very tough decision. I'm going to deliberately put it off to think some more. lol
@@gb93669 . What if Guzzi made a 1200cc bike with about 130 hp on tap ?
@@dungspreader 130 hp and electronic suspension adjustments with an imu....SOLD!
good review
But does the GS have the Soul of a Guzzi?
No.
Do you still own the Guzzi?
No I traded it in for a Moto Morini X-Cape 650 back in April
My Ducati Multi 950s the stock windscreen made a horrible buffeting noise, I got the Tourtech one, and it is better. Still buffets but sheesh not nearly as bad.
Bro tighten your sump bolts, that oil leak you got there is a result of most of these bikes coming with loose bolts everywhere. service you can do in your sleep, valve check is also super easy, save that cash from the dealer rip off
I've ridden a VStrom 650 and own an 850TT, no comparison in power for me. 850 way better. Hmmm
Shorter screen works for me , try it.
Hi , I find that for my height , I get a lot of noise / buffeting, but if I lift myself up a couple of inches , much improved. I have the smaller of the two original screens and looking for an alternative to improve things . What make “shorter” screen do you have please ?
@@grahamwright8447 hi short screen from Powerbronze worked for me.
Think I am with you Nathan and would go for a used 1200gs ....It's a proven bike and just more refined. Buying from a main dealer you also get the 2yrs warranty and breakdown cover so it's comparable to buying a new bike from other manufacturers.
Wow that's a really rusty exhaust system for a new ish bike
Just about every bike I have owned - and over the last 45 years that's a lot, has lost its laquer on aluminium castings.
Really want to love the bike, needs a 100 horse power, absolute minimum here in the US.
air cooling dam not for me