REVIEW - Moto Guzzi V85 2024! Is that still enough?

Moto Guzzi has given its V85 TT an extensive update for the 2024 model year, with more power, electronics and equipment and the three different model variants Strada, TT and TT Travel. We have already been able to ride all three in Spain and can tell you how these sensible changes affect the mid-range cardan travel enduro - sensible updates for even more comfortable traveling!
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[BuffaloweRider]

I HATE reviewers complaining about the lack of a quick shifter! It ain't that kinda ride man. Be like complaining about lean angle of a cruiser. It's why I personally don't want one, but it's not a fault if that's your thing. I've actually been waiting to buy the tt travel because of the impending release of the new stelvio but I, in my opinion, think that the stelvio is too much tech where with the new upgrades to the tt is just about right for me. I think that I'm pulling the trigger on the tt travel this year.
It's not a sports bike so quick shifter and chain drive and whatever other aggressive sports bike bits are not needed and I am not interested in competing with a gs or Ducati. Just enough tech to help and just enough suspension for when the asphalt on the pass turns to shit. Comfortable, capable and not breaking the bike. Not to mention unique, right up my alley.

[Twentyfourvalves]

I bought a 2023 V85TT Travel last year. I had not purchased a brand-new bike in many years, but the specs, weight, looks and principally, ease of DIY maintenance, convinced me to con myself into trading my R1200GSA on it. While the wind management on the BMW was perfect for me, a cocoon of comfort, I found it to be absolutely horrid on the V85TT Travel. I came very close to selling it or trading it back in for something else during the first one thousand miles of use. I tried an aftermarket windshield, I tried a Laminar Lip, I tried the standard lower windshield from the basic spec bike, but nothing would change the paint-shaker style buffeting it created on my head. It was maddening!!! Diving deep into the Moto Guzzi forums, someone recommended the MRA X-Creen as a solution. I purchased one as a last resort, mounted it to the original factory windscreen and thankfully, it helped immensely. You see, the buffeting was so bad, but so bad, that it was impossible to focus on what was good about the bike. As I was able to shift the focus from the buffeting, to the rest of the motorcycle as a whole, I have fallen in love with it. After almost fifty years of continuous riding, and having owned dozens upon dozens of motorcycles, the V85TT really brings so much character to the table that it is impossible not to appreciate it. Superb handling, excellent fuel range, adequate power, lovely airbox growl, very comfortable seat and seating position. When travelling, I can ride 400 miles a day with ease on it, almost no fatigue, and most impressively, how does Moto Guzzi gets the bike to stay cool with only 1.9Q of oil on an air-cooled engine? It also consumes almost no oil at all, even when ridden very hard, which is most of the time. It would be nice to know if the 2024 V85TT Travel Windshield and wind management accessories would fit the 2023 model.

[chrissunde]

Love the v85tt. Amazing accomplishment to keep this bike improving in the era of rapidly increasing emissions regulations. I own a 2021 and it has been a reliable work horse; an excellent rough road tourer.

[saddlebag]

I wish they'd offer the color choices for every model. I love the red and white one, but want the touring features.

[ekimandersom]

It’s the only relatively good looking adventure bike.

[itsallabouttheridekeepingi]

Reference comment on the OEM screen, I can HIGHLY recommend the uK Palmer bracket ( that you put on the windscreen bracket ) and then any off the other screens on it - even the original it adjusts up and down front and back, it fantastic and probably even better than the new 24 model screen .Also THANKYOU for the English version ( the only one ☝️ so far on the new V85tt )

[DraganBakema]

I have a v85tt centenario 2021. 45.000 km, zero problems. I had one complaint and that was the gear indicator- button. It was not tactile enough. And they changed exactly that! Perfect. Now its a perfect bike.

[mac]

In a bid to downsize from my 2012 BMW GSA I took a ‘22 v85tt for a test ride.

It felt a little lifeless BUT the biggest issue was buffeting. I couldn’t really concentrate (or relax) on the ride. It also seems those on the forums had not found a solution either. Also at 184cm tall my leg was fouling the cylinder…. so I passed.


Based on this review I got another test ride on a Tour and boy what a difference. I took my MRA x screen with me and slid it on the screen. At all speeds I had buffet free and quiet running. I also had a go on a TT which whilst OK was not as good. So, the winglets do a good job on the Tour.

Also, I had more knee room I guess as a result of the changed cylinder head??.

But the biggest change was the motor and gear change. All I can say is the the motor seemed “alive”. Much more punchy off the low throttle coming out of a corner and MUCH smoother gear change….or so it seemed based on my last experience.

So, I ordered one😊

[InuitWolf]

Great review of the new and improved V85TT. Looking forward to seeing the new V85TT & Stelvio models in 🇦🇺 hopefully around September or sooner? As for QuickShifters? I had this on my 2018 BMW F750GS and I only used it once or twice to try and I have to say I didn’t like it. Found myself using the clutch all the time. QuickShifters should be left to racing sports bikes, not ADV’s.

[mrsilbo]

Excellent review. Can't wait to test the Strada.

[juliemcgillivray]

Love the appearance of the white and red TT. Old school, authentic bike with some hidden modern updates.

[armadilllo]

A quick shifter would shave off 3 milliseconds in my next GP race, so bummed it doesn't have one.

[nigelfisher]

Best looking bike on the market; Guzzi have a superb bike here. What’s not to like about this stylish, practical, comfortable and easy-to-maintain do it all classic? Thanks for sharing.

[barryjmarling]

Great informative video on the fantastic V85TT.

[akiuliano]

Huge fan of all Guzzis. I cannot believe they are not more popular here in the states.

[pierre-yvesfrancois]

I fell in love with the 2023 model. Except the poor windscreen protection (changed to Ermax) and the clumsy right hand comodo, it is pure fun and happiness. Happy to see wind protection and commodo issues would have been solved. Ride safe.

[billcope]

I have ridden japanese motorcycles for more than 50 years. I now own a '23 V85tt. I don't see the complaint about the transmission. It's a little noisy going into first gear, after that it's butter smooth.

[hughmac]

I have a mode on my Pan Am that give it 80hp :) but I only use that when the weather is too hot and I'm trying to run the bike cooler in traffic. Otherwise I keep it in the 150hp power, which based on the weight the V85 would have to produce 130hp to match the Pan Am.
I did seriously look at the V85 before I brough the Pan Am. I only went for the Pan Am because it had a better power to weight ratio and a lot more tech. I use it as an all road sport tourer, I didn't get the Pan Am as an off road bike, 90% of my riding is on sealed roads.
The V85 is beautiful, if I could have more than two road bikes, it would be on my list.

[jshanni]

Thank you for the review. Im sure better torque through the range and a little more power will be much appreciated. And i like the new engine look . But i prefered the look of the old models trellis frame around the rear seat and instrument cluster. For me, i think the TT or Travel model is the one to get.

[rdavidsen]

Thanks for your review. Looking forward to testing the '24 bike.