2021 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel | Daily Rider

2021 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel | Daily Rider

For the final episode of this season, it’s an Italian ADV with classic looks, modern tech, and a go-anywhere attitude. Zack hits the Daily Rider route to see how this Guzzi stacks up.

SPECS:
MSRP: $13,390
Engine: 853 cc 90-degree V-twin
Measured weight (w/bags): 557 lb. / 255.4 kg
Fuel tank: 6 gal. / 22.7 liters
Seat height: 32.7 in. / 831 mm
Claimed power: 75 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Claimed torque: 60 foot-pounds @ 5,000 rpm

Zack’s gear:

[josephalberta]

Things I dont need in a bike. 200 mph speeds. 190 horse power. Enough expensive technology to run a space station. Riding with my knees wrapped around my ears. A small seat that needs to be surgically removed from your butt after a few hours. Things I do want. A bike that is easy to work on. A bike that is comfortable. A bike that wont bankrupt you to buy and maintain. A bike that is reliable. A bike that gets halfway decent mileage. I think I like this bike.

[norcodevil]

People underestimate the absolute easy of DIY maintenance of Moto Guzzis and its rock solid engine. Adjusting valve clearance is a kids game, no water pump, no final chain. I have 16 motorcycles at the moment and the first to come and the last to go will always be the Guzzis

[JFish-xjoj]

People need to understand what this bike is about. If you’ve ever ridden a vintage BMW airhead, this is a modern version of that bike. Feels like my 1989 R100GS, which is the best thing ever. The Guzzi has all of the vintage character with all of the modern fit finish and technology. Truly an amazing bike - puts a smile on your face and will go anywhere and do just about anything. And they can be had for closer to $10, 000 from dealers with luggage which is a lot of motorcycle for the money. The fit and finish is amazing and the motor is a joy.

[NYCZ]

Moto Guzzi knows how to make a pretty motorcycle.

[elisabattle]

Currently own a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 cc that I have had for 20 years. Once took me 120 miles on one cylinder at highway speed when one spark plug wire crapped out on a Sunday morning with no shops open. At almost 70 years old it has gotten too heavy to maneuver in and out of situations. Purchased a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone at more than 100 pounds less wet weight. Absolutely love it. Will stay with Moto Guzzi for the rest of my riding life. I have owned BMW, Laverda, Ducati, Moto Morini, Triumph, BSA, Zundapp, Indian, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Cagiva and loved them all for different reasons, but the fact that I can physically handle the weight of a bike that will cruise (illegally) at 85-90 mph for as long as I need, looks good, is reliable and affordable and unique, why shop anywhere else?- -Mike Battle

[beigesedan]

Zach seems to be the master at the left-handed compliment. The more videos I watch on this bike, the more I like it.

[trailnerror]

I have a 2020 Travel. About 7500 miles old now. My first MG product. Honeymoon period being longer over, I gotta say I am still over the moon about it. It’s a great balance between new and old, has just enough power to keep it interesting and easy to ride. Outside of small build quality issues, one of the crappy OEM aux lights dying on me, it’s been a super reliable machine and has always got me home. My biggest gripe is, as a person who performs all basic services myself, I wish it didn’t require a dealer visit to reset service light. While it’s not my only bike in the garage, the V85TT has been the bike I ride the most.

[jasonepley]

It’s just a great, great bike for what it is. I love mine. Just finished a 5, 800 mile 7 state road trip on my V85TT Centenario. It’s unique. It’s quirky. & it’s still cool. Most importantly to me, it’s not the most popular, & it’s not a GS. Everyone has a BMW or a triumph. Not everyone has a Guzzi. You’ll get tons of attention on this bike. Everyone wants to talk about it at gas stations. I agree with Zack, I don’t care for the tech. I honestly just love the cruise control. It’d probably be even cooler with older analog gauges. Cool to see one of my current rides on the daily rider.

[chrissunde]

As a guzzi owner I believe that Zach has missed the spirit of the v85. This a machine that is easily serviced by a non professional, valve adjustments etc. Also this bike is capable of good acceleration and does not need to be kept below 4000 rpms and can be driven aggressively with satisfaction on occasion.

[johnnydangerously]

This bike was designed and built for me. Simplistic, reliable and enough technology to keep it comfortable “electronic cruise”. I looked at one last year but held off till the tubeless rims came out in 21. I will look to parking one next to my Roadmaster next year.

[StockySnail]

Thank you Zac for finally reviewing the V85TT. I've owned sport bikes (CBR600, R1), naked bikes (MT-07), and a Hypermotard. I've test ridden Harleys, Africa Twin, all Ducatis, all Moto Guzzis and others. I watched the v85tt when it came out in 2019 and finally test rode one last year and fell for the bike. I finally bought one last August as it now had tubeless tires/wheels (2021 V85TT Adventure in red). This is my favorite motorcycle I've ever owned. Loads of character and can do anything attitude. Enough power to be fun, enough electronics (cruise control, etc), huge gas tank to be practical, and the adventure model comes with metal side and rear box for only $13k. Massive bargain in my opinion compared to other bikes. Super easy to work on yourself, even valve adjustments. Low maintenance with the shaft drive. I don't think it has any negatives except the dealer network. The nearest dealer to Portland Oregon is past Seattle, so I had to drive 350 miles one way to get one. It should have been higher on the daily rider board as it's a great commuter. I felt like Zac was a little tire and just wanted to put it up there. Better than an Africa Twin which I've ridden. Happy holidays.

[arnosoudyn]

An Italian ADV with great equipment for under 15K? A xmas miracle!

[mikewilms]

On point, I rode one of these a few months ago. Most adv bikes are a little fussy and robotic. This felt like an old sports car that you enjoy it's companionship and character not its ultimate tech or performance.

[adamniswonger]

Just bought a Centenario version a few weeks ago. Great compliment to a garage for a simple, comfortable bike with plenty of character to keep it from being too boring. Perfect for 2-up day trips. It’s not going to be an off-road bike beyond a few gravel roads for me. Zach nailed the reason to get the bike as the drivetrain, like a lot of bikes. It’s why I bought this, and it’s also why I have a V4 Streetfighter. Thanks, Zach!

[Rocket]

Beautiful looking bike. I like the fact that it’s not something that will peak the skin off your face when you crack it open. There’s a sense of being one with the bike when you have no fear of it’s ferociousness.

[YangCalgary]

You nailed it: you buy a Guzzi for the engine and this one tries too hard to be modern. No better compliment than being a gentleman‘s ride.

[brucewygal]

I'm an older guy that has been riding for over 55 years. I've been looking for my next ride and I think that I have found it in the new V85TT. Comfort, quality and practicality are hallmarks that I think are underappreciated by most of the younger set of riders. The V85TT is comfortable by all reports and the quality seems to be high as well. The fuel economy and the large capacity fuel tank might be the icing on the cake for me. The fact that you can tour long range in relative comfort and capably explore unimproved roads makes this bike just what I am looking for. The drive shaft is also a big selling point. Air cooled is lighter, simpler and just fine as long as you aren't looking for mega horsepower. Good job Moto Guzzi! Honda take notes please.

[ricatiman]

Back in the 80's, I ruined my hearing on an 850 LeMans MkII, with a set of cored Lafranconi RC race pipes, the open intake trumpets, and an open face helmet with no ear plugs - I can't regret a second mounted on that fabulous Guzzi - 2 years and 29, 000 miles, after I traded my '88 BMW R90RS for it straight across to an owner that hated the LeMans brutal clip ons, and narrow, hard seat. I discovered that the small kneepads on the rear edge of the fairing, just behind the cylinder heads, were a godsend - I could max brake from speed and plant my knees on the pads and not have huge weight transfer to the clip ons - and I could weight the sides of the fairing effectively, as the rearsets made weighting the footpegs more difficult.
To this day, I regret parting with it for a Dunstall modded Suzuki GS1000S...

[johnschmidt]

Good timing, test rode one last week and have been contemplating pulling the trigger. Plenty of good standard features, cruise, heated grips, luggage.

[christofhuebner]

I have the Travel edition and I love the unique character of the engine, the precise braking, plush suspension and the looks of the bike. I think it’s a peach of a motorcycle! I have to differ with the reviewer as far as his statement that the bike carries its weight high up. In the opposite - I feel that it has such good low speed handling because it carries its weight low and I also find it is supremely balanced. Granted, I am not the type of rider that flogs the engine but enjoys the type of riding the engine encourages. For me, it has plenty of “zip”. As far as the twisties go I think it is a blast to do on the Gooz and I find it to be a rather lively ride on those types or roads. My other bike is the Super Tenere which is profoundly different in how that bike likes to be ridden and I love the difference in character between the Yamaha and the Gooz.

Chris