Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel | In-Depth Road & Off-Road Test

With its 853cc transverse-mounted air-cooled V-Twin with pushrod valvetrain, a dry clutch, shaft drive, and quirky character, this modern classic is one of the most unique mid-sized ADV Bikes on the market. The ‘Travel’ edition improves on the standard model’s long-range adventure capability with a set of ample-sized (33-liter left; 39-liter right) panniers, heated grips, taller windscreen, LED auxiliary lights, and a Bluetooth interface to connect phone features with the dash.

In this video we detail how it performed, where it excelled and some of its foibles. How capable is it in the dirt? Does it offer inspiring street performance? A comfortable cruiser for long-range travel? How does it match up to its mid-sized ADV counterparts? We answer these questions and more. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments!

[theodoremarakas]

This gentleman absolutely gets it. He understood what the aim of MOTO GUZZI was, explored the limitations and advantages. Many reviewers resort to complaining and bitching and they ALWAYS expect to be impressed by something new because it exceeded their riding skills. Well done, thanks for sparing us the shit music and silly theatrics to compensate for lousy content.

[lamilumag]

After riding all sorts of bikes for the past 20 years you get to the point where character is what you really look for in a bike. To me Moto Guzzis really stand out for their unique motor setup - try to ride a few (also old ones) and you might get the hang of it and even become hooked on the feel and sound. There is a reason why there is people called Guzzisti who own, cherish and maintain their Guzzis for often a whole lifetime. If the character of your bike speaks to you it stops from being a pile of metal and starts to become a part of you and your life. Three in the garage and counting 😎👍🏻

[sixpest]

looks good; looks like an actual motorcycle and not another alien bike.

[sarahdell]

Hands down the best motorcycle review ever. Give this guy more gigs

[mattbryonphoto]

Probably the best review I’ve seen on this bike. Thank you ! I picked up a tt travel last year and absolutely love the bike. My second guzzi. To be noted, I find the lights to be amazing at night (if anyone is wondering ) also a deCat y pipe and a slip on exhaust really help this bike shave off some pounds, sound like a guzzi should, gives it some extra kick in the pants, significantly reduces how hot the bike runs and that heat the massive catalytic converter is no longer there. Update! - there is a fuel tune out there called UpMap if you do those exhaust mods

[basticznandor]

The one and only review who understood everything about this bike. Thanks for spending time on this review.

[rosemont]

One of the best reviews of a bike I've seen.

[tangoreal]

Update: Purchased V85 march 21. Have over 12K miles about half of that on the trail including CDR. The V85 has performed exceptionally on and off road. Favorite tires Motoz tractionator ADV for adventuring. Continental trail max mission. For when not on the adventure. I did install mosco soft bags for the trail. Changed the pipe guards after tearing one side plate off on steps. This year removing the cat updating engine shield to full skid plate Love the bike! DRZ 400 still primary single track bike 2000 miles after 18 months.

[barrysimpson]

What an excellent review! I work in the motorcycle industry here in the UK, delivering customers bikes. I have an opportunity to once more, become a motorcycle instructor. We have a v85 in our showroom, and its calling to me! I rode superbikes 20 years ago. Now in my late sixties, this is what im drawn to. Thankyou for going deeper into the bike than any other review ive seen.
Blessings from England!

[michaelhayward]

Best review of the bike i have seen.
A big plus with Guzzis not mentioned is the ease of servicing yourself. Oil changes (engine, gearbox, rear diff) and valve clearances (screw and locknut) are a major plus.
The bike only ever has to see a dealer's workshop for electronics gremlins.

[eightReviews]

Absolutely cracking review and the emphasis on ‘feel’ as opposed to pure ‘specs’ is just what any rider wants to hear. Great visuals, editing and presentation, fabulous job!

[thwatergateplumber]

I have the non-adventure model, and after 5k miles on it, I find it to have performed flawlessly in everything I've done with it, which admittedly, is not too much. I don't go off road much, if at all, but I like knowing I can. The feel of the bike, the lean, the comfort, about a whisper of vibration, if any, and even when I'm tooling at 80 mph are all pluses. 6 gallon tank, heated grips, TFT, luggage cases, the Mogo engine rumble, yes, I'm totally happy with this bike.

[bonesworld]

Wow. The absolute best review of this bike that I’ve seen. And I couldn’t agree more. Italian build quality Is second to none. Thank you John. Character is the word. The character is what makes you love a bike. There are many awesome bikes out there, but none rival the character. I have owned an 09 Stelvio that was my favorite bike to this day.... loads of Italian character and very capable. Personally have had it over many Colorado off road mountain passes. I however lured to the German side and have ended up on a 2010 R1200GS. I actually miss the build quality and character of the Stelvio. I can tell you this. The BMW is not more capable.

[imaniodufuye]

--- One of the most comprehensive detailed V85TT assessments I've seen, and I've seen a lot of them. Most guys give the road assessment you almost never hear of the V85 off-road capabilities. Yes, I would say most guys will probably never explore the off road limits of the V85 including myself, however it's nice to know it's capabilities. Thank you, sir you have without a doubt one of the best channels on this media apparatus.

[stuartscott]

I've had my v85tt 6months now and I love it, it's my first adventure style bike having always had sports bike. It's just a pleasure to ride with so much character. I got the yellow/white colour 😊. Great reveiw!

[patrickfitzgerald]

I realize this review is two years old, but I just wanted to note that I thought you did a great job. I don't believe you mentioned that this bike is made in Italy, but the workers in Mandello del Lario will forgive you, because you picked up on the Guzzi spirit that they instilled in this machine.

[PaoloDR]

i live near mandello del lario, bought the bike the second she hit the dealer and never regretted it . nice review !

[tangoreal]

I appreciate your excellent review of the V85TT (All Terrain) With a little over 10, 000 miles on my 2020 model approximately 6000 on dirt. The dirt experience includes portions of the TAT and the norther half of the CDR as well as several BDR's. The Bike is so smooth and comfortable it is a joy to ride. Highway Comfort is important to me I generally ride to the trail and this can be 800-1000 miles. While I do not generally take it out into highly technical single track. The V85 performs well in sand, deep sand, gravel and dirt roads. steep gravel roads with steps and switchbacks typical of the rockies. The suspension is highly tunable with a few clicks of rebound and dampening you can handle much more technical terrain without bottoming out. The large 5.8 gallon tank keeps me comfortably in fuel on longer rides. I will average 50 on the highway and as much as 68 on the trail. (lower speeds). The bike does improve dramatically with better tires. While the Anakee adventure is a fantastic tire. Put a set of Anakee wild on and the handling improvement is dramatic. Other items that are surprising. The Eagle Headlight (Love It) the dimmer switch has a flash function that is superb at getting attention. There is an automotive two prong fused power supply under the seat USB on the panel. Oil change intervals and the ease of changing the oil and filter. Valve adjustment is a breeze. Ok I could go on and on I have been riding for a little over 47 years many many bikes. This is at the top of my list of favorites.

That sound!!!! I have a goosebumps and butterflies

[ozadv]

And being a Guzzi the engine keeps breaking-in and getting better and better 😆