Moto Guzzi V85 TT
"I retired about 4 years ago, cashed in a pension and bought my Moto Guzzi V85 TT new. It’s the only new vehicle I’ve ever owned and I just love it."
Personal notes
I passed my full test about 11 years ago, had a couple of middleweight bikes before the Moto Guzzi. With 3 panniers, and a full tank (23 litres) it weighs 230kg ish, maybe more if you’re touring with an extra backpack some heavy locks on board. I’m 5’10”, in reasonably good shape but I do find the bike can get a bit heavy. It’s just fine if you’re sitting on the motorway or A roads, but if you get onto gravel tracks, and need to regularly stop, turn round and manoeuvre the bike, then you feel the weight. Its about 80 bhp, which is plenty for me, it will cruise happily at 130kmph, and gets there quickly with enough torque at the bottom end to overtake swiftly. It’s a V twin and I love the engine tone, especially at about 5000 revs. Some good extras, cruise control, usb charger, pretty good display (although not huge) and the screen deflects most of the wind, although I’ve heard taller riders say it’s not quite enough for them although there are taller screens available. Sitting positioning is comfortable, with good visibility and passengers always say they feel comfortable and relaxed on the bike. I’ve just passed the 21,000 km mark, without any major problems. This bike has taken me all over Europe, and looked after me well along the way.
- Shaft drive
- Air cooled works fine even with Spanish 36+ temperatures 2 discs (Brembo) on the front do a good job.
- Great lights esp with additional foglights
- Moto Guzzi after sales service isn’t good.
- Dealer took agea to source and fit replacement parts
- The side panniers come off easily enough, not so easy to get back on.
- No centre stand as standard, and a relatively heavy bike like this needs it –
