Stelvio -v- V85TT

[Wrinkly]

I had a couple of spare days this week, Wednesday and Thursday, so I thought I'd give the V85TTeuro+ and the Stelvio a good back too back comparison.
I set off on Wednesday morning for the North Yorks Moors on the V85. I did a total of 205 miles on a combination of all conceivable roads.
The new V85 is an absolute delight to ride and believe me it is much perkier than the Euro 5 model. Everything else is about the same with the exception of slightly better wind protection. Interestingly I did notice that it now has some small 'Mickies ears' built in.
I arrived home thinking 'What a fantastic al-round bike, do I actually need the Stelvio?'
Come Thursday morning, another lovely day, I rolled out the Stelvio and did exactly the same route as I'd done on the V85. It soon became apparent that YES I do still need the Stelvio. For me the V100 engine is the best I have ever experienced in any motorcycle, and I've had a few.
It is a bit heavier than the 507lbs wet of the V85. Coming in at 542lbs wet. Seat height is the same at 830mm. Tank size is a bit smaller on the Stelvio at 20.8lts versus the 23lts of the V85. This really becomes clear on a longish run especially as the Stelvio is a fair bit thirstier than the V85. On both days I had brimmed the bikes before setting off, on return the V85 was saying I had 92mls of fuel left. The Stelvios fuel light had been on for about 20mls.
Fueling was always one of the things I disliked about the V85, it's just about perfect on the Euro5+ bikes, as it is on the Stelvio.
The rear suspension on both bikes is only adjustable for rebound damping ride height but appears to work much better on the V85, the Stelvio can get a bit out of shape if pressing on down rough backroads.
I prefer the seating position on the Stelvio, you really feel as though you're sat in the bike and the bike feels much more substantial. Nothing wrong with the V85 riding position, I just personally prefer the Stelvio.

After being fairly unwell with PE (pulmonary embolism) this last couple of months, I've finally decided to retire. 47 years as a Mental health nurse NHS, I feel I've done my bit.
After I retire I don't feel I'd be able to run two bikes so I'm going to have to choose too keep only one. Which one? At this time I'm not sure, my head says the V85 my heart says Stelvio.
I reckon the Stelvio could be upgraded for 2025, so I'll enjoy both until that time comes and then make my decision. Either way they're both great bikes..... in my opinion of course.

 

[Clifton]

I haven't had the pleasure of riding a 2025 V85TT like yours, but your comparison seems (almost) spot on to me.
V100 Stelvio's suspension is worse (harsh), the motor puts out more heat which is really only apparent over 30-32c, and the transmission bangs into 1st.

"Almost spot on" from my perspective comes from my stock V85 is still a bit more comfortable than my Stelvio which has a comfort tall seat and slightly lowered pegs.

I also prefer the V85's lighter weight and much less expensive servicing. OTOH the V100 liquid cooled engine will likely run longer before rebuild.

While the V85's (smooth) road handling is good the Stelvio's is even better. The Stelvio's engine makes noticeably more power everywhere with near perfect throttling and it sounds even nicer than the V85. Wind management is a little better on the Stelvio as well.

I am fortunate to have the room for both so I am keeping them both, because while they do the same thing they go about it very differently.

 

[MartinK]

I'm sure it was your advice on setting up the suspension, Clifton, but I'm now delighted with the suspension set-up on my Stelvio. I think I made a further couple of minor changes, and it's excellent.
I'm 92kg, but add riders clothes, helmet, a few accessories and I'm probably adding 100lg to the bike, very pleased with the ride now

 

[Arsey]

Is the gearbox on the new V85 as bad as on the Stelvio ?

 

[Wrinkly]

Is the gearbox on the new V85 as bad as on the Stelvio ?

Super smooth on the V85. Quite nice on the Stelvio now after 3.5k miles. Bit of a clunk into first but nowhere near as bad as when it was new.

 

[Vulpine2]

I've had a v85tt for couple of years now and it's a bike of which I'm increasingly fond, despite a few niggles. But I've looked at the Stelvio a few times and finally managed a 90 minute test ride last week - and it was not quite what I was expecting...
The first mile or two on a 'new' bike always feels weird but, after the balance of the v85tt, the slow speed handling felt distinctly odd - so much so that I stopped to check if I'd got a puncture! (Nope). Riding position felt strange too - definately sitting 'in', rather than 'on'. And then there was the embarassingly clunky gearbox which made the bike lurch every time I engaged first gear from neutral, even with preloading the lever.
Only done a couple of miles and it's not looking good!
It made much more sense once out of town, especially after I'd tweaked the rear suspension. But higher speeds also confirmed that I prefer the ergonomics on the v85tt - the Stelvio felt cramped in comparison, though the seat itself was marginally more comfortable. Could be improved with a higher seat/lower footrests I guess. And raising rider height slightly might also help reduce turbulence from the screen...
As, despite much fiddling with the electric screen, I found it only slightly better than the V85tt. ANd it wasn't as good as that on the Mandello, which for me (at 5'11") smooths the airflow out pretty well at it's lowest position and gives decent wind protection at it's highest. This was a big disappointment as this was one of the reasons I'd booked the test. Given the bigger screen I had hoped that it would be a step up from the Mandello.
On the upside, it's a cracking engine with loads of torque where you need it and more than enough power. But 45-50mpg compared to the v85's 65-70mpg? And a smaller tank. Both of which would restrict range - on a long distance tourer.
Maybe I need a longer test ride but on first impressions the ride on the Stelvio, although enjoyable, only helped confirm that the v85tt is a keeper. Result