Just got back from the test ride. The bike fitted me like a glove. The riding position for me was spot on. I found the clutch reasonably light which is important for me as I have reduced grip in my left hand and I can toil in heavy stop start traffic. The bike was certainly fast enough and I found plenty of shove when in 4th gear to overtake slower traffic. The engine was torquier than I expected, the demo bike had 8,700 miles on the clock so was loosening up nicely.
I was aware of vibrations at times but it wasn't particularly intrusive and I enjoyed it, the mirrors weren't too badly affected by it. The fastest speed I attained was about 85mph whilst overtaking some cars (on a private road obviously) but for the most part I stayed(ish) within the speed limits and was rewarded with an average of 62mpg for the two hour trip The handling was so much better than my T120 which I find slow to turn in unless consciously counter steering. I found the Guzzi easier to ride on the twisty bumpy roads, the suspension was supple absorbing the bumps well ( I've no idea what setting it was on).
The V85tt more than lived up to my expectations, and confirmed many of the positive qualities mentioned by several owners. I'm actually struggling to finding something negative about it, OK maybe the digital dashboard/instrument console is a bit too Hi Tech for a luddite like me.
I've accepted a deal which includes delivery and a free set of panniers, and they're fitting a centre stand, engine bars and heated grips, and it's going to be a sexy blue and white bike with the red frame. Delivery expected in a few weeks.......happy days.