We tested one about 3 years ago and it seemed a bit cramped. Might have another look - the Stelvio looks nice but I don’t need such a big bike these days.
V85TT Cherry Popped.
- Thread starter Nick Marshall
- Start date
I can see where a V7 or V85 will be a little below what many today feel is "ample power" for two up, with luggage, touring, especially at higher speeds and altitude. If this is where and how you ride, and you want a new Guzzi, choose a V100 Stelvio or Mandello.
I don't ride two-up much, and never 2-up on long rides loaded down, but Barb and I would do just fine touring on my V85. There's plenty of room, she doesn't enjoy riding aggressive or going very fast, and we'd be almost entirely on 2-lane 50-60 mph roads anyway.
Almost 55 years ago I was just getting into motorcycles and although I was saving for a new Honda 250 I was envious of what "real riders" passing through were riding like Harley Shovelhead dressers. There were riders who had been touring all over the country, many 2-up, with gear, on 30hp R60/2s and R75/5's. I loved visiting the BMW shop and recall talking with a couple who had traded up to an R90, they said "these have all the power anyone could ever use". I dreamed of owning that motorcycle but they were so big and selling for almost $3,000 back in 1973 it wasn't realistic to even dream about it, heck I was working hard to save $850 for the new XL250.
It's just interesting thinking a V85TT has about the same power as an R90, maybe a bit more, but some consider them "nice motorcycles just a little under powered". An R90 or V85 can run 2-up on 70-75 mph Interstate Highways with traffic that is moving at 80-85 mph but that's about it, without much in reserve, and it's not where it's happy. If you do this type of riding there are many better choices.
I don't ride two-up much, and never 2-up on long rides loaded down, but Barb and I would do just fine touring on my V85. There's plenty of room, she doesn't enjoy riding aggressive or going very fast, and we'd be almost entirely on 2-lane 50-60 mph roads anyway.
Almost 55 years ago I was just getting into motorcycles and although I was saving for a new Honda 250 I was envious of what "real riders" passing through were riding like Harley Shovelhead dressers. There were riders who had been touring all over the country, many 2-up, with gear, on 30hp R60/2s and R75/5's. I loved visiting the BMW shop and recall talking with a couple who had traded up to an R90, they said "these have all the power anyone could ever use". I dreamed of owning that motorcycle but they were so big and selling for almost $3,000 back in 1973 it wasn't realistic to even dream about it, heck I was working hard to save $850 for the new XL250.
It's just interesting thinking a V85TT has about the same power as an R90, maybe a bit more, but some consider them "nice motorcycles just a little under powered". An R90 or V85 can run 2-up on 70-75 mph Interstate Highways with traffic that is moving at 80-85 mph but that's about it, without much in reserve, and it's not where it's happy. If you do this type of riding there are many better choices.
Exactly that Clifton. Exactly how we find ours. Well put.
We’ve done some long trips on ours, the longest being to Greece and the Balkan countries two years ago. About 8,000 miles and 10 weeks. We managed to stay off highways and fast roads for the most part on these trips although this year we did 350ish miles from the ferry port back home in an afternoon/evening nearly all on motorways. It wasn’t the best experience as we also seemed to have a headwind all the way too. Fuel consumption was in the low 40s and I rode mostly in 4th or 5th at 65 mph ish. It was hard work for me and the bike looking at the fuel consumption
Do you really mean ponderous ? I have ridden loads of TTs and never has that word come into my head
I followed my mate Dave on our run over the Pyrenees a couple of years ago on his and Ponderous certainly wasnt what I was thinking
the are fantastically fluid handling bikes that can be punted up a twisty road to great effect Maybe lacking in punch compared to a 1250 GS but never ponderous
I’ve just traded my guarda donore in after two happy years of ownership. Went from a nt1100. Thoughts? Well put together. Good design. Needs a few bits like a windshield extender. Fuel gauge about 100 km pessimistic. Paintwork deep and high quality. I found it a bit under powerd for motorway riding. Very good tank range. Downside? Trade in value. They’re a niche market especially in Ireland. Dealer very good otherwise. Megabikes. Moved back to bmw. R1250R. Love it. Would I buy another guzzy? Not unless there was a mass uptake in ownership of them. The market for them is too small in Ireland so there isn’t a q of people trying to bite your arm off. I’ve enjoyed my time with it. Never let me down. JJH
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