I have a 2016 R NineT Scrambler, had 850gs and urban gs before that. There's no getting away from the R NineT not being the comfiest bike for me. I have always thought about MG and the V85tt seems the one I am going to investigate as a possible next bike. Never had one before.
Can you tell me what spec to look for - I am thinking 24 model onwards but is there much of a difference? I do city rides and day trips to country, is fuelling an issue in city riding and does post 24 help that? I would like heated grips, cruise, some racks/space for luggage, what else would you say are must haves?
I will go and testride but if its as good as the reports, I would then be looking for the right spec - so any tips on what is good to have out of the options available would be good to know.
thanks.
I bought my 2019 model almost as they came out. I loved it for the past 6 years but am starting to fall out of love. Maybe it’s just the 7 year itch come early, although 5-7 years is how long I’ve owned most of my bikes. Mine is on near 40,000 miles and apart from a few months ago when I managed to get a bit giddy with a jet washer on max power and damaged the electronic throttle it’s been 100% reliable. It’s also super comfy although a cool cover seat cover has lifted that score. Dead easy to work on if that’s your thing, well built and the finish is waaay better than my old BMWs. Mine still scrubs up really quite nicely.
over the years Guzzi have made mostly only small modifications to the bike mostly around meeting EU regs which brought about minor changes in power delivery. Early bikes (E4) had tube type wheels which changed to tubeless with the E5 bikes in late 2020. E5 also added more riding modes and model options. Most accessories fit across the range of E4 & E5. So plenty after market and used options out there now.
E5+ though was a more significant update adding VVT to the engine, although it remains a simple air cooled push rod engine with modest power upgrade, plus some changes to the tank and screen, clocks, and I think luggage mounts. There will be other changes as I’ve. It really examined all the specifics. They also added further model options. It doesn’t look like some accessories will fit across all models now.
The different models in the range aren't as different as say a Gs is to an Rs is to RT more just different accessories or options included as standard kit.
The bikes biggest weakness imho is that there is something up front that causes the bike to be (wind) noisy and in some circumstances to create bad buffeting and vibration around your helmet. There are solutions, some work some don’t. I’m on my 4th screen, plus an up and out bracket and an MRA flip. I think I’ve fixed it. Guzzi claim to have fixed it with the E5+ bike. The other thing is for a modern medium-large bike power is modest. It’s perfectly ok solo but if you take a pillion a lot it can be hard work unless you are happy to go with the flow rather than make quick progress. In which case it’s the perfect bike.
If I was buying again, for solo use I’d go for the E5+. Just choose which model you like the look of best and or which accessories or options you feel you need. The strada looks very tidy imho and you can easily add stuff like heated grips, handguards etc from either Guzzi, or Givi and the rest of the aftermarket lot. Buying again for pillion use (which I do a lot of) I’d go for a Stelvio or a Mandello from Guzzi.
It's a very charming bike, looks great and you feel quite exclusive riding it. I very rarely see another guzzi about. Just need to remember it's an air cooled 850 so out and out power isn't it's strength. I hope this helps.
