Sadly I was introduced to Guzzi's at a fairly late stage in my life. I think I was 58, I'm now 63, but being a bike whore I've already had 7 Guzzi's, very soon to be 8. Anyway I digress.
I first saw the pics of The V85tt back in 2017 and really liked the look of it. At one point Guzzi did officially announce that the would be releasing the V85 to coincide with their centenary celebrations in 2021, this announcement changed very quickly to 2019.
I knew straightaway that if it was released in 2021, I'd be having one and thought that it would coincide nicely with my coming of age at 65 and the possible need for a lighter bike. So I ordered one of the new Tiger 1200's which would take me nicely up to my 65th birthday. In the meantime it was announced that the V85 would be released in 2019 so I'd sort of put the idea of the V85 on hold, although I had put down a deposit to get an early test ride.
I took delivery of the Tiger last August and it really is a fantastic bike. In the meantime I bought a Breva 1100 ,again a lovely bike, but I'd always really fancied an 1100 Griso and was always on the lookout. A Griso came along, as it does, so the Breva went and the Griso came into my fold. The Griso really is a lovely bike, just like riding a proper motorbike and I do feel like I'm 18 again when I'm on it. Anyone who doesn't smile and feel everything is all right with the world when riding that lovely wave of torque has got to be dead.
So, fast forward to earlier this year and the call comes that the V85 is available to ride. I'd sort of resigned myself to the fact that, I'd ride it, like it, but would get my deposit back and wait a while. Who was I kidding, rode it loved it, and before I knew the order was placed and the Griso was going in part/ex.
Riding home on the Griso the seed of doubt was already creeping in. But I was strong and put the Griso up for sale, hoping to find a discerning owner rather than it going in P/Ex.
To cut a really long story into just a long story. I just couldn't bring myself to part with the Griso but couldn't afford the new V85 and the Griso. I did toy with the idea of PCP, but it's just not my thing, I do like to own my bikes.
Returning from the Dales last Thursday with a mate from New Zealand (who is also a Guzzi fan)He wanted to call in at Teasdales to see the V85 as he hasn't seen it yet. They where good enough to let him take it out for a ride, I stayed behind for a coffee and chat.
I vowed I would never have another GS. But when I left Teasdales I'd done a deal. I get to keep the Griso I get to take delivery of the V85 with the extras I'd ordered. The downside, the Tiger 1200 is going to them, but a very nice 2016 1200gs Triple Black TE is coming to me.
Am I mad ? Who knows, only time will tell. The Tiger 1200, whilst a cracking piece of kit, was at the end of the day a tool. The Guzzi's feel more emotive. The GS is a fine motorcycle and I just hope I'm not plagued with similar problems to my last one.
Anyway, that's got that off my chest, and made me feel a bit better.
I first saw the pics of The V85tt back in 2017 and really liked the look of it. At one point Guzzi did officially announce that the would be releasing the V85 to coincide with their centenary celebrations in 2021, this announcement changed very quickly to 2019.
I knew straightaway that if it was released in 2021, I'd be having one and thought that it would coincide nicely with my coming of age at 65 and the possible need for a lighter bike. So I ordered one of the new Tiger 1200's which would take me nicely up to my 65th birthday. In the meantime it was announced that the V85 would be released in 2019 so I'd sort of put the idea of the V85 on hold, although I had put down a deposit to get an early test ride.
I took delivery of the Tiger last August and it really is a fantastic bike. In the meantime I bought a Breva 1100 ,again a lovely bike, but I'd always really fancied an 1100 Griso and was always on the lookout. A Griso came along, as it does, so the Breva went and the Griso came into my fold. The Griso really is a lovely bike, just like riding a proper motorbike and I do feel like I'm 18 again when I'm on it. Anyone who doesn't smile and feel everything is all right with the world when riding that lovely wave of torque has got to be dead.
So, fast forward to earlier this year and the call comes that the V85 is available to ride. I'd sort of resigned myself to the fact that, I'd ride it, like it, but would get my deposit back and wait a while. Who was I kidding, rode it loved it, and before I knew the order was placed and the Griso was going in part/ex.
Riding home on the Griso the seed of doubt was already creeping in. But I was strong and put the Griso up for sale, hoping to find a discerning owner rather than it going in P/Ex.
To cut a really long story into just a long story. I just couldn't bring myself to part with the Griso but couldn't afford the new V85 and the Griso. I did toy with the idea of PCP, but it's just not my thing, I do like to own my bikes.
Returning from the Dales last Thursday with a mate from New Zealand (who is also a Guzzi fan)He wanted to call in at Teasdales to see the V85 as he hasn't seen it yet. They where good enough to let him take it out for a ride, I stayed behind for a coffee and chat.
I vowed I would never have another GS. But when I left Teasdales I'd done a deal. I get to keep the Griso I get to take delivery of the V85 with the extras I'd ordered. The downside, the Tiger 1200 is going to them, but a very nice 2016 1200gs Triple Black TE is coming to me.
Am I mad ? Who knows, only time will tell. The Tiger 1200, whilst a cracking piece of kit, was at the end of the day a tool. The Guzzi's feel more emotive. The GS is a fine motorcycle and I just hope I'm not plagued with similar problems to my last one.
Anyway, that's got that off my chest, and made me feel a bit better.
