Guzzi V85 test ride

stutrump

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So I went on a date with a young Italian thing this morning. The S10 didn't mind coz the S10 still wins hands down for the kind of riding I do...
BUT..the Guzzi is one of the best looking bikes I've seen for a long time. Really, really pretty. Super smooth gearbox/clutch, nice sound, good handling.
Sadly it could not replace my S10 though because it really isn't (in my opinion) the kind of bike that I would like to do big miles in all weathers on. Yes, a bigger screen might help but there is still considerable exposure to the elements from the openess between tank and console.
It also seems that it wouldn't like to sustain high speeds for too long.
Beautifull looking bike though and if I had the money to just own it for a few miles each week on a sunny day I would certainly buy it. SO SO pretty. A real attention grabber.
 

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jjc1957

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I owned one Guzzi it was the Norge great road bike and many gravel roads but too many electrical problems. 100 + mph no problem and loved the electric windshield. Put 45,000 miles on her.
 

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Sierra1

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So I went on a date with a young Italian thing this morning....Beautifull looking....though and if I had the money to just own it for a few miles each week on a sunny day I would certainly buy it. SO SO pretty. A real attention grabber.
Hmmmm....the same could be said for so many women. Good for short trips, but maybe not for the long haul. :D
 

MFP

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NYC, NY
So I went on a date with a young Italian thing this morning. The S10 didn't mind coz the S10 still wins hands down for the kind of riding I do...
BUT..the Guzzi is one of the best looking bikes I've seen for a long time. Really, really pretty. Super smooth gearbox/clutch, nice sound, good handling.
Sadly it could not replace my S10 though because it really isn't (in my opinion) the kind of bike that I would like to do big miles in all weathers on. Yes, a bigger screen might help but there is still considerable exposure to the elements from the openess between tank and console.
It also seems that it wouldn't like to sustain high speeds for too long.
Beautifull looking bike though and if I had the money to just own it for a few miles each week on a sunny day I would certainly buy it. SO SO pretty. A real attention grabber.
Looks like Guzzi did a nice job on the V85 TT. Will check it out for sure once they are available in the States.
Did you ride the V85 TT at highway speeds?
I ask because I see that the Guzzi in the pic you posted is equipped with the new Michelin Anakee Adventure tires and I am curious to know if they were “buzzy” or loud as you ride along at a spirited pace.
 

thughes317

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May 27, 2018
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The Bluegrass, KY
Thank you so much for the quick review. I have found myself lured to the siren's song of that Italian beauty since I first laid eyes on her. It's somewhat comforting to know that while satiating my initial lust, the short term gratification could not match the comfort and stability of my current relationship.

(We're still talking about motorcycles, right?)
 

stutrump

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london uk
Hi Folks. In answer to a few questions.
My test ride was almost entirely dual carriageway (deliberately because I do lots of miles all year round on highway).
Pretty sure the tyres were NOT noisy but there was so much buffeting/wind noise in my helmet I'm not 100 percent sure. Tyres didn't feel as good as my Michelin Annakee 2's
Finish on the Guzzi seems really good..deep paint. It's beautiful, really beautiful. I'd buy it just to look at if I could afford too.
I tried to imagine riding it in snow and constant wet/cold of uk and the answer was a big no compared to the S10.
Sure it's much prettier than the S10 but it probably wouldn't be as grateful in the morning if you know what I mean!
Ergos were great for me. Knees fit in well behind the cylinder heads. Comfy seat. Bars are pretty vibey but like I say...in my humble opinion it is a posers bike and it does that REALLY well. It would be perfect for trips to Soho in London and sitting outside the Italian bars having an espresso while everyone drools over your bike, and drool they will..it is so pretty...pure Italian styling...cool.
You can probably tell I love it and I'm kind of dissapointed that it couldn't replace my S10 for commuting/being a workhose. I might well be buying my 3rd S10 soon.
I've never really been excited by the looks of the S10 and it's performance has never excited me but I'm thinking of buying my 3rd.
That speaks volumes for the S10 eh!
BUT, I am, as you can tell..gutted that the Guzzi couldn't tick at least a few more of my commuting/workhorse requirements because I love bikes that are so visually good.

Oh..and another thing. A centre stand is an "extra" on the Guzzi which REALLY p***es me off. Where and when are manufacturers going to stop this bull ****
Are we going to end up seeing a day when handlebars are an "extra"...and we all soak it up like complete muppets.
Sorry..going off topic. Must stop ranting..think of the blood pressure..
Bye
 
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