This is a bike you need to ride. I wasn't expecting it to blow me away or feel anything like my former R1250GS but it did. It had guts and oomph off the bottom I was not expecting. Incredible difference between the inline twins which seem gutless in comparison. I bought the V85 TT (Travel) and am very impressed by it. The bike wants to run and is very playful.

Former Stelvio owner and current v85 TT owner. I have to make a strong case for a great overlander that the v85 is. Like everyone's going to do their thing. It's spacked out appropriately stripped back a little full Mistral titanium exhaust/carbon fiber can, k&n some air box mods, a mistral velocity stack and the bike is up 10 ponies to the rear and down 25lbs which brought it to 482 ready to ride with half a tank, oh and an appropriate tune. The bike runs better than my Stelvio and weighs about 100 pounds less. Currently has done just about everything. Colorado can throw at it and it really is just a full of character. Amazing bike. And it gets 55 miles of the gallon. I don't know what else people could want.

I bought this bike 2 day ago. You was right about size when you watch on YouTube and in real life is totally different.

You're spot on about the offroad capabilities. Taken mine to the sticks a few times and is one of the lowest maint bikes you can do a big trip on.

Like wise shocked... These are beautiful in the twists. Balanced. Im a Texas resident ad do long rides. First ride; Corpus Christy to Amarillo. 650 miles mate. 11hrs of highway, not pushing a new engine. Love it. Great review!

From KLR Kawasaki 650 to v85tt.

I have owned 30+ bikes in my lifetime, 2 MGs. They are fun but can't compare to the Japanese bikes in the same displacement category regarding reliability and mechanical refinement. However, they are easier to wrench on and require more operator attention and involvement to keep going, which is great. It is important to be needed and need creates value.

Im shocked that you did not mention handling in the twists and ride compliance. Two strengths. Yep its an 85/15 road /offroad. Only shaft drive in its category. Agreed on all else said. Nice work.

Enjoyed the review. I've a new found application of Guzzi after riding a V7 850 on Tenerife. I actually went to test the V85 and the sales guy talked me out of it because he said I would find it gutless after riding an MT10.

You forgot to mention the drive shaft. Which is one thing that others in this class don't have.

Great review and good to see an Aussie doing it all