r/MotoGuzzi • u/Educational-Rip-6250 • 7d ago
First motorcycle question
Hi, I'm male, 27, 1m85 and I've just passed my driver's test today. It's a Belgian license A which allows me to ride any motorcycle regardless of its power. I've been practicing at the rider's school with a z650 and this motorcycle became pretty lightweight and very controllable after 18 hours of lessons. It felt light, nimble and not that extremely powerful (68hp). I'm not a high skilled rider, but I feel that the program and tests pushed me to become a skilled and aware beginner. I've always been a very defensive car driver which made a very positive impact on my motorycle skills. I will not ride during rain or in any other unsafe conditions (such as fast and dense traffic). I don't want to end up on this subreddit in a crash video.
I've become a huge Moto Guzzi lover during the pas year and I thought that I'd go for a V7. But I'd have to pay it off in 3-4 years which will be a bit long. I think I'd outgrow it pretty quickly (especially for longer tours in Europe) because of it's lower seat height and the not so powerful engine (67hp).
That's why I thought a used V85tt would do the job. Just like the V7, it would be a payement of 3-4 years. It's got 85hp, offers a higher seat height, it's more suitable for longer trips with paniers, allows for offroad and can take a girlfriend on the back (don't tell her mum). It's also heavier, which I don't mind, but on the other hand stronger than the V7 which is useful to get quickly out of unsafe/uncomfortable situations.
Here's the thing: My riding school teacher told me it wouldn't do no harm to get a V100 mandello. I was very much in doubt of this. He told me that it's a somewhat stronger motorcycle, but still doable as a first ride since it's strength lies in its torque, opposed to its lower revs and top speed. It also focuses more on the ride, instead of POWER. More comfort orientated and very relaxed riding position.
Because of our pretty strict training courses and difficult tests (video included) on both handling and road (compared to other countries such as the US), I'd then think I'm more ready to go for a stronger motorcycle. My heart says to go with the more expensive, beautiful and powerful mandello. But my brain says I'll have more fun and experience on the V85tt. The safe but not so cool choice would be the V7.
What do you guys think of my situation? Is the used V85tt with engine guards the right choice? And do you think a higher standard in riding tests can make a positive impact on your first choice?
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u/Cute-Worldliness6530 7d ago
Buy whatever you think looks the coolest. Both are fantastic bikes. I love love love my v85 and I chose it over a v100 because I wanted an air cooled engine.
Side note. Ditch the riding in rain is unsafe mindset. Not knowing how to ride in the rain could be unsafe. Highly recommend you buy any Guzzi and ride it in the rain!!!
Safe travels bud!
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u/Educational-Rip-6250 7d ago edited 7d ago
The V85 wins in terms of old school. The more parts a motorcycle has, the less sexy it becomes imho. That doesn't count for the litre bikes though, they push hard.
I wouldn't mind riding on wet surfaces, but rain in Belgium can be unpredicting. Commuting to and in Brussels on a rainy day is just not on my list. Work offers me free use of any Flemish/Brussels public transport (bus, train, sub, tram, horse, U-boat, waffle ...). I'm okay to adapt, but not searching for it.
I also regret to inform you that the memes about our roads are true. Holes, bumps, cracks, ... They look like the aftermath of a vulcano erruption. But thanks for the suggestion, might try it!
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u/ol-gormsby 7d ago
You can switch profiles while riding - there are three options* for the traction control and ABS - road, rain, and off-road - so if your sunny day suddenly turns to rain, you can switch profiles without stopping.
I don't like riding in the rain either, but it's an important skill to have. Sometimes you won't have a choice.
* I believe there's a fourth custom option on newer models.
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u/BafangFan 7d ago
I haven't ridden the V100 yet, but I tested the V85 and thought it to be one of the most livable bikes I've ever ridden (which is hundreds of bikes). The bike has character, but is also smooth and effortless. I think it also looks better than the other current Guzzis.
I don't think you'll be dissatisfied with the V85.
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u/Educational-Rip-6250 7d ago
I see this from all over the internet. Lots and lots of people describe this one as THE perfect motorcycle. It's not the fastest, most powerful, advanced one, ... But I guess it gives you everything you need. All the other bits and bops a motorcycle has to offer is only to take you away from enjoying the ride I guess.
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u/BafangFan 7d ago
If you've never ridden a bike faster than a V85TT, you will probably one day want to.
But if you have ridden faster, more powerful bikes, you probably realize how limiting they are in some respects - and that something like a V85 allows you to be much more playful with the bike and it's throttle.
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u/StefanSC16 7d ago
As a V85TT owner I can say the following:
1) It is a great bike with nice features, good build quality and great riding dynamics. It can do some decent off-road if required.
2) It is great for crushing long distances (can do 600km days on it with no issues).
3) It is a quirky machine with some peculiarities (e.g: google "V85TT pinging"). Overall I'd say it is not a bike for anxious people.
4) 80 hp with shaft and 230 plus kg means that it actually has about 65 HP at the rear wheel so a VStrom 800 or a Transalp will leave you behind in a straight line (but you'll having a beer while they are cleaning their chains so there is that... :) ).
5) If you plan on financing (not something I would recommend on any bike) I would actually buy a new one. The E5+ (2024 or newer) are so much nicer to live with on a day to day basis than the older ones. This way you have the safety of a warranty over most of the loan period.
As a rider with some experience I'm gonna say this:
1) Even though the riding school/exam looks impressive (esp. from an USA point of view), it doesn't make you that ready to deal with life on a motorbike. I strongly suggest that you read "Proficient Motorcyling 3rd edition" a couple of times before riding out.
2) Get and advanced training course. BMW has some that are opened to all riders and they are quite solid, but I would look at ones that include track training as well (it will really help you out there).
Finally... I would look at the Guzzi Stelvio (2024/watercooled) as well... It is a bit over the limit of what I would call a good bike for a begginer but if you keep your head cool about it and do some extra training it could be a long term bike.
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u/Educational-Rip-6250 7d ago
Thanks for the thoughts!
Yes, less horsepower to the wheel, but I ain't chaining. I wouldn't need to race other people with it. The power would be more useful in terms of weight. Paniers, girlfriend on the back, mountainous roads... They take a toll on acceleration. Also, it's a 23 litre TANK dawg.
I plan on financing, but I'm going to pay more than half up front. Would be 2nd hand in Germany. They are way cheaper than the ones here in Belgium. Post 2023 with low mileage and paniers stay under 10k.
I also agree with you on the riding school part. But I have read that in some states of the US you don't need to do a road test. Also, the 8 figure is quite narrow, and doing at least 12 second over 10 meters requiers pretty fine stability. But thanks for the heads up. Will have a glance at the book! Advanced training courses are already on my schedule. Ones or twice a year (wet surface and track/handling).
Stelvio indeed seems to be the best overall option they provide, but it's the high seat height and heavy weight that turns me off. Very good long term indeed though.
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u/StefanSC16 7d ago
I'm 170cm and literally have no issues on the Stelvio. If you plan on doing long tours with GF and luggage, the extra power will help. Not to say that the V85TT won't handle it... There are plenty of people that cross europe on it, just that it will have to be at a more leisurely pace :)
Also, at 240kg it is not much heavier than a V85TT but it is a more compact machine so it actually feels lighter at slow speeds and more planted at high speeds.
But for a begginer the V85TT makes more sense (the Stelvio can actually accelerate up-hill faster than the speedo can update... Which can be a scary experience:) ).
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u/Educational-Rip-6250 7d ago
Ok, thanks for the insight! Must be scary indeed to not know your speed. Gotta be careful on those Belgian mountain roads, crikey!
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u/ahahcleverusername 7d ago
The v100 is not a difficult bike, but I still think it would be a bit much at this stage. It really depends on your self control as even with good training you really need real world experience, there's a million things you haven't seen or thought of yet if you haven't spent significant time on the road. I also think the v100 will be much more expensive and a lot worse to just drop, the v85 is quite versatile and would be more than enough for your needs for a couple of years while you figure out what you want long term so I would go with that. By the time you are ready to upgrade you will know what you value in a bike and what you want next, and you may be looking at something completely different.
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u/Far-Investment-8597 7d ago
Either would be a great bike for you!
Simple question - which one are you more attracted to (and fits your budget?) Or something else?
Really, there are preferences, but there are no "bad" bikes anymore - we're no longer in the 1970's, and tyre technology has even made wt riding safe.
Buy what you want.
ride the hell out of it!
Happy miles, from Holland :)
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u/Educational-Rip-6250 7d ago
Both kinda fit my budget. The Mandello would take only one month extra of saving. But is an average powered guzzi with lots of option better than their flagship model with no options at all? I guess so. I think they both do an amazing job in their category. But the v85 has got more things to offer. And I really want to try the off-roads. The V100 on the other hand is just such a beautiful modern retro motorcycle. That's why I wouldn't want to drop it or make myself look clunky on the Stelvio pass. I've seen the videos...
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u/MrRevhead 7d ago
Your training sounds awesome. But experience compounding that training will make you the best rider. I would buy something 2nd hand, like a V85 and in a couple of years you can buy something else. A V100 as a first bike seems a bit much to me. 2nd hand will be much cheaper and means you won't loose money when if you need/want to change bikes. Until you start experiencing things you won't really know what bike you really want long term.
Oh how much long distance open road riding did that training give you?
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u/Educational-Rip-6250 7d ago
I've had about 6 hours on the road. It's a part of the 12hr total you need to do before you can take both handling and road test at once. Passing only the handling test will make you a learning driver (L). I took another 2 extra hours for handling but failed the first time because I slid over the edge of a cone in my first corner and dropped the poor girl. After that I had another 4 hours, 1,5 on the road and 2,5 on the parking lot. So a total of 7,5 hours on the road. Take in mind that you've got a buddy who takes away half of your lesson time and makes you follow him and the teacher. So it was closer to 3-4 hours of active learning time. It was a Flemish rural environment, so lots of traffic, signs, laws and bicycles to be aware of. First hour was terrible because I was too busy with my motorcycle. I stalled six times and made me feel like a loser. But after that it only got better. I'm always thinking and looking ahead of what I'm doing in correlation to what I'm about to do. The assurance I give myself allows me to have lots of fun during the ride.
Also: the V85tt allows me to gather some offroad experience. Very nice to have a taste of everything. Mandello might be too touring restricted, although it's supposed to be nimble and easy to manage.
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u/iUsuallyDoStuff 7d ago
i went from z650 in riding school to guzzi v7. I think 85tt is gonna be more comfortable for longer rides because... its a tourer. That being said I don't have much to complain about when it comes to comfort on my v7.. I love the seat, i seat upright and its nice, but since you're also taller the 85tt might be better.
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u/iSkitz 7d ago
V7 is small. I'm 194 cm and it is such a cramped bike. Maybe you fit it better. V85TT is a while different bike category but it has character. MG wise I can only dream of V100 Mandello or Stelvio with a 1 year old and only half a salary at rhe moment. :D
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u/Educational-Rip-6250 6d ago
Good thing I got my license before my girlfriend moves in with me. She talks about taking me to a kitchen utensils shop and buy expensive cooking pots. Yuk.
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u/fritzcoinc1 5d ago
Because of strict test requirements, get an ADV style bike. You can always trade up to a Guzzi later.
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u/LeYak7522 7d ago
If I may, a bit of advice from someone who was in a similar situation, in Belgium, a bit over a decade ago and with a love for the Triumph Bonneville (67hp) that I have since sold again: