An interesting comparison.
A couple more pounds of torque and 3 more hp on the V85 for 2024 sounds ok. As is any wind management improvement. I prefer the the appearance of the 2023 and prior non-lettered tank and welded structures over the 24's cost saving sheet or cast pieces and tank graphics.
The way I rate the two after riding and living with both V85 and Stelvio.
Engine and power delivery.
V85 ++ Nice delivery, adequate power, and delightfully smooth throttling.
Stelvio ++++ Same as above only more everywhere.
Comfort to "me".
V85 +++ Overall very good seat with room to shift fore and back (with bumper removed)
Stelvio ++ Overall good but 3/4" less leg room and stock seat is dished or less flat than V85. Bars almost a touch too high. Taller seat should remedy both though.
Road Handling:
V85 +++
Stelvio ++++
Poor surface road and ride:
V85 +++
Stelvio + harsh, too stiff damping. Wobbly shield.
Drivetrain;
V85 +++ Wonderful dry clutch, moderate driveline lash, great shifting, could stand a taller 6th.
Stelvio ++ Bang into 1st from neutral shaft drive wet clutch, practically 0 driveline lash or jacking effect, great shifting, could use taller 5th and 6th.
Wind management:
V85 +++* Slightly noisy but overall quite good*. *With larger shield and shield deflector. 2024 Travel version comes with deflectors.
Stelvio ++++ Very smooth air and low buffeting and noise. Power adjustable screen is useful and effective.
Overall styling and finish (completely personal obviously).
V85TT ++++ Very attractive overall. Nice colour and paint finish on most models. High front mud guard ineffective. (Much improved after adding lower fender and extender)
Stelvio +++ Attractive styling overall. OK colours made worse with flat finish paint. Too small/narrow rear mud guard looks odd and doesn't function. (the case on most motorcycles today).
Fuel capacity:
V85TT ++++ 6 gallons (US)
Stelvio +++ 5.25 "
Lighting and instruments:
V85TT ++++
Stelvio ++++
What have I missed or gotten wrong Wrinkleyowlie?
I believe it could for me as well.I believe Mitras are currently working on suspension upgrades, so I'll be having a look at these once available. Who knows it could be very near to my perfect bike.
So you scored the win to the V85TT with 29 points against 27 to the Stelvio.
It's interesting how folk modify the bikes 'power' delivery. It makes me think 2 things.Very interesting and thanks for posting Arsey. I will get a chance to try out the Stelvio when my V85TT GDO is in for service.
Not sure I'd consider changing right now for either new current Stelvio or the 24 V85TT (mine is 23) I've fitted Mistral full bore de-cat Stainless headers, Arrow can, K&N filter anMistral VTwin Boost (some of these bought from Mr. Fluffmeister on here). I would guarantee that these have gained the bike a few HP and Torque gains above the 2024 3hp.
The other 'upgrades' are not really anything that would make me drool over the new 24 version.
As I've mentioned before, the V85TT is probably the most comfortable all-day bike I've ever owned, the ergonomics just seem to be perfect for me straight out of the box.....its also just got enough of everything.....tech, power, weight, wind protection etc. And......bags of that air cooled, simple, characterful VTwin Guzzi soul. Everyone needs to own at least one Guzzi surely
Disagree with the modify for 'power delivery' or the annoying 'you bought the wrong bike bit'. It's not that at all, power gain is a small by-product only.It's interesting how folk modify the bikes 'power' delivery. It makes me think 2 things.
If it needs the extra grunt. You bought the wrong bike in the first place. Also, how often do you use that extra power ?.
You've hit one particularly important nail on the head when you say the ergonomics fit you. I think this is an important thing that many folk forget about.
I wasn’t having a go. Just making a comment.Disagree with the modify for 'power delivery' or the annoying 'you bought the wrong bike bit'. It's not that at all, power gain is a small by-product only.
This is modifying a bike to operate as MG (and other manufacturers) would have liked it to operate if they could. All new bikes especially E5 are strangled to run lean and airflow is restricted in and out. Allowing any bike to breath as intended just free's up so much more enjoyment.
The V85TT is perfectly acceptable out of the showroom and I'm completely happy in stock form.......2 things though, I like tinkering and Fluffmeister on here gave me a very good deal on the parts for the mod
This being a GS focused site, I remember back when everyone fitted Y-Pieces and Akro cans on 1150's and 1200's almost as soon as they got them home....it continues today
It's interesting how folk modify the bikes 'power' delivery. It makes me think 2 things.
If it needs the extra grunt. You bought the wrong bike in the first place.
Modifying could be said about ergonomics as well as power, "if it doesn't fit, you bought the wrong bike." In fact I'd guess more modify their bikes with different seats, bars, pegs, or shields, for ergonomics and comfort than they do to make more power? First thing I do when buying a motorcycle is modifying it to fit me and setting it up to do what I want. That's just part of the deal.You've hit one particularly important nail on the head when you say the ergonomics fit you. I think this is an important thing that many folk forget about.