Moto Guzzi V85TT Problems – Here’s What We Know About the Bike

A lot of people were quite intrigued about what the Moto Guzzi V85TT has to offer when its maker, which happens to be Europe's oldest motorcycle manufacturer that's still operating today, announced it in 2017. It sure didn't fail to impress buyers when it came out in 2019 because of its appealing retro styling combined with a performance that won't leave you hanging.

Despite coming from a very versatile company possessing a little more than a century of experience in motorcycles matched with a generally positive public approval, the V85TT is not entirely trouble-free. In this article, let's explore what makes some customers quite disappointed by the relatively new entry of Moto Guzzi in the middleweight adventure bike segment of the market.

Recalls

To start things off, there have only been two known recalls for the V85TT, which were issued via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In December 2019, just months after its market rollout, Moto Guzzi announced a possible problem in the final drive and footrest components of the motorcycle's 2020 model-year units.

1. Leaking Final Drive Output Seal

According to the recall announcement, an estimated 372 vehicles are affected by this issue. The company said that there is a possibility of a defect on the lips of the internal oil seal after the installation of the final transmission box shaft. Such an issue could mean oil leaks seeping through the rear tire tread. This could potentially result in the loss of traction of the rear tire on the road, and such a scenario is an accident waiting to happen.

There is no warning indicator for the potential fault in the motorcycle. However, riders can easily spot the leak through an oil residue build-up on the rim spokes and the rear tire tread becoming evidently mucky from the mix of oil and dirt after a ride.

Models covered by the recall can be verified via the NHTSA website. Owners will just have to enter the VIN of their V85TT motorcycles in the portal to see whether or not they are affected by the problem. Affected customers are likewise advised to contact the customer service center of Piaggio to arrange the free repair of their V85TT bikes.

The likely solution for this is a replacement of the damaged seals and any other parts that may have been the result of the factory defect.

2. Loose Footrest Mounting Pins

Another recall noted that there could be as many as 399 units suffering from this issue. Based on the announcement, the retaining clip of the 2020 model-year V85TT footrests is prone to breakage because of an incorrect assembly operation. This could be exacerbated during shaky rides wherein vibrations may result in the slip of its pin. This problem has a huge potential to cause a road accident should any of the footrests come off during a ride.

Customers can easily spot the problem through the loosening of their footrests. Same as the other issue, affected buyers are advised to notify the manufacturer of their bike about it to avail of free repairs.

A possible solution for this problem involves the replacement of the faulty mounting pins and the footrests if they have been damaged as a result of the lack of foresight on the part of the motorcycle maker.

Common Problems Reported by Owners of the Moto Guzzi V85TT

Aside from the quality issues pointed out by the recalls, the Moto Guzzi V85TT is also known for a variety of other problems. This part lists the most common complaints raised by a sheer number of owners, which are logged in various forum threads, reviews, and reports dedicated to the motorcycle model.

1. Oil Pressure Sensor Errors

If you're experiencing oil pressure sensor error on your Moto Guzzi V85TT, there are a few potential causes that you'll want to check. First, make sure that the oil level is correct and that the sensor itself is clean and free of debris. If the problem persists, it's possible that the sensor itself is faulty and will need to be replaced. In either case, proper diagnosis is essential to ensure that you're taking the necessary steps to fix the problem.

If you think that the oil level might be low, check the dipstick to see where the oil is currently sitting. If it's below the minimum line, add more oil until it reaches the appropriate level. You should also check for leaks around the sensor or elsewhere in the engine compartment that might be causing the problem.

If the oil level is fine and there are no visible leaks, the sensor itself may be the issue. First, clean it with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris that could be interfering with its function. If that doesn't solve the problem, you'll need to replace the sensor with the help of a technician. You can determine whether or not your sensor is still functioning via a multimeter and other procedures.

For any other questions or concerns about the oil pressure sensor error on your V85TT, don't hesitate to reach out to a qualified mechanic for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and find the best solution to get your bike running like new again.

2. Crank Sensor Issues

You may have a crank sensor issue if your bike is hard to start, it runs erratically or stalls frequently, it has reduced power and performance, and the engine light is on or flashing. If you suspect that your crank sensor may be the issue, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem.

First, check for any loose or damaged wires. If any are found, repair or replace them as necessary. Next, check the connector for the crank sensor. Make sure it's clean and secure. If both of these things check out but the problem persists, the next step is to test the sensor itself. This can be done with a multimeter to check its current plus a series of other procedures.

If the sensor is defective, it will need to be replaced, which will require some disassembly and handling of crucial electrical parts. For this, we strongly recommend hiring the service of a professional mechanic to ensure that the proper work is done for your bike.

3. Air Filter Premature Wear

When it comes to the Moto Guzzi V85TT, air filter issues can be a real pain. Not only do they cause the engine to run less efficiently, but they can also lead to all sorts of other problems down the line.

Symptoms of a dirty or clogged air filter include decreased engine power, reduced fuel economy, and increased engine wear. The first two are pretty much self-explanatory, but the latter is worth elaborating on.

A dirty air filter can cause the engine to run hot, which in turn causes increased wear on all of its components. In worst-case scenarios, this can even lead to engine failure.

Luckily, diagnosing air filter issues is pretty straightforward. If you suspect that your V85TT has a dirty or clogged air filter, the first thing you should do is check the air filter itself.

If it looks dirty, then chances are that it is. However, even if it looks clean, it might still be clogged with particles that are too small to see.

The only way to be sure is to take the air filter out and hold it up to a bright light source. If you can see light shining through, then it's probably still good. If not, then it's time for a new one.

Installing a new air filter is a pretty simple process, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure that you get the right size air filter for your V85TT. Second, when installing the new air filter, be sure to put it in the same way that the old one was.

If you don't, then it might not work as well. Finally, once you've installed the new air filter, be sure to take a test ride and see how it performs. If you notice any difference in engine power or fuel economy, then you know that it was worth the effort.

If you suspect that your Moto Guzzi V85TT has air filter issues, don't hesitate to diagnose and fix the problem. It's not difficult, and it could save you a lot of headaches down the road. However, just to be sure that the installation is done correctly and the replacement is within the specified parts of your brand, consult the services of a certified mechanic to help you around the problem.

4. Transmission Slippage

One of the worst common problems with Moto Guzzi bikes is transmission slippage. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or damaged gears, incorrect gear ratios, and poor clutch operation.

To properly diagnose the cause of transmission slippage, it is important to first understand the symptoms. Common symptoms of transmission slippage include a loss of power when accelerating, gears that refuse to engage, and a feeling of the bike "slipping" out of gear.

Once the symptoms have been identified, the next step is to inspect the bike for any potential causes. Worn or damaged gears are one of the most common causes of transmission slippage, and can often be repaired or replaced. Incorrect gear ratios can also cause transmission slippage, and can usually be corrected by adjusting the gears.

Poor clutch operation is another common cause of transmission slippage, and can often be fixed by recalibrating the clutch cable or replacing the clutch plates.

If you are having issues with transmission slippage, it is important to have your bike inspected by a qualified mechanic. They will be able to properly diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to fix it.

Conclusion

It's easy to fall in love with the Moto Guzzi V85TT because of its retro charm and amazing engine power. With the information provided here in mind though, we hope that we have shed light on the potential risks of owning one.

The problems presented here, however, do not automatically mean that these are completely unavoidable. With proper maintenance, you could dodge a few or every problem on this list. And should you end up facing one or more of them, at least you already have an idea of the things to do to control the issue and get your motorcycle back in its top form in no time.