Soooo Im test riding a 2021 V85tt Travel tomorrow, after reading and watching loads of reviews it seems these are highly thought of. Some exhaust tweaks etc to be done to improve performance (whats new for Guzzi and euro emissions)
Really hoping I’ll like it after riding Triumph 955i Tiger 07 (and a Griso 1100 08)
In the past Ive also had a 850T5 and a 1100 sporti (BMW1150 gs) etc
BUT - for a couple of grand or so more theV100 Stelvio comes into play (used) and I know I ought to think this is a better bike but seems to me just a bit too soon to trust,as Guzzi use customers as their R&D fault finders.
Any thoughts welcome even though I know any Guzzi is a heart choice rather than a sensible one. Cheers all.
Hi Hugh - I’ve got a 2019 v85 which I love and have had since 2021 - fast enough, really comfortable, easy and cheap to service, 67mpg, and fun to ride (especially after de-catting it). I’ve also got a 2023 v100s Mandello that I bought in August on a whim because the price was so attractive. I have added 3,500 miles since then including 2k around Scotland in 5 days. After lowering the pegs and fitting risers it’s on a par for comfort with the v85. Advantages of the v100s - awesome suspension, a lot faster than the v85, the latest gizmos, and super stable in the wet etc. So more of a sports tourer. On the other hand the v85 has a larger tank and better fuel consumption so whilst the v100s is good for over 200 miles per tank, it’s over 300 with the v85; plus the v100 ‘feels’ a lot heavier. But it’s a lot more expensive to service (particularly the 15k and 30k services) and whilst home servicing of the v85 is about as easy as it can get, the same can’t be said for the v100 (particularly adjusting the valves and changing the alternator belt at 15k). Lots of reports on-line of people paying around £1000 for the 30k mile service. So ….I’m fortunate to have both. if I had to choose one I’d probably go for the v85. Oh and two others thing to bear in mind - 1. the depreciation on the Mandello (and presumably the Stelvio is frightening - 50% in 2 1/2 years. 2. Personally I think the v85 is better built with less screws made of cheese.
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Wow - great and thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I will definately take into account your comments because I like and trust servicing my own bikes. Sports performace isnt my bag anymore though I do like the odd spirited overtake. I tour in europe most years with friends so need that ability but not at silly speeds. That level of depreciation on the v100 worries me although I keep bikes for quite a while. My Triumph 955i tiger is v good but clinical and rather soullesss whereas the Griso - big smile every time. Cheers
there’s enough power in a 2021 V85 for spirited overtakes 
especially once you decat them.
So I test rode the 21 plate v85tt travel yesterday - dual carriagways, country windies and town traffic. Lovely looking, comfey, nice riding position, handles quite well and v stable at speed. Power was fine for pootling around the countryside but Power for me was on the limit of acceptable as you had to work the gears and throttle to get a shift on. When loaded up for a trip or two up for me I think needs a bit more go. Suspension a little soft but real world comfy one up. Wind noise from the tall screen (fully up) was not great so I couldnt enjoy the exhaust note. Biggest problem was when it got hot in city traffic, started sputtering and misfiring and cut out 3 or 4 times. I could smell the heat from the cat under the sump. So although I really wanted to get it despite my misgivings I cant get past the power and the hot traffic running - I know a decat + bits would help but that means throwing more money at an already costly bike (for what it offers compared to others) sad cause I love Guzzis. Might try another one to see if this one was not set up right (3 owners in 4 yrs makes me think somethings unresolved) could try a v100 Stelvio although v expensive and not yet proven ? Just my thoughts and I know we all have different expectations from our bikes.
Have you ridden even the standard V100 I wonder? Quite a few around at very attractive prices. Better power and no low speed issues either with fueling or heat. Just my 2c.
No - ive only sat on a v100 stelvio in the showroom, nice looking and i was surprised how light it felt rocking from side to side. Should go have test ride, just concerned with such a new model there are some issues and was even a recall ?
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there were issues with the v85tt as well, one of which was bad engine maps, and unshielded wires picking up interference causing weird fuel surges. if the one you test rode wasn’t updated and wires fixed that might explain the stuttering and cutting out.
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Your call in the end but there is not a single one that comes with absolute guarantees. Go with what feels and rides best and deal with whatever the quirks come to be? 
That is a pity I don’t get those faults on my 2022 but have heard of similar. The bikes love to rev and give their best between 5000 and 7000.
As regards the faults:
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People who live in hot climates (23 degrees C and above) report lots of heat from the cat and frequent pinking (pre-ignition) cured by putting in a colder spark plug - CREI 9X i think
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On many V85tt e4 & e5 there is a nasty hesitation or flat spot around 1.5-2.5k which is almost eliminated when the latest ecu map is put in properly
But I wouldn’t buy a bike where these faults were not already sorted - good luck with your choice