V85 TT Demo - Test Ride - Road Test - Review merged threadfest

[Huzo]

Is there more you can tell us Blackbuell ?
Did you see a red/white one. Does it sound ok like on screen.
Any more info ?

[arveno]

Thank you for your feedback.

After the test ride , you hop back on your Norge..
What was your first thought?
Would you sell the Norge to buy a V85 ?

Thank you

( I don’t know why I wrote Stelvio instead of Norge....but I fixed it )

[Huzo]

Come on you tease..
I’m propped up in bed and the wine is poured..

[blackbuell]

Diploman: true, a taller screen is already available, and, no doubt, a center stand will soon become an option. I would still need to do something about the seat height. At my age (70), and size (5'7"". 150 pounds), I need to get my feet better planted when carrying a full load of gear for cross-country trips and/or with wife on the back. If that issue can be easily solved, then I might go ahead and purchase one.

Huzo: they had two with the paint scheme shown in my pic, one with full luggage and the other without. They also had a "street model" in grey; actually a nice color; it had no luggage and more street-friendly tires.

The dash is high-tech; would certainly take some getting used to; does have a gear indicator.

The bike IS very light, and underway feels even lighter. Shifting was smoother than what I have experienced with any of the three  Guzzi's that I have owned. Cable-activated clutch pull is very light. Excellent brakes.

Jon

[Huzo]

Did you get the ABS (rear) to activate ?
How was it ?
And the sound Blackbuell ?

[Trialsman]

Dang it !!!!!  I just rode the Norge out to Columbus today to help with the inspection for my son's new house - just got home.  Now I see the truck got there early and I was only 60mi away.  I would have diverted to Cinn to see what mine will actually be like when it comes in.  The one day I didn't look at the site.   

[Huzo]

Dang it !!!!!  I just rode the Norge out to Columbus today to help with the inspection for my son's new house - just got home.  Now I see the truck got there early and I was only 60mi away.  I would have diverted to Cinn to see what mine will actually be like when it comes in.  The one day I didn't look at the site.   

Life’s still damn good mate..
You’ve got a Norge.....
(For now.. )

[JJ]

One question:  "What is your inseam?!?"  I would want to have BOTH feet flat on the ground....

[bad Chad]

My understanding is the seat has 3 height adjustments.

[Diploman]

I also read, somewhere among the multiple V85 test rides, that Guzzi offers an optional V85 seat that is lower than the standard seat.  Ask the dealer or call Guzzi USA.

[Unkept]

Diploman: ...no doubt, a center stand will soon become an option... \

Indeed it already is. https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=96731&sku=2S001322&description=OEM+Moto+Guzzi+Center+Stand+Kit+-+2S001322

AF1 seems to have the entire array of accessories on their site. https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=3299

I also read, somewhere among the multiple V85 test rides, that Guzzi offers an optional V85 seat that is lower than the standard seat.  Ask the dealer or call Guzzi USA.

Here are the seats, they even offer a tall size! https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=3307&description=V85+Saddles+%26+Mirrors

The prices for most of the parts don't seem too outrageous, at first glance.

[blu guzz]

I tried it as well.  The total package of strengths this machine has is almost overwhelming.  The TFT screen would take some getting used to, but the colors were bright.  There was a tach, but cooler were a set of amber turning red bars at the top of the screen area.  It lets you know when you have to shift and it comes up surprisingly fast and often on this bike.  On the other hand, shifting at 3,000 as I do on my 1400 was totally doable and did not stress the bike at all. The engine seemed very flexible.  I test rode a stelvio several years ago and this reminded me of it somewhat except much lighter with everything feeling much more refined. I did not notice any intrusive vibrations at any range I rode in.  The small wind screen was far better than expected.   My inseam is 29 inches and I was on the balls of my feet.  I could do it and with a few miles and some items in the bags, it would probably settle a little lower and I don't know what the preload was set for.
Summary:  This bike is so well sorted, it is hard to believe it is an MG.  It is like the designers invested so much thought and care that they made this for themsleves to ride.  Bravisimo Moto Guzzi.

[LowRyter]

I sat on one at COTA.  It felt a little to tall and wide as a sport tourer.  Probably right on for an "adventure bike".

Both the guys that have ridden said "it ripped."  One was Don with Guzzi store here in OKC.

[wyno]

If I could afford it, I'd buy one, but here in Oz it's going to be at least $21,000AUD ($14,800USD). If we could get it for  the price you pay $12,000USD ($17,000AUD) it would sell well. I can't believe it costs another $4000AUD ($2800) to transport it to Oz. Someone is making a killing.

[Kiwi Dave]

If I could afford it, I'd buy one, but here in Oz it's going to be at least $21,000AUD ($14,800USD). If we could get it for  the price you pay $12,000USD ($17,000AUD) it would sell well. I can't believe it costs another $4000AUD ($2800) to transport it to Oz. Someone is making a killing.

I'm buying one as soon as it arrives.  The price has been confirmed at NZ$21,000. Now I know that our dollars are getting close, but I think you're getting more screwed than me.   

[pauldaytona]

The regulars who make aftermarket stuff start also, luggage options from Hepco&Becker, you can use the old H&B cases. Givi is also coming with stuff. Silencers from Agostini, Quat-D & Zard.
It will need some time before they all have things on offer.

I don't see a reason for another silencer. The stock is quiet, but when opening the throttle, a nice low hum comes out of the intake and silencer. 

Centerstand is on optionlist, higher screen too, but not to tall. I suppose there will be aftermarket offerings too in time.
But hanging tons of stuff on the thing will kill it's lightness.

I liked it very much, but miss the Stelvio's bottom torque. So for now the Stelvio stays.
Further, the v85 is very economic with fuel. The injection feels very well made.

[JJ]

QUOTE:  My inseam is 29 inches and I was on the balls of my feet.  I could do it and with a few miles and some items in the bags, it would probably settle a little lower and I don't know what the preload was set for.

Thanks, blu guzz!  

Again, if I did not have my '98 Centauro GT, I would seriously consider one of these...("Sigh")

[sliphorn]

---

I rode this exact same bike last week at Windy City Triumph. You can read my comments in the thread "V85 at Cadre Cycle next week, Cincinnati". You guys didn't mention the throttle hesitation/stumble when blipping for a down shift or its lack of immediacy upon take off from a standstill. Minor, but it was there. These are pre-production models but the many reviews of production models that came out of the Sardinia press launch make no mention of it so I'm going to assume it has been fixed.

I could do without the TFT display, otherwise an excellent motorcycle. I have a 29" inseam and I had no problem at a stop.

==

[kingoffleece]

Very encouraging.

[twowings]

Plenty of room for the family! 

[Glawster]

I rode one in UK 4 weeks ago and I've copied my immediate impressions below.  After the test ride I went home, gave it some consideration and thought, bollocks, I'm having one.
Still waiting to take delivery - it's scheduled for Mid May, but let's see.  I ordered a plain red one with panniers and centre stand.  I was going to order the high screen but they wanted £175 for it and I thought it likely that there would quickly be aftermarket screens available which would certainly be cheaper and probably more effective.  Here's hoping it does turn up in May and not end of September....



Following Barry's heads up I called On Yer Bike (near Aylesbury) yesterday and they were just unpacking their demo V85 TT.  It was available to test ride so I went over this morning and had a go.
It was interesting to compare with my Triumph Tiger 800 which I rode over on.  I have a very high regard for the Tiger 800 as it really suits me, so I was ready to be unimpressed by the V85.
It had 6 miles on the clock when I set off, so mindful of this I didn't go above 75 mph (4,500 rpm).  My impressions after a brief (25 mile) ride:
 - The quality of everything looked really top notch.
 - Handling was really great, but ride quality also very good. 
 - Riding position was really excellent and super comfortable.  I'm 5'102 and could get both feet flat on the ground so the seat height is slightly lower than the Tiger (and much lower than a GS).
 - Engine was very smooth and had no issues with jerky throttle around town which seems to be the bane of modern, lean tuned engines.  It pulled cleanly from 2k rpm in high gears.  It did seem a bit lacking in oomph at the bottom end but once the engine was spinning the mid range was good.  I think that even when run-in it would be way behind the Triumph in power output, but probably has just enough.
 - Gearbox was a bit clunky in the low gears, but way better than a BMW GS.
 - Screen was pretty useless, but this was the "Ronald McDonald" multi-coloured model.  The plain coloured bikes have a higher screen and better road tyres.
 - Panniers were ok, but looked smaller than the Triumph.
 - Instrument display was great.  Just hope it's waterproof.
 

Overall I really liked it.  I thought it was lacking the real Guzzi character you get from the old big block heavy flywheel motors, but it's definitely recognisable a proper Guzzi.  I think it could be a winner.

20190322_111303 by Derek Wardell, on Flickr

[SLDMRossi]

This just in: the Moto Guzzi Demo truck...with V85s on board...is scheduled to land at Hamlin Cycles in Bethel, CT on Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13. Watch the Hamlin website for more details!

Steven Rossi
CT-RI MGNOC State Rep.

[Huzo]

Plenty of room for the family! 

A nice shot, but I would have put the little one in the other pannier.
I dropped my Norge in the grass in Spain once by taking the loaded left pannier off before the right, and the bike went arse up over the “high side..”
Would not end well for the child.

[Huzo]

Has anyone seen a Red/White one yet ?
Also have the engine protection bars seen the light of day ?
What are the comments regarding the integrity of the pannier and top box mounts ?
 Glawster, will you let us know when you get yours ? I will be in London next week on my Norge, and if yours arrives in the next couple of weeks, I’d like to come over and have a look.
Cheltenham you say ?
Crackin’...!
(Corble Farm not too shabby either...
Comes up nice on the ‘net
  )

[rocker59]

My understanding is the seat has 3 height adjustments.

Yeah, between something like 32-in and 33-in.

It's going to be a typically tall bike that attracts lots of short guys!!!  LOL!!!   

[Glawster]

Has anyone seen a Red/White one yet ?
Also have the engine protection bars seen the light of day ?
What are the comments regarding the integrity of the pannier and top box mounts ?
 Glawster, will you let us know when you get yours ? I will be in London next week on my Norge, and if yours arrives in the next couple of weeks, I’d like to come over and have a look.
Cheltenham you say ?
Crackin’...!
(Corble Farm not too shabby either...
Comes up nice on the ‘net
  )

Huzo, I read about your fantastic trip.  Do call me if you're touring by Cheltenham.  Even if I don't have the V85, there's other interesting stuff you can look over.

DSC_0910 by Derek Wardell, on Flickr

[Unkept]

I saw these on Facebook, for Huzo's viewing pleasure.

[Huzo]

Huzo, I read about your fantastic trip.  Do call me if you're touring by Cheltenham.  Even if I don't have the V85, there's other interesting stuff you can look over.

DSC_0910 by Derek Wardell, on Flickr

Thanks mate.
I will if I get the chance and can’t imagine why not.
Is that green V7 the one Paul Harris at Corsa restored ?
Also I had a ride on a Falcone of his that looked like that red one

[Huzo]

I saw these on Facebook, for Huzo's viewing pleasure.

Thankyou..
I don’t think I’m the only one who’s a fan, but they are my favourite.

[Cam3512]

Can anyone confirm the existence of an auxiliary plug designated for a GPS?  Tom Tom or otherwise.