Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kev m on June 13, 2019, 10:34:33 PM
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Just got back from a ~300 mile day...(in the Jeep and largely pouring rain).
When we weren't in the Jeep we were basically private guests at Hamlin's open house (cause everyone else came yesterday when it was sunny).
* First - Jim Hamlin (and his entire outfit) was everything I've heard about and more. Anyone in near reach should be giving him business, it's worth it.
* Second - Piaggio has hired a decent guy to pull the V85 demos (along with a Bobber Sport and V7 III Stone) around the country in a van and trailer.
* The V85 is everything I read about and more. I think it's a Guzzi, but that with it Guzzi may be taking a new direction. It's a smallblock, like my beloved V7s and as a motor it's almost not anything like my beloved V7s.
It spins up fast and light feeling in some ways more like our Ducati 696 than our V7s. And ironically thats not where the comparison to the Duc ends. The vented plastic tank covers, trellis frame, and USD forks all remind me of our Monster.
The V85 chassis seems very well built, it's high quality, has an upright riding position, is light, and quick to turn. And probably not for me (just like my departed R1100RS, Breva 1100, Buell ST3).
I hope they sell a ton of them. I'll be curious about a less "adventure" oriented model, but might still not choose it.
HERE'S THE SURPRISE AND UNPOPULAR OPINION
* I LOVE the Bobber Sport! It feels light, nimble, well balanced. It turns way easier than that front tire suggests. It also seems to punch above its specs with regards to power. I know it's only supposed to have a few more hp on paper than our V7III but it FEELS like much more than that. It feels like it pushes like a big block. I suddenly find myself thinking about one like I have never thought about one before.
So part of me is thrilled about the new V85. I think it's a great step for Guzzi to addressing a broader part of the market. I think other variants built around that motor will be more competitive from a performance standpoint. I just realize they won't be for me. Kinda the same way some of the CARC and Spine Frame guys realize the Cali 1400 and maybe even V7 is not for them.
But here, the V9, holy crap. It's punching above its weight class. You old Cali 1100 guys who don't want a 1400 need to check it out. It's way closer to that 1100 in power/performance and maybe even feel than I thought.
So I'm optimistic here. There's a lot of good things potentially happening.
I'll post some pics tomorrow when I'm on the PC.
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Reader's Digest of above post:
The V85 motor feels more like an air-cooled Duc than a Guzzi smallblock. And though that's not necessarily what I want, I think it could be a great thing for Guzzi.
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:huh:
Dusty
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Thanks Kevin you've just convinced me to get one :thumb:
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Thanks Kevin you've just convinced me to get one :thumb:
Most excellent!
I suspect you will not be disappointed!
In the martial arts it is said "know your enemy as you know yourself and you will be victorious in 1000 battles"
They never said how long or difficult it might be to "know" oneself!
It's been a long road!
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The V85 is everything I read about at more. I think it's a Guzzi, but that with it Guzzi may be taking a new direction. It's a smallblock, like my beloved V7s and as a motor it's almost not anything like my beloved V7s.
It spins up fast and light feeling in some ways more like our Ducati 696 than our V7s. And ironically thats not where the comparison to the Duc ends. The vented plastic tank covers, trellis frame, and USD forks all remind me of our Monster.
The V85 chassis seems very well built, it's high quality, has an upright riding position, is light, and quick to turn. And probably not for me (just like my departed R1100RS, Breva 1100, Buell ST3).
I hope they sell a ton of them. I'll be curious about a less "adventure" oriented model, but might still not choose it.[/
The immortal words of the distinguished Kev M !!!
Well, English is not my first, or even second or third language, so I could not have said it any better than that !
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I traveled to Hamlin's with Kev yesterday as his navigator (when I wasn't doing some work on my government issued leash - iPhone). Pouring rain almost all day. BUT, "a bad day hanging at an old school motorcycle shop is better than a good day in the office!"
The weather did break briefly enough for the two of us to take a short demo ride. Me on V85 and Kev on Bobber Sport. We switched halfway through. I absolutely LOVED the V85 TT, and not so much the Bobber. I have ridden a Roamer when the V9's were first introduced. I have had a V85 on order for the last 6 months. Until yesterday, I've never even SEEN one, much less sit or ride one. Despite the short, wet demo, I'm sold. Fit like a glove, nimble, and more power than I'll ever need.
I'll leave the Bobber for "Counterpoint Kev". Different strokes...
At least we both like beer. To this point, when we were within a few miles of Kev's house, my phone was going bonkers with Tornado warnings in the area, and to take shelter IMMEDIATELY! Turns out his beer fridge was running low, and we briefly diverted (in the opposite direction) for a beer run. Priorities man!
Cam
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Dueling reviews. Love it! Thanks for both your riding impressions of these two smallblocks.
Bob
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Dueling reviews. Love it! Thanks for both your riding impressions of these two smallblocks.
Bob
I you look closely you'll see the reviews actually agree on the V85, we just WANT different things.
As for the Bobber, Cam's just jaded. :evil:
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At least we both like beer. To this point, when we were within a few miles of Kev's house, my phone was going bonkers with Tornado warnings in the area, and to take shelter IMMEDIATELY! Turns out his beer fridge was running low, and we briefly diverted (in the opposite direction) for a beer run. Priorities man!
Cam
True story.
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This is absolutely great! Moto Guzzi makes different bikes for different sorts of experienced Guzzi - riders! No bikes that look and ride like others but like themselves and only themselves. Sometimes Luigi and his friends do something right.
This is the way Italian products should be.
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Great thread, and good on Guzzi getting it right. I’ve only purchased two new bikes in my life, (2002 HD Nighttrain & 2005 VStrom). I might buy a V85 Sport.
T4
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As promised:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EecHASGcfqFhm8qKAOhnZ5sSGm2ylBYQZ5Jjae5vPAJP5SXJqX5qYFWQ22Au03I2SnQFvDwJl_ruTw3wFrffyxVNIN35LftZ2EQu3LzjgOxzsxlvj5vzPv1PUR9cVt-befVVbQEPX7N51BGXBPF_CLBOVCHF751zQwhSFGN2s6zHaZFVfjFBfNerv23sO20QaCeM1NUoRfCREpBAjhL23-4MUSVr3NQSaaLz-mPAx6Ztc2ez-Iq5H3m_I0lXg8v6b67jkEO_-GI9se_l8hJQYRSfbgVJCiRLfbXM-jtEwVn4ihGwuLKy_fdcBCJIHdsp07BTEk2VJQLeKIz2OG4jHre85jSNIeZZfhe6FFO5YhU7wOaR9KrK0splA2th-7sMFAiZwTLYHOwaTszDuw6IyqOodySdS0MhBFPf2EaXMpAm7JcPIcY3gJLq-YDcEdz3VeCRLsasifktXjMVZReNhl7gN6SLD_801svNTasq0loKVmwaKGRT04ks5FV5P3sJXj68FtBZawcGxutW7KZ3h1-rjegBZX5DH6yywv3wyucoYnXtsCdnNo6qDp5t5qu9q2ZFkaTlZQUPgZd_PNu_FVIXOjuBFQ-Z2WDk7HkBrR-dA9Gj1ANtJayKxVFih3B_k5NG_ajeslv3xZXrk7XQAsfxSZ3pk4ukk5YABFQaqSZcgBm1n564fbPW0LiEyv3FgNG4BOR3H25Vlz65JAsxAmDMRA=w771-h578-no)
Hamlins - Old Skool MC Shop. Upon arriving home I told my wife I would be happy to move anywhere withing a 1 hour radius of Hamlins. Hell, the taxes can't be WORSE in CT right?!?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8lB53-ABnCmmByaNrxmqWIHr2-24cFXeOt70SCyjD5yP0tDuL9mc6Tsdor4enGmx1ZeiFiQfQLWAmzAugHXfZMqW8HIAZ_rlMLupCGdvF9N9vQGV30GkMAJoqJSoFMt6ALqAKuLEVZvZgV_ejB2YRgSxK5rEaG-_U4PHyGh1U2YpYqd-fIVEBhA0-daLhynkDDpODIc-P6vP1PrARjEk-oLUXuCYI6R0JFKfUxwLI4VnHGHdbiMCej6LFgvbFviyAPufB18rUYA0HGlMF-YOIR9RwwjeZpH4wI7FABKmuygB2fHT7M0jNOdP9vaaTF7nWQEYmHeJB8PLLnULApjYixJTx0ryer82Pc7dtdGVocdI3R-D1Rkc_DmGEOe8KRs2WZhwyj_Oq0B0vV-AdEYjn5IMHNgDAYamB_1NxEEMhOi4qkPVoGAET4umS7l9_nt-iT6eyq1A_NwFS8Bly36s5fig5qZzYnD606E6od1h4NrJIBzbG-3uJgsd2NBU31hDPDWBQqXkDRAxSt9EC9FGEKb4C9bgpp02VWzWD9BTBG51Pc-aiz8iU1umC-e0GeUexfxdtI-LeDlqnPnFXqDIS1IGXYX2TPTguMahl0N0Wi4bmQrG6ICBn--3EGe-B7ZN_P7yG-9ESEsORnanG3_G87G8_t2BW5e8YHfs9ehm6nwGBjnnT0o18Vx6OQqU1yQkuQo2tALCyeeCxnDQ_1w1_QU0Qw=w1204-h903-no)
V85 Goodness.
Excellent fit and finish, and the busy dashboard was not really a problem for me. I'm sure I'd come to love it over time. The silver one was nice, but the full kit McDonald's edition was awesome. I can't wait to see Cam's Red/White one!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Plh5svk8Y7r_5yFAqt8yw7gMsA0cMzfbs4OUNh4ItO3mtOa51yQHeS-yqv94GhvHUnpxefeXqHZicGjbBiMFFOojfMkQoIpCGC8gI_38V43pGsw0PNKEbMfWgWvc9WxxOGkDzotEkvweIrOcZkNela7nKvSA8W1E0Ejh3qQGfGs1C3M4aXB5kPl8FjszlZ75WdeXEnuoGZcBX4Vy9UF5z8gwqKivqtaaXwpmgmrLIGZuUueLVO8rWS0pnzQFvPCCfzsR9AkFax_fRJN3p4XVO0j7IO3WGt5FVzTh2af3TJ_-RyH17Yz6EWE5COa4hqnl5hf10Yzm9moH_JG49MUJEp1vPff8m48FVQWhaAQKNowdeOKyeiNypNI8LP1X4n0oTP9YY-B6Da5SwL0_sSvrtfvrbSTAmJk2Bh8oPLNJJjdQE9rcUNqv6f79RgTK3rE0uhxcNUHDgHKtmPxldfSrej8t5F60wr6QhHzXX2umI_cvzFJ5f14K72j8yB5BJfF6ryYNNZuINlP_rDBSvu0As-P_nyKaYzK5lVxJXb-XNqlYINYAX2zqLpFKwbu-L399E62R3x4jl6HJkuBGy-p5SKB0IEl4VhaUeTGPSNDZBzy1KDfSC8o1QCdQ1JP5iTkhDhfQzn2kcqK7v94degAzTQkQUOuDwE0HIvdqBYbcTtgaewkwkaahe_x_sqezEG_ht5uPTn668BnZ2GybXwoctfPjlw=w678-h903-no)
Guzzi's new see-through crankcase. Oh wait, it's NOT new, that's there because it's the same case as the other smallblocks. Which has to get at least someone here thinking WHAT if we were to put one in a V7? :afro:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HUM9WkWur9g8bBHPqi1laIKJeLy_dw-Ssyv5N9IchsRWx-rEbyiH9Nli2-P8hGucqOjPPCG3yAEuTQOuDHhoe6epMSla9BHhdNxLYNfDCKWMQzKB2f9lulwZIvCapmng2ut2Pi0HCZplXX6qHvrFJ6E7xQsqMr7DAP7gaXXsKS6MY6GvPB6l8Qn1BjECZXhyPt8tHzfT2py_XCVxgywsGJWOSdhOxi8nVAM5SgoljU8uEkqHjvjkIKNZ31nTX23cYZ3IDujVfXkqj0Axias-jhdy7n5XeLFxUxnjoxvCoEdYY78aJVq2mHG_8veKZMcNckRJjgHzeNIhHYyM4HRHfRIvbT7V47dMBDduI5OXM-XgysBnERX_gZSqQhf2OOK16JVbesY6f1ECBQ8ZcM1SKMnNVDFZH58LdngoLBO46rq7MnMbHKGPYTkHsqKSTGWppjT2qkxIpGSxHZMzsKficQ12YfyRLLtDNiDRQUtK4_qiJx71ui7gpZriwSjJ1o7tayM0ZIWdLqvL7HTbT0n-Ax3zvzVUf4CztRVETYr2ClRst2rFRDVTcNHJf1cDrNhkLv47fQ635HQL-S7KqsV4hgIcdK4uam6S7IETdD6pzmtRzybpScDAT3lXJQY1HA1DHcvaKkWP6S1WeHPcHuMrDeWu3XeCFsfqt8cYwtDZKGReu9S3VIoLNB4iwmFihrNzrwWpXok8pyY_1jwBT9c0viEgGA=w1204-h903-no)
** GASP ** What's THIS?!? Guzzis FIRST(?) sight glass? Hmmmmm.
Revised dipstick too, maybe it doesn't go walkabout from time-to-time.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/up9HBkFpqbChONXYULbRt0hiyYwsxdGDVw7XwvoeD2hVo0N4qTT-xUwvG02Gm5zVTGjhAgq7K0-32R6D_AEh8okBs0GKLW9TisBY-fdJ8YgLkxYz1uIyJduwKHVqvtFn2oT-ClOBdt7XyGl_ahFKvVGxzUqoOO-ac9Gakv4tuxPDxsxCafDZzQvVAm6tLY3McnUZcmo1JYOVuZw9JHjrg_BdZCvsDHurv4s-GvD5i01Q_FDtbLXoorF2AYUVvLYda7mH4CIjs-0RhFfe5-zVCunrCKyw5f7QbmX2EVTgiJcBKew_HEMY1H6DhzcXH6wePQ-4U0vCQNBuhQx_26Y3MpixTiBUgkDFERoH_7bkhCyJHqHio9ibFh-CFSGZw-ubmgcm7WONkqMn5MdCoHi8Xcflzof0SqowMiiEzfRfOsucvTj_C4mX9zwBdrb1hIaWkjBcnidVrDKrO2vN0YM6OCJ1A0hstDaKVRQ8pkp-D3JQirWzCOr--rIFk_ZQiXwN9kbJP1Iem6WqE9iwtL5CyWGlkA1vhjIvYvgOA-RaHxMsE87qnUxHvbZxFj2D7Yvlcq_RPBEaaz3a-NY6krhUgMhAFupPzaQUZzT4JmFlIb9fyriPRlb6NoD1VlsZYsoa0fqPhSRD5jEXZje0pZTG9bSjT1se5RrgHCKpsTlEiTD2D87lQzmnwBkW5snvZAs_AG7XES0y2QiHX7TWTbg8kn7pAA=w678-h903-no)
GREAT LINES - but I have to criticize the faux air intake vents (ala Monster) on the tank. Then again, at least one doesn't have to pull half the plastics and tilt the tank up to change the air filter. I'm told one does have to remove the battery (which is conveniently under the seat) and then the cartridge air filter can be slid back out from the rear of the housing. Much better than the Monster.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNcZEv6B_2bVqWWtTfYqhGZo5TS3cUNlFZi5QcATteCZI6dxzyOvcUlOl0wHFEIvnwbx1STsfGWAp648fqMZTXucWIAlwY1t8j82QnGVPkU4bZUa91uiF00jdQjq_YwdaZUI4H8ukHDMPlvxM8SDv91KbzaMoMJzpVQ68kHzGZyJwSS99WhhpTuEYpvSoZ4qLpGspZRik61ow_ecLSmYQyJe1JMI1_tz6FYz3qe2_oJbx0Q3UzB480BanG0DbGAFfMhyGVUhwoq0TgrkvsTsxYSU0DvSwgVF1Nm_dTMIcl1r7V12776WUapLnJaT7yOhq4EN2JiIlCp1wlWIeCE_REUlvdhg9cOmYctGu6oyb-GfjCc-Mxs3k40dReqDhHdIUk2xqj71VvsAAYE-J2e38I6G8rbmT9LPa0wMdJaMwQOYcJl3OvcQLBDKdBvh4--rdQ_1Q1GtbpFg3TwdtVqvamB00XJacyaayg43AfVt8YFPs8GhcigWoT3ZyS8sp9DDXVK-357sM_PePzrHRE2xhjKRP7IAHbfDP80flxl6yTcMnqBlOF8XdmIZSJhP8JXKpl3IX97rcjcjRDz31YfUOL6hos4sM5zNVwlx3SL4BSNW1uiaJlNwl8wF8MXRgfyAtxS94NMIKg6PoDm19HHiBR1Fx2RON9UjN350AUzimkGWkjKtqszpAsjgoEaW5uzIhnZu_60kdAjjbCpjsHq4fCsXg=w1204-h903-no)
I'm not kidding, I loved this bike. I really did. Very well balanced front-to-back, nimble turn-in. Hell the wide bars meant I could see past my shoulders in the stock mirrors lol. I'll take one. Now, how to convince the wife that if "I get rid of the Sportster for more room in the garage, that this somehow doesn't negate all that" hmmmmmmm.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5CFnRAFjoBhqFTE9AbpEphc0rLkjp1XmAV2rIOMPAopPd-rizNkHFq3DVXOBCEGbqQbpblgQpLgX9zUDBkFfmTk9KQEzAi1hyZdH9RyMkDs_AbyHp3dqqmYmWRdLDbfRAKbvR8YAWOCn2okhL9wrVv15J-TNv30iS8RLlnmj8LVYuNR3N-DW6iCHIrgqrp5rY-au2LQE2xbWnrMLpYqsUXJ5AvTnxVo4zXUpRvcl06hwWN_rJJP7RQ62JuzT2UanMZKcsooGitgvdwbGyc1x6NVfcnpyEaFZ6E065aTDMemHUbCqs8qxcXK2cEadlUDBZ92gm7wdbrcX0zVUofebWGPFmUShjTNd1N1kuJLgRocNUjz6LRfG-s785vJB4wH0op6wDxL_NGhr-DBD8vfPfaYcEEtR-nBcOJJXdCiD9NHBnAT9pxjJWHa4Rz2e-7Q28QxUA0zcs9s9b2zdColMXQWdKWNnrapIo_aPUjKF66JkvupzMhZmLBDm3nZX8p-N4RunLnL5d9T6b617GReAybsa-dovdPpIsU2yz-x6mX9DDF9Mqtr6Qkw_J4mTu42r6AshngDOPHROWfWSYVFGMXsgMTc3MCPUxix_KWRz6wZ-FHYSO_PTNlNaQJcTfyC56GGqaI0_vdBfxEwTaiULjSggDq4AARy8FlGKeQcCo7XOEeO4Rc4fXUxQLTKvRlRNO4c67F45NokHhAzT8BE0K-CbEg=w1204-h903-no)
One for ME and one for Cam......
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I ride 405 miles each way to go to Jim's shop.
I go back with him 12 years or so when he was with Triumph and Guzzi at another shop. In WNY we kid about having to take our motorcycles to get "Hamlinized".
Jim and the crew are simply the best. Wait till some of you guys out that way decide to have him rework the suspension for you. You'll be spoiled for life.
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I ride 405 miles each way to go to Jim's shop.
I dunno man, we just do things very differently. OR the 405 miles you go each way are VERY VERY different miles than the crappy ass 150 I have to go (NJ Tpke, Garden State Pkwy, 287, 684, 84). Ok, maybe the first 20 miles and the second 20 miles aren't horrible, but the rest is just ridiculous both ways.
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Who knew? This is the first time I've heard an 850cc Guzzi engine called a small block. My LM's were small blocks? Last in again, I guess.
I'd like the added punch of the V85 engine, but the weight penalty makes it a no go, for me. MG got a lot smarter about the frt. brake.
Wouldn't doubt they copied Hamlins' accessory.
Kevin: B4 considering a domicile in CT, consider the excise tax structure. Even the wealthy garage cars, boats, airplanes, tractors, lathes & motorcycles 'elsewhere'. R3~
BTW: Wednesday was spectacular. Oh. You heard that? Next time plan ahead. There could have been Taylor Pork Roll. Just sayin'.
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Who knew? This is the first time I've heard an 850cc Guzzi engine called a small block. My LM's were small blocks? Last in again, I guess.
Uh, who called an LM 850 a smallblock? Did your 850s have a two piece smallblock crankcases with a horizontal split line to access the crank?!? (i.e. separate top and bottom crankcases)?
Smallblock vs. Bigblock is a nomenclature that denotes different design/architecture, it's only tangentially related to cubic capacity.
I'd like the added punch of the V85 engine, but the weight penalty makes it a no go, for me.
Weight penalty over what?
To what bike are you comparing the V85?
Kevin: B4 considering a domicile in CT, consider the excise tax structure. Even the wealthy garage cars, boats, airplanes, tractors, lathes & motorcycles 'elsewhere'. R3~
Oh crap CT is one of those personal property tax states isn't it.
Well, compared to NJ, maybe it would still work out.
What would you guess 5 modern (10 y/o or newer) motorcycles and 2 new cars would cost per year? If it's less than $14k, it's a net win.
BTW: Wednesday was spectacular. Oh. You heard that? Next time plan ahead. There could have been Taylor Pork Roll. Just sayin'.
Ha ha, yeah, next time I'll just tell my wife she can't work a 24 hour shift on Wed so she can be home to take care of the kids when they get back from school.
Hell, the rain wasn't so bad, it kept everyone else away and we didn't have to share! :angel:
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OMG and WT*!
"The V85 is everything I read about and more. I think it's a Guzzi, but that with it Guzzi may be taking a new direction. It's a smallblock, like my beloved V7s and as a motor it's almost not anything like my beloved V7s."
Dear Kevin: I really don't think your rant deserves a come back beyond the above. I had no idea my casual friendly (?) comments would incur such ire. Please observe the old bromide: Arguing a point will, most often, bring one down to the others level.
IN OTHER WORDS; I'm DONE HERE. R3~
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Who knew? This is the first time I've heard an 850cc Guzzi engine called a small block. My LM's were small blocks? Last in again, I guess.
Eldo/T/T3/T4/T5/850 Le Mans/850 Le Mans II/Le Mans III - "big blocks" with one piece crankcase.
V85 Roamer/Bobber/TT - "small blocks" with crankcase that is made in two pieces with horizontal split.
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I felt the same way when the 14 came out and so far I don't do them. I can but I already don't want the dealing w/issues.
I don't care how big they do the smallblock, it doesn't have the same feel from motor as a big block. I'll keep riding my older stuff, don't care.
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OMG and WT*!
"The V85 is everything I read about and more. I think it's a Guzzi, but that with it Guzzi may be taking a new direction. It's a smallblock, like my beloved V7s and as a motor it's almost not anything like my beloved V7s."
Dear Kevin: I really don't think your rant deserves a come back beyond the above. I had no idea my casual friendly (?) comments would incur such ire. Please observe the old bromide: Arguing a point will, most often, bring one down to the others level.
IN OTHER WORDS; I'm DONE HERE. R3~
Uh, Roeb?
I don't know what you're reading into my reply but there wasn't a lick of ire, or anger, hate, spite, annoyance, etc.
Sorry if we're mis-communicating here, but my comments were equally friendly (though some inquisitive as I felt I was missing your meaning).
It's all good on this end, please don't take any offense, or tell me what offended and I'll delete it, take it back, swallow my words whatever.
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I don't care how big they do the smallblock, it doesn't have the same feel from motor as a big block. I'll keep riding my older stuff, don't care.
Steve, this was a big part of the theme of my post.
I guess I'm saying the V9 felt MORE like a big block than any previous smallblock I've owned or ridden.
And ironically.
The new V85 feels less like any other Guzzi smallblock too - but in a completely different direction.
I'm actually more or less happy about this, but I'm an optimist.
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Nothing like a new model from Guzzi to stir up emotions :laugh:
Take it easy fellas , OK ?
Dusty
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Nothing like a new model from Guzzi to stir up emotions :laugh:
Take it easy fellas , OK ?
Dusty
Where are people getting emotional???
Did you get that from my post?!?
Who needs to take what easy?
I'm still puzzled at what Roeb is upset about, but I feel bad that he feels that way.
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My ride down and back is nice. With a great BBQ stop halfway. Life is good.
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Perhaps we can get Jim to host a Taylor Pork Roll Summit. We could air our differences and increase our cholesterol level at the same time.
I would like to see the Red and White model as well. Although the yellow and white is cool looking.
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Where are people getting emotional???
Did you get that from my post?!?
Who needs to take what easy?
I'm still puzzled at what Roeb is upset about, but I feel bad that he feels that way.
I didn't notice anything except the absence of malice. Puzzling.
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Interesting reports of two different reactions.
Kev's reaction to the V85 reminded me a little of my own reaction to the 8v Griso vs. the 2v, and even my feelings about my 2v Griso compared to my T3. They just don't make heavy-flywheel beasts like the Eldos and T3, etc., any more, and I still like them.
I guess Guzzi can't keep selling the same basic bike forever, though Lord knows they tried! Fortunately, there are still plenty of old bikes around.
Moto
P.S. I don't see any hostility in Kev's reply to Roebling3, but then I have long experience with his sincere, probing approach. I expect that Roebling3 may reconsider in time, if he gives Kev the benefit of the doubt in a re-reading.
M.
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You know... how much the gray one looked amazing in pic's... In person I really liked Ronald better. It just fit the bike better IMHO.. I was kinda shocked walking into Hamlins… Its like bike shops used to be.. Now dealers are all ATV, watercraft etc... and maybe two or three bikes in a corner. I walked in there, and bikes were filling all nooks and crannies… It was great. Its just short of 2 hours for me, but a pretty easy trip. At least till I hit I84...
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I don't know how he can afford to floor all those new Guzzis (did you see the other dozen in the loft?).
That said I think I saw at least 5 lifts in the shop all with bikes actively being serviced, so I suspect that had something to do with it.
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I don't know how he can afford to floor all those new Guzzis (did you see the other dozen in the loft?).
That said I think I saw at least 5 lifts in the shop all with bikes actively being serviced, so I suspect that had something to do with it.
Yes I did get to see the loft. Really an amazing place for a old gearhead!! Ive not ever seen that many Guzzis in one place before!!
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Cadre in Cincy is very similar. You definitely get nostalgic walking in. But, unlike other brands that force dealers to have a Disneyland store, these guys can afford their rent and with careful management and a strong shop can actually make a little money. The BMW shop that folded in Cincy 15 years ago was in a huge space with a $6,000 a month rent and probably another $2,000 in utilities. How do you make money under those circumstances if things slow down even a little?
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I think most motorcycle shops make most of their profit on service not sales. Jim Hamlin and the guys know their stuff and provide customer service, a thing of the past in most places. Being about an hour and a half drive for me, I schedule for Saturday and Jim always gets it done for me on the same day.
By the way Kev did you see the pool table and hang out area on the second floor?
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I think most motorcycle shops make most of their profit on service not sales. Jim Hamlin and the guys know their stuff and provide customer service, a thing of the past in most places. Being about an hour and a half drive for me, I schedule for Saturday and Jim always gets it done for me on the same day.
By the way Kev did you see the pool table and hang out area on the second floor?
Yeah to both. But they have to be doing serious bank on service to floor plan $200k+ on new Guzzis and Aprilias.
Saw the pool room on the way to the loft. Nice touch, but I'm more impressed with the people and the shop.
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The BMW shop that folded in Cincy 15 years ago was in a huge space with a $6,000 a month rent and probably another $2,000 in utilities. How do you make money under those circumstances if things slow down even a little?
A BMW motorcycle dealer friend of mine spends more than three times that much on rent today, not sure about utilities. Things have slowed down in the last 1-2 years but it’s still a money making enterprise given the money per unit spent by BMW people. At a dealer that size, staff costs more than rent regardless.
GP Motorcycles (Ducati, Guzzi, Aprilia now KTM and etc) used to have a wonderful old brick building, gigantic and as I was told on a long term lease locked at only $4K per month rent (this was over 10 years ago). That allowed them a lot of freedom and space that seemed to disappear when the owner went in deep, bought a different building and started making money on RE appreciation as well as motorcycles. It’s the way of the world, eventually successful small businesses start to see that the way to wealth, retirement etc is rational property investment, supported by cash flow from the business. I’m not a huge fan of GP’s current digs, but I guess the location has more character than most dealerships now.
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We are in a small mid-west city compared to the large west coast towns. It is all relative. For our area, that level of overhead was impossible to sustain. He had started out in a much more modest and affordable space where they had been successful. Whether pushed by BMW Corporate or his own ideas, they moved into the huge space and did alright until the change-over in the 4th quarter of 2005 when the RT changed from the flowing lines of the 1150 series to the more controversial style and 20% price bump of the 1200 series. The entire region of 12 dealerships sold 11 bikes that quarter, thus the beginning of the end. Even with a good shop operation. No new bike sales= far diminished accessory sales.
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I think most motorcycle shops make most of their profit on service not sales. Jim Hamlin and the guys know their stuff and provide customer service, a thing of the past in most places. Being about an hour and a half drive for me, I schedule for Saturday and Jim always gets it done for me on the same day.
By the way Kev did you see the pool table and hang out area on the second floor?
Sloans in Murfreesboro carries like 13 different marques but they are a family owned and run business for 50 years. Not sure how knowledgeable they are to specific issues Moto Guzzis may have, but like most dealers rely on input from area reps for warranty related issues. One thing I can say is if you make an appointment they will service your bike the same day and you can spend the time test riding bikes.
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As promised:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNcZEv6B_2bVqWWtTfYqhGZo5TS3cUNlFZi5QcATteCZI6dxzyOvcUlOl0wHFEIvnwbx1STsfGWAp648fqMZTXucWIAlwY1t8j82QnGVPkU4bZUa91uiF00jdQjq_YwdaZUI4H8ukHDMPlvxM8SDv91KbzaMoMJzpVQ68kHzGZyJwSS99WhhpTuEYpvSoZ4qLpGspZRik61ow_ecLSmYQyJe1JMI1_tz6FYz3qe2_oJbx0Q3UzB480BanG0DbGAFfMhyGVUhwoq0TgrkvsTsxYSU0DvSwgVF1Nm_dTMIcl1r7V12776WUapLnJaT7yOhq4EN2JiIlCp1wlWIeCE_REUlvdhg9cOmYctGu6oyb-GfjCc-Mxs3k40dReqDhHdIUk2xqj71VvsAAYE-J2e38I6G8rbmT9LPa0wMdJaMwQOYcJl3OvcQLBDKdBvh4--rdQ_1Q1GtbpFg3TwdtVqvamB00XJacyaayg43AfVt8YFPs8GhcigWoT3ZyS8sp9DDXVK-357sM_PePzrHRE2xhjKRP7IAHbfDP80flxl6yTcMnqBlOF8XdmIZSJhP8JXKpl3IX97rcjcjRDz31YfUOL6hos4sM5zNVwlx3SL4BSNW1uiaJlNwl8wF8MXRgfyAtxS94NMIKg6PoDm19HHiBR1Fx2RON9UjN350AUzimkGWkjKtqszpAsjgoEaW5uzIhnZu_60kdAjjbCpjsHq4fCsXg=w1204-h903-no)
I have yet to see the V85TT in person, but I did have the opportunity to sit on the V9 Sport. IMO, the rider triangle felt more like a UJM than a cruiser. Sloans has had a '17 bobber for a while that they can't seem to sell. If this one gets discounted, Mmm.
The reality is that adventure/dual sport bikes are better suited for exploring all the little roads in my area. It is nice to be able to go down any road and not have to turn around. We have roads that start out with double yellow lines, then to no lines, then to chip n'seal, then dirt, and a natural water crossing before working their way back to double yellow line. I didn't realize how many roads I was missing out on until I got into dual sports.
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I totally get the functional appeal of adventure bikes (even when they don't leave the pavement) and I equally understand the appeal of dual-sports.
I'm ~5 miles from 100,000 acres of woods with tons of legal unpaved roads. The problem is much of it is deep sand and really more suited to small and fat tire bikes that probably aren't nearly as good on the street. I don't think the V85 would do well there, or the Stornello.
And everyone had to draw the line somewhere... For now that's my line.
That Bobber though. ...
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I totally get the functional appeal of adventure bikes (even when they don't leave the pavement) and I equally understand the appeal of dual-sports.
I'm ~5 miles from 100,000 acres of woods with tons of legal unpaved roads. The problem is much of it is deep sand and really more suited to small and fat tire bikes that probably aren't nearly as good on the street. I don't think the V85 would do well there, or the Stornello.
And everyone had to draw the line somewhere... For now that's my line.
That Bobber though. ...
DO IT! :evil:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNcZEv6B_2bVqWWtTfYqhGZo5TS3cUNlFZi5QcATteCZI6dxzyOvcUlOl0wHFEIvnwbx1STsfGWAp648fqMZTXucWIAlwY1t8j82QnGVPkU4bZUa91uiF00jdQjq_YwdaZUI4H8ukHDMPlvxM8SDv91KbzaMoMJzpVQ68kHzGZyJwSS99WhhpTuEYpvSoZ4qLpGspZRik61ow_ecLSmYQyJe1JMI1_tz6FYz3qe2_oJbx0Q3UzB480BanG0DbGAFfMhyGVUhwoq0TgrkvsTsxYSU0DvSwgVF1Nm_dTMIcl1r7V12776WUapLnJaT7yOhq4EN2JiIlCp1wlWIeCE_REUlvdhg9cOmYctGu6oyb-GfjCc-Mxs3k40dReqDhHdIUk2xqj71VvsAAYE-J2e38I6G8rbmT9LPa0wMdJaMwQOYcJl3OvcQLBDKdBvh4--rdQ_1Q1GtbpFg3TwdtVqvamB00XJacyaayg43AfVt8YFPs8GhcigWoT3ZyS8sp9DDXVK-357sM_PePzrHRE2xhjKRP7IAHbfDP80flxl6yTcMnqBlOF8XdmIZSJhP8JXKpl3IX97rcjcjRDz31YfUOL6hos4sM5zNVwlx3SL4BSNW1uiaJlNwl8wF8MXRgfyAtxS94NMIKg6PoDm19HHiBR1Fx2RON9UjN350AUzimkGWkjKtqszpAsjgoEaW5uzIhnZu_60kdAjjbCpjsHq4fCsXg=w1204-h903-no)
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I totally get the functional appeal of adventure bikes (even when they don't leave the pavement) and I equally understand the appeal of dual-sports.
I'm ~5 miles from 100,000 acres of woods with tons of legal unpaved roads. The problem is much of it is deep sand and really more suited to small and fat tire bikes that probably aren't nearly as good on the street. I don't think the V85 would do well there, or the Stornello.
And everyone had to draw the line somewhere... For now that's my line.
That Bobber though. ...
If I lived there I would have a TW200 or the Van Van 200. Oh wait, I already have the Van Van 200! BTW, it is fine on the street up to 55 mph.
(https://i.ibb.co/D43QTRb/20190531-144432.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D43QTRb)
(https://i.ibb.co/g3FhXHz/20190602-090523.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g3FhXHz)
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Tires on that Bobber are pretty fat. Would probably be good in sand. :evil:
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If I lived there I would have a TW200 or the Van Van 200. Oh wait, I already have the Van Van 200! BTW, it is fine on the street up to 55 mph.
(https://i.ibb.co/D43QTRb/20190531-144432.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D43QTRb)
(https://i.ibb.co/g3FhXHz/20190602-090523.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g3FhXHz)
Yeah, the TW is the poster child for that forest.
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The Bobber was certainly getting a lot of attention at COTA this year for Moto GP. They were of course "modelling it" nicely, as in "If you buy this Bobber, you might qualify for .... :)
(https://i.ibb.co/qW0XSCk/IMG-4544.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qW0XSCk)
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Kev M, been riding for 50 years. Have owned everything from 90cc to 1500cc. I am absolutely in love with the way my bobber rides and handles and you hit it on the nose when you said it has noticeably more power than the V7. There are "professional" reviews that state the same. There are also on line reviews that say the same thing you and I do about how well the bike handles with the fat tires even going so far as to say that the bike turns and handles better than the "gulp" thinner tired Roamer.
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Kev M, been riding for 50 years. Have owned everything from 90cc to 1500cc. I am absolutely in love with the way my bobber rides and handles and you hit it on the nose when you said it has noticeably more power than the V7. There are "professional" reviews that state the same. There are also on line reviews that say the same thing you and I do about how well the bike handles with the fat tires even going so far as to say that the bike turns and handles better than the "gulp" thinner tired Roamer.
That likely has more to do with the Roamer front being a 19" than the width. An 18" front wheel would make it turn better.
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I gotta say it looked nicer in person. I never cared for the V9 in pic... but Looks nice in person. I didn't get to ride one, because I didn't have time, but it looks like a nice ride.
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I gotta say it looked nicer in person. I never cared for the V9 in pic... but Looks nice in person. I didn't get to ride one, because I didn't have time, but it looks like a nice ride.
Paul, which day were you there?
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Paul, which day were you there?
I saw it up in Americade when I was there.
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I saw it up in Americade when I was there.
Ahhh, duh, I remember you saying that now.
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The V85 TT is likely not the bike for me either but a more street/classic design could be the one.
After serious consider of the V( and V7 I chose the V7. The thin seat, smaller tank, taller gearing, and ergonomics of the V9 pushed me to the V9. I will admit the V9 Sport is one hell of a good looking bike but not for me for the above reasons..
Paul
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So Kev, how would you compare the ergos of the Bobber to the V7? I have heard they are a bit "feet forward", but the peg placement doesn't seem that way.
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So Kev, how would you compare the ergos of the Bobber to the V7? I have heard they are a bit "feet forward", but the peg placement doesn't seem that way.
Good question.
Not sure.
If I had to guess from memory I'd say they were slightly more forward. But they're in a position I like.
I suspect they must be a little more forward or something else in the triangle was different because it felt slightly less compact than the V7.
I might go check out the demo fleet again on Friday. I'll pay more attention.
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So Kev, how would you compare the ergos of the Bobber to the V7? I have heard they are a bit "feet forward", but the peg placement doesn't seem that way.
The first year V9's had the pegs a few inches further forward. Guzzi moved 'em back a bit for the 2nd and subsequent years.
The V9 Bobber Sport looks like the pegs are in the same position as the other 2017+ V9's with more rearward pegs.
Look at pics of the Bobber Sport and V7III, I'd say the ergos are likely very similar.
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The first year V9's had the pegs a few inches further forward. Guzzi moved 'em back a bit for the 2nd and subsequent years.
The V9 Bobber Sport looks like the pegs are in the same position as the other 2017+ V9's with more rearward pegs.
Look at pics of the Bobber Sport and V7III, I'd say the ergos are likely very similar.
That's what I was thinking looking at the pics. I sat on a 2017 Roamer and thought the pegs were too far forward. But that Bobber pic Kev posted looks pretty good. Peg is right under the tank/seat "seam", which is roughly the same as a V7. I like the look of the new Bobber Sport.
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With regards to the V9 vs V7 ergos, the V9 seat is different, tank length might be too, so the rider triangle feels a little different.
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Guzzi provides a kit with the bike to locate the pegs up or back. This is not new news.
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Kev, I seriously doubt the tank would be any different other than a paint job. That just seems illogical.
As for the V9 series, I had mentioned some time ago how impressed I was with the engine when I had one for a day. It is a pretty decent package with more power than I was expecting. It felt good on smaller roads, merged onto the freeway with ease and had something left to accelerate if needed.
John Henry
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Kev, I seriously doubt the tank would be any different other than a paint job. That just seems illogical.
As for the V9 series, I had mentioned some time ago how i
I was responding to the immediately preceding posts and talking about the V9 tank and ergos compared to the V7. I'll edit the middle of the night post to clarify.
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Ah, yes. That makes sense. Thanks for clearing that up.
John Henry
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I did not ride the V9 but from riding the V7... and sitting on the V9.. Its pretty close to the same... just felt a little bigger all around. a touch here, and touch there... Maybe the pegs were a tiny more forward... but not a ton..
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The first year V9's had the pegs a few inches further forward. Guzzi moved 'em back a bit for the 2nd and subsequent years.
The V9 Bobber Sport looks like the pegs are in the same position as the other 2017+ V9's with more rearward pegs.
Look at pics of the Bobber Sport and V7III, I'd say the ergos are likely very similar.
They felt about the same to me when I sat on the Bobber sport. For me the V7III pegs feel a little too forward. I mostly ride with my toes on the pegs once I am out on the country roads.
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I totally get the functional appeal of adventure bikes (even when they don't leave the pavement) and I equally understand the appeal of dual-sports.
I'm ~5 miles from 100,000 acres of woods with tons of legal unpaved roads. The problem is much of it is deep sand and really more suited to small and fat tire bikes that probably aren't nearly as good on the street. I don't think the V85 would do well there, or the Stornello.
And everyone had to draw the line somewhere... For now that's my line.
That Bobber though. ...
Stiff steering damper for the sand. Changes everything.
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Really liked my Norge and have been enjoying this forum close to daily since 2008ish. The thought of the V85 was dismissed early for me because of seat height, at 5’3” 126lbs the Norge was getting to be to much (flopped it several times). I finally got my Roadster set up with a trailer hitch and Monday got back from 17 days on the road to Casper Wyoming and back with the Bushtec I towed with the Norge. I felt the V7II/III would not quite cut it towing the trailer based on power and single disc front brakes. Sat on a Roamer a couple of years ago at the Montreal motorcycle show and liked it. Youse guys reviews of the Bobber Sport makes me want to look, but I kind of don’t want to build another hitch no one makes one for...
(https://i.ibb.co/J3zgrQQ/E1385141-D92-B-4-F41-B0-E4-E368-F235-F2-D8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/J3zgrQQ)
So Kev, have you given up on a Roadster?
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Seems to me if you want a thread stalled or stopped just have me post in it...
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Seems to me if you want a thread stalled or stopped just have me post in it...
To be fair the topic of this thread lists the V85 but most talk has shifted over to the V9 Bobber since that is what Kev likes more than the new Guzzi lump. So I don't post much here as I like the V85 and am awaiting one to arrive and did not ride the Bobber when I had the chance to do so (took another trip on the V85 instead). I'm sure Kev or the others who like that style of bike will be along shortly to opine on using a trailer with the Bobber.
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So Kev, have you given up on a Roadster?
In a word, NO.
But, for now, I still have a Sportster, and maybe more importantly I'm finding 5 bikes is a bridge too far.
So I not only don't know how/, when I'd get a CX Roadster, I'm not sure how/when I'd get a Bobber.
I honestly don't want to let any of the other bikes go (that it would be my choice to let go lol).
As impressed at I am with the Bobber, I can't see it being better for your usage.
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If you could buy a brand new Stelvio for the same price as a new V85TT...which do you buy. Leave the short inseam, no strength reasons out of the decision making process.
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If you could buy a brand new Stelvio for the same price as a new V85TT...which do you buy. Leave the short inseam, no strength reasons out of the decision making process.
I hope you're not asking me. I'm not the right audience for either. I'm not an ADV style bike guy. I was more interested in the motor of the V85 to see what it was like if it finds its way into something more road going.
If you're asking me whether I'd buy a smallblock V85 Roadster VS say a Griso I'm not sure.
* On the one hand as fantastic as is the big block motor the Griso isn't the right ergos for me.
* And as much as say the current smallblock looks and ergos fit me, I'm not sure the new engine does.
EDIT-AND THERE'S THE CRUX OF THIS THREAD. I think a lot of people are gonna love the new motor. But it's not my bag. It feels more like our Ducati than our V7. And I choose the V7 over the Duc at least 9 out of every 10 times.
Now if there was a big block V7 roadster that might win over both.
But absent that, the V7 and V9 are fine.... For me.
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If you could buy a brand new Stelvio for the same price as a new V85TT...which do you buy. Leave the short inseam, no strength reasons out of the decision making process.
My first reaction would be the Stelvio but it depends on so many factors. I have ridden my Stelvio for thousands of miles including some time in Baja Mexico and it is a very nice bike for long distance trips here out West. I can say that compared to my current V7 it is so much more comfortable that I have ridden it from San Felipe Baja to my home in one day and I'd never try that on the V7. Now that is only about 550 miles but it includes a border crossing and some beat up Mx roads. I have only ridden the V85tt for two twenty minute sessions but it feels like it could be a great bike for the rough roads like the Stelvio but without the weight of the Stelvio. I bring up the weight not as a strength issue but it can be a handful after gassing up or moving around in tight spaces, I think the V85 would be better if that is the type of thing to concern you. There aren't many new features on the V85 that mark it out from the Stelvio with cruise control probably being the biggest one in my mind and I believe if you find a new Stelvio is would list for thousands less than a V85 Adventure making it a great deal in comparison. I plan on keeping my Stelvio alongside the V85 so maybe once I get miles on the new bike I can better respond to the question.
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The two bikes are SO different from one another, yet, intended for the same category. So, comparing the two only seems natural. Having never ridden either, it seems like the Stelvio is/would be the better bike. Just asking because I know some have ridden both, and it would make for good reading for those of us that haven’t had the valuable opportunity.
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They are, surprisingly different.
I say surprisingly because my smallblocks and my bigblocks have always felt more similar than not, the bigblocks just feeling "more" in general.
And that's where the V85 is an interesting development to me. It's more divergent, a bit of branching out.
But, as usual, I'm an optimist.
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The two bikes are SO different from one another, yet, intended for the same category. So, comparing the two only seems natural. Having never ridden either, it seems like the Stelvio is/would be the better bike. Just asking because I know some have ridden both, and it would make for good reading for those of us that haven’t had the valuable opportunity.
I'm not sure why the Stelvio would automatically be the better bike, many riders who have ridden the 1000cc and 650cc VStroms like the small bike more. If a rider only had a short test ride on both bikes I think the V85tt would probably win most times since I found it handles better than the Stelvio and you need to stretch the legs of the bigger bike to get a sense of it. I have read a few reports of riders who have done just that, take the Stelvio out for a normal short test ride and come away unimpressed but when given a chance to ride it more thoroughly rave about it.
Your initial post disqualifies two of the things that make the V85 an attractive proposition, lighter weight and lower seat height. I can see myself using the V85 for more short local rides than the Stelvio since it would be a better around town bike due to those two things. I'd say if your riding is more long trips with occasional short rides the Stelvio would make good sense but if you have a few long trips and more local riding (assuming only one bike here) than the V85 is the one. All this of course is my thinking and I'm sure others have a completely different take.
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Zin,
You raise an interesting question in my mind.
What makes an around town vs distance bike?
Is it engine, chassis, both?
If a lighter and more nimble bike has the longer legs of a distance motor is it both?
I kinda feel like the V85 could be both.
It might come down to comfort and stability of the chassis. But if it can be both light and nimble around town while comfortable and stable in the highway, then why not and it would seem advantage V85.
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One reason I feel the V85 might put up a good contest vs the Stelvio in long distance riding would be that neither provide much in the way of wind protection versus say a Norge sport tourer so if both can haul your stuff and the V85 has cruise control to rest the right wrist at times the choice is close. The V85 was fun to ride around town in L.A. whereas the Stelvio I rode down was more of a chore on the surface streets and when I got caught in traffic and was unable to split lanes it took more concentration to make sure I knew where my foot was going to set down.
Since I have a 2013 V7 I know that I prefer to take it out of the garage for a short trip instead of rolling the big girl around. It gets confusing when you are talking about having two bikes to ride vs just one but if I had to have just one.....I can't say, not enough time on the V85 but after a test ride it sure seems like a good candidate for the role of solo bike. I would take my Stelvio over my V7 though if I had to have just one.
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If you could buy a brand new Stelvio for the same price as a new V85TT...which do you buy. Leave the short inseam, no strength reasons out of the decision making process.
Well being totally shallow, and superficial, I would take the v85... and I make that choice only of looks. IMHO its just a better looking bike. Ive not ridden and Stelvio, and Im sure the motor would be awesome in that platform, but frankly Im pretty happy with the output of the V85, and not sure its leaving much on the table.
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In a word, NO.
As impressed at I am with the Bobber, I can't see it being better for your usage.
I’m happy to see it ( the Roadster) is still on your ‘list’. After an excessive number of changes I’m mostly happy. Over the winter I will send my windshield out for a mostly taller screen with a vent to be made. Over 19K miles so far...
On the Guzzi topic, I met Hamlin at a small Guzzi rally in (way) upstate NY 3 yrs ago, great guy, and told him he would meet any of my future Guzzi needs. I need to get down there to see the V85 and the Bobber Sport in the flesh. Ohlins already installed :drool:...,single disc front :huh:. So yeah, for now I think my needs are better met where I’m at.
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If you could buy a brand new Stelvio for the same price as a new V85TT...which do you buy. Leave the short inseam, no strength reasons out of the decision making process.
From a looks standpoint, the V85 hands down.
From a practicality standpoint it would be a hard decision with a lot of weighing the options. Tube tires/tubeless tires is a big one. I would have to ride both and see which one moves me the most.
When I bought the Himalayan I was actually going to the dealer to test ride the Versys 300X. After talking with the salesman he convinced me to also try the Himalayan. I just connected with the Himalayan so much more than with the Versys 300X.
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I got a Griso because of the way the motor feels, as there are plenty of choices out there that will handle better and have similar ergos. I rides very different from the other bikes in the garage. Kev's point of the new V85TT motor feeling more like a Ducati than a traditional Guzzi has me a) wanting to ride one to see for myself, and b) wondering why I would want one when the "Guzziness" is not there.
There's so many good bikes out there to choose from, isn't it grand!
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I got a Griso because of the way the motor feels, as there are plenty of choices out there that will handle better and have similar ergos. I rides very different from the other bikes in the garage. Kev's point of the new V85TT motor feeling more like a Ducati than a traditional Guzzi has me a) wanting to ride one to see for myself, and b) wondering why I would want one when the "Guzziness" is not there.
There's so many good bikes out there to choose from, isn't it grand!
I should clarify that there's still some Guzziness.
But if the smallblock doesn't have as much of the freight train feel of the heavy flywheel on the big blocks (and that is part of the Guzziness), then the V85 takes that lightness feel of the smallblock to another level.
It feels freer to rev and run at higher rpm more effortlessly. This, I suspect, will be a good thing to a lot of people, just not me, cause I'm an odd DUCk. :boozing:
But yes that makes this V85 much different from a Stelvio, never MIND a Griso.
Oh, I'm not sure I mentioned it, but I also thought the V85, though nimble still, was more uh, stable, than the other smallblocks. Which made it feel less nimble in some ways. Back-to-back with the Bobber (Cam and I literally pulled over and switched bikes on the first ride) I thought the Bobber actually felt MORE nimble. Go figure.
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I should clarify that there's still some Guzziness.
But if the smallblock doesn't have as much of the freight train feel of the heavy flywheel on the big blocks (and that is part of the Guzziness), then the V85 takes that lightness feel of the smallblock to another level.
It feels freer to rev and run at higher rpm more effortlessly. This, I suspect, will be a good thing to a lot of people, just not me, cause I'm an odd DUCk. :boozing:
But yes that makes this V85 much different from a Stelvio, never MIND a Griso.
Oh, I'm not sure I mentioned it, but I also thought the V85, though nimble still, was more uh, stable, than the other smallblocks. Which made it feel less nimble in some ways. Back-to-back with the Bobber (Cam and I literally pulled over and switched bikes on the first ride) I thought the Bobber actually felt MORE nimble. Go figure.
I ride Guzzi's since 20 years, mostly big blocks, but some small ones too. (see my profile).
I own a V85 since the end of april and now have 3000 km's (been in Africa for 2 bikeless weeks, so not much time to ride)
The V85, though not having the same low end grunt as the big blocks, is pulling quite hard and linear from 3000 rpm's on.
The biggest surprise though, is the combination of the V85 being extremely nimble in turns AND very stable in the straight.
I don't understand what Piaggio did to the chassis, but they did very well.
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I've learned not to make anything other than an "it's absolutely NOT for me" judgement on any motorcycle until I've spent 1000 miles ( or some serious amount of time) on the bike. We adapt to the machine. Our styles adapt. Exceptions change. Ergos can be modified, seats changed, screens changed.
Case in point. First time on a Can-Am Spyder most test ride reports (I did dozens of demo days as staff) the majority will report the bike "wanders" and they did not "like" it. Turns out we all make minute corrections on our two track vehicles all the time without being aware of it. 1000 miles on a Spyder and the owner "unlearns" this behavior, adapts, and reports back that "yes, you were right, it doesn't do that anymore".
Working Americade two years ago at the Guzzi demo tent I heard from PLENTY of (mostly) Harley riders that the 1400's were not to their liking. After a short conversation I learned they were riding them at 2K like their H-D motorcycles. The ones who would listen to my suggestion they spin them up a bit to change the experience were in agreement that a few more revs made the experience much more enjoyable.
I ride my V7 and Jackal back and forth to Hamlin's every year. 405 miles each way. Both those machines have a RPM range where they are 100% "happy." That's the "guzziness" IMO. I interact with the machine and together we find the sweet spot. Now, the same journey on the Norge is different. The Norge has a MUCH wider range where it's perfectly happy to operate. The others are not narrow but compared the Norge is greater in it's range of happy places.
One of the things I found out about my former Street Triple after owning it for the first year was that it's happy place didn't appear (to me) until 100mph. While the test ride was a total blast and I ripped it up, and HAD to have it, after 3 years the bike had 2700 miles and I sold it. Like kevm said, when I opened up the garage I almost never too the Triumph Street, but the Bonneville. Short tests can be deceiving. I hope not to make that particular mistake a second time.
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Well, I did say "probably".
But if we're being honest, I have owned a number of bikes that I spent years and thousands (or tens of thousands) of miles trying to bond with only to realize they weren't for me.
I didn't think going into this the V85 WOULD BE, but I thought perhaps the motor in another aesthetic and ergonomic bike that better fit my tastes could. And it's that which now comes into question.
Though who am I kidding, I never learn these things and if they come out with the right one I might throw caution to the wind yet again.
Meanwhile looks like I'm in for a damp ride today to take another look. Fingers crossed on the weather.
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I ride my V7 and Jackal back and forth to Hamlin's every year. 405 miles each way. Both those machines have a RPM range where they are 100% "happy." That's the "guzziness" IMO. I interact with the machine and together we find the sweet spot. Now, the same journey on the Norge is different. The Norge has a MUCH wider range where it's perfectly happy to operate. The others are not narrow but compared the Norge is greater in it's range of happy places.
One of the things I found out about my former Street Triple after owning it for the first year was that it's happy place didn't appear (to me) until 100mph. While the test ride was a total blast and I ripped it up, and HAD to have it, after 3 years the bike had 2700 miles and I sold it. Like kevm said, when I opened up the garage I almost never too the Triumph Street, but the Bonneville. Short tests can be deceiving. I hope not to make that particular mistake a second time.
Exactly how I feel about all the bikes I have ridden and owned. My riding wants have evolved over the years necessitating me to part with certain bikes and add others to the stable because the bikes just didn't fit in with what I was wanting to do at the time, because I was not riding within their sweet spot.
I am never one to replace an exhaust on a bike, but I have bought a few with aftermarket exhaust where the owner still had the OEM exhaust to provide as well. I definitely noticed that sound affected where I perceived the sweet spot on some bikes.
My '01 Voyager XII came with Cobra pipes and at 4000 RPMs to the 6500 RPM red line it was quite loud so I found myself shifting at 4000 most of the time. When I decided it was time to part with the bike I put the OEM pipes on and sold the coveted Cobra pipes separate. When I went for a ride with the OEM pipes it was an entirely different ride that I actually enjoyed more because I could get the bike up into the power band without feeling like I should be shifting. I almost regretted having it up for sale.
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great discussion. as to the feel of the motor, there was just no way that guzzi could make a bike with an engine the same size as the roamer/bobber and get 25 more h.p. without the lighter flywheel and higher rev. range. it just has to be. now what would be interesting would be a v100 engine with all of the tech of the v85, but a slightly heavier flywheel and a similar horsepower rating in a more street friendly/norge chassis. could be the best of both worlds. unfortunately, as happened with bmw when they changed to the hexhead motors, a pretty stiff price increase should be expected too.
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I've had that same experience of taking quite a while to understand and bond with several bikes. My first Guzzi was that way. Had the 1200 Sport shipped to me and the first time I rode it I literal thought to myself "what have you done!". I had been primarily on in-line fours and V4s at the time and the Guzzi big block CARC was a completely different animal. Looking back it is one of my favorite bikes of all time. I also felt the same about the R1200GS I now have. Took me a while to understand and appreciate the boxer motor and tele-lever front end, but after some time I have grown quite fond of that bike's feel and capabilities.
Fortunate enough to have several bikes in the garage, all are quite different from each other and none really are getting neglected. Of course I have had a few that every time I rode them I was wishing I was on a different bike after 15 minutes. I tried to like them but they got traded off pretty quick.
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Quality discussion here, gents. Wish it was at one of the nation's wonderful brew pubs with a nice pint!
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I've learned not to make anything other than an "it's absolutely NOT for me" judgement on any motorcycle until I've spent 1000 miles ( or some serious amount of time) on the bike. We adapt to the machine. Our styles adapt. Exceptions change. Ergos can be modified, seats changed, screens changed.
Working Americade two years ago at the Guzzi demo tent I heard from PLENTY of (mostly) Harley riders that the 1400's were not to their liking. After a short conversation I learned they were riding them at 2K like their H-D motorcycles. The ones who would listen to my suggestion they spin them up a bit to change the experience were in agreement that a few more revs made the experience much more enjoyable.
I
Some good points, and I agree. Man my first day on my stone Im saying to my self... "MAN this is a lot of work!" But you know... as miles rack up, its becoming a part of me.. Plus you know... all the bikes that feel great, and perfect when you first ride them... they tend to bore me. I like something that... you need to work a little for. Heck I daily rode a old RD 400 for years!! It was a blast..
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me again. my first airhead, an 84 R100RS bought in 1997 after a number of Japanese bikes and a Harley was a definite challenge. air head riders know this. jacking shaft drive, diving front end on braking, agrarian transmission, wooden brakes, the list goes on and on. it took about 10,000 miles to really become friends. eventually, i could really move the thing along on twisty roads so long as the turns weren't super tight. at 70 mph on the highway, it was smooth as glass and would devour the miles. i understood when i bought it that it would be different and was prepared, but a really did come to love it and if you can say only one thing- it was not boring. i traded it for the oilhead 1100rs and that was a totally different bike, better in all performance respects, but nowhere near the personality.
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I’ve never ridden a Guzzi...but I can see myself owning this...
(https://i.ibb.co/7Xsyd8x/4-B719900-23-BD-4-CA7-9-F32-910-A8317-E04-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7Xsyd8x)
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I’ve never ridden a Guzzi...but I can see myself owning this...
(https://i.ibb.co/7Xsyd8x/4-B719900-23-BD-4-CA7-9-F32-910-A8317-E04-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7Xsyd8x)
Buy one now. They aren't made anymore. Still some leftovers out there to be had.
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Ha ha, so I second the motion to continue this discussion ad nauseum at a brew pub!
That said, I'm sorta the opposite in some ways. I like something in every bike I ride and the complaints or niggles take time to come out. Sometimes I WANT to like a bike and I ignore the niggles for the first couple or 10 thousand miles. But eventually I have to admit defeat or disinterest.
Meanwhile, I took some time today to continue to stalk the Guzzi demo fleet.
I would have ridden the V85 again, if there weren't others who were more interested in it. So to be true to myself I rode the V9 and V7III back-to-back.
It both solidified how much I like the V9, but at the same time how unwilling I would be to get rid of one of our V7s to get one.
Then again it reminded me how the V85 feels like more a V7 motor than a V9, just a freer, higher, revving version with more hp.
Maybe the V85 is more a middle ground between a Duc and a Guzzi smallblock.
In contrast the V9 reminds me more of a Guzzi big block. I wonder if there's a flywheel difference?!?
Oh and the V7 is more nimble while the V9 more stable than each other. The V85 is both nimble and stable, but feels much different from both.
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Thank you, I'll have another!
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I met Kev M at Wide World West Chester yesterday for the V85TT demo event.
Guzzi have a winner on their hands with the V85TT.
The first thing you notice when you turn the key on is the TFT display, which has excellent contrast and very easy to see.
A tap of the starter button, and the engine comes to life. It is unmistakably a Guzzi :grin:
Changing ride modes is a little tricky at first. It is weird to press the starter button once the engine is running. You have to "double click" the button to get it to change modes, for the first change, then each subsequent push within a second of the first "double click" toggles through the modes. "Off Road" mode disables rear ABS, which, is excellent, as the rear brake is a valuable tool in getting around tight corners on loose surfaces.
Like the V7III it has a very light clutch feel, easily as light as many bikes with a hydraulic clutch. Power from the 850cc twin is smooth with a good linear pull from about 3000 RPM to 7500 RPM. Torque feels similar to that of the V7III, but, goes about 1,000 RPM higher than the V7III. That said, the V7 is a lighter bike, so, this motor definitely makes more torque. Please Guzzi, put this motor in the V7!
The chassis is quite good. Despite not being a simple swing arm, and not a CARC, or any other kind of parallel linkage or anything like that, I didn't notice any jackshafting under power or engine braking. The people running the demo said they had the preload on the lightest position. No mention was made of damping adjustment, if it even has it, or if it does, what it was set to. The rear felt firmer than my R1200RS (which has Ohlins, and is tuned to my liking), and also firmer than other ADV bikes I've ridden. I'd expect it to be a little more compliant than it is. It is fine for on-road, but, might be a little harsh on some hard-pack washboard off-road. An Ohlins or WP shock would likely be just the thing.
The front suspension, an inverted fork, is a good match for the rear. I didn't, or course get to really test its capabilities on the guided test loop, but, expect it is good.
Brakes are what you'd expect from dual Bremo four-piston calipers on what look like 300 or 320mm floating discs. They're a two finger affair with a light lever and good modulation.
As others have said, it has light, nimble handling, yet is quite stable at speed.
It has cruise control! I wish this could be added to the V7III! I have only one bike with cruise, my R1200RS, and it is a HUGE wrist saver.
Ergos are standard upright ADV. Bars are high enough for good control when standing on the pegs, as you'd do on true offroad riding, but still very comfortable when seated.
If I didn't already have my R1200RS, I'd likely be buying one of these for a touring mount. It is all-day comfortable, and has cruise control, and the Adventure model has good luggage capacity.
While I was riding it, I was pondering which bike I could sell to make room for it -- kind of like deciding which of your children to sell.
If I had the time to go do actual ADV riding, this would be my pick. It is much lighter than BMW's R1200GS, making it, IMHO a better off-road mount, and shaft driven, vs, the F850GS's chain drive, which is a clear win in my book. Chains and dirt are never a good combination.
It is competitively priced against the F850GS, and many thousands less than the R1200GS.
I would suspect that a road-going variant, think modern day Breva or 1200 Sport, would make me weak in the knees. And a V 7 IV with this motor, along with cruise control, "take my money!"
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Kev - it seems you've been focusing on the engine comparison and ergonomics but how about the suspension? The one thing on my V7 III I'm a little disappointed in is the suspension. My cranky back craves a plush ride (like I had on my GS) and the V7 is more on the harsh side when encountering the lousy, lumpy NJ pavement. How did the V85 feel on bad pavement?
Yes, I could sink a couple grand into improving the V7 suspension but I'm thinking it might be better spent as a down payment on a more compliant riding bike.
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Kev - it seems you've been focusing on the engine comparison and ergonomics but how about the suspension? The one thing on my V7 III I'm a little disappointed in is the suspension. My cranky back craves a plush ride (like I had on my GS) and the V7 is more on the harsh side when encountering the lousy, lumpy NJ pavement. How did the V85 feel on bad pavement?
Yes, I could sink a couple grand into improving the V7 suspension but I'm thinking it might be better spent as a down payment on a more compliant riding bike.
Of course JAS67 answers my suspension/ride quality question as I'm submitting it. Thanks for the great write up!
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I made this a separate post, because I didn't want to take away from my V85TT review. I expected to like the V85TT, and was not disappointed. I do like it a LOT.
The rear surprise for the day was the V9 Bobber Sport. As Kev M said in his initial review, the engine feels like it has more low-end grunt than either the V85TT or V7III. It is noticeably quicker than the V7III, and at least feels quicker off the line than the V85TT.
I expected that fat front tire to have a heavy feel in turning, but, it was actually quite light and nimble feeling. I guess that makes sense, as it is on a 16" wheel, making the overall diameter the same as the 18" wheel on the V7. I still think it is a bit goofy looking, but, it was quite enjoyable to ride.
The Bobber Sport has its wide flat handlebar mounted in clamps similar to those on the V7, where the regular bobber model has riders that raise it up about 2 to 2 1/2 inches and adds pullback as well. The regular Bobber that was on the floor inthe showroom must have been a left over 2017, as the foot peg position was several inches forward of those on the Sport. I would definitely NOT be happy with those ergos. The foot peg position of the Sport is maybe an inch forward of the V7 III. Overall ergos feel quite close to that of the V7 III. The angle of the sides of fuel tank is quite odd between the knees though, I don't feel that I can comfortably grip the tank between my knees in spirited riding.
The small, thin seat is quite gripping, and didn't feel overly hard as you might expect from such a thin (thickness, not width) seat. Under acceleration I felt myself slipping rear-word, not due to the seat being slipper, but, was moving inside my Aerostich overpants.
I can definitely understand why Kev M is smitten with this bike.
Guzzi needs to put this (or the V85) motor in the V7!
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Of course JAS67 answers my suspension/ride quality question as I'm submitting it. Thanks for the great write up!
The V85TT suspension is definitely more compliant than that of the V7 III, which, is much better than the earlier V7 models.
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You're right Eric. The truth is I'm not very needy when it comes to suspension so I didn't concentrate on it. Jay is in a better position to comment on it anyway.
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Kev - it seems you've been focusing on the engine comparison and ergonomics but how about the suspension? The one thing on my V7 III I'm a little disappointed in is the suspension. My cranky back craves a plush ride (like I had on my GS) and the V7 is more on the harsh side when encountering the lousy, lumpy NJ pavement. How did the V85 feel on bad pavement?
Yes, I could sink a couple grand into improving the V7 suspension but I'm thinking it might be better spent as a down payment on a more compliant riding bike.
If you like everything else about the bike, just upgrade the suspension.
I have yet to own a bike that didn't need some type of upgrade whether it was seat, brakes, suspension, windshield, pegs, or all of the above.
As I am aging and riding more for pleasure than obsession I am finding myself gravitating toward the adventure style bikes because they don't limit where I am willing to ride. Nice quiet farm roads and wildlife management areas with no traffic are a pleasure to ride and supple suspension is a necessity.
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You're right Eric. The truth is I'm not very needy when it comes to suspension so I didn't concentrate on it. Jay is in a better position to comment on it anyway.
I think that's the takeaway right there.. Its so good it just doesn't become a issue at all... I felt no want to change anything about it at all in the short ride I took.. It was just right. Granted bolth the V85, and V7 are better then my 02 stone.....
I think the real take away from this is that right now... I think Guzzi is making a amazing bike, and really the complete line of bikes are a winner... They might not have a bike for every market segment... but what ones they do... they fit it great.
Just as a aside..... When I was at Americade and doing demo rides.... there was NOTHING in the honda line that I had any interest in riding at all.. I know they are all number one and all... But really.. I cant help to think they are missing the mark on a lot of things.
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I think that's the takeaway right there.. Its so good it just doesn't become a issue at all... I felt no want to change anything about it at all in the short ride I took.. It was just right. Granted bolth the V85, and V7 are better then my 02 stone.....
I think the real take away from this is that right now... I think Guzzi is making a amazing bike, and really the complete line of bikes are a winner... They might not have a bike for every market segment... but what ones they do... they fit it great.
Just as a aside..... When I was at Americade and doing demo rides.... there was NOTHING in the honda line that I had any interest in riding at all.. I know they are all number one and all... But really.. I cant help to think they are missing the mark on a lot of things.
Maybe, maybe not. It depends how important a good suspension, ride quality, handling, etc. is to the owner. For me the V7 III Special required fork emulators and an upgrade to top notch Wilberss shocks. NO suspension fits all riding styles, rider weight/load, road conditions, etc... As always,YMMV.
Paul
Paul
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Maybe, maybe not. It depends how important a good suspension, ride quality, handling, etc. is to the owner. For me the V7 III Special required fork emulators and an upgrade to top notch Wilberss shocks. NO suspension fits all riding styles, rider weight/load, road conditions, etc... As always,YMMV.
Paul
Meh, with that level of pickiness with regards to suspension I don't believe you would have been satisfied with any "off the shelf" bike.
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Meh, with that level of pickiness with regards to suspension I don't believe you would have been satisfied with any "off the shelf" bike.
The Triumph Trophy SE with its electronically adjustable suspension was the best I ever owned. The sport mode was spot on, and the comfort mode soaked up the concrete roads with aplomb.
Sure wish they made a version of that bike with less weather protection. I couldn't stand it if the temps hit 80 which around here is 6 months of the year.
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I’ve never ridden a Guzzi...but I can see myself owning this...
(https://i.ibb.co/7Xsyd8x/4-B719900-23-BD-4-CA7-9-F32-910-A8317-E04-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7Xsyd8x)
There are a lot of Grisos out there at stupid small money at the moment. What are you waiting for?
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There are a lot of Grisos out there at stupid small money at the moment. What are you waiting for?
I’ve been buying & riding Victory motorcycles since 2003. So I’ve become “conditioned” to a test ride before I buy. That’s not the case with Guzzi. Here in N. IL, you don’t get to test ride a Guzzi. If you buy it and end up not liking it, you’re gonna be stuck with it for a long time due to the brand not being very popular here. So if I’m buying on looks alone, I’d really rather have a red 97 1100 Sport. At least if I don’t like riding it, I can just sit back in a chair, sip on a beer, and enjoy its beauty! I know, I know...the Griso will outperform the Sport every way imaginable. Or so I’ve read.....
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I went to West Chester PA this past Saturday to try out the V85. I have been looking for something to replace my Norge. It seems to be gaining weight as I am getting older and getting harder to move around the garage and parking lots. For me unfortunately my initial impression is that I may have to take the V85 off the list. The test ride ride loop was about 20-25 minutes long with a good mixture of paved road types. We had freeway, in town, rural back roads, roads with some great curves so you did have a chance to sample many of the bikes handling and power characteristics. I really loved the bike, it felt light, nimble easy to move around the parking lot, with my 30 inch inseam I could reach the ground with the balls of my feet not the tiptoes which was good. There was some confusion if the bike I used a had the low seat or the normal one so I can't say with certinty which one I was on. The problem I had with it is that I found it to be somewhat buzzy in the handlebars, with the result being my hands were numb after about 10 minutes into the ride. The mirrors also were somewhat buzzy also I could make out things but as you would expect the higher the rpms the less I could see clearly. For those of you that have ridden these bikes I was on the gray colored one. I would be curious if anybody else noticed this. This is a deal breaker for me as I don't want to spend that kind of money and try to sort out that kind of problem. My plan is to wait until next spring when I retire and try one again after the excitement dies down and dealers have had them on the floor for a bit. I am hoping that what I experienced might have been due to riding a bike that has been ridden rather harshly due to it being part of the demo fleet put into a trailer at the end until the next event and then repeat with little or no maintenance in between. I am hoping that the production bikes might not be as buzzy for me. I am hoping as I really liked the bike and it would suit me if only....... Like I said I am hoping. :grin:
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I went to West Chester PA this past Saturday to try out the V85. I have been looking for something to replace my Norge. It seems to be gaining weight as I am getting older and getting harder to move around the garage and parking lots. For me unfortunately my initial impression is that I may have to take the V85 off the list.
<snip>
There was some confusion if the bike I used a had the low seat or the normal one so I can't say with certinty which one I was on. The problem I had with it is that I found it to be somewhat buzzy in the handlebars, with the result being my hands were numb after about 10 minutes into the ride. The mirrors also were somewhat buzzy also I could make out things but as you would expect the higher the rpms the less I could see clearly. For those of you that have ridden these bikes I was on the gray colored one. I would be curious if anybody else noticed this.
So AFAIK there was NO lower seat available on any of the demo bikes. Though the rep did say that they have the preload set low for extra sag on them. I also thought, and I think Cam can confirm or deny this, that when at Hamlins he pulled two of the rubber bumpers off one of the seats temporarily to simulate a lower seat. But he definitely said on Friday in West Chester that they were the standard seats.
I'm a little surprised about the buzziness. I don't recall that, nor did I recall either Cam or Jay remarking, but all three of us rode the two McDonald's editions and none of us rode the gray one so something could be wrong or different on the gray one. Or it's just a difference in perception I really can't say. But mirrors, yeah, I don't recall them being blurred at all.
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So AFAIK there was NO lower seat available on any of the demo bikes. Though the rep did say that they have the preload set low for extra sag on them. I also thought, and I think Cam can confirm or deny this, that when at Hamlins he pulled two of the rubber bumpers off one of the seats temporarily to simulate a lower seat. But he definitely said on Friday in West Chester that they were the standard seats.
I'm a little surprised about the buzziness. I don't recall that, nor did I recall either Cam or Jay remarking, but all three of us rode the two McDonald's editions and none of us rode the gray one so something could be wrong or different on the gray one. Or it's just a difference in perception I really can't say. But mirrors, yeah, I don't recall them being blurred at all.
I rode both the gray and yellow one back to back. I did not notice any handlebar buzz on either bike and I was looking at the mirrors on the gray bike during my ride and thought they were very clear compared to my Stelvio's mirrors. I've never ridden a Norge so can't compare that to what I saw. I will report back once my bike is in my hands and have had a chance to ride it more than 20 minutes on surface streets of L.A.
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I rode the yellow with bags and the grey V85 on Friday.Two up on the yellow one the front end had a slow speed wallow.Probably due to the preload set soft and a passenger on the back.I thought the grey one was a bit of a freak.It ran great.I never felt any buzz in the bars.I wasn't over wellemed with the mirrors,the view was kind of chopped off. If my current life situation was different(trying to sell a house and move) I would of put a deposit down that day.
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That's what mirror spacers are for. And aftermarket seats. And suspension if you'd prefer. Some tweaking is to be expected for any machine that does not come with adjustability from the factory.
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I rode the Ronald McDonald with bags. The stock seat had the rubber bumpers removed to lower it some. NO buzz in the bars. Sat on the grey one that the rep said had a higher seat. Definitely felt the height difference. I ordered the factory lower seat for mine. The more flat foot, the more better. For me. We have about the same inseam.
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It was good to see the feedback from others that rode the bikes. It has always been interesting to me how different people get different responces from riding the same machine. I have no doubt that I am someone who for some reason is just more sensitive to vibrations when it comes to my hands. After I rode the V85 I took out the V7. Hands were fine for that test ride. Who knows?
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I went to West Chester PA this past Saturday to try out the V85. I have been looking for something to replace my Norge. It seems to be gaining weight as I am getting older and getting harder to move around the garage and parking lots. For me unfortunately my initial impression is that I may have to take the V85 off the list. The test ride ride loop was about 20-25 minutes long with a good mixture of paved road types. We had freeway, in town, rural back roads, roads with some great curves so you did have a chance to sample many of the bikes handling and power characteristics. I really loved the bike, it felt light, nimble easy to move around the parking lot, with my 30 inch inseam I could reach the ground with the balls of my feet not the tiptoes which was good. There was some confusion if the bike I used a had the low seat or the normal one so I can't say with certinty which one I was on. The problem I had with it is that I found it to be somewhat buzzy in the handlebars, with the result being my hands were numb after about 10 minutes into the ride. The mirrors also were somewhat buzzy also I could make out things but as you would expect the higher the rpms the less I could see clearly. For those of you that have ridden these bikes I was on the gray colored one. I would be curious if anybody else noticed this. This is a deal breaker for me as I don't want to spend that kind of money and try to sort out that kind of problem. My plan is to wait until next spring when I retire and try one again after the excitement dies down and dealers have had them on the floor for a bit. I am hoping that what I experienced might have been due to riding a bike that has been ridden rather harshly due to it being part of the demo fleet put into a trailer at the end until the next event and then repeat with little or no maintenance in between. I am hoping that the production bikes might not be as buzzy for me. I am hoping as I really liked the bike and it would suit me if only....... Like I said I am hoping. :grin:
To my knowledge, there is only one seat available (lower seat was promised), so imho you had the 'normal' seat.
No buzzing on my bike, no numb hands. Of course it's a Guzzi, not a 6 cylinder Gold Wing, so you get a bit of blur in the mirrors at certain rpm's. And if you feel trouble in your hands coming up (autobahn after xxx km), there is the blessing of the cruise control.
I suppose your demo was not tuned correctly?
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I’ve been buying & riding Victory motorcycles since 2003. So I’ve become “conditioned” to a test ride before I buy. That’s not the case with Guzzi. Here in N. IL, you don’t get to test ride a Guzzi. If you buy it and end up not liking it, you’re gonna be stuck with it for a long time due to the brand not being very popular here. So if I’m buying on looks alone, I’d really rather have a red 97 1100 Sport. At least if I don’t like riding it, I can just sit back in a chair, sip on a beer, and enjoy its beauty! I know, I know...the Griso will outperform the Sport every way imaginable. Or so I’ve read.....
I have made purchase contingent on the test ride. They knew I was a serious buyer. Optionally, find a used one to test ride. I've told dealers that wouldnt let me test ride that I will look for a used one to ride, but if I like it and the price is right I will buy the used one. Sometimes that changes their mind.
I showed up at one dealer on a test ride of a competing bike and said I really like it but am still interested in the bike he has and was just doing sitting comparisons. When he saw that he might lose a sale he decided to let me ride it and i bought it.