Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: MrKiwi on December 06, 2020, 03:52:50 PM
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I made the switch to a goose early in 2020, just before --19 turned the riding season on its head. I've owned lots of brands of bikes before but never a Moto Guzzi.
I sold my DCT Africa Twin, one I had heavily modified to make it the perfect bike for touring and adventure riding. It was luring me into all sorts of fun places to ride but damn it was a heavy beast to lift up when either sand or mud threw me off.
With retirement age coming up and a body that has suffered more than it's fair share of trauma from an active sporting/recreational life time I considered it timely to to begin backing off from wild adventure into a more character filled past time.
Enter the 2020 V85TT.
The day I picked her up from the dealer
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-ccGb494/0/cc9659c4/XL/IMG20200123142219-XL.jpg)
Firstly time to run it in. What better than to ride 70kms over a twisty hill to my favourite cafe. Color coded of course, the bike and cafe are made for each other.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-p7969PZ/1/d846585d/L/IMG20200209095139-L.jpg)
What follows in this thread will be pics and discussion of my back yard.
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So 2020 has been a shit year. ten months on and I have only just ticked over 3600km on the bike, most of that from a ride in October and then a long day ride yesterday.
The bike has minimal farkles on it, just crash bars, a GPS and Oxford heated grips.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-CqrL249/0/581a393e/L/IMG20200703153618-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-2pfg8cv/0/79230e89/L/IMG20201206095135-L.jpg)
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In October I joined a group of fellow kiwi adventure rider forum inmates on a weekend ride. It was fun. It was the first time I took the goose on serious gravel and she surprised me.
A few pics for your enjoyment.
Loaded and ready to ride
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-9LFTRwc/0/c4428ece/XL/IMG20201016092359-XL.jpg)
We stayed at a campground about 100km up the road from where I live.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-scTF8jC/0/75e1b986/XL/IMG20201017073811-XL.jpg)
Saturday morning's meet up then some riding.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-PNTx6QF/0/346f4f41/XL/IMG20201017085537-XL.jpg)
Some interesting bikes. Sadly, the owner of this hack has a rather bad off on South Island gravel roads a few weeks after this pic was taken. He is recovering and the bike needs to be rebuilt.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-XGL9Brj/0/f341dd29/XL/IMG20201017080439-XL.jpg)
High up on an access road to a large telecommunications tower.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-HxkQJ5B/0/b719299f/X2/IMG20201017113757-X2.jpg)
Not a Japanese bike in sight :grin:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-26tX2vZ/0/5af2b40a/XL/IMG20201017174006-XL.jpg)
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Yesterday I needed to get out, it has been hectic at work and I needed some alone time. What better than to take the goose out and ride to no where in particular and back. About 270km up the road is a nice country pub that sells yummy burgers and chips.
First stop was coffee and toasted cheese scone
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-s9xLfd2/0/a7984e05/X2/IMG20201206090048-X2.jpg)
Then a meandering ride through country back roads.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-SdZS5xc/0/b23a6f02/XL/IMG20201206095120-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-2pfg8cv/0/79230e89/XL/IMG20201206095135-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-CQvzLFK/0/efc30f87/XL/IMG20201206100914-XL.jpg)
After a great blat through twisty roads I eventually made the pub I was heading for, way out in the boondocks
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-Sp9f9NV/0/fb69b86e/X2/IMG20201206120355-X2.jpg)
For the prized burger and chips as a side to the coffee
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-c4HsJ8c/0/85c7130f/X2/IMG20201206114915-X2.jpg)
Cheers all.
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Great report/pics! Thanks!
All that countryside and not a sheep in sight - can’t really be NZ! :wink:
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Very nice! I was supposed to be in New Zealand this month into January visiting my son and daughter-in-law. I was also planning on getting in some riding while there. Maybe someday.
They are up near Kaimai-Mamaku Forest.
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Great report/pics! Thanks!
All that countryside and not a sheep in sight - can’t really be NZ! :wink:
You just need to look harder :grin:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-2pfg8cv/0/79230e89/L/IMG20201206095135-L.jpg)
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You just need to look harder :grin:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-2pfg8cv/0/79230e89/L/IMG20201206095135-L.jpg)
Ah hah! Right.
My wife and I, about five years ago, toured and fished the South Island for a month on motorbikes (rented)....loved your country and your people. Every little town and crossroads seemed to have a pub/guesthouse; made touring a free and easy experience.
Glad Jacinda et al got and stayed ahead of --19 - a model the rest of the world should’ve emulated. :bow:
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The OP looks to be on the west coast of the South Island so far from there.
Oh, I thought he was on the southwest coast of the north island. About a 6 hour ride through the center of the north island
Far is a relative term though isn't it. I live where going 300 miles is a day ride. :wink:
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I live in Wellington, NZ's capitol and is at the bottom of the North Island.
The pics in this thread so far as all from the Wairarapa region which is south east cost of the North Island.
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Thanks mate :bow:
Dusty
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Beautiful, thanks Kiwi...
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Great looking bike. Even better looking next to that KTM.
Great looking sandwich too, what is it?
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Great pictures. What is your opinion of the V85 compared to the Africa Twin?
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Thanks, nice post.
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Great looking bike. Even better looking next to that KTM.
Great looking sandwich too, what is it?
Smiling at your mention of the KTM. I wasn't sure if it was just me, but man, that is one ugly bike.
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Nice bike... :thumb: :cool: great photos... :cool: :thumb: :smiley:
New Zealand and/or Australia is on my Bucket List someday...
Thanks for sharing! :smiley:
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Welcome to WG, and great post. I hope the V85 treats you well.
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Fun post and pictures! Thanks!
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Welcome to the forum.
I had to google Pongaroa Hotel to see where you were.
The time before last I was back my Cousin took us down to Castlepoint
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Thanks for sharing those pictures Mr.Kiwi.
New Zealand has been on my bucket list for far too long. With current events being what they are, I'm not sure it will ever happen but if things are better in 2021, I intend to make that trip.
This post on this wonderful forum has reinforced my resolve to take 3 weeks and visit your spectacular island.
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Great pictures. What is your opinion of the V85 compared to the Africa Twin?
Yeah, I get asked that a lot.
The V85 is no Africa Twin on gravel that's for sure. The Africa Twin is a very accomplished bike which also looks good. The motor on it is reliable, refined and a good balance of torque and power. But is lacks character. Once modified it was an extremely good touring bike, comfortable and easy to ride. MrsKiwi lied being pillion on it.
But as mentioned, it was a heavy beast to pick up and I was dropping it in sand and mud. Time to move on.
The V85TT is a very different bike to any I have owned. That single plate dry clutch and air cooled motor is distinctly old school. It makes strange noises compared to any other bikes I have owned.
But there is much to like about it.
It is stunning look at.
That motor is a talking point.
I wanted a more road oriented bike still capable of short gravel runs, light and shaft drive.
The V85 has no plastic clutter on it. The Africa Twin was a pain to work on, you had to spend 45 minutes removing all the plastic clutter and junk that adorns the bike before you can lift the fuel tank to get to the air filter. On the V85 you lift t5he seat, undo one bolt and you can lift the fuel tank. But it gets even better than that because you don't need to lift the fuel tank at all, Just the seat and then a plastic cover and there is the air filter. The batter is easy to get to. Not so on the Africa Twin.
The V85 is not a power house. It is all about the ride, not speed.
I like it very much.
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Nice report.
Did you get your bike from Mark at Scooterazzi?
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Thanks for sharing those pictures Mr.Kiwi.
New Zealand has been on my bucket list for far too long. With current events being what they are, I'm not sure it will ever happen but if things are better in 2021, I intend to make that trip.
This post on this wonderful forum has reinforced my resolve to take 3 weeks and visit your spectacular island.
I'm in... are we bringing the bikes, or just going to rent once we get there?
😁
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I'm in... are we bringing the bikes, or just going to rent once we get there?
😁
Over on the adventure rider forum there is a section all about visiting New Zealand by motorcycle. You might want to take a look.
When it comes to renting, buying, or shipping your own, there is a break even point determined by how long you plan to be riding in country.
Of course until things change you have to quarantine for two weeks testing negative every time before they will let you roam the country.
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I remember that bit about beets and Australia. Those Aussies put beets on everything! Our theory became, "If you're in Oz, and you ordered food, and you don't see any beets on it... it's because you haven't found them yet." :laugh:
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Nice pics and a nice read! It's winter here, so post as much as you like!
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Nice report.
Did you get your bike from Mark at Scooterazzi?
No I didn't. I work in the sector so I am able to do a deal directly with the importer. However, the bike was delivered to my local dealer, Motorad in Lower Hutt. They sold my Africa Twin on behalf of so got a slice of the transaction and they get to service the bike, I'm past doing the technical stuff on bikes these days.
Motorad is exceptionally good to deal with, can't speak highly enough about them.
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Nice write up!
After seeing the picture of the burger with visible egg and bacon, I’m dying to know if it had beetroot in it too.
I seem to recall beetroot being a big thing in Australia, wonder if it is also the case in NZ.
That shot, brought back memories of Aussies telling me that I had to try Hungry Jack’s (Burger King in Australia) ‘The Aussie’ that also beetroot amongst other things. It was good..
https://www.hungryjacks.com.au/menu/whopper/the-aussie
As it happened, no beetroot. I don't like it so I always ask for it to be left out of my burgers. I eat it roasted, but not pickled.
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Over on the adventure rider forum there is a section all about visiting New Zealand by motorcycle. You might want to take a look.
When it comes to renting, buying, or shipping your own, there is a break even point determined by how long you plan to be riding in country.
Of course until things change you have to quarantine for two weeks testing negative every time before they will let you roam the country.
I would say around three weeks is the break even point between renting and buying.
Kiwi Dave in Auckland if you have to rent a Guzzi
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Earlier in the year after I bought the V85 and before --19 shut us down completely I managed to get a few runs in on the Guzzi. There are two local hills I like to ride.
This one is known as Paekakariki Hill. A lovely route until they dropped the speed to 60km/hr :undecided:
Mostly I forget that as the ride takes on its own pace :evil:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-HR54sZB/0/dd321877/XL/IMG20200129150956-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-6cBvxHs/0/6cba3d49/XL/IMG20200517145856-XL.jpg)
Once at the top of the hill, on good days the views are fantastic.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-5rBxkZm/0/3f199776/XL/IMG20200517145909-XL.jpg)
I have played a little bit on gravel, the bike is more than capable of handling itself on well formed gravel routes.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-2GKFRSn/0/d70561fd/XL/IMG20200517124414-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-V32R8dc/0/59fc89fc/XL/IMG20200209121300-XL.jpg)
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Sometimes I dream about this farkle
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-cN8QhMN/0/d8c43226/XL/sidecar-XL.jpg)
But MrsKiwi doesn't like that idea :sad:
Soon after I bought the V85 I got my first puncture on a motorbike ever, and I have been riding since 1979.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-WqKKnDL/0/c5abed24/XL/IMG20200410142055-XL.jpg)
So I download the manual and read up on how to take the rear wheel off.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-3wQGRg6/0/d62a660b/XL/IMG20200414140521-XL.jpg)
When I put it back on I left the side pannier racks off and and pillion brackets. Kind of looked cool. MrsKiwi stomped her foot, she wasn't having any of that.
(sorry about the pole in the way)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-rtzDLD3/0/64608a75/XL/IMG20200508083914-XL.jpg)
One of my favorite pics
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-SMmHLHb/0/0c00ab83/XL/IMG_20200124_140103_865-XL.jpg)
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You do live in an exctremely beautiful country, Mr Kiwi.
And your eateries seem to be a nice bonus.
Please keep the photos coming!
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Welcome. My gosh, that was a fun read! :thumb:
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Once at the top of the hill, on good days the views are fantastic.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-5rBxkZm/0/3f199776/XL/IMG20200517145909-XL.jpg)
[
Land of the long white clouds. Gorgeous!
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Great report/pics! Thanks!
All that countryside and not a sheep in sight - can’t really be NZ! :wink:
They’re like husbands..
All the good looking ones are taken... :drool:
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Sometimes I dream about this farkle
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-cN8QhMN/0/d8c43226/XL/sidecar-XL.jpg)
There seems to be bugger all triangulation in the mounting of that chair..
Do they stand up to the rigours of the forces involved ?
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Mr Kiwi,
Thanks for the thread, seriously good countryside, and great burgers. I have been toying with the idea of trading my Stelvio for the V85 as old age makes the heavier bike increasingly like hard work. Perhaps I could buy a V85 in NZ and ship it home to AUS after touring north and south islands. Need to do more research on that to see how the numbers stack up. What does a V85 retail for in Wellington?
Cheers
Bottler
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Mr Kiwi,
Thanks for the thread, seriously good countryside, and great burgers. I have been toying with the idea of trading my Stelvio for the V85 as old age makes the heavier bike increasingly like hard work. Perhaps I could buy a V85 in NZ and ship it home to AUS after touring north and south islands. Need to do more research on that to see how the numbers stack up. What does a V85 retail for in Wellington?
Cheers
Bottler
Now what would anyone in Bungendore do when their Guzzi needs work.
You’d have to travel at least 500 metres to find a good mechanic..
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Mr Kiwi,
Thanks for the thread, seriously good countryside, and great burgers. I have been toying with the idea of trading my Stelvio for the V85 as old age makes the heavier bike increasingly like hard work. Perhaps I could buy a V85 in NZ and ship it home to AUS after touring north and south islands. Need to do more research on that to see how the numbers stack up. What does a V85 retail for in Wellington?
Cheers
Bottler
Around the low $20k. You might get it cheaper in Australia, although not sure how the exchange rate works out for you at the moment.
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There seems to be bugger all triangulation in the mounting of that chair..
Do they stand up to the rigours of the forces involved ?
To be honest, I don't know, have not seriously looked at it.
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Looks like that chair allows the motorbike to lean , the chair stays flat .
Dusty
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Looks like that chair allows the motorbike to lean , the chair stays flat .
Dusty
Refer to new post..”My chair has a tilt”
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Refer to new post..”My chair has a tilt”
We already knew that Peter .
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They do look “cleaner” with the brackets and mounting hardware gone..
(https://i.ibb.co/Z6CTZk6/0-BAAE1-A7-6-A9-B-4569-8-E35-0752464-D6-F89.png) (https://ibb.co/Z6CTZk6)
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Now what would anyone in Bungendore do when their Guzzi needs work.
You’d have to travel at least 500 metres to find a good mechanic..
Huzo,
Almost exactly 500 metres as it happens!! Well spotted mate.
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Installed a Christmas present (one to myself). Have not tested it yet.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/V85TT/i-TfZRnDf/0/e73295da/X2/IMG20201226122946-X2.jpg)
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I remember that bit about beets and Australia. Those Aussies put beets on everything! Our theory became, "If you're in Oz, and you ordered food, and you don't see any beets on it... it's because you haven't found them yet." :laugh:
Pardon..?
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Huzo,
Almost exactly 500 metres as it happens!! Well spotted mate.
I was up there recently and a bloke rode in on a Ronald McDonald V85.
Is he local to Pete’s ?
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Yeah, I get asked that a lot.
The V85 is no Africa Twin on gravel that's for sure. The Africa Twin is a very accomplished bike which also looks good. The motor on it is reliable, refined and a good balance of torque and power. But is lacks character. Once modified it was an extremely good touring bike, comfortable and easy to ride. MrsKiwi lied being pillion on it.
But as mentioned, it was a heavy beast to pick up and I was dropping it in sand and mud. Time to move on.
The V85TT is a very different bike to any I have owned. That single plate dry clutch and air cooled motor is distinctly old school. It makes strange noises compared to any other bikes I have owned.
But there is much to like about it.
It is stunning look at.
That motor is a talking point.
I wanted a more road oriented bike still capable of short gravel runs, light and shaft drive.
The V85 has no plastic clutter on it. The Africa Twin was a pain to work on, you had to spend 45 minutes removing all the plastic clutter and junk that adorns the bike before you can lift the fuel tank to get to the air filter. On the V85 you lift t5he seat, undo one bolt and you can lift the fuel tank. But it gets even better than that because you don't need to lift the fuel tank at all, Just the seat and then a plastic cover and there is the air filter. The batter is easy to get to. Not so on the Africa Twin.
The V85 is not a power house. It is all about the ride, not speed.
I like it very much.
Thanks so much for the write ups and beautiful pictures MrKiwi!
I passed on a V85 for an Africa Twin DCT. I didn’t figure the weight to be very different, at least riding them. Have you dropped, gasp I know, the V85 and picked it up? If so is it that much lighter feeling or easier to pick up? Just curious.
And oh, I agree with the plastic bits, always a pain
RideOn!
inditx
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I was up there recently and a bloke rode in on a Ronald McDonald V85.
Is he local to Pete’s ?
No V85s live locally that I am aware of, perhaps from Canberra?
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Thanks so much for the write ups and beautiful pictures MrKiwi!
I passed on a V85 for an Africa Twin DCT. I didn’t figure the weight to be very different, at least riding them. Have you dropped, gasp I know, the V85 and picked it up? If so is it that much lighter feeling or easier to pick up? Just curious.
And oh, I agree with the plastic bits, always a pain
RideOn!
inditx
I have not yet dropped the V85, but the day will come!
What I can say is I noticed straight away when I first picked up the V85 how much easier it was to push around, put up on the stand etc. The difference in weight feels more than what it is I suspect.
The V85 is smaller than the AT all round and with the set up I had with my DCT Africa Twin it was about 45kgs heavier than how I have the V85 set up.
The AT is more accomplished on gravel, has more power and is a good all round bike. But it became a little too heavy for me.
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Thanks sir,
I know 100#’s makes a difference for sure.
Best riding to ya!
inditx
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Thanks for posting the photos. I enjoy seeing parts of the world I have not seen. :thumb:
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No V85s live locally that I am aware of, perhaps from Canberra?
Ok.
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Ummm, I sold the V85TT.
Well actually I traded it for another Guzzi, did a straight swap.
A 2014 California, first registered in 2016, with just less than 4,000km on it (much more now!).
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-gQrH3ms/0/c8031f7c/L/IMG20210116101921-L.jpg)
Some nice farkles on it, love the red cylinder head covers.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-KWQfT5r/0/93b863eb/XL/IMG20210118104632-XL.jpg)
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Now, tell me what I don't know about the 2014 model year Guzzi California 1400's? What should I look out for maintenance wise?
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Now, tell me what I don't know about the 2014 model year Guzzi California 1400's? What should I look out for maintenance wise?
Luap might have something interesting... :popcorn:
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Great posts , really enjoyed seeing your beautiful landscapes and bike photos' . I have a 2014 1400 custom model with 30,000 miles on it so far. Things to watch include;
- exhaust crossover prone to cracking at the welds to the header pipes. Got 15,000 miles out of mine and then had it welded and reinforced.
- lack of spline grease on rear bevel drive, prone to corrosion which can make a rear tire change frustrating. Clean up and grease whenever you change the rear tire and also change the rear drive gear lube at every rear tire change as it is the only time you can access the fill and drain plugs.
- swing arm bearings come lightly greased and should be inspected and greased right at some point
- Keep your eye on the rear brake pads. they will wear much faster than the fronts depending on how you use them and if they get too thin the pistons can cock in the caliper bores and leave you with the rear locked up, learned this one the hard way
- A lucky few have had throttle demand sensors go bad , i haven't had any problems with mine but, should you get the urgent service icon and red triangle on the dash it could be the culprit
Really very few issues with the 14's to date and make a great road bike, not so great in the gravel .
Looking forward to more of your adventures,
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Enjoyed your post and pics.. Thanks for sharing. :thumb: :thumb:
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Great posts , really enjoyed seeing your beautiful landscapes and bike photos' . I have a 2014 1400 custom model with 30,000 miles on it so far. Things to watch include;
- exhaust crossover prone to cracking at the welds to the header pipes. Got 15,000 miles out of mine and then had it welded and reinforced.
- lack of spline grease on rear bevel drive, prone to corrosion which can make a rear tire change frustrating. Clean up and grease whenever you change the rear tire and also change the rear drive gear lube at every rear tire change as it is the only time you can access the fill and drain plugs.
- swing arm bearings come lightly greased and should be inspected and greased right at some point
- Keep your eye on the rear brake pads. they will wear much faster than the fronts depending on how you use them and if they get too thin the pistons can cock in the caliper bores and leave you with the rear locked up, learned this one the hard way
- A lucky few have had throttle demand sensors go bad , i haven't had any problems with mine but, should you get the urgent service icon and red triangle on the dash it could be the culprit
Really very few issues with the 14's to date and make a great road bike, not so great in the gravel .
Looking forward to more of your adventures,
Thanks for this advice, very helpful. I have printed this off and added it to my maintenance folder for the bike.
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oh dear.
guess what problem should up with the bike today!
might be those damn throttle body sensors :undecided:
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Not necessarily, only way to know for sure is to hook the bike up to a laptop and read the on board diagnostic codes. There are other reasons it could be throwing the dash lights. First, make sure you have a fully charged battery. The cable and info is readily available here and not all that difficult to learn if you haven't already. Which lights did you get displayed? Did the bike go into limp mode? (noticeably limited power) .The other thing to check is the air filter box drain tube beneath the center of the bike with the rubber plug. It needs to be drained if oil is visible in the clear tube. These bikes have a propensity to expel oil into the breather box if the sump oil level is kept at the full mark on your dip stick. Oil in the air box and drain tube is the result. If enough oil ends up in the air box in can saturate the air filter element and increase the intake vacuum pressure in the plenum connecting the throttle body to the cylinders. There is an air flow sensor in the plenum that will throw the dash lights if this happens also. All of the causes mentioned will present a n error code stored in the ECU and can be read with a downloadable program . You just need a twenty dollar cable to connect the bike to a laptop. Here is a link to the guzzi diag thread
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=96957.0
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I got the red triangle and urgent service icon. Took the bike back to where I got it from, and they did a diag test, cleared some error codes.
Rode the bike home and then the orange triangle icon came on. The Bike seemed to be running hotter than usual and lacking power in low revs.
It is going back to my local Guzzi dealer who I bought it from less than a week ago today.
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I hope they get it sorted out . If they 're willing to share which codes they found it would be good to know . The orange lights are related to the ABS and Traction control . The red triangle is generic and could be related to a number of different faults. Please keep us posted on what they come up with. Hope your back on the road soon.
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I hope they get it sorted out . If they 're willing to share which codes they found it would be good to know . The orange lights are related to the ABS and Traction control . The red triangle is generic and could be related to a number of different faults. Please keep us posted on what they come up with. Hope your back on the road soon.
Thanks for your advice, this is helpful.
The bike was previously owned personally by the dealer principle which has the Moto Guzzi brand in my locality. He told me this morning he is going to replace the throttle demand sensor at this cost, for his own peace of mind.
He is also thinking of getting the wiring loom extension as a fix for some of the problems others with the 1400 have had, the difficult ones to diagnose, related to the loom being tight in places and quite close to a heat source. The extension allows the loom to be re positioned away from the heat source.
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Interesting, I haven't heard of the loom issue. I am glad he is doing the right thing and taking care of it. Thank you for sharing that. I understand that Aprilia issued a recall on a bad batch of demand sensors common to a lot of their models as well as the 1400 guzzi. Why Moto guzzi hasn't done the same is beyond me. Other than the fact they costs 450.00 US to replace. Part # BO44414 Interestingly they have also changed the design altogether on the newer bikes replacing the throttle cables with an electronic twist grip position sensor . The times they are a changin. Keep us posted :thumb: .
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Interesting, I haven't heard of the loom issue. I am glad he is doing the right thing and taking care of it. Thank you for sharing that. I understand that Aprilia issued a recall on a bad batch of demand sensors common to a lot of their models as well as the 1400 guzzi. Why Moto guzzi hasn't done the same is beyond me. Other than the fact they costs 450.00 US to replace. Part # BO44414 Interestingly they have also changed the design altogether on the newer bikes replacing the throttle cables with an electronic twist grip position sensor . The times they are a changin. Keep us posted :thumb: .
They reset the ABS/ESC fault and took the bike for w ride. Went OK. So I went back to pick it up and straight away the red triangle light came on. This time the fault code indicated a throttle body fault.
The throttle body part had not yet arrived from the Moto Guzzi distributor, but will be there Tuesday, so left the bike there and rode away of one of their shop floor bikes for the weekend.
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new throttle body sensors installed by the dealer.
The bike is a different beast to ride, much better.
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Nothing fun about being stuck in limp mode. Sounds like you're fortunate to have a stand up dealer nearby. Thanks for the follow up. :thumb:
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Nothing fun about being stuck in limp mode. Sounds like you're fortunate to have a stand up dealer nearby. Thanks for the follow up. :thumb:
I was only stuck in limp mode when the red light came on.
When I first picked up the bike low revs were quite lumpy and I just put it down to Guzzi quirkiness. Even the dealer principle who previously owned the bike thought that. Turns out the throttle body sensors were most probably already on the way out. It now runs more smoothly at low rev, pulls better from low revs and runs better right through the rev range.
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:thumb:
Dusty
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Thats great news, you should share the name of the dealer that treated you so well.
My Brother in Hunterville bought a V7III in Wellington, they delivered it to his home hours away.
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Thats great news, you should share the name of the dealer that treated you so well.
My Brother in Hunterville bought a V7III in Wellington, they delivered it to his home hours away.
Motorad in Lower Hutt.
The dealer principle, Carl, is a good man.
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Sorted my Cali 1400 cockpit area. GPS mounted and wired to the ignitions, as is a USB twin port for charging my phone while touring. The phone mount is to the right.
Because the dash on the Cali rotates with the handle bars it is easy to mount the gadgets with their own space without them obscuring the dash.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-VTkFmXX/0/3e14d376/L/IMG20210204195245-L.jpg)
I will be out and about for the next three days, hopefully I stop to take some pics to show you the big goose in my back yard, stay tuned.
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Cool :bow:
Dusty
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You seemed to go off the trail bike pretty quickly, what put you off ?
Those shots you took look really nice. If someone with the Coastguard model like yours, wanted to swap tank and side covers for my red ones, I’d be sorely tempted.
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You seemed to go off the trail bike pretty quickly, what put you off ?
Those shots you took look really nice. If someone with the Coastguard model like yours, wanted to swap tank and side covers for my red ones, I’d be sorely tempted.
I had wanted to buy a Cali once the 1400 model became available. I like their look and ride. However when I bought the V85 a good second Cali was not available locally and I could not afford a new Cali. The V85 was nice as a once up bike, but not enough room and power for two up touring.
When I bought the Cali it was an impulse purchase. The right bike at the right price sitting in front of me.
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The big goose now has a name, she's the red head.
We had a three day weekend just been, so I headed out for three days with a mate. Looked for the twisty roads and even a bit of gravel. It is not great gravel, who knew :grin:. I was expecting it to be worse, it did alright at low speeds, but the loose gravel is not its friend, surprise surprise!
Anyway some pics of the travel.
Heading north towards central North Island, looking out towards Mt Ruapehu, one of our active volcanoes.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-GxMHjdK/0/cc805c1c/XL/IMG20210206113928-XL.jpg)
We traveled mostly on back roads, the scenery is nice and there are only a few cars.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-2zFRTGG/0/2c53f96a/XL/IMG20210206125714-XL.jpg)
This photo below is one of my favourite photos of the trip. Heading inland on the Forgotten Highway. The road is very twisty and has excellent panoramic views. This is looked west towards the coast looking at Mr Taranaki, and yes this is an active volcano which is overdue an eruption.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-Xk4KJMD/0/bbb80a11/X2/IMG20210206161257-X2.jpg)
At the end of the day we reached our target campground. Red Head has comfortable lodgings for the night.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-Mn3rjR4/0/c497cdc9/L/IMG20210206173712-L.jpg)
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The next two days saw us traverse the North Island from the west coast to the east. Some more pics...
Central North Island
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-mLz3jLK/0/b0c8ac56/XL/IMG20210207083933-XL.jpg)
Another view
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-bnnpXfd/0/f4d99bdc/L/IMG20210207083950-L.jpg)
The 12 km gravel section
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-NBSn8sn/0/0c1d4d17/X2/IMG20210207085604-X2.jpg)
The place with the world's longest place name. East coast, Wairarapa.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/DWC/My-Bikes-/n-FTxmxr/Moto-Guzzi-California/i-HLNTHr5/0/fc65ed3e/XL/IMG20210208091142-XL.jpg)
And no, I cannot pronounce the name.
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I put about 1700km on the bike over three days and given I had been riding adventure touring bikes for the last 12 years, I was surprised at how quickly I became comfortable with the sled.
The seat is comfortable, easy to do 400 km plus days on it. The riding position is good to, I don't to adjust any of the ergonomics. The bike performed really well, no hiccups, the new throttle body sensors worked a treat. Interestingly I averaged 18.3km/L over the entire trip which is very good for such a large heavy beast.
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:thumb:
Lovely country for motorbiking :bow:
Dusty
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:thumb:
Lovely country for motorbiking :bow:
Dusty
Yes it is. Sadly it is easy for us Kiwi's to forget that and take our wonderful scenery for granted. A ride like the one I just did reminds me of the magic of our rural areas here. It was good for the soul.
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Spectacular ! Thanks for sharing those and glad you had a good run. Shure looks like more fun than we're having shoveling snow. :thumb: