Did…Huzo just refer to something I did…as cool? I’m honored, and may just have to proofread my English before hitting send on this response:
In order of whatever, I would…
- Build or have a 21” front wheel made for more ground clearance.
- Considering the V85TT uses the new-style double-u-joint, I bet it could stand just a hair longer rear shock. Probably would do better than my V7III, because the V7 III was the last small block to use that ~35 year-old single u-joint driveshaft. I went from 350mmm(or whatever stock is on those bikes) to 380mm shocks (the omniscient Todd Eagon says a V7 III can accept a shock up to that length); for safety measure, I also installed a steel sleeve in the transmission output made by that Dutch Guzzi NATO bike-lovin’ shop (MW Motoren), should that dainty single UJ driveshaft decide to go kablooey one day. A CV joint would be tits…Titmice are the cutest birds.
- Maybe make an 18” rear, although the differences between a 17” and an 18” isn’t much; however, an 18” is better road (skinnier tires), and if you’re worried about extending the V85TT’s 8.3” or so of stock ground clearance, then you certainly must have off-pavement in mind! It’s worth noting that the KLR and R100GS are right about the same in stock ground clearance…
…but they’re cooler because they have 21” fronts. - If you have the money and amateur engineering desire, then modify the engine-frame mount tabs to angle the motor upward, just like the old V35TT/V65TT and NTX 350/650/750 were set up.
- And do the nifty CV driveshaft mod that ONE day I’d love to do. Can definitely angle the rear swingarm more with that one. An ADVRider or two have done that after experiencing too many (>0) u-joint/transmission grenades.
Here’s my V7 III with the enduro forks from an NTX650 and a 21/18 set that I built. Similar dimensional specs to a KLR Gen 3 Oweight, ground clearance, rake & trail), with power right in between a KLR and an R100 GS:
BUT YOU have the chance to make a humdinger more along the lines of something like this, with more ground clearance (since the tighter rake lifts the bike up more already):
Get to it!
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