Author Topic: Compass for V85 TT...  (Read 775 times)

Offline SLDMRossi

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Compass for V85 TT...
« on: March 23, 2023, 08:30:54 AM »
Wandering around in the hinterlands, I've always wanted a compass on the V85 TT. But every time I've tried an accessory compass on a bike though, it generally proved to be useless because of constant electrical and magnetic interference. Admittedly, what I previously used were cheap-cheap units.

Instead, I got the idea to turn to a marine supplier and pay the price. So I bought a made-in-the-USA Ritchie X-10 Sport Compass for about $50. It's a high-quality piece that allows for compensation adjustment/calibration. I mounted it atop the brake Master Cylinder with two-sided tape...and the 1.5" x 1.5" backing plate still allows access to all three of the cover screws. The compass itself is 2.5" diameter and 2.0" tall. In addition, the X-10 features 12V illumination...but I haven't hooked that up yet.

https://www.ritchienavigation.com/product/ritchiesport-bracket-mount-2/

By the way, Ritchie also offers a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount instead of the flat base plate, if you prefer.

Steven Rossi

Offline John A

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2023, 08:53:14 AM »
I had the same experience with a compass on the bike, they all had needles that flopped around like a fish so my next step would be to buy a better compass, which, being a Guzzi owner, I’ve not done. If it works on yours I will  :popcorn: :thumb:
John
MGNOC L-471
It is easier to fool people than it is to convince them that they have been fooled-Mark Twain
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Offline SLDMRossi

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2023, 08:54:41 AM »
P.S. -- yeah, I know. Everyone else uses GPS on a smartphone ... but my thought when I go out on a bike is: leave the phone at home!

SR

Offline SLDMRossi

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2023, 09:53:03 AM »
So far, so good on mine ... no flopping fish, like I previously experienced as well.

FYI, on top of the Master Cylinder reservoir seems to be a particularly good place to mount it. Because it's all cast aluminum ... being non-magnetic, it doesn't interfere with the compass.

SR

Wildguzzi.com

Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2023, 09:53:03 AM »

guido guzzi

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2023, 11:40:04 AM »
Thank you for posting Steven.
The simplest tool for the job is the best!  :thumb:

Online twowheeladdict

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2023, 08:23:00 AM »
You can download a compass app for your smartphone.

No smartphone?  You can buy a used GPS for $50.
2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2018 V7 III Carbon Dark #0009 of 1921
2018 Road Glide Special
2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2017 Suzuki Van Van 200
2015 Yamaha SR400
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Online bad Chad

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2023, 10:50:51 AM »
Thanks SR, I have been looking a "true" old school compass that would work on a M/C.
2007 Breva 1100  Red Arrow (and faster than yours!)
2016 CSC 250TT Zongshen
2017 V9 Roamer

Offline steven c

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #7 on: March 24, 2023, 07:44:25 PM »
 Wow Steve that's a good old time Guzzist hack, would not be out of place in MGNOC tips back in 81. Ride on!
2020 V85TT Traveler
74 949 Eldorado


75 Benelli 250
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MGNOC 6412

Offline 73 sport

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #8 on: March 24, 2023, 07:51:40 PM »
  Frank would have printed that in '73. Horst.

Offline SLDMRossi

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #9 on: March 24, 2023, 08:17:12 PM »
Well, it only took me 30 years to warm up to the idea of having a clock on my motorcycle. Being an analog kinda guy, I did about 80 miles on my V85 today...and discovered a new road, or two. Which will come in handy for other endeavors.

Meanwhile, my Ritchie X-10 Compass worked like a charm!

SR

P.S. -- the day I anchor a Smartphone to my motorcycle is the day you can shoot me...that's not what two wheels are for! In my mind...

Offline mechanicsavant

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Re: Compass for V85 TT...
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2023, 11:24:55 AM »
Please , it’s not merely a compass , it’s also an analog GPS !

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