V85TT does exist at Hamlin Cycle Bethel Ct.

[TOMB]

Pictures taken at Hamlin Cycle Bethel Ct.
Good turnout while i was there, always feel welcome there.
Great staff to provide info.
Here's a few pictures.
The other bike, same color had the luggage package which would be more than adequate for me.
Partnered up with Steve Cote as today's riding partner.
Enjoy.







image uploader

 TOMB

[Dave Swanson]

The bikes will be out in this part of the world in a couple weeks.  I am looking forward to riding one.

[elvisboy77]

I hope I never see a red and white one in person, with the bags.  I will be back to three Guzzis 

[TOMB]

Dave
i would like to own the 85TT but i have higher obligations ,so no ,it looks like i will never own a new bike of any kind.

I didn't ride one today at the demo as i made the decision that I'm never get a new bike l would let someone else ride the bike with more potential to actually purchase.one.

So my convert will outlast me,  so ride on
TOMB

[s1120]

I really liked it a lot... And Im not a huge adv bike fan..  I rode the one with the luggage last week at Americade.

[Roebling3]

Probably a nice, maybe great bike for others. Looks well made and nicely put together. Good turnout, as / TOMB, Rossi, Cote
Power / torque levels are very attractive. Can that engine be stuffed into a V7? I don't want a mud, sand, pavement bike. Style akin to an LM to LM3, that weighs - way less than 540# DRY!. I can flat foot it, but need to stand on the left peg to get a leg over. With luggage? not a chance. I'm glad so many feel it's terrific. Seriously. W/out the Stelvio let's hope for a smashing success, keeping Guzzi in the adv category . R3~

[steven c]

Demo’s and lunch! After I got off the V85 I was tying to add up what bikes I could sell to buy one,turns out  almost all! I really like this bike very light on its feet very good power, fits me like it was made for me. I give it 5 Guzzi’s

[jwinwi]

I hope I never see a red and white one in person, with the bags.  I will be back to three Guzzis 

Make mine the blue/green/grey...

[TOMB]

Steve C

If you need to sell some of your Guzzi's to buy the V85, Ill cut you a great deal on your Eldo.

TOMB

[Cam3512]

Unfortunately none of them are mine.  Looks like the boat from Italy is a month late.  Have a hunch Luigi didn't expect the demand.

[steven c]

Steve C

If you need to sell some of your Guzzi's to buy the V85, Ill cut you a great deal on your Eldo.

TOMB

$15000 should cover the cost of the V85!

[steven c]

 Some raw video of the ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX-4QTztnEw&feature=youtu.be
https://youtu.be/o1R9WcnKJv4

[TOMB]

Steve we can talk.
TOMB

[fossil]

Unfortunately none of them are mine.  Looks like the boat from Italy is a month late.  Have a hunch Luigi didn't expect the demand.

Luigi didn´t. My dealer just told me the delivery time for the V85TT is 4 months in the moment.

[Cam3512]

Luigi didn´t. My dealer just told me the delivery time for the V85TT is 4 months in the moment.

4 months?  What dealer told you that?

[fossil]

4 months?  What dealer told you that?

In (near) Lüneburg, Northern Germany. The demand for the V85TT is extraordinarily high here. I came upon a BMW GS Forum purely by incident. They have a V85 thread nearly 40 pages long (!), and a lot of the GS - riders see the Guzzi as reincarnation of the 2-valve airhead - GS (especially those who have ridden the bike) and have ordered it.

Guzzi seems to be a bit overwhelmed by the success of the bike.

[Deno]

I got to Jim's late yesterday and missed the gang. Rode the bike and like it a lot. I am short but the lower seat lets me touch the ground easily. The luggage will be an issue. Now I need to sell a couple of bikes. Anyone looking for a Centauro or Ducati Diana Mark 3? Once they are gone the EV will have to part to make room. A big stretch of time perhaps, but if the wait is still 4 months it will not matter.  I'll take the Angry Bird Yellow.
I am not much of an off road or even dirt road rider. I liked the wide bars.
Can you get a center stand? I like them over a side stand it I have to stand on the peg to get over the bags. Never trusted a side stand with all the extra weight of a person pressing down on it.

[fossil]

Center stand: Moto Guzzi parts No.: 2S001322

[steven c]

In retrospect the one thing I didn't like about the V85 was the gage info center. I found it hard to read and a little small. I guess you would get use to it.

[Lcarlson]

I arrived at Hamlin’s around 1:00 pm and promptly broke a crown on one of Rocco’s sandwiches (not the fault of the sandwich). Spent the rest of the day playing phone tag with my dentist. Never did get to ride the V85, but it looked good.

[Kev m]

I think Cam and I picked a bad day to go. Leaving from NJ shortly. Hopefully we'll at least be able to sit on them.

Them's the breaks.

[brider]

Took a long lunch and drove out to look, left just as the rain was stopping and the test rides were soon to begin. I was impressed just sitting on the V85TT with the unexpected light weight and light-feel of the steering. Didn't find a problem with getting my leg over with the bags and top-box as some have reported, I kind of naturally just threaded my leg over the saddle.

I'm POSITIVE I would like the ergos if I rode it, and may do just that when they get their own bikes in in July.

One thing I would have to get past is the shape of the tank as seen from the riding position; 2 rounded/pointyish protrusions forward of the knees rather than an overall length-wise wide-ness seemed odd visually to me.

[Zinfan]

I got to Jim's late yesterday and missed the gang. Rode the bike and like it a lot. I am short but the lower seat lets me touch the ground easily. The luggage will be an issue. Now I need to sell a couple of bikes. Anyone looking for a Centauro or Ducati Diana Mark 3? Once they are gone the EV will have to part to make room. A big stretch of time perhaps, but if the wait is still 4 months it will not matter.  I'll take the Angry Bird Yellow.
I am not much of an off road or even dirt road rider. I liked the wide bars.
Can you get a center stand? I like them over a side stand it I have to stand on the peg to get over the bags. Never trusted a side stand with all the extra weight of a person pressing down on it.

I'm not sure that four months is correct for the U.S. market, it seems Germany has already had their first shipment that sold out and probably have a longer wait to allow production to catch up.  Anyways that's what I'm hoping since I have on pre-ordered but if it takes that long then more time for me to get my V7 sold.

[SLDMRossi]

Mobile Marketing…Moto Guzzi Style

by
Steven Rossi

   Having been at this some 35 years now, I can clearly confirm that there’s never been as much anticipation or pent-up demand for any new Moto Guzzi model than the V85 TT (“Tutto Terreno,” or all terrain). And while the TT designation harkens back to the unsung…and almost unknown…V65 TT, the only likeness is in name only. Along with a V-twin engine and shaft-drive, of course.
   So the marketeers in Mandello del Lario, and more so, Manhattan, decided that the best way to get the party started was with a full-blown...road trip! What else could they do? A fleet of pre-production V85s were therefore dispatched to Americade, for demonstration purposes. Even better, after the week-long Lake George, NY gathering, Guzzi powers-that-be sent three V85s…along with a couple of latest V7s, and the most recent V9 Bobber Sport…across America and circulated them among the committed dealer community.
   It’s now Wednesday, June 12, and I just returned from Hamlin Cycles in Bethel, CT as I put pen to paper (or actually, fingertip to computer key). So while the Demo Day experience is fresh, let me share it with you now.
   First and foremost, the V85 TT ain’t your Father’s Moto Guzzi. It’s a well-rounded, adventure tourer…free of foibles. That’s because the best thing that ever happened to Moto Guzzi was its alignment to Aprilia, and then Piaggio.
   In the words of dealer principal Jim Hamlin, the metamorphosis really began in earnest with the arrival of the second-series Norge. Aprilia chassis engineers were called in to improve the riding dynamics of what was then, a less than exacting machine. Which they did. Subtle, but significant, user-friendly improvements such as a canted instrument cluster (so you could read it) and tweaked bodywork (so you wouldn’t have to remove it to check the oil) were also incorporated.
   And Moto Guzzi has been accelerating ahead, ever since. Witness the arrival of what is now the best-selling, V7 series…along with new offerings like the California family. With the passing of each and every year, both lines continue to expand and evolve…with not only technical improvements, but various model derivatives added to satisfy any and all aspirations. Gone are the days of disappointments like the Quota and Centauro/Daytona RS, where the owners were forced to do the final engineering development…at home…to achieve compatibility with their basic riding requirements. Like…simply being able to. Ask me how I know!
   But back to the V85 TT. There’s been a lot said and discussed about it, but here’s all you really need to know. It’s a do anything…or, do it all…two-wheeled pie’ce de re’sistance. Finally, the Eagle has landed...with a headlamp running light that delineates that legendary brand image silhouette.
   First of all, I believe that the basic, V9 engine configuration (853cc, at 80-Hp. in this form, vs. the previous Roamer/Bobber 55) has long been in search of proper architecture in which to house it. The TT is it. While our Tour Leader-led, Demo rides along the two-lane twisties around Hamlin Cycles obviously weren’t that extensive, they did prove that the V85 is not only torquey enough on the bottom end, but most likely the best calibrated, fuel-injected Moto Guzzi ever. No fuss, no muss…even if you lug it. Again, the Piaggio/Aprilia alliance continues to deliver dividends. Such as the inclusion of Road, Rain or Off-Road engine mapping modes.
   Upright seating, wide bars and a satisfyingly-relaxed distance down from the Skai (perorated suede and stitched) saddle to the pegs made the ever-accommodating V85 the kind of bike you’d want to settle in with, for the long haul. So much so that even for many of us with multiple machines in the garage, the TT could probably attract enough of your affection to become your one and only. Even if you’re 6’4”, like I am. And concerning the garage, the V85 is light enough and carries its weight low enough to easily allow you to roll it around enough, in said shed. Particularly for those of us who are getting a little older.
   Speaking of that, the one design element that will come as a surprise to the seasoned Guzzisti is the digital dash (4.3”) with LED lighting, Connectivity and a MultiMedia platform (via an accessory ECU). A modern instrument cluster yet again demonstrates that this is no Moto Guzzi of yore, and if you’ve been doing this as long as I have…you’re going to have to get used to it. But that’s the price of progress, and with more and more buyers becoming digitally savvy by the hour, it’s no doubt the right specification for today and tomorrow’s Guzzi guys and gals.
   There is one concession to style, however, that Moto Guzzi made that I’m not so keen about. The large, square-cornered panniers may be all the rage within the modern adventure army, but getting on and off the TT as outfitted ain’t so easy. Even at my height. Of course, you can run it day in and day out with just the topcase, like I do with a lot of my machines, and then resort to the side bags when it’s time to travel.     
   It does make you realize, though, the ergonomic advantage of old-school sidecases like the long-standing Hepco Becker 30 and 40-liter’s, with their sculpturally-radiused edges. Even though they mean that you’ll have to carry a wee bit less.
   Moto Guzzi has, however, offered alternatives with the new V85 TT. The fully-equipped Adventure at $12,990 and the more classic (basic), V85 TT, which costs $11,990. In addition the previously mention three, aluminum hard bag set and Skai saddle, the Adventure is also outfitted with a red frame and the choice of a yellow-white (Giallo Sahara) or red-white (Rosso Kalahari) graphic treatment. The entry-level, V85 TT is available in gray monotone (Grigio Atacama) only, but hmmn…maybe it could be a candidate (if not, a personal blank canvas) for an alternative set of aftermarket bags (and more) instead, to make it easier to get on and off of? See below. Though no doubt, that could easily consume the $1,000 dollar difference. They’re expected to be available in about another month at dealers across the country.
   The windscreen, hand guards and Cruise Control are standard on both models, and an abundance of accessories are in the works. Center Stand, Engine Crash Guard, Auxiliary Lamps, Ohlins Shock, Comfort Seat, Touring Windscreen, thinner Urban Side Cases (hmmn…see above), Shaft Drive Protector and the like.
   In the words of the factory, the V85 TT is “For Every Road And Every Journey.” And believe me…it’s been quite a journey to get to what is now Mandello del Lario’s state of the art! Thank you, Moto Guzzi…
   Thanks also to dedicated dealers like Jim Hamlin and the staff at Hamlin Cycles (Tour Leader Matt, in particular) in Bethel, CT who took the time and hosted the anxiously-awaited V85 TT Demo Ride series. And oh by the way…the complimentary lunch and refreshments that went along with it was very much appreciated, as well!
   Go Guzzi…

[roadscum]

I wonder if Luigi has emptied that freight car he stole years ago filled with those POS fuel filters yet. I'd hate to one those in this beauty.

Paul.

[Kev m]

Couple of thoughts here before I start a new thread about the V85 which I hope can stand on its own merits.

* 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.

* Next - the Piaggio rep told me that the additional bikes for Americade were corporate and pulled from another show/display and now being sold/designated to other dealers as demos or for sale.

* Another thing - the V85 is a new thing... See new thread about that. Maybe I'll come back and drop a link when it's ready.


* FINALLY - that thrust washer thing has been misreported (and I'm guilty for repeating it). I got to handle one of the failed and disassembled motors today. Turns out it looks like the crankshafts were machined out of spec, which allowed the thrust washers to move out of alignment. Possibly reducing oiling. But the one I saw was worn away. That changed the thrust alignment of the crank to the block and allowed it to move back and eliminate play at the clutch. So the thrust washers were not just forgotten. And Guzzi couldn't just identify the affected motors because they couldn't tell which ones had bad cranks until wear started to show in service.

[paul in rochester]

Many moons ago, I had a Honda GL650 before the Jackal.
I told a Honda rep at a demo that if they made that in an 850 and put it in something resembling a "normal" chassis/frame, I'd buy it straight away. That was, IMHO, one of the most underappreciated motorcycle engines in the 80s. Liquid cooling, efficient four valve head, 9500 RPM redline with an extra thousand headroom, easy change clutch (that rotated opposite the crank to minimize torque reaction).....Never had a problem after 85000 miles.

Paul

[gerryp]

More pics from Wed at Hamlin Cycles.





The big three...The men, the myths the legends... Jim Hamlin, Randy Tefft and the one the only Steve Rossi.

[Kev m]

Ahhhh, Wed, the "nice" day! 

[gerryp]

Don't want Cam to feel left out as he came on the rainy day and missed all the good stuff....  soooooooooooooo some pics of Cam on a previous visit to Hamlin's.