Local MG Dealer Visit - Can't Do a V85

[Dave Swanson]

This morning I decided to drive out the the local MG dealer and check out their stock.  The dealer's primary business is Polaris 4 wheelers.

I have been watching videos and reading the (mostly) positive reports on the V85TT and wanted to check out how it fits.  I took a test ride last summer but couldn't really remember how it worked for me.

Although I am 5'10" I have always wanted an inch more in the leg department.  Ingress and egress is very difficult for me on the V85 especially with the bags attached.  This is aggravated by the fact that I have arthritis in my right hip that has been limiting my mobility.  There may be a hip replacement in my future.

None the less, the V85TT is a very well appointed bike.  I really like it, but I could never imagine having a bike that is that much of a struggle to mount and dismount.



They had a V9 Bobber Sport that I really liked.



But my hands down favorite is their 2018 V7III Milano that they currently have marked down to $7199.   I have a 2015 V7 that has been a favorite of mine.  To "upgrade" to the Milano would give me a few things that I really like;  cast wheels for tubeless tires, 6 sp trans, ABS and TC, and I really like the fenders on the Milano.  As much as I like the Milano and the price they have on it, I probably wouldn't give up my V7 for it.   So nothing earth shaking to report.  Just poking around the dealer and thinking about Milanos.  :)







My V7 is so nice!  But that Milano...




 

[oldbike54]

 Dunno Dave , you would look good on that Milano 

 Dusty

[twowheeladdict]

My neighbor got on his bike by putting his left foot on the peg, grabbing the handlebars and hosting his right leg over the bike.

He got off the same way.  Give it a try and see if that works for you. 

[SmithSwede]

I’ve got a V7 Stone.    Never tried to mount a V85.  Is it really that much different ?  I guess the V85 is taller?

Personally, I’d keep your current bike.  Looks nicer to my eyes than the Milano. 

As to mounting, I’m now too old to look cool.   I just grab the cuffs of my right leg, and use my arm to hoist it up and over the saddle.  Often the same drill on dismount. 

That technique saves strain on my back by not “swinging a leg over” like I used to do.  And it works better for when I’ve got bulky gear lashed to the bike. 

I figure it may not look cool, but I’m still riding, so the Fashion Police can go eat bugs. 

[malik]

Dunno Dave , you would look good on that Milano 

 Dusty

Perhaps, but that V7 of yours is, to my mind, the much more handsome bike. And, the differences don't seem significant enough to warrant a change (IMO).

[Dave Swanson]

I’ve got a V7 Stone.    Never tried to mount a V85.  Is it really that much different ?  I guess the V85 is taller?

MUCH different!  Compared to my V7 it seems like a foot taller! 

[Dave Swanson]

As to mounting, I’m now too old to look cool.   I just grab the cuffs of my right leg, and use my arm to hoist it up and over the saddle.  Often the same drill on dismount. 

I have been grabbing my pant cuff for awhile now.  My bum hip needs a bit of help. 

[Dave Swanson]

Perhaps, but that V7 of yours is, to my mind, the much more handsome bike. And, the differences don't seem significant enough to warrant a change (IMO).

Yes, I agree, my V7 has a much nicer paint scheme to my eyes.  I enjoy my V7 so much that I can't really see myself selling it to get the Milano.  The reality of what I would have to price it to sell it would sadden me a bit.    But my eyes do occasionally wander to the new stuff. 

I think $7199 is a decent asking price for their Milano?  I suppose an offer of 7K would probably get it done.

https://woodstockpowersports.net/Motorcycles-Moto-Guzzi-V7-III-Milano-2018-Woodstock-IL-c1bd10cd-69c6-4156-8b9e-a8d6011b19d7

[Travlr]

Dave Swanson Northern IL
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1977 Vert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1993 1000S
2004 V11S
2015 Norge GT8V
2015 V7 Special
2016 Griso SE

That's a nice selection of bikes Dave! 

Mike

[Dave Swanson]

Dave Swanson Northern IL
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1977 Vert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1993 1000S
2004 V11S
2015 Norge GT8V
2015 V7 Special
2016 Griso SE

That's a nice selection of bikes Dave! 

Mike

Thanks Mike.  Little did I know when I was on a quest to find a V7 Sport in 2003, my first Guzzi, that it would end up like this!   

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

My neighbor got on his bike by putting his left foot on the peg, grabbing the handlebars and hosting his right leg over the bike.

He got off the same way.  Give it a try and see if that works for you.

This ^^^^. Just like getting on a tall horse.  My (85 year old) friend Leo always mounts his bikes (Africa Twin and Himalyan) this way.

[Vagrant]

I have the same problem with it. But only a 28" inseam. The big box side cases make it a nightmare to get on. But i want one. Considering a 1 7" new front wheel and givi has adaptor to put mono key bags on stock mounts. I'm too damm old to wait for a standard version .

[Dave Swanson]

This ^^^^. Just like getting on a tall horse.  My (85 year old) friend Leo always mounts his bikes (Africa Twin and Himalyan) this way.

Just like this.  From a Jerry  Palladino video.  The Ride Like A Pro guy. 

Go to minute 6:12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWakHYrNKeI

[bad Chad]

Gee, who would have guessed mounting an adventure bike would be a bit more challenging than a v7?

[Roebling3]

At breakfast today there was a V85 and a Stelvio.
In an earlier time I was 6' 1" w/35" inseam. Stevio's were always too tall for me to feel safe, getting on or off. I watch riders get on V85's and other make adv bikes etc. Cripes, I wouldn't go through those contortions w/out wearing a cup. So far we're only talking about getting on the bike. Getting off is done, literally, in the dark. I realize I'm getting more risk averse as the days pass.   R3~

[bad Chad]

It’s often not so much the bike, but the top box and bags.

[Vagrant]

very true in this case that's one of the many reasons i hate them. it's like swinging your leg over a VW just to get on.
as for the paladino method on a 900# bike maybe but try that on a V85 and you will both laying on your right side.

[JohninVT]

The wide panniers definitely make the bike seem taller when you throw a leg over the saddle. 

[Dave Swanson]

Milano is working on me.

[Zinfan]

very true in this case that's one of the many reasons i hate them. it's like swinging your leg over a VW just to get on.
as for the paladino method on a 900# bike maybe but try that on a V85 and you will both laying on your right side.

Your statement made me curious so I tried mounting my V85 from the right side while it was on the sidestand.  No issue at all and I weigh 260lbs so not a lightweight at all.

[GonzoB]

You know, I'm short and I've been riding bikes for nearly 50 years, and I regularly have trouble getting my leg over (in the motorcycling sense of the phrase). It never occurred to me to leave it on the sidestand and stand on the footpeg. Doh! Much easier. I can also do it from the right side with a bit of care.

Thanks for going to your dealer, Dave. I might not have got this insight without it.

And the Milano is pretty.

Gonzo

[Vagrant]

Your statement made me curious so I tried mounting my V85 from the right side while it was on the sidestand.  No issue at all and I weigh 260lbs so not a lightweight at all.

what

Whod a thunk it!
But after 72 years it's hard to change the way you mount!

[Zinfan]

what

Whod a thunk it!
But after 72 years it's hard to change the way you mount!

That is true for me to, it did feel odd to try the right side mount.

[Huzo]

The wide panniers definitely make the bike seem taller when you throw a leg over the saddle.

I got mine 20 mm lower by winding the ride height (preload.. ) down to the lowest and sliding the forks up.

[Huzo]

That is true for me to, it did feel odd to try the right side mount.

Have you tried from behind....?