New Stelvio

[twowheeladdict]

Winding off preload will make it lower, not softer.

is the spring rate progressive?

[Huzo]

Makes no difference, I’ve read that too.
It’s a myth.
Preload does not effect spring performance, it just happens at a different part of the available stroke.

[kingoffleece]

Exactly.  The spring rate is the spring rate. It cannot be changed by a varied preload.  Preload only determines how much force is needed to start the engagement.  Think of it as where in the stroke does the spring start to take effect.  This is very simplified, mind.  Preload does not make the spring stiffer or softer.  It varies ride height and where in the stroke the spring starts to take effect.

This is why valve rate in the shock body and spring must be "on the same page" in order to work correctly.  Oversprung and under-damped are the bane of inexpensive shock/spring combos.

[ridingron]

How many miles were on your V85?

[PeteS]

Makes no difference, I’ve read that too.
It’s a myth.
Preload does not effect spring performance, it just happens at a different part of the available stroke.

It does on progressive rate springs, not on constant rate springs. Increase pre load and the closely spaced coils close up. If the adjuster allowed you could get the closely spaced coils to touch each other leaving you with only the higher spring rate coils carrying the load.

Pete

[bronzestar1]

"...as much as I like my RT, Guzzis are cooler than BMWs!”

Plus, the Guzzis have perkier "jugs", they don't sag like the BMWs! 

[bronzestar1]

When I mention I want more power it doesn’t mean that I’m gonna ride faster in my Stelvio than on my V85tt, it means that there are times that I need to get up to speed a little quicker.  When I pass on a two lane road I like to be quick about it.  And I want that acceleration to be quicker and smoother.  I want the bike to be smoother at 70-80 mph on the highway.  That’s what I’m looking for. I loved my V85tt but I wanted a Guzzi with the power delivery to be more like my R1250RT.  We all have our different wants, needs, and desires with our bikes.

I sold a BMW K1200S several months ago, and compared to my V100, it would absolutely walk the Guzzi, and do it in comfort.  I was amazed at how quickly that big K could get up to speed, and it did so without scaring the rider.  Added a bunch of carbon pieces to it, tinted windscreen, LED headlight bulbs, and replaced the HUGE stock muffler.  That bike was a beast, but could easily do high-speed runs and sport-touring equally as well. 



 

[Huzo]

It does on progressive rate springs, not on constant rate springs. Increase pre load and the closely spaced coils close up. If the adjuster allowed you could get the closely spaced coils to touch each other leaving you with only the higher spring rate coils carrying the load.

Pete

This is not the place for this topic, but I’m happy to discuss it for 12 months on a dedicated thread.

[RileyHouston]

We are talking about in interstates which I have only ridden 10 miles on one with the V85TT.  Yes, stay off the interstates and you will never want for more.

In an effort to rack up some quick miles for an upcoming oil analysis, I've been primarily riding my V85TT on the interstates north of the Houston, Texas and it seems to do well, except the annoying lights which begin displaying at 5500 RPM, which at an indicated 76 MPH (71 MPH according to GPS) are constant.  However, I've had it up to 85 MPH according to GPS and I would not want to ride at that speed for very long as it definitely feels like it is beginning to strain, but perhaps I just need to loose a few pounds? 

[PeteS]

In an effort to rack up some quick miles for an upcoming oil analysis, I've been primarily riding my V85TT on the interstates north of the Houston, Texas and it seems to do well, except the annoying lights which begin displaying at 5500 RPM, which at an indicated 76 MPH (71 MPH according to GPS) are constant.  However, I've had it up to 85 MPH according to GPS and I would not want to ride at that speed for very long as it definitely feels like it is beginning to strain, but perhaps I just need to loose a few pounds? 

I guess I am glad I waited for the 2025 V85tt.  Mine cruises effortlessly at 80. I have only seen an indicated 106 but haven’t had an opportunity to find out what top end is yet.
As for the light coming on at 76mph, on the mine, at least, thats adjustable. I think its a red line indicator and set low for break in but can be set to a higher rpm.

Pete

[RileyHouston]

As for the light coming on at 76mph, on the mine, at least, thats adjustable. I think its a red line indicator and set low for break in but can be set to a higher rpm.

Yep, you are correct about the adjustability. I adjusted it to 6500 so no more light at 80mph! Yahoo!

[kingoffleece]

Yep.  Local dealer mentioned to me the new 2025 has a noticeable power increase.  80 mph steady is a bit too much for my 2022 V85.  The new one, not so much.

[twowings]

My 2025 does not lack for power or top end.

May be time to consider lightening the rider load instead of finding fault with the bike.

[RileyHouston]

My 2025 does not lack for power or top end.

May be time to consider lightening the rider load instead of finding fault with the bike.

Agreed...my new year's resolution is to make my motorcycles faster by fasting!