The V85 is a new direction for Guzzi... And probably not for me.

[Kev m]

Just got back from a ~300 mile day...(in the Jeep and largely pouring rain).

When we weren't in the Jeep we were basically private guests at Hamlin's open house (cause everyone else came yesterday when it was sunny).

* 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.

* Second - Piaggio has hired a decent guy to pull the V85 demos (along with a Bobber Sport and V7 III Stone) around the country in a van and trailer.

* The V85 is everything I read about and more. I think it's a Guzzi, but that with it Guzzi may be taking a new direction. It's a smallblock, like my beloved V7s and as a motor it's almost not anything like my beloved V7s.

It spins up fast and light feeling in some ways more like our Ducati 696 than our V7s. And ironically thats not where the comparison to the Duc ends. The vented plastic tank covers, trellis frame, and USD forks all remind me of our Monster.

The V85 chassis seems very well built, it's high quality, has an upright riding position, is light, and quick to turn. And probably not for me (just like my departed R1100RS, Breva 1100, Buell ST3).

I hope they sell a ton of them. I'll be curious about a less "adventure" oriented model, but might still not choose it.

HERE'S THE SURPRISE AND UNPOPULAR OPINION

* I LOVE the Bobber Sport! It feels light, nimble, well balanced. It turns way easier than that front tire suggests. It also seems to punch above its specs with regards to power. I know it's only supposed to have a few more hp on paper than our V7III but it FEELS like much more than that. It feels like it pushes like a big block. I suddenly find myself thinking about one like I have never thought about one before.

So part of me is thrilled about the new V85. I think it's a great step for Guzzi to addressing a broader part of the market. I think other variants built around that motor will be more competitive from a performance standpoint. I just realize they won't be for me. Kinda the same way some of the CARC and Spine Frame guys realize the Cali 1400 and maybe even V7 is not for them.

But here, the V9, holy crap. It's punching above its weight class. You old Cali 1100 guys who don't want a 1400 need to check it out. It's way closer to that 1100 in power/performance and maybe even feel than I thought.

So I'm optimistic here. There's a lot of good things potentially happening.

I'll post some pics tomorrow when I'm on the PC.

[Kev m]

Reader's Digest of above post:

The V85 motor feels more like an air-cooled Duc than a Guzzi smallblock. And though that's not necessarily what I want, I think it could be a great thing for Guzzi.

[oldbike54]

 

 Dusty

[Warren Rhen]

Thanks Kevin you've just convinced me to get one 

[Kev m]

Thanks Kevin you've just convinced me to get one 

Most excellent!

I suspect you will not be disappointed!

In the martial arts it is said "know your enemy as you know yourself and you will be victorious in 1000 battles"

They never said how long or difficult it might be to "know" oneself!

It's been a long road!

[frans belgium]

The V85 is everything I read about at more. I think it's a Guzzi, but that with it Guzzi may be taking a new direction. It's a smallblock, like my beloved V7s and as a motor it's almost not anything like my beloved V7s.

It spins up fast and light feeling in some ways more like our Ducati 696 than our V7s. And ironically thats not where the comparison to the Duc ends. The vented plastic tank covers, trellis frame, and USD forks all remind me of our Monster.

The V85 chassis seems very well built, it's high quality, has an upright riding position, is light, and quick to turn. And probably not for me (just like my departed R1100RS, Breva 1100, Buell ST3).

I hope they sell a ton of them. I'll be curious about a less "adventure" oriented model, but might still not choose it.[/

The immortal words of the distinguished Kev M !!!

Well, English is not my first, or even second or third language, so I could not have said it any better than that !

[Cam3512]

I traveled to Hamlin's with Kev yesterday as his navigator (when I wasn't doing some work on my government issued leash - iPhone).  Pouring rain almost all day.  BUT, "a bad day hanging at an old school motorcycle shop is better than a good day in the office!"

The weather did break briefly enough for the two of us to take a short demo ride.  Me on V85 and Kev on Bobber Sport.  We switched halfway through.   I absolutely LOVED the V85 TT, and not so much the Bobber.  I have ridden a Roamer when the V9's were first introduced.  I have had a V85 on order for the last 6 months.  Until yesterday, I've never even SEEN one, much less sit or ride one.  Despite the short, wet demo, I'm sold.  Fit like a glove, nimble, and more power than I'll ever need.

I'll leave the Bobber for "Counterpoint Kev".  Different strokes...

At least we both like beer.  To this point, when we were within a few miles of Kev's house, my phone was going bonkers with Tornado warnings in the area, and to take shelter IMMEDIATELY!  Turns out his beer fridge was running low, and we briefly diverted (in the opposite direction) for a beer run.  Priorities man!

Cam

[ohiorider]

Dueling reviews.  Love it!  Thanks for both your riding impressions of these two smallblocks.

Bob

[Kev m]

Dueling reviews.  Love it!  Thanks for both your riding impressions of these two smallblocks.

Bob

I you look closely you'll see the reviews actually agree on the V85, we just WANT different things.

As for the Bobber, Cam's just jaded. 

[Kev m]

At least we both like beer.  To this point, when we were within a few miles of Kev's house, my phone was going bonkers with Tornado warnings in the area, and to take shelter IMMEDIATELY!  Turns out his beer fridge was running low, and we briefly diverted (in the opposite direction) for a beer run.  Priorities man!

Cam

True story.

[fossil]

This is absolutely great! Moto Guzzi makes different bikes for different sorts of experienced Guzzi - riders! No bikes that look and ride like others but like themselves and only themselves. Sometimes Luigi and his friends do something right.

This is the way Italian products should be.

[T4halo]

Great thread, and good on Guzzi getting it right. I’ve only purchased two new bikes in my life, (2002 HD Nighttrain & 2005 VStrom). I might buy a V85 Sport.

T4

[Kev m]

As promised:



Hamlins - Old Skool MC Shop. Upon arriving home I told my wife I would be happy to move anywhere withing a 1 hour radius of Hamlins. Hell, the taxes can't be WORSE in CT right?!?



V85 Goodness.

Excellent fit and finish, and the busy dashboard was not really a problem for me. I'm sure I'd come to love it over time. The silver one was nice, but the full kit McDonald's edition was awesome. I can't wait to see Cam's Red/White one!




Guzzi's new see-through crankcase. Oh wait, it's NOT new, that's there because it's the same case as the other smallblocks. Which has to get at least someone here thinking WHAT if we were to put one in a V7? 



** GASP ** What's THIS?!? Guzzis FIRST(?) sight glass? Hmmmmm.

Revised dipstick too, maybe it doesn't go walkabout from time-to-time.



GREAT LINES - but I have to criticize the faux air intake vents (ala Monster) on the tank. Then again, at least one doesn't have to pull half the plastics and tilt the tank up to change the air filter. I'm told one does have to remove the battery (which is conveniently under the seat) and then the cartridge air filter can be slid back out from the rear of the housing. Much better than the Monster.



I'm not kidding, I loved this bike. I really did. Very well balanced front-to-back, nimble turn-in. Hell the wide bars meant I could see past my shoulders in the stock mirrors lol. I'll take one. Now, how to convince the wife that if "I get rid of the Sportster for more room in the garage, that this somehow doesn't negate all that" hmmmmmmm.



One for ME and one for Cam......

[kingoffleece]

I ride 405 miles each way to go to Jim's shop.
I go back with him 12 years or so when he was with Triumph and Guzzi at another shop.  In WNY we kid about having to take our motorcycles to get "Hamlinized".

Jim and the crew are simply the best.  Wait till some of you guys out that way decide to have him rework the suspension for you.  You'll be spoiled for life.

[Kev m]

I ride 405 miles each way to go to Jim's shop.

I dunno man, we just do things very differently. OR the 405 miles you go each way are VERY VERY different miles than the crappy ass 150 I have to go (NJ Tpke, Garden State Pkwy, 287, 684, 84). Ok, maybe the first 20 miles and the second 20 miles aren't horrible, but the rest is just ridiculous both ways.

[Roebling3]

Who knew? This is the first time I've heard an 850cc Guzzi engine called a small block. My LM's were small blocks? Last in again, I guess.

I'd like the added punch of the V85 engine, but the weight penalty makes it a no go, for me. MG got a lot smarter about the frt. brake.
Wouldn't doubt they copied Hamlins' accessory.

Kevin: B4 considering a domicile in CT, consider the excise tax structure. Even the wealthy garage cars, boats, airplanes, tractors, lathes & motorcycles 'elsewhere'.  R3~

BTW: Wednesday was spectacular. Oh. You heard that? Next time plan ahead. There could have been Taylor Pork Roll. Just sayin'.

[Kev m]

Who knew? This is the first time I've heard an 850cc Guzzi engine called a small block. My LM's were small blocks? Last in again, I guess.

Uh, who called an LM 850 a smallblock? Did your 850s have a two piece smallblock crankcases with a horizontal split line to access the crank?!? (i.e. separate top and bottom crankcases)?

Smallblock vs. Bigblock is a nomenclature that denotes different design/architecture, it's only tangentially related to cubic capacity.

I'd like the added punch of the V85 engine, but the weight penalty makes it a no go, for me.

Weight penalty over what?

To what bike are you comparing the V85?

Kevin: B4 considering a domicile in CT, consider the excise tax structure. Even the wealthy garage cars, boats, airplanes, tractors, lathes & motorcycles 'elsewhere'.  R3~

Oh crap CT is one of those personal property tax states isn't it.

Well, compared to NJ, maybe it would still work out.

What would you guess 5 modern (10 y/o or newer) motorcycles and 2 new cars would cost per year? If it's less than $14k, it's a net win.

BTW: Wednesday was spectacular. Oh. You heard that? Next time plan ahead. There could have been Taylor Pork Roll. Just sayin'.

Ha ha, yeah, next time I'll just tell my wife she can't work a 24 hour shift on Wed so she can be home to take care of the kids when they get back from school.

Hell, the rain wasn't so bad, it kept everyone else away and we didn't have to share! 

[Roebling3]

OMG and WT*!


 "The V85 is everything I read about and more. I think it's a Guzzi, but that with it Guzzi may be taking a new direction. It's a smallblock, like my beloved V7s and as a motor it's almost not anything like my beloved V7s."

Dear Kevin: I really don't think your rant deserves a come back beyond the above. I had no idea my casual friendly (?)  comments would incur such ire. Please observe the old bromide: Arguing a point will, most often, bring one down to the others level.

    IN OTHER WORDS; I'm DONE HERE.  R3~   

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Who knew? This is the first time I've heard an 850cc Guzzi engine called a small block. My LM's were small blocks? Last in again, I guess.

Eldo/T/T3/T4/T5/850 Le Mans/850 Le Mans II/Le Mans III - "big blocks" with one piece crankcase.

V85 Roamer/Bobber/TT - "small blocks" with crankcase that is made in two pieces with horizontal split.

[guzzisteve]

I felt the same way when the 14 came out and so far I don't do them. I can but I already don't want the dealing w/issues.
I don't care how big they do the smallblock, it doesn't have the same feel from motor as a big block. I'll keep riding my older stuff, don't care.

[Kev m]

OMG and WT*!


 "The V85 is everything I read about and more. I think it's a Guzzi, but that with it Guzzi may be taking a new direction. It's a smallblock, like my beloved V7s and as a motor it's almost not anything like my beloved V7s."

Dear Kevin: I really don't think your rant deserves a come back beyond the above. I had no idea my casual friendly (?)  comments would incur such ire. Please observe the old bromide: Arguing a point will, most often, bring one down to the others level.

    IN OTHER WORDS; I'm DONE HERE.  R3~

Uh, Roeb?

I don't know what you're reading into my reply but there wasn't a lick of ire, or anger, hate, spite, annoyance, etc.

Sorry if we're mis-communicating here, but my comments were equally friendly (though some inquisitive as I felt I was missing your meaning).

It's all good on this end, please don't take any offense, or tell me what offended and I'll delete it, take it back, swallow my words whatever.

[Kev m]

I don't care how big they do the smallblock, it doesn't have the same feel from motor as a big block. I'll keep riding my older stuff, don't care.

Steve, this was a big part of the theme of my post.

I guess I'm saying the V9 felt MORE like a big block than any previous smallblock I've owned or ridden.

And ironically.

The new V85 feels less like any other Guzzi smallblock too - but in a completely different direction.

I'm actually more or less happy about this, but I'm an optimist.

[oldbike54]

 Nothing like a new model from Guzzi to stir up emotions 

 Take it easy fellas , OK ?

 Dusty

[Kev m]

Nothing like a new model from Guzzi to stir up emotions 

 Take it easy fellas , OK ?

 Dusty

Where are people getting emotional???

Did you get that from my post?!?

Who needs to take what easy?

I'm still puzzled at what Roeb is upset about, but I feel bad that he feels that way.

[kingoffleece]

My ride down and back is nice.  With a great BBQ stop halfway.  Life is good.

[Deno]

Perhaps we can get Jim to host a Taylor Pork Roll Summit. We could air our differences and increase our cholesterol level at the same time.
I would like to see the Red and White model as well. Although the yellow and white is cool looking.
 

[Dave Swanson]

Where are people getting emotional???

Did you get that from my post?!?

Who needs to take what easy?

I'm still puzzled at what Roeb is upset about, but I feel bad that he feels that way.

I didn't notice anything except  the absence of malice.  Puzzling.

[Moto]

Interesting reports of two different reactions.

Kev's reaction to the V85 reminded me a little of my own reaction to the 8v Griso vs. the 2v, and even my feelings about my 2v Griso compared to my T3. They just don't make heavy-flywheel beasts like the Eldos and T3, etc., any more, and I still like them.

I guess Guzzi can't keep selling the same basic bike forever, though Lord knows they tried! Fortunately, there are still plenty of old bikes around.

Moto

P.S. I don't see any hostility in Kev's reply to Roebling3, but then I have long experience with his sincere, probing approach. I expect that Roebling3 may reconsider in time, if he gives Kev the benefit of the doubt in a re-reading.

M.

[s1120]

You know... how much the gray one looked amazing in pic's...  In person I really liked Ronald better. It just fit the bike better IMHO..  I was kinda shocked walking into Hamlins…  Its like bike shops used to be..  Now dealers are all ATV, watercraft etc... and maybe two or three bikes in a corner. I walked in there, and bikes were filling all nooks and crannies…  It was great.   Its just short of 2 hours for me, but a pretty easy trip. At least till I hit I84...   

[Kev m]

I don't know how he can afford to floor all those new Guzzis (did you see the other dozen in the loft?).

That said I think I saw at least 5 lifts in the shop all with bikes actively being serviced, so I suspect that had something to do with it.