V85 test ride

[rtbickel]

I was in Austin yesterday and dropped by AF1 for a test ride on a V85.  Took it out for a 30 minute ride and was very impressed. 

I rode the standard model that the salesman said is only coming to the US (so far) in the matte grey finish.  Having seen pics of the red and blue ones on line, I wonder why we would be limited to only the one color.  I did like the red/white of the Adventure series, but I don’t know if I would want to have to pay the extra grand for the cases, which I did not warm up to.  It would seem that given the assumed “adventure” use of the bike, the first dirt-road front tire washout would indeed be a $1000 adventure. IMO a set of Kevlar-weave or leather over-the-seat bags and tail bag would look better and not be so high, wide and bulky – one of the issues I have on the 1400 Touring. 

Engine/trans – this thing pulls on a par with my Special Sport – plenty of power for my needs.  Strong and linear with no flat spots, although they had an Agostini muffler on it that popped a lot on deceleration (paging Beetle).  Drove around some surface streets and frontage roads and ran it up to about 80 on a couple of freeway entrances, did some 6th gear roll-ons and cruised for several miles at 70-75 and any vibrations I attributed to the tires and road surface.  I weigh about 250 and it didn’t seem underpowered at all.  The ratios were nicely spaced although the shifting was slightly notchy and neutral a little fiddly which I would attribute to only 750 miles on the demo.  Brakes had a good feel although I didn’t kick in the ABS which can be fully disabled.

Ergos/handling – it’s been a while since I’ve had anything other than a cruiser style with floorboards, but the seat/pegs/bars seemed nicely neutral.  I would like some fatter pegs just for a little more foot support, maybe a little lower too.  I could just flat-foot it on the standard seat and could not really tell the difference with the lower seat on one of the floor models.  The seat, well I would have to reserve judgment on a longer ride on how fast it would cause monkey-butt and require some alterations.  The bike seemed light and nimble which is not surprising.  I didn’t really have much time to play around with the instrument panel displays and it took a while to figure out the cruise control, which worked well.  The suspension seemed fine but would have to venture down a trail or two to see if upgrades would be warranted.  The standard windshield is all but useless, but the 60% larger one is only $250.  The mirrors were ok, but a little small and I would probably lose the hand guards.

Prices quoted were about $13,700 and $14,800 out the door.  The Touring might be going on the block, but I want to take at least one longer test ride and see how the finances look at the end of the year before I make that call.  And also to see if there are any recalls or issues popping up.  This bike really is a hoot! 

[Numbercruncher]

I think the hard cases are actually a big selling point as you get them when you pick up the bike.  Unlike other new model introductions where you have to wait a month or six for them to hit the market.

And while you may prefer the soft sided luggage, at least 90% of the ADV bikes I see come with the hard cases.  And to get all three cases with mounting hardware for only $1,000 is a killer deal.  To add only side cases to an Africa Twin (or any other bike for that matter) will cost you that much and you still need to add the top case.

Glad you liked the bike.  I turn 50 next year and will try to save up for one of these machines.  Is the clutch pull as light as everyone is reporting?  That is paramount to me but my nearest dealer is 300 miles away so a drive over just to feel the clutch on one.  That isn't to say I haven't done that before . . . LOL.

NC

[Zinfan]

I think the hard cases are actually a big selling point as you get them when you pick up the bike.  Unlike other new model introductions where you have to wait a month or six for them to hit the market.

And while you may prefer the soft sided luggage, at least 90% of the ADV bikes I see come with the hard cases.  And to get all three cases with mounting hardware for only $1,000 is a killer deal.  To add only side cases to an Africa Twin (or any other bike for that matter) will cost you that much and you still need to add the top case.

Glad you liked the bike.  I turn 50 next year and will try to save up for one of these machines.  Is the clutch pull as light as everyone is reporting?  That is paramount to me but my nearest dealer is 300 miles away so a drive over just to feel the clutch on one.  That isn't to say I haven't done that before . . . LOL.

NC

The clutch is very light.  I have a Stelvio in addition to the V85 and sold a 2013 V7 to make room for the new bike and the clutch on the V85 is very very light compared to those two.

[DC950]

I test rode one yesterday when the dealer said they had a half hour till close and I could ride it.  I was there to get a couple of oil filters for my Aprilia.  After the pain in my twisted arm subsided, off I went.

Mine had 75 miles on it and had a phenomenally smooth transmission.  Probably the lightest clutch pull I'd ever felt.

The windshield was pretty good, much better than the Super Tenere and Africa Twin I'd recently ridden.  I liked the firm seat.  Standing up was OK but the tank is a bit wide at the needs to really get over the front wheel.  The suspension felt better than the Stelvio I rode a few months ago.  Fit and finish was basically perfect.

Power was good and I'd say the ratio is equal to the Africa Twin.  I did not like the digital screen.  It is blue and white and is far more difficult to see than black on gray of my Dorsoduro.  Piaggio really should just save some money and use the same great screen on all their bikes.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised.  I will probably have to have only one bike next year and the TT is the only one that I've ridden that could be it, especially if they come up with an R model more off road oriented.

[twowheeladdict]

I went up to Sloans yesterday and sat on the V85, but didn't want to take a test ride.  I can't afford to fall in lust with it at this point and didn't want to tempt fate. 

They had a red one optioned up with centerstand, engine guards and taller screen.  I liked everything about the bike that i saw, but if it were truly for touring duty I would want tubeless wheels/tires. 

We did fire it up and it sounded decent and no smell so those cats are doing their job.  I can see myself on one but not sure where it fits in my current line up of bikes. 







The new Racer on the floor is number nine like my Carbon.  Salesman tried some lame comment like "meant to be" on me.   

[Zinfan]

I converted mine to tubeless using an Outex kit off of Ebay.  While a bit of a pain to install it works just fine.

[Huzo]

Has anyone got a shot of theirs with the bash plate removed yet ?

[Cam3512]

I think the hard cases are actually a big selling point as you get them when you pick up the bike.  Unlike other new model introductions where you have to wait a month or six for them to hit the market.

And while you may prefer the soft sided luggage, at least 90% of the ADV bikes I see come with the hard cases.  And to get all three cases with mounting hardware for only $1,000 is a killer deal.  To add only side cases to an Africa Twin (or any other bike for that matter) will cost you that much and you still need to add the top case.

Glad you liked the bike.  I turn 50 next year and will try to save up for one of these machines.  Is the clutch pull as light as everyone is reporting?  That is paramount to me but my nearest dealer is 300 miles away so a drive over just to feel the clutch on one.  That isn't to say I haven't done that before . . . LOL.

NC

If you like the hard bag setup (I DO), it pays to pay the extra G.  Buying all 3 bags and mounts from AF1 is over $2K.  Clutch pull is like butter baby.  Adjustable clutch and brake levers as a bonus.