Is the V85TT fast enough?

[blu guzz]

I have had my v85 since last July and have about 5,400 miles.  I have never regretted buying this bike and do not expect to.  But, I start this thread because of an interesting ride yesterday. 
I live just below Cincinnati, Ohio in Kentucky.  Yesterday 4 other members of the BMW Club and myself went for a ride.  The smallest BMW was an R1100RT, the largest, the K1600.  I think the other two were RT water boxers, I don't now the size now.  Well, the V85 easily won the styling war.  Those saur kraut wagons looked invisible in their somber livery next to the spicy Italian.  But, there would have been no need to post for that issue because we all would have known that answer without any effort.  No, as I said in the caption, power is the issue.
So, every bike was at a minimum an entire small Honda larger than my TT, one appx. double size and HP.  The roads we were on were intermittent twisties with some straight, so-so pavement.  In the turns, no problem keeping up and probably could have led the way through.  In those turns I could just select 3rd or 4th and ride the torque wave and the bike was as effortless as ever and the great suspension never got ruffled.  I know the other guys were getting good workouts because I had had several of those bikes myself.  In fact when we had to make a few u-turns, I just rode mine around while they paddled.  No, its when we hit those straight-aways I really had to hammer it to stay with them.  It's not a problem for the v85 to do, but high revving every shift is not it's happiest thing to do.  This is what my old 1400 could do so well. 
This has not made me rethink the bike at all and I guess my normal crowd is not so spirited, but was wondering if anyone else here has had that experience and what they think.

[Huzo]

Have you thought of maybe using the bike within it’s design brief ?
Did it feel “fast enough” during the test ride ?
How did the 850 Beemers go ?
Also..
It’s “sombre...”

[Kitze]

“Straights are just there to connect the corners”

Several years ago I posted here a couple of videos on my V7 at a track day at sears pt. Could catch and pass lots of guys in the corners. Then watched ‘em all pass on the straights. Not sure but they might still be on YouTube.

[oldbike54]

 Comparing a V85TT to an R1200 Beemer is a Miata to Mustang Cobra comparison , and forget about the K1600 , those things are bad fast . Ride and enjoy the TT for what it is , horsepower won't make your hoo haw any bigger , it just requires more fuel and eats rear tires .

 Dusty

[twowheeladdict]

Wow!  I didn't know Kentucky back roads had unlimited speed limits! 

Personally, I need to keep my license because of several reasons so I don't go more than 10 over in the straights or curves.  It is tough being the responsible one.  Good thing I'm the one with the GPS among my riding friends.   

[kingoffleece]

It takes no skill at all to go fast in a straight line.
Read The Pace-it will all reveal itself.  Google is your friend.

All the real fun is in the turns anyway.

[jrt]

I'm selling my Ducati Multistrada 1200 tomorrow (~150 hp) in favor of the V85.  Sure, I'll miss some aspects of the Ducati, but I think this will be a very fair swap for me- I just enjoy the way the Guzzi feels more.  Yep, it's fast enough.  Would I like more?  Sure, I'm as greedy as the next person.  But...I think I'll be ok.

[blu guzz]

thanks guys, good comments.  In no particular order, actually, we were in ohio yesterday, no unlimited speed limit, but was last in line, just following, on the tighter, twistier less well paved KY roads, those guys would have been working very hard.  these are not my usual guys, but these guys really surprised me (it was not a bad thing).  i am good with the available power as i gave up more powerful but heavier bikes to have the 85 and usually ride those Kentucky snake roads.  i just wanted to see what others who have experience with the bike thought.  interesting about the multi-strada, my son has one.  i guess i have gotten old, but i am not a fan.  i usually can't wait to swap back to the v85.  never ridden one of the rotax beemers but they are probably much closer in power. 

[Turin]

Fast is relative. 100 mph on a 1960's triumph boneville is a different experience than 100 mph on a kawi zx14.

My Hotrod 850T makes maybe 55 HP. I'd say it's fast enough for me. I have other bikes that make more.
Your V85TT makes more and you seem to really like it. That's my answer for ya.

[LowRyter]

no

[TN Mark]

Motorcycles, like nearly everything else, is a series of compromises. Too big an engine, too small, bikes weighs to much, not enough, the seat is too high, I feel cramped on it etc etc etc. If you prefer the overall performance of the BMW's then yes, you'll be beating up your V85 to keep up on paved roads.

The wheelbase and weight of my bike is very close to the CA 1400 Touring. Mine puts down 114 rear wheel hp and 115 rear wheel ft/lb of torque. Is that enough? Sometimes. Other times, oh yea, I'd like more.

Be content with what you have for as long as you can. Like always, ride your own ride and don't try to keep up with bigger or more powerful bikes. I guarantee you, a pro rider on your V85 could whoop up on most riders with the bigger engined bikes.

[Perazzimx14]

Who'd a thunk a K1600 would not be that great on tight technical roads with crappy pavement. Next you gonna tell me Goldwing are not good track bikes.

[tommy2cyl]

The V85 will go as fast as I want in the twisties and cruise 80 mph comfortably all day long on the interstate.  Police officers attitudes ramp up when you are pulled over doing triple digits.  I am 4 K + miles in and am totally satisfied. This is really like a best windshield or most comfortable seat question.  The only question is  "Is the V85TT fast enough.....for you?"
 

[twowheeladdict]

It takes no skill at all to go fast in a straight line.
Read The Pace-it will all reveal itself.  Google is your friend.

All the real fun is in the turns anyway.

 

[TalbotMatra]

I think we all know it. You start with a small motorcycle, the next one has more horsepower and engine capacity and it goes on and on until you drive a fat motorcycle with a car engine.  Then comes the moment, that's how it was with me, when you realize that handling, comfort and agility are more important than this ongoing madness of our performance driven society!  Higher - faster - further!  I now drive a V9 with 55 hp and miss nothing.

Ciao
Lars

[Andy1]

You need to make it go faster so you can leave your friends behind on the straights.
And then they will want to mod their bikes to go faster on the straights.
And then.....
AndyB

[kingoffleece]

Pass 'em on the outside of a really tight turn and than ask "who's fast now?"

[blu guzz]

Love your replies men.  Lars' reply is closest to my thoughts I think, although the 85 does have a small amount of a power advantage in the upper rev range.  Good philosophical discussion, thanks. 

[Dave Swanson]

I think we all know it. You start with a small motorcycle, the next one has more horsepower and engine capacity and it goes on and on until you drive a fat motorcycle with a car engine.  Then comes the moment, that's how it was with me, when you realize that handling, comfort and agility are more important than this ongoing madness of our performance driven society!  Higher - faster - further!  I now drive a V9 with 55 hp and miss nothing.

Ciao
Lars

I am gravitating to this same direction now that I am 65.  I am just beginning to find myself less interested in just how fast I can cover ground, and more interested in enjoying a nice pace that doesn't keep the heart rate sky high.

And then I went to pick up my buddy's new Triumph Scrambler for him in Chicago.  While I was there the owner of the Triumph/Ducati shop fired up a new Ducati Streetfighter, the 200hp job.  He only revved it to 6k, but what a beast!!  It instantly re-kindled the 18 year old kid in me!     I don't know how long I would stay alive on this thing, but what a trip it would be!!

[Darren Williams]

no

As John's self-appointed unofficial spokesperson and sometimes riding partner, allow me to clarify his statement. What he meant was "hell no!"   

Seriously, don't need to cruise above 90 mph (speed limits in Texas have quite a few 80 and 85 that most are traveling 90+), but the real test is wanting to ride the pace on twisties and getting behind a line of vehicles following the leader going 5 under. To resume your enjoyment of the twisties, it's the 60 to 100 sprint to make the pass safe and easy that makes the difference. You need power in that situation.

[twowheeladdict]

As John's self-appointed unofficial spokesperson and sometimes riding partner, allow me to clarify his statement. What he meant was "hell no!"   

Seriously, don't need to cruise above 90 mph (speed limits in Texas have quite a few 80 and 85 that most are traveling 90+), but the real test is wanting to ride the pace on twisties and getting behind a line of vehicles following the leader going 5 under. To resume your enjoyment of the twisties, it's the 60 to 100 sprint to make the pass safe and easy that makes the difference. You need power in that situation.

But, if you don't speed in the straights, (while most cars do speed in the straights), you are less likely to catch up to them in the curves.  One of the games I play on my local roads is if I catch up to someone and an alternate route is coming up, I tell myself "if he goes straight, I turn.  He turns, I go straight."  I get in an interesting ride that way.  Of course where I ride you will rarely see one vehicle, never mind a line of vehicles.   

[Bpreynolds2]

Wow!  I didn't know Kentucky back roads had unlimited speed limits! 

If you’re carrying moonshine all fines/limits are lifted. 

[Vagrant]

getting a ticket in a curve is rare and just a tax on fun. getting one on a straight where you aren't having fun is just a dumb waste of money!

[Bulldog9]

It's not a problem for the v85 to do, but high revving every shift is not it's happiest thing to do. 

I think you have your answer.. Yes of course it is fast 'enough' Fastest? no way, that's not what a Guzzi is about. I am intrigued by your comment 'not it's happiest thing to do'  I've been very impressed with my Guzzi's willingness and dare I say enjoyment at running to redline, and keeping the mill in the 55-7000 RPM ranges, and running up to redline.

I have a long time riding buddy, we met and started riding together in the late 80's early 90's when we were both on Yama XS1100's. Many miles on those bikes, cross country treks, several IBA's etc. Over the years we like many moved over to the FJR 1300. I went with Guzzi in 2015 and he still has his FJR. We took a fast run up to NS/PEI two summers ago, and while he had the edge in straight accel, he couldn't lose me on the Norge. After several days and 3000+ miles of flogging, the Norge ran better than ever. That said, a straight 'drag strip' run from stop, he ate my lunch, but rollon power, coming out of turns, and sheer pleasure the Norge walked all over the FJR.

I think you have the right perspective, and see a Guzzi for what it is. The 'Sourkrowt' GS bikes do have more sheer grunt, and are in themselves well balanced overall machines, but 850CC will never approach the power of 1200+cc's. Keep in mind that as you hit 8500-12000 miles, the Guzzi motor will really open up and smooth out, spin faster to redline.

[Guzzistajohn]

But, if you don't speed in the straights, (while most cars do speed in the straights), you are less likely to catch up to them in the curves.  One of the games I play on my local roads is if I catch up to someone and an alternate route is coming up, I tell myself "if he goes straight, I turn.  He turns, I go straight."  I get in an interesting ride that way.  Of course where I ride you will rarely see one vehicle, never mind a line of vehicles.   

EXACTLY! I'm not riding to get "ahead" of anyone, just have fun in the corners. I'll run 50 mph in the straights so I won't catch up to a car in the curves. Last time I got pulled over the HP told me I was running over twice the posted limit coming out of a curve, but it looked like I had control of the vehicle. He let me go w/ a warning 

[DougG]

Motion is relative (A. Einstein, circa 1910)

I ride my Cali 1400 with a BMW club in the Blue Ridge mountains regularly.  I'm faster and more skilled than some, and not so much when compared to others.  They are a good group, we respect each other's machines and skill levels.  "Its about the ride"...that's our credo.

About a month ago we were wringing out our bikes on the high twisties and I noticed in my rear view a bike closing up to the group.  It tucked in and followed the group for a minute or so.   We approached an uphill straight and hit the throttles. I heard the bike downshift twice behind me and then heard a banshee wail as it blew by the entire group like we were standing still.  Bang, gone, out of sight.  It was an Apirllia...with two up.  Don't know the model, it went by too fast.  When we stopped to stretch our legs a few miles up, we concluded that the 'blur' that was the two up was either one of the best, or craziest any of us has ever seen.

It's all relative...

Be well,
DougG

[Siamese]

Have you thought of maybe using the bike within it’s design brief ?
Did it feel “fast enough” during the test ride ?
How did the 850 Beemers go ?
Also..
It’s “sombre...”

I must have missed the memo telling us to correct each other's spelling.  Did it include punctuation, too?  Because, your's is a mess. 

[giusto]

 

This is fun.

Looks like it'll be a long time before I find a TT a year or two old huh? Cool to hear you guys love them....if not let me know...lol

[Testarossa]

Last summer I rode my Mille up the west side Independence Pass with two Beemer 1200 somethings, a Stelvio NT and a Tenere 1000. One of the beemer guys was new to the group. He asked me if the Mille could keep up. Not much straightness to that road and only the Tenere rider -- the youngest among us by 25 rears -- could stay with me. The new guy reached the top 10 minutes late. Going down I followed the Tenere. Less need for power going down and Mr New came in 15 minutes late. I do think my 850T might have been quicker on this route.

Three general rules for mountain riding: It's the rider, not the bike. It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. And change your jets.

Finally, after making my living for 55 years as a grammar nazi, I've sworn off. But yours is a mess. No such word as your's.

[Tusayan]

I’m reminded of leading an group of UK guys quickly across Furka Pass in Switzerland, all on pretty modern machinery and going pretty well, while mounted on my R100GS.  The comment at the far end was ‘I guess that’s making the best of what you have’.  They certainly could not have passed. What they didn’t know is that the R100GS is a pretty good twisty road tool, better in many cases than more advanced machinery, and it sounds like the same is true for them V85TT.  The other thing is ease of use, whether on twisty roads or straight roads.  On straight roads it’s not always important exactly how much power you have, it’s often more important that you have enough power for your desired speed being delivered in a relaxed way.  Obviously Guzzi V-twins have traditionally been the winner at this game.