Is the V85TT fast enough?

[Tkelly]

My wife and I met a nice couple on a 1600 bmw in Valentine NE who offered to put us up at their ranch in Custer SD about 1oo mi away,and started to give us directions.I asked  if we could just follow them on our Stelvio and v7. He made some comment I didn’t catch but Deb  apparently felt it reflected on her bike and riding ability and assured him we would keep them in sight.I told  her to follow them and me in the rear figuring if they were not afraid of cops they could run interference and we would catch up when they got pulled over.They were training for Iron butt and took off like the proverbial bat out of hell.Deb viewed this differently and rode their iron butts all the way to the ranch.WhenI rolled up they were examining Debs bike to verify it was only a 750.Another time we met a guy at the GrandMarais rally with a 1200 gs who invited us to stay at his place nearBayfield WI.I guess those guys with big bmws have immunity on straight roads because he ran between75 85 from Superior toBayfield passing every thing in sight on US 2.I struggled to keep him in sight and keep my license but once again Deb upheld the Guzzi heritage by tailgating himto his garage.

[roadventure]

First answer: no

Second: any bike can go faster with a better rider.

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

Nothing is fast enough. That’s like “enough money” or “enough horesepower”. As far as speed limits go, I will ride my ride how I like. If someone wants to ride slow (ie 10 over as was mentioned) they need to trot themselves to the nearest geriatric ranch, er, Harley dealer, and get something that is properly slow. I got into cruisers several years ago to try and slow down. All that has happened is I ride cruisers fast. And leave showers of sparks in the twisties.

[John A]

Dave Hewitt,  Guzzi tech rep in the ‘80s explained it to me .  He said that while Guzzis were generally  not  fast bikes, most times they can be ridden faster than faster bikes.  Makes sense to me when I think about it.

[bad Chad]

Nothing is fast enough. That’s like “enough money” or “enough horesepower”. As far as speed limits go, I will ride my ride how I like. If someone wants to ride slow (ie 10 over as was mentioned) they need to trot themselves to the nearest geriatric ranch, er, Harley dealer, and get something that is properly slow. I got into cruisers several years ago to try and slow down. All that has happened is I ride cruisers fast. And leave showers of sparks in the twisties.

That's the problem.  Fast enough does exist.  Enough money exists, as does HP.   The concept that to much is never enough is dumb.
The point of diminishing returns applies in all areas mentioned.

[SmithSwede]

Dave Hewitt,  Guzzi tech rep in the ‘80s explained it to me .  He said that while Guzzis were generally  not  fast bikes, most times they can be ridden faster than faster bikes.  Makes sense to me when I think about it.

I like that. 

[Guzzistajohn]

Isn't that how Dr. John was winning on the LMIII??

[blu guzz]

Georgia: We think alike.  I wanted to "slow down" so I had a 2006 Wide Glide that took turn faster than anyone I knew then was ready to believe.  Same with a big Victory too.

[blu guzz]

John A.: My son has a Ducati Multi Strada, the 150 hp one.  On our snake roads, no problems keeping up.  That this is like riding a nervous thoroughbred horse, always thinking about the bike and trying not to drop in too fast.  When it turns straight, bye bye.

[John A]

John A.: My son has a Ducati Multi Strada, the 150 hp one.  On our snake roads, no problems keeping up.  That this is like riding a nervous thoroughbred horse, always thinking about the bike and trying not to drop in too fast.  When it turns straight, bye bye.

Man, Id hurt something on that  with those you not only feel like you could be riding on ice with the happy handle, you gotta plan way ahead .

[blu guzz]

I am not sure he really likes it.  He sure seems to like riding the V85 though.

[twowheeladdict]

Nothing is fast enough. That’s like “enough money” or “enough horesepower”. As far as speed limits go, I will ride my ride how I like. If someone wants to ride slow (ie 10 over as was mentioned) they need to trot themselves to the nearest geriatric ranch, er, Harley dealer, and get something that is properly slow. I got into cruisers several years ago to try and slow down. All that has happened is I ride cruisers fast. And leave showers of sparks in the twisties.

Well,  I guess you are talking about me.  I'll just say I don't need bragging to compensate for some ahem, inadequacy.  I ride for the pure pleasure of being on two wheels and have nothing to prove to anybody.  A couple guys I have traveled with go on ahead and ride like they are in a race.  In more than one occasion I waved at them while they were being written a ticket.  When I asked them if they saw that waterfall, or mountain peak, all they can say is no.  Take it to the track if you want to see what a bike can really do. 

[jrt]

I am not sure he really likes it.  He sure seems to like riding the V85 though.

I've had both- just sold my Multistrada today.  The Multi is a fantastic bike- it inspires confidence in turns and has the horses to back it up.   It urges you to drive as fast as you can.  The V85 doesn't have the urgency.  I haven't had mine very long, but initial impression is that it is somewhat 'peaky' for power.  The geometry of the Guzzi is fantastic, though.  I've already gone right to the edge of the (stock) tires and it is rock solid.  It is a very fun, very Guzzi ride. 

I think the thoroughbred analogy is a good one-  I was riding my Ducati as fast as I could.  I ride the Guzzi as fast as I want.

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

Well,  I guess you are talking about me.  I'll just say I don't need bragging to compensate for some ahem, inadequacy.  I ride for the pure pleasure of being on two wheels and have nothing to prove to anybody.  A couple guys I have traveled with go on ahead and ride like they are in a race.  In more than one occasion I waved at them while they were being written a ticket.  When I asked them if they saw that waterfall, or mountain peak, all they can say is no.  Take it to the track if you want to see what a bike can really do.

How can riding slow be pleasurable? If it is for you that’s great FOR YOU! It sure isn’t for me. Being able to pick out a line and follow it. Trying to hit the apex just right. Being able to put the boring super slab in the mirror. That’s what I like. Not trying to prove anything, I literally just get bored out of my mind at slow speeds. And out west and here in ATL anything under 80 is slow on the highway. And before you assume that means missing out on scenery, don’t think everyone is incapable of seeing beautiful vistas and gorgeous scenery while moving at a good clip. Some of us see quite more than others

But unfortunately certain people think to enjoy something it must be done THEIR way. I don’t recommend anyone trying to ride like me. I don’t try to ride like anyone else. What does get under my skin are supercilious riders who think just because you’re riding differently than they ride you’re doing it wrong. That is just wrong thinking. I mentally shake my head at riders out in t-shirts and half helmets. They shake their heads at me in my armor and full face helmet. Neither of us are wrong, just different. the important thing is that we’re all riding.

Oh, and zero tickets for me 😉

[LongRanger]

GG, sorry, nope, it’s not only about you. 80 mph on the roads out here will endanger others and get you a ticket pronto. Act your age, live within the rules, and save it for the track.

[kingoffleece]

Maybe the replies are not all framed properly.  But assuming we're talking about 75 constant speed on the slab, the V85 should be fine there. 
If ya gotta average 80 that's only 5 miles (and 5 min at 60mph) added on.  Not to bad. 

Reports from some talented riders I'm aware of put a well riden V85 right in the mix with any other motorcycle.  In the turns (and I'll assume we mean the tight stuff that requires 45 and below) it's 95% rider talent.  Throw in those wicked decreasing radius turns like all over the east coast mountains as one descends out of the clouds and you know what we mean.

Anybody can be fast in a straight line.  But GC is correct-we all get to ride as we like.  You may want to rethink that some don't enjoy their pace wherever they ride and hitting the apex is not the grail for a whole slew of riders.  It is what it is-live and let live.  THAT'S the beauty-you get to choose each and every time.

[Bulldog9]

I'm not a slow rider by any means, but can enjoy riding slow, especially on the Stornello. That said, if road conditions and traffic allow, I will blow through the twisties at double the yellow (recommended safe speed in turns). But that requires knowledge of the conditions and traffic. If there is no traffic, and I'm on unknown roads, may goose it when I have clear lines of sight, etc. Some amazing things are missed when you are always riding balls to the wall. Oh, and Darwin rules here too.....

When on State Highways and super slab, same principles, none of that triple digit Baloney unless the road is completely clear. Just not worth it.

[hauto]

The V85 is what is. With the Euro 5 emissions coming I'm not sure if they can manufacture future air cooled V85's. I test road one,I liked it alot,but did feel I had to lay into it to enjoy a spirited ride.Would love to see a street version,but 2021 regulations might make that impossible. If I ended up with a V85 travel,that be cool.

[Ncdan]

90% of the motorcycle fatalities that I have investigated was directly or indirectly contributed to either excessive speed or alcohol but mostly due to both. It’s an individual’s choice as to how they conduct themselves on their motorcycle. Just remembered though, you reap what you sow.
Ride safe my friends 👍

[rschrum]

GG, sorry, nope, it’s not only about you. 80 mph on the roads out here will endanger others and get you a ticket pronto. Act your age, live within the rules, and save it for the track.

All right, we'll get off your lawn.

[LongRanger]

It’s not my lawn. I don’t write the laws.

[twowheeladdict]

How can riding slow be pleasurable? If it is for you that’s great FOR YOU! It sure isn’t for me. Being able to pick out a line and follow it. Trying to hit the apex just right. Being able to put the boring super slab in the mirror. That’s what I like. Not trying to prove anything, I literally just get bored out of my mind at slow speeds. And out west and here in ATL anything under 80 is slow on the highway. And before you assume that means missing out on scenery, don’t think everyone is incapable of seeing beautiful vistas and gorgeous scenery while moving at a good clip. Some of us see quite more than others

But unfortunately certain people think to enjoy something it must be done THEIR way. I don’t recommend anyone trying to ride like me. I don’t try to ride like anyone else. What does get under my skin are supercilious riders who think just because you’re riding differently than they ride you’re doing it wrong. That is just wrong thinking. I mentally shake my head at riders out in t-shirts and half helmets. They shake their heads at me in my armor and full face helmet. Neither of us are wrong, just different. the important thing is that we’re all riding.

Oh, and zero tickets for me 😉

I don't ride on boring slab, and I don't ride slow.  I just don't get into reckless driving territory.  What you are doing is highly illegal and gives riders a bad name.  I've seen it out there.  Passing on double yellow in a blind curve is a death wish.  Oh and you are the one who started the "if you don't ride my way" crap. 

[oldbike54]

 Chill fellas .

 Dusty

[John A]

Somebody here said it’s more fun riding a slow bike fast than it is riding a fast bike slow.  I try to only speed when I want to, not because I’m late,in a hurry

[Tusayan]

Being able to pick out a line and follow it. Trying to hit the apex just right. Being able to put the boring super slab in the mirror. That’s what I like. Not trying to prove anything, I literally just get bored out of my mind at slow speeds. And out west and here in ATL anything under 80 is slow on the highway. And before you assume that means missing out on scenery, don’t think everyone is incapable of seeing beautiful vistas and gorgeous scenery while moving at a good clip. Some of us see quite more than others

Oh, and zero tickets for me 😉

Sounds very much like a day in the Alps, any day in normal times, as ridden by thousands of riders.  Hardly highly illegal, and the way motorcycles were meant to be enjoyed.

[twowheeladdict]

Sounds very much like a day in the Alps, any day in normal times, as ridden by thousands of riders.  Hardly highly illegal, and the way motorcycles were meant to be enjoyed.

Motorcycles and motorcyclists are treated very differently in other countries.  Here, a reckless driving violation can get the bike impounded, immediate suspension of license and potential jail time.  I lost my license for 12 months when I was in my 20s and it cost me a job.  Not to mention the insurance costs.  Now I have to be a responsible mature person until I retire.   

[Tusayan]

I’ve enjoyed about 300,000 miles of fast, twisty roads in the US and have somehow managed to avoid having my bike impounded    I’ve not had a high speed driving award since sometime in the 90s and have never been injured on a motorcycle since 1974 (on either continent).  My US insurance for nine motorcycles in about $350 for all of them.. (National General has been good to me since 1988)

[twowheeladdict]

I’ve enjoyed about 300,000 miles of fast, twisty roads in the US and have somehow managed to avoid having my bike impounded    I’ve not had a high speed driving award since sometime in the 90s and have never been injured on a motorcycle since 1974 (on either continent).  My US insurance for nine motorcycles in about $350 for all of them.. (National General has been good to me since 1988)

You obviously can take the risk.  I can't.  I have been to defensive driving school so many times I could teach the course.  We use defensive driving school to get out of the ticket and points.

[Bpreynolds2]

I can see the cold spell hitting the States really has the board stuck inside.

[kingoffleece]

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/pace/

This might assist