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! 

[guzziboy66]

Reviving this old thread.  I've posted the below on some other forums too.

Maiden voyage last Saturday. 89 miles. My new helmet has to break-in. My new suit has to break-in. First impressions of the bike are pretty good. The engine has gobs of power. The bike is really good at low speed too. My Norge always felt like it wanted to fall over when doing slow maneuvers.  I had to max out the preload to come close to the recommended sag of 51mm. I need to see if I can swap in a better spring for my fat American ass. Need to speed up the shock rebound too. Has anyone changed the spring on their stock rear shock?  The clutch uptake is at the end of the travel. Now I understand why some people switch out the lever. The quick shifter is surprisingly good. Almost as good as the Multistrada. The shift lever needs to be adjusted up to fit my boot in there comfortably. Looks like there is an eccentric adjustment on the toe pad - I'll try that.

EDIT:I was advised that the eccentric for the tow bar is meant to adjust the length of the shifter and to make the adjustment at the linkage.

I think the screen should be taller for sure. I'll order the taller one from GIVI.  After a bit of research and speaking with friends in NJ I am now also researching PUIG and cal-Sci shields.  Anyone have any experience with these.  Interestingly Cal-Sci PUIG says they are developing shields for the models with front radar, I did not notice that any other shield manufacturers differentiate between non-radar and radar equipped machines.  Can anyone shed light on this for me?

The gas tank seems not to be venting properly -I smelled gas 30 miles after fill up. No leaks, but the tank was pressurized. Opening the gas cap released the pressure. I don't remember seeing this as an issue in any of the forums I've perused. Has anyone else noticed this?  EDIT: Apparently this is a known problem and I should check the vent lines.

The Seat is pretty good. It's been a year since I've ridden and all parts of my body felt funny or weird to me. Funny thing - my left knee did not bother me. I also dressed too warm.

Thanks in advance for any help and or suggestions.

[Huzo]

The Preload was all the way to soft and there was about 1/2" sag with me on it.  I didn't try Matris, but if I screw it up , I can always see what they have.  I just finished powder coating it so tomorrow is the install and test.

There is no “soft” or “hard” with preload.
Preload does not alter the spring rate.

[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

No.

[PeteS]

No.

Yes, By definition, Progressive springs are variable rate.

https://idcspring.com/resources/articles/linear-versus-progressive-springs/

Pete

[Huzo]

Yes, By definition, Progressive springs are variable rate.

https://idcspring.com/resources/articles/linear-versus-progressive-springs/

Pete

The dispute is not whether they are variable rate .
Try this.
If you have your progressive shock out on the bench and the length of the spring is 200 mm.
Now fit the shock and sit on the bike, it will sag 40 mm to rest at 160 mm spring length.

Now take your shock out and preload it to 180 mm spring length.
Now fit your shock and sit on the bike, it will sag 20 mm to rest at 160 mm spring length.

In both cases you are heading off down the road on a spring that is compressed by YOUR WEIGHT to 160 mm.
The pre load has NO EFFECT on spring performance once it comes off the top stop. You FEEL like the spring is firmer because it didn’t sag as much when you got on, but it still compressed to 160 mm. The spring does not FEEL your weight PLUS the pre load.

Now of course if you preload the spring excessively, it will “top out” more readily, indeed if you preloaded it to compress the spring to 160 mm, it would top out continuously but any extra load would still make the spring perform and FEEL the same when you hit.a bump.
I read factual explanations on this topic that say..
“Spring preload does not affect spring performance, it just feels stiffer to the rider…”

They mean it just “feels stiffer” when you jump on, not when you’re riding…
Now that, I DO agree with.

As the great man Basil Fawlty said…
“Please understand before one of us dies..”

https://youtube.com/shorts/q6857V3-aug?si=rcqea0svXTeGhHIE

[Clifton]

The shift lever needs to be adjusted up to fit my boot in there comfortably. Looks like there is an eccentric adjustment on the toe pad - I'll try that.

EDIT:I was advised that the eccentric for the tow bar is meant to adjust the length of the shifter and to make the adjustment at the linkage.

The end of the shifter lever being attached on an eccentric moves all directions so it can adjust it shorter, longer, higher, or lower. On mine the height was fine but it was too far from my toe so I just moved it back to make it shorter.

The gasoline smell seems odd because I never noticed that on mine.

[azccj]

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.

Let me guess. The local dealer was trying to sell a 2025 model. I put little faith in what salesmen say about something, when they're trying to sell you that something. Just saying.

I was just out riding my 2022 V85TT Travel today. Did 300 miles today on AZ 75 mph highways. The bike has no trouble doing 80+ mph.

[YellowDuck]

The dispute is not whether they are variable rate .
Try this.
If you have your progressive shock out on the bench and the length of the spring is 200 mm.
Now fit the shock and sit on the bike, it will sag 40 mm to rest at 160 mm spring length.

Now take your shock out and preload it to 180 mm spring length.
Now fit your shock and sit on the bike, it will sag 20 mm to rest at 160 mm spring length.

In both cases you are heading off down the road on a spring that is compressed by YOUR WEIGHT to 160 mm.
The pre load has NO EFFECT on spring performance once it comes off the top stop. You FEEL like the spring is firmer because it didn’t sag as much when you got on, but it still compressed to 160 mm. The spring does not FEEL your weight PLUS the pre load.

Now of course if you preload the spring excessively, it will “top out” more readily, indeed if you preloaded it to compress the spring to 160 mm, it would top out continuously but any extra load would still make the spring perform and FEEL the same when you hit.a bump.
I read factual explanations on this topic that say..
“Spring preload does not affect spring performance, it just feels stiffer to the rider…”

They mean it just “feels stiffer” when you jump on, not when you’re riding…
Now that, I DO agree with.

As the great man Basil Fawlty said…
“Please understand before one of us dies..”

https://youtube.com/shorts/q6857V3-aug?si=rcqea0svXTeGhHIE

Thank god...another person in the motorcycling universe who understands this.  I thought I was all alone.

[DoubleGuzzi]

Huzo gets a bonus point for the Basil reference. 

[bad Chad]

The VVT v85 is demonstrably quicker than the previous version.  Both motors will eclipse a hundred MPH with out much fuss.

I had my VVT version up to 113 mph indicated and it was still pulling for more when I backed off do to road conditions.   Hell, I could easily break 100 mph on my 17 v9 and it's only rated at 55 HP.