V85TT Lowering / Side Stand Shortening

[Xander]

Hiya!  I'm new here, but my bike is used.   

I'm average height at ~5' 10" and ~30" inseam, but I find my new-to-me V85TT Adventure to be quite high in the saddle - this is my first Adventure bike.  I don't really go off road but for the occasional dirt alley, pot-hole, and curbs and whatnot, so I don't think I need so much suspension travel.

I've lowered her as much as is practical without custom stuff - raised the forks to 4 bars and taken the preload in the front and rear springs down to the minimum.  She still rides great, but now she's not so stable on the side stand.  Even if I don't lower her any more, which I may well want to do, the existing stand will not do.

So, I've searched the interwebs and found that people just cut the stock stand down a bit , which I am prepared to do.  I've even considered the idea of making the stand adjustable somehow in case I want to raise her back up and/or, FSM forbid, sell her down the line.

I'm here to seek any insight y'all might have before taking the cutting wheel to the $300+ OEM stand.  Does anyone sell a lowered side stand?

It's great to meet you all and thanks in advance!

[Huzo]

Just cut the flat plate off the end and shorten it.
I lowered my V85 about 30 mm. The centrestand is a bit more complicated, but the sidestand is pretty simple.

[janguzzi]

I did this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0guE2AIXpI
No changes on the sidestand/mainstand necessary

[Xander]

I did this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0guE2AIXpI
No changes on the sidestand/mainstand necessary

Thanks for your reply.   

I think I understand the various ways of lowering the suspension, as I've done to the forks and the rear shock already, and the idea of different/upgraded springs/shocks is on the table.  However, the side stand is definitely a problem.  If the frame of the bike - the thing the side stand is mounted to - is lowered for saddle height, it will surely affect the side stand and thereby the parking angle, regardless of how the lowering was done.  I can see no way around modifying the stand.

I'm on the balls of my feet as it stands now, and I may get used to that, but the side stand is already a problem, and I foresee a tip-over in her future.  Certainly if I lower her even more like I want to, it will be that much more of a problem.

I may want a center stand eventually (only $150 OEM).  But I might be OK with just running her up onto some blocks to get onto the center stand.  I'm also happy to carry blocks in case I need the center stand away from home, but I'd likely only use it in the garage.

[Vagrant]

You can take the four rubber bumpers off the bottom of the drivers seat for an extra 3/8" or so.
I'velowered mine an inch and find I just need to watch where I park it. If it's not level, turn it so the kickstand faces the down slope.

[Xander]

You can take the four rubber bumpers off the bottom of the drivers seat for an extra 3/8" or so.
I'velowered mine an inch and find I just need to watch where I park it. If it's not level, turn it so the kickstand faces the down slope.

Great advice, thanks.

Upon checking, it looks like the previous owner took the bumpers off the seat already, and I get the parking thing but I really don't like it.  It looks like I'm destined to cut that stand.

I'm trying to get used to her as she is now, but I feel like I want another inch, or two even, which might be a pipe dream.  I may just be pining for my bike from long ago ('79 Honda CX500C) that allowed me to plant both feet flat.

This is the Adventure life, huh?

[Vagrant]

Smartest thing to do is go to Shock Factory. They can make a shorter one that will lower your seat 1" and it is a superior shock built for your weight. I got mine through Winding Roads. Martin is who I dealt with.

[Xander]

Smartest thing to do is go to Shock Factory. They can make a shorter one that will lower your seat 1" and it is a superior shock built for your weight. I got mine through Winding Roads. Martin is who I dealt with.

Thanks!

I guess it's a custom thing.  I don't see the '21 V85TT on either site, but the prices for stock stuff are quite good.

Is the OHLINS from MG not able to lower the bike?  I don't know much about MG, my bike, or the accessories.

[Huzo]

I raised the forks and threw in the Ohlins, that lowered the V85 by 30 mm.
Here is the difference.


Same shock as yours I think

[Xander]

I raised the forks and threw in the Ohlins, that lowered the V85 by 30 mm.
Here is the difference.
[...]
Same shock as yours I think
[...]

Oh!  I've seen those pics before.  I think they're what led me to join up here at WildGuzzi.com!

That is noticeable.  I like your classy red color. 

I haven't put any shock on my bike yet.  But, after I bought her, the service guy at the dealer said she'd already been lowered at the front and rear, but the rear shock looks to be stock and both were still at the highest preload setting.  I asked for more details, but they haven't called me back, making me think the service guy wasn't supposed to tell me that.  [shrug]  Dealers gonna dealer.

I gotta show my baby pic too, with the rear shock:

[Guzzistajohn]

Too bad https://camel-adv.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1K-zBhBIEiwAWeCOF4zdJIHlzexlSI2wRFA7uf-_xv-g-E1eFrc7I8kVxiNvDX8e46waGRoCtX0QA won't make Guzzi parts. The stuff I've bought for my T7 fit and function perfectly!

[Xander]

Too bad https://camel-adv.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1K-zBhBIEiwAWeCOF4zdJIHlzexlSI2wRFA7uf-_xv-g-E1eFrc7I8kVxiNvDX8e46waGRoCtX0QA won't make Guzzi parts. The stuff I've bought for my T7 fit and function perfectly!

I don't think that link is working as intended.  I think it's just putting me at the home page.  No big.

[Guzzistajohn]

Just google  Camel ADV. They're in Canada. It's quality stuff for a good price. The installation videos are really helpful. They actually hand write a thank you note for every purchase. I think that's a nice touch!