Author Topic: Finally Joining the V85 Cult  (Read 284 times)

Online Bulldog9

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Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« on: January 31, 2026, 11:45:06 AM »
Well............. I finally caved..........

This beauty will be joining the herd soon. Trading the Breva 750 and 1200 Sport for a 2023 V85 Adventure in the blue/white colors. I still have the Griso and Norge and Stornello, so no real need for the two trade-ins. A V85 with tubeless tires will remove the anxiety over flats, and the added power and range will be a step up from the Mello Yello Stornello when it comes to back roads, gravel, etc.

The Stornello isn't going anywhere, but it will be stripped down to its original setup, and I will likely take the Yellow Tank to a bodyshop to get painted in that garrish V7 Sport color, put on the BiTubo MG rear shocks, more performance oriented street tires, remount the fly screen, and make it my light fun poke around sans luggage, racks, etc.

I'll be posting up all the bits and parts, seats, bags and racks for sale once all is pulled off. If anyone is interested in buying either of the bikes rather than me trading, shoot me a PM.

Anyhow, am happy about the decision, and love this color scheme. Is the only one that I really like. Hamlins is going to put on the factory center stand and heated grips, but thats all that is planned for now. Much to learn.

Happy now Bill, Cam, Steve, Dave, Jim? and all you others who bugged me to make the switch. lol.............




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The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2012 Norge GT, 2016 Stornello #742
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2026, 11:52:56 AM »
Very nice, and I like that color also.  I am sure you will be happy.  It is such a great all around bike.
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
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Online Clifton

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2026, 12:01:54 PM »
An Adventure with the panniers in a nice color congratulations Bulldog, I think you're going to love it!  :thumb:

That's how I ordered mine with heated grips and center stand. And they gave a nice discount on a Tour shield so I bought that as well to use in early spring and late fall.
« Last Edit: January 31, 2026, 12:05:26 PM by Clifton »
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Online TN Mark

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2026, 12:10:07 PM »
Well done, congratulations on the trade/sale.
Yes, that color scheme is beautiful.
« Last Edit: January 31, 2026, 05:37:28 PM by TN Mark »

Offline kingoffleece

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2026, 12:51:10 PM »
Yes, happy now.  About time and all that............... ... :grin:
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Offline SemperVee

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2026, 12:56:03 PM »
 Jealous!!...  Hmmmm.... getting old(er) (Mature) and thinking of going down to one all rounder that that COULD it it and a new(er) Guzzi!
« Last Edit: January 31, 2026, 12:57:25 PM by SemperVee »
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Online Huzo

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2026, 01:59:26 PM »
You won’t like the heavy throttle or the high seat.

Online Clifton

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2026, 03:52:00 PM »
You won’t like the heavy throttle or the high seat.

The heated grips include a new throttle assembly which is lighter. Plus there's cruise. Most find the V85 seat to be very comfortable, I think this might be the first mention I've heard that it could be considered high. For an adv bike it's pretty modest.

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Offline Trialsman

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2026, 04:36:54 PM »
You won’t like the heavy throttle or the high seat.

Don't worry about it.  You can cut the throttle spring to reduce the twist tension.  I am on my second one and I still love it.  If the wind screen is not enough for you the Givi is actually too tall, but you can cut it down and make it perfect.
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Online ridingron

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2026, 05:04:34 PM »
You might want to try the seat without the butt pad. It is an easy off or back on with 2 bolts.

Looks a lot like mine.  :thumb:  You bought the nicest looking paint scheme!
« Last Edit: January 31, 2026, 11:34:36 PM by ridingron »

Online Huzo

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2026, 05:17:35 PM »
If you parked it in Red Square, it’d look like a State owned government vehicle…




Online Ncdan

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2026, 06:17:56 PM »
Great looking bike BD👍

Online Cam3512

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #12 on: Today at 10:12:41 AM »




Ummm, or this?  Congrats Steve!
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Online SIR REAL ED

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #13 on: Today at 10:15:11 AM »


good job.  From your posts, i suspect you will love that bike.
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Online Bulldog9

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #14 on: Today at 12:04:17 PM »




Ummm, or this?  Congrats Steve!

Yes, THAT............ LOL
MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2012 Norge GT, 2016 Stornello #742
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Online Bulldog9

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #15 on: Today at 12:11:17 PM »
You won’t like the heavy throttle or the high seat.

I've a 32" inseam and ridden a couple, though my compromised right leg/hip does make swinging a leg over when standing on the ground difficult. I'll just use the peg to step on and mount.

No too worried about the heavy throttle spring, it is what it is. I'll mention it to Hamlin when he installs the OEM heated grips about addressing it if possible.
MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2012 Norge GT, 2016 Stornello #742
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Online ridingron

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Re: Finally Joining the V85 Cult
« Reply #16 on: Today at 02:21:49 PM »
The heated grips come with a new throttle grip. I believe the spring thing is addressed by the new grip assembly. As mentioned above.


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