Bulldog's V85

[Bulldog9]

When I dropped my V100 on my ankle I had my dry bag on the luggage rack. The rack is pretty high which probably contributed to the fall. In my defense I didn't have room to get away from the bike so I wound up under it. Anyway I now have a V7 850 with which I will be going camping this weekend. I intend on carrying my dry bag on the seat with the extra length riding on top of the side cases. I am not going to carry the kitchen sink anymore either. 
kk

I may have to re-arrange how I pack on the V85 due to bag sizes. For years its been:

- Right Bag - Tools/rain Gear (facing Shoulder/side of the road)
- Left Bag - Clothes/shave kit
- Topcase - Camping Gear, snacks and Easy Access
- Tank Bag - phone, Keys, Sunglasses, eyedrops, chapstick, earplugs, maybe protein bar

Given that the left bag is the smaller of the two, I may have to switch the tools and clothes, but time will tell.

[yrunvs]

I use my topbox multiple times every ride. It carries everything I need.....water, cap, sandles, extra sweat shirt, doggie treats, rain gear etc and the wifey likes it there for safety/security/comfort reasons. I did the lock mod so I don't have to use my key anymore as theres never anything of great value in it.

[PeteS]

I have used top boxes on my two up bikes. One up I just use a big duffle bag I can bungee on the rear seat. Doubles as a back rest.
If you have a way to mount a trailer hitch and can find one, a Pakit Rak is the bees knees.
Carries weight way down low and is exceptionally well built and designed. I ran one on my Goldwing and he offered a small mount that didn’t require installing a full trailer hitch. They appear to be NLA but show on the auction sites.

Read more about it here.

https://www.angelridevideos.com/reviews/pakitrak.html

Pete

[ridingron]

May be no longer available but pretty easy to fab something similar. If you have a trailer hitch.

[Bulldog9]

I have used top boxes on my two up bikes. One up I just use a big duffle bag I can bungee on the rear seat. Doubles as a back rest.
If you have a way to mount a trailer hitch and can find one, a Pakit Rak is the bees knees.
Carries weight way down low and is exceptionally well built and designed. I ran one on my Goldwing and he offered a small mount that didn’t require installing a full trailer hitch. They appear to be NLA but show on the auction sites.

Read more about it here.

https://www.angelridevideos.com/reviews/pakitrak.html

Pete

Me with a trailer on my motorcycle? HAMSANDWICH NO! 

[PeteS]

Me with a trailer on my motorcycle? HAMSANDWICH NO! 

Not a trailer.

Pete

[ridingron]

Just because there is a trailer hitch on your bike doesn't mean you pull a trailer. Like just because you have a rear seat means you have a passenger all the time.

[Bulldog9]

Regardless, a Trailer mounted trunk, or trailer, I don't ever see a need for either, and would never have one on my motorcycle. If you do, more power to you and God bless but I'll have none of that.

[PeteS]

Regardless, a Trailer mounted trunk, or trailer, I don't ever see a need for either, and would never have one on my motorcycle. If you do, more power to you and God bless but I'll have none of that.

Not trying to sell you on the idea, but my experience as well as others say a top box compromises handling. This alternative has essentially no affect on the handling plus makes it easier for a passenger to get on and off.
I don’t see it as an option for a V85 but maybe a V7 or 1400 or older Cruiser bike.

Pete

[kingoffleece]

I don't put anything heavy in my top case but it's never affected my handling-ever.

[PeteS]

I don't put anything heavy in my top case but it's never affected my handling-ever.

Try case of bottled Yuengling. Then try and keep up with your buds scraping knees on PA 144.

Pete

[kingoffleece]

Nope.  GOOD bourbon in the side bag.  Keep your beer.

[Bulldog9]

75 Mile ride today, a brisk overcast 50's day. Started at the local bikes & breakfast, then up the GW Parkway, crossed over to MD, followed the Potomac down to Fort Washington, then back up to the Woodrow Wilson bridge, crossed back over to VA, down to George Washington's Mount Vernon and looked across the Potomac at Fort Washington from Fort Hunt (my backyard)

A great ride, and 100 miles closer to first service. Decided I want a bit more exhaust Noise, so came home and ordered a Zard Exhaust from Moto Machines. (paypal credit is a beautiful thing).

Really liking the bike. Small Block Charm, with close to big block power..... 600 miles to breakin service.

I'm thinking of doing the trans and rear differential during the initial service, and install all the parts. So far, and I think I am finished:
- Zard Exhaust
- Mytech Tool Box
- Givi Tanklock bracket
- Isotta Engine/Crash bars
- AUX lights
- Greg Bender Wire Harness with Relay





At the bikes and breakfast, I saw this oddity. It's been a LONG time since something surprised me. Never heard of this before. Very interesting E bike. Out of the UK, removeable Battery Packs, Motor is in the hub.

[Cam3512]

As far as exhaust, I did the opposite.  Left the stock pipe, but installed an Agostini “Y” pipe shortly after I bought it.  On the ‘20’s, the stock headers stay put.  Separate from the Y pipe.  It eliminated some substantial weight and heat on the right foot. 

[SIR REAL ED]

Try case of bottled Yuengling. Then try and keep up with your buds scraping knees on PA 144.

Pete

I fondly remember PA 144 from the late 1970's riding my XS750!!!  Great ride!

[Bulldog9]

I fondly remember PA 144 from the late 1970's riding my XS750!!!  Great ride!

I'm getting ready to bring my 1978 xs750 back to life.

I'll make to have it ready and sell hopefully by the Vintage Yamaha Rally this fall.

[Huzo]

I got a Zard twin outlet exhaust for my V85 but took it off after a short while. Mine didn’t have the mellow sound I was after.
I still have it if anyone wants it.

[Bulldog9]

I got a Zard twin outlet exhaust for my V85 but took it off after a short while. Mine didn’t have the mellow sound I was after.
I still have it if anyone wants it.

What didn't you like about it? I find Zard to be between the rumble of a Mistral and Bark of an Agostini.

[kingoffleece]

I have the Agostini slip on fitted to my 2022.  Could use a bit more "umph" to the sound.  It's almost as tame as the OEM.  It is much lighter though.

[Bulldog9]

I have the Agostini slip on fitted to my 2022.  Could use a bit more "umph" to the sound.  It's almost as tame as the OEM.  It is much lighter though.

Jim, While coming back from my ride I stopped at the ABC store and stocked up for our upcoming company. 8 bottles, 4 wine, 1 bourbon, 1 Drambuie, i Ouzo, 1 Sambuca all in the topcase. I could feel it coming off the side stand, but not otherwise.

Looks like Beam has released a 'Cask Strength" Single Barrel 9 Knob Creek. The Single Barrel 9 is my favorite of them all, and is normally 100 proof, this Cask Strength is 118 proof. Also, when I got home and read the fine print on the bottle, it is comically an Eli Manning Barrel pick! LOL. Had I know that, I would have passed on it, I hate celebrity worship.

[Huzo]

What didn't you like about it? I find Zard to be between the rumble of a Mistral and Bark of an Agostini.

I’d hoped it would be a bit more like a Conti on a Ducati or Termi.