Increase V85TT ground clearance?

[SpecchioBronzo]

Is it possible, within reason, to increase the ground clearance of the V85TT by, say, 2"/5cm or so? I would expect any such operation to be a bit costly, and imagine it means different suspension and kickstand but my gut says it would involve more than that, maybe it would even ruin the geometry of the bike and be pointless.

I've rebuilt BMW car engines so I'm not entirely incompetent with a wrench but I've never meaningfully worked on motorcycles (other than changing chains/sprockets/oil/tires).

Or is it really just better to find a different machine (i.e., Tuareg 660, Norden 901, AT, etc.)? The V85 is just such a beauty in various ways, I'm hoping to turn one into a truly-go-anywhere beast; the others are mechanically fantastic but really just kinda boring, they don't have the vibe or the feel of that transverse V-twin, I think you know what I mean. Thank you.

[Huzo]

There was a thing on here a few years back about a guy who built an all purpose bike from a V7 and it seemed like a damn good thing.
I cannot find the post but you might be able to search it. Well worth the effort.
I reckon the biggest drawback is that altering the swingarm angle as you would need to, will start to work the universal joint more heavily than intended and that is a bit of an unknown quantity.
The rest I think is doable if you have the passion. There are probably better and easier options out there, but you and I know that is not the point.
Good luck and welcome.

[bad Chad]

I'm far from an expert on this kind of thing, but if you need 2 inches, I think you will likely be better off just getting something else.

[Huzo]

Don’t be talked out of it so easily. The journey through the process is really a big part of it all, search for that V7 based thing, it’ll be out there someplace.

[Grabcon]

I guess I would like to ask what problem are you trying to solve? Is it really ground clearance or is it seat height? Are you long legged and just need more leg room? Or are you banging up the underside of the bike?

Ground clearance is tough, longer forks, longer rear shock. longer rear shock will change the shaft angle.

Seat height is easier Have a different seat built.

[Huzo]

A lot of folk put little store in working through a project and for some that is understandable. But I contend that any idiot can buy their way to a goal but derive no understanding of what they’re working with.
Find that V7 post.

[Littlefield]

I’m sure a bigger rim will fit in the front. How about the rear?

[ridingron]

I see the drive shaft angle being a concern with 2"/5 cm more ground clearance. I'm guessing about 4°-5° extra drop. Maybe tilt the motor to help? Just guessing the motor tilt would need to be about 3/8"/1 cm on the front.  A sump spacer from Steiner Dense would probably add enough oil so the pump doesn't suck air into the system. I have no idea on how you go about tilting the motor.  How far can you tilt the motor before other problems creep into the mix?

A lot easier on a chain drive bike. 


sump spacer:     https://www.stein-dinse.com/en/moto-guzzi-oil-pan-spacer-20mm-black-v9-v85tt/item-2-1694346-sump+spacer-.html 

[Dirk_S]

Did…Huzo just refer to something I did…as cool? I’m honored, and may just have to proofread my English before hitting send on this response:

In order of whatever, I would…

• Build or have a 21” front wheel made for more ground clearance.
• Considering the V85TT uses the new-style double-u-joint, I bet it could stand just a hair longer rear shock. Probably would do better than my V7III, because the V7 III was the last small block to use that ~35 year-old single u-joint driveshaft. I went from 350mmm(or whatever stock is on those bikes) to 380mm shocks (the omniscient Todd Eagon says a V7 III can accept a shock up to that length); for safety measure, I also installed a steel sleeve in the transmission output made by that Dutch Guzzi NATO bike-lovin’ shop (MW Motoren), should that dainty single UJ driveshaft decide to go kablooey one day. A CV joint would be tits…Titmice are the cutest birds.
• Maybe make an 18” rear, although the differences between a 17” and an 18” isn’t much; however, an 18” is better off-road (skinnier tires), and if you’re worried about extending the V85TT’s 8.3” or so of stock ground clearance, then you certainly must have off-pavement in mind! It’s worth noting that the KLR and R100GS are right about the same in stock ground clearance…
  …but they’re cooler because they have 21” fronts.
• If you have the money and amateur engineering desire, then modify the engine-frame mount tabs to angle the motor upward, just like the old V35TT/V65TT and NTX 350/650/750 were set up.
• And do the nifty CV driveshaft mod that ONE day I’d love to do. Can definitely angle the rear swingarm more with that one. An ADVRider or two have done that after experiencing too many (>0) u-joint/transmission grenades.

Here’s my V7 III with the enduro forks from an NTX650 and a 21/18 set of wheels that I built. Similar dimensional specs to a KLR Gen 3 Oweight, ground clearance, rake & trail), with power right in between a KLR and an R100 GS:



BUT YOU have the chance to make a humdinger more along the lines of something like this, with more ground clearance (since the tighter rake lifts the bike up more already):



Get to it!