V85 TT Merged Threadfest

[beardog]

Thanks to all and Chuck you know you can take it for a ride, I owe you anyway

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks to all and Chuck you know you can take it for a ride, I owe you anyway

You don't owe me nuthin.. 

[NWrider]

Trialsman,
Just the heated elements under the stock grips or like the Oxfords?  Thanks

[tommy2cyl]

Trialsman:  Curious about your assessment of 1. MRA X screen and how much improvement you experience over the touring screen. 2. Agostini Y pipe. I did read your comments I think on Advrider thread.  Less weight, freer engine air flow, cooler.  I guess I am asking if you felt it was worth the investment and no other reprogramming mods needed to make it run as good as it does with the cat?  Oh, I guess I need to know how tall you are to compare your experience with the MRA  X screen.  I am 6 ft with 30 inch inseam for comparison.  Thanks for your feedback.

[Trialsman]

I used heating elements under some gel grips that I like.  Wire it up to the factory harness via the Molex connectors under the tank.  As for the Augostini cross over pipe, the worth is still unclear.  Stock the bike runs spot on so performance didn't really get a gain.  The amount of heat felt was the biggest plus so the engine is definitely running cooler.  Weight reduction is moderate, but like I said it is all down low.  I need more time on it to properly assess. It sounds almost identical to the stock pipe to me, which is fine.  I hate loud bikes.

[NWrider]

Tommy2cyl,
Since Trialsman didn't directly answer your question about the MRA X screen, I'll jump in here to say that I installed the large touring MRA Xscreen on my stock shield and it helped considerably by lowering the noise level.   I wear a Shoei Neotec and a Neotec II, just over 6' (now in my dotage I've lost almost 3") with a 32" inseam.   I think it would be even better on the Guzzi touring screen.

Trialsman: Thanks for the followup on the grips.  I've used Symantec on several bikes with a Heat Troller, but it sounds like the cleaner installation with the molex connectors to the stock harness would be best with the V85.

[tommy2cyl]

Trialsman & NWrider.  Thanks for the replies.  Wind management is always the ultimate quest.  I will probably try the MRA small option because I have the touring screen installed.  MadStadt solved the issue on my 2002 VStrom many years ago.  If I could replicate that 'air pocket' I would be very satisfied.
I will hold on the Y pipe for now.  My 'big modification' currently is waiting for my new set of Shinko 705's to arrive. I was going to wait until first service, but I just cannot.  Tempted to convert wheel to tubeless during the swap out, but there is something about that conversion that I am still not 100% comfortable with.  I know guys do it with products that are designed for that (Outex I think ?) and are satisfied with the result, but I still have reservations.  Probably unfounded reasons on my part,  but I would so prefer to have a wheel that is designed specifically to be TL.  Will wait for factory heated grips.  Not a priority at the moment.  Of course they never are until you need them. (NWrider: made me grin on use of word dotage.  Well played) 

[Trialsman]

I thought about that after I went to bed, sorry I didn't answer your question.  The touring windscreen seemed to throw too much wind on my face.I am about 5-11" with a 30" inseam but I like to ride with my visor up on an AFX41 helmet.  When I did my first 900mi weekend ride I noticed in the low position it was good to about 40mph before my eyes were not comfortable but no buffeting.  I stopped and raised the screen halfway and it was better to about 45mph.  I stopped later and adjusted it full upright and still needed to close my visor at about 55mph.  When I got home I put on the X- screen sport (10") version.  It was much better and I played around adjusting it quite a bit.  I found the air stream flow the best with the touring screen in the mid position and the X-Screen fairly low and nearly vertical.  This is the slip on, not drill version and now sits withe the top edge about 2" above the touring windscreen and about 3.5" forward.  Unless it is raining or cold weather I ride with the visor up.  I am in moving but reasonably calm air and even at sustained highway speeds  it is comfortable.  I will be keeping this on my bike as I still look over the top lip by 4-5".  Once again sorry for the delayed response.

[tommy2cyl]

Thanks.  Really appreciate the effort and detailed response.  We are virtually identical height/inseam so that is really applicable information.

[Zoom Zoom]

I have a friend who recently picked up a new V85.

Has anybody investigated weather there is a switched connector for a GPS on this bike yet? I am aware you are supposed to be able to interface your phone to the dash. I have not heard if they dropped the plug or not as a result.

John Henry

[TimmyTheHog]

For the MRA X-screen which is a "tad pricy" for my taste.

On my GS (I know this is the V85TT thread :P), I bought this from Aliexpress for those who don't mind Chinese made product.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32907809884.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dPgo1M1





I use the titanium bracket + 30cm wide one. No drilling require. Just clamp and tighten by couple hex setscrews.

I personally like this look better than MRA X-screen too...but taste is to one of it's own

[twowheeladdict]

Most center stands are tough to the bike up and they drag i corners.  I remove mine (Norge, Stelvio, kTM990) and carry my Dirt Napper device which will not only lift the bike if on it's side, but also double as a center stand for changing a tire.

Had no issues putting the one in the showroom up on the center stand. 

[twowheeladdict]

The amount of heat felt was the biggest plus so the engine is definitely running cooler. 

Is the engine really running cooler or you just not feeling the heat from the Catalytic Converter since it needs to heat up to catalyze any leftover combustion elements?

I rode behind a guy who removed his Catalytic Converter an you can definitely smell his bike exhaust now.   

[Trialsman]

I should have taken a comparison reading with my IR gun but did not.  I do know the felt heat from the cat is way lower.

[Kiwi Dave]

I have a friend who recently picked up a new V85.

Has anybody investigated weather there is a switched connector for a GPS on this bike yet? I am aware you are supposed to be able to interface your phone to the dash. I have not heard if they dropped the plug or not as a result.

John Henry

There is a USB connector to the left of the dashboard.  I used a USB-12v adapter to run a radar detector for a while until I managed to install the correct harness.  Warning!!  Removing and replacing the fuel tank is quite a mission.

Guzzi offer the multimedia ECU which plugs into a multi-pin socket above the LH side panel.  It allows you to connect your Android phone (not sure about i-phone) via bluetooth to run the V85TT software.  It offers a "find my bike" function, greater information regarding the various running statistics, and a crude GPS Navigation system.

I say crude because there is no map displaced on the dashboard.  However, there is a couple of icons displaced at the bottom of the display showing the distance to the next turn, and the type of turn (left, right or roundabout (traffic circle for the USA folks).  The second icon displays the next turn which is very helpful.  The map itself is not terrific, no means of dragging the route as in google maps, and no waypoints, but better than nothing.

I chose not to connect my Nolan helmet bluetooth (truth is, it couldn't find it anyway) and I have no interest in listening to music as I ride.

The phone needs to be plugged in to the bike's battery power, otherwise it will not stay active for very long, it's very hungry.

There has been a couple of updates to the mapping software already, and I'm hoping for more soon.

Worth the money?  The jury is still out.

[Cam3512]

AF1 also sells these...

https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=100503&sku=MM010501003-x&description=Ermax+Clip+and+Flip+Wind+Deflector&idCategory=3304&action=View

[Zinfan]

Trialsman & NWrider.  Thanks for the replies.  Wind management is always the ultimate quest.  I will probably try the MRA small option because I have the touring screen installed.  MadStadt solved the issue on my 2002 VStrom many years ago.  If I could replicate that 'air pocket' I would be very satisfied.
I will hold on the Y pipe for now.  My 'big modification' currently is waiting for my new set of Shinko 705's to arrive. I was going to wait until first service, but I just cannot.  Tempted to convert wheel to tubeless during the swap out, but there is something about that conversion that I am still not 100% comfortable with.  I know guys do it with products that are designed for that (Outex I think ?) and are satisfied with the result, but I still have reservations.  Probably unfounded reasons on my part,  but I would so prefer to have a wheel that is designed specifically to be TL.  Will wait for factory heated grips.  Not a priority at the moment.  Of course they never are until you need them. (NWrider: made me grin on use of word dotage.  Well played)

The only part of the wheels that isn't designed to run tubeless is the spoke holes, the rims have the extra edge that tubeless rims have.

[NWrider]

Others have commented on the howling Michelin Ankenee tires--- mine started to do that right at 200 miles + I have a pronounced wheel hop.  Going to have to remove the front wheel and see if it's a balance weight issue or if the tire/rim is out of round.  Anyone know what the torque values are for the axle nut and the pinch bolts?

[Cam3512]

I have a friend who recently picked up a new V85.

Has anybody investigated weather there is a switched connector for a GPS on this bike yet? I am aware you are supposed to be able to interface your phone to the dash. I have not heard if they dropped the plug or not as a result.

John Henry

Not sure John.  However I did have Jim Hamlin wire in a new mount for my Garmin Zumo pre-delivery.  Wired into the ignition switch somehow.  I still like the motorcycle specific GPS as opposed to the phone.  Shoot him a call?

[Cam3512]

Others have commented on the howling Michelin Ankenee tires--- mine started to do that right at 200 miles + I have a pronounced wheel hop.  Going to have to remove the front wheel and see if it's a balance weight issue or if the tire/rim is out of round.  Anyone know what the torque values are for the axle nut and the pinch bolts?

I get the howl on mine for anything off center.  No stability issues though, and I really don't mind it.

[blu guzz]

I had my first real offroading adventure tonight - herding the horses and dogs in the pasture.  I loved it, not sure about the animals.  Mostly under 20 mph on rough pasture grass, no slippage at all, totally controllable.  I have never had this kind of bike before and I can now see the appeal-what fun.

[Knuckle Dragger]

Guzzis make great paddock-bashers.  Never heard of a brand spanking new one used that way 'though.  All power to you!

[Zinfan]

Others have commented on the howling Michelin Ankenee tires--- mine started to do that right at 200 miles + I have a pronounced wheel hop.  Going to have to remove the front wheel and see if it's a balance weight issue or if the tire/rim is out of round.  Anyone know what the torque values are for the axle nut and the pinch bolts?

Front axle nut is 80 Nm and pinch bolts are 10 Nm.  I believe I've heard of other owners with the hop issue that traced back to the front tire.  I do not have the issue.  I replaced the Ankenee's when I did the tubeless conversion with 705's and the howl is gone.  When the 705 wears out I'll put the Ankenee back on, hate to waste that much tire life.

[Zinfan]

Worth the money?  The jury is still out.

My internal jury is made up of 12 angry men and they have their mind set on "not worth it".  Always a chance for things to change but I'd never try to convince a buyer to spring for the MIA if they had doubts about it.  Good to hear the maps are getting updates, I'll check my phone log and see if my app updated.

[Knuckle Dragger]

Just won Motorrad's 4-way 'scrambler' test.  A bit puzzling as it was the only non-scrambler tested!  Nevertheless, well done Guzzi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0nN8135h6k

[jimgoff]

 I have put about 1,800 miles on my basic grey V85 TT. Seat bump came loose, I rode without it for a while then put it back on with double nuts.
   First oil change I noticed a oil pan bash plate bolt missing, the other oil pan bolts were tight.
  Upon a fuel fill up the trip meter read 310 miles, I rode until - no miles showed refilled to brim with 5.1 gallons. I have not been keeping accurate odometer readings for mpg but will try this weekend.
  I'm or was (dotage) 5' 6"  30" inseam about 155 pounds. Seat is comfortable and weight, height and length makes it difficult for me to handle U turns on one lane dirt roads. Deep sand and mud had me wishing for more aggressive tires but these are good on pavement.
   Feel more heat on my shins from the engine than any other Guzzi but haven't noticed heat from catalytic converter except when changing oil. Passenger noticed heat from muffler but then she wasn't properly attired for motorcycle riding.
   Oh love this bike even though it is much larger than I expected. I still try to upshift when in 6th and want side bags that don't make it too wide, for now I have a plastic box mounted on rack great for grocery shopping but the DB bags on 72 Eldorado hold more.
   Would had went for adventure package but did not want the paint offered.
  I need shop manual to do my own maintenance.  Oh I think this engine is smooth and has plenty of power only adjustments I made was to the mirrors, would soften and lower shocks for my 72 year old lady.

[Zoom Zoom]

There is a USB connector to the left of the dashboard.  I used a USB-12v adapter to run a radar detector for a while until I managed to install the correct harness.  Warning!!  Removing and replacing the fuel tank is quite a mission.
<snip>

Thanks to you and others who responded to my question. Yes, I was aware of the USB connector and the multi media platform. Good to know about the fuel tank. I'll pass that on although I doubt he'll mess with that anyway. It may be safe to assume that the switched plug for a dedicated GPS has likely been eliminated in lieu of the other options mentioned above.

Cam, I suggested he ask Enzo about it since that is where he purchased the bike from. Personally, I would not want to take up Jim's time for something he doesn't stand to benefit from. Anyway I figured this was one of those you never know unless you ask sort of things.

John Henry

[JJ]

Just saw this...and thought it was interesting...Long before the V85TT, there was the NTX!!

[Trialsman]

I ended up putting in a 5 circuit box (made by Eastern Beaver) under the seat coming off the battery.  Three of the circuits are run through a relay triggered by the key switch and two are on all the time.  In this way I can separately fuse and protect the aux lights, GPS, seat heater, and hyper lights.

[Zinfan]

Thanks to you and others who responded to my question. Yes, I was aware of the USB connector and the multi media platform. Good to know about the fuel tank. I'll pass that on although I doubt he'll mess with that anyway. It may be safe to assume that the switched plug for a dedicated GPS has likely been eliminated in lieu of the other options mentioned above.

Cam, I suggested he ask Enzo about it since that is where he purchased the bike from. Personally, I would not want to take up Jim's time for something he doesn't stand to benefit from. Anyway I figured this was one of those you never know unless you ask sort of things.

John Henry

Thisoldtractor.com has the V85 wiring diagram and I didn't see a GPS plug listed so yeah odds on that it wasn't provided.  I didn't think the fuel tank removal was as bad a job other than the vent hose removal at the front of the tank.  I will say that it can be difficult to locate the tank into the correct position when putting it back on but with a bit of practice it shouldn't be too bad.  The fuel line disconnect is way easier than on my V7, still best to unplug the fuel pump then start the bike to relieve pressure in the line first.