V85 TT Merged Threadfest

[NWrider]

Thanks for the feedback, Derek

[Zinfan]

Just back from a 9 day 2,300 mile jaunt around Europe on the V85.  Some great riding through 7 countries and over the Vrsic / Pordoi / Sella / Timmelsjoch / Fern passes.  Regarding the V85 it covered the distance without fault.  I did have a problem with charging my Samsung phone from the USB port after several hours of intense rain, but further investigation revealed re-setting the phone software cured the issue.  Otherwise no problems, no loose bolts and no leaking cardan.  It does use some oil though.  I had to add half a litre in Slovenia and of course could not find 10W60, so had to top up with 10W40.  Mind you, the temperatures were pretty low so I can't see this being an issue.
Overall fuel consumption was 60 mpg (Imperial), but cruising above 75 mph greatly increased consumption.  At 85 mph (where my engine is much smoother) it was more like 40 mpg.
I bought a Touring screen before the trip, which converted the high level of laminar airflow experienced with the standard screen to high intensity buffeting, whatever the setting.  Adding a Puig deflector to the top of the screen I finally found a sweet spot to eliminate the buffeting.
The whole chassis is really excellent.  Brakes and suspension absolutely first class and the handling on the passes was better than my previous touring bikes (GS1200LC and Tiger 800).  The panniers are well designed and good quality.
Downsides? Apart from the clacky change through the lower gears, really only a lack of power for overtaking.  Top gear throttle response is pretty feeble and it was necessary to drop two gears in order to make overtaking safe.  The Tiger 800 would make the same maneuvre in top gear.
Overall though, after 3,800 miles I'm pretty impressed with the V85.

I've just wrapped up a similar trip (3800 miles across the Western U.S.) and have the same conclusions as you.  My V85 did use some oil on one long fast run and I too felt the need to downshift for passing unlike my Stelvio but it was an easy adjustment to make.  I'd say the one thing My V85 does that I have yet to hear anyone else talk about is that sometimes it won't click into 6th gear when I upshift.  Never any other gear change and never with any consistency but enough times to make me think it isn't my shifting abilities but something else.  It will be a hard thing to get the shop to look at since it cannot be repeated and always takes me by surprise.  I'll mention it to the shop so they have a record of my finding in case something goes wrong in the future.  Love the bike though and I found the stock seat very comfortable for all of my ride.

[tommy2cyl]

I have only used the tall screen.  Just put a MRA X creen Sport knock off ($35.00) on two days ago.  Noticeable improvement for me.  I just came in from a ride and was playing with the setting.  So far I am happiest with the initial position that I set it.  I would say it decreases noise by at least 60%.  I find that having the screen parallel to or one click more vertical to the bike screen works best for me.  Flattening the screen was the  wrong direction to go.  I have it about 2.5 -3.0  inches above the existing bike screen.  I am 6'0",  30 inch inseam, wear a Scorpion full face with ear plugs.  Everybody is so different in what works for them.  In general, this is a worthwhile investment.  Will still experiment to find the best setting but my gut feeling is my initial setting will probably be it.

[Huzo]

How does the seat stack up on long rides ?
It’s about the only thing that I wondered about on my (short) rides.

[NWrider]

Tommy2cyl,
Thanks-- I'd guess our upper body length is about the same so it may work for me too.   Just an observation.  I tried one of the Chinese knock offs of the MRA Touring Screen -- no where near the quality and at higher speeds it won't hold it's adjustment -- I've been using the official MRA's for many years and will not buy another Chinese copy.  As always, YMMV.

[tommy2cyl]

NWrider.  I was/am curious  about the quality/longevity/performance of the product.  I have had it up to 80 mph and it was rock solid but that is not the same as running at speed hour after hour.  I am taking a five day trip mid October so will see how it fares.  In static observation it seems firmly locked. Product seems to be well made.  If I only get a year out of it but proves to me it is worthwhile,  I will pony up for the MRA.  I have a friend that has the MRA that is riding with me on the trip, so I will compare his to mine in workmanship and ultimately performance.  Thanks for the feedback.

[NWrider]

It may be that there are more than one Chinese manufacturers and the quality may differ.

[Zinfan]

How does the seat stack up on long rides ?
It’s about the only thing that I wondered about on my (short) rides.

I find the stock seat very comfortable even during all day rides, there was that guy in England who did a youtube video where he did some 19 hour ride or something and he hated the seat so I guess opinions vary.

[Huzo]

I find the stock seat very comfortable even during all day rides, there was that guy in England who did a youtube video where he did some 19 hour ride or something and he hated the seat so I guess opinions vary.

That’s the one I just watched and prompted me to ask on the subject.

[Glawster]

How does the seat stack up on long rides ?
It’s about the only thing that I wondered about on my (short) rides.

I found it average Pete, - my bum was going numb after a couple of hours.  But to be honest that's probably me.  I did find the Tiger 800 saddle better, but it was some kind of comfort gel job.
What did surprise me was at modest speed the fuel range is enormous.  First time I've done 300 miles between fill ups.  I was trying to avoid buying fuel in Italy as over the Timmelsjoch in Austria it's 40 cents/litre cheaper.  Going up the Italian side of the pass the range was at 20 miles, then suddenly just two horizontal lines!!  I crept up to the top and thought at least it's downhill into Austria.  Did another 15 miles to the first fuel station.  Onto the centre stand and fill to the brim.  Still only 20 litres added so there must have been quite a bit left.
Perhaps someone would try carrying a fuel can and running to bone dry to see how long it takes!

[Huzo]

I found it average Pete, - my bum was going numb after a couple of hours.
Perhaps someone would try carrying a fuel can and running to bone dry to see how long it takes!

Yep..
I reckon SOMEONE will Derek..

[Cam3512]

I find the stock seat very comfortable even during all day rides, there was that guy in England who did a youtube video where he did some 19 hour ride or something and he hated the seat so I guess opinions vary.

EVERYBODY's ass will not be happy after 1000 miles in 19 hours.

[jmee54]

uncommon classic girl names




I bought some H&B CBows for my bike, planning on adding the receivers to my Givi DLM30b pannier/top boxes. I tried one but it was obviously going to overload the CBow mount. They are fine for soft panniers but not for alloy ones. (THESE ARE NOW FOR SALE WITH THE FEMALE RECIEVERS for customising your own soft bags) They hide away really nicely.

I have now bought Givi PLOR8203MK pannier racks which are superb! Not only can you remove the panniers in seconds, but you can also remove the racks too - in literally 10 seconds! They are attached with clever twist fastenings and can be locked on should you choose to.

My panniers can be used as a top box so I can just use one on the top if I choose, or I can use my big Givi which I can get two helmets in, with panniers for serious carrying capacity. There is an indicator repositioning kit, including wiring too should you need it with your choice of panniers. They are MonoKey by the way.

I am really pleased with this set up as there is no visual clutter at all, if you remove the racks. (in 10 seconds!)

[NWrider]

Nice!

[blu guzz]

i just got the v85 back from cadre from the 1st service at 1,800 miles.  i also had one of the bad front michelin tires and they replaced it under warranty.  much calmer ride, still noisy however so don't think i will go with these when it is time for new.

[NWrider]

I received a CalSci extra large windshield yesterday.   Initial test ride was disappointing.  More turbulence and noise than the stock screen with an MRA touring wing.   I look over the top of the windshield by about 2" with an Air Hawk + Alaska leather sheepskin.   Angled all the way back was best with any forward tilt making the turbulence worse.   I've added the MRA wing to the top and am still making adjustments but have gotten some improvement at the expense of having to look through the top of the wing.  The CalSci XL extends 15" above the top mounting holes.

[blu guzz]

nwrider:  thanks for posting this as it will be getting cold here and i was thinking of this option soon.  i have a wing as well. please keep us updated with your progress.  thanks.

[NWrider]

I'll get to check the CalSci + MRA touring wing out on a longer ride tomorrow going to the Oregon Guzzi Club breakfast - about a 1 1/2 hr ride each way for me.

[Numbercruncher]

Anybody fit a throttle tamer?

If you add larger diameter grips for more leverage to ease throttle effort, it might make the throttle action too quick.  I had this problem when I added different grips to my Ducati Scrambler which happened to be noticeably larger in diameter than the stock units.  This made the transition from on throttle to off throttle and back very abrupt.  The throttle tamer really helped out.  If I buy a V85TT and the throttle is as stiff as everyone says, I'll need wider grips to help this and that may necessitate a throttle tamer but since the website doesn't show fitment for a Moto Guzzi V85TT, yet, maybe someone here has tried one.

NC

[decotriumph]

I apologize if this has been answered but I did a search and also read at least 15 pages of this merged thread and didn't find the answer. Has anyone actually gone from a Stelvio NTX to a V85TT that can give some comparison on the ergonomics, specifically the legroom? I'm 6'2" tall, 34" inseam. My biggest issue on motorcycle fit is always legroom (seat to pegs and hip & knee angle). My 2014 Stelvio (now sold) fit me pretty well. I'm thinking of getting a V85. Thanks

[Cam3512]

I apologize if this has been answered but I did a search and also read at least 15 pages of this merged thread and didn't find the answer. Has anyone actually gone from a Stelvio NTX to a V85TT that can give some comparison on the ergonomics, specifically the legroom? I'm 6'2" tall, 34" inseam. My biggest issue on motorcycle fit is always legroom (seat to pegs and hip & knee angle). My 2014 Stelvio (now sold) fit me pretty well. I'm thinking of getting a V85. Thanks

There's a taller seat available.

[Cam3512]

Speaking of windshields, has anyone tried the CalSci offering?

Saw one on another V85 last weekend.  The finish looked like crap.  Edged were cut uneven and not even polished.  Looks like a kid made it with a jigsaw.

[Trialsman]

The Calsci I put on my Norge also was rather rough and not well polished on the edge.

[Trialsman]

I had a chance to ride my V85 on a trip then immediately take my Norge on another trip. I really prefer the V85 over the Norge. The Norge has more power but the handling was sooooo slow compared to the nimble V85. I can see if they build a sport tourer based on this current engine and frame it will be in my garage. Did I tell you I really like the new bike?

[blu guzz]

Trials: I am regularly amazed at how well mine corners.  At 2,200 miles, I think I have discerned the character of the bike - no drama.  It is so easy to ride and I have yet to find a curve that has caused me to panic.  On the 1400, that was not unknown.  I think this bike has you sitting high and forward so your visibility is good and the wide bar seems to let you instantly translate what you see into what your muscles need to do to get you through.  I find myself going far quicker but with less drama through familiar curves, then there is the suspension to save you from any surprises you find in the turn.  Great fun.  While those who are looking forward to the sport standard version will enjoy the great engine and running gear and it will be a fine machine, by its nature of being lower, less suspension travel and narrow bar, it will not have that same ease the v85 has.  Of course, bring it on Guzzi and prove me wrong.

[NWrider]

Well, I've ridden over 200 miles with the new CalSci XL + MRA Touring Wing and I think I've got it adjusted to the best the combination can be -- good/acceptable but not great.   It's good up to 60-65 mph as long as the air you're moving through is relatively calm.  Here's what it looks like from the side.(Ignore the windshield on my FJR in the background)

[NWrider]

Today I drained and refilled the trans and bevel box at 1665 miles.  A little bit of paste on the bevel box plug and quite a bit more (to be expected) on the trans plug.   No visible metal particles on the bevel box and only a few very small whiskers on the trans.    Others have posted concerns with the amount of oil to put in the bevel box.   I carefully measured out 160 cc of 75w140 wt but it didn't rise to the fill hole threads (probably lost 10cc or so from spillage trying to use a small funnel to get it in).  I put it on the center stand and filled it until it was just visible inside using a flashlight -- then I rode 15 miles and checked again -- it was below the threads, so it probably took another 10 -15cc to fill so it just came out over the threads.   Doing it that way, I'd guess I put in between 160 - 170 cc.   

BTW I used tin foil under the trans drain plug forming an edge on three sides about 1/2 inch high and didn't fully remove the fill plug to slow the flow.  I also tilted the bike by shimming the left side of the center stand so the oil would flow to the side.  Didn't spill a drop -- but it's a pain to do.

[Zinfan]

As reported over on ADVrider the official MG heated grips are available to be ordered over at AF1 Racing.  Pricey at $265 U.S. but I decided to get them nonetheless.

[Trialsman]

I will post this here and on ADV.  I decided to make the howling noise go away by getting rid of the front tire.  While I was there I figured I would convert both tires to tubeless.  While I had the front tire off, I decided to take out a little compression damping.  Since there is no adjustment I replaced the 7.5wt fork oil with 5wt.  While I had the forks off, I decided to adapt the PDHS anti-vibe handlebar setup from the KTM 990.  While I was working on the top triple clamp, and knowing Guzzi is notorious for skimping on grease, I decided to check the headset bearings.  This is what I found:







In all fairness there was a LITTLE grease in there.  It might be a good idea to check yours and pack it with real grease.  I used the Bel-Ray waterproof type.  While I was regreasing the headset bearings.........Do you see a pattern here?  I now will take apart the swing arm as I am sure there will be little, if any grease.  Looks like I will not be riding this weekend.  Oh well, everyone knows owning a Guzzi is a love / hate relationship.

[Trialsman]

The heated grips do not have to be Guzzi. Several months ago I used some ones I had on the shelf and just changed the connector ends. Molex connector, one of the 1625 series 0.062” type. The mate looks to be part number 03062023, old part number 1625-2P1. You’ll need to get the male crimp pins separately. It was a plug and play from there. The wires are under the right forward part of the tank and once connected, the CPU recognizes them and you have three position control plus off using the stock button and see on the TFT.