V85 TT Merged Threadfest

[Huzo]

I just saw a post on the Australian Moto Guzzi Owners Register that said people who have one of the V85's should check the fastenings for the little hump in the seat. Apparently the rider was doing some cross country work and was standing up and sitting down a lot, and it came off and landed he knows not where.

Might be wedged up his crack...!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

STANDING on the bike??  On the pegs or the seat?  WTF were you doing?  Some fancy Motard wheelies or summat?  0/10 for appropriate predelivery inspection & checks from the dealer.  You have every right, nay duty, to be righteously pissed!

Being charitable, this type of shite is maybe symptomatic of a company struggling to match production numbers to an unprecedented and unexpected demand.  I just hope this is an aberrant outlier rather than the norm, with Piaggio snatching defeat from the jaws of commercial victory and the V85 becoming just another anecdotal victim of its own success.

Perhaps "Sam Rua" was standing up for sections of rough road, crossing railroad tracks, etc. Maybe the tail of his riding jacket hooked the missing piece. Who knows?

I would imagine the seat comes ready to install from whatever company makes it for Guzzi/Piaggio. Perhaps the nuts are tight when it leaves their factory, but the foam (as foam does) "sacked" a bit and then the nuts become loose. Can't blame Guzzi for the seat makers q/c issue.

I just saw a post on the Australian Moto Guzzi Owners Register that said people who have one of the V85's should check the fastenings for the little hump in the seat. Apparently the rider was doing some cross country work and was standing up and sitting down a lot, and it came off and landed he knows not where.

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=93144.msg1617075#msg1617075

[Cam3512]

Just lock-tited the nuts on my seat.  They were very loose.  Can't do much about the nut behind the handlebars though...

[NWrider]

What are dealers typically charging for PDI and freight?

[SteveRivet]

“Ed Cook, who operates the AF1 Racing motorcycle shop in Austin, Texas, has had the V85 TT in stock for only 45 days, but he has sold half of the 16 he ordered from Moto Guzzi. He’s ordered 12 more.

“We had more pre-sales on this than any bike we’ve ever sold,” said Cook, who’s been selling Italian motorcycles at AF1 since 2001. “It’s a fresh new design, and a fresh new motor, and it’s a really good bike. Customers are excited about them.”

Interesting and largely positive article.  I was disappointed in the unsubstantiated critics that claim "Critics of the bikes will note that it doesn’t have the power or the build quality of its BMW, KTM, Triumph or Ducati counterparts." Power, probably.  Build quality - we'll see.  Not like these other brands haven't had some pretty high profile foulups in there past.

Finally, great journalism to find a motorcycle executive to quote that just happened to be a former Aprilia employee and doesn't clearly understand the marque.

All in all, I'll give the article a B for content and an A+ for exposure.

Steve

[Numbercruncher]

How about some "real world" reports on fuel economy and expected fuel range?

NC

[Zinfan]

How about some "real world" reports on fuel economy and expected fuel range?

NC

I didn't save the data but I've had 3 tanks that I checked and I've gotten 49mpg on two of them and 47 on the other.  U.S. gallons using probably e10 gas (I forgot to look but it is the prevalent blend around here).  I filled up at 220 miles with 4.5 gallons so about 1.5 left in tank according to published volume.  The bike was doing a range calculation saying I had 50 miles left before I filled up and that seems accurate but the dash display of current mpg and average mpg seemed quite low compared to my actual results.  I'd go 250 miles without worry but if I wanted to push for 275-300 I'd want a bit of fuel just in case until I actually see that it can make it.  These results are from a variety of riding and with top case installed but side cases not.

[Trialsman]

I contacted Pyramid Plastics in the UK about getting one of their Extenda Fendas for the V85.  He told me it is going to be difficult but if he can get a rider with the V85 to let him get some measurements he might be able to make it up for us.  It is a little far for me, but anyone in the UK give them a call and let's get it designed.  They work really well and the V85 certainly needs it for mud, tar, and goo deflection.

[ohiorider]

Ran into a high mileage BMW rider this afternoon in Burton Ohio.  He'd just returned from a ride out West to Utah and Wyoming before heading for home here in NE Ohio.

I was riding my 1991 R100GS, which attracted his attention, seeing as how he's been riding BMW since approx 2000.  We discussed the GS and his most recent BMW, one of the F Series parallel twins, which was the bike he rode out West.

I mentioned I owned a couple of other bikes, including a Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport.  At that point, he began commenting about the new Guzzi, the V85, and how it looked like a logical replacement for older, lighter bikes like the R100GS.  I had to agree with that, since the V85 looks to be similar in size, weight, and seat height to my old bike.

His only objection was the fact that he isn't mechanically inclined, depends on dealer support, and was aware that Cadre was well over 225 miles south of where he lived.  Even so, the V85 caught his eye.

Anyway, we had a good conversation about bikes and his recent trip.

[usedtobefast]

Ok, so I may be a first, I am getting my deposit back and not buying the V85TT.

I still think it is an awesome bike, and most likely will own one in the future.  But I'm just too cheap.

Here in CA there are a ton of taxes and DMV fees, add to it that this is a hot bike so the dealers add all sorts of fees, and the $12,999 bike becomes a $16,500 out the door bike.  Ouchie mama. 

So while I think it is awesome, it just isn't $16,500 awesome to me.  (And to be clear, I think it is priced great.  I'd much rather have it than a BMW 750/850 or other similar bike that actually costs even more)

And my dealer will be able to sell everyone they get.  And the guys behind me on the waiting/deposit list will be happy as one guy will get a bike from the first batch and not have to wait on the second batch.

[steven c]

 That's the problem of buying new, the added fees ad up quick!

[blu guzz]

Real world mpg.  My first tank was 55 mpg.  I wanted to see when the warning light would come on, and this morning right at 200 miles it came on.  When I gassed, it took a little under 4 gallons, so the computer must be close at 55 mpg again.  So, I would think 225 miles easily and 250 if you really had to push it.  Pretty impressive.  My 1400 improved by about 10% after 6,000 miles, if this one does the same, it will be ridiculously thrifty on fuel.  Our gas is 10% eth. and I use 93 octane.  My riding ranges from a pretty easy commute to country miles with few stops.

[Zinfan]

I've been getting 49 mpg on mixed riding without side cases.  I've also gone 230 miles and 250 would be no problem and 275-300 maybe.  I have also found the range countdown seems pretty accurate as I filled up the bike with 4.7 gallons and the display was saying I had about 50 miles to go till empty and I probably had about a gallon left usable.

[beardog]

Hello all
   I am seeking some wisdom that has helped me on more than one occasion. I am considering on of these subject bikes. They are pretty hard to find as of right now. Could anyone who has one of these chime in. Are you happy with the bike anything I should look out for? I would add a couple of accessories center stand heated grips crash bars, price and are the available? Do they really get the millage they are chatting about?
fog lights type?  THANKS in advance great forum.

[Zinfan]

Hello all
   I am seeking some wisdom that has helped me on more than one occasion. I am considering on of these subject bikes. They are pretty hard to find as of right now. Could anyone who has one of these chime in. Are you happy with the bike anything I should look out for? I would add a couple of accessories center stand heated grips crash bars, price and are the available? Do they really get the millage they are chatting about?
fog lights type?  THANKS in advance great forum.

I have one and am very happy with it.  Things to look out for are bolts coming loose, the ones I've had to tighten up would be the two nuts holding the seat "bump" onto the seat, handlebar weight bolts and the brake lever handlebar clamp bolts.  If you go to AF1Racing.com and look at their V85 offerings you can see what accessories are available and prices.  The center stand and crash bars are available but heated grips are not yet out (bike is wired for them and there is a switch for them on the left grip).  I get around 50 mpg U.S. using E10 gas without side cases installed.  The fog lights are LED's, I've just installed them and they seem fine, I will say the headlight on the bike does a great job lighting up the road by itself.

[Dave Swanson]

Woodstock Powersports in Woodstock, Illinois has 2 on the floor.  One with cases and one without. 



https://woodstockpowersports.net/Motorcycles-Moto-Guzzi-V85-TT-Adventure-2020-Woodstock-IL-420682e3-6294-40da-8d6d-aa7a01397a47

[Dave Swanson]

Beardog, please buy so I am not tempted to.   

[blu guzz]

in regard to the seat bump, i took mine off today to see how it felt.  i am leaving it off as it frees up about 1 to 2 more inches of sliding room.  all my bolts have been tight so far.  getting 55 with only top case, ran the side bags this week and it exacted about a 7 mpg penalty.  i would not willingly part with it at this point.

[tommy2cyl]

I have one and it is so far everything the research had lead me to believe. I have center stand, engine guards and tall windshield.  I will probably purchase the MRA clip on screen to experiment more with wind management.  The bike has been well documented at this point and I have nothing really to add, it is exactly what I wanted.  I currently have 700 miles on it and even limiting revs to 5500 during break in has not been a burden.  Only real negative for me so far are the Anakee Adventure tires.  I absolutely cannot tolerate the whine above 50 mph, for me it is unacceptable.  Those will be coming off at my 1200 first service at Cadre and replaced with Shinko 705's which I have had several sets on two other bikes and they have served me well.  I have read several threads now on various tires, everybody always have their own opinions.  Seems the various offerings of Anakee's have been known for noise production.  I will make someone a smoking deal on the used set with roughly 1200 miles if you are local to Cincinnati and it is convenient to pick them up.  As far as performance, I have no complaint, although I do not have any wet miles on them.  Asphalt and gravel worked fine.

[sliphorn]

Hello all
   I am seeking some wisdom that has helped me on more than one occasion. I am considering on of these subject bikes. They are pretty hard to find as of right now. Could anyone who has one of these chime in. Are you happy with the bike anything I should look out for? I would add a couple of accessories center stand heated grips crash bars, price and are the available? Do they really get the millage they are chatting about?
fog lights type?  THANKS in advance great forum.

------

Windy City Triumph in St Charles, IL has two with bags.

====

[Chuck in Indiana]

You'd look good on one, Derek..  I'd have a hard time buying from anyone but Enzo at Cadre, although I certainly like the way the guys at Detroit iron stepped up for one of the new members.
Do I get a test ride at the Michigan rally? 

[Cam3512]

Nothing but happy so far (2 weeks and 350 miles).  Everything I hoped for, except a little tall.  Should have my lower seat this week.   It's one of those bikes you just don't want to get off!
Center stand, engine guards, taller screen, Aux lights (not on yet) and lower seat.

[Trialsman]

Picked mine up at Team Charlotte in June and put on almost 900mi the first two days.  I love the bike.  I have added crash bars, heated grips, heated seat, aux lights, touring windscreen with X-screen, Moto Mosko tank bag, Augostini cross over pipe, and GPS with a mount I fabricated.  The handling and power are just right.  Suspension is good on smooth roads while a tad harsh on uneven.  I have the Ohlins shock on order (due in Nov).  This bike is a keeper.  Anybody want my KTM 990 Baja Adventure?  I will keep my Norge for now, but I can see 90% being done on this bike.  As for Cadre, I am going to them from Pgh (almost 5 hours).

[Huzo]

Picked mine up at Team Charlotte in June and put on almost 900mi the first two days.  I love the bike.  I have added crash bars, heated grips, heated seat, aux lights, touring windscreen with X-screen, Moto Mosko tank bag, Augostini cross over pipe, and GPS with a mount I fabricated.  The handling and power are just right.  Suspension is good on smooth roads while a tad harsh on uneven.  I have the Ohlins shock on order (due in Nov).  This bike is a keeper.  Anybody want my KTM 990 Baja Adventure?  I will keep my Norge for now, but I can see 90% being done on this bike.  As for Cadre, I am going to them from Pgh (almost 5 hours).

Jeez you’ve certainly got all the good stuff on yours.
A centre stand with that Olins and it’ll be perfect.
Which part of Alaska will you be visiting...

[Trialsman]

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.

[Cam3512]

Surprisingly easy to get the V85 up on the center stand, and it tucks up tight when retracted.  Seriously doubt it would drag anywhere.

[Knuckle Dragger]

It's the footpegs, not the 'stand toegrips that limit the Guzzi's cornering clearance.

[Kent in Upstate NY]

Don't worry about foot peg clearance. If you do enough tight corners they will get worn down and will no longer cause any problems.

[NWrider]

Trialsman,
Were you able to get the OEM heated grips for the V85?  They're not showing up in AF-1's site as being available.  $$$?

[Trialsman]

No, I just used generic heated grips and wired it into the main harness under the right front of the gas tank.  You need a Molex type connector for each side.  They then have a three position setting shown on the display.  Works well.