V85 TT Merged Threadfest

[Numbercruncher]

I have seen a couple of comments about fuel economy but has anyone determined what their effective fuel range would be?

If the tank truly holds 23 liters and each liter is 1.05 quarts then the tank essentially holds 6 gallons (US gallons) of fuel.  So at 50 mpg one could theoretically get 300 miles per tank.  I'd really like to rely on 250 miles but that depends not only on mileage but usable fuel capacity.  I doubt anyone has actually filled the tank from empty to know what it will really hold but maybe someone here has topped off with the "mile remaining" indicating 25 and it took X number of gallons/liters to refill and we can determine usable fuel tank and approximate maximum fuel range.

Thanks.

NC

[Dean Rose]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ofZikl626o

[blu guzz]

it is very hard to guage how much you can get into the tank.  there is a space (very dark) between the gas cap and where the nozzle goes into the tank.  It is hard to explain.  the result is that you have to peer down through that dark space into the tank to try and see how much fuel you have in there.  my next to last tank had the computer telling me I had 325 miles of range.  When I filled up this time, it said 298 and it seemed that the mileage was at 60 or better based on the miles travelled, so i think i did not get as much in as the prior tank.  but, with the top case on and no side luggage, the computer says 55mpg if you don't ride too fast (over 70).  I think it is very accurate.  My highest mileage between fills was 200 and it took 3.8 gallons, so I think it is close.  Yesterday I was hurrying around our beltway and averaging 80 mph for a while and the computer was giving me instant mileage in the lower 40s.  80mph is 5000rpm.  I have decided not to worry about it since I think that over 200 miles is easy even if you are running fast.  I can't sit on a bike for 200 straight miles anyway.  2 hours is between 120 and 150 miles for me.  The warning light on the 1400 came on around 150 by comparison and I never had an issue with that.
BTW my 1st service warning popped on right at 900 miles.

[NWrider]

Thanks for the followup posts on the red line on the TFT.   I'm used to having Guzzi tachs with a yellow caution zone before the red line.   Seems strange that they would start it so low.

I've been filling up at between 200 - 230 miles with between 3.8 - 4 gallons used with very little steady state throttle.

[rtbickel]

Can anyone comment on the long-distance comfort of the seat?  Can you go a full tank without that burning sensation?  Also, how does the engine pull and the bike handle with the bags loaded and maybe a roll bag stapped to the pillion?  I took a test ride a couple of weeks ago and was really impressed, but I want to take a longer test ride and see some feedback on this before I make the decision.

[Zinfan]

I have ridden the bike a few times with 220 miles between fuel stops and the seat seems comfortable enough, I do need to stand up every once in awhile but I have yet to ride a bike that I haven't needed to stand up every so often.  I have also test ridden my bike loaded up with camping gear and tools and items for an upcoming trip and as you might expect the handling is much slower and heavy with a noticeable shift in weight to the rear but it still feels great just not as great as unloaded.  The engine can easily pull the bike along loaded up with stuff, perhaps not Griso/Norge/Stelvio pull but more than enough IMO.

[jmee54]

I took mine out with my large givi top box, empty for use for storing gear when off the bike, with the generously proportioned other half riding pillion and found I was riding on the front of the seat and not feeling very comfortable. Leaving the top box off would have made life easier, leaving the other half at home would have solved the problem! I might have been a bit lonely though.

[LowRyter]

Not sure why you say this - it's cheaper than the low end BMW solution (F750 GS) and the low end Triumph solution (Tiger 800 Xr), and, the naked version's price is comparable to a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled.  How do I know?  I looked at those three bikes this weekend.  I was pleasantly surprised with the V85 price.  I'm just not sure I want to wait till June, which is when AF1 says they expect their first shipment, nor am I sure I want to live with the teething problems related to a brand new Guzzi model.

don't forget that cruise control is standard on the TT

[Daniel Kalal]

could I ask one of you to post a photo of the rear rack of the V85TT, taken looking straight down?

Thanks.  I'm trying to see what options I have for attaching a SPOT tracking device.  It's funny; I've looked through quite a few images of the bike and there's not a single shot of this detail.  It must be the least attractive part of the whole motorcycle.

one more thing...
could I also ask you to take a photo looking down (or from the rider's perspective) on the handlebars?  I want to see if it's possible to strap a tool bag to the bar support brackets (below the bar) the same as works well with a Stelvio.  I don't know if there's any space there or how the bar is actually attached to the forks.

Thanks, again.

-d

[Zinfan]

This is the rack that is installed if the bike is using the factory luggage, bikes not setup for the luggage have a different look.



It looks like the bracket from the triple tree to the handlebar clamp is about the same height as the Stelvio but you will have issues with clearance to the dashboard since on the V85 it is only 3 inches from the dash to the bars and the Stelvio has much more room there.

[Daniel Kalal]

Thanks for both those photos.

Yes; it looks like I'll need to sort out a different way to attach the tools pouch when I get to Mandello.  Of course, my standard Stelvio pouch contains a tire repair kit, which isn't any use on the V85TT tire w/tube, so I might be able to fit things in the under-seat tool tray, depending on how much the new 12V-pump fills up that small cavity.

[Cam3512]

I know you just travel with the “yellow bag”, but why not keep the saddle bags on for more storage?

[Daniel Kalal]

I know you just travel with the “yellow bag”, but why not keep the saddle bags on for more storage?

That's a fair question.

Years ago, I did carry more stuff and also used the saddle bags and rear trunk (even when not camping).  But, since I discovered that I can do without all that, I've made it a point to limit myself to the one small yellow bag.

From a practical standpoint, it's nice to be able to grab that duffle and carry it into the hotel for the night and know there's nothing I've left behind--I have it all.

The last time I used anything more than the duffle was in 2007 when I rode Pete's yellow Griso (see photo) and realized I didn't actually need his nice soft luggage at all--the yellow bag was sufficient.  I've taken several month-long trips this way and haven't missed the additional space.

[LowRyter]

Does the V85 have tubeless tires?  Correct this please.

[Zinfan]

Does the V85 have tubeless tires?  Correct this please.

Nope it uses tubes.

[LowRyter]

Nope it uses tubes.

 

[Zinfan]

That's a fair question.

Years ago, I did carry more stuff and also used the saddle bags and rear trunk (even when not camping).  But, since I discovered that I can do without all that, I've made it a point to limit myself to the one small yellow bag.

From a practical standpoint, it's nice to be able to grab that duffle and carry it into the hotel for the night and know there's nothing I've left behind--I have it all.

The last time I used anything more than the duffle was in 2007 when I rode Pete's yellow Griso (see photo) and realized I didn't actually need his nice soft luggage at all--the yellow bag was sufficient.  I've taken several month-long trips this way and haven't missed the additional space.

I carry too much stuff.  Tomorrow I'm off on a multi-week trip to Colorado and I am taking camping stuff along which takes up one side case, in the other side case is tool kit/tire repair kit and foul weather gear when off the bike.  Have a Mosko Moto duffle bag with clothing, sleeping bag, first aid kit and toiletries across passenger seat.  Tank bag holds stuff like lens cleaner, sat tracker, ebook reader and hat.  Top case is not being used.  Oh and I have a small softbag cooler strapped to the very back of the bike for food stuff, it is going to look like I'm fleeing Oklahoma during the dust bowl when I set off.  If I left the camping stuff behind I could get away with perhaps just the duffle across the back of the seat, will have to take short trips to test it out.

[NWrider]

Yes, the V85 spokes are not sealed so it uses tubes.  However, the rims and tires are "tubeless" type.  That's why I and others are/will be sealing the rim to eliminate the tube.  I've done this on a Triumph Tiger XCX over 2 years ago with no issues.

[Cam3512]

I carry too much stuff.  Tomorrow I'm off on a multi-week trip to Colorado and I am taking camping stuff along which takes up one side case, in the other side case is tool kit/tire repair kit and foul weather gear when off the bike.  Have a Mosko Moto duffle bag with clothing, sleeping bag, first aid kit and toiletries across passenger seat.  Tank bag holds stuff like lens cleaner, sat tracker, ebook reader and hat.  Top case is not being used.  Oh and I have a small softbag cooler strapped to the very back of the bike for food stuff, it is going to look like I'm fleeing Oklahoma during the dust bowl when I set off.  If I left the camping stuff behind I could get away with perhaps just the duffle across the back of the seat, will have to take short trips to test it out.

What size/model Mosko duffel are you using?  I don't like the weight up high and back in the topcase either.

[NWrider]

Caponord Rally Front Fender installed on my V85.

[Zinfan]

What size/model Mosko duffel are you using?  I don't like the weight up high and back in the topcase either.

I have the 40liter one.  If I use it along with the top case the duffel can't sit back far enough and I lose seating room and the top case holds too little to make it worth using.

Here is the bike at Mt. Whitney at the end of a 350 mile day, those of you who read ADVrider.com will have seen this already but the upshot is that the bike ran great in high heat (95-100) all day.

[Huzo]

Stuff for my V85.
Just bought the top box “kit”
Side case “kits”
Engine bars
Centrestand......
$4,180......(GULP...!)

[NWrider]

Nice picture on a lonely road!  How about a route list for your trip?

[tommy2cyl]

Just swapped out the Anakee Adventures ($333.51) for Shinko 705's ($171.00) after a total of 1,085 miles.   Totally quiet, just like it should be.  The only good part of this is the young mechanic who did the switch out asked me what I was going to do with the tires.  I said he could have them.  Remember when you were young and dirt poor, and how good it felt to get an unexpected gift?  I told him why I was dumping the AA's and other than the ridiculous whine I am sure they will perform well. He was thrilled to get them and it made me feel good to give them to him.  Win-Win!

[NWrider]

Tommy2cyl,   Did you have a front wheel bounce at around 35 or so mph with the Anakee tire and if so, did it get resolved with the Shinko 705?

[Zinfan]

Nice picture on a lonely road!  How about a route list for your trip?

Here is a big overview of the route.  I'm in Carson City tonight and through the weekend and will head east towards Ely on Monday.

[Knuckle Dragger]

Given the relative dearth of the V85's underseat cargo (i.e. extended/comprehensive touring toolkit) capacity, have any current owners explored the possibility of permanently fixed alternatives?

In the absence of any extant examples, I'm guessing there may be some spare space on the RHS betwixt pannier rack & rear wheel & behind the suspension assembly.  Something suitable for an aftermarket proprietary lockable 'box from Givi or Touratech for example.  Or perhaps a jerrybuilt original fabricated from 90/100mm PVC pressure/stormwater/sewer pipe with glued & screwed ends?

Is there sufficient clearances for any of these alternatives?  Anybody tried it yet?  How have you mounted it: to pannier racks &/or frame?  Is there adequate width allowance when using Givi's proprietary racks/panniers?

https://shop.touratech.de/werkzeugbox-fur-original-edelstahl-koffertrager-bmw-r1200gs-r1200gs-adventure.html

https://www.advdesigns.com/adlotobo.html

https://www.givi.it/givi-products/motorbike-accessories/extra-cargo-accessories/s250-tool-box

[tommy2cyl]

NWrider:  I did not have any wheel bounce with the Anakee's. I actually have no complaint on their performance.  Worked well in gravel, damp sandy road as well. Never rode in rain so don't know regarding wet conditions.  I did notice that the rears mounted with the same amount of weight to balance.  The front Shinko only needed about 20% of the stick on weights to balance compared to the Anakee.  Front Shinko took very little weight to balance.

[NWrider]

Zinfan: looks like a great route and a fun ride.

Tommy2cyl: thanks for the followup.   I had a Tenere that had a severe shake & wobble at 65+.  The bike was new to me but with only 2000miles on it.  I replaced the front tire with a Heidenau and cured the problem. May do the same with the V85.

[Zinfan]

I found the fork rebound setting seems to affect the bouncing.  Running the fork full soft (screw all the way out) makes the bounce much less noticeable whereas screwing it in all the way makes it worse and happens up to 40 mph instead of just around 30 mph when I had it set right in the middle.