V85 TT Merged Threadfest

[jmee54]

Does anyone find the throttle spring a little on the strong side on their V85? I find that on longish rides I develop wrist ache. I can see no reason why a RBW throttle needs a strong spring. Is there a fix? I don't feel like poking about till someone who knows what they are doing tells me I am not going to bugger it up! On my last journey I discovered the joys of cruise control, but it's only of real use on a relatively empty dual carriage way - not easy to find in Cornwall at this time of year.

[NWrider]

jmee54, you're not alone with your observation of the throttle spring.  I found it helpful to wrap the throttle grip with an additional layer of silicone self sealing tape.  Grip Puppies would be another option to increase the diameter of the grip and give a bit more leverage.  Ideally, a change of throttle return spring would be the best option.   I'll bet someone will chime in soon with a fix.  For now, I'm just going to ride.

[Speedysheep]

Does anyone find the throttle spring a little on the strong side on their V85? I find that on longish rides I develop wrist ache. I can see no reason why a RBW throttle needs a strong spring. Is there a fix? I don't feel like poking about till someone who knows what they are doing tells me I am not going to bugger it up! On my last journey I discovered the joys of cruise control, but it's only of real use on a relatively empty dual carriage way - not easy to find in Cornwall at this time of year.

It actually has a much softer throttle spring than the bike I came off of (Yamaha Super Tenere).  The problem for me is the ridiculously small diameter grips.  With the arthritis in my right hand, they give me some serious issues. Putting grip puppies on it for now.

[blu guzz]

bicycle handlebar wrap works great and lets you decide the diameter. 

[pete roper]

The one I rode had just been to a BMW rally and the owner said the moment it was parked literally dozens of doddery old GS riders swarmed around it like flies round a bull's arse! Seems like there are a lot of people out there on GS's who can't handle the weight any more but don't want to abandon shaft drive. Since none of them ever seem to ride their bloated shitheaps faster than about 90kph, even on the road, (Hang on! They never actually take them even on well graded dirt so that was a redundancy!) the V85 would seem like the answer to their maiden's prayer!

I think Piaggio may well have a serious competitor with this bike. After all, it surprised me!

Pete

[Speedysheep]

bicycle handlebar wrap works great and lets you decide the diameter.

Can I turn them into barrel grips?!!

[blu guzz]

I was late leaving  the Ohio Buckeye Rally this morning because after I loaded the bike, I could not get away from lots of interested people.  It did not occur to me until later that many of the attendees had never had the chance to see one. I am spoiled having the dealer in our city.  There were 2 dealer owners there and they both rode their own personal bikes.  I guess they did not realize either or one or both might have brought v85s, or it was intentional because they both just wanted to enjoy the rally and not be on the job so to speak (couldn't blame them for that).  The sales job was left to me and the other V85 rider who attended. I didn't mind and I am sure he did not  either.  Of course, these are the faithful, but the interest level is high, if not for this bike, then for the eventual roadster or norge variant.  Can any of the more experienced veterans remember a Guzzi that generated this much interest not only from the faithful, but riders of other brands as well?

[pete roper]

Well an old friend bought one and I got a brief ride on it yesterday.

Despite my cynicism it is a machine that is greater than the sum of its parts and I have to admit it was very enjoyable. I was expecting it to be bland, anodyne and boring. It isn't. You can tell you're riding a motorbike and it has a very nice induction honk. The motor is surprisingly sprightly especially compared to the truly lacklustre performance of the V7 and V9 series. No, of course it's not up there with Capo 1200 performance, that's not what it's aimed at, but considering it is a highly regulated air cooled motor pushing a heavy bike using a cardan shaft it's estimated, (By me.) mid sixties rear wheel HP and well chosen gearing mean that it gets off the mark adequately and will cruise effortlessly at 130kph with plenty in reserve although for brisk overtaking from those speeds I'd be dropping it a gear and really nailing it. With a Hi-Cam top end and an extra pair of valves per cylinder it really could be a very nice motor indeed.

Many people have commented on the clutch. It really is extraordinarily light in its action. A joy to use. The gearbox ratios are well spaced and the gearbox, as have all Guzzi gearboxes since the advent of the 'Nuovo Six Speed' in the CARC bike's
is a solid, efficient, light and positive action unit that does everything asked of it well.

The one I rode has the 'Low' seat and although I didn't have time to judge it's true distance comfort it didn't feel like the sort of perch that would cripple you in two hours. The ergonomics also worked well for me with both the reach to the bars and footpeg position seeming well chosen. Brakes work OK. I'd be throwing in some HH pads rather than the FF's they always come with.

What didn't I like? The dashboard is horrid. I don't know who came up with the idea of these types of LCD dashes but they should be taken out the back for a good kicking. Awful. The headlight with the chunder inducing 'Falcon' motif looks like something a small child dreamt up. Enough of that shit! And the biggest disappointment is the suspension. True 'Poverty Pack' junk but since nobody seems to complain about it I can only assume that barely adjustable, underdamped crap is OK in most people's books. Both front and rear feel seriously wanting and really make the bike feel like it's been 'Built down to a (very low) price'! Aprilia/Piaggio have history in this regard. Look at the shite the poor Shiver and Mana were stuck with. Shameful!

Overall though I was mightily and happily impressed. Will I be buying one? Not until it gets a better top end, no. Thing is I reckon I'll be able to ride the Stelvio for a few more years and by then, hopefully, they will of developed a decent engine to go in the V85. I can wait.



I was expecting to hate it. I don't. I actually like it a lot. As I said at the beginning, it is greater than the sum of its parts.

Pete

[frans belgium]

I was expecting to hate it. I don't. I actually like it a lot. As I said at the beginning, it is greater than the sum of its parts.

Pete

There is hope for mankind after all ;-)

[pete roper]

There are still a lot of things that are shitty with it Frans.

[frans belgium]

There are still a lot of things that are shitty with it Frans.

I know Pete, but for me it was the ideal Guzzi for my needs.  Getting too old to properly manage my Norge + passenger , I swapped it for a Bmw F700Gs, but did not like the chain and the general feel (excellent bike though).
So when Guzzi came up with the V85, I jumped on it and was thrilled with the lesser weight, the cardan, the light clutch , the decent seat and the -for me- very comfy upright position.  It steers as light as my Beemer did and soaks up the bad Belgian roads even better.
And yes, it could use more grunt, it needs a front guard (gets dirty too easily) and I would like heated grips and some other stuff, but I am not fussy.  I simply wanted something easy and pleasant to ride, and I got it.

[pete roper]

I feel maybe Belgian roads are probably a lot better than most in Rural NSW and roads in Rural NSW are like magic carpets compared to Queensland! Really, I'm glad you're happy. As I said I was really gobsmacked by how well it works but for me the 'Bargain Basement' suspension was the greatest disappointment.

It really is a bike that is greater than the sum of its parts.

You aren't alone in the reasons you like it. Apparently BMW riders of the *Big* GS persuasion are queueing up to drool over them at rallies! That's got to be a win!

Pete

[jmee54]

I have been riding bikes for a year less than 50 years. I have never ridden a top of the range bike so have never experienced super duper suspension,one finger brakes, blistering performance, or any of the magic that a premium bikes come with. I have 3 Guzzis, an Ambassador (71) a Convert (79) and this V85 and love them all. Just how much would the bike cost with all of these top of the range parts? I struggled to afford the bike as it stands (on pcp) and to me it is fantastic just as it is (almost). I don't understand why the gear box clunks, why the gear indicator disappears when the clutch is operated, why the key is buried in an inaccessible hole, and why the screen is useless. I have lived with such "problems" for 50 years and I have no need for more expensive do dahs, just a little bit more function.

[frans belgium]

I don't understand why the gear box clunks, why the gear indicator disappears when the clutch is operated, why the key is buried in an inaccessible hole, and why the screen is useless. I have lived with such "problems" for 50 years and I have no need for more expensive do dahs, just a little bit more function.

Agreed with everything, except for the screen.  And ad the lack of a front fender, the gashandle that is too harsh and the sidestand that is a bit too long, sometimes putting the bike too upright. But it's a great bike, I love it. 

[blu guzz]

to bring it in at the price point, some compromises have to be made.  for me at 200 lbs with gear, i like the suspension choice.  i have had aftermarket suspension on all of my beemers because those more expensive (than the v85) bikes had marginal suspensions and 2 inches less travel.  before the 1400, my bike was a k1200rs with top of the line ohlins.  it was very supple and subtle, but on the larger bumps you still felt it.  even with the stock suspension, the v85 simply has more room to work with.  by making the choice they did, the new owner can pop for a better suspension if he wants but for most of us riding these bikes, stock will do fine.  i bet the tiger and rotax bmws suspension is very similar in quality and feel.  the dash - i love a beautiful set of vintage guages, but this tft thingy works fine and gives you all the info.  my gear box is the best i have owned.

[little750]

A 1000 miles in 19 hours on a V85  https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/moto-guzzi/moto-guzzi-v85-tt-mcdonalds-express

[jmee54]

Fitted my Aprilia front mud guard this evening, in twilight using my phone torch and a star key. It took ten minutes and required no additional parts. I don't think I will try to add the original fork covers as it is quite unobtrusive as it is.

[Cam3512]

I think the stock suspension is FAR better than other new (and old) Guzzis I have owned and ridden.  Same has been said by others I know who are very knowledgeable and fussy suspenion freaks.  Guess mine is set just right for my weight? 

[Kiwi Dave]

I think the stock suspension is FAR better than other new (and old) Guzzis I have owned and ridden.  Same has been said by others I know who are very knowledgeable and fussy suspenion freaks.  Guess mine is set just right for my weight?

Me too!

[slopokes]

Jmee54–can you post a pic of the new fender on your v85—

[NWrider]

See post 2063 for pics

[jmee54]

I'm unsure if this has worked, we'll see in a minute.


Hurrah!

[rdbandkab]

I wonder if the success of this model (and hopefully the upcoming roadie version) sales will see the reemergence of new/old dealerships.  It'd be nice for the tri-state area surrounding Pittsburgh, PA to get a dealer or three.

[blu guzz]

i would love to see all the major and some medium sized cities get a dealer or 2.

[slopokes]

Is part # 2b0024475 an exact fit ? Thanks

[Trialsman]

I wonder if the success of this model (and hopefully the upcoming roadie version) sales will see the reemergence of new/old dealerships.  It'd be nice for the tri-state area surrounding Pittsburgh, PA to get a dealer or three.

I have talked several times to the KTM dealer in Warrendale.  The problem is he had to take on ALL the lines and models of Piaggio so he just couldn't afford it.  I feel I was lucky to talk Team Charlotte into picking up the brand and filling the void left by Matthews closing.  That is where I ended up getting mine.  Not exactly a suburb of Pittsburgh.

[Lannis]

i would love to see all the major and some medium sized cities get a dealer or 2.

Many major and some medium sized STATES don't have and won't get a dealer or 2 .... Who's going to take a chance?

We have an ideal situation for one right here; a dealer in business for 50 years, has taken on Piaggio/Vespa/Aprilia and been successful with it, but runs from the idea of taking on Guzzi like it's got a stinger in its tail.

They've heard all the dealer horror stories, just like us ...

Lannis

[jmee54]

It's not much better here in the UK, albeit on a smaller scale. I have to travel 110 miles to my "local" dealer, which may seem small potatoes to you folks in larger countries, but Piagio are shooting themselves in the foot, as interest in this bike is so high.

[blu guzz]

the 2 dealers that I have the most experience with are Cadre and Hamlins.  the owners are younger fellows who have taken sensible amounts of space and have built dealerships that are closer to the old school model.  The new school model being spend millions of dollars to build a fantasy land.  Both dealers have used all of their space for bikes.  Cadre has a good used bike business too.  Neither has a lot of money in accessory inventory that can just sit around costing money.  They have enough people but not to many and the owners get their hands dirty.  Cadre services other Euro bikes and older Japanese brands that can be difficult to find service for, I don't know about Hamlins.  Also, if the price of the V85 is an indicator of the future variants and including the v7 and v9 series, there are a good number of bikes that a younger person can buy for under $10k.  I think there is an opportunity for a smart guy with passion to be successful as long as they don't all of a sudden decide to lease the huge space.
I don't see large multi-brands taking on MG because the bikes would just sit in a corner, none of the sales people would be interested in them when they can sell a hot brand xyz.
At any rate - here's hoping.

[Zoom Zoom]

Somewhere on one of these V85 threads, I made an inquiry regarding the self cancelling turn signals.

I had an opportunity to ride one during the Ohio rally and found out. They do in fact cancel eventually. It takes a good 40 or 45 seconds but they do stop. I think they act more as a "if you haven't done it by now, we'll stop it for you" sort of thing. Perhaps not as elegant as we would expect in this day and age but if you forget.... they will turn off.

As for the cruise control: Works great! Hilly road, 5th gear, 45 mph. the motor and the cruise held the speed well. I was very impressed with this motorcycle overall. The motor had more power than I expected and the electronics are pretty nice. As you come up on the rpm's, a series of lights come up across the top of the display. Think F1. Pretty nice.

John Henry