V85TT for now

stutrump

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Hi checkswrecks. How many miles on tge V85 now? Any issues?
I've often considered this as my next commuter coz I think they look really cool. Lack of rain protection is the biggest issue for me. Rains a LOT in uk
 

Checkswrecks

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Stu -
I've got about 600 miles on it now and riding is fun again. This thing LOVES corners and above about 4,500 rpms the engine has a really unique whirring sound to it.
I think I've done Goldilocks and the 3 bears to find the windshield I like. Started with the OEM and it was too small:
[IMG]


A friend (thanks TNWalker!) who sold his V85 let me have his Madstad (and seat) cheap. Will be good for touring but too big for normal life. This'd be the ticket for commuting too.
[IMG]


Found an Ermax and had to mount it on 4 rubber bottle stoppers due to the hole spacing. While too much helmet rattle stock, with the lip it is perfect.
[IMG]

Also mounted the inner fender because the stock one does absolutely nothing in the wet. Am thinking about a rear hugger.

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity" - Hanlon's razor
 

Checkswrecks

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@Checkswrecks How does the weight feel compared to the S10. I'm getting older and am looking to reduce bike weight, but still need something sizeable as I'm 6' and 260 lbs, with short 29" inseam.
Definitely would not be a 2-up bike at your weight/size but there is little comparison to the Tenere. The overall V85 is smaller and lighter so you feel it immediately.
 

Tenforeplay

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I bought the Super Tenere and happy with the way it rides on the highway. Lot of difference between it and the 400# DR650 in getting moved around by turbulence. So I'm thinking somewhere between the two is the effect start to be noticeable. Being your Guzzi weighs pretty close to between the two, how does it ride on the highway, say compared to the Tenere?
 

Checkswrecks

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While you do notice the lighter weight, the Guzzi is quite at home on the highway and you don't lose much from the Super Ten, especially with the cruise control. The Super Tenere would still be a bit more comfortable for looooong days if you want to do many miles rides with a week or more of gear but I wouldn't hesitate to take the Guzzi.

In regards to 2-up, Jackie's favorite is still the Super Tenere back seat for the bikes I've had her on, which includes the Tiger12. She says she's comfy on the V85TT but our longest rides have only been a bit over an hour. Her second favorite so far is surprisingly the Africa Twin 1100. fwiw - She's 5'10" so her being comfy on the back of the V85 was important to me.

And coming soon is the new V100 Stelvio that I've been looking forward to:
 

Donk

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Checkswrecks how you doing with the V85? That bike has really caught my attention, so much so I'm going to the Guzzi dealer this week just to sit on one. I was there a couple of months ago to see the Mandello but to be honest the V85 kept drawing my interest. Need to look at some specs, curious what size tires and wheels it has and if all the V85s are the same. I sort of think each color combo has its own name and that's the only difference. Don't remember seeing one with cast/forged wheels I think they're all wire wheels? What I do like is the bike appears pretty compact.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Put one in the garage tonight.
20231103_165719.jpg

Second time I've ridden this bike. Funny how starting and shutting off the bike is such a satisfying experience. It's a true V twin in the best possible way.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Not mean...interesting just from my point of view. I'm a firm believer that every bike is perfect for someone. I think that's awesome.

I took the MG back today and decided to try something completely different...



 
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Dirt_Dad

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I was surprised to see it, too. He's done very well taking in other Harley trades. This was a bold one, but knowing him, I'm pretty confident it will all work out fine.

I took the V85TT back today to specifically grab this one. I really do like the Guzzi, and it gets attention everywhere you ride it. It seems it is intriguing and attractive to riders of all all types and brands. But I thought I should try something totally different.
 

audiowize

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From a recent ADV rider article:

"Searching used inventory globally reveals that as many as 18% of Livewire units made are unsold on dealer floors, discounted by an average of 40%."

I bet he got that one cheap!
 

Dirt_Dad

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That's safe to say.

I'm not going to HiJack CW's thread here. I'm going to ride it a little more today, then I'll start a new thread on whatever I learn.
 
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