Moto Guzzi V85

[rboe]

Looks like thing is going to be a real bike. I've said on several sites that I'd buy a Guzzi adventure bike if they built something like this: I wonder if I fit it?

http://discoverv85.motoguzzi.com/en/

 

[3rdbike_imp]

Looks like thing is going to be a real bike. I've said on several sites that I'd buy a Guzzi adventure bike if they built something like this: I wonder if I fit it?

http://discoverv85.motoguzzi.com/en/

Like a glove, Rboe!

 

[Frulk_imp]

I'm a fan of Guzzi motorcycles but not of the manufacturers business practices/product support. I REALLY like the look of this bike BUT..

1.) I currently own a Guzzi and no dealer support within hundreds of miles = Non-starter for even considering purchasing another one .

1.1) Even if a dealer was to pick up the marque there's a good chance they'll drop it within 2-3 years due to my lead-in comment.

2.) The bike has no specs for weight although in the link they mention "lightness". If the bike is 525 pounds dry it's a non-starter for me. I actually take dual sports off roading and weight and CoG are my primary concerns, not HP/0-60 times and so forth.

3.) Anyone who DOES ride this off-road better get ready for sticker shock (and prolonged wait times) when replacement part prices are quoted. I dropped/crashed a 2009 KLR 4-5 times on dirt and combined what I replaced won't add up to fairly minor damage on this bike

I think this machine has the potential to be a break through bike for Guzzi. Sadly, I'll stay on the sidelines and keep thinking about that Afrika Twin for now.

 

[the Ferret]

Looks like a very interesting bike Rboe. I will test ride one if my local dealer gets one. Probably will be way too tall for me though

 

[rboe]

I'm trying to find out when it may come to market - 2021 is floated by MG. Way too late for me I think.

I'm also not keen on being an early adaptor of Guzzi engines.

Unlike the Africa Twin, to do valve adjustments there seems to be little if any tupperware to remove and should be a 30 minute job if you're slow. That is always very attractive.

 

[the Ferret]

2021? EGADS! Why show it now?

 

[Frulk_imp]

Ferret, for some reason Guzzi Corporate HHQ gets some perverse sense of gratification from whipping the 14 people that will buy this bike into a long, agonizing frenzy of anticipation. Yeah, I’m betting on it.

 

[the Ferret]

:rofl:

 

[SportsterDoc]

I'm a fan of Guzzi motorcycles but not of the manufacturers business practices/product support. I REALLY like the look of this bike BUT..

1.) I currently own a Guzzi and no dealer support within hundreds of miles = Non-starter for even considering purchasing another one .

1.1) Even if a dealer was to pick up the marque there's a good chance they'll drop it within 2-3 years due to my lead-in comment.

2.) The bike has no specs for weight although in the link they mention "lightness". If the bike is 525 pounds dry it's a non-starter for me. I actually take dual sports off roading and weight and CoG are my primary concerns, not HP/0-60 times and so forth.

3.) Anyone who DOES ride this off-road better get ready for sticker shock (and prolonged wait times) when replacement part prices are quoted. I dropped/crashed a 2009 KLR 4-5 times on dirt and combined what I replaced won't add up to fairly minor damage on this bike

I think this machine has the potential to be a break through bike for Guzzi. Sadly, I'll stay on the sidelines and keep thinking about that Afrika Twin for now.

1. I recently had a Moto Guzzi V7II and although it had several very good features (5.8 gallon tank, shaft drive, easy plug access, etc) the local dealer actions indicated that he did not want my future business.

2. MG V7II was only 417 pounds. They are light, but turning radius of CB1100 is better.

I'm trying to find out when it may come to market - 2021 is floated by MG. Way too late for me I think.

I'm also not keen on being an early adaptor of Guzzi engines.

Unlike the Africa Twin, to do valve adjustments there seems to be little if any tupperware to remove and should be a 30 minute job if you're slow. That is always very attractive.

True, unless one of the 6 valve cover bolts on each side strips the head because:
a. soft steel and/or
b. the dealer mechanic overtightens it during the first service

There is a lot to like about Moto Guzzi, but there are a number of weak points.

 

[rboe]

Ferret, for some reason Guzzi Corporate HHQ gets some perverse sense of gratification from whipping the 14 people that will buy this bike into a long, agonizing frenzy of anticipation. Yeah, I’m betting on it.

I see way more Moto Guzzi Griso's in the Phoenix area than CB1100's. So I bet ten of those 14 live in the Phoenix area.

Neaner neaner neaner :excited:

 

[LongRanger_imp]

I could pile on with the experiences I had with my two V7C's, but I won't. Needless to say, a third Guzzi is likely not in my future unless Piaggio North America gets serious and learns how to grow and support its US dealership network. Pity, too, because I loved those bikes.

 

[Frulk_imp]

Frulk Wrote:
Ferret, for some reason Guzzi Corporate HHQ gets some perverse sense of gratification from whipping the 14 people that will buy this bike into a long, agonizing frenzy of anticipation. Yeah, I’m betting on it.

Rboe replied:
I see way more Moto Guzzi Griso's in the Phoenix area than CB1100's. So I bet ten of those 14 live in the Phoenix area.

Rboe, I doubt you will see 10 of those Guzzi's in Phoenix as the number I quoted (14 units) was a guestimate for the total GLOBAL V85 sales to include the 3 North Korea will smuggle through a shell company to be used as experimental carrier based target drones and the 2 being imported by farmers in Croatia and the Basque region to till fields.

But, all SERIOUSNESS aside. I love the look of this bike and even the "athletic banana" color scheme doesn't put me off. I have a 4th and final slot to fill in the bike bay and it's designated for an ADV bike. I had toyed with the idea of a Stornello as it fit's everything that I wanted except for the fact some times I have to travel 250-300 miles to get to the area I want to ride off road in and passing comes up quite often. While the V7 is happy to ride at 80mph all day long passing power is an issue, let alone if I have it loaded down with ADV gear. Part of that problem could be resolved by me dropping some weight (I'm size Extra Husky). My opinion is that this is the bikes (not the marques, because it has many) only shortfall.

The V85 has yet to have some things clarified. I can't find reliable numbers for dry/wet weight. I think I read on WG that it does have an adjustable seat and that seat height was pretty low. I mentioned the Afrika Twin as being under consideration for slot 4. It is, but I'm not committed yet. I would love to see MG get a dealer back in SLC, UT because I'd prob make the move to the V85 (even if it was a little heavier as long as the CoG was there to offset the weight with lower seat height.

I've said it before. The CB1100 took the slot reserved for the Griso when the MG dealer folded up shop. Regrets about that? Absolutely none! But I would still like a Griso.

I think deep down inside I'm a Guzzi man with one of the best Honda motorcycles ever made.

Great to live in a time were we have options.

 

[Capo]

Owning any Guzzi is an adventure. I’m just trying to come to grips with who would actually buy this and use it as an ADV.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Frulk_imp]

Capo. Your comment needs additional info for the end user to interpret it. Well, at least in my case it does.

 

[rboe]

My take; similar to Suzuki's. Folks that buy adventure bikes are like people that buy big SUV's - and then never see dirt much less gravel. I've taken my Griso on dirt roads and she does pretty good. I think people under estimate what their bike can do off the paved road. Within reason. I'm toying with the idea of getting Avon Trailriders for the Griso.

I read somewhere else (guzzi page on Facebook perhaps?) that a Guzzi dealer said that bike will never see the light of day. They had asked their rep about it and they didn't even have a rumor to share. Since Guzzi dealers seem to be the last people to know about what Piaggio is up to this seems par for the coarse. I just hope it comes out before 2021.

There seems to be a small but significant subset of CB1100 owners and Griso owners that own both or have had both at one time or another. I'm one of them.

I stopped using WG a year ago November. Just way too much drama, not enough Guzzi stuff.
But. I ran across another Honda GB-500 and I'd love it if Honda would come out with that bike again - with EFI instead.

I"d like someone to reissue the Sunbeam S-7 in sage green too. And for Kawasaki to bring the W800 over to the States.

And flying cars. I was promised flying cars when I was a kid.

 

[DaSwami_imp]

Frulk Wrote:
Ferret, for some reason Guzzi Corporate HHQ gets some perverse sense of gratification from whipping the 14 people that will buy this bike into a long, agonizing frenzy of anticipation. Yeah, I’m betting on it.

Rboe replied:
I see way more Moto Guzzi Griso's in the Phoenix area than CB1100's. So I bet ten of those 14 live in the Phoenix area.

Rboe, I doubt you will see 10 of those Guzzi's in Phoenix as the number I quoted (14 units) was a guestimate for the total GLOBAL V85 sales to include the 3 North Korea will smuggle through a shell company to be used as experimental carrier based target drones and the 2 being imported by farmers in Croatia and the Basque region to till fields.

But, all SERIOUSNESS aside. I love the look of this bike and even the "athletic banana" color scheme doesn't put me off. I have a 4th and final slot to fill in the bike bay and it's designated for an ADV bike. I had toyed with the idea of a Stornello as it fit's everything that I wanted except for the fact some times I have to travel 250-300 miles to get to the area I want to ride off road in and passing comes up quite often. While the V7 is happy to ride at 80mph all day long passing power is an issue, let alone if I have it loaded down with ADV gear. Part of that problem could be resolved by me dropping some weight (I'm size Extra Husky). My opinion is that this is the bikes (not the marques, because it has many) only shortfall.

The V85 has yet to have some things clarified. I can't find reliable numbers for dry/wet weight. I think I read on WG that it does have an adjustable seat and that seat height was pretty low. I mentioned the Afrika Twin as being under consideration for slot 4. It is, but I'm not committed yet. I would love to see MG get a dealer back in SLC, UT because I'd prob make the move to the V85 (even if it was a little heavier as long as the CoG was there to offset the weight with lower seat height.

I've said it before. The CB1100 took the slot reserved for the Griso when the MG dealer folded up shop. Regrets about that? Absolutely none! But I would still like a Griso.

I think deep down inside I'm a Guzzi man with one of the best Honda motorcycles ever made.

Great to live in a time were we have options.

You are not alone! I have my eye on the V7III Milano....it's like an addiction. The new green V9 Roamer also floats my boat!

 

[rotor]

Frulk Wrote:
Ferret, for some reason Guzzi Corporate HHQ gets some perverse sense of gratification from whipping the 14 people that will buy this bike into a long, agonizing frenzy of anticipation. Yeah, I’m betting on it.

Rboe replied:
I see way more Moto Guzzi Griso's in the Phoenix area than CB1100's. So I bet ten of those 14 live in the Phoenix area.

Rboe, I doubt you will see 10 of those Guzzi's in Phoenix as the number I quoted (14 units) was a guestimate for the total GLOBAL V85 sales to include the 3 North Korea will smuggle through a shell company to be used as experimental carrier based target drones and the 2 being imported by farmers in Croatia and the Basque region to till fields.

But, all SERIOUSNESS aside. I love the look of this bike and even the "athletic banana" color scheme doesn't put me off. I have a 4th and final slot to fill in the bike bay and it's designated for an ADV bike. I had toyed with the idea of a Stornello as it fit's everything that I wanted except for the fact some times I have to travel 250-300 miles to get to the area I want to ride off road in and passing comes up quite often. While the V7 is happy to ride at 80mph all day long passing power is an issue, let alone if I have it loaded down with ADV gear. Part of that problem could be resolved by me dropping some weight (I'm size Extra Husky). My opinion is that this is the bikes (not the marques, because it has many) only shortfall.

The V85 has yet to have some things clarified. I can't find reliable numbers for dry/wet weight. I think I read on WG that it does have an adjustable seat and that seat height was pretty low. I mentioned the Afrika Twin as being under consideration for slot 4. It is, but I'm not committed yet. I would love to see MG get a dealer back in SLC, UT because I'd prob make the move to the V85 (even if it was a little heavier as long as the CoG was there to offset the weight with lower seat height.

I've said it before. The CB1100 took the slot reserved for the Griso when the MG dealer folded up shop. Regrets about that? Absolutely none! But I would still like a Griso.

I think deep down inside I'm a Guzzi man with one of the best Honda motorcycles ever made.

Great to live in a time were we have options.

You are not alone! I have my eye on the V7III Milano....it's like an addiction. The new green V9 Roamer also floats my boat!

I think I know what you're saying. Seen one recently, sat on it, snapped a picture:

For some reason, as I was dismounting, the face and the figure of the most beautiful girl I ever dated flashed in my mind.

On one hand, I do remember her to this very day. On the other, that was less than happy experience in its totality...

 

[the Ferret]

Frulk Wrote:
Ferret, for some reason Guzzi Corporate HHQ gets some perverse sense of gratification from whipping the 14 people that will buy this bike into a long, agonizing frenzy of anticipation. Yeah, I’m betting on it.

Rboe replied:
I see way more Moto Guzzi Griso's in the Phoenix area than CB1100's. So I bet ten of those 14 live in the Phoenix area.

Rboe, I doubt you will see 10 of those Guzzi's in Phoenix as the number I quoted (14 units) was a guestimate for the total GLOBAL V85 sales to include the 3 North Korea will smuggle through a shell company to be used as experimental carrier based target drones and the 2 being imported by farmers in Croatia and the Basque region to till fields.

But, all SERIOUSNESS aside. I love the look of this bike and even the "athletic banana" color scheme doesn't put me off. I have a 4th and final slot to fill in the bike bay and it's designated for an ADV bike. I had toyed with the idea of a Stornello as it fit's everything that I wanted except for the fact some times I have to travel 250-300 miles to get to the area I want to ride off road in and passing comes up quite often. While the V7 is happy to ride at 80mph all day long passing power is an issue, let alone if I have it loaded down with ADV gear. Part of that problem could be resolved by me dropping some weight (I'm size Extra Husky). My opinion is that this is the bikes (not the marques, because it has many) only shortfall.

The V85 has yet to have some things clarified. I can't find reliable numbers for dry/wet weight. I think I read on WG that it does have an adjustable seat and that seat height was pretty low. I mentioned the Afrika Twin as being under consideration for slot 4. It is, but I'm not committed yet. I would love to see MG get a dealer back in SLC, UT because I'd prob make the move to the V85 (even if it was a little heavier as long as the CoG was there to offset the weight with lower seat height.

I've said it before. The CB1100 took the slot reserved for the Griso when the MG dealer folded up shop. Regrets about that? Absolutely none! But I would still like a Griso.

I think deep down inside I'm a Guzzi man with one of the best Honda motorcycles ever made.

Great to live in a time were we have options.

You are not alone! I have my eye on the V7III Milano....it's like an addiction. The new green V9 Roamer also floats my boat!

I think I know what you're saying. Seen one recently, sat on it, snapped a picture:

For some reason, as I was dismounting, the face and the figure of the most beautiful girl I ever dated flashed in my mind.

On one hand, I do remember her to this very day. On the other, that was less than happy experience in its totality...

:rofl: a lot of girl/motorcycle experiences are like that

 

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Frulk Wrote:
Ferret, for some reason Guzzi Corporate HHQ gets some perverse sense of gratification from whipping the 14 people that will buy this bike into a long, agonizing frenzy of anticipation. Yeah, I’m betting on it.

Rboe replied:
I see way more Moto Guzzi Griso's in the Phoenix area than CB1100's. So I bet ten of those 14 live in the Phoenix area.

Rboe, I doubt you will see 10 of those Guzzi's in Phoenix as the number I quoted (14 units) was a guestimate for the total GLOBAL V85 sales to include the 3 North Korea will smuggle through a shell company to be used as experimental carrier based target drones and the 2 being imported by farmers in Croatia and the Basque region to till fields.

But, all SERIOUSNESS aside. I love the look of this bike and even the "athletic banana" color scheme doesn't put me off. I have a 4th and final slot to fill in the bike bay and it's designated for an ADV bike. I had toyed with the idea of a Stornello as it fit's everything that I wanted except for the fact some times I have to travel 250-300 miles to get to the area I want to ride off road in and passing comes up quite often. While the V7 is happy to ride at 80mph all day long passing power is an issue, let alone if I have it loaded down with ADV gear. Part of that problem could be resolved by me dropping some weight (I'm size Extra Husky). My opinion is that this is the bikes (not the marques, because it has many) only shortfall.

The V85 has yet to have some things clarified. I can't find reliable numbers for dry/wet weight. I think I read on WG that it does have an adjustable seat and that seat height was pretty low. I mentioned the Afrika Twin as being under consideration for slot 4. It is, but I'm not committed yet. I would love to see MG get a dealer back in SLC, UT because I'd prob make the move to the V85 (even if it was a little heavier as long as the CoG was there to offset the weight with lower seat height.

I've said it before. The CB1100 took the slot reserved for the Griso when the MG dealer folded up shop. Regrets about that? Absolutely none! But I would still like a Griso.

I think deep down inside I'm a Guzzi man with one of the best Honda motorcycles ever made.

Great to live in a time were we have options.

You are not alone! I have my eye on the V7III Milano....it's like an addiction. The new green V9 Roamer also floats my boat!

I think I know what you're saying. Seen one recently, sat on it, snapped a picture:

For some reason, as I was dismounting, the face and the figure of the most beautiful girl I ever dated flashed in my mind.

On one hand, I do remember her to this very day. On the other, that was less than happy experience in its totality...

For some reason, as I was dismounting, the face and the figure of the most beautiful girl I ever dated flashed in my mind.

On one hand, I do remember her to this very day. On the other, that was (a) less than happy experience in its totality... Of course not. Otherwise you would have forgotten her.

 

[rotor]

Frulk Wrote:
Ferret, for some reason Guzzi Corporate HHQ gets some perverse sense of gratification from whipping the 14 people that will buy this bike into a long, agonizing frenzy of anticipation. Yeah, I’m betting on it.

Rboe replied:
I see way more Moto Guzzi Griso's in the Phoenix area than CB1100's. So I bet ten of those 14 live in the Phoenix area.

Rboe, I doubt you will see 10 of those Guzzi's in Phoenix as the number I quoted (14 units) was a guestimate for the total GLOBAL V85 sales to include the 3 North Korea will smuggle through a shell company to be used as experimental carrier based target drones and the 2 being imported by farmers in Croatia and the Basque region to till fields.

But, all SERIOUSNESS aside. I love the look of this bike and even the "athletic banana" color scheme doesn't put me off. I have a 4th and final slot to fill in the bike bay and it's designated for an ADV bike. I had toyed with the idea of a Stornello as it fit's everything that I wanted except for the fact some times I have to travel 250-300 miles to get to the area I want to ride off road in and passing comes up quite often. While the V7 is happy to ride at 80mph all day long passing power is an issue, let alone if I have it loaded down with ADV gear. Part of that problem could be resolved by me dropping some weight (I'm size Extra Husky). My opinion is that this is the bikes (not the marques, because it has many) only shortfall.

The V85 has yet to have some things clarified. I can't find reliable numbers for dry/wet weight. I think I read on WG that it does have an adjustable seat and that seat height was pretty low. I mentioned the Afrika Twin as being under consideration for slot 4. It is, but I'm not committed yet. I would love to see MG get a dealer back in SLC, UT because I'd prob make the move to the V85 (even if it was a little heavier as long as the CoG was there to offset the weight with lower seat height.

I've said it before. The CB1100 took the slot reserved for the Griso when the MG dealer folded up shop. Regrets about that? Absolutely none! But I would still like a Griso.

I think deep down inside I'm a Guzzi man with one of the best Honda motorcycles ever made.

Great to live in a time were we have options.

You are not alone! I have my eye on the V7III Milano....it's like an addiction. The new green V9 Roamer also floats my boat!

I think I know what you're saying. Seen one recently, sat on it, snapped a picture:

For some reason, as I was dismounting, the face and the figure of the most beautiful girl I ever dated flashed in my mind.

On one hand, I do remember her to this very day. On the other, that was less than happy experience in its totality...

For some reason, as I was dismounting, the face and the figure of the most beautiful girl I ever dated flashed in my mind.

On one hand, I do remember her to this very day. On the other, that was (a) less than happy experience in its totality... Of course not. Otherwise you would have forgotten her.

You give me too much credit, Ulvetanna. My simple mind is quite incapable of anything even remotely approaching The Sorrows of Young Werther. Come to think of it, it was probably those two magnificent Guzzi cylinders, protruding upward in a perfect symmetry of the en-face V2 configuration, that woke up of some dormant neuron of an old man's brain.