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V85TT Questions

P

Patrick Stirling

Just got it firing!
GT Contributor
Joined
Jan 20, 2021
Messages
21
Location
Tucson, AZ
I've owned my '22 V85TT for about 10 months now, and just turned 9200 miles. In contrast I owned my previous V7 for 2 years and put on about 4500 miles before trading it in on the V85. Guess that says something! I have the Adventure version (I believe it's called), with the hard cases and top box. I had the dealer add a centerstand, heated grips and engine bars.

Overall I really like the bike, but of course there are a few areas I want to improve. I thought I'd post some thoughts and questions here to see what you think.

The most serious issue is that it's really top heavy. I don't think there's anything to be done, it's a high bike and the engine carries its mass high as well. Fine on the road but you have to be careful paddling around in the parking lot and when coming to a stop. As one reviewer said, it's surprisingly difficult to do a feet up stop at a stop sign (i.e. zero on the speedo).

The other obvious issue is that it's a bit underpowered. I notice it mostly at freeway speeds, it would be really nice to be able to just squirt past cars doing the limit. It cruises fine at a true 85mph, but there's not a lot left at that speed. Once the warranty runs out I may well give Todd a call!

On to the (hopefully) fixable issues.

Windshield. I have a Cal Sci tall one, and while it's better than the stock shield there's too much buffeting over about 70mph. I'd really like to be in a smooth bubble and still be able to look over the top of the shield. Can anyone recommend one?

Instruments. I love the panel layout and look, but the speedo is hopelessly optimistic, 8-9%, and the gas mileage is equally low, compared to manual calculations. Is this something that can be tuned by the dealer? Actually my dealer (On Any Moto in Tucson) said there are a couple of software updates, anyone know what they do?

Indicators. I'd much rather have LEDs! Also I've lost one of the clear covers so this might be a good time to upgrade. I was riding with a friend on a new Mandello and I like those, are they compatible? Not sure whether they're LED. Would a generic led set off Ebay work? If anyone could point me to a how-to on replacing them (including the flasher relay), that would be great.

The only real issue I've had is that after the first service I noticed a slight oil weep around the oil filler cap. I thought it was that, but no amount of tightening and sealing helped. Then I realised that it was weeping from the engine case joint just above the filler cap, caused by loose case bolts there - one actually vibrated off altogether! Bought a replacement and tightened them all, fixed. Must have been an inattentive assembler at the factory.

All for now
Patrick Stirling
Tucson, AZ
 
I think you can get the European LED turn signals on the GTM Store. I find your “top heavy” observations interesting because mine (with 3-piece hard luggage, engine protection bars, and center stand) seems much less top heavy than my previous adventure bike.

My experience with dash: Speedometer is about 6% optimistic (80 mph indicated=75 mph actual) while both odometer and average fuel efficiency are both pessimistic (travels slightly more distance than indicated and makes significantly better gas mileage than indicated). You may have different tires since some come with Michelin while others have Dunlop tires (mine came with Dunlop tires that don’t look aggressive, but work well on the street as well as Forest Service roads).
 
It's definitely a bit of a handful (top heavy) for me compared to my KLR, and with a passenger I nearly dropped it a couple of times at lights.

I know Todd sells the V85 EU LED signals, I think the Mandello's are different. But probably just as pricey! Not sure I'm willing to spend US$40 per signal.

Mine came with Michelin Anakee Adventure tires, which I like. Just about ready for replacement, can anyone recommend a good (or better) alternative? With about the same on/off road mix, I mostly ride pavement. Since the front tire is good for w while I may just get another Anakee on the back.

I asked my friend on the new Mandello about the speedo, his is pretty optimistic as well. A Guzzi thing, I guess.

Just changed the air filter, what a PITA!

Patrick
 
Air filter is somewhat of a pain. There can be leakage around the edges of the paper filter unless they changed the air box. I used sealing grease on my paper filter and eventually replaced it with a K&N (has better sealing surfaces, but still used sealing grease) which lets the engine breathe a little better and should go longer between cleanings. I also removed tape covering an opening on the air box. There is a thread on the forum regarding air filters in case you want to read more.
 
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