... Doesn't matter what the hp number is it's how the whole package works.
That is the key right there! I had the Tiger 1200 and all the numbers were great but the package just constantly was an irritation and [for me] a mistake. The only bike I liked less was this beat rental 150cc Postie bike in Taiwan that had something called a rotary shifter.
...Why do we need a picture of a Stelvio doing a wheelie? Do not understand why moto journalists think it's a required photo angle for bikes. ...
One of my newest favorite phrases is "Idiots abound"
I wish we could get back to Checkswrecks review of the V85 because I think it's pretty cool bike and I'm interested in his opinion of it.
The V85TT is truly a bike you buy for
you when you don't need to impress others and you kinda hit it in your first comment about "how the whole package works." The only change I found necessary was the taller windshield and I lucked across a better seat from a friend.
The V85TT is meant for long days on your own doodling around West Virginia and PA backroads with lots of twists, turns, and occasional gravel. The motor is sure no powerhouse but the 76 hp has a low end torque and usable power band which fits for the bike with its' 463 lb empty weight. Anyway, the loping nature of the V85 small block just puts a smile on your face. Blip the throttle at a light and the bike leans to the right but you never notice it when moving. Being air cooled means you need to let it warm up a minute or two before setting off. Haven't stalled it once but it just doesn't feel right when immediately put into gear if it's cold.
It does great on highways and I've had it to 90 mph. The bike came with boxes and will be fine for longer trips and it does have cruise, traction control, and ABS - which can be turned off. But it's not a rock solid big-bike tourer like a Tenere or GS which weighs nearly 100 lbs more. I'm 6 ft, Jackie is 5'10" and we've now done some 2-up days. It's been comfortable but again a Tenere is better for the job.
Fit and finish are great. We had a 650 Strom for a couple years which was fine and the V85 is like what that could have been with less weight, better balance, and more power. It's just one of those bikes which is a well balanced all-rounder.
As for the comments questioning a new 115 hp 1000 cc bike, it also comes down to balance as an overall package. While the V85 horsepower is enough, the extra 40 hp and feel of the V100 engine in the Mandello are about the only reason I'm seriously considering trading the V85TT next year. I really like that V100 motor!!! The Stelvio $16,390 price will be less than the 1200+cc bikes, size-wise you can flat foot it, Guzzi is not going as electronic and doo-dad crazy as BMW or Triumph (although MG is a CANBUS electric system), and the empty weight is still going to only be about 500 lbs (542 curb with gas).
www.advrider.com
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www.guzzitech.com
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