Moto Guzzi | Page 2 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Moto Guzzi

Explanation of enthusiast motorcycle: they appeal to somebody that has been around motorcycles for a long time and sees things only a motorcycle enthusiast is likely to appreciate.

?Or maybe you just like those big jugs.
 
well to start with one is multi plate and the other is a single plate like in a car :| beyond that one is on a traverse mounted engine and the other is longitudinal.

Dry clutch is fine if you don't plan to slip it a lot. They have lots of friction to work with so they carry lots of power.
 
That's one of those jobs where you just drop the bike off and collect it after it's all done.
You dont' call and ask for updates on progress and you certainly don't ask to go into the shop to look.
For 2 weeks your bike is in the shop. You’re working OT cause you know you’ll be paying the Germans.

You can’t sleep because your thinking of all the forum research you discounted before buying the dream bike. You find the only way to get to sleep is by counting Yamahas.
 
Dry clutch is fine if you don't plan to slip it a lot. They have lots of friction to work with so they carry lots of power.

AFIK the only reason we have dry clutch bikes is to remove the heat generated.
I have a bunch of bikes that come in either dry or wet clutch versions: Nortons, Ducatis and Yamaha TZs and RDs
They're the same clutches. You can run them wet or dry.
 
I've done it :/ but a BMW dry clutch does fare poorly after several consecutive slow races,
you need to keep the revs extremely low or you start to smell the plates burning,
they burn much later if they are immersed in oil, almost not at all.
 
since we talking obscure italian bikes, anyone know of an MV agusta dealer in ontario?
Sturgess claims to be one, but their website shows no inventory
 
since we talking obscure italian bikes, anyone know of an MV agusta dealer in ontario?
Sturgess claims to be one, but their website shows no inventory
When in doubt go straight to the distributor.
 
since we talking obscure italian bikes, anyone know of an MV agusta dealer in ontario?
Sturgess claims to be one, but their website shows no inventory

Obscure? whut?

It's been a while since I checked up on MV Agusta, was surprised to learn that they've pulled out of Canada.

I remember what a big deal it was when Motovan brought the brand up here in 2010. Looks like they pulled out in 2016. That was short-lived...

Looks like if you want an MV, you're going to have to look on the secondary market, or try to import one from the US.
 
Obscure? whut?

It's been a while since I checked up on MV Agusta, was surprised to learn that they've pulled out of Canada.

I remember what a big deal it was when Motovan brought the brand up here in 2010. Looks like they pulled out in 2016. That was short-lived...

Looks like if you want an MV, you're going to have to look on the secondary market, or try to import one from the US.

wow
 
Okay, you guys asked for it. Get a coffee and sit down. This is gonna be long, boring, and tedious.

Many replies here are right on. As stated, the V85 doesn't excel at any one thing, but is very good at many things.

When considering a new bike, I had several criteria: ADVish style and ergos, ease of maintenance, something a bit smaller and more manageable than my 955i Tiger or a big GS. Horsepower was way down the list. A bike which was suitable for long hauls on the slab, and also competent on gravel or fire roads. Anything a little bit different was welcome.

The V85 came along and met all those requirements, plus had the bonus of shaft drive.

The V-twin is a willing and lively engine, though a little down on power compared to the competition. At about 80hp, don't expect to be winning any races. A two valve head operated by push rods makes valve adjustments a delightfully simple task. The gearbox is buttery smooth, the cable operated clutch wonderfully light. No complaints with fueling.

Suspension is capable, though I find the front end to be a little over sprung and under damped... wait a second! What the heck am I talking about?? I don't have a clue! I'm no Rossi! The suspension is springy and makes the bike go over bumps. I wouldn't know good from bad; it works for me. Likewise the Brembo calipers; they squish the rotors real good.

Ergos are just about perfect for me. There's plenty of room to stretch out or get up on the pegs, the seat is okay for an all day ride. Plenty of room for luggage; the three factory boxes are good quality, and at about a $1000 premium (along with the red or yellow paint jobs), are a reasonable deal over the base model.

While the air cooled motor might be decidedly low tech (it doesn't even have an oil cooler), it's paired with some contemporary electronics, though you won't find any fancy six axis IMUs here. RBW throttle, conventional ABS, traction control, three riding modes, electronic cruise control, and a TFT display bring this Guzzi into the 21st century.

The 23 litre tank provides plenty of range; 400km is regularly attained, 450 if I lay off the throttle a bit, 500km if I was in the middle of nowhere and had to be super frugal.

The throttle has a much shorter throw than any other bike I've ridden. It makes full throttle much more accessible, which is sometimes necessary on the V85.

In addition to being ruggedly handsome, my favourite attributes are the shaft drive, (no more messy chains), and the ease of maintenance (valve adjustments are a pleasure). Unlike my old top heavy Tiger, the Guzzi carries it's weight much lower and is very well mannered in the low speed stuff. You're also getting the coolest LED brake light on any motorcycle. Ever. I really like being the only guy at bike night on a V85. I've replaced the catalytic converter with a Y pipe and retained the stock muffler. It makes a lovely and very satisfying V-twin rumble, with just the right amount of popping and burbling on the over run, as the Brits might say. Did I mention the shaft drive?

Common complaints among owners are a lack of tubeless tires from the factory. Unbelievably, this had prevented a few folks from buying. All it takes is about sixty bucks plus labour to seal the wheels. Some early bikes suffered from leaking final drives; this has been dealt with by a factory recall. There are endless internet complaints of the wind screen, but this is highly subjective; I'm happy with my stock screen. Many folks, including me, experienced various loose fasteners when the bike was brand new. Best to not count on the factory or the dealer PDI, and do a thorough check yourself. Speaking of fasteners, the Moto Guzzi ones just aren't up to the same quality standard as, say, Triumph, for example. Some of them just look cheap, some of them rust. In almost every case, this can be easily remedied by the owner. There's been a number of complaints of the gear position indicator, which doesn't display when the clutch is disengaged; that's just the way it is and it doesn't bother me a bit. Some people don't like the shift lights on the dash, but they're the ones who didn't bother to read the owner's manual; the shift lights can be easily configured any way you like in the dashboard menu. The horn is pitiful.

So, the V85 is fine for the long haul, competent on dirt or gravel roads, fire or logging roads. Nimble in the twisty bits and can cruise at 140km/h all day long. With comparatively short suspenders, not so good in sand, mud, over rocks, etc. Unless you're extremely talented, experienced, or stupid (or all three), I would avoid single track, water crossings, etc. You might be better served on a 790 or a T7. That said, my brother also owns a V85 and keeps up with his buddies on their 690s and 790s in the woods. But he's braver than I.

Some folks who paid a lot of money for a brand new bike absolutely refuse to pick up a wrench, solely on principle, no matter how trivial it might be. Guzzi dealers are few and far between. I like working on my own stuff, so this wasn't much of a consideration for me. YMMV.

Whew! That's enough nonsense from me. Go for a test ride. George at Corsa Meccanica is a cheerful and reasonable guy. I really dig my V85. It always feels special and immensely satisfying, with just the right amount of oddball. After fifteen months and 15,000km, there are no regrets and I'd happily buy again.

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Loaded and ready to go. Red and white, not yellow @bigpoppa.

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Screws and lock nuts make valve adjustments a breeze.

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The V85 takes dirt naps just as well as any other bike on the market!
 
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Great write-up, thanks for taking the time. I've never ridden a Guzzi, so it was an interesting read.

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The V85 takes dirt naps just as well as any other bike on the market!

I had to do a double-take, from that angle, that looked like my bike.

Actually, it looked like every single bike I ever owned...
 
One of the guys I ride with has a 1200 Stelvio. Huge > 30 L gas tank, extra large side cases and top box. He too has commented on ease of valve adjustments. There have been a few QA issues, but nothing serious, the MG / Stelvio forums cover most of the issues off and he's attended to them proactively. Seems to move pretty well as he is always at the front of the pack. Distinctive, great exhaust sound, you won't see many on the road, nothing wrong with that. If you do long distance touring you might have an issue finding a dealer if something goes belly up, but so far nothing has. He loves it.
 
I'm gonna say it cuz it's bound to come out anyway

buy it in the crate and do the PDI yourself
that way they don't steal the paddock stand from you :)
and the battery tender
 

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