Just got back from a 700 mile trip. Lake Nipissing MG Rally, for two days, then Trans Canada past Sudbury, cross the twirling bridge to Manitoulin Island, then the ferry to Bruce Peninsula. Vistas so picturesque, it is motorcycle paradise which is a consolation for the high insurance rates and high costs of everything here.
So, right before the trip, I received an updated map from Todd. I was actually surprised at the result. My GTM V85 is really torquey everywhere but now once it hits 5k, it just surges, as if it hit some kind of afterburners. Todd says next time I should not wait 15 months to send in a new map.
Now here is the daunting problem I face. I am limited to owning one Moto Guzzi. My interest in other brands is very minimal. Guzzi is unequalled smiles per miles. Cost, limited garage space and wife acceptance factor conspire to put a V100 Mandello out of reach for now. Strategic thinking is required! My solution is the GTM V85tt. Which I believe deserves its own review. Like we used to talk of a 'Shelby' Mustang. Something in a different category.
Now in my case, my natural freeway cruising speed is 75 to 80 mph. If that figure was 90+, then a V100 would be mandated. I am 95/5 with dirt roads and trails so Adventure bike versatility is the ticket. I treasure air cooled, shaft drive simplicity, and maintenance autonomy. Also lightness, so am quite averse to weight getting much over 500 pounds. My GTM performance increase (>25% hp and torque) plus lithium battery/-25 mm new shock = a net weight reduction of 40 pounds (= 5 hp?) and more manageable lower center of gravity. At 5' 8.5" am now flat footing it.
The retro design language, the long driving range, perfect ergonomics and overall "friendliness' of the GTM V85tt means I can't replace it. It is my first choice Guzzi configuration. Yet I do also covet the modern version, the Mandello. It's gorgeous and at the Rally I chatted with a fellow who had the S version. He loves it. Said it's a 'dealer bike'. Meaning, 'don't be messing with the valves,' VVT and all. Well, I hope my words might be helpful to others who view the V85 as the ultimate all-rounder/keeper. Yes, the GTM Upgrade is over $3k in parts. For me, it's so worth it! The way I see it, it's like getting a whole new engine! Seriously! Its not just the gear, its the wisdom that comes with it! Now, here is the deal: Todd's fuel correction package makes the bike way more engaging to ride, not to mention the now snappy overtakes. I think this cost is very reasonable as translated to long term owner satisfaction. I hold that this is cheaper than trading in for new ones. My guess is that perhaps 1/3rd of V85 owners wish for more power. I did, but not anymore. Was just reading on the UK V85 forum, there was a thread, about a dozen guys who had replaced their 1250 GS with the V85tt and they all reported being happy with the change. Well, if only they could experience the GTM V85! When I was waiting for the Ferry, the bikes were first in line. One fellow had a 1250 GS, a great machine for sure. But when he started it, in ten seconds I knew I could never fall in love with that bike. That offset MG V Twin sound, it rules! (Yes, lose the stupid cat). It sounds delicious.
Even if we could have a stable of bikes, we can only ride one at a time. More is not better, there is always the onset of diminishing returns. Here is an ideal balance of weight, power and agility. If my bike gained even more power, it would begin to lose it's 'friendly nature'. I give it the beans all the time. It's pure joy.! But that's not the case if we are in any way intimidated by the bike's ferocity. And other consequences begin to manifest. Like traffic citations, burning through rear tires and ever more gas consumption.
I'm writing this because I believe there are others who will feel the same. This GTM V85 is something really special. It's like it's transparent. So many times on this trip I had that feeling, you know, like those dreams of flying.
So, right before the trip, I received an updated map from Todd. I was actually surprised at the result. My GTM V85 is really torquey everywhere but now once it hits 5k, it just surges, as if it hit some kind of afterburners. Todd says next time I should not wait 15 months to send in a new map.
Now here is the daunting problem I face. I am limited to owning one Moto Guzzi. My interest in other brands is very minimal. Guzzi is unequalled smiles per miles. Cost, limited garage space and wife acceptance factor conspire to put a V100 Mandello out of reach for now. Strategic thinking is required! My solution is the GTM V85tt. Which I believe deserves its own review. Like we used to talk of a 'Shelby' Mustang. Something in a different category.
Now in my case, my natural freeway cruising speed is 75 to 80 mph. If that figure was 90+, then a V100 would be mandated. I am 95/5 with dirt roads and trails so Adventure bike versatility is the ticket. I treasure air cooled, shaft drive simplicity, and maintenance autonomy. Also lightness, so am quite averse to weight getting much over 500 pounds. My GTM performance increase (>25% hp and torque) plus lithium battery/-25 mm new shock = a net weight reduction of 40 pounds (= 5 hp?) and more manageable lower center of gravity. At 5' 8.5" am now flat footing it.
The retro design language, the long driving range, perfect ergonomics and overall "friendliness' of the GTM V85tt means I can't replace it. It is my first choice Guzzi configuration. Yet I do also covet the modern version, the Mandello. It's gorgeous and at the Rally I chatted with a fellow who had the S version. He loves it. Said it's a 'dealer bike'. Meaning, 'don't be messing with the valves,' VVT and all. Well, I hope my words might be helpful to others who view the V85 as the ultimate all-rounder/keeper. Yes, the GTM Upgrade is over $3k in parts. For me, it's so worth it! The way I see it, it's like getting a whole new engine! Seriously! Its not just the gear, its the wisdom that comes with it! Now, here is the deal: Todd's fuel correction package makes the bike way more engaging to ride, not to mention the now snappy overtakes. I think this cost is very reasonable as translated to long term owner satisfaction. I hold that this is cheaper than trading in for new ones. My guess is that perhaps 1/3rd of V85 owners wish for more power. I did, but not anymore. Was just reading on the UK V85 forum, there was a thread, about a dozen guys who had replaced their 1250 GS with the V85tt and they all reported being happy with the change. Well, if only they could experience the GTM V85! When I was waiting for the Ferry, the bikes were first in line. One fellow had a 1250 GS, a great machine for sure. But when he started it, in ten seconds I knew I could never fall in love with that bike. That offset MG V Twin sound, it rules! (Yes, lose the stupid cat). It sounds delicious.
Even if we could have a stable of bikes, we can only ride one at a time. More is not better, there is always the onset of diminishing returns. Here is an ideal balance of weight, power and agility. If my bike gained even more power, it would begin to lose it's 'friendly nature'. I give it the beans all the time. It's pure joy.! But that's not the case if we are in any way intimidated by the bike's ferocity. And other consequences begin to manifest. Like traffic citations, burning through rear tires and ever more gas consumption.
I'm writing this because I believe there are others who will feel the same. This GTM V85 is something really special. It's like it's transparent. So many times on this trip I had that feeling, you know, like those dreams of flying.
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