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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 26 May 2018
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Halifax, NS, Canada
Posts: 16
Moto Guzzi V85
Moto Guzzi V85 Adventure Tourer. My understanding this new entry is set for 2019 (?) release. Information is sketchy at this time, but my understanding will be light weight, 80/85 hp and great torque curve steady from 1k to red line at 6k, and rider profile friendly. Promoted as a 50/50 entry, should be a real long distance contender.
What I do not know is the toughness and reliability factors of Moto Guzzi products. I understand that road side service and or repair is relatively easy as compared to others ( old school). As to dealers in S. America most are in Brazil.

Would Guzzi owners or knowledgeable persons comment on the use of Moto Guzzi ‘s for long distance adventure touring. My planned tour is Central and South America from Canada 2020.

Currently outfitting a Yamaha 1200 Super Tenere, but would prefer less weight, lower seating and a more friendly service and repair Moto.
Last edited by NtoStravel; 26 May 2018 at 23:32. Reason: Correct Title
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  #2  
Old 26 May 2018
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Greetings from the other Halifax and welcome to HUBB.

I had a 2014 V7. The engine was fantastic, the electrics a hideous mix of BMW style electronics and hobby style wiring. When the LED speedo illumination failed it would have been an £800 repair (new unit) but covered under warranty. The RPM sensor mounted in the V of the cylinders, an obvious water trap was on its way because the connector was open and designed for a horizontal not vertical mounting. It would run like a dog until you got the tank off to wd40 the sensor. The speedo unit took 4 weeks to arrive from Italy. My Dad had a Nevada, known as the Nevarida because it took the Italians 12 weeks to supply a correct fit disc.

Small volume production and buyers who pay for the name and hipster chic are not a good combination IMHO. Let someone else do their Beta testing.

Andy
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  #3  
Old 8 Jun 2018
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 121
Just to fan the flames in another direction...I have always had a Moto Guzzi, and I think the modern line-up are fine.



My '14 v7 Special had a couple of wrinkles to iron out (voltage reg/rec was putting out 15+ volts, replaced with a MOSFET unit). Also I think the plumbing for the evaporative emissions was not quite right, as I'd occasionally get weird running when the tank was full on a hot (southwestern US desert) day. I've since clipped and plugged the hose from the charcoal canister to the TB, and have since had zero issues.
Other than those items, I've had no problems. I have upgraded the suspension,added a small windscreen, and converted the spoked wheels to tubeless, and the front rim from 18" to 19" for more DS tire choices.


It's only crossed 1 international border, when I rode with some pals to Mexico's Copper Canyon country for 9 days. That was fairly hot weather, with roads ranging from spectacular smooth twists to rutted, potholed pavement and some graded dirt.


I wouldn't hesitate to take it on an extended highway/tame dirt road trip further afield. But that's just me. Oh, I know of one other fella who regularly takes his v7 into Mexico and I believe C America. So I guess that's two.
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