This could be my first new sport tourer in a long time.

[whynot]

What’s your opinion of this engine? Anything to compare it to? How are the vibes?

My opinion: I have a high opinion of this engine. Compared to other Guzzis I've owned, Griso 1100 (in the past) and V11 LeMans (current), I use more throttle and more revs than I did with those "big block" engines. OTOH, a couple of years ago I test rode a Guzzi V7 750 and the vibes were very noticeable. So whatever they did designing the V85, they got it right. Vibrations are not a problem for me. I find the engine very reliable and consistent.

Gotta say it's hard for me to compare a Guzzi to anything else. Operation of throttle and clutch are very smooth IMO. I usually operate around 4000-5000 rpm. I tool around on 2-lane blacktop, then hit 80 +/- now and then on Rt 2 to run with the traffic. The engine responds well under all conditions, just don't expect "grunt" under 4K. It feels very stable and "planted" at all times. Another thing about vibes, it has an aluminum "tapered" handlebar, which I think helps a lot, better than a steel bar. Not a full review, I admit. The bike grows on you and gets better all the time. I don't get tired riding this bike.

[whynot]

What’s your opinion of this engine? Anything to compare it to? How are the vibes?

PS -- check out "Hippo-Drones" on Youtube. He made a 45-minute review of his V85TT in December 2021. Around 21:00 he starts about engine response and power delivery and comfort.

"like a sewing machine at times" "beautiful silky torque" and so on ...

https://youtu.be/PPI417XlIys

(Watching this video makes me want to keep the bike lol)

Lots of other YTs out there ...

[SteveM]

Stopped in to check dates at Bettencourt’s today. Suzuki has moved them to MAY…

Faaaaaahhhhhck

I’m getting real close to considering alternatives

<$15,000
< 600lbs
Traditional sport touring, not the higher CoG fake adventure bikes.
Worry free mechanicals for a cross country solo trip

[Stoneman]

Stopped in to check dates at Bettencourt’s today. Suzuki has moved them to MAY…

Faaaaaahhhhhck

I’m getting real close to considering alternatives

<$15,000
< 600lbs
Traditional sport touring, not the higher CoG fake adventure bikes.
Worry free mechanicals for a cross country solo trip

Holy shit! MAY? When was the original supposed delivery date?

[SRTie4k]

Stopped in to check dates at Bettencourt’s today. Suzuki has moved them to MAY…

Faaaaaahhhhhck

I’m getting real close to considering alternatives

<$15,000
< 600lbs
Traditional sport touring, not the higher CoG fake adventure bikes.
Worry free mechanicals for a cross country solo trip

Tracer 9 GT

[SteveM]

Holy shit! MAY? When was the original supposed delivery date?

December, then April…

- - - Updated - - -

Tracer 9 GT

There was one up in Lewiston when I started looking, but now there all down out or way out west. It is very nice.

[Stoneman]

December, then April…

Dayumn!

[SteveM]

Dayumn!

It was announced in September, 2021…

[OneCheekRider]

wow that sucks! I was looking forward to your review. Kenn157 had his new Triumphs delivered early so maybe there's still some hope for you. If you do jump ship, Tracer 9 GT would be high on my list, possibly Ninja 1000SX.

[SteveM]

Honing in on the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Center stand
Available top case for less$ than trying to add one to the Suzuki,

[MattR302]

I’m getting real close to considering alternatives

<$15,000
< 600lbs
Traditional sport touring, not the higher CoG fake adventure bikes.
Worry free mechanicals for a cross country solo trip

If you can live without cruise control:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...4441937827920/
Side bags, center stand, reasonable seat height and CoG, reliable as a rock.
Mods available to add another 30+ hp if you’re into that sort of thing.
Can probably find a newer one for cheaper, but that one is stock and clean.

[FriskyDingo]

that tracer 9 is a NICE looking bike....

[whynot]

Honing in on the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Center stand
Available top case for less$ than trying to add one to the Suzuki,

Great bike from all I read. Only thing for me, it looks like the rider pegs are located high and rearward, sport-bike-ish style. I don't think I would want to go long miles and days like that. Just me.

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sp...ls/tracer-9-gt

I had a 2014 Ninja 1000 for a few years -- fabulous sport-tourer -- more on the "sport" end of the spectrum, and the sportbike seating and peg position finally got to me.

[Stoneman]

I like to see that this segment is finally getting the attention it rightfully deserves. Back in the mid 90's, these are what I wanted. I didn't want a "super sport" nor "race replica". I wanted something sporty but easy enough to do full days on with a passenger and could handle luggage confidently. The only thing that really nailed that was the VFR, but too many of my friends had them and I didn't want to be part of the crowd.

The RF900R I ended up getting was a great bike. I always hoped they'd develop that line to compete with the VFR's on the touring side of sport touring. But it was a bit too sporty to be a sport tourer in my opinion and the only options for luggage was aftermarket strap-down stuff. I had +/- 60,000 miles on that thing when I finally wadded it and absolutely loved every mile on it.

Flash forward to today: I'd much rather be riding something like these sport tourers today. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my Street Glide and don't regret it one bit. But my heart is still heavily wishing I could ride something like what's available today in this segment.

[SteveM]

Things are heating up a bit on the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT front.

Where are dealers now on the ship & prep charges and illusive "doc fees"?

[number9]

Things are heating up a bit on the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT front.

Where are dealers now on the ship & prep charges and illusive "doc fees"?

I must say that thing looks pretty good.

[MattR302]

I know everybody likes OEM luggage for the looks, but I can’t think of any slanty-pentagon-shaped stuff I own that I’d want to carry on the bike.

Personally, I’d much rather buy aftermarket racks that will allow me to use my Givi’s. Same mounting rack allows me to use my small 21L top-loaders or my huge 46L side-loaders. I’ve used them on 3 bikes now.

[Stoneman]

I know everybody likes OEM luggage for the looks, but I can’t think of any slanty-pentagon-shaped stuff I own that I’d want to carry on the bike.

Personally, I’d much rather buy aftermarket racks that will allow me to use my Givi’s. Same mounting rack allows me to use my small 21L top-loaders or my huge 46L side-loaders. I’ve used them on 3 bikes now.

I've never been a fan of the LOOK of Givis. To me, they always LOOK so awkward - like they don't belong there. If nothing else, the new sport tourers with factory bags definitely have the LOOK and they definitely look like they belong there.

"Look" emphasized so as not to confuse my opinion with function...

[SteveM]

I’ve had Givi’s on both my VFR800’s and VFR1200x. Really well made, but with the frames they look as Stoneman said

[FriskyDingo]

I don't understand what you're saying.....

[SRTie4k]

For plastic boxes, SHAD typically look a little better IMO.

https://www.shadusa.com/products/d0b...=1050127990789

That said the aerodynamic looking pentagon-shaped boxes don't offer nearly the same convenience as the more ugly but useful "big ammo can" boxes that are so normal in the ADV world. Those also have some trade-offs, however. Like the huge erector set racks that are required and significantly increase the width of the bike.

[SteveM]

For plastic boxes, SHAD typically look a little better IMO.

https://www.shadusa.com/products/d0b...=1050127990789

That said the aerodynamic looking pentagon-shaped boxes don't offer nearly the same convenience as the more ugly but useful "big ammo can" boxes that are so normal in the ADV world. Those also have some trade-offs, however. Like the huge erector set racks that are required and significantly increase the width of the bike.

This bike has no ADV pretensions, rolling on 17’s. The bags are 31L and hold a FF helmet. There is also a top case available.

[Stoneman]

I don't understand what you're saying.....

I'm saying the Givis are fugly. Especially compared to bags that are model specific from the factory, made to fit the lines of the machine they're on.

For plastic boxes, SHAD typically look a little better IMO.

https://www.shadusa.com/products/d0b...=1050127990789

That said the aerodynamic looking pentagon-shaped boxes don't offer nearly the same convenience as the more ugly but useful "big ammo can" boxes that are so normal in the ADV world. Those also have some trade-offs, however. Like the huge erector set racks that are required and significantly increase the width of the bike.

I won't deny that the big cans may serve more use. My observations are based purely on aesthetics.

[MattR302]

New 185hp, $22k Buell Supertouring 1190 unveiled today.
Pics on ADV here https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/b...-1190.1545335/

https://www.buellmotorcycle.com/supertouring

[Gixxer]

What happened to new players being economically friendly?

I know Buell isn’t technically a new player but certainly not consistent.

Aren’t KTM super adventures roughly this same price?

I want to love it, but I’m not paying a premium for a long shot when I can get the Pan America or KTM for the same dough.