The weather was nice, the bike was there, so I went for a ride whilst they serviced and MOT’d my 3 year old V85TT.
The bike I was lent wasn’t a dealer demonstrator but a 4200 mile (ish) second hand bike from their stock.
It was in very nice condition….and still is you’ll be pleased to know.
Anyway, off I went. It seemed quite noisy compared to the V85TT, exhaust and induction. Not too much but…??
There are a fair few buttons and a bit of scrolling discovered heated grips, I didn’t try them as it wasn’t cold, and the adjustable screen.
I liked the screen and could feel the differences between upper and lower settings plus some in between. I didn’t notice any buffeting at all the way up to 85 MPH. It wasn’t a windy day though so that could make a difference as on the V85TT.
Engine performance was obviously greater than my bike and the suspension was taughter making it easier to reach high speeds without effort. Whether that’s better or not I’m not sure. I tried a couple of the engine modes but sport or road were both fine for what I tried in the 50 minutes that I rode for. It went around corners very nicely and was OK filtering in traffic too.
It was perfectly comfortable for that period as well.
The only negative that I could find was that something in the drivetrain clonked on closing and opening the throttle. Not everyone and only really noticeable at slow speeds.
For those that have had these bikes is that a characteristic of the model or an issue with the one I rode?
Back at the showroom and a part exchange value was discussed which seemed fair, I reckon that I could squeeze them another couple of hundred pounds, especially in view of stock availability.
There are some cracking deals on the Stelvio at present. £12000 which includes an ‘accessories pack’ I think. Panniers, top box, extra lights and engine bars, although the sales guy didn’t mention any of that as I was ‘gentle’ in my enquiries and he was taking a no pressure approach.
The numbers, if all of that above is correct make it very, very tempting.
But, my bike was so nice on the way home. A lighter clutch, it looks so nice, feels right and I could do a lot with the money I’d spend on a new Stelvio.
I could get a new V85TT for one. Fit some Bumot panniers ….which would come in useful (not) if I carrry on doing about 1500 miles a year. Disgraceful and disappointing as that’s been.
My bike was given a clean bill of health by the workshop and now has an advisory free MOT. It probably won’t depreciate a massive amount in the next year or two.
But a new bike is always exciting. But my bike does everything so pleasantly.
What a wonderful dilemma to have.
I’ll update as my thoughts percolate through…..we’re looking at new campervans too at the moment so my head is already spinning from that. A trip to the NEC next week for the Motorhome show may, or may not, help.
Along with that we may be going to a bicycle shop near Gloucester that sells the Cube brand….Fraser’s of Gloucester sell Guzzi’s….oh dear.
) roads 
Same with the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland - IMO the Stelvio was the perfect motorcycle
- altho it's pretty simple once you get used to it
