This was started already under a different topic, which now has split info in its replies, so here some info under a new Topic:
The design of the V85 is loved by many, and especially outright off-roaders are quite happy with how the bike looks.
Those that are more after the ‘Adventure Touring’ aspects of the bike are generally complaining about the rather measly protection of both rider and bike against road grime.
From own experience, even a clean-looking road will, when wet, result in dirt being thrown not just under, but even on top of the TopBox! And let’s not even start with the front of the engine…
But there are options!
The to date most favoured one is the front mudguard of the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, Model Year 2016. It only costs £30.- to £40.-. It can be mounted as a direct replacement of the fork protectors, as it uses the exact same 6 mounting points. It can be ‘worn’ as an additional mudguard, with minimal optical impact. It can also be used as a full replacement , losing the ‘beak’.
But it comes with disadvantages: a) the visual impact, b) it is moulded to look like carbon fibre, c) one loses the coloured fork protectors (or has to re-paint them onto the new guard), d) it is too short in itself, and requires the addition of a (readily available) extension, e) there is a hole in it to fit the brake pipes - this needs to be plugged, and f) it takes usually 3 to 4 months for delivery…(that was before the Virus lockdown!)
Pyramid Plastics are working on their own model of front mudguard for the V85, which will instead fit via a bracket that mounts to the brake caliper bolts (meaning the original fork guards can stay in place). But: They are still working on the design, and they don’t expect them to be available for some 8 weeks. I don’t yet know what they are going to look like, or how far down they will reach. There is also no indication of price yet…
As for the rear - again, options:
Pyramid are also designing a hugger. The same ‘buts’ apply as above.
Another alternative is a generic rear guard that looks a bit like the BMW ones. It’s sold on Ebay as ‘for Honda NC700’, is fairly cheap, and can be adapted (some hacksawing, and some new holes need drilling) to fit the existing threaded holes in the Bevel Box. But beware - they must be positioned carefully, and relatively close to the tyre, as they will otherwise foul the tail (reflector)!
I personally am quite happy with the Aprilia front guard as an additional one, I’ll post a piccie once I am finally finished with sanding and painting it.
I am also quite happy with the generic Chinese NC700 guard in the back. No painting required (though I did have the bracketry powdercoated after adapting it), so it is installed already. I re-post the pic, as the other one is hidden in the ‘Sump Guard Bolts’ thread…
And believe me, it works! No more mud on my back, or on top of the luggage!!
Hope that helps answer a few questions!
