Hello and good morning all. After much research and consideration, I have bought a brand new Guzzi V85 Strada, delivered yesterday. I ain’t ridden it yet, as the low comfort seat (heated) that was included in the sale only seems to have about 800mm of difference from the standard seat. I have a few other queries, which the dealer seems unable to help with, but this won’t be topic to ask for advice on. Anyhoo, the bike in itself is lovely and I can’t wait to put some miles on her. Cheers for now
6 Likes
800mm seems rather a lot
3 Likes
Welcome to the group. Great choice of bike. I’ve got a 2026 V85TT which I’ve had for about 6 weeks now. I’ve just finished running in and can finally give it the beans which I’m really enjoying. I very nearly went for a Strada but was persuaded by the shiny paint and pretty wheels to buy a TT instead.
Standard seat height is 830mm and the low seat height is 800mm so 30mm difference. If you need it any lower then you may have to get it custom upholstered.
You’ll find the club really helpful if you have any questions. Guzzi owners seem to be a friendly, helpful and knowledgeable bunch and the members seem to appreciate modern bikes and classics equally and lots (including myself) have a modern and a classic or several.
3 Likes
taking the rubbers out from seat base can drop it a bit more but not sure if that’s a good long term fix.
is 30mm less foam less comfortable?
1 Like
Hyperpro do 25mm lowering springs for front and back. An option if reupholstering the seat isn’t favoured
3 Likes
Yes, you’re right… a stuttering finger on the keyboard, plus a general ineptness with numbers, is to blame there; the difference between the two seats as measured in height from the seat pan to the top was 8 mm But of more interest to me was the seat height, as in feet on the ground. A look on the Guzzi website shows that the standard seat height is 830 mm, whilst on the low comfort seat, the seat height is 810 mm. At that height I would manage very well; 810 mm was the low height setting on the Tiger. Thanks for the input, gentlemen; that has helped clarify things greatly. Clearly, there has been a mix-up somewhere. Teasdale Motorcycles claim that it was a low seat they fitted to the bike; the box states that it was a low seat and the part number on the seat pan states that it is a low seat…I’m mystified
1 Like
I popped the rubbers out, and it did help a little. Sithedid, but I’m still on the balls of my feet. Personally, I prefer to be able to flat-foot on a bike. I could do this on the Tiger at 810 mm. My feeling is that it is the wrong seat
there have been a few people saying they ordered a low seat and ended up getting a seat that was the same thing as the normal one, despite the part number being different. trying someone else’s bike with a lowered seat might be worthwhile, just to compare how much lower they should be.
it’s a bit easier and cheaper to get the dealer to replace the seat than doing suspension lowering, but that might end up being the solution if a seat swap won’t solve the issue.
I agree flat footing feels much safer, especially considering odd cambers or potholes can mean you need to reach a bit further anyway even if you can normally easily get feet on ground.
1 Like
That is interesting, regarding other riders reporting the same issue with standard/low seats. I’ve just looked up low seats on Guzzibits; they’re £475 or so. Might be cheaper with a pair of high-rise Daytona boots. Or, as I have ordered from Amazon, a pair of height-increasing insoles (stop sniggering at the back there!) I have a link somewhere to a French company that will reupholster your seat, lowering it and inserting a gel pad; they work out cheaper than Sargents. As I have a spare seat now, I think I’ll explore that option
2 Likes
I did see that kit, but I’m not sure how that would affect the warranty. It certainly was much cheaper
maybe gutsibits could measure their low seats for you and then you could see if yours is out of spec. 8mm doesn’t seem like it’s enough for them to justify selling it as ‘low’ compared to standard.
1 Like
Probably worth asking the dealership about any effect on the warranty. Could also get them to fit it as that way they’re invested.
I would think as it is just shock/springs it wouldn’t harm you should you have issues on non-related elements such as engine, gearbox, electricals etc. Even issues with the frame couldn’t be argued if it was down to manufacturer errors.
1 Like
I’ve a standard seat and low comfort seat on my 2019 v85 - there’s very little difference between the 2 seats in terms of improving your ability to flat foot. As others have said - the easiest step is to take the front 4 rubber bungs off the bottom of the seat. What made the difference for me was fitting a hyperpro rear spring which lowers the bike by 25mm from memory - although that also meant have the side stand shortened. Originally I was on tip toes, now I can flat foot it.
3 Likes
Did you find any difference in the handling after fitting that, Steve? The four plugs made a slight difference, but as someone else said, that is a short term fix
Definitely worth thinking about
Guzzibits low seat is £475, compared with the MotoGuzzi low seat at £200 -sh. At Guzzibit price, I’d be as well as buying a pair of Daytona hi-lift boots. Guzzibits do a 14-day return, though. Plenty to think about there lads…cheers for the support and suggestions
No noticable difference in handling to me - I did it 3 years ago and love the feel and ride of the bike. Then again I’m not pushing it to extremes. The hyperpro spring is also really good value for money - just remember to have the side stand cut down by an inch or live in fear of a strong breeze!
1 Like
Did you replace the fork springs, Steve, or both the front and rear lowering kits?
I agree there is little height difference between a Low comfort-seat and standard 
.
However you can just slide the front fork tubes up through the clamps by the desired amount - keeps normal suspension range with a lowered ride height.
EDITED: I slid mine up by 20mm no change to the high speed handling. Now i have the 25mm shorter MShock (£430ish from Winding Roads) I tried sliding the forks up by 35mm - It handles nicely at speed but was heavier and harder to balance at very low speeds. This is only noticeable in tight traffic and on narrow country roads (with lines of gravel down the middle) but i didn’t like it so i am back to 20mm.
Even at 35mm lower there was no need to shorten the side stand (just need to park it more carefully).
1 Like
I did just the rear spring and then dropped/lowered the front forks.