Moto Guzzi Gets Dirty

The Moto Guzzi V85 TT – a classically styled mid-range adventure bike – is now available with prices starting at $18,890.
Moto Guzzi is telling us – and we believe them – that the V85 TT will provide a unique riding experience thanks to a new chassis suspension wrapped around the 80hp, 80Nm V-twin motor.
“The new Moto Guzzi reflects a construction philosophy in which simplicity, practicality and lightness make for an unfiltered relationship between motorcycle and rider”, said Moto Guzzi in its press release about the bike.
Designed to be roomy but narrow in the waist so it can fit a very wide-range of shapes and sizes of rider and passenger, Guzzi claim the bike will be comfortable on tour for two people, and the 23 litre tank with a range of over 400km could make for big days if that’s what you enjoy.
Moto Guzzi has put some effort into making the bike work well off road, getting the weight down to a surprising 208kg. Off-road features include a high front guard, handguards, engine guard, high silencer and more.
The new chassis bolts directly to the engine, so there’s no lower frame rails, giving the bike more ground clearance. Twin piggyback rear shocks offer a progressive compression rate.
There are 19-inch front and 17-inch laced wheels, ABS, Brembo callipers, triple disc brakes and USD adjustable forks.
The engine is first in what will be a new range of small-block Moto Guzzi V-twins. It’s the first able to rev to 8000rpm, although maximum torque is reached at 5000.
Moto Guzzi has stayed with a two-valve per cylinder configuration, but is using titanium valves.
The gearbox is new and the final drive is by shaft.
There’s three riding modes:
Road: designed for smooth riding while still retaining an element of fun. Foresees a medium level of MGCT traction control calibration, ABS active on both channels and a prompt throttle response .
Rain: ideal in situations of reduced grip, to ensure maximum safety while riding. Foresees a higher level of traction control calibration, ABS active at both wheels and a more gentle throttle response .
Off-road: designed to make the most of the chassis and engine during off-road exploits. Foresees the lowest level of traction control intervention, ABS only active at the front wheel with dedicated calibration (and with the possibility to deactivate it at the front wheel), along with a more gentle throttle response assisted by greater engine braking.

The instruments can be connected to your smartphone, there’s cruise control, ride by wire and there’s even a mode which uses your phone to navigate but displays direction info on the instrument display.

There will be a large range of accessories available for the V85 TT.
The multi-colour version are priced from $19,590.
Australian Road Rider is looking forward to testing the V85 TT when we can.