Moto Guzzi has finally provided full details and specifications on its gorgeous V85 TT Adventure model. The star is a new 80 horsepower 853cc v-twin engine – making nearly 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, which is an impressive accomplishment for an air-cooled engine.
Moto Guzzi is also boasting about a dry weight of 208 kilos (457 pounds). There is a lot of modern technology employed, all of which is described in the following press release:
MOTO GUZZI V85 TT
TECHNOLOGY, STYLE, IDENTITY, EMOTION, THE NEW V85 TT IS THE ALL-TERRAIN ACCORDING TO MOTO GUZZI, FOR EVERY ROAD AND EVERY JOURNEY
MOTO GUZZI V85 TT IS CREATED AROUND A TOTALLY NEW TECHNICAL PLATFORM WITH THE 80 HP, 80 NM TWIN AND BRAND-NEW FRAME AND SUSPENSION
THE CLASSIC TRAVEL ENDURO RETAINS THE VALUES AND AUTHENTICITY OF THE NOBLE MANDELLO BRAND AND PROMISES UNIQUE RIDING EXPERIENCES, IN KEEPING WITH MOTO GUZZI TRADITION
Almost a century of tradition, passion, and significant commercial and sporting success; almost a century of magnificent motorcycles all built in Mandello del Lario, combining the best technologies with first-rate Italian manufacturing techniques: Moto Guzzi values since 1921.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT is created in keeping with this strong identity, skillfully balancing that classic, evocative style with cutting-edge technical equipment. Presented at EICMA 2017, and having kept to its development and production schedule, the new Moto Guzzi reflects a construction philosophy in which simplicity, practicality and lightness make for an unfiltered relationship between motorcycle and rider.
Travelling to Live, the V85 TT is the All-Terrain Machine for Adventure Every Day
The TT acronym, already a part of Moto Guzzi tradition, is an ideal fit for the V85: meaning “tutto terreno”, or all-terrain, it identifies a motorcycle dedicated to travel in its purest and most original form, conjuring up clear images of desert adventures such as the Paris-Dakar. The famous African race was at its peak as the 1980s dawned… Taking center stage was man, ever intent on challenging nature and himself, in total harmony with his motorcycle. A compass, road book and watch were the only navigational tools with which to reach the final destination of Lac Rose, which remained just a dream for many. The goal was not just to compete, but to discover unique places, a value that V85 TT wants to reinstate.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT is the new and original all-terrain that combines style features reminiscent of the golden age of motorcycle adventures with the content and functionality of a modern touring enduro. V85 TT is dedicated to those who, while still dreaming of the Dakar, seek a motorcycle that can also inject adventurous spirit into the everyday journey.
Style: V85 TT is the Classic Travel Enduro
The fundamental concepts at the heart of the V85 TT project are simplicity, ease and practicality, values typical of those 80s enduro bikes that could be used for anything, from the daily commute to adventurous trips, yet also values that are gradually getting lost in an increasingly homologated market, where ranges favor significant size and weight. Moto Guzzi V85 TT achieves its ambitious goal of combining a style based on said values with the needs of a modern touring enduro. This is why it deserves the title of classic enduro, dedicated to touring. Its design combines technology and functionality, with typical Moto Guzzi traits to ensure durability. The desire for simple shapes is clear: with no kind of fairing, the V85 TT is defined by the lines of its tank, its side panels and the front mudguard, as well as its brand-new sculpted 90° V-twin engine of course.
Designed with proportions that are anything but prohibitive, accessible to riders of all sizes and experience, and narrow in girth to allow freedom of movement, the V85 TT ensures an optimal ride for rider and passenger. Comfort and usability are never compromised, for a motorcycle that is comfortable in two, even at full load. Air protection is ensured by a smoke plexiglass windscreen, its shapes researched in the wind tunnel; the pair of handguards installed on the handlebar protect extremities against bad weather and the cold, helping to make the V85 TT the ideal companion in any season. The design of the 21-litre tank (able to guarantee mileage of over 400 km) harks back to the tradition of Moto Guzzi bikes kitted out for African raids and boasts some meticulously crafted details, such as the slots on the front section and the recesses just above the engine heads, which appear to be generated by the twin itself.
Extensive research was carried out in defining the contact area with the seat, in order to ensure optimum riding comfort when seated and freedom of movement when standing during typical off-road riding. The seat is 830 mm from the ground, allowing feet to easily touch for optimum control when maneuvering a stationary bike, also thanks to the compactness of the under body and an overall weight reduced to just 208 kg (dry weight). The riding position is erect, with relaxed back, legs that are barely flexed and correctly bent arms to effectively grip the wide variable section aluminum handlebars, for total control.
Under the seat is a practical storage compartment. The high front mudguard and beautiful double front headlight are also in keeping with Moto Guzzi history, these stylish and functional solutions already present on the 1996 NTX 650 and the 1989 Quota 1000 respectively. Classic all-terrain style features (including fork stanchion protection, an exhaust system with high silencer and the aluminum engine sump guard) are combined with technologically cutting-edge elements, such as the digital instrument cluster and the series of LED lights on the headlamp with DRL that trace the shape of the Moto Guzzi eagle.
Looks like a winner based on a lot of the comments here. There will be a standard model for the 2020 model year, and that bike could tempt me off my (by then) 16 year old Breva750. As it is, it looks like a fine bike to me, just maybe a little tall for my 5 foot 2. 🙂
This might be a real gem. Nobody has mentioned yet that it has a drive shaft which eliminates all sorts of often filthy, chain-related problems on long trips. The valve arrangement means that it can easily be worked on by an owner. It reminds me of the original BMW 80GS, a real gem (which also had a drive shaft).
Of course, any virtues that this bike might have are potentially outweighed by reliability problems and the lack of any real dealer network.
The ease of access to the valves is negated by the need to check/adjust them waaaaay to often for a modern motorbike. The possibility of tubes or at the least, rubber grommets in the spoke holes (stupid!) is also disconcerting.
But this style of bike is perhaps on its way to becoming the new single rider touring mount of choice as well as what a STANDARD bike is supposed to be. At least Guzzi didn’t give it a puny 3.4 gallon (US) fuel tank (are you listening Indian? Probably NOT!).
For people that think it is too “heavy”, try a little exercise? Or not. This Guzzi is a cool ride but I am still leaning toward the Triumph 1200 Scrambler with it’s dinkier tank (Stupid move Triumph!) but longer maintenance intervals, electronic cruise control and real tubeless wheels.
Don’t worry about the valves. It’s hydraulic lifters, pushrods and rockers. Self adjusting.
When did they return to that? I think the ’83s had them or at least a few did and there was a massive recall to fix them.
How do you screw up something as simple as that? Hopefully you’re correct and it does indeed have hydraulic lifters. Either way, thanks!
I don’t think Guzzi has put hydraulic tappets in any bikes since the early to mid 2K California 1100s. Am I wrong?
Surely that little factoid would be mentioned in the four(!) pages of nauseating ad copy had hydraulic tappets made a resurgence?
I think you’re right. I typed in an 8 instead of a 0.
But it would be great if they did start using them again. If done right, that is.
If you don’t like the valve adjustment interval (5K miles) then just ignore it. I’ve got two 1100cc Guzzi’s one bike has 70K miles the other has 37K miles, neither bike has required a valve adjustment since I purchased them. Every couple of years I will take the valve covers off and sit on a milk crate and check the valve clearance and every time they have been within spec and I just put the cover back on and go back to finishing my coffee. I take my time and it takes all of 30 minutes. If I actually had to make an adjustment it would probably take me another 10 minutes per head. I prefer owing a motorcycle that I can do this maintenance myself rather than relying on a dealership to perform for me. Would you rather have a bike with shim under bucket valve adjustment that requires little baby hands and three hours of labour at your local dealership or something you can do on your own? And it is something you can do on your own, easily. I know Guzzi owners with 100’s of thousands of miles on their bikes who have never even bothered to check the valve clearance and they swear their bikes still run fine. I suspect that with these Guzzi engines if you run a good synthetic oil and a good oil filter and properly maintain the engine oil you are providing 90% of the preventative maintenance the engine needs. I believe that valve wear that requires valve adjustment occurs when the engine oil and or filter are less than optimal.
I know that Guzzi’s aren’t for everyone, heck, I don’t even think of my Guzzi’s as motorcycles. Guzzi’s to me are like two wheeled cars. They really are transportation devices more than any other motorcycle I can think of. I’ve owned Harley’s and Ducati’s and Japanese bikes and Moto Guzzi’s are my choice of machine now. They just plain work, maintenance is simple and I can do it myself. Guzzi figured out the transmissions after 2003 so they all shift fine now.
I don’t see a torque reaction arm on this shaft drive, so it is not their usual reliable CARC system.
Dealers are overrated. My 02 Guzzi saw a dealer once for a rear drive seal. My 98 has never seen one since I bought it in 05. That said you do need a place to actually buy one from. I like it and probably great for farm and fire roads
I’m lucky as my MG dealer is within an hour away. But as you mention, my Norge was only in once as I wanted them to see it after its first 600 miles for a checkup. Great people working out of an old building, much like MC dealers used to be before the boutique style came into vogue. Nothing fancy at all plus the dealer has a spot right next to his desk (in the corner of the sales area) for his dog. Just did a valve clearance check/adjustment and it took me maybe an hour. Certainly not everyone wants to work on their bike but I like the one on one time. You know, we get to talk, tell old riding stories, stuff like that. 🙂
I thought I deleted my first (duplicate) comment before the timer ran-out. I forgot to put in my normal username/email before submitting on that first one. I wanted to point this out because I never post under ‘Anonymous’, although my normal username isn’t any less anonymous.
Anyway, I should add to my thoughts… The retro paint scheme looks great on the V85! The single shock design is neat as well.
Then I stumble again by entering the wrong email! Doh! Need. More. Caffeine.
I like it. The output of its air-cooled engine is about spot on with another air-cooled bike: The old Buell XB9 series, 984cc 45-degree V-twin delivering 92hp. Out of all the latest new bikes though I’m really liking the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE the best.
I like it. The output of its air-cooled engine is about spot on with another air-cooled bike: The old Buell XB9 series, 984cc 45-degree V-twin delivering 92hp. Out of all the latest new bikes though I’m really liking the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE the best.
As others have said, finally, a Guzzi I would buy. This one seems to have just enough power that the usual “but it’s a Guzzi…you just don’t understand them” excuses or rationalizations won’t be necessary, and I love just about everything I see on this machine.
So many great new bikes coming out now that it’s difficult to whittle down the list of my favorites, but this one is easily in my top five. I even have a Guzzi dealer relatively nearby.
The question here?
Reliability. Will this thing prove to be as trouble-free as my other bikes have always been, or will it be plagued by iffy electronics, a tractor-like transmission, and the typical hit-or-miss Guzzi-built indifference. Italian design is top notch, but above all else I require that my bikes fire up and go consistently and without incident every time, year after year. If this one will do that, it should be an unqualified success.
Only my age (82) and my lack of adequate heft (130#)to manage the near 500# wet weight of the V-85 makes it inadvisable for me. I sold my two Guzzi California Stone Touring models in 2016 for that reason. To me, this is a dandy bike and with Piaggio’s commitment to quality construction I believe and hope this bike will be a winner. Now if only a LeMans could be built on this basic platform!
This piece of shit looks like the “future” Harley piece of shit. Too little too late.
Sorry to differ, I like the looks. I probably wouldn’t like the price. The Harley doesn’t have a good side to photograph.
The tank is getting closer and will have to do but…Those look like tubed wheels. To hell with that, Guzzi.
What, did you put little rubber grommets in the spoke holes and then wrap a bandage around the rim to prevent air from escaping?! I would guess that is what was done if they are indeed tubeless wheels.
If so, that is stupid, cheap and not befitting a vehicle capable of highway speeds. If it runs tubes, I say run away. FTN.
It is quite comely though. If it runs tubeless proper, then I will give it consideration, otherwise the smaller tanked (Damn it!) Triumph Scrambler 1200 that looks like it has a proper tubeless rim is going in my garage.
My Stelvio has tubeless spoked wheels with the rubber grommets. Bike is 9 years old and holds air pressure fine without seepage.
13 Stelvio with the same tubeless Alpina wheels, 40k miles no leaks and used on and offroad.
According to the 4 pages here, I see nothing about the wheels being Alpina STS and the specifications state “Air Chamber?” Makes me believe this V85 has tubes.
I also had a ’13 Stelvio NTX. TBH, the Alpina STS wheels are the only thing I hate for this bike. In the first month of ownership, I had leaky spokes. We found 9 on the rear and 1 in the front. I’m assuming it was a wheel building foul up but it was enough to make me doubt it’s reliability ling term. The dealer swapped the wheels out with a new set from another one that was good.
So, if the V85 does not have Alpina STS wheels, I won’t lose sleep over it. However, tubes suck for all that I will be doing. I’ll spend the money on a set of Kineos if the rear will mate up with the drive.
Finally a Guzzi I would seriously consider. Starting with the weight, a major update of the engine and ergos that look like all day comfortable. A 19″ front indicates it is not a off roader but targeting the street GS market. I’ll go ride one when they hit town.
I think the weight is pretty darn good for this bike. My current Ninja 1000 without side cases is 505 lbs wet, so is this Guzzi.
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I had the big Stelvio off road plenty in Labrador and Newfoundland with the same wheels and as it wasn’t rock hopping, log crossing and miles of whoops, those wheel sizes were just fine. And as it wasn’t a big 21″, the front steers easier and quicker on the road.
Mostly I commute to work on my GS. Yep. Laptop, lunchpail, sometimes a guitar across the back. 5 or 6 camping trips a year and a week vacation in the mountains. I like the look and the functionality looks right up the commuter-bike alley
“sometimes a guitar across the back”
I like your style brotha’
I commute daily too, rain or shine, without the guitar…the boss would constantly ask me why my s**t isn’t done yet. hahaha
I can’t wait for this to hit our shores, even if I have to get one from a far away dealer. Sure it’s less overall power than my ’98 R1100GS was, but to be honest, it’ll do the trick for everything I want this bike to do for me, which is get me from point A to B to C to D and not necessarily in that order carrying all that I need for a couple weeks of long distance camping or buying a guitar off Reverb from a guy in Canadastan. (hint: I might be doing that this summer actually.)
If they release a non-retro standard based on this platform I will be a buyer.
Me too.
I’m sorry, these bikes are just plain stupid.
This will make the posers sad but…We need them to go away.
Have you ever ridden one? Not sure why you consider adventure touring bikes to be stupid when they cover huge miles comfortably, handle great in the mountains, easily accept luggage, cruise easily at 80 mph+, and can take you down a fire road when needed. So do you just judge a bike by looks? If so, who exactly is the poser?
Stupid is as stupid does….that’s me. I think the yellow and white bike is fantastic! If Mark wants them to go away, I’d just as soon be on one and he can watch the license plate disappear on the horizon. Stupid could be putting the side stand into sugar sand.
So if the bike doesn’t appeal to you, then it’s “just plain stupid”?
I think you’re making the mistake of believing that everyone is like you, in that they view their motorcycle as a fashion accessory. I would not be at all surprised to find out that you ride around on the street averaging about 45mph while tucked into a racer’s crouch as if you’re competing in World Superbike/Supersport at Mugello.
What bike(s) do you own, Mark?
I think they just nailed the “do a little of everything” bike. If I could have only one bike, that would be it.
Of course one does need a dealer.
Yup.
And reliability…