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Moto Guzzi has long been associated with road and touring motorcycles
The History of Moto
Guzzi and the V85 TT
Moto Guzzi, founded in 1921, is one
of Italy's most prestigious
motorcycle manufacturers. Known
for its distinct longitudinally-
mounted V-twin engines, the
company has produced a range of
legendary motorcycles over the
decades. While Moto Guzzi has long
been associated with road and
t o u r i n g m o t o r c y c l e s ,
introduction of the V85 TT in 2019
marked its return to the adventure-
touring segment.
The V85 TT ("Tutto Terreno,"
meaning "all-terrain" in Italian) was
designed to bridge the gap between
classic adventure bikes of the past
and modern-day dual-sport
machines. Drawing inspiration from
M o t o G u z z i ' s D a k a r R a l l y
motorcycles of the 1980s, the V85
TT brings a retro charm to the
a d v e n t u r e c a t e g o r y w h i l e
m a i n t a i n i n g c u t t i n g - e d g e
technology and performance.
Design and Styling
One of the most striking aspects of
the Moto Guzzi V85 TT is its design.
The motorcycle's aesthetic pays
homage to the golden era of rally
r a c i n g w h i l e i n t e g r a t i n g
contemporary elements that make it
a viable modern adventure bike.
· Classic Rally Look: The
V85 TT features a distinctive
round LED headlamp setup,
an exposed frame, and a high
front fender, reminiscent of
vintage Paris-Dakar bikes.
· Color Schemes: The bike
comes in multiple color
options, including the
evocative “Evocative”
graphics that accentuate its
LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 12
rally heritage.
· E r g o n o m i c s : Wi t h
comfortable upright riding
position, a spacious seat, and
wide handlebars, the V85 TT
is built for long-distance
touring as well as off-road
excursions.
· Build Quality: True to Moto
Guzzi's reputation, the V85
TT boasts exceptional build
quality with high-end
t h e components, a durable
chassis, and a shaft-drive
system that eliminates chain
maintenance hassles.
E n g i n e a n d
Performance
The heart of the V85 TT is Moto
Guzzi's signature air-cooled 853cc
transverse V-twin engine. This
engine configuration, unique to
Moto Guzzi, gives the bike a
distinctive character.
· Power Output: The 853cc
m o t o r p r o d u c e s 7 6
horsepower and 82 Nm of
torque, delivering smooth
and predictable power.
· Fuel Injection and Ride-
by-Wire: Modern fuel
injection and ride-by-wire
throttle control ensure
efficiency and precise
throttle response.
· Shaft Drive: Unlike many
adventure bikes that rely on
chains, the V85 TT uses a
low-maintenance shaft
drive, making it ideal for
long-distance touring.
· Exhaust Note: The Moto
Guzzi V-twin produces a
signature deep, throaty
exhaust note that adds to the
overall riding experience.
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Chassis and Handling
Despite being a mid-weight
adventure bike, the V85 TT is
designed to handle both paved roads
and off-road trails with ease.
· Frame and Suspension:
The steel tubular frame
provides rigidity and
stability, while the long-
travel suspension (170mm
front and rear) allows for
decent off-road capability.
· Adjustable Suspension:
The front telescopic forks
and rear monoshock are both
adjustable, allowing riders to
fine-tune the setup for
comfort or performance.
Wheel Setup: The V85 TT
·
comes with a 19-inch front
wheel and a 17-inch rear
wheel, a combination that
balances on-road stability
and off-road capability.
· Braking System: The bike
features dual 320mm front
discs and a 260mm rear disc
with Brembo calipers,
ensuring strong and reliable
braking performance.
Te c h n o l o g y a n d
Features
While the V85 TT maintains a retro
aesthetic, it comes packed with
modern technology to enhance the
riding experience.
· TFT Display: The bike
April 2025