We test the Moto Guzzi V85 TT, an adventure bike in a class of its own. (2024)

Moto Guzzi is better known for its V-twin cruisers and roadsters, as in the rangy Griso 1200 or the retro V7 Stone. Nevertheless, the V85 TT adventure bike can trace its roots to a lesser-known series of enduro machines that once competed against BMW’s all-conquering R 80 G/S in international rally raids. In 1984, Guzzi released the V65 TT, its first tutto terreno (all-terrain) V-twin, on which Claudio Torri would compete in the 1985 Paris-Dakar Rally. He nearly finished the grueling 7,500-mile race but for a broken wheel on the final stage.

Alejandro de Tomaso, Moto Guzzi’s owner at the time, was so impressed with Torri’s privateer performance that he entered a factory team the following year. Although success at the Paris-Dakar would elude Guzzi, the V65 and later V75 TT were capable machines that lived up to their off-road moniker. Thirty years later, these desert slayers became the inspiration for the uniquely styled V85 TT, powered by Guzzi’s distinct, transversely mounted V-twin engine and shaft drive. The 2023 base model has an MSRP of $12,190.

Moto Guzzi’s unconventionally designed motorcycles offer riders a unique experience, and its V85 TT is no different. While its torquey air-cooled engine lacks the raw power of its competitors, its smooth response to throttle inputs and endlessly pleasing acoustics will appeal to riders in less of a hurry. The V85’s beautiful, minimalist design offers supreme comfort, and its simple electronics and shaft drive promise maintenance-free touring. Although heavy, it carries its weight low and is a capable off-roader on less demanding terrain.

2023 Moto Guzzi V85 TT First Impressions

While looks are subjective, Moto Guzzi’s mid-size adventurer is a handsome machine by any measure. A contemporary exposed trellis frame combines numerous retro design queues, harking back to Dakar legends past, including bold twin headlights, a yoke-mounted front mudguard, and an oversized fuel tank. The finishing is excellent throughout, and enhancing the V85 TT’s adventure bike credentials are a high, wide handlebar with factory-fitted grip guards and over eight inches of ground clearance.

In addition to the base model, Guzzi offers two core variants of the 2023 V85 TT. These include the Adventure model, available in two striking color schemes and equipped with aluminum side bags and a top box, and our Travel test bike with an MSRP of $13,590, which came equipped with universal locking side bags, a full-size touring windshield, heated grips, and a center stand fitted as standard. The Travel version is available in one color scheme, Grigio Grina, a sophisticated semi-matte steel gray with subtle red and black detailing.

Engine And Performance

Moto Guzzi has stuck with its air-cooled, transverse, OHV 90° V-twin configuration and an 853cc capacity for its middle-weight adventure entrant. It updated the pushrod valve system for the 2021 model year to improve mid-range grunt. The 2023 V85 TT produces a peak horsepower of 76 at 7,500 RPM and 60 foot-pounds of torque at an accessible 5,000 RPM. Modest numbers by modern standards but surprisingly good for an aging air-cooled design, which is still Euro-5 compliant. Nevertheless, overtaking at highway speeds requires plenty of road and a good run-up.

A smooth, six-speed gearbox connects the V-twin to the back wheel via Moto Guzzi’s ubiquitous shaft drive. The latter comes equipped with its proprietary CARC system to minimize shaft-jacking and soften the initial power engagement when pulling away. The sideways engine exerts some torque twist, but it’s a Guzzi quirk that’s easy to live with. At idle, the V85 TT sounds like a tractor, but out on the open road, the V-twin offers a sublime soundtrack as you accelerate out of the corners.

2023 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Engine And Performance Specifications

Chassis And Ergonomics

The V85 TT’s chassis combines a steel trellis bridge-type frame and a double-sided aluminum swingarm. A 41mm USD fork, adjustable through ten spring rates, takes care of suspension up front, and, at the rear, a laterally mounted piggyback monoshock is adjustable for spring and preload. The geometry is typically Guzzi, with a 28-degree rake angle and five inches of trail, which suits the laid-back performance and exceptionally comfortable ergonomics. An upright, relaxed riding position and notably cushy seat make the V85 TT an ideal machine for tackling long distances.

At 507 pounds wet, the V85 TT carries a similar weight to Honda’s far more powerful Africa Twin. The task of harnessing all that inertia falls to dual, Brembo, four-piston radial calipers, which clamp 320 mm floating discs. At the rear, a 260 mm disc pairs with a two-piston floating caliper. While braking performance is adequate, the V85’s front brakes would benefit from more initial bite. Although heavy for an 850, the bike carries its weight low. Even with the massive 6.1-gallon tank filled to the brim, the V85’s slow-speed handling belies its weight.

Moto Guzzi eschewed the 21-inch front wheel fitted to many of the middle-weight adventure bikes in favor of a more road-oriented size combination. The spoked 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels are now tubeless and come clad in Michelin Anakee Adventure tires, which promise excellent on-road all-weather performance. However, for serious off-roading, I fitted Anakee Wild tires on a V85, which added confidence, but found that the fork’s 6.7-inch suspension travel is readily overwhelmed in demanding terrain.

2023 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Chassis and Dimensions Specifications

Technology And Controls

The V85 TT’s minimalist styling also extends to its technology. The instrument cluster includes a 3.75-inch color LCD, which is surprisingly effective for its size. Two-channel ABS allows deactivation at the rear brake in Off-Road mode. Additional rider aids fitted as standard across the model range include traction control, anti-wheelie, and cruise control. And, thanks to the ride-by-wire throttle control, the V85 now offers five rider modes.

The V85 TT’s system defaults to Street (Strada) Mode, optimizing performance, ABS, and traction control for daily riding. Pioggia, Rain Mode, softens throttle response and increases TC intervention. Off-Road Mode allows the back wheel to lock up in the dirt, and a new Sport Mode maximizes throttle response for a slightly sportier feel. Finally, Custom Mode enables mapping personal ABS and TC intervention levels and throttle response preferences.

Snazzy LED lighting features include double headlights, Guzzi’s flying eagle DRL, and stunning round taillights. A dash-mounted USB port allows for easy phone charging and smartphone connectivity via Moto Guzzi’s MIA application. Interfacing with the screen’s menus is handled by a toggle switch on the right-hand bar, but for reasons known only to Moto Guzzi, changing Rider Modes requires toggling the ignition switch.

Riding Impressions

While there is no denying the bike’s sluggish performance, relative to the many powerful options in today’s mid-size adventure market, the V85 TT is a delight to ride. It is not a bike that bids you to attack the corners or whip open the throttle on a temptingly empty road. This is a bike for doing miles in comfort. While wafting along country roads, securely ensconced in the comfy stepped seat, the suspension dutifully cushions any surface imperfections, and the V85 TT invites you to savor the view.

In 2020, I rode the first Adventure model 2,400 miles through The Rocky Mountains. The route included over 400 miles of dirt tracks, some of them challenging, and although the 19-inch front wheel and limited suspension travel limit its off-road abilities, Moto Guzzi’s mid-size nomad will handle anything you might reasonably expect to throw at it. Speed demons will want to look elsewhere, but if style and comfort are more to your taste, there is much to like. When riding the V85 TT, you probably won’t be the first to arrive, but you will get all the attention when you do.

2023 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Vs. Its Competitors

Off-road-oriented motorcycles that favor performance over comfort dominate the mid-size adventure bike class, making direct in-class comparisons to the V85 TT difficult. Perhaps a more apt comparison is Harley-Davidson’s Pan American, which has a much larger and more powerful engine but shares many of the Guzzi’s defining characteristics. KTM’s lightweight (464 pounds) 890 Adventure R is a class competitor but offers an entirely different riding experience and is much more akin to riding a giant dirtbike. In many respects, the V85’s closest rival is BMW’s enduring F 850 GS.

Although the BMW offers over eight inches of front suspension travel and a skinny 21-inch front wheel, it has a similar wet weight and MSRP to the V85 TT. The main differences come down to their intended use. The F 850 GS is more powerful but offers a similar performance thanks to its shorter gearing, and its geometry is optimized for off-road, whereas the V85 is more on-road oriented. The most notable difference between the two models is comfort. The GS is a true dual-sport machine, and its firm, skinny seat does not invite long hours in the saddle.

2023 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Vs. 2023 BMW F 850 GS

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  2023 Moto Guzzi V85 TT

  As with all its machines, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT is unconventional. The transverse-mounted, air-cooled V-twin lacks raw power but redeems itself with ample torque and character. Incredible comfort, smooth throttle response, and endlessly pleasing acoustics make Guzzi's mid-size adventurer a joy to ride. The V85’s beautiful, minimalist design, simple electronics, and shaft drive promise maintenance-free touring, and, although heavy, it carries its weight low.

  Model

  V85 TT

  Torque

  60.4 lb.-ft. at 5,000 RPM

  Transmission

  6-Speed

  Driveline

  Shaft Drive

  Horsepower

  76 at 7,500 RPM

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  2023 BMW F 850 GS

  With its characterful, punchy parallel-twin engine, excellent on- and off-road manners, and just the right amount of technology, the F 850 GS is a great choice for crossing continents or the daily commute. An improved clutch action, a more powerful engine, and optional electronic suspension make BMW's mid-size adventurer a genuine competitor in a crowded market.

  Model

  F 850 GS

  Torque

  63 LB-FT at 6,250 RPM

  Transmission

  Constant Mesh 6-Speed Gearbox

  Driveline

  Chain Drive

  Horsepower

  90 at 8,000 RPM