OOZING CHARM

In a world where everything's becoming increasingly slick, sanitised and technologically advanced, Moto Guzzi's doing its best to keep things old school

- Ross Mowbray

The V85 was first introduced in concept form in 2017, before going on sale in 2019.

More variants were added to the range in 2020, and then in 2021 Guzzi rolled out a Euro 5 update. Now, in 2024, we've got three new V85s to play with: the cast-wheeled, road-focused Strada, the much-loved TT, and the better-equipped Travel.

There are some key differences between the three bikes. The £11,200 Strada has three riding modes; new cast wheels; a new screen; a new TFT dash; and a new low mudguard. It's essentially had all the non-essential off-road bits stripped off. The £12,000 TT has four riding modes (including Off-Road); spoked with tubeless tyres; cornering ABS and traction control; a new rear rack; a new adjustable rear shock unit; new handguards; and a bash plate. And finally, the £13,300 TT Travel has all the same stuff as the TT, but gets five riding modes (including a new custom mode); a touring screen and deflectors; panniers as standard; a heated seat and heated grips; and it also comes with Moto Guzzi's MIA tech system. Other differences? The Strada and the TT Travel get Dunlop Meridian Trailmax tyres, while the TT gets Michelin Anakee Adventure's. Phew. Got all that?

The bike's been a big success since it was first released. There was initial scepticism in the wake of Guzzi's 'classic enduro' marketing waffle and it's looks weren't exactly to everyone's tastes either (particularly in the McDonalds-spec red/yellow/ white livery). But as soon as the world's motorcycling press swung a leg over one at the launch in Sardinia, the tide started to change.

I was actually there, spending a glorious couple of days blasting along some of the silkiest Tarmac I'd ever seen and slowly falling for the characterful charm of the V85. I've not ridden one since - but still take the chance to wax lyrical whenever anyone picks my brain about which is my favourite middleweight adventurer. I can't actually decide but this is up there...