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...
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
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Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Patagonia Expedition 2024
Following an invitational e-mail from Felix Billington, the owner of Magellan Motorcycle Tours, Chris and Dee Finch headed off on a 17-day trip on paved and gravel roads from Puerto Varas, Chile, going all the way down to Ushuaia before finishing in Punta Arenas
Hebridean Road Trip
With a new bike in his ownership, Willie decided a road trip was in order, and chose the Scottish Hebridean islands as his target
The Longest Day Teapot
Last month's write-up saw some jeopardy as the little Suzuki was neither running, nor had an MOT, with less than a week before the Longest Day Challenge...
Back in the Black MV Agusta Hubert Trunkenpolz interview
In November 2022 MV Agusta, wholly owned since 2019 by Russian entrepreneur Timur Sardarov and his family, and Pierer Mobility AG KTM’s parent company) reached an agreement on future strategic cooperation, as a result of which the Austrian firm headed by Stefan Pierer would acquire a 25.10% stake in MV Agusta via its KTM AG subsidiary.
Ready to race and 90% new
If there is one major manufacturer that looks out for a younger audience, it is KTM. For the Austrian factory, its entry-level machinery is every bit as important as its rangetopping flagships or adventure bikes. Remember big or small, a KTM has to be ‘Ready to Race'.
ADVENTURE OASIS
Deep in the heart of central Wales, high up in the Cambrian Mountains, there’s a place where adventure bikes reign supreme
Cardo Packtalk PRO
Those that know me will be all too aware of my inbuilt distrust of any technology that involves more than an on/off switch, and of my inability to deal with such technologies and, recently, I have become very aware of the fact that I need to join the 21st century by learning how to use these modern contrivances.
Scouting for everyone
For 2024, Indian Motorcycle not only launched a new version of their water-cooled Scout, developed over the last three-and-a-half years to replace the bike that was first launched in 2014, but presented no less than five versions, with the 101 Scout being the range-topper.
The Diavel's in the detail
With more power, less weight and better brakes than the previous brilliant V-twin version, It’s a winner
Superhero Sequel
Bigger engine, more power, less weight, and a new look for the 2024 BMW F 900 GS
