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...
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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.
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Honda CRF1100L ES Africa Twin
Without panniers he was adventuring nowhere - so at least Bertie's got something sorted now
BMW R 12 nineT
Chad gets a track day surprise when BMW's R 12 nineT turns out to be surprisingly fun on track
Test fleet: VOGE 525 DSX
After testing the Voge's abilities on a long ride, it was time to take it to the Cotswolds and see how it would manage on the rougher stuff
Portuguese Perambulations
Nearly over before it had begun, a brief workshop stint allows Spain and Portugal to be explored
Highway to Heaven
Three friends take on the challenge of riding the length of Canada, from Vancouver in the southwest to Inuvik in the north. The road is long, the conditions merciless, and wildfires are tearing through the country. To top it all off, the final leg of the journey is the ultimate test of gravel riding skills, nerves, and courage - it's the legendary Dempster Highway...
Battlaxes at the ready!
We tend to take tyres for granted, never really looking at them in any detail, or at how they work, just hoping that they keep us shiny side up at all times. Even in the wet
Ducati Riding Experience
When I rode the Ducati DesertX to France last year, I did have a bit of an explore on some easy fire roads and gentle green lanes in the wilds of the Médoc area, but was left with the feeling that, had I the experience, the DesertX would have been capable of taking me along some more extreme trails to some even more exciting places. If only there was a way of finding out just how well the Italian adventure bike could cope with some more extreme terrain...
Four pot flyer
Many said that sports bikes, and particularly bikes in the traditional Supersports class that was populated by 600cc inline fours, were dead. Maybe they spoke too soon?...
Eastern adventurer
With an increasing interest in smaller capacity adventure bikes, the market expands with a new entry
First Time Lucky?
It's ironic that the first all-new MV Agusta model to hit the marketplace right after Italy's No.1 trophy brand was acquired by Austrian giant Pierer Mobility, owner of off-road titans KTM, should be the company's first dual-purpose model of the modern era, powered by MV's all-new 931cc three-cylinder engine that's destined to form the basis of a whole series of new models in coming months and years.
