Taking inspiration from do-anything dual-sports of the 1980s, and buoyed by the success of its recent retro-styled output, Moto Guzzi has stepped out of its comfort zone releasing a new shaft-driven off-road ready adventure machine, the V85 TT
Moto Guzzi’s new V85Tutto Terreno (AllTerrain) marks the Italian factory’s first foray into the adventure bike market since its 1200cc Stelvio met its demise with the introduction of Euro 4 regulations. Described as a ‘Classic Enduro’ machine, the new V85 TT takes styling inspiration from Guzzi’s V65 TT Dakar machine from the mid-80s, but despite its retro appearance, the Mandellobuilt machine is surprisingly well kitted out with mod cons. There’s ABS, traction control, three rider modes, a USB slot, a TFT dash (with communications system and sat-nav compatibility), and it even comes with cruise control, which is a really nice addition for a middleweight adventure machine (that’s oft-neglected by other manufacturers). And it looks great, too – from its classic-styled double LED headlight inset with Moto Guzzi’s Mandello eagle embelm to its exposed frame and bold paint job.
Moto Guzzi has created two slightly different variants for you to choose from – there’s either the slightly more expensive (to the tune of £200) premium dual-colour edition, which comes with more off-road focused Michelin Anakee rubber, or the standard single-color model which comes with Metzler Tourance tyres.
The premium model is available in either Giallo Sahara or Rosso Kalahari colour schemes, while the standard model is available in Grigio Atacama, Blu Atlante or Rosso Vulcano.
To see what the two marginally different models are like on the road, we headed out to Sardinia for the world launch, and after spending the day carving corners on the Italian island, here are our thoughts on the funky retro adventure machine.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This story is from the June 2019 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
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This story is from the June 2019 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
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