Ride Review: 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT

2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Ride Review

Moto Guzzi has a sales hit on their hands with this new bike…in essence becoming the brands savior while attracting both renewed & new interest….it is out selling the entire Guzzi model lineup 3 to 1 or more in most places. The Italians know how to make good looking bikes, but also seem content to build bikes not for the masses, with Moto Guzzi in particular, steadfastly remaining loyal to their heritage. The Mandello del Lario engineers have managed to infuse just enough modern tech/refinement in the V85 TT to remain competitive & relevant while utilizing a completely new Euro 4 compliant air cooled motor that continues to pay homage to the past & ooze the Guzzi charm…albeit with some welcomed refinement. Like many things in life, Guzzis are an acquired taste meant for those that like their drinks neither stirred nor shaken…Guzzistis seem to revel in the satisfaction that tech laden Starbucks Beemerphiles, Ready to Race KTM’rs, the Brexit laden Triumph mob & even their fellow countrymen Ducatiphiles will never ‘GET’ their bikes! To the Guzzi faithful stats & power claims are just numbers, despite a racing heritage back in the day…every Italian worth their romance genes knows that life is also about emotion & savoring the more intrinsic sensory inputs. Moto Guzzi paid attention & wisely chose a red hot adventure bike category, mid displacement ADV styled package done Italian style with flair & presentation that has both male & female riders eyeing the chic lines for extended glances vs clamoring over what the stats are…she’s a looker, particularly the models with the red painted frame!

She encourages you to throw your leg over her, settle into her plush saddle, caress her grips & turn her on….ok, ok… but she’s an Italian mistress looking for a long term affair…not zee Germanic 2 wheeled exercise in precision engineering devoid of passion. This one has a light feel & touch about her, easily swayed back & forth between your knees with a subdued purr & tactile feedback. The cockpit is roomy with the cylinders well forward negating any concern of contact with the knees & the 32.7” seat height manageable for my 6’1” frame. The 853 cc 90 degree 80 hp @7,750 rpm, 59 ft lbs @5k rpm transverse motor will not overwhelm or dazzle you with power, but pleasingly please you with just enough to satisfy most scenarios. Fueling is good, with an adequate bottom end, sweet spot mid to upper mid range that bounces off the 7,800 rpm redline to end the party far too soon. This motor could benefit from a retune for a broader powerband with improved low end and/or a higher redline. I suspect she will get a little Goth & raunchy on you with a freer flowing exhaust.

Her handling is neutral with less longitudinal crank effect than the larger & brawnier Norge 1200GT 8V with fully adjustable suspension, brakes & throttle with a more direct connected feel as well. The Michelin Anakee Adventure 19/17 tire combo, more street biased 8.3” ground clearance & 6.7” suspension travel reinforce her mission statement & anticipated arena of choice of predominately road, but with some off-road capability…much in the same vein as the highly versatile Suzuki V-Strom series. I felt a little heat coming off the right cylinder. The colour TFT screen is well executed & combined with 3 rider modes, traction control & rear abs that can be turned off, cruise control, ride by wire, Bluetooth connectivity + 430 w alternator. The 23 litre fuel tank is brilliant & should provide 400+ km range...every other manufacturer pay attention!! She has a balanced, solid, planted feel that tracks & holds the chosen line. At 229 kg (505 lbs) wet with 90% fuel she will find a home for those shying away from the heavier full sized ADV crowd. The bags seem decent quality & right sized…the only thing missing is a proper skid plate, crash bars & center stand.