LAUNCH RIDE: First impressions of Moto Guzzi’s new V85 range

Last month, we got the chance to head out for a brief blast on the three updated middleweight adventure bikes from the Italian firm – but we weren’t allowed to tell you about it until now. Here’s what you need to know about the latest version of Moto Guzzi’s much-loved V85 TT and TT Travel, and its new, more road-focused Strada.

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 V85’s to play with; the cast wheeled, road-focused Strada, the much-loved TT, and the more equipped Travel. The Strada will set you back £11,200, the TT £12,000, and the top-spec TT Travel £13,300.

There are some key differences between the three bikes. The Strada has 3 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 TT has 4 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. I reckon it’s probably the best looking of the bunch; bold and brash in all the right ways.

And the TT Travel has all the same stuff as the TT, but gets 5 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 Adventures.

The big news is the addition of Variable Valve Timing to the air-cooled transverse V-twin motor. Guzzi say they’ve done it to increase performance and torque responsiveness, though it’s more likely a necessary addition to comply with ever tightening emissions regulations. But the important thing is that they’ve managed to retain the same peak power as the old Euro 4 model, and even managed to increase torque a smidge – and you don’t notice it kicking in either.

It’s still got plenty of character too. That’s one of the great things about this bike; it might not be the best on the market, but it’s got a certain charm that very easy to fall in love with. It retains that all important shaft drive too, which is a big plus for plenty of big mile adventurers. It’s actually the only middleweight adventurer to have one.

It stops plenty well enough. The Brembo monoblock calipers are an improvement on the previous generation, and they’re lighter than before too. There’s also new Cornering ABS as standard on Travel and TT (though it’s an extra on the stripped back Strada). The suspension’s good too. It’s a little softly sprung, but it works well and only adds to the bikes charm. It helps on the comfort front too; it’s a lovely place to be – although it’s compact ergonomics might make proper long distance travel a bit tough for taller riders.

I was a big fan of the first generation V85, and thankfully, the new ones are just as good. I’m already thinking about getting my hands on one back on back in the UK to rack up some big miles. The TT’s the one for me though. I suspect I’d quite quickly fall in love with it.

If you want to know even more about the three new Moto Guzzi V85s, then grab yourself a copy of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure magazine where there’ll be a full, in-depth review that properly gets to the bottom of what they’re like to ride.