Moto Guzzi’s classic travel enduro the V85 TT has received a number of upgrades for 2021 aimed at improving its already excellent touring credentials.
Originally launched in 2019, the bike’s retro styling and distinctive cruiser character, combined with extremely competent touring and off-road capabilities, made it a different animal to anything else available in the mid-size adventure market.
As ABR Editor James wrote from the bike’s press launch: “Step forward the V85 TT (TT meaning ‘tutto terreno’ or ‘all terrain’ in English), a retro-styled mid-sized adventure bike designed for posing, touring, cruising, off-roading, and anything else you’d like to get up to on it. A true all-rounder that looks as good as it rides.”
It was a bike just as adept at posing on the hipster streets of East London as it was at spiriting you along gravel trails or over mountain passes.
With a shaft drive, a 23l fuel tank, and all-day comfort in the saddle, the V85 TT was more than capable of excelling while on tour, and those touring credentials were improved upon a year later with the launch of the Travel model in 2020. This added just a little bit more comfort on the road, with an extended touring screen and touring-friendly features, such as heated grips and panniers, included as standard.
Looking to build upon this success, Moto Guzzi has announced a number of upgrades for 2021 to improve on what is already a very capable adventure bike.
Moto Guzzi V85TT: Changes for 2021
Moto Guzzi’s signature transverse V-twin engine, which produces 80bhp, has been tweaked to improve torque at both low and medium rpm, although exact figures are yet to be announced.
When it comes to electronics, Moto Guzzi has increased the number of rider modes on the V85 TT from three to five, adding Sport and Custom (fully user customisable) to the current Street, Rain and Off-Road modes. This will give riders more control over the throttle response, traction control and ABS settings while in the saddle.
Finally, Moto Guzzi has changed the wheels fitted to the bike. The new outer spoked rims allow for tubeless tyres which will make punctures quicker and simpler to deal with while on tour, while shaving a claimed 1.5kg of the bike’s weight in the process.
While the changes for 2021 represent more of an evolution that a revolution to the retro-styled adventure bike, on paper they look to improve what is already a motorcycle that we’re big fans of here at ABR. You can read Editor James’ full review of the V85 TT from its launch in Sardinia in 2019 here.
Pricing and availability is yet to be announced.
WANT TO TEST RIDE THE LATEST ADVENTURE AND TOURING BIKES IN ONE VENUE?
Looking to buy a new bike? You can test ride the latest and greatest adventure and touring bikes from the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers at the 2021 Adventure Bike Rider Festival (25-27 June 2021).
Previous years have always sold out, and 2021 will be no different, so book today to avoid disappointment. Pick up your tickets by clicking HERE.