Moto Guzzi V85TT – Touchdown

We recently had the opportunity to test the new Moto Guzzi V85TT, the new Trail model from the Mandello de Lario brand. 

Motospazio Barcelona, has invited us to test his new Trail. We explain our conclusions in this article. 

A little bit of history

Moto Guzzi was born back in 1921 and, like many other motorcycle brands, they came from the aeronautical or military industry. Hence the symbol of the eagle. 

For those less involved in the history of the brand, you should know that Moto Guzzi already launched its first Off Road motorcycle back in 1960 with the Losdola 250 Regolarita model.

Some time later, around 1985, he participated in the Dakar with the V65TT Baja, a model that they have emulated with this V85TT.

In the 90s, the Quota 1000 was launched on the market and in 2007 the Stelvio in various versions. 

A few years ago I traveled to the Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario and was able to see the museum they had in their factory. In addition to being spectacular, I can say that I saw several more models of "Regolaritá" (enduro), as well as off-road military vehicles. Something like…..the beginning of the Trail.

Unique style 

It can be said that Moto Guzzi is one of the few brands that dares to break the rules. They have their own style. You may like it or not, but they don't follow the patterns of other brands or in terms of design, much less the type of engine. They are the only brand that manufactures transverse V-shaped engines and also with the same simple mechanics of the 80s, only improved. We are talking about V-twin engines with 2 titanium valves per head with pushrod tappets and air-cooled. And as if this were not enough, the final transmission is by cardan. From here 2 conclusions are quickly translated; Little tight engines but easy to service and adjust. One of the things I like about this type of engine is how easy it is to do the valve clearance. However, I don't like how tedious it will be to clutch the bike when it's time to do it. Although luckily, it is equipped with a dry single-disc clutch (like the ones in a car) which, together with the progressiveness of the engine, ensures long exchange intervals. 

We start

I have to say that I have been waiting to try this bike since the end of 2017, which was when I saw it for the first time at the Eicma in Milan and I was captivated. I really wanted to try it out to see if that unique style of bike was accompanied by good behavior. 

Visually, the V85TT barely has any plastic, however it has lines that take you back in time….Until you get on it and notice all the technology it has. We start with a Standard key but with an immobilizer that, when turned, turns on a box that is more reminiscent of a spaceship than a motorcycle. The box carries all kinds of information and instrumentation; gear number, type of driving, revolutions, speed, cruise control and on-board computer with endless more information. As soon as we start, we realize that it is a muscular engine, its slight lateral movement at idle seduces you and makes you smile, because it makes you realize that you are going to carry something different from usual. 

The first thing that struck me was the extreme smoothness of the manual clutch actuation. As far as manual clutches are concerned, to date, I thought that the softest were those of Suzuki, well, this one is even softer. When you put first you hear that "clock" characteristic of gearboxes with a dry clutch, but all the gears go perfectly. 

As I leave the Motospazio Barcelona dealership and begin to weave through the city traffic, I realize that the bike is more agile than it appears. She is a good urbanite. The driving position without touching any control already seems quite comfortable to me, although I know that it can be improved with some slight adjustments depending on the height of each driver (cams, handlebars, levers...).

I begin to test acceleration, brakes, change of direction, suspension and I realize that due to the general smoothness of the motorcycle it moves perfectly through the city. The controls are very intuitive and the truth is that for the price it has, the instrumentation it has is very high-end. By the way, there is an accessory to connect the phone to the frame of the motorcycle and to the helmet with which you can use the TFT of the motorcycle as a navigator, take or reject calls with the controls of the motorcycle, know where you parked the motorcycle for the last time …Amazing!!!

we left the city

Once I hit the road, I continue to study the behavior of the engine and the truth is that it amuses me a lot. Smooth at low revs and muscular above 5000. Once again, the V85TT surprises me again when in the first really tight corner, the bike invites me to touch the footrest on the asphalt without flinching. At that moment I realize that I am going to have a great time with this bike. Its chassis, center of gravity and fork release allow you to ride the bike very easily. She takes care of everything. It is worth noting that Moto Guzzi has taken this model very seriously and has not made a redesign based on another chassis but has made a motorcycle from scratch. Not even the engine is the same as the rest of the brand's models. They have taken care of every detail to offer a motorcycle that really behaves wonderfully both in the city, on the highway and on easy tracks. In addition, the Guzzi incorporates traction control and ABS if necessary. By having an electronic throttle grip, those of Moto Guzzi have incorporated 0 driving modes into the motorcycle; Strada (road), Pioggia (rain) and Off Road so that in each mode, injection, traction control and ABS act in a different way. Of course in Off Road mode, the rear ABS and traction control are disengaged and allow you to skid the bike from behind if you want to. 

Pros and cons

Let's start with everything we liked. 

The multifunction screen, the aesthetics, its nobility, the super braking of the front end with Brembo radial attack calipers, its led lighting, the standard equipment; lever protectors, aluminum sump covers, injector protectors, comfortable seat, lightness in running order, robust chassis, good standing position, mechanical simplicity, lighting and retro look, I loved it. 

As for things to improve, we could highlight the front fork which, for my taste, should be a little harder and more progressive. The more solid skid plate and the front wheel I would have liked to be 21" instead of 19" and tubeless. The seat, for my taste I would need something higher since I measure 1,83. A slightly taller screen for travel would also be nice. Luckily, almost all the aspects that did not convince me can be solved. 

The Kayaba suspension that comes standard on the front end is perfectly customizable and the rear shock absorber as well. If after adjusting it you are not convinced, you can change it for an Öhlins multi adjustable available as an accessory. They also have a higher seat for the big ones and a lower one for the little ones. As for the 21” wheel…..we will keep you informed, hehe. 

Benefits

The muscular engine of the Moto Guzzi V85TT yields 80PS at 7750rpm, there is a throttling option for the A2. Suspension travel is 170mm. The table, in addition to all kinds of information, incorporates a USB socket to be able to charge peripherals. There are 3 models in monochrome (grey, blue and red) that come with Metzeler Tourance Next tires and 2 two-tone models with red chassis (white/yellow, white/red). This latest version would be the most adventurous and comes with Michelin Anakee Adventure tires. The lighting is full led with double optics and double rear light. The tank capacity is 23 liters of fuel that promises a range of 400 km. The empty weight is 208 kgs. The ground clearance is 210mm, something just right for extreme off road, but more than enough for intrusions on tracks where circulation is allowed. 

Accessories 

Any self-respecting brand must be able to offer its customers a series of accessories to be able to customize the motorcycle to suit the consumer. Moto Guzzi has been no less and has released a series of accessories, each more interesting:

• 39 and 33 liter aluminum suitcases
• 41 liter aluminum top case
• Inner bags for suitcases and top case
• center stand
• touring screen
• 3D protection stickers for the tank
• Öhlins multi adjustable shock
• Arrow exhaust (50% lighter)
• Side soft bag holders
• tank bag 
• gimbal protector
• engine guards
• 3 gel seats; Standard, low and increased
• Machined brake and clutch levers
• tool bag
• Auxiliary lights
• folding mirrors
• rear fender
• Larger surface brake pedal
• Alarm
• MIA (motorbike/smartphone connection system)
• Downloadable APP for Smartphone with which to see all the information of the on-board computer. 

As you can see, accessories are not lacking. 

Conclusions

This is a model that has all the ingredients to become a best-selling Trail media. Due to its measurements, smoothness and ease of handling, it is suitable for a whole range of pilots. But it remains to be seen if the public knows how to appreciate its benefits or if its Retrotrail aspect enters by sight. For features, quality and price (€11190), no other brand offers so much for so little. Cardan transmission, radial Brembo, easy-to-maintain engine, multi-function screen with smartphone connection and an appearance that breaks the mold. 

Its direct competitors would be the BMW F850GS, the KTM 790, the future Yamaha Tenere and with a little more displacement we would have the Honda CRF1000L. 

From Viejos Pistones, we wish Moto Guzzi much success with its new commitment. It has captivated us.