As the years move on, emissions standards are becoming increasingly stricter and, for air-cooled engines like Moto Guzzi’s 853cc small block V2, much more difficult to pass. It would’ve been easy to simply consign the V2 to the annals of history, but traditions die hard at the Mandello Del Lario factory, and part of the ‘21 updates for Moto Guzzi necessitated a major refresh to the V-twin that included variable valve timing. Enabling the lower-rpm cam profiles to be tuned more precisely for low-end torque efficiency meant that the air-cooled engine could pass Euro 5 emissions standards and gain many more years of legal usage on public roads.
Moto Guzzi’s V85 TT has been one of the company’s more popular models, so getting a lifespan extension courtesy of VVT is certainly a good thing. The midsize adventure model has proved to be surprisingly capable and a lot of fun for the price, which is likely why the V85 lineup has now increased to three models: the V85 Strada (for those riders who won’t leave the pavement), the V85 TT (off-road capable), and the V85 TT Travel (more touring than adventure, with big panniers and more wind protection for the rider). The tuning efficiencies afforded by VVT gained 4 hp in the process, now a claimed 80 at 7,750 rpm, with an increase of peak torque to 61.2 lb.-ft. at 5,100 rpm—90 percent of which is available from 3,000 rpm for a very fat curve that grants great flexibility and very solid throttle response.
The chassis is a steel trellis frame with a substantial 60.2-inch wheelbase and relaxed front end geometry (28-degree rake, 5.0-inch trail). The 41mm inverted front fork and single rear shock absorber in a cantilever arrangement on the right side both provide identical travel at 6.7 inches. The V85 family rolls on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels shod with 110/80-19 and 150/70-17 tubeless tires, with cross spoke rims for the TT and Travel, cast wheels for the Strada. Front brakes are by Brembo with twin 320mm rotors and four-piston calipers controlled by a cornering ABS system. Assisting the cornering ABS is an ECU with a six-axis IMU which handles the ride-by-wire throttle system, traction control, and three riding modes: Road, Sport, and Rain, plus Off Road for the V85 TT and V85 TT Travel.
The 2024 Moto Guzzi V85 is available in three variants: the V85 Strada in Grigio Brera or Nero Isola for $12,290, the V85 TT in Rosso Fuji or Grigio Tambora for $12,690, and the V85 TT Travel in Bronzo Deserto for $14,190.
