Motorcycles

Moto Guzzi digs into its Dakar racing past for the 2019 V85 TT

Moto Guzzi digs into its Dakar racing past for the 2019 V85 TT
Moto Guzzi brings back the simple, rugged adventure bike with the 2019 V85 TT
Moto Guzzi brings back the simple, rugged adventure bike with the 2019 V85 TT
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The multi-colored paint scheme of the 2019 V85 TT is a tribute to Moto Guzzi's 1985 Dakar racing bike
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The multi-colored paint scheme of the 2019 V85 TT is a tribute to Moto Guzzi's 1985 Dakar racing bike
The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT is described as a classic enduro
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The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT is described as a classic enduro
Moto Guzzi brings back the simple, rugged adventure bike with the 2019 V85 TT
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Moto Guzzi brings back the simple, rugged adventure bike with the 2019 V85 TT
The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT is powered by the V9 series engine - but with a serious power hike
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The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT is powered by the V9 series engine - but with a serious power hike
As much as the 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT is called a classic enduro, the color digital dash is unavoidable
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As much as the 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT is called a classic enduro, the color digital dash is unavoidable
Moto Guzzi designed the 2019 V85 TT to be as slim as possible, by adventure class standards
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Moto Guzzi designed the 2019 V85 TT to be as slim as possible, by adventure class standards
Travel gear on a blue 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT
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Travel gear on a blue 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT
The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT in blue metallic color
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The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT in blue metallic color
The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT should be as friendly off-road, as much as for touring
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The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT should be as friendly off-road, as much as for touring
The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT with some touring equipment
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The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT with some touring equipment
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Dubbed as a classic enduro by Moto Guzzi, it created quite a sensation when it was unveiled as a concept last year at the EICMA show in Italy. The V85 TT is an 850-cc adventure bike, built around the V9 series engine, reworked for a substantial power boost and destined to lead a new model family.

Older Paris-Dakar fans might see something familiar in its distinctive yellow patches; also the name, V85 TT, should ring some bells. According to Marco Lambri, Piaggio Group Director of Design, the new motorcycle is inspired by the V65 TT that Claudio Torri had raced at the 1985 Paris-Dakar.

This styling choice was made by Moto Guzzi in order to emphasize the off-road side of the V85 TT, as it is not designed to be another tall, heavy, over-equipped and all too powerful member of the Adventure class. It is supposed to be the exact opposite. Simple, rugged and friendly off the asphalt.

The multi-colored paint scheme of the 2019 V85 TT is a tribute to Moto Guzzi's 1985 Dakar racing bike
The multi-colored paint scheme of the 2019 V85 TT is a tribute to Moto Guzzi's 1985 Dakar racing bike

The motorcycle is powered by the air and oil-cooled 853-cc transverse twin of the V9 model family, which in this case peaks at 80 hp (59.7 kW). Given that originally this engine makes just 54.2 hp (40.4 kW), a lot must have changed in it. Indeed, at the Open House event in early September it was revealed that a lighter crankshaft, wider fuel intakes, bigger valves and shorter-skirt pistons play their parts in this transformation. All these point to a higher-revving motor, a rather logical path to take in the quest for more horsepower from the same capacity.

The engine fits as a stressed member in a brand new steel trellis frame and is complemented with a very typical kit, including adjustable long-travel suspension all around and four-pot radial Brembos, rolling on 19 and 17-inch wheels at the front and rear respectively.

Fuel capacity is set at 21 liters (5.5 gal), and Moto Guzzi suggests that the V85 TT will not exceed 200 kg (441 lb) on the scales.

As much as the 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT is called a classic enduro, the color digital dash is unavoidable
As much as the 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT is called a classic enduro, the color digital dash is unavoidable

In terms of equipment, it features the typical electronic gear we find on most new motorcycles, such as ABS, traction control, selectable riding modes and a little treat in the shape of cruise control. There's a color screen bearing all the necessary instrumentation, which should also allow for smartphone connectivity with the optional Multimedia Platform, a feature that spreading quickly across the Piaggio Group's range.

With the V85 TT, Moto Guzzi aims squarely at that part of the mid-sized adventure bike clientele that will not be put off by the absence of liquid-cooling, three-digit power figures and electronic suspension.

The air-cooled engine can apparently survive in the Euro 4 world when there's no need to play power games with the competition. In fact, 80 hp is enough for the reality of a motorcycle that should travel comfortably, tackle off-road treks without intimidating its rider and offer a decent level of practicality. Building on a powerplant that produces plenty of low-end torque – in V9 guise it peaks at just 3,000 rpm – also seems to serve this purpose diligently.

The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT in blue metallic color
The 2019 Moto Guzzi V85 TT in blue metallic color

According to Moto Guzzi, the engine that debuts with the V85 TT will power several new models in the near future. Rumors suggest that a "road version" of the V85 will be introduced in concept form at the upcoming EICMA show in November.

The V85 TT is expected to start rolling off production lines in January 2019, with first deliveries in Europe planned for February. Reports from the local press that had the chance to test ride a pre-production version set the retail price in Italy at €11,500.

Source: Moto Guzzi

View gallery - 10 images
2 comments
2 comments
nick101
Not a bad looking bike although I don't really get the 'adventure bike' concept, all these bikes would be tough to lift if you drop them. And yes, I know 'you aren't supposed to drop them' but there's a lot of loose shale and exposed roots around here. My best 'adventure bike' was an old XL 250!
chidrbmt
Hats off. Really looks like they did a nice job (with their limited funds). Moto Guzzi is one of few that can still keep it traditional,simple & light at a affordable price. One can easily see the V85 TT become their biggest selling model (that not being a huge number:-). Wonder if the 441 lbs is dry or weight. The best thing about the fun Ducati Scrambler is it's short,about 425 lbs. wet and great sound.