We had big raps on this motorcycle in the new-model digest of our special Adventure Issue [AMCN Vol 68 No 01]. Now Moto Guzzi has announced its retro-modern adventure tourer V85TT will be available in Australia mid-2019 – and we think it could be the Italian firm’s best seller.
Rather than launch its new-generation 850cc V-twin engine in a road model, it’s gone straight into the new V85TT. This step back into the hugely popular adventure touring market should create a sales belter for Moto Guzzi.
But the Italians sometimes operate in strange ways. Despite this significance, it emerged first as the little-trumpeted V85 Concept at last year’s EICMA show in Milan. Now the production version has been slipped onto the Moto Guzzi website in advance of this year’s shows, and without much of the expected fanfare.
Thankfully, the production model doesn’t stray far from the look of last year’s concept. Apart from the inevitable addition of a road-legal exhaust, a few tweaks to the paintwork and the tough-looking metalwork around the headlight, it’s basically the same machine.
And that’s good, as the 1980s-throwback style gives it a brilliant Dakar Rallye-inspired look that’s ideal for the current market.
Technically, the new 850cc twin promises 60kW (80bhp), but Guzzi is staying quiet about other technical details, presumably holding back for a more elaborate unveiling at November’s EICMA event. Stay tuned.
Bobber gets sporty
Moto Guzzi has revealed a ‘Sport’ version of its V9 Bobber – adding fully-adjustable Öhlins shocks and a single-seat style to the retro machine. The stripped-down look includes lower handlebars, a shortened front mudguard and redesigned mufflers.
Mechanically, it’s a stock V9 Bobber, which means 40.44kW from an 853cc, air-cooled V-twin, and a kerb weight of around 199kg.
By BEN PURVIS
