TRANSVERSE
ADVENTURE
oto Guzzi is poised to launch back into
the adventure market with the soon to
arrive V85 TT.
Scheduled to arrive in New Zealand
showrooms in May this year, the Moto Guzzi
V85 TT has been a long time coming for fans
of the Northern Italian manufacturer. In
Europe alone, more than 8000 test rides have
already been booked before the model has
even left the gates of the Lake Como factory.
Taking the form of what Moto Guzzi calls
a “Classic Enduro”, the V85 TT straddles
the line between a modern classic and an
adventure bike. Moto Guzzi says the design
is an attempt at creating a body whose style
reflects the values and almost one-hundred-
year tradition of Moto Guzzi. With touches
of style such as the Guzzi eagle between the
two headlights as a daytime running light,
transverse V-twin engine and what appears
to be exquisite build quality it would seem
they’ve achieved just that.
Between the completely original frame
– designed specifically for the rigours of
adventure touring – resides a new 90-degree,
850cc transverse V-twin engine. Power is a
claimed 80hp, with torque figures yet to be
announced, but we expect will provide plenty
of momentum and a smooth ride without
causing the rider to be fearful of the throttle
or need to rely on the electronic wizardry the
bike is equipped with to just ride down to
the shops.
In putting its power to the ground the V85
TT utilises a rather unique swingarm setup,
with a curved swingarm leg on the left-hand
side of the bike which allows for the exhaust
system to seemlessly pass around it, while
the right side features the bike’s shaft
drive system.
KIWI RIDER 21