SAME SAME? With the two bikes side-by-side, a question immediately comes to mind; why has M-G just released two new adventure platforms, both wearing 19 / 17-inch wheel set-ups, with less than 200cc of displacement difference between them? Well, looking at the adventure market, there are other similar offerings like Suzuki with its V-Strom 800 and 1050 adventure machines, and Suzuki has two options for both with 21-inch and 19-inch front wheels. Anyway, there are other manufacturers with bikes in both middle and larger weight segments, so Moto Guzzi also now has both bases covered. Comparing some other specs, although it doesn’ t look it( as the Stelvio looks larger overall), the seat heights are the same at a very manageable 830mm. The weights are also not that far apart between the Travel version of the TT and the Stelvio, with the latter only being a few kg heavier. The standard V85TT, however, is around 15kg lighter than the Stelvio- a significant difference.

GUZZI RUMBLE I went to the launch of the original V85TT a few years back and came away feeling the TT was such an easy neutral bike to ride with decent usable power. This newer, upgraded model still feels the same, but now boasting a little more power and a bit more torque thanks to VVT( Variable Valve Timing) and a few other tweaks. The new bike sounds a bit more edgy, especially on idle after firing it up. There’ s four ride modes( Road, Sport, Rain and Off-road) and while‘ Road’ offers a nice smooth linear experience,‘ Sport’ really sharpens things up and provides a more aggressive character. There’ s also cornering ABS provided by the onboard IMU( Inertial Measurement Unit).‘ Off-road’ disables rear wheel ABS ready for some gravel action. The overriding feeling with the TT is just how easy it is to ride. It feels lighter than it is and is so well balanced. Low-speed u-turns, standing or sitting, for repeat passes on our gravel photo

KIWI RIDER 51