The Moto Guzzi V85TT holds some fond memories for me , along with being a very capable and pleasant all-rounder . My first taste of the V85TT was at the World launch of the model in Phuket , Thailand . The whole experience was fantastic ; a beautiful resort , great people , awesome weather , and a terrific new bike to explore the amazing roads and stunning scenery . It is truly a struggle to find fault with anything in this scenario … So , six years down the track how does the V85TT stack up here in New Zealand ? Well , firstly I need to mention our test bike
was up-spec ’ d from the one I rode back then , which was the standard model . This is the V85TT Travel model , which commands a $ 1400 premium but comes preloaded with 27 litre panniers , a large touring screen , heated grips , tyre pressure monitoring and a centrestand .
ENGINE The air / oil cooled 90-degree transverse V-twin is a beauty . 56kW , or 75hp in old money , is produced from the 853cc twin at 7500rpm and 80Nm of torque at just 5000rpm . 90 percent of that figure is available from 3000rpm . Numbers
KIWI RIDER 45