Since its official launch in 2019, the V85 TT has gone on to become a top seller for Moto Guzzi and a fan favorite of those looking for something a little different than the status quo. Notable refinements to the platform were last seen in 2021 and for 2024, the Italian brand is giving the V85 another overhaul with the introduction of a three variant range boasting more power, improved throttle response, upgraded electronics, and more.

The three flavors offered in the range include the road-focused V85 Strata, the all-rounder V85 TT and the travel-ready V85 TT Travel. At the heart of all the variants is the Euro 5+ compliant 853cc engine which has undergone changes to increase power and improve throttle response with an increase in low-end torque. This was achieved thanks to the adoption of variable valve timing, a technical solution that optimizes valve lift laws depending on engine speeds. 

According to Moto Guzzi, the increase in torque becomes noticeable as early as 3000 rpm and extends across the entire torque curve. At 3500 rpm 90% of the maximum torque, equivalent to 61.2 ft-lb at 5100 rpm, is available offering greater flexibility in low revs and high gears. Moreover, the new V85 range also sees a bump in horsepower from 76 hp at 7,500 rpm to 80 hp at 7,750 rpm.

Another improvement involves the incorporation of knock sensors, which supply essential data to the engine management ECU, enabling more precise and accurate adjustment of ignition timing. This results in a range of benefits: higher performance combined with improved riding comfort and reliability.

The engine’s other fundamental characteristics remain unchanged. Lubrication involves a semi dry sump, with two coaxial pumps, one tasked with oil delivery and the other with recovery that ensure optimal lubrication and do away with the need for an oil radiator, thus reducing the overall weight. The semi dry sump solution has all the advantages of dry sump engines, without the disadvantage of the encumbrance of the external oil reservoir, since the sump itself carries out this function. 

Above the front headlamp, embellished with a new frame with a satin finish, is a new windscreen with a revised shape, manually adjustable in height to 5 positions and offering a total range of 70 mm. As a result, Moto Guzzi says the reduction in air pressure on the rider is 37% compared to the previous generation. Improved wind protection is also achieved by the now wider and more protective handguards. Plus, the addition of a newly patented cover at the front of the tank, precisely aligned with the ignition lock acts to further diminish the airflow towards the rider’s chest and chin.

As far as bump absorption the V85 offers 6.7 inches (170 mm) of suspension travel both at the front and rear contributing to 210 mm of ground clearance and an accessible seat height of 32.6 inches . On the V85 TT and V85 TT Travel models, the rear monoshock now features spring preload adjustability via a convenient handwheel.

The 6.1-gallon fuel tank is one of the defining elements of the V85 lineup, with its sculpted shapes appearing even more robust and dynamic. The recesses just above the engine cylinders seem to be a natural extension of the twin-cylinder engine. The latter features new cylinder head covers, the design of which emphasizes the technical upgrades of the unit.

Sitting on the motorcycle, the rider benefits from a completely redesigned instrument panel: the new, larger 5-inch TFT color display allows for better visualization of all trip parameters. The handlebar switches are also new, having also undergone an overhaul, with both electric switch-cubes redesigned to provide more straightforward and intuitive access to all functions, including cruise control.

The electronic equipment is also expanded, featuring the incorporation of a six-axis inertial platform (available as an accessory on the V85 Strada). This advanced system, equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes, is capable of detecting the bike’s orientation relative to the road; it records and processes the input derived from the ride and sends the data to the ECU. This makes the management of the electronic controls finer and more precise, enabling the functionality of the Cornering ABS, which can modulate braking power according to the lean angle, improving safety. The ABS system operates in conjunction with an advanced braking setup. This setup comprises a double steel-made front disc, with a 320 mm diameter, paired with newly designed Brembo radial-mount monobloc calipers featuring 4 opposed pistons connected to the handlebar master cylinder via braided metal hoses. At the rear is a 2-piston floating caliper with a 260 mm diameter steel disc.

The calibration of all electronic parameters — MGCT traction control, ABS and Ride-by-Wire throttle response — can be easily managed via the riding modes. The riding modes Road, Sport and Rain are standard on all models of the range. Additionally, there’s a specialized Off-Road mode designed exclusively for the V85 TT and V85 TT Travel versions, designed to emphasize their off-road capabilities. This mode features the lowest level of traction control intervention, ABS active only on the front wheel with dedicated calibration (and the possibility of deactivating it on the front wheel as well), together with a smoother throttle response, assisted by greater engine braking. The V85 TT Travel is also equipped with the Riding Mode Custom (accessory on the V85 Strada and V85 TT), which allows full customisation of electronic control levels and even the creation of an additional personalized mode via a dedicated menu.

All models in the V85 range are also equipped with Cruise Control, with a single button to activate it and to increase or decrease the set speed.

Moto Guzzi V85 Strada

The V85 Strada is characterized by a more minimalist styling, leaving the rear end streamlined, without grab handles, and abandoning the skid plate and handguards to echo its road intentions. However, these components are available as accessories, giving riders the option to customize the V85 Strada according to their preferences.

The equipment also features new aluminum alloy spoked wheels paired with road-focused tires. According to Moto Guzzi, the Strada also benefits from being 9 lbs (4 kg) lighter, tipping the scale at 498 lbs wet. The road-oriented design is further emphasized by the low mudguard on the front wheel and the stylish Nero Isola and Grigio Brera colors.

Moto Guzzi V85 TT

The standard version features 19” and 17” tubeless spoked wheels. Additionally, the engine is shielded by a new aluminum skid plate and the hand grips feature improved, more protective hand guards. The Moto Guzzi V85 TT stands out for its red painted frame, combined with the two-tone Rosso Fuji and Grigio Tambora livery. Even the rear shock absorber spring is red and can be easily adjusted for preload using a convenient knob.

Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

The Travel variant boasts a new Touring windshield with aerodynamic shapes, increased height, and 22% more surface area compared to the standard version. Additionally, new side deflectors further enhance protection, making it ideal for motorway cruising and cold weather riding. As a result, air pressure on the rider’s helmet is reduced by an extra 50% compared to the V85 TT. Like the standard windshield, the Touring version is also manually height adjustable with 5 positions.

The equipment includes Urban series sidecases, which now feature a new burnished finish, with high capacity (the right one, with 37 liters, can hold a full-face helmet and the left 27.5 liters) and reduced lateral dimensions, which can be unlocked using the same key. 

Also standard on the V85 TT Travel are heated grips and a rider’s seat whose temperature can be adjusted via controls on the left switch-cube. Completing the special equipment is the Moto Guzzi MIA multimedia platform, which allows the smartphone to be connected to the vehicle, extending the functions of the instrumentation. The platform combines an infotainment system for managing voice assistant, phone calls, and music using intuitive handlebar controls, as well as a navigation feature. With this feature, after setting the destination on your smartphone, you can display directions directly on the instrumentation. The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel will be available in the exclusive color Bronzo Deserto.

Optional Accessories

• Auxiliary LED lights
• Heated grips (standard on V85 TT Travel)
• Comfort seat with optional heating element
•  Shaft drive protection
• Engine guards
• Aluminum clutch and brake levers
•  High-grip enduro brake pedal
• Center stand
• Foldable mirrors
• Moto Guzzi MIA (standard on V85 TT Travel)
• TPMS tire pressure monitoring system
• Additional under-seat USB socket
• Electronic anti-theft device
• Splash guard

Moto Guzzi V85 Range Specs