/ Featured Article
5 things we love about the Moto Guzzi V85 TT
There’s a lot to love about this quirky, go-anywhere adventurer.
When it comes to premium, high-capacity adventure bikes, here in the Philippines in particular, very few bikes can compete with BMW’s GS range of bikes. The ever-popular R 1250 GS continues to be the ultimate favorite of Pinoy adventure riders. However, other bikes, like the KTM 790 Adventure, Yamaha Tenere 700, and even the Moto Guzzi V85 TT, are becoming more common sightings in the big bike scene.
If you want your adventure bike loaded with character, funky retro styling, and performance that’s worthy of a second glance, then you may want to consider the Moto Guzzi V85 TT. This rather underrated ADV machine definitely has a lot going for it—more than many people know. As such, let’s shed some light on this quirky middleweight adventurer, and pinpoint 5 things we love about this bike, and why it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Performance
Of course, we can’t talk about adventure bikes without talking about performance. After all, ADV machines need to be able to do it all. From long highway stints, twisty roads, and gnarly off-road terrain, a true adventure-ready machine must have the grunt to power through whatever the road, or lack thereof, throws at it. The Moto Guzzi V85 TT has an 853cc, 90-degree, transverse-mounted V-Twin engine at its disposal. Pumping out the better part of 80 horsepower, the V85 TT is more than capable of impressive and exhilarating speeds, with confidence-inspiring stability and power delivery thanks to its unique engine configuration.
Retro styling
Performance and raw power figures aside, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT is very much a looker. At a glance, it’s clear to see that this bike is one of the few neo-retro style adventure bikes currently available in the market. It gets muscular bodywork which features an exposed trellis frame giving it a thoroughly premium and athletic aesthetic. On top of this, its fairings not only provide protection against the wind and other elements, they also give the bike a adventure-ready look, as if it’s ready to head over to Dakar and conquer the terrain.
Go-anywhere capability
Speaking of terrain, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT is capable of traversing through anything you put it through. This is largely thanks to its premium and robust underpinnings which consist of high quality, long-travel suspension components. Up front, we find a 41mm inverted fork which boasts an impressive 170mm of suspension travel. Moto Guzzi states that this setup offers “total control in off-road riding”, as well as precision and confidence when riding on the road. It’s important to note that the V85 TT makes use of separate-function front forks which allow for improved levels of adjustments for rebound damping and spring preload. The same can be said for the bike’s rear suspension setup, as well.
Unique flavor
With the vast selection of adventure bikes currently available in the local market, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT certainly presents itself as one of the more unique options thanks to its quirky design, unconventional engine configuration, and stunning looks. With many other ADV bikes out there seemingly following the universal formula for an adventure-touring machine—pointy bodywork, large windscreens, and long suspension—the V85 TT certainly sets itself apart with all the soul and character it brings to the table.
Surprisingly affordable
Last but definitely not the least is its price. Surprisingly, despite being manufactured by a boutique Italian motorcycle maker, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT isn’t staggeringly expensive. At just P830,000, the V85 TT presents itself as a strong alternative against the likes of the BMW F 750 GS and KTM 790 Adventure R. While not exactly apples-to-apples in terms of performance and sheer capability, the V85 TT is certainly a standout option, particularly for the more sophisticated rider who’s looking for something less aggressive, and more tractable for use both on and off-road.
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