CHARACTER. It may be the most overused word to describe Moto Guzzi bikes. A cliche, almost.
But test riding the V85TT, Moto Guzzi’s brand new dual-purpose bike, “character” is the one word that keeps popping up in our heads
And how not?
The V85 TT is a “classic enduro” bike in the fast-growing world of adventure motorcycling. It has few counterparts, fewer rivals and, therefore, not many equals.
It is a modern adventure bike, with all the trimmings you might ever need, built into a retro dual-purpose beauty.
When I started the bike for the first time and grabbed the throttle, the transversely-mounted engine burbled into action and the torque reaction pushed the bike to my right, a signature characteristic that has won Guzzi legions of fans.
Oh, such character!
When you get on the V85 TT, you’re riding a classic motorcycle but one that’s capable of going beyond asphalt; hence, the TT initials, which stand for Tutto Terreno, or “All Terrain” in Italian.
And it comes in two-tone colours that most other bike manufacturers are too shy these days to even consider donning.
We were given two bikes to test, and one had a tank that was boldly yellow held together by a frame and swing arms that had been painted racing red.
We were told that these were the same colours Moto Guzzi donned decades ago when it was taking part in the Dakar Rally.
On road, Guzzi fans won’t be disappointed.
While it has chosen to be in its own class all by itself, the 85TT is neither elitist nor snobbish.
The V85TT was “designed to fit 95 per cent of riders of the world motorcycle population in terms of sizes and riding skills”, said Idon Pang, Moto Guzzi’s head of after sales, at the Asian Pacific Media Test Ride recently.
The bike’s handling is a pleasure, almost made for beginners. The V85TT may look beefy and muscular but it feels so much lighter than its 208kg.
I climbed Genting Highlands with an 80kg pillion at the back to add to my own 60kg (fully geared). It wasn’t effortless but it wasn’t huffing and puffing, either.
Riding with panniers and a top box wouldn’t be too hard, I’d imagine.
Powered by an 853cc, air-cooled, 90-degree transverse V-Twin engine, this bike produces 80hp (CV) at 7,750rpm and 80Nm of torque at 5,000rpm.
Moto Guzzi has tweaked the engine for a flat torque to give a better tractability instead of a harsh initial horsepower.
Not only that, the V85TT gets a 30 per cent lighter crankshaft, dual scavenging oil pumps and titanium intake valves.
Like most dual purpose, there are three riding modes on the V85TT - Rain, Road and Off-road. Changing the dials can be done on the move, even with one’s eyes closed. The multi-function controls on the handlebars are a joy to explore.
I was wishing for heavy rain that didn’t fall and for a bit more time to take the bike through my favourite fields of gravel, sands and ruts. With the V85TT, time flew.
But the time we managed to spend with it on asphalt was enough to whet the appetite for more.
The Genting Highland’s twisties provided a perfect playground for the V85. The bike was surprisingly “easy” to throw around the turns, whether they were tight or sweeping.
The power won’t blow anyone away but 4th gear gets you beyond 140kph quickly and effortlessly, and that is more than enough for almost anyone.
I had the feeling that a beginner might be lulled into thinking that he had suddenly acquired the skills to push the bike above speed limits, even in corners when, in fact, it was the bike making things easier.
Power delivery comes in gradually, and it is coupled with an upright riding position that makes the ride more relaxed and seemingly beginner-friendly.
The suspension is outstanding and the bike rolls over bumps and other road imperfections easily.
The front suspension consists of a 410mm adjustable fork, while the rear shock is adjustable for preload and rebound.
The multi-color TFT dash shows the clock, trip meter, fuel level, ambient temperature, odometer, gear indicator, and average and current mpg.
The bike gets a 23-litre luggage rack over the tail as standard equipment.
Braking power is more than adequate and this is no surprise as the bike comes with four-piston Brembo calipers at the front and 260mm stainless steel disc, floating caliper with two pistons at the back. Riders may switch off the anti-lock braking system in the off-riding mode.
The V85TT has an illuminated logo of an eagle on the front headlamps. The stock mini-windscreen gives it that “old school” look. But it’s not retro looks alone that gives Moto Guzzi’s classic enduro a character you will find in other adventure bikes or even in other Guzzis.
After hours of road riding on the saddle, and apart from some minor soreness in my thigh muscles (perhaps due to the position of the seat, which I think tapers a bit too suddenly towards the fuel tank), we felt we could go on for hours longer!
Guzzis are not known for off-road prowess but we can’t wait to ride the V85 TT on gravel and in dirt or through a stream and nasty ruts, preferably in torrential rains.
We have a feeling that the bike is just as game to put its character to further tests.