Moto Guzzi V85TT

Guzzi’s most interesting bike for years…

The most interesting new Guzzi for years isn’t just the result of bolting the V9’s 853cc air-cooled V-twin to lanky suspension. The engine is massively revamped. It’s still air-cooled with a two valve head, but it has a new crankshaft, stronger conrods, shorter piston skirts and – get this – titanium intake valves, just like the new Ducati V4R. These valves allow the cams to be more aggressive, so power is up from the V9’s 55bhp to 78bhp. Also, the engine will probably feel friskier as it revs because of the 30% reduction in rotating mass. The only possible fly in the F850gs-rivalling ointment is the weight, which has yet to be announced.