DO, DO THE FUNKY GUZZI
Power: 80bhp Weight: 229kg Engine: 853cc ohv air-cooled 90 V-twin Price: 10,899
I’VE BEEN WAITING for this bike. To me a Moto Guzzi is the perfect vehicle on which to cross Europe, ideally with a pillion, a tent and a vague itinerary, though the final destination might be a beach in Greece. Along the way Alpine passes, French cafés, ferries, frites and garbled conversations with added hand signals. Adventure (in its broadest sense) is what motorcycles are made for, and while there are more efficient, more powerful, plusher and purposeful bikes for covering big distances, a Moto Guzzi adds to the experience. The best Moto Guzzis mix functional with funky. The underlying package of a shaft-drive, air-cooled, ohv, 90° V-twin might seem archaic, but this new and Euro 5 compatible version of the classic layout proves that a good idea is timeless.
Dynamically the V85TT really works. Beautifully balanced handling with excellent suspension that gives you huge confidence in the Michelin Anakee tyres. There’s a good riding
position, neat switch gear, acceptable wind protection, decent tank capacity and accommodating space for a pillion. Sure, there are glitches. The engine is slightly course at certain rpm, low speed throttle response feels disjointed and low speed handling doesn’t have the magic carpet manoeuvrability of a BMW GS. The gearbox still clonks slightly and changes feel imprecise. Some will claim that 80bhp ain’t enough for two-up touring (though if I use more than 80bhp my pillion administers a jab to the kidneys), but if more power comes with extra weight, then I’ll make do with what’s available. And I’m happy to feel the torque reaction of the longitudinal crank/gearbox/drive shaft combo when blipping the throttle. Another quirk to remind you that you’re riding something special. Plus, in the more adventurous colour schemes with red painted frame, it looks fantastic.
In the past couple of days two people have borrowed the Guzzi from me. One came back non-plussed. ‘Yeah, quite nice,’ said former Bike staffer Martin Fitz-gibbons. ‘But a bit flaccid.’ The other was Mike Armitage; ‘Forget the Speed Twin,’ he gushed, reluctantly returning the keys. ‘That’s the Bike of the Year. The suspension and handing are spot-on.’ Worth a test ride, surely. Hugo Wilson
‘Forget the Speed Twin. That’s the Bike of the Year. The suspension and handing are spot-on’