BEST ADVENTURE CLASSIC MOTO GUZZI V85 TT

£11,200 75bhp 60lb·ft 230kg

An authentically-classic air-cooled engine with bags of charisma, attractive retro adventure styling, modern componentry and electronics, and a surprising level of day-to-day and long-distance practicality.

The Moto Guzzi V85 TT ticks some significant boxes that elevate it from a minor Italian manufacturer’s left-field choice to a mainstream contender (I know this because I’ve met two owners, independently, who both bought the TT based on enthusiastic press reviews and love it to bits).

For 2021, the 853cc 90° air-cooled transverse V-twin is down 5bhp to

75bhp thanks to Euro5-specs, which makes it one, if not the only, air-cooled bike motor to pass the latest emissions regs. By the time the power gets through the Guzzi’s shaft-drive to the rear wheel, it’s probably in the mid-60s, which isn’t a lot to be sure. But power isn’t what the V85 TT’S motor is about — it’s taking pleasure in the experience of using the engine as much as going somewhere with it. And it’s a lovely thing to use, all throbbing and pulsating with a cheerful sideways tilt. Riding position is all-day comfortable with wide bars not raised too high, low pegs (which scrape) and although the seat aches eventually, the 23-litre tank is good for over 220 miles.

Build quality is very good with thick, colourful paint, nice aluminium touches and details and the clocks light up like Las Vegas at night. For 2021, Guzzi has added two more riding modes (now Rain, Road, Off-road, Sport and Custom) and, thankfully, switched to tubeless rims instead of tubed.

But it’s the looks that really sell it — no other adventure bike mixes retro and modern so well.