2025 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel: Retro Adventure with Modern Comforts

Traditional Moto Guzzi feels with the transverse twin.
6-axis IMU gives modern tech and lean-sensitive aids.
Air-cooled simplicity and massive range.

With the current NZ Moto Guzzi lineup now offering two versions of its V85 platform — the TT, and the fully equipped TT Travel — we saddled up the top-tier Travel model to see whether Guzzi’s quirkiest adventure bike still has a place in today’s increasingly tech-heavy ADV market. Especially now that the sleek and modern STELVIO is here. The question: Does the old-school charm still hold up?

Words: Paul Pics: Two Creative Photography

A Guzzi That Travels in Style

When the V85 TT launched back in 2019, it marked a huge step forward for Moto Guzzi. With a charismatic transverse V-twin, genuine adventure credentials, and unmistakable Italian flair, it helped push the brand further into the mainstream adventure space — a place it hadn’t seriously competed in for decades.

Spec’d to Go the Distance

The Travel model sits at the top of the V85 family, and it comes loaded. You get:

Full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity.
Heated grips and seat.
Cornering ABS & lean-sensitive traction control, thanks to a new 6-axis IMU.
Cruise control.
Manually adjustable touring screen with added wind deflectors.
Factory-fitted pannier racks (though our test unit was missing the bags).

That’s all paired with a 23-litre fuel tank, which — combined with the frugal, air-cooled V-twin — offering a range of over 450km. Ideal for NZ’s long, sweeping back roads. And even the pannier system is retro-themed, with squared-off hard cases that look like they’ve time-travelled from the ’80s — in a good way. They suit the bike’s styling and appear spacious enough for proper touring use.

Old-School Meets New Tech

Moto Guzzi has blended classic and contemporary in a uniquely Italian way. The ride-by-wire throttle brings five riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road, and Custom), while the electronics allow you to adjust power delivery, traction control, ABS and engine braking — with TC and ABS both fully switchable.

It’s clear that parent company Piaggio has shared some tech, as the interface and switchgear feel similar to what you’d find on an Aprilia. No complaints here — it works well, and it’s intuitive once you get familiar with the system (though the default dash language is Italian — “Strada” for Road mode, for example — which can be changed in the settings).

The suspension setup is adventure-ready, with 170mm of travel up front, adjustable 41mm USD forks, and a rear monoshock with remote preload adjuster. It may look like it’s rocking twin shocks from a distance, but it’s a clever single-shock system tucked away on the right-hand side. Overall, it’s plush and perfectly suited to NZ’s mix of sealed and rough chip roads — just don’t expect enduro-level off-road performance with the standard Dunlop Trailmax tyres.

Moto Guzzi V85TT Travel cornering action photo while testing BRM NZ

That Transverse Twin Feel

Start up the 853cc transverse V-twin, and you’re greeted with a good old-fashioned sideways rock — something every Guzzi fan knows and loves. Compared to the counter-balanced V100 engine, the V85 is unapologetically old-school. And while it may only make 80hp, it delivers it in an engaging, characterful way.

With 90% of its torque available by 3,500rpm, it’s grunty and responsive down low, though the top-end fizz fades fast — no point chasing the redline. Short-shift it, keep it in its sweet spot, and the V85 is plenty quick for real-world riding.

Around town, the engine’s low-speed manners can be a little lumpy, particularly two-up. A light clutch helps, but it’s not the most refined in stop-start traffic. That said, once you’re up to speed, it’s a smooth and composed mile-muncher.

Tourer in the Front, Classic in the Back

Out on the motorway, the TT Travel is in its element. A quick adjustment of the windscreen and a flick of the cruise control, and you’re all set for comfortable cruising. The heated grips and seat are brilliant for winter rides — though on a warm test day, I could’ve done without the extra warmth coming off the air-cooled engine.

In the bends, the Guzzi surprised us. With its wide bars and stable chassis, it handles corners with real confidence. Sure, it’s not light (wet weight is 228kg), but it hides it well. The radial Brembo front brakes offer strong stopping power, and the chassis remains planted under pressure.

Push it, and it rewards you — not with razor-sharp performance, but with classic, satisfying cornering feel. It’s like riding a vintage sport-tourer with just enough modernity to keep things safe and fun.

Verdict: A Bike That Grows on You

At $24,990 (plus ORC) for the V85 TT Travel, or $23,590 for the base TT, it’s not an outrageous price for a bike that offers something refreshingly different in a sea of ADV clones.

It’s a charming, capable, and surprisingly competent all-rounder. Yes, it’s a little quirky. Yes, it gets hot. And yes, it feels a touch retro in places. But that’s exactly what makes the Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel so appealing. It’s a rideable throwback that works in the modern world — and for many Kiwi riders, that combination of character, comfort and capability will be hard to ignore.