Concept and History: “Tutto Terreno” Since 2019—An Instant Bestseller Accounting for Roughly Half of Guzzi Registrations

The V85 TT—TT stands for Tutto Terreno, Italian for all terrain—arrived in 2019 and changed Moto Guzzi’s market position almost overnight. For years, motorcycles from Mandello del Lario primarily appealed to committed Guzzi enthusiasts. The V85 TT broadened that audience dramatically. In German-speaking markets, the V85 family has accounted for roughly half of all newly registered Moto Guzzis, a remarkable result for a model line that originally succeeded without a focus on the electronics arms race.

The major update arrived for 2024: variable valve timing, a 5-inch TFT display, six-axis IMU with cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control, revised brakes, and the new Strada variant. Model year 2026 brings only new colors—Giallo Wadi, a desert-sand yellow, and Grigio Yanar Dag, a gray named after Azerbaijan’s eternally burning natural-gas hillside. There are no technical changes.

Engine: 853 cc V-Twin With Variable Valve Timing—80 hp, Sonorous Guzzi Sound, Shaft Drive, VVT Rare in This Class

The longitudinally mounted, air-cooled 853 cc V-twin uses OHV valve gear, titanium intake valves, and semi-dry-sump lubrication. Variable valve timing was added in 2024 and strengthens torque at low and medium rpm. At 3,000 rpm, the current engine produces five horsepower more than its predecessor. From 3,500 rpm, 90 percent of the maximum 83 Nm is already available, significantly improving the engine’s touring character.

Rated output is 80 hp at 7,750 rpm. The V-twin soundtrack remains full, bass-heavy, and unmistakably Guzzi, and for many riders it is a genuine emotional reason to buy. Power reaches the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive: clean, quiet, and low-maintenance. A quickshifter is not available, either as standard equipment or as an option.

TT Equipment: Offroad Mode, Spoke Wheels, Michelin Anakee, Skid Plate, Hand Guards, Red Frame—All Standard

The V85 TT differs from the Strada through an equipment package that reinforces its all-round mission. Exclusive or defining TT features include tubeless wire-spoke wheels, Michelin Anakee Adventure original-equipment tires, an Offroad riding mode with rear ABS switch-off, an aluminum sump guard, hand guards, luggage rack, the characteristic painted red steel-tube frame, and cruise control. Rear spring preload can be adjusted with a handwheel, without tools, making roadside changes for luggage or passenger use straightforward.

Offroad ABS allows the rear wheel to lock deliberately, the decisive capability the Strada does not offer. The windshield adjusts through five positions over a 70 mm range and can be moved one-handed while riding. Cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control are standard on the TT through the six-axis IMU.

Chassis: 170 mm USD Fork, Twin 320 mm Brembos, Four Riding Modes—Agile for Its Weight, With Limits at a Very Fast Pace

The basic suspension architecture is shared with the Strada: a 41 mm USD fork with 170 mm of travel and a 170 mm rear monoshock, both adjustable for preload and damping. Braking comes from twin floating 320 mm Brembo front discs and a 260 mm rear disc. For 2024, each front disc became 290 grams lighter, reducing unsprung mass while retaining the already strong braking performance.

At 230 kg ready to ride, the TT is four kilograms heavier than the Strada because of its spoke wheels and off-road equipment. On the move, however, that weight is far less obvious than the figure suggests, and the motorcycle feels surprisingly agile. At a very aggressive pace, the suspension can bottom. For trail touring and farm roads, the TT is well equipped; deep potholes hit at speed demand restraint. Wheelbase is 1,530 mm and seat height 830 mm, identical to the Strada and TT Travel. Optional seats lower the bike to 810 mm or raise it to 850 mm.

Ergonomics: 830 mm, 230 kg, Upright Enduro Position—Relaxed for Tall Riders, Windshield Fit Should Be Tested

An 830 mm seat height is moderate for an adventure tourer. The 23-liter tank is sensibly narrowed around the knees, reducing leg spread. The seating position is genuinely comfortable, with a well-shaped saddle, wide handlebar, and centrally positioned footpegs designed for relaxed, upright touring. Standing on the pegs for off-road sections also works naturally.

The standard windshield offers five positions and 70 mm of adjustment, but it does not suit every body size equally well. Tall riders may experience helmet turbulence, while shorter riders tend to be well protected. The TT Travel uses a larger screen with side deflectors, so riders covering a lot of Autobahn mileage should consider the Travel or an accessory windshield. At around 4.9 L/100 km, the 23-liter tank provides more than 400 km of range.

Cost: EUR 13,499—More Than Road-Focused Rivals, but Shaft Drive, Offroad Mode and Full IMU Electronics Are Included

At EUR 13,499, the TT costs more than its direct road-oriented rivals. The Honda XL750 Transalp is around EUR 11,500 with 92 hp, 208 kg, and no shaft drive. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is around EUR 11,600 with 73 hp, 204 kg, and no shaft drive. The Moto Guzzi is more expensive than both, but it is also the only one with shaft drive. Variable valve timing, Offroad mode, Michelin Anakee tires, hand guards, skid plate, and cruise control are standard as well. Over the long term, the shaft drive reduces routine maintenance: no chain lubrication, adjustment, or replacement.

Verdict

For 2026, the V85 TT remains the most important and best-balanced model in the V85 family. Shaft drive, Offroad mode, Michelin Anakee Adventure tires, spoke wheels, skid plate, hand guards, and cruise control are all standard. Riders looking for a characterful middleweight touring motorcycle that is equally comfortable on backroads, gravel, and farm tracks—and who value shaft drive—will struggle to find a better alternative in the class. The limits are clear: no quickshifter, suspension that can reach its limits at a very hard pace, and 230 kg ready to ride.

Quick Check

+ Shaft drive standard: unique among middleweight adventure tourers in this price class; no chain service and low maintenance.

+ Offroad riding mode standard: rear ABS can be disabled.

+ Cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control through a six-axis IMU standard.

+ Michelin Anakee Adventure 80/20 tires: a good road/off-road compromise that suits the TT concept.

+ Variable valve timing from 2024: stronger torque from 3,000 rpm and more midrange than the predecessor.

+ Painted red steel-tube frame: iconic TT design feature and immediately recognizable.

+ Aluminum sump guard, hand guards, and luggage rack standard.

+ Cruise control standard.

+ Rear spring preload adjustable by handwheel without tools, convenient when traveling.

+ Five-position windshield with 70 mm adjustment, operable one-handed while riding.

+ 5-inch color TFT with good readability; four riding modes including Offroad.

+ 23-liter tank: more than 400 km range.

+ Strong used-value stability according to sources.

+ Full, bass-heavy V-twin sound: an emotional reason to buy that remains genuinely distinctive.

 

– No quickshifter, not even as an extra-cost option.

– 230 kg: shaft drive and standard equipment explain part of the additional mass.

– Suspension can bottom at a very aggressive pace; this is not a sport bike.

– 80 hp: below the performance average of some class rivals.

– Standard windshield may create helmet turbulence for riders above roughly 1.85 m; a test ride is important.

– Tachometer display in the TFT is too small.

– Engine is slightly rough below 3,500 rpm; best touring range begins above that point.

– MIA Bluetooth/smartphone connectivity is optional; standard on TT Travel.

– MY2026 brings only new colors; a discounted MY2024/2025 bike is mechanically identical.

 

Technical Specifications: Moto Guzzi V85 TT (2026)

Brand / Production: Moto Guzzi, Piaggio Group; Mandello del Lario plant, Lake Como, Italy; V85 TT in production since 2019

Engine: Longitudinal air-cooled 90-degree V-twin, 853 cc, two valves per cylinder, OHV; variable valve timing since 2024; Ride-by-Wire with 52 mm throttle body; titanium intake valves; semi-dry-sump lubrication; Euro 5+; six-speed; shaft drive; single-plate dry clutch

Power: 80 hp / 59 kW at 7,750 rpm

Torque: 83 Nm at 5,100 rpm; 90 percent available from 3,500 rpm

TT-Specific Equipment: Tubeless wire-spoke wheels; Michelin Anakee Adventure; Offroad riding mode; six-axis IMU standard; aluminum sump guard; hand guards; luggage rack; painted red steel-tube frame; cruise control

Riding Modes: Four: Road / Sport / Rain / Offroad; rear ABS can be disabled in Offroad mode

Frame: Painted steel trellis frame; engine as stressed member; double-sided swingarm pivoted at gearbox housing

Fork: 41 mm USD; adjustable preload and damping; 170 mm travel

Rear Shock: Monoshock; handwheel preload adjustment without tools plus damping adjustment; 170 mm travel

Front Brake: Brembo; twin floating 320 mm discs, each 290 g lighter since 2024; cornering ABS through six-axis IMU standard

Rear Brake: 260 mm disc; ABS; rear ABS switchable in Offroad mode

Wheels: Tubeless wire-spoke wheels since 2021; 19-inch front / 17-inch rear

Tires: 110/80-19 front / 150/70-17 rear; Michelin Anakee Adventure, 80/20 profile

Windshield: Five-position adjustable, 70 mm range; one-handed adjustment while riding

Cockpit: 5-inch color TFT; USB port; full LED lighting; eagle daytime-running light; MIA connectivity optional

Ergonomics: Upright; wide handlebar; centrally positioned footpegs; 830 mm seat height; optional 810 or 850 mm seats; knee recesses in tank; tall riders should test windshield fit

Weight: 230 kg fully fueled

Seat Height: 830 mm, optional 810 or 850 mm

Wheelbase: 1,530 mm

Fuel Tank: 23 liters; more than 400 km range

Fuel Consumption: Approx. 4.9 L/100 km, manufacturer figure

2026 Colors: Giallo Wadi, desert-sand yellow; Grigio Yanar Dag, gray named after Azerbaijan’s burning gas hillside

German Price: EUR 13,499