Test: Moto Guzzi V85 TT Traveler (2020) // Real Old School Traveler

There is a factory in Mandella del Lario that looks like a socialist factory - hundreds of workers in blue overalls, with toothpicks or cigarettes in their mouths, with their hands in their pockets, return to work at noon. Kneeling surrounding, almost hilly. They are brought in to replace them on motorized Fiats or three-wheeled motor-cultivators with two-cylinder engines, air-cooled Guzzi unit. Indestructible seems to be eternal. People there, on the shores of Lake Como, choose simple and durable technology.

Gift of memory

Moto Guzzi is owned by the Piaggio family, whose bosses are aware of the need to develop tradition and classic Guzzi charm. In recent years, the models have been redesigned and used to impress buyers. They managed to create a classic motorcycle look and a familiar but updated technique that has remained largely unchanged, or at least similar over the decades.... Technique of the XNUMX's, in principle, does not mean anything bad, on the contrary, in the flow of soulless brands and the abundance of models on the market there is even a trump card that Guzzi is betting on.

Some modern components have been added to this classic frame, such as modern TFT screens that display all relevant information, engine modes, ABS and rear wheel slip control, and more attention has been paid to a higher level of workmanship. Thus, Guzzi's motto acquired a touch of nobility, perhaps even exclusivity.

All of this also applies to the V85 TT Traveler, a completely new model in Guzzi's offer that I can fit into the classic touring enduro segment.... So, into a segment that has been missing from Guzzi's offer so far. This is a notch higher than the V85 TT model, with some additional equipment (side bodies, windshield, additional LED headlights, other color combination).

They took creation for inspiration Claudio Torri, who participated in the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally in 1985 with the V 65 TT enduro motorcycle.... For example, the red bezel and yellow plastic fuel tank, which is otherwise available in the V85 TT as one of the motorcycle color combinations, resemble it.

Moderately careless, resolutely cheerful

In the off-road motorsport that the V85 TT is flirting with, it is a rule that such a ready-to-ride motorcycle is also highly regarded in the field. But that's not entirely true for the new Guzzi, as the seat is only 83 centimeters off the ground, which means it can be operated by both smaller drivers and female drivers.... The wide handlebar with protective plastic at the ends provides a comfortable handling, the weight ratio is balanced and I didn't feel that 229 pounds while driving.

The driving position is comfortable, which, of course, will come in handy for long walks, and even more so when driving off-road. I was impressed by the TFT screen in blue combination, as it emphasizes the nobility of the motorcycle, and at the same time proves that the V85 is a modern motorcycle, despite the inspiration from the XNUMXs.... You might also think about navigation, which works when you connect your smartphone to the motorcycle screen.

The unit is reliable in Guzzi style, made in a classic style, but now extensively updated (even titanium is used), the transverse four-stroke two-cylinder V-design also has three work programs in the spirit of modernity (Road, Rain and Off-road). The driver adjusts and changes them using the switches on the left and right side of the steering wheel, while the ABS sensitivity and the degree of traction of the rear wheel are also changed / adjusted when the engine operating parameters change.

At low revs and at lower speeds, the bike is relaxed, controllable and quite responsive both on the ground and on the road. With a screwed gas lever, he squeezes 80 “horses” out of mechanical lungs.The single exhaust also emits a pleasant specific deep sound, and the Brembo brakes do the job well. When cornering, it retains its direction well, does not expand the curve, and at the same time it reliably travels on crushed stone roads.

With a traditional, tried and tested technique that also includes otherwise fairly damped engine vibrations, with modern additions to a few stiff shapes and charisma, it will especially impress those fascinated by the golden years of motorcycling. nostalgia.

• Basic data

• Technical information

  engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, transverse, V-shaped, air-cooled, three work programs, 853 cc

  Power: 59,0 kW (80 hp) at 7.750 volts / min

  Torque: 80,0 Nm at 5.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: six-speed transmission, cardan

  Frame: steel pipe

  brakes: front disc 320 mm, rear disc 260 mm, ABS standard

  Suspension: 41mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, rear adjustable single shock

  Tires: 110/80 19, 150/70 17

  Growth: 830 mm

  Fuel tank: 23

  Wheelbase: 1.594 mm

  Weight: 229 kg

We praise and reproach

engine

driving performance

driver position

character

final grade

This Guzzi Traveler will appeal to those buyers who believe in tradition and the Italian brand. With excellent handling and ease of handling, it can impress many people outside of this circle of fans.