Moto Guzzi announce V85 concept

It looks like Moto Guzzi are gearing up for another stab at the adventure bike market with the announcement of the V85 concept in Milan. 

The bike is completely new from top-to-bottom and will mark the first time the company has returned to production on adventure bikes since the demise of the Stelvio – which fell victim to Euro 4 emission and noise regulations. 

Unlike the Stelvio, the V85 mixes classic and modern, with retro styling cues running through the veins of the bike 

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The star of the show is the 850cc V-twin engine that will make around 80bhp. It’s a brand-new motor from the Italian marque and will form the basis of a new series of mid-capacity motorcycles for Guzzi that will sit between the V7, V9 and large 1400cc cruisers.

The Italian firm are labelling the V85 as a ‘Classic Enduro’ machine and it’s not hard to see why. The fuel tank design has been inspired by the historic Guzzis that took part in African rally raids. Adding to the styling cues will be a high, off-road style front mudguard, twin headlight and paint scheme that could have only been imagined in the ‘80s. It certainly looks the part.

Helping it live up to the looks is the new tubular steel frame, tall profile, laced wheels and bash plate. The asymmetric swingarm is also a completely new development, allowing for a direct-mount Ohlins mono shock and also houses the new shaft drive transmission. Guzzi say that this makes it easier to access and adjust the rear suspension and also allows extra space for the exhaust system layout.

Moto Guzzi have unveiled the V85 prototype, featuring their new 850cc air-cooled engine that produces 80hp #Eicma2017

A post shared by MCN – motorcyclenews.com (@motorcyclenews) on Nov 7, 2017 at 4:57am PST

Matching the shock is a pair of Ohlins forks up front, which the Italians are stating allows generous room and travel for riding off road.

Guzzi are keeping tight-lipped about any production details or other models that will benefit from the new 850cc lump, but if it looks anything like this concept then we’re very excited to see the end result.

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