Moto Guzzi V85 Strada 2024 — Specifications

Who would have bet, five years ago, that Moto Guzzi would become a credible player in the mid-size adventure segment? Yet the V85, with its retro bird-of-prey face and its characterful L-twin, has found its audience. The 2024 Moto Guzzi V85 Strada pushes things a step further by fully embracing its road-going vocation. No more dirt-tarmac compromise: cast aluminum spoke wheels, 110/80-19 and 150/70-17 tires built for pavement, no skid plate or handguards. This version is the entry point to the range, the first neo-retro adventure bike on the market to so openly claim asphalt as its exclusive playground. And for those wondering what the Moto Guzzi V85 Strada costs, the answer comes in at €12,499. Recommended retail prices including VAT are €12,089 for the Moto Guzzi V85 Strada, €13,059 for the Moto Guzzi V85 TT, and €14,509 for the Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel. The Italian positions itself against the Suzuki V-Strom 800 and BMW F 800 GS, in a segment where character matters as much as the spec sheet.

The real showpiece of this model year hides inside the cylinder heads of the 853 cc twin. Mandello has grafted variable valve timing onto an air-cooled engine with two valves per cylinder and rocker arms. The principle is reminiscent of the GSX-R 1000: a centrifugal ball-bearing mechanism shifts the camshaft beyond 6,500 rpm to optimize cylinder filling according to engine speed. The result: the twin retains its 80 hp at 7,750 rpm and delivers 83.4 Nm of torque at 5,100 rpm, with 90% available from just 3,500 rpm. This gain in flexibility transforms the everyday riding experience. Variable valve timing is usually reserved for big-bore machines—BMW's 1250 Boxers, Ducati's V2 in the Multistrada, Honda's V-Tec on the VFR. Seeing it on an engine of this displacement, mated to a shaft drive, makes the V85 a unique proposition in its class.

On the road, the 4 kg of unsprung mass saved compared to the V85 TT thanks to the new wheels is immediately noticeable. The 2025 Moto Guzzi V85 Strada will retain this foundation, and it's easy to see why: the machine turns in with more eagerness through sequences of corners and responds more quickly to steering inputs. The steel trellis frame does the job without surprises, backed by a 41 mm inverted fork and a laterally mounted mono-shock, each offering 170 mm of travel with adjustable preload and rebound. The Brembo braking setup—two 320 mm discs gripped by four-piston radial calipers up front and a 260 mm disc at the rear—inspires confidence. The 226 kg wet weight stays within the segment's norm. Nobody will call it lightweight, but the low center of gravity of the L-twin compensates. The 830 mm seat height accommodates average-sized riders comfortably, and the 23-liter tank promises decent range for weekend rides.

On the electronics front, Guzzi keeps things understated but coherent. Three riding modes, cruise control, a 5-inch TFT display, and a USB port make up the standard equipment. The inertial measurement unit, which manages cornering ABS and traction control based on lean angle, remains optional—a questionable choice on a machine at this price point when the Japanese competition includes it as standard. The accessories catalog, 19 references including Öhlins shocks, heated grips, and smartphone connectivity via the MIA platform, allows owners to customize the beast but inflates the bill. For those looking for a used Moto Guzzi V85 Strada, the first examples are starting to appear on the market and represent an interesting alternative.

The V85 Strada doesn't claim to rival a Ténéré or a Tiger on dirt roads. It targets the urban and road rider who wants Italian character, an endearing engine, and original mechanicals without paying the price of a fully equipped adventure bike. Reviews of the 2025 Moto Guzzi V85 Strada will likely confirm this assessment: it's a niche machine, designed for those who prefer personality over versatility. And in a market saturated with sanitized adventure bikes, that honesty is something refreshing.