Moto Guzzi Goes Vintage with the new V85 Concept ADV Bike
The Moto Guzzi V85 concept was one of the most talked-about reveals at EICMA 2017 in Milan: an adventure bike that blends genuine off-road capability with the vintage Italian style the brand has championed for over a century. Built around an all-new 850cc air/oil-cooled 90-degree transverse V-twin producing around 80 hp, the V85 signals a bold new direction for Moto Guzzi between its V7 and V9 families.
A New Engine Built for Adventure
Unlike the V9 series engine it resembles in layout, Moto Guzzi confirmed the V85 runs a proprietary 850cc motor developed specifically for this platform. The transverse 90-degree V-twin is a signature Guzzi trait, but this unit is built from the ground up to handle the demands of a dual-sport adventure machine. Power is estimated at 80 hp, delivered through a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member for added rigidity and reduced weight.
Classic ADV Design with Modern Hardware
Visually, the V85 concept draws clear inspiration from the legendary adventure bikes of the 1980s, particularly the long-travel suspension, high-mounted fenders, wire-spoked wheels with blocky dual-sport tires, and the upright riding position that defined that era. The twin round LED headlights in their classic housings reinforce the retro-ADV aesthetic that fans of the original BMW GS series will instantly recognize.
The front suspension is handled by an inverted Ohlins fork for precision damping on and off-road, while the rear uses an asymmetric aluminum swingarm with a single right-side shock absorber, a layout that delivers the visual impression of a twin-shock setup from the right side. Brembo radial brakes provide the stopping power, and a clean digital instrument cluster keeps the cockpit uncluttered.
What the V85 Concept Represents for Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi describes the V85 as a motorcycle for riders who "never cease to dream of Dakar," yet want a machine that revives the spirit of adventure on everyday journeys. Whether the concept will translate into a genuine dual-sport or remain a design study in adventure aesthetics, the direction is clear: the Mandello del Lario manufacturer is not abandoning its roots, it is reinterpreting them for a new generation of riders who want character as much as capability.
The V85 concept would eventually evolve into the production V85 TT, a model that validated the design direction shown at EICMA 2017 and became one of the most distinctive adventure tourers in the mid-displacement segment.
Explore Vintage and Custom Motorcycles at TheArsenale
If the V85's blend of old-school aesthetics and modern engineering appeals to you, TheArsenale carries some of the finest examples of Italian and classic motorcycle culture. Explore the Moto Guzzi 850 Cafe Racer #37 by Herencia Custom Garage, a beautifully crafted interpretation of the iconic Guzzi twin, or discover the Moto Guzzi V7 One Of, a one-off custom that showcases the brand's timeless appeal. For adventure and enduro-inspired machines, the BMW R80 Six Days Enduro by Lucky Cat Garage captures the same dual-sport spirit that defines the V85. Browse the full motorcycles collection at TheArsenale to find the two-wheeled machines that match your vision.
