Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi V85 specifications and features
Discontinued 2020Every figure from the manufacturer's sheet, plus what each feature actually does for you.
The numbers in context
Each figure read against the 149 sports bikes we have reviewed.
The figures below are the manufacturer's. To make them mean something, each is read against the 149 sports bikes we have reviewed: the class average is the number to beat, and the rank shows how far the V85 is from the ends of the field.
The 853 cc engine is 315 cc above the class average of 538 cc, 37th of 149. Peak power of 78 bhp is 11.9 bhp above the class average of 66.1 bhp, 47th of 149. The extra power is what you feel on an overtake with a pillion. Torque of 80 Nm is 26.8 Nm above the class average of 53.2 Nm, 37th of 149. High torque for the class means fewer downshifts in traffic.
Kerb weight is 229 kg, 47 kg above the class average of 182 kg, 138th of 147. Expect that mass to show in traffic and when paddling it backwards, though it also helps stability at speed. Seat height is 830 mm, right on the class average of 813 mm. Riders under 5'7" should sit on one before signing; you may be on tiptoe at signals. Fuel tank is 23 litres, 8.8 litres above the class average of 14.2 litres, 3rd of 146.
Full specification sheet
Engine
- Engine
- 853 cc
- Engine type
- 2 Cylinder, Air Cooled, 2 Valves
- Power
- 78 bhp
- Torque
- 80 Nm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Transmission
- 6 Speed
Tyres
- Front tyre
- 110/80-R19
- Rear tyre
- 150/70-R17
Dimensions
- Kerb weight
- 229 kg
- Fuel tank
- 23 L
- Seat height
- 830 mm
Brakes & suspension
- Front brake
- Disc, 320 mm
- Rear brake
- Disc, 260 mm
- ABS / CBS
- Dual Channel ABS
- Front suspension
- Upside down hydraulic telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Swingarm Twin sided with lateral mono shock absorber
Source: Moto Guzzi official specifications. Figures can differ between variants; the table shows the range offered.
Dimensions in practice
The V85 weighs 229 kg with fluids, has an 830 mm seat.
The fuel tank holds 23 litres.
Tyres are 110/80-R19 front and 150/70-R17 rear.
Features, and why each matters
Grouped by what they do for you. Underlined items link to a plain-English explainer.
Safety and braking
Stops both wheels from locking under panic braking. The single biggest safety upgrade on a two-wheeler.
Front disc brake
Sheds heat and works when wet. Worth the small premium over a drum on any commuter.
Rear disc brake
Adds feel and fade resistance at the back; matters more on heavier or faster bikes.
Chassis
USD front forks
Stiffer than conventional forks, so the front feels planted under hard braking.
Rear monoshock
One central shock instead of twin units; usually better damping on broken roads.
Convenience
Engine kill switch
Switch the engine off from the right bar without reaching for the key.
Equipment against Z1100, Monster and 890 Duke R
Equipment present on at least one variant of each; check the variant table for trim-specific items.
Only the V85 has
- Nothing its rivals lack
Rivals have, it lacks
- Tubeless tyres
- Alloy wheels
- Traction control
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Hazard lamps
- Slipper clutch
- LED headlamp
- LED daytime running lamp
- LED tail lamp
- Colour TFT console
- Digital console
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Ride modes
- USB charging port
Colours
V85 specs: questions people ask
- What is the engine capacity and power of the V85?
- It uses a 853cc engine producing 78 bhp and 80 Nm, with a 6 speed.
- Is the V85 suitable for short riders?
- It is on the tall side at 830 mm. Riders under 5'6" may be on tiptoe at stops and should try it before buying.
- Does the V85 have ABS?
- Yes, dual-channel ABS.
- What features does the V85 have?
- 6 items across 3 groups, including dual-channel abs, front disc brake, rear disc brake, usd front forks and rear monoshock. Some are variant-specific.