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Moto Guzzi just rolled out a range of updates for their V85 TT, V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber for 2021, all still based on the brand’s famous 90-degree, transverse V-twin. The updates mostly focus on engine tweaks and added niceties, so let’s take a look at the ‘21s. (More details, like prices and availability, will be added as Moto Guzzi releases them.)
2021 Moto Guzzi V85 TT and V85 TT Travel
We first tested the V85 TT in early 2019 and the model went on to become quite the sales success for Moto Guzzi.
Still, the ADV segment is highly competitive, so we’ll be seeing a range of updates to improve this retro-adventurer’s power, performance, and rider comfort. The engine, already EURO-compliant, “now has greater torque at low and medium rpm thanks to optimized lifting of the pushrod and rockers timing cams and a consequent adapting of the engine control electronics.” Guzzi’s press release didn’t quantify this torque boost, nor did they mention any other performance changes, so horsepower should remain at 80. Other tech updates include the addition of Sport and Custom ride modes, which join the existing Strada, Pioggia, and Off-road modes to alter traction control, ABS, and power delivery.
The other major news item for the V85 TT is the arrival of new rims that support tubeless tires. This is a huge deal for ADV bikes “They guarantee about 1.5 kg lower weight,” says Moto Guzzi, “reducing the unsprung masses which benefits the already outstanding riding dynamic.” All these updates apply to both the V85 TT and the farkled-out V85 TT Travel.
New variations of the V85 TT’s colors have also been unveiled: Nero Etna for the matte black crowd, Giallo Mojave and Rosso Uluru. (Mount Etna and the Mojave Desert are well-known natural wonders, but if you’ve never looked up Uluru, you’re in for a treat.)
2021 V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber
Calling the bikes “profoundly revamped,” Moto Guzzi also debuted the 2021 V9s this week. Both bikes now use a variation of the V85 TT’s engine, producing 65 horsepower and 53 foot-pounds of torque. That’s certainly milder than the V85, although the Roamer and Bobber are Guzzi’s takes on the laid-back cruiser/custom style. (I’ll save my thoughts on the Bobber name for another time.) The change also means that the V85 TT, the V9s, and the V7s all share the same basic powerplant, even though the model names are semi-rooted in tradition. How very BMW of you, Moto Guzzi...
Anyway, Guzzi beefed up the headstock for the new bikes and rubber-mounted the footpegs for better rider comfort. The changes above, plus some new Grigio Lunare, round out the updates for the Roamer. The Bobber, on the other hand, gained a new saddle, aluminum side panels, and a trimmed (bobbed?) front fender.
They also added a small digital dash and LED lighting, including an eagle DRL that echoes the V85 TT’s. Thoughts on the “wingtip” protrusions on the headlight and dash? The V9 bobber comes murdered-out in matte Nero Essenziale.
Moto Guzzi seemed to get some wind under their wings with the V85 TT, and with these updates for the V9s, too, we’ll keep an eye out for more news from Mandello. By the way, happy birthday to Moto Guzzi, which turns 100 this year.
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