The Moto Guzzi V85 TT is arguably one of the most underrated adventure bikes currently available in the market. All too often, more performance-oriented machines tend to get the spotlight. Bikes like the KTM 890 Adventure and BMW F 850 GS are well and truly amazing machines, however, you can't really deny the retro-inspired charm the V85 TT brings to the table.
With modern-day adventure bikes being rolling technological masterpieces, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT takes a step back, giving riders of today a taste of much simpler times. Its air-cooled, transversely mounted, 90-degree V-twin makes use of rather simplistic componentry, equipped with nothing more than two valves per cylinder and good, old-fashioned air-cooling. It does, however, feature a couple of electronic rider aids and a full-color TFT display. Nonetheless, it presents itself as a rather unique flavor in the present-day ADV market.
To add even more charm and head-turning presence to this bike, Italian exhaust maker Zard has released new slip-on options meant to improve looks, offer a breathtaking sound, and incrementally enhance performance. Zard's slip-on line for the V85 TT is completely street-legal, with Euro 5-homologation available as an option. In terms of styling, it's clear that Zard has paid a lot fo attention to detail, as the slip-on system makes for a beautiful centerpiece to the already aesthetically pleasing V85 TT, further enhancing the bike's premium look and feel.
On the technical side of things, the exhaust pipe's titanium body and carbon-fiber end cap provide substantial weight savings. For reference, the stock system tips the scales at 5.3 kilograms, while Zard's slip-on weighs in at just 3 kilograms. On the performance side of things, Zard's dyno sheet reveals a tiny, two-horsepower increase at around 7,600 RPM, and a claimed improvement in overall throttle response and power delivery across the rev range. The slip-on exhaust requires no remapping or tuning of the ECU.
The Zard slip-on range for the Moto Guzzi V85 TT is available in two color options—Titanium or Black, and comes complete with all mounting hardware consisting of a carbon-fiber clamp, cend-cap, and heat shield. Price starts at 488.36 Euros, translating to $566.50 USD, but can increase depending on whether or not you opt for the Euro 5 homologation option, which retails for 503.85 Euros, or the equivalent of $584.50 USD.
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Source: Officine Zard