Dirt and Trail May 2020

off-road; however, it really offers a unique
sense of character and theatre that
transcends mere speed and power. More
so, and bear with us here, it might even be
the responsible choice.
Simplicity of design:
This Guzzi is the only middleweight
adventure machine to be equipped with
a shaft drive. Many may lament such a
thing and dismiss its power-sapping,
handling-stunting ways, but there is a
far greater chance of a chain ruining
your trip than a shaft. The
motor is air-cooled, a feature
that immediately portrays
an image of reduced
performance and dinosaur
technology, however, low-stress
air-cooled machines have a
tendency to keep steaming
forward when the radiator kids
have since had heart failure.
The frame – in Pennywise colouring
– is steel tubing and, in the unlikely
event that it might be necessary, can
be bent straight using a brick.
With this simplicity, is the very
unique V85 hardier machine than its
peers? Guzzi seems to think so.
Our experience – a bike to be used
every day.
Very nostalgic and unique. Fun
to ride with excellent handling and
suspension.
And she handled the gravel bits that
we rode just beautifully.
I’m pretty sure that this bike will
soon be included in a mid-range
adventure comparative ride in this here
magazine as soon as lockdown ends…
Conclusion:
Ladies and gentlemen, I can’t believe
I’m saying this, do the responsible
thing – go and check out this Guzzi.
The price for all this, with some
extras, is R225,700.
Included in that price is a threeyear/60,000km
maintenance plan
covering everything except tyres.
Think carefully about that – most
people buying this class of motorcycle
generally replace them within two to
three years. That means that during
the ownership of this motorcycle,
you will spend nothing on mechanical
maintenance – apart from tyres.
Pop down to IMI in Bryanston and
take it for a ride. You’ll see exactly what
we mean. www.italianmi.co.za
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