Moto Guzzi V85 scrambler concept

Moto Guzzi has unveiled a V85 scrambler concept at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, but it’s not their first scrambler venture.

The Mandello del Lario company is no stranger to scramblers.

It already has produced the limited-edition V7 Stornello scrambler and previously released scrambler kits for the V7 which is also updated for 2018.

The V85 concept scrambler is powered by a new 90° transverse air-cooled 850cc V-twin with 59kW of power. That compares with the 853cc V9’s 40kW.

There is no word on when the bike will go into production, but it is expected to be the first of a new range based on the new engine.

It would be a good addition to their line-up to complete with the popular 800cc Ducati Scrambler, 999cc Triumph Scrambler and 1200cc BMW R nineT.

V85 off-road credentials

V85 would also help plug a void left by the demise of the Stelvio adventure bike which could not meet Euro4 emissions targets.

The concept is a tribute to the Moto Guzzis that competed in African rally raids and the Dakar rally in the 1908s.

It features a high, off-road mudguard, high scrambler exhaust pipe, twin headlights, wired wheels, tubular steel frame, bash plate, high clearance and 1980s motorsport colour scheme.

In fact, it looks a lot more off-road capable than any of the other scramblers on the market, probably to plug the Stelvio gap.

The unique asymmetric swingarm houses the shaft drive. It allows for a direct-mount Ohlins mono shock that is easy to access for adjustment. The V85 also features Ohlins forks.

2018 V7 III

The V7 III family is growing with new Carbon, Rough and Milan special custom variants.

V7 III Carbon is a numbered, limited edition model with a host of carbon fibre bits and pieces and red accents in the engine heads, Alcantara seat stitching and Brembo front brake calliper.

The Rough has knobby tyres, spoked wheels, passenger grab strap and aluminium side fairings.

V7 III Milano has dual circular instrumentation, chrome exhausts, shiny tank and a chrome passenger grab rail.

2018 V9

Moto Guzzi has also updated the V9 Roamer and Bobber.

V9 Roamer gets new rear shocks and a new protective top fairing. V9 Bobber gains new opaque graphics and comes in Impeto blue, black Notte, and Tempesta grey.

There is no word yet from Moto Guzzi Australia on arrival or pricing.