In a parking lot full of beaked ADV-style touring bikes, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT Adventure stands out in many of the right ways: an eye-catching paint scheme, a high front fender, classic twin headlights bisected by the Moto Guzzi eagle motif and, of course, that distinctive and all-new ?flying? V-twin engine. Photos by Kevin Wing.

We?ve been looking forward to getting our hands on the Moto Guzzi V85 TT, the latest bike to roll out of Italy?s oldest motorcycle manufacturer, since our first ride on one at the press launch last spring (read the review here). The V85 TT (tutto terrano, or all-terrain) appeared to be a Goldilocks ride for those looking for a friendly, accessible middleweight adventure tourer, with a 32.7-inch seat (a 31.9-inch low option is also available), narrow waist and claimed 505-pound wet weight. Its styling turns heads, too, especially in either of the two “Adventure” color combos. But the big news is its new air-cooled, 853cc, OHV two-valve-per-cylinder 90-degree “flying” V-twin engine, launched initially in the V85 TT with more models to follow. Technical details on the new engine can be found in our First Ride Review, but in summary the new powerplant is quicker-revving with a higher redline, and lighter, quieter and smoother than previous Guzzi small-blocks. Ground clearance is an ADV-friendly 8.3 inches, thanks to a redesigned gearbox and clutch housing and a tubular steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, el...