Moto Guzzi V85 TT Guardia D’Onore First Look Preview

Most “classic” Italian culture is mere invention of early 20th century nationalism and futuristic ideals. To be Italian is to be obsessed with what comes next. As such, Moto Guzzi is celebrating its place in Italian history with a hand firmly on the throttle-by-wire.

The new Moto Guzzi V85 TT Guardia D’Onore streetbike salutes the (roughly) 100-year anniversary of the oldest continuously produced European motorcycle, with a nod to another epic milestone—the creation of the modern Italian state. Of course they chose an adventure bike.

The V85 TT’s simple black and white livery harkens to Moto Guzzi’s service to the Cuirassiers, the honor guard and police security of the president of the Italian Republic. Founded 75 years ago in 1946, the age of equestrian travel by dignitaries was coming to a close. VIPs now traveled by car, with security escorting alongside on motorcycles. What motorcycle would be suitable for il presidente? Enter the Guzzi, pride of Mandello.

An adventure bike makes sense, given Guzzi’s early military models like the Alce (meaning Elk), featuring forward-leaning single cylinders and amazing clearance for the 1930s. The V85 TT Guardia D’Onore follows the same spiritual path.

Numbering just 1,946 production models, each Guardia D’Onore will have its unit number engraved on the handlebar riser. An oversize touring windscreen is matched with a centerstand, engine guard bars, and supplementary LED lights to round out the package. Side panniers specific to this model and design are also available.

Buyers will also get a celebratory case that includes a booklet with the history of Moto Guzzi bikes and their use by the Cuirassiers, as well as a stamp collector’s folder with a postmarked stamp issued specifically for Guzzi’s centennial.

And beyond the pomp and pageantry there’s, well, performance. The V85 TT underneath the stripes might be the best part. Introduced in 2020, the TT made an impression on the growing stable of midsize adventure twins. With 853cc putting out 80 hp with 59 pound-feet of torque, the numbers put it squarely in the middle of any heated ADV debate.

And of course, the Guardia D’Onore is based on the TT Travel edition, with it’s higher-level adventure spec. The Carabinieri always travel prepared.