V85T5
Based on a 1987 Moto Guzzi 850 T5
Having recently owned a Moto Guzzi V85tt adventure bike in the same colour scheme, affectionately known as 'macdonalds', and needing a second bike to exhibit at the 2025 London Bike Shed Show, it was decided to build a 'restomod' mimicking that colour scheme using a 'Guzzi 850 T5 donor bike we had in stock.
I instantly loved the colours on the V85tt and thought it would great to add a splash of vibrancy to this rather overlooked model as well as adding some modernity to this Tonti framed classic.
Once all the bodywork was stripped off, the first job was to create a loop at the back of the normally straight frame rails. This not only gave it a visually different appearance but also to give a bit more clearance for the new alloy mudguard to which it's mounted to. The stock tank is not the prettiest that Guzzi made so a Le Mans tank, that just happened to be in stock, was modified to fit. A new seat base in alloy was then fabricated and foamed up to blend in with the new tank, be comfortable and be pillion friendly. Glenn Moger, our 'go to' upholsterer did a great job covering the seat in black leather with a central stripe that carries on from the tank stripe and a neat tricolore SRC logo on the rear. Next to be fabricated was the under seat tray to house the Motogadget M-Unit and new Sasche digital, programmable ignition control unit and to mate everything up a new bespoke wiring loom was created which feeds the new push button switches, LED lighting and Motogadget LED mini indicators. A powerful but lightweight Antigravity Lithium Iron battery now takes the place of the huge old Lead Acid one and a Ricks reg/rec ensures it never gets too much charge. We all know what happens with L.I. batteries if they get too hot!
New side panels were required so it was out with the cardboard to create a template before transferring that onto alloy sheet, bending then welding up.
With frame at the powdercoaters getting a Ferrari Red makeover and all the bodywork at our paintshop, Wicked Coatings, it was time to turn our attention to the motor and transmission. Although the motor was in good shape it still needed inspecting and a refresh before a colour change and some upgrades including a Ram single plate clutch with a lightened and balanced flywheel which not only lets the motor spin up faster, it gives a delightfully light clutch lever action which older Guzzi's never possessed! The Transmission was pulled apart and treated to new bearings, seals and a re-shim.
The suspension didn't get overlooked with air assist cartridges in the forks, new seals and oil and a set of slightly longer, fully adjustable 'piggy back' YSS shocks with Ferrari red springs to match the frame.
Before the wheels could be shod with new Avon Roadriders, they were treated to some polishing, repaint and a Tricolore flag as a nod to the bikes heritage.
With the intake sorted with refreshed Dellorto carbs topped off with alloy 'trumpets', the exhaust needed something nice so a full OS Pipes stainless system was fitted which gives a lovely deep tone without been too loud for the noise police.
Well the build got finished in the nick of time to make the Bike Shed Show and took pride of place next to our other build, "El Hombre Gris" a BM R65/860 scrambler. Oh, and "V85T5" got sold there to its eager new owner who will be taking delivery shortly.
Side Rock Cycles