The Moto Guzzi V85 TT is 14kg heavier than the Honda XL750 Transalp, with a seat 20mm lower, and scores 4/10 against 4/10 on the Holloway Green Lane Score.
4/10V85 TT
4/10Transalp
Which suits you
Choose the Transalp if low-speed control and picking it up after a drop matter most: it is 14kg lighter wet.
The V85 TT has the lower seat by 20mm, which matters more on a rutted lane than on the road if you are shorter in the leg.
The Transalp runs a 21" front wheel against 19". The bigger wheel rolls over ruts and stones more easily and opens up more knobbly tyre choices.
The V85 TT goes further on a tank, roughly 290 miles against 245, which helps on lanes where fuel stops are far apart.
A tick marks the better figure for green laning. Manufacturer figures; weights are wet unless marked as estimates.
Where they sit against every other bike
Wet weight against ground clearance across the whole Bike Finder. Light and tall, top left, is where the easiest green lane bikes sit.
Our take on each
Moto Guzzi V85 TT: A charming, low-maintenance retro twin that's happy on gentle gravel, its weight and modest suspension travel limit it on anything more demanding.
Honda XL750 Transalp: A smooth, comfortable all-rounder better suited to gravel and light lanes than serious technical green laning, the soft suspension and low clearance are the limiting factor.
Remember: rider ability, tyres and the weather on the day move the real answer more than the bike does. Check each lane's own difficulty and legal status before you ride.
Find where to ride either one
Plan a day of legal green lanes across England and Wales on Holloway's map, with each lane's difficulty and status.
