Moto Guzzi Stelvio returns: A robust contender in adventure touring
I would completely understand if someone bought a Moto Guzzi Stelvio just for its engine. The Italian motorcycle holds strong appeal, but the competition is intense.
I press the starter button. The 1-litre, two-cylinder engine comes to life immediately. The Stelvio shakes from side to side. I shift into first gear, accompanied by an unnecessarily loud "KLANG," audible even to the driver next to me. I take off.
The Stelvio has returned to the market after a few years. 2017, the model could not meet emission standards, forcing it off the market. The new Stelvio was developed alongside the V100 Mandello, which features active aerodynamics as the first production motorcycle. While the Mandello is intended to be a universal motorcycle, the Stelvio was designed as an adventure tourer from the start.
Just take a look at the 19-inch front wheel. Brand representatives stated this is the maximum size available, as they are not interested in diverting customers from the more off-road-focused Honda Africa Twin. The Italian motorcycle is meant to carve out its own niche.
The 1-litre engine, used only in the V100 Mandello so far, has a characteristic, raspy sound. It is also surprisingly flexible. While the full 105 Nm is available at around 6750 rpm, in practice, you can shift into third gear in the city and forget about changing gears. This is partly due to the short gear ratios. At around 5000 rpm, vibrations appear in the handlebars and footrests. This happens at a speed of around 80 km/h. With a tank capacity of 5.6 gallons, you can cover about 250 miles.
The Stelvio has an electronically adjustable windshield, which does not feel entirely well-mounted. In the lowest setting, the air hits me at shoulder height. In contrast, in the highest setting – the wind reaches the last inch of my helmet (I stand 5'11"). However, the seating position is comfortable, and contrary to appearances, your knees do not touch the cylinder heads. Thanks to the comfortable seat, you can ride through a whole tank "in one go" without suffering from discomfort. The seat is 32.7 inches high, and I found it challenging to touch the ground comfortably. And let's not hide it: the Stelvio is a bit heavy – exactly 542 pounds, including fluids. But, in return, we do get a shaft drive.
Theoretically, you could have some fun off-road with a suspension travel of 6.7 inches. But a quick glance at the slightly longer wheelbase compared to the Mandello and that the Michelin Anakee tires are primarily designed for asphalt (and "handle" off-road) reminds you to stay on paved roads. There is even an appropriate riding mode for every condition – one of five, where differences include, for instance, ABS operation or throttle response. The Stelvio feels right at home in corners and eagerly dives into bends.
Standard features include LED lighting with cornering lights, cornering-aware ABS, cruise control, and hand guards. Options include a tire pressure sensor and a quick-shifter. The price? CAD 23,966.
But that's not the end: there is also the PFF version at CAD 25,604. In this case, you get, for example, a blind-spot warning system or a lane-change assistant. Optionally, you can add adaptive cruise control.
On paper, everything checks out: we have a new platform, a charismatic engine, and great usability. However, there is also enormous competition: BMW F900 GS Adventure, Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX, and even the V-Strom or Yamaha Tracer 9.
Choosing a model in this segment has never been so difficult. The more options, the harder it gets. It's fair to say it's easier to choose with your heart than by analyzing technical data. And in this category, Italian brands have always had something special to offer.
