2012 Moto Guzzi Stelvio test in Motorcyclist

J. Clay — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:48:56 +0000

photo: Motorcyclist magazine

The September 2011 issues Rider Magazine and Motorcyclist Magazine, each feature Moto Guzzi motorcycle reviews. The bikes tested were the 2011 Norge 8V in Rider, and the 2012 Stelvio in Motorcyclist.

Both of the magazines gave very positive reviews. The Norge and the new 2012 Stelvio are rated as world-class motorcycles and seem to be very well deserving of the publicity.

The 2012 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V featured in Motorcyclist’s “First Time Ride” got 3 full pages of coverage. The test bike is “Sienna Earth” orange with black trim and some matte aluminum features such as the muffler, valve covers, chassis and forks. Some of the new standard features on this adventure bike include traction control, ABS brakes, cast aluminum wheels, a 12V accessory outlet at the gauges, and a 8.5 gallon fuel tank.

Also new for the Stelvio are a reshaped adjustable seat, a new exhaust system, and new lifters and oil pump gears. The 1151 cc air cooled v-twin has a claimed 105 bhp horsepower @ 7000 rpm and 83 lb-ft torque at 5800 rpm. A substantial engine oil cooler is mounted in the center, between the two forward facing exhaust ports just below the dual headlights. It seems high enough to be out of the way of any stones and debris that might kick up from the front tire.

The verdict on the 2012 Moto Guzzi Stelvio from the Motorcyclist test is “This third generation Stelvio is no longer just a mere distinctive and quirky alternative to the deservedly popular BMW GS; it’s a legitimate rival that deserves to be taken seriously”. Rivals listed are BMW R1200GS, Ducati Multistrada 1200, Suzuki VStrom 1000, Triumph Tiger 1050, and the Yamaha Super Tenere. The Guzzi gets 4 out of 5 stars from the Motorcyclist test.

No price was listed at this time and availability of the 2012 Stelvio is said to be in the winter. The new Stelvio NTX version will be outfitted with luggage, guards, and other accessories for adventure riding.

Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 accessories for adventure Riding

J. Clay — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:25:05 +0000

Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 4V TT

The Moto Guzzi Guide is admiring the new fully equipped version of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 at the Milan show. This new TT motorcycle introduces a new line of factory Stelvio accessories designed for on-road and off-road travel. The color is new for this special new edition is described as a two-color magnesium. Other available colors for the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 are red, pearl white, and black.

Stelvio 1200 fans should be pleased with the new generously sized luggage, especially since it is designed to hold up to off-road adventures. The new panniers should also deflect the heat of the exhaust silencer without any trouble.

The new Stelvio 1200 (1151cc actual) v-twin engine has 11:1 compression and 4 lightweight valves per cylinder, also known as Quattrovalvole, with new 5mm valve stems and new conical valve springs. Also new is the twin 50mm throttle bodies and IWP 189 Marelli fuel injectors help this maxi-enduro motorcyle produce 108 Nm torque at 6400 rpm and 77 kW power at 7500 rpm for devouring whatever obstacles you want to navigate over.

To control all the power and torque, shaft drive is combined with a single arm rear suspension system, known as the Moto Guzzi CARC system. The CARC system is also utilized on other high end Moto Guzzi motorcycles, such as the Norge 1200. A six speed transmission is standard.

Front suspension travel is 170mm and is cushioned by 50 mm upside-down fork tubes. Rear travel is 155mm.

To help light up the trails, the 12 volt alternator on the Stelvio 1200 motorcycle puts out a healthy 550 Watts, which is a very nice improvement over some of the Moto Guzzi alternators of past, and even over some current street models.

Owners of the Moto Guzzi California Vintage, including yours truly, have learned not to use the auxiliary lights for very long, and only at higher revs since the “improved” 350 Watt alternator does not seem to keep up with them at normal cruising rpm and the battery begins to weaken. Fortunately, Stelvio 1200 owners should not have such trivial problems, and should have plenty of juice left over to power other accessories.

Weight of the Stelvio 1200, in standard form, is rated at 214 kg dry and 251 kg ready to ride.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 has been in high demand world wide since the introduction in parts of Europe. Sales of the Stelvio have started in the USA in 2008. While the Stelvio has been a little hard to find at first, it is sure to become a winner in fine Moto Guzzi historic Italian fashion.

The Moto Guzzi Guide » Moto Guzzi Stelvio

2012 Moto Guzzi Stelvio test in Motorcyclist

Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 accessories for adventure Riding