MaxMoto News. 31/10/07
(Update:21/03/08 Demo now available! )

Moto Guzzi's new big trailie, the Stelvio, has had quite a long gestation, going through dealer assessments and several redesigns until they got it just right, is to be launched at the Milan Motorcycle Show next week.

Up against the top selling BMW 1200GS, Guzzi have gone for a street focused setup, with the narrowest design in it's class, excellent manoeuvrability and huge steering lock, so expect to see plenty of these commuting in the pot holed capitals of Europe, as well as touring up and down loose surfaced Alpine pass roads, rather than off road trails in the mountains.

It gets the latest 1200 cc, eight valve engine tuned for big v-twin torque and less peak power at a bit over 100 bhp, making the Stelvio particularly versatile and suited for all applications and a range of terrains.

The wind tunnel tested adjustable screen on the integrated nose fairing and sculpted fuel tank assembly should give the rider good protection despite the lack of bulk. There are small lockable pockets in the side of the tank for mobile phones, small change and the like. A mounting point for TomTom's Rider GPS has also been provided.

The chassis is all new with longer suspension travel at both ends and Guzzi's single sided swing arm with CARC reduced torque reaction integrated shaft drive and easy adjust preload knob. The front gets fully adjustable 50mm Mazzocchi forks.

Brakes are radial Brembos with steel braided hoses on twin discs and the wheels are attractive spokes on anodised black rims with Pirelli Scorpion Sync tubeless tyres. ABS will be an option.

Fittings for the panniers are integrated in the frame, contoured to the bike for less width and no unsightly pannier frames. Plus there's an optional click-on rear rack and top box.

The seat is adjustable to three different positions, giving the rider a much more comfortable, tailored proposition than the competition. Included as standard is a centre stand.

In addition to the red shown, the Stelvio should be available in white and black.

It's a thoroughly good looking and modern bike, which retains some real Moto Guzzi character that you'd expect from what is essentially still a hand built motorcycle but, with all the investment Moto Guzzi has received in the last few years, now one of the best built and most reliable motorcycles that you can buy.

We are expecting our first deliveries around the New Year, with a price yet to be announced, but expect it to be a fair bit less, and a lot better value than the GS.

The GS (BMW) is dead, long live the GS (Guzzi Stelvio)......

Update 21/03/08. We have received our first batch of Guzzi Stelvios, and have immediately put one on the demo fleet, so give us a call to book your test ride. The official UK price is £8,670 On The Road.

Related Links: Stelvio Publicity Video | Larking about on Stelvios

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Related Links: Enthusiastic Stelvio Video Review