Milan Show 2007: Moto Guzzi

First the Griso 8V roadster was announced, and now comes another machine powered by Guzzi’s new 1200cc eight-valve V-Twin: the Stelvio. There had been speculation that the Stelvio might be re-tuned from a maxi-enduro as shown previously into a mega-supermoto, but that’s not the case. It is aimed directly at the same market segment now completely owned by the BMW R1200GS, a big challenge.

The Stelvio could be described as a Griso 8V in high heels, since it shares the same frame and the same strong power unit. Where the two bikes take different roads is in the suspension and wheel setup. The Stelvio uses a much taller 50mm Marzocchi fork. The 19-inch front wheel is shod with a 110/80-19 radial that would be hard-pressed to call itself a knobby of any sort—it’s really just a large-diameter, tall-aspect-ratio road tire. The 17-inch rear wheel is wrapped with 180/55-17 rubber of similar tread design.

At the rear, suspension is of an advanced link-type using a gas-charged monoshock. Wheel travel is a generous 6.7 inches front and 6.1 inches rear. The bike spans a 61-inch wheel-base and consequently offers comfortable accommodation for two. The 8V motor is in Griso state of tune, though minor differences in the torque curve might be generated solely by the new single-muffler exhaust. The bike is dressed with a half-fairing featuring a large windshield that should grant very good wind protection and therefore comfort at high cruising speeds. Dry weight is announced at 472 pounds–if true, that’s very good given the size of the bike.

Old is in, right? After long meditation, and taking into account the SportClassic line at Ducati, Moto Guzzi has finally come to the conclusion that the nostalgia game is worth playing. Enter the V7 Special for 2008.

First sight fills the heart with joy—the V7 Sport, M-G’s first big sporting Twin—is back! Second sight erases almost all of it, though, especially if you want to go hunting for Ducati 1000s. The bike looks neat, the tank is a copy of the V7 Sport tank, and the seat is shaped like the old one. Twin-shock rear suspension is to be expected, but why use the same swingarm as on the old V35/V50 econo-Twins of the DeTomaso era. And the engine is the 46-hp-strong V75 last seen on the Breva 750 and only fitted with restyled valve covers. The 3.50-17 spoked wheels are shod with cross-ply tires in 110/70 and 130/80 sizes. Given the tame performance level, a single 320mm front disc brake is more than adequate. No figures have been released about weight and dimensions.