2012 Moto Guzzi Stelvio - First Look

Just in time to make the Milan show, Moto Guzzi unveiled a new, upgraded edition of its BMW GS-alternative Stelvio maxi-enduro. Powered by the four-valve edition of the old-faithful 1.2-liter, 90-degree transverse V-Twin, the Stelvio adventure bike has undergone a vast restyling to make it more elegant, functional and comfortable. It’s also more capable of serious long-range riding, thanks to a fuel capacity that has grown to a whopping 8.45 gallons! A neater-looking, more-protective windshield tops the fairing, which is fronted with a determined-looking pair of headlights.

That classic 1200cc V-Twin received lots of attention in order to further strengthen its traditional virtues, reliability above all. Power and peak torque remain unchanged at 102 hp at 7000 rpm and 81 ft.-lb. of torque at 5500 rpm, but now the engine runs more quietly and returns a livelier response through the range, we’re told, due to a rethought camshaft specification.

No significant modifications in the chassis, though, which retains the rational ìtwin-backboneî structure it shares with the Griso. A massive, 50mm, offset-axle, inverted Marzocchi fork works at a well-calibrated rake angle of 27 degrees and 4.9 in. of trail. A Sachs shock handles rear-suspension duties. A narrower, off-road-oriented 150/70-17 rear tire replaces the previous model’s 180/55-17 radial. A long list of accessories includes aluminum bags, additional high-speed driving lights, heated grips and more. Dakar, here we come.