Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX

Make Model	Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX
Year	2011 - 12
Engine	Four stroke, 90° V twin, longitudinally mounted, OHV, 4 valve per cylinder.
Capacity	1151 cc / 70.2 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	95 x 81.2 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled,
Compression Ratio	11.0:1
Lubrication	Wet sump
Induction	Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection with stepper motor control
Ignition	Inductive discharge, digitally controlled, electronic twin spark ignition
Battery	12V - 18 Ah
Alternator	12 V - 550 W
Starting	Electric
Exhaust	stainless steel, 2-in-1 type, three-way catalytic converter with lambda probe
Max Power	105 hp / 77 kW @ 7250 rpm
Max Torque	113 Nm / 83.3 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm
Clutch	Single plate with integrated flexible couplings
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Shaft
Gear Ratio	1st 17/38 = 1: 2.235 2nd 20/34 = 1: 1,700 3 ^ 23/31 = 1: 1.348 4th 26/29 = 1: 1,115 5th 31/30 = 1: 0.968 6 29/25 = 1: 0.862
Frame	Tubular twin cradle, high tensile steel
Front Suspension	Completely adjustable upside-down fork spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping with mounting bracket for radial brake calliper,
Front Wheel Travel	170 mm / 6.69 in
Rear Suspension	Single-sided swing-arm with progressive linkage and monoshock with adjustable hydraulic rebound and dial for setting spring preload
Rear Wheel Travel	155 mm / 6.10 in
Front Brakes	2x 320mm discs 4 piston caliper, ABS
Rear Brakes	Single 282mm disc 2 piston caliper, ABS
Wheels	Tubeless, spoked
Front wheel rim	2.50” x 19”
Rear wheel rim	4.25” x 17”
Front Tyre	110/80 ZR19
Rear Tyre	180/55 ZR17
Trail	125 mm / 4.9 in
Dimensions	Length 2250 mm / 88.5 in Width 1050 mm / 41.3 in Height 1480 mm / 58.2 in
Wheelbase	1535 mm / 60.4 in
Ground Clearance	210 mm / 8.2 in
Seat Height	820 mm / 32 in - 840 mm / 33 in adjustable
Wet Weight	272 kg / 598 lbs
Fuel Capacity	32 Litres / 8.5 US gal
Reserve	7 Litres / 1.7 us gal

A REVAMPED DESIGN AND ENDLESS IMPROVEMENTS LAUNCH MOTO GUZZI STELVIO INTO THE SCRUM ALONG WITH THE OTHER MAXI ENDURO. HIGHLY SUPERIOR AERODYNAMIC PROTECTION PROVIDED BY A BRAND NEW WINDSHIELD, A TRULY HIGH PERFORMING ENGINE AND A RECORD RANGE THANKS TO THE NEW 32 LITRE FUEL TANK. AVAILABLE ALSO WITH THE NTX NO-LIMITS VERSION

Named after the famous Alpine pass that connects Valtelline Valley to Vinschgau Valley with 84 amazing s-bends between them, Stelvio has launched Moto Guzzi back among the stars of the maxi enduro world. A highly appreciated bike that has now reached a coming of age at a technical-functional level, thanks to the updates and final tweaking undergone by the MY2011.

It all starts with its style, now even more attractive and trendy rounding off the fuel tank by integrating it within the lightweight fairing, which now highlights a clearly smooth streamlined effect which flows into the double front headlight assembly. The latter feature is a distinctive element of the Stelvio design, and the only detail inherited from the previous version.

The top fairing, windshield and the half-fairing with integrated turn indicators are all brand new elements that combine to give the front-end of the Stelvio MY2011 a cutting-edge, more aggressive and dynamic look. It has an original design, but it is above all more functional and versatile, features that are of uppermost importance on models of this type. From an objective standpoint, the style of the new surfaces emphasises two fundamental project milestones compared to the previous version: more efficient aerodynamic protection, thanks to the new top fairing and practically twice fold range capacity thanks to the outstanding new fuel tank with a 32 litre record capacity.

This new Stelvio bike has an air of complete renovation about it, fine examples being the cockpit with brand new graphs on the on-board control panel, a new increased scale fuel indicator.
The heart that beats inside this touring bike is the renowned V-shaped 90° transverse twin-cylinder "Four valve" engine, the highest performer among all the families of engines manufactured at Mandello del Lario, which has now reached exclusive levels as far as its technical/performance development is concerned.

This latest version can boast the careful attention paid to achieve a more silent and smooth running of the engine, whilst tweaking the electronic control, timing system and cooling system. The brand new integrated ignition and injection ECU now exploits the signals sent by the two lambda probes to guarantee adequate feeding throughout the entire combustion cycle, improving response to the throttle control, mid range power delivery further to consumptions and emissions.
The engine now boasts a maximum torque of over 104 Nm delivered at a mere 5,500 rpm and easily reaches a peak in output of over 102 Hp; it practically reaches an automobile-level speed of 7,000 rpm.

Due to the unanimous success of Stelvio's chassis, no changes of any kind have been made to the upper dual beam frame, in high tensile steel that is connected to the engine in six different points giving an exceptionally high levels of torsional rigidity.
The chassis geometry therefore remains unaltered, with a rake of 27°, a 125 mm trail, improved by the all important 1535 mm wheelbase which guarantees impeccable steering precision, and is something that has contributed to boosting the reputation of this model over time. High quality suspension whose adjustable preload and hydraulic response during compression and rebound combine to ensure instant, smooth response to pressure on the handlebar.

The front-end is controlled by a solid 50 mm upside-down Marzocchi fork with 170 mm travel, whereas the rear-end has progressive action suspension kinematic mechanism moved by a Sachs rear monoshock which runs on a 155 mm stroke. The Brembo braking system remains in place, unbeatable in terms of efficacy and look, along with the front radial-mounted callipers that engage with a new couple of discs, with lighter flanges and a new brake band that better dissipates heat. Innovation also for the wheels which now boast a cutting-edge designed set of light alloy rims and the standardisation of the rear sizes 150/70/17, previously exclusively mounted on the NTX, also on the standard version of the Stelvio 1200. On request, the wheels can also be assembled with Ber rims and Alpina spokes, which are standard fixtures on the NTX version whilst both models are fitted with the new Continental ABS anti-lock system.

The NTX is the more "adventurous" version of the Stelvio, and now has all the technical features of the base version, plus some exceptional new fixtures, i.e. the sturdy "armour" that embraces it and comprises the oil sump guard, engine guard, cylinder guard and full cover hand-guards to protect the rider and his bike against the hidden dangers throughout his trip.
A bike dedicated to long haul travellers naturally needs luggage space, hence the spacious aluminium panniers and additional halogen lights. Even more luxury options are available on the accessory catalogue including a GPS navigator, heated hand-grips, and CA.RC protection(Carcfano Reattivo Compatto, i.e. Compact Reactive Cardan Shaft Drive).

The new Stelvio MY 2011 will be on sale from next Spring boasting Guzzi Black and Diamond White colour schemes, while the NTX will flaunt a brand new colour concept on a black satin finish base.

Main Characteristics

DESIGN

•          New headlight fairing.
•          New 32 litre fuel tank.
•          New windshield.
•          New saddle lining.
•          New Moto Guzzi customised side panniers.
•          Brand new shaped saddle.

ENGINE

•          1200 90° V-shaped Twin-cylinder "Four Valve"
•          Single overhead camshaft timing system with decreased valve control noise level.
•          New profile camshafts.
•          Oil radiator fitted on the lug.
•          Single plate clutch.
•          New exhaust system.
•          Transmission with compact reactive cardan shaft drive.
•          6-gear gearbox.
•          Euro 3.

CHASSIS

•          High tensile steel upper dual beam frame.•

Front fork with 50 mm legs, adjustable spring preload and hydraulics fitted with a new set of progressive action springs.

•          Shock absorber with adjustable preload and rebound fitted with a new more preloaded spring
•          Rear suspension with progressive articulation single arm.
•          4 horizontally opposed piston front brake system with new 320 mm discs.
•          Rear 282-mm disc brake, floating calliper with two parallel pistons.
•          Rear tyre      ZR 150/70/17.
•          Front tyre     ZR 110/80/19.

STANDARD OUTFIT:

•          New cutting-edge Continental ABS.
•          New instrument panel with increased scale fuel level indicator.
•          Heated hand-grip fixture.
•          Satellite navigator fixture.

Review

Apparently the Italians don't have a saying that corresponds with "the third time's a charm," but after riding Version 3.0 of Moto Guzzi's Stelvio adventure-tourer, I reckon it's time they came up with one.

When Guzzi introduced the Stelvio three years ago, it showed potential but was held back by flaws such as poor low-end performance and limited fuel capacity. A year later they tried again, answering some of the original bike's criticisms with a torquier engine and adventure-oriented accessories.

And now there's a third version with fresh bodywork that improves styling, weather protection and, most importantly, fuel capacity. The result is a very capable and enjoyable motorcycle. If that's not a case of "the third time's a charm," I don't know what is!

The biggest change is the redesigned combination of half-fairing and fuel tank. This retains the previous model's twin headlamps but increases wind protection as well as almost doubling fuel capacity to 8.5 gallons. Our testbike's most obvious visual difference was the orange "Sienna Earth" paintwork, an alternative to the more restrained white or black.

The 2009-model engine tune (involving a bigger airbox, new cams and revised fuel mapping) that revitalized the 1151cc eight-valve V-twin's performance below 5000 rpm is the key to the Stelvio's straight-line performance. This latest version is better still thanks to a revised exhaust system whose twin lambda probes give more accurate fueling than the old model's simpler, single-probe setup.

Guzzi claims the result is improved fuel consumption as well as more accurate throttle response. The air-cooled, high-cam V-twin has had its valve lifters and oil pump gears redesigned to reduce noise. It also gains ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) similar to that of sister firm Aprilia's Shiver and Dorsoduro models. Claimed maximum power output of 105 bhp at 7500 rpm is unchanged, though peak torque is up to 83 lb.-ft. and produced 600 rpm earlier at 5800 rpm.

There's also a new dash with a 12-volt accessory outlet alongside the comprehensive instrument panel. But despite those changes, the Stelvio's riding position remains the same and felt comfortable and familiar as we left the launch base hotel near Florence in Italy. The air-cooled V-twin pulled with that typically lazy, pleasantly offbeat response from low revs.

Acceleration was strong from below 3000 rpm all the way to 8000 rpm without any significant step. Such was the midrange delivery that I rarely bothered to rev it hard, preferring to short-shift through the gearbox. Given the 35-mpg economy I experienced during my first ride, the bike should be good for 250 miles or more between fill-ups.

The Stelvio is comfortable enough that one wouldn't want to stop before needing fuel. The windscreen is manually adjustable for height, and provided good protection without too much wind noise. And although the seat is high and might make things tricky if you don't have long legs, the padding is thick and legroom abundant.

Comfort is further enhanced by well-balanced suspension that glides over bumps and potholes. As with the previous model, I was very impressed by how well such a tall, long-legged bike handled. Even under hard braking the Stelvio didn't pitch excessively, as most adventure bikes do. The standard ABS worked well, too, and can be deactivated for off-road riding. Not that many owners are likely to venture too far from the pavement on a bike with a curb weight of 617 lbs.

Even with traction control and ABS the Stelvio can't approach the sophistication of Ducati's Multistrada 1200, and it's both heavier and slightly less powerful than its primary rival, the BMW R1200GS. But despite that, I found myself not merely impressed but charmed by the Stelvio. It looks good, is respectably quick, handles and brakes very well, and is pleasantly comfortable.

All that was also true of the original Stelvio. The difference this time around is that all of its previous weaknesses have been addressed, while premium features such as ABS and traction control are now included as standard fitment. This third-generation Stelvio is no longer just a more distinctive and quirky alternative to the deservedly popular BMW GS; it's a legitimate rival that deserves to be taken seriously.

NTX

As before the Stelvio is accompanied by an upmarket NTX model, intended for long distances and rough stuff in the tradition of BMW's R1200GS Adventure. It's outfitted with a larger windscreen, handguards, wire-spoke wheels, a pair of halogen spotlights and burly aluminum side cases. Add the optional sat-nav system and heated handgrips, and you'd have a mean-looking Moto Guzzi that could tackle just about anything.

Other additions are intended to defend the bike's vitals in the outback. Engine guards shield the cylinders, running lights and header pipes while an aluminum skid plate guards the sump. Inevitably, these features add weight and cost. With a curb weight of 600 lbs., the NTX is 34 lbs. heavier than the standard model, as well as roughly 10 percent more expensive.