Moto Guzzi Stelvio - first multi-day test in Switzerland

Who thinks the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio is merely a modern version of the original Stelvio introduced in 2008 is mistaken. Behind the model rolled out for 2024 lie many exciting stories and connections.

The engine of the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio is a liquid-cooled 90° V-twin engine with a displacement of 1042 cc. This engine, known as the “Compact Block,” delivers 115 hp at 8700 rpm and a torque of 105 Nm at 6750 rpm. It is directly derived from the V100 Mandello model, which means the Stelvio uses the same robust and powerful base as the Mandello, including the shaft drive, which is known for its low maintenance. However, the engine has been noticeably adjusted, which will be discussed later.

Anyone who delves a bit into the Moto Guzzi brand quickly understands that its connection to the Aprilia bikes is now quite noticeable, especially in technology and controls. The 5-inch TFT display and the gearbox are identical to those used in Aprilia models like the RS660 and the Tuareg, allowing for a consistent user experience across the brands.

So, a Mandello V100 with Aprilia instruments then? Not quite.

When I picked up the Moto Guzzi bike for the test, I immediately noticed that it looks much more powerful and beefy in person than in the photos found on the internet. Completely unbiased, to judge the bike as neutrally as possible, I realized that a real sports machine in its own segment was standing in front of me. Which segment? That's not so easy to define. Based on power, riding feel, and the stretched-out seating position, the Stelvio could easily fit into the sport touring segment. But looking at the comfortable standing position, off-road capability, and comfort, we are clearly in the adventure bike segment. This uncertainty of categorization quickly makes one thing clear: the Stelvio is an excellent all-rounder.

In the first few meters, I didn't notice a characteristic of the Moto Guzzi, namely the shaking of the V2 engine. This has been relatively vehemently eliminated in the Moto Guzzi Stelvio on purpose through measures of engine balancing. The reason for this is higher smoothness and improved controllability of the bike. The cost for this is the loss of a brand-specific characteristic. Whether Mandello or V85 - the shaking of the engine always let me know that I was sitting on a Moto Guzzi.

As already briefly mentioned, the 1042cc engine has been revised and adapted for the Stelvio. The V2 feels very much like a rubber band engine. This means that the power distribution reaches a perceived maximum very early, and one feels indifferent regarding the performance at lower or higher RPMs. The advantage of this is that you get a lot of grunt from low revs, can save fuel, and avoid noise without sacrificing fun. The cost of this? Loss of engine character. An engine that consistently has a lot of grunt throughout is a dream for adrenaline junkies and twisty road enthusiasts, but a small defeat for motorcycle whisperers.

However, the constant and early-onset power of the bike has a very positive effect on traveling with a lot of luggage or a pillion. Here, the Stelvio scores points and promises carefree globetrotting.

A big plus for globetrotting and its comfort on the Stelvio comes from the additional available PFF Rider Assistance Solution. This is available in Switzerland for an extra CHF 1,000 and is very worthwhile for long-distance riders. More on this in the next section.

A highlight of the Stelvio is its extensive electronic equipment. It features full-LED headlights with daytime running lights and cornering lights, LED turn signals, cornering ABS, Moto Guzzi Traction Control, cruise control, and five riding modes, including an off-road mode.

For those who want an even higher level of assistance systems on board, Moto Guzzi offers the PFF Rider Assistance Solution. The basis of the PFF is a radar system at the front and rear, which provides adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and a blind-spot assistant. All instruments can also be individually deactivated.

The blind-spot assistant and adaptive cruise control work particularly well. The additional safety of recognizing potential unseen dangers through the illumination of warning lights in the rearview mirror after a quick glance greatly enhances safety. However, in tunnels, the orange warning lights can be very bright, which can sometimes be perceived as disturbing.

The forward collision warning system is a good idea but is still in its infancy on motorcycles. The system is sluggish and detects potential collisions very late. When a danger is imminent, the system warns with a quickly overlooked visual blink on the display. Additionally, the system should emit a warning sound, which I never heard myself while riding on the highway. It is commendable that the Piaggio Group is investing in these technologies, and they deserve credit for that. However, relying solely on these systems would be wrong, and they should always be seen as additional safety precautions.

Riding the Stelvio for an extended period, you fall into the rhythm of the machine, and the V-twin engine pushes forward very pleasantly and smoothly. Initially, the curves take some getting used to due to the rather elongated front, which, together with the rest of the adventure bike's statics, promises a unique seating position. However, once accustomed to the position, the bike instills a lot of confidence and devours Alpine roads like a champion – after all, that's what it's made for.

The engine sounds brutal with a deep, screeching note, which might initially seem a bit unusual for Moto Guzzi novices. Unfortunately, the Moto Guzzi does not come with a quickshifter as standard, which would be appreciated in this price segment and given the rest of the equipment. The entire cockpit, from the TFT display to the controls, is very logically structured and benefits from Aprilia's know-how. You can find your way around easily without losing too much focus while riding.

In the first extended road test in the Zurich Oberland, it quickly became clear to me that this motorcycle occupies a very special place in the categorization of motorcycles. Enormously sporty, yet elegant and stylish. Brutal and yet nimble. Somehow at home on twisty mountain roads, but also capable on gravel roads and can deliver. For me, the Stelvio has compensated for the character losses in engine vibrations and the rubber-band engine through this unique positioning. Therefore, the answer to the question of who this motorcycle is suitable for: Any motorcycle enthusiast who appreciates design and craftsmanship but does not want to compromise on safety and modern technology. Additionally, the Stelvio is suitable for all long-distance riders who want to explore the world with a unique machine and have no problem standing out from the legion of GS riders.

The Stelvio holds many surprises and represents a great standpoint with a lot of history on how to build functional and characterful motorcycles without always following the trend.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio is available in Switzerland from CHF 16,295. The Stelvio with the PFF assistance systems costs CHF 17,295.