Moto Guzzi Stelvio in Review: Performance and Character

Moto Guzzi has launched the Stelvio, an adventure bike that immediately showcases its distinctly Italian character. Powered by a 115 hp V2 engine that delivers its full power at 8,700 rpm, the Stelvio brings plenty of emotion to the asphalt. But how does it perform in practice, and can it meet the demands of experienced testers?

On the twisty roads of Lower Austria and Styria, we had the opportunity to test the bike under various conditions. The route offered us a mix of dry and wet roads, well-developed sections, and occasionally very rough asphalt. Perfect conditions to put the Stelvio through its paces.

The water-cooled V-twin engine is the heart of the Stelvio and exhibits many aspects typical of Moto Guzzi. The engine vibrates strongly in certain RPM ranges, which fans of the brand describe as characteristic. From the moment you start it, a distinctive sound resonates, and the vehicle comes alive. This significantly contributes to the riding experience on a Guzzi.

In the lower RPMs, the engine lacks a bit of grunt, especially compared to some competitors in the adventure bike segment. However, from mid-range RPMs, the V-twin delivers enough torque to move forward briskly. To fully exploit its potential, though, you need to wind out the engine properly. The engine's flexibility has also been positively noted – low-rev cruising is definitely not a problem for the V-twin's running smoothness.

However, the expectations for performance, based on the specs on paper, are somewhat higher than what the riding performance actually delivers. Ewald and I agree in our conversation about the Stelvio that the anticipated V-twin punch isn't quite as pronounced as we had hoped. Nonetheless, the conclusion remains: the V-twin engine offers character and authenticity – two qualities that Moto Guzzi riders value above all else.

The chassis of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio received mixed reviews. While I find the motorcycle's stability in long sweeping curves and at higher speeds particularly impressive for a touring bike, others had some criticisms. Gregor, in particular, believes that smaller bumps and irregularities are not always absorbed smoothly, leading to somewhat unsettled riding performance.

The Stelvio is primarily an adventure bike designed for spirited road riding, and this is evident in its chassis. It is tuned on the firmer side, which provides a sporty and direct riding feel on smooth roads. However, on rough sections, the suspension sometimes reacts too harshly. Especially with short, quick bumps, the damping doesn't feel refined enough. For longer rides on well-paved roads, however, the setup is ideal, providing a stable and comfortable riding experience. Nimble and agile, the Stelvio can be maneuvered into lean angles with ease. Leaning into corners feels almost like being on a sporty touring bike rather than an adventure bike.

One point that repeatedly came up in the test was the gearbox of the Stelvio. While it is not imprecise, you have to apply a bit more force when shifting to engage the gears cleanly. Several testers found engaging the second gear particularly challenging. The classic "clonk" when changing gears, charming for fans of traditional bikes and perhaps even the spice of life, can be a downside for riders accustomed to precise and smooth shifting. Although Moto Guzzi offers an optional quickshifter with a blipper, our test bike was not equipped with it. For a motorcycle in this price range, some testers would have liked this feature to be standard.

The Brembo brakes of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio were consistently rated positively. They offer enough bite and can be modulated precisely. In combination with the cornering ABS, the braking feel is very controlled and conveys a lot of safety.

When it comes to electronics, the Stelvio is state-of-the-art. With lean-sensitive traction control and cornering ABS, the motorcycle offers essential safety features that have become standard in the upper mid-range adventure bike category. The various riding modes can be easily selected and provide noticeable adjustments to the riding performance according to the conditions. On the twisty roads of Styria, the traction control is tested multiple times—it intervenes subtly and gives the rider the necessary confidence to ride safely on slippery roads, even if one gets a bit carried away.

The usability isn't bad, but there are more intuitive concepts on the market. The multiple assignments of the four arrow buttons can lead to confusion, and the mode selection via the start button is not immediately understandable.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio is clearly aimed at touring riders. The seating position is comfortably upright, and the wide handlebars offer plenty of control, even in tight twisties. The seat height of 830 mm should suit most riders well, although it might feel a bit high for shorter riders due to the bike's width.

On long tours, the comfortable saddle really stands out. Even after several hours in the saddle, none of the testers felt uncomfortable. The ergonomic seating position and the good padding of the saddle contribute to making long tours relaxed, though Gregor noted that his knees don't fit ideally into the curves of the tank.

A luxury feature and practical advantage: the electrically adjustable windshield. It not only provides good protection from the wind but can also be easily adjusted to individual needs while riding. For a rider height of 1.85 meters, the highest setting is perfectly suitable. On long highway stretches, this adds extra comfort.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio impresses with its distinctive V-twin engine and unique character. It is an adventure bike that truly shines on asphalt and is ideally suited for long tours. The chassis offers a good balance of stability and comfort, although it could perform slightly better on rapid bumps. The gearbox is certainly not to everyone's taste, and those who prefer smooth shifting might be disappointed here. Nevertheless, the Stelvio scores with modern electronic features and a well-rounded overall concept. For Guzzi fans, the Stelvio is a genuine asset in the adventure bike segment. It offers everything one expects from the brand – a charismatic engine, distinctive aesthetics, and the typical Guzzi riding experience. Those willing to embrace the quirks of this motorcycle will enjoy plenty of riding pleasure with the Stelvio.

For those of you interested in the SPIDI clothing worn during the test, here is a detailed list in the following lines.

Amelie & Gregor:

• Net H2Out Jacket & Crossmaster H2Out Pants: Summer jacket with mesh sections and removable membrane for flexibility in various weather conditions. The Crossmaster pants offer ventilation openings on the thighs.
• Seamless Compression Shirt & Leggings: Seamless functional underwear for high wearing comfort under protective clothing.
• Back Protector (Warrior Lady for Amelie, Compact Warrior 510 for Gregor): Protects the back individually adjusted with Velcro.
• SPIDI NEO-S LADY Shoes (Amelie) and SPIDI X-GT Gloves (Gregor): Comfortable touring gear.

Ewald:

• SPIDI Frontier Jacket & Pants: Flexible, lightweight summer clothing with large ventilation openings, but without waterproofing.
• X-GT Gloves, Compression Wear, Compact Warrior 510 Protector & Warrior Chest: Protection and comfort for long tours.

Patrick & Valentin:

• Super Net Tex Jacket & Protectors (Compact Warrior 510 & Warrior Chest): Lightweight protective layer with protectors attached directly to the body for optimal fit.
• Patrick: Enduro Pro Jacket (with removable sleeves); Valentin: 3L Shell H2Out Jacket (waterproof, with ventilation openings).

Vauli:

• Tech Armor Tex Jacket & SoftShell Mission-T Jacket: The Tech Armor carries protectors directly on the body, complemented by the warming and flexible Mission-T Softshell Jacket.
• Crossmaster H2Out Pants with large ventilation openings.
• Compression Wear & G-Warrior Gloves: Protection and comfort for long rides.

All testers wore seamless functional underwear for high comfort and a pleasant body feel as undergarments.

In this test, the entire crew opted for the new HJC RPHA 91 Carbon. This helmet presents itself as a high-quality flip-up helmet, particularly scoring points with its lightweight compared to the regular RPHA 91. The large field of vision is especially noteworthy, providing excellent all-around visibility—a real advantage both in city traffic and on longer tours. The ventilation systems work flawlessly, and the washable, antibacterial lining noticeably contributes to wearing comfort, especially in warmer temperatures. The helmet naturally meets the ECE 22.06 standard, offering a current safety standard, while the homologation as both a jet and full-face helmet promises flexibility and versatility.

The design range is extensive, catering to different tastes, with the standard Pinlock insert effectively preventing visor fogging. The ratchet closure allows for quick and easy fastening and unfastening, which is practical for everyday use, although it doesn't quite match the safety level of a double D-ring closure. At higher speeds, particularly on the highway, the helmet becomes quite loud, which can affect comfort on long rides. Although it is lighter than the regular RPHA 91, it is still not a lightweight in the classic sense. Overall, the HJC RPHA 91 Carbon remains a good choice for motorcyclists looking for a lightweight and comfortable flip-up helmet with versatile usability. The combination of good visibility, ventilation, and current safety standards makes it a solid companion.

On the BMW F 900 GS, we used the Hepco & Becker EPIC 11 tank bag. It securely and accessibly housed our essentials (wallet, documents, GoPro, etc.) as well as rain gear. The Hepco & Becker EPIC 11 tank bag impresses with its shape stability, ensured by high-density EVA foams. The tank bag not only offers lockable zippers and a sturdy carrying handle but also water-repellent outer material that protects it in bad weather. For rides in heavy rain, a weather protection cover is included, which can be slipped over the tank bag. Inside, a mesh pocket in the lid provides additional storage options, while reflective details on the outside enhance visibility in traffic. The waterproof inner lining and practical loops for attaching optional accessories such as map or smartphone pockets complement the thoughtful design. The pre-installed threaded plate allows for easy installation without drilling and fits on basic tank rings as well as sport and mini racks.