Moto Guzzi is a renowned Italian motorcycle manufacturer, boasting a rich history dating back to 1921.
Founded by WWI comrades: The story begins with two Italian pilots, Giorgio Parodi and Giovanni Ravelli, and their mechanic, Carlo Guzzi, who dreamt of building motorcycles after the war. Sadly, Ravelli passed away shortly after, but to honour him, the iconic Moto Guzzi eagle logo was created.
With financial backing from Parodi’s family, Carlo Guzzi’s engineering expertise, and Giorgio Parodi’s business acumen, Moto Guzzi was officially established in 1921.
Interestingly, their headquarters have remained in Mandello del Lario, on the shores of Lake Como, to this day, making them the oldest motorcycle manufacturer continuously producing at their founding location.
In 2004, Moto Guzzi became a part of the Piaggio Group, the European leader in the two-wheeler market and one of the world’s major manufacturers. Piaggio Group recently reached out and we arranged a press loan for the new 2024 Stelvio.
The Moto Guzzi Stelvio carved its path onto the adventure motorcycle scene in 2007, unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
In 2008 The first Stelvio 1200 emerged, named after the famous Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps. This initial model packed a 1,151cc, four-valve, 105 hp V-twin engine, with the distinctive Moto Guzzi single-sided shaft drive.
In 2010 the Stelvio lineup gained an 8-valve engine option alongside the original 4-valve version. This year also saw the introduction of the Stelvio 1200 NTX, an adventure-ready variant with a bash plate, aluminium luggage boxes, knobbly tyres, a bigger windscreen, and an impressive 32-litre fuel tank.
The 2012 Stelvio received a cosmetic refresh, with a restyled fairing and an updated electronic dashboard. Additionally, the fuel capacity was bumped up for extended journeys.
Production of the Stelvio sadly wrapped up in 2017.
But that’s not the end, that would be a pretty rubbish review. Moto Guzzi has resurrected the iconic Stelvio name for 2024 with an all-new adventure bike and it’s a beauty..
The 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio is an interesting option if you’re in the market for a big touring bike and fancy something with a bit more character.
The Stelvio is powered by Moto Guzzi’s trademark transverse V-twin engine. It’s got a characterful shaft drive, which eliminates the need for chain maintenance but delivers a distinct feel compared to a chain-driven bike. There’s very little torque reaction with the Stelvio, you barely notice it at all.
The 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio adopts Moto Guzzi’s trademark transverse V-twin engine, but in the Stelvio, it’s the excellent liquid-cooled, 1042cc, transverse V-twin engine that debuted in Moto Guzzi’s V100 Mandello last year.
The engine is liquid-cooled, a first for Moto Guzzi and is an 8-valve, transverse 90-degree V twin that produces 115 horsepower at 8,700 rpm and 77.4 lb-ft / 105 Nm at 6,750 rpm, with 82% available from 3,500 rpm.
It’s a beautiful engine, characterful, strong and tractable and is certainly one of the stand-out features of the bike for me. It likes to rev and you can feel the surge in power above 8,000 rpm, however, it’s incredibly versatile and was happy bimbling around at 3,000 rpm.
Thumb the starter and the engine reluctantly fires into life, quickly settling into a pleasant V-Twin idle.
Despite its adventure-tourer classification, the Stelvio isn’t a lumbering beast. The handling is crisp and confidence-inspiring, thanks in part to the wide handlebars and comfortable riding position. The Stelvio boasts a well-padded seat and adjustable windscreen, designed for all-day comfort on the road for both rider and pillion. The screen is electric but in it’s highest setting I found it to rattle about a bit.
The 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio boasts suspension designed for both on-road comfort and light off-road capability.
Front suspension is by 46mm Sachs upside-down forks with adjustable preload and rebound damping and there’s a 19” front wheel. Rear suspension comprises of a KYB monoshock with remote preload adjuster and rebound damping adjuster and a 17” rear wheel.
I found the suspension to be good, giving a relaxing and plush ride, soaking up the bumps well. The remote preload on the rear shock was great for adding a pillion or luggage.
As I became more confident with the Stelvio and started to press on a bit more, It did occasionally kick back over potholes and rough surfaces. I think the reason was the rear bias balance of the bike. I presume it’s down to the engine configuration, meaning the rider sits quite far back, shifting weight over the rear and off the front. Inevitably this was exaggerated with a pillion. It means that when pressing on, the front can go light as you accelerate hard out of a corner. It wasn’t a problem and I expect with more time, you could probably set it up with more weight over the front.
There is no option for electronically adjustable suspension.
My press bike didn’t have the optional quick shifter fitted but the gearbox is so sweet I didn;t miss it. That said, slipping in to first from a standstill is brutal. Apparently, it’s a Guzzi trait and I’m told this is a big improvement from Guzzi’s of old.
When you’re at a standstill and select first gear, there’s a heavy clunk, enough to make passers-by look. Once you’re on the move the gearbox is the sweetest thing, precise and delicate, it’s a pleasure to use.
The 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio comes equipped with Brembo brakes and cornering ABS.
Up front, you have dual 320mm discs with four-piston Brembo radial calipers and at the rear, you have a single 280mm disc with a twin-piston Brembo caliper. The brakes are good, they offer good feel and never caused me a moment of concern.
The Stelvio has a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) and also offers 5 fully adjustable rider modes;
Touring: This mode provides smooth power delivery and maximum comfort for long-distance rides. Rain: This mode reduces power output and increases traction control sensitivity for riding in wet conditions. Street: This mode provides a balance of power and handling for everyday riding. Sport: This mode provides sharper throttle response and increased power output for more aggressive riding. Off-Road: This mode reduces traction control intervention and allows for some rear wheel slip for off-road riding. In this mode, both ABS and traction control can be switched off completely.
One of the most significant electronic features of the 2024 Stelvio is the availability of the new Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) Rider Assistance Solution, which is offered as an option. My press bike was the PFF edition so benefitted from this technology. This suite of rider aids utilises radar technology to provide the following features:
Following Cruise Control: This system automatically maintains a set distance between the Stelvio and the vehicle in front. On my bike, this didn’t seem to work, but I’ve used it on other bikes and cars and found it very effective.
Forward Collision Warning: This system warns the rider of a potential collision with a vehicle in front. I struggled to see the benefit of this. The system doesn’t intervene, it simply displays a warning on the dash. If you need a warning on the dash to tell you that you are about to ride into something in front of you, you’re doing something wrong. With other systems I’ve used, the system will brake for you. Maybe this is where the technology will take Piaggio in later incarnations.
Blind Spot Information System: This system warns the rider of vehicles in their blind spot.
Lane Change Assist: This uses the rear radar to warn the rider of vehicles approaching from behind.
The 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio is a great option for a rider who wants a comfortable, characterful and well-built machine for eating up miles. It offers capable handling, a unique riding experience, and undeniable Italian flair.
This was my first Moto Guzzi experience and I don’t mind admitting that the unique character, good looks, blend of performance and capability, and Moto Guzzi’s reputation for quality certainly won me over.
Engine – Transversal 90° V-Twin, four valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled with Ride by Wire
Displacement – 1042 cc
Max. power – 115 Hp (84.6 kW) @ 8,800 rpm
Max. torque – 105 Nm @ 6,750 rpm
Final drive – Shaft drive
Gearbox – 6 speed
Front suspension – Ø 46 mm USD fork with adjustable preload and rebound damping. 170 mm wheel travel
Rear suspension – Monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping. Remote spring preload adjustability. 170 mm wheel travel
Front brake – Twin Ø 320 mm floating discs, 4-piston Brembo monobloc radial calipers. Radial front master cylinder. Cornering ABS
Rear brake – Single Ø 280 mm disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper. Cornering ABS
Front wheel – Tubeless spoked wheels, 19″ x 3.00″
Rear wheel – Tubeless spoked wheels, 17″ x 4.50″
Seat height – 830 mm
Kerb weight – 246 kg
Fuel tank – 21 L
Equipment – Full LED headlight with DRL, bending lights, LED indicators, Cornering ABS and Moto Guzzi Traction Control, Cruise Control, 5 Riding Modes, full colour TFT instrument, electrically adjustable windscreen, hand guards.
PFF Rider Assistance Solution®: – Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Change Assist (LCA) Ready for Moto Guzzi MIA, (FCC) Following Cruise Control, Up/Down Quickshifter, TPMS
Price –
Stelvio – £14,700
Stelvio PFF Rider Assistance Solution – £15,400
