Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX
Moto Guzzi is one of those classic motorcycling marques that I could only dream of owning an example of as a spotty youth way back when. For many bikers today, who have passed through the era of having young kids and family commitments, these machines have now become an affordable, realistic possibility. Moto Guzzi are again becoming one of the prominent European manufacturers and are starting to offer a complete range of quality motorbikes alongside Ducati and Aprilia.
I jumped at the chance to ride the Stelvio, which is their take on the popular “adventure” bike style, up against the likes of the BMW GS, Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger and KTM Adventure. Bowen Moto of Chatham kindly lent me a machine to try for an afternoon. The first impression is of a solid, good looking bike, which seems to be built to a much higher standard than some Italian manufacturers may have settled for in the past. Sitting on the bike for the first time, there is none of that unnerving uncertainty about having your feet firmly planted that can be a feature on these taller bikes. At 5’10”,
I am fairly average in height and the Stelvio was comfortable from the off. The sidestand is positioned fairly far forward and takes a bit of practice to kick up and down without fishing aimlessly around with your left boot.
Thumbing the bike into life produces a rather pleasing rumble from the V-twin lump. The clutch is light but the gearbox is a bit clunky at low speeds. In fact I didn’t find the bike particularly suited heavy traffic or commuter style riding. The twin cylinders give out a fair amount of heat, great in the winter but this could become uncomfortable in the middle of summer; best to keep it moving along then!
The big Guzzi is definitely one of those bikes that needs open flowing roads and sweeping bends. With plenty of revs, the bike comes to life. Although equipped with dual purpose tyres, spoked wheels and off roading extras such as a bash plate, the Stelvio’s place is firmly on the tarmac with maybe some loose gravel thrown in occasionally for interest. The handling is light and neutral and, once the engine starts humming, the initial v-twin vibes disappear and the throttle response is crisp. For a 1200cc motorbike, this is not what you would call a fast beast, however that’s not really the point and for real world use, it’s plenty quick enough. Is it a practical everyday option? The NTX version comes complete with ABS Brembo brakes, heated grips, hand protectors, hard panniers, spot lights, adjustable screen, braided lines, single sided swingarm, multi adjustable Marzocchi forks and adjustable seat. Not much you need to add or budget for there then!
The Stelvio has a maintenance friendly shaft drive and a reasonable 18 litre tank which should return 40mpg and take you a good 160 miles. There are cheaper motorbikes out there that will do a similar job. There are proper off-roaders, quicker trailies and tourers as wells as current machines with many more electronic gizmos.
But if you would like something that turns heads, feels distinctive and does the job it was built for, with a little bit of added style, the Stelvio is well worth a look. with thanks to Bowen Moto
01634 811757
www.bowenmoto.co.uk