We loved our first Stelvio purchased with 3000 mile on the clock a 2009 NTX model, but that fuel tank had some restrictions. As we like clocking up the miles. It can’t have been that bad, I rode back from the Swiss Valais rally 850 miles in one day and covered 14000 miles in 11 months.
Then if like magic, a manufacturer that listens to its customers. The little niggles I have found and heard other Stelvio riders found have been corrected in the 2011 model.
We now have a 2011 Stelvio.
Is it much different? Yes it is there are subtle differences besides the larger fuel tank. The suspension is improved firmer maybe harder and the panniers are modified to defy water entering. The heated handle bar grips use the old glove box switch and can be used when on the move, the sump guard has revised fixings, a taller screen, just to mention a few.
We have travelled 10,000 miles in the less than 6 months on the 2011 model, from Italy to Denmark and all bits in between, Mostly with my wife as pillion on our annual holiday, the rest on weekend rallies in Europe. Is it comfortable? We travelled from North Denmark to Hook of Holland 1000Km in one run fully loaded only stopping for fuel coffee and a quick snack.
No matter how good or lacking a bike is, the Dealer \ Manufacture backup can make or break a bike. My experience, So far, I have no complaints in this area. The Guzzi community is friendly and sharing. This adds to the pleasure of owning the bike.

Handling is good Loaded or not, no weaving or wallowing. (Did the Stelvio pass and the old road) The Scorpions fitted to the 2011 model are more road bias than the Torrance I had on the 2009 bike. For my riding the Torrance had enough road grip, having advantage on gravel tracks and camps site fields etc. ABS is standard as is a basis traction control. .

Would I ride off road is a question I get asked, Not on purpose is the answer! Although we done a few miles fully loaded in pouring rain along un metalled forest tracks when in France, potholes and mud, The bike handled it better than the rider!!!.

I have had no problems with Reliability the exception of been front disks that are to be replaced due to slight warping again no argument with the dealer.
Fuel consumption is fair to good for a bike of its size 50 mpg is normal, With a careful ride I have achieved 60 mpg.
Electrics is the other poser when talking Italian. No problems there either, the head lights have been improved over the 2009 model, beam focus is better and both filaments on dip all four on main beam.

How dose it compare? The only other big adventure type bike I have ridden is the GS I now ride a Moto Guzzi. Both good bikes. I think the Stelvio has the edge

Having had most bikes the stelvio is a love hate thing ive never had any problems with reliability as such! remember its italian and needs to be looked after! its not a ride it and leave it bike like a bm or a varadero but with minamal maintanance it can be just as good seeking out a good dealer is key to owning one of these bikes and you do here horror stories about them but remember its only as good as the dealer who supplys it and maintains it!!! i loved mine so much i now have two and have never regreted it!.

You either Love it or you hate it, Lets face it Moto Guzzi is a quirky brand of bikes which requires you to be slightly essentric to live with one.

Well the Stelvio is no different even given its modern look and new(ish) engine 4 valves.

I bought mine in 08 it was an ex demo and a bargain at £8k with all the extras including Panniers, crash bars, under tray, fog lamps etc... with 1300 miles on the clock.


It isn't an off road bike by any strech of the imagination, it is an urban Adventure bike, and as such it is in a class of its own. It's engine runs smooth (for a twin) not too smooth though that it becomes boring but smooth enough for all day grin riding. It is a bit fiesty through built up areas as it is always looking to be let loose and run free. Its 6 gears are unusually slick as is the throttle and the mapping really produces the torque through out the full range so you will never be left chugging. The sound of the exhaust is just great and the way it twists under the throttle is a pleasure.

It isn't a GS or a BMW copy it is a marque of its own not one whic Charlie would own but Ewan might be seen lookin at it with desire in his eyes.

It had its problems too though, the starter motor remained engaged on earlier models, easily resolved by removing a solinoid all Stelvios should have had this done at their 1st service if it was even shipped with one in place. The rocker was suspected on early models to be made of chocolate and I can vouch that this is true but Moto Guzzi quickly owned up and recalled all the V4 engines and replaced all the top ends, mine alas presented the problem before the recall, but it was repaired with little fuss and 1 year down the line I Love it even more. Some said it lacked power between 3 and 5 k revs that was true but since remapping this is certainly not the case. Tyres can be difficult to find to fit the wheels sizes but I run Dunlop Roadsmarts as I mainly ride on the european roads and It rides on rails.

When I first purchased my Stelveo and rode it from Cannock Chase to SW France (where I live) I hated it, I thouhgt "What the hell have I done" but once on the twisties in the Central Massif, boy how impressed was I, and after the mappin was resolved I would say more but cannot through this stupid Grin!

It isn't the best bike in the owrld, it is fugly too but I am more than happy to say I own a Moto Guzzi Stelveo!

Cracking bit of kit