Named after the famous Alpine pass that connects Valtelline Valley to Vinschgau Valley with 84 amazing s-bends between them, Stelvio has launched Moto Guzzi back among the stars of the maxi enduro world.

Looking at it, you can picture it completely at home not only amid the Alpine passes but even on the tracks of the Sahara, thanks to that special design that conjures up images of the great African marathons. Just note how its large, 32-litre tank and top fairing are united in a light fairing that combines the double headlight assembly, flush-mounted to protect it from any possible damage in the event of a fall.

Even the cockpit, containing a full range of instruments and designed to take a GPS navigation system, is conceived for travellers who will appreciate the possibility to adjust the windshield height and have the luggage rack integrated with the passenger grab handle and the fixings for the side panniers.

The heart beating inside this magnificent touring bike is the renowned V-shaped 90° transverse twin-cylinder “QV“1.2 engine – the highest performer of all the engine families manufactured at Mandello del Lario, which has now reached exclusive levels as far as its technical/performance development is concerned.

This version can boast careful attention to achieve more silent and smoother running, whilst tweaking the electronic control, timing and cooling system.

The integrated ignition and injection ECU exploits the signals sent by the two lambda probes to guarantee adequate feeding throughout the entire combustion cycle, improving the response to throttle control and low-to-mid-range power delivery, as well as notably reducing consumption and harmful emissions. The ATC (advanced traction control) system is also used: this system controls ignition advance and injection to cut torque delivery whenever a sudden loss of grip is detected so as to help the rider to remain in control under extreme, unexpected conditions. Like ABS, this device can be excluded.

In terms of performance, the “QV” boasts a maximum torque of over 113 Nm delivered at a mere 5,800 rpm, and easily reaches a peak in output of over 105 HP; it practically reaches an automobile-level speed of 7,250 rpm.

The NTX is the more “adventurous“ version of the Stelvio 8V, sharing all the technical features of the basic version but standing out for the sturdy, imposing “armour” that embraces it and comprises the oil sump guard, engine guard, cylinder guard, full cover hand-guards and extra large windshield with additional appendages to protect the rider and his bike from any dangers throughout his trip.

A bike dedicated to long haul travellers naturally needs luggage space, hence the spacious aluminium panniers and additional halogen lights. Even more luxury options are available on the accessory catalogue including a GPS navigator installation kit, heated hand-grips, CA.RC protection (Compact Reactive Cardan Shaft Drive), aluminium top box for the NTX or side wind deflectors, extra large windshield, dedicated body coloured plastic polymer panniers and top box kit for the 8V version.

Comfort:

Unstoppable long-time tourers.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V and NTX are great tourers that can also be used off-road, and with excellent performance on asphalt. These characteristics emerge immediately once you are seated on the bike, where the perception of carefully-designed ergonomics can be felt straight away: saddle, footrests and handlebar form a perfect triangle for all users. Moreover, for the perfectionists, there is still room for minor adjustments: windshield, saddle height (820 or 840 mm), handlebar inclination, levers, pedals, as well as race-style adjusters for hydraulic compression/rebound damping.

In a few seconds, everything is at the right place to face any challenge, from city traffic to the most inaccessible off-road paths. In motion, reduced vibration and the efficient aerodynamic protection offered by the top fairing and windshield and the side wind deflectors (dedicated for NTX) ensure comfort for both rider and passenger – ideal for tackling long trips.

With regards the controls, the dashboard has a 12V power outlet, a fuse box compartment and an instrument panel with analogue rpm indicator and a display with a six-mark fuel indicator that integrates with other on-board computer functions such as average and current consumption, average speed, trip time, maximum speed peak reached and diagnostics. The display also lets you control hand grip heating (option) and activate the ATC system, fitted as standard on both models.

• NTX STANDARD EQUIPMENT
• ABS;
• ATC traction control;
• Black satin-finish aluminium side panniers;
• Cylinder guards;
• Long-range lights;
• Aluminium sump guard;
• Hand guards;
• Spoked wheels;
• Extra large windshield with side wind deflectors

STELVIO 1200 8V STANDARD EQUIPMENT

• ABS;
• ATC traction control;
• Alloy wheel rims.

Chassis, suspension and brakes

Designed for non conventional paths.

You should not be mislead by its luxury off-road appearance: the driving effectiveness of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V and NTX is superior to the average of many road motorcycles, despite being equipped for the unexpected and to withstand off-road driving strain.

The secret is the new upper twin spar frame, made of high-strength steel, with 2.5mm thick directional tubes, where the engine is anchored through six connecting points, two more than in usual frames, which give high rigidity to the assembly at twisting moments.

Chassis positions have been defined to facilitate handling: a headstock with a 27° inclination for a 125mm trail, improved by a 1535-mm wheelbase to ensure impeccable steering precision.

High quality suspension whose adjustable pre-load and hydraulic response during compression and rebound combine to ensure instant, smooth response to pressure on the handlebar. The front end is controlled by a new upside-down Marzocchi fork with 45mm stanchions and 170mm travel whereas, at the rear, suspension kinematic mechanisms with a progressive rising rate are moved by a Sachs unit that works on a 155mm stroke.

The refined suspension department guarantees a neutral setting at all times, whether coming out of a bend (with the action of the 105 horsepower generated by the “QV” engine) or braking (with the quick deceleration generated by the three-disc Brembo braking system supported by Continental ABS (that can be disengaged), fitted as standard on NTX and Stelvio 1200 8V). Both have a pair of 320mm front discs and a rear disc of 282mm.

With regards the wheels, the two versions are very different: tubeless spoke wheels for the NTX, and in light alloy for the 8V. Both take a rear tyre of 150/70-17.

Engine and transmission.

The “QV” evolution continues.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V and NTX boast the latest evolution of the “QV” 1.2 engine”, universally acknowledged as the most advanced version of the legendary V-shaped 90° transverse twin-cylinder.

This highly sophisticated mechanical gem, which is unique in terms of both architecture and engineering clarity, is built using advanced components and technical solutions. Worth mentioning are the raised cam profile single camshaft timing system driven by silent “Morse” type chains” with hydraulic chain tensioners, the forged pistons with three rings cooled by oil jets in the crankcase, the ultra-light valves in special alloy steel with 5mm stems, and the conical valve springs that eliminate resonance and power loss at high engine speeds. Lubrication and cooling are ensured by two coaxial pumps that circulate lubricant through a separate duct in the head up to the exhaust valve seats, where the highest temperatures develop. The cylinders feature an extremely modern design, with the cooling fins tapered toward the front of the cylinders, while the valve covers – which proudly flaunt the “QV” moniker – feature a floating mounting system to reduce mechanical noise.

As far as the fuel system goes, the “QV” engine uses the new Marelli IWP 189 injectors on the intake duct of the sizeable 50mm throttle bodies, whereas the integrated ignition and injection ECU now exploits the signals from two lambda probes to guarantee adequate fuel metering throughout the entire combustion cycle, improving response to throttle control and mid-range power delivery, as well as consumption and emission levels. In terms of electronic components, the Stelvio 1200 8V and NTX adopt the ATC anti-slide system – an invaluable aid to keep out of trouble in poor grip conditions.

The gearbox is a genuine 6-speed mechanical gem of engineering, that excels for: quiet operation, easily selectable neutral, and precision. This is also thanks to the introduction of the quiet and smooth single-plate clutch.

Main Characteristics

ENGINE

• 1200 90° V-shaped Twin-cylinder “QV”
• Single overhead camshaft timing system
• Two lambda probes.
• Single plate clutch.
• Transmission with compact reactive cardan shaft drive.
• 6-gear gearbox.
• Euro 3.

FRAME

• High tensile steel upper dual beam frame.
• Front fork with 45 mm stanchions, adjustable pre-load and hydraulics.
• Shock absorber with adjustable pre-load and rebound fitted with a new more preloaded spring.
• Rear suspension with progressive articulation single arm.
• 4 horizontally opposed piston front brake system with new 320 mm discs, ABS (that can be disengaged).
• Rear 282-mm disc brake, floating calliper with two parallel pistons. ABS (that can be disengaged)
• Rear tyre 150/70-17.
• Front tyre 110/90- 19.

STANDARD OUTFIT:

• Continental ABS (can be disengaged)
• ATC system as standard
• New instrument panel with increased scale fuel level indicator.
• Alloy wheel rims
• Heated hand-grip fixture.
• Satellite navigator fixture.

NTX OUTFITTING:

• Aluminium panniers
• Aluminium sump guard.
• Steel engine guard.
• Integral hand-guards.
• Additional headlamp
• Spoked wheels
• Extra large windshield
• Supplementary air deflectors
• ABS as standard

Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V (NTX) – Technical Specifications

ENGINE
Type	:	90° V-twin engine, 4-stroke
Cooling	:	through air and oil and an independent cooling pump
Engine capacity	:	1,151 cc
Bore and stroke	:	95 x 81.2 mm
Compression ratio	:	11: 1
Timing system diagram	:	intake valve opens 36° BTDC
(1-mm checking clearance)		intake valve closes 62° ABDC
		exhaust valve opens 58° BBDC
		exhaust valve closes 30° ATDC
Maximum power	:	77 kW (105HP) at 7,250 rpm
Maximum torque	:	above 113 Nm at 5,800 rpm
Fuel supply / Ignition	:	Multipoint sequential electronic ignition, Magneti Marelli IAW5A phased, alfa-n system; two Ø 50mm throttle bodies, Marelli IWP 189 injectors, two Lambda probes.
Starter	:	Electric
Spark plugs	:	NGK PMR8B (Long Life)
Exhaust system	:	stainless steel, 2-in-1 type, three-way catalytic converter with double lambda probe
Type approval	:	Euro 3
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox	:	6-speed
Gear ratio values	:	1st 17/38 = 1 : 2.235
	:	2nd 20/34 = 1 : 1.700
	:	3rd 23/31 = 1 : 1.348
	:	4th 26/29 = 1 : 1.115
	:	5th 31/30 = 1 : 0.968
	:	6th 29/25 = 1 : 0.862
Primary drive	:	with helical teeth, ratio 26/35 = 1: 1,346
Final drive	:	Compact reactive cardan shaft drive system called CA.R.C.; double cardan joint and floating bevel gear seat, drive ratio 12/44 = 1: 3.666
Clutch	:	single-disc with integrated anti-vibration buffer
CHASSIS
Chassis	:	High yield strength tubular steel with integrated engine
Centre to centre distance	:	1,535 mm
Trail	:	125 mm
Headstock angle	:	27°
Steering angle	:	34°
Front suspension	:	completely adjustable fork (spring pre-load and hydraulic compression and rebound damping) with 45 mm diam. upside down stanchions and caliper mounting for radial brake calipers
Front wheel travel	:	170 mm
Rear suspension	:	single arm with progressive linkage, monoshock with adjustable hydraulic rebound damping and spring pre-load adjuster knob
Rear wheel travel	:	155 mm
Front brake	:	dual 320 mm stainless steel floating discs, radial calipers with 4 horizontally opposed pistons
Rear brake	:	282 mm stainless steel fixed disc, floating caliper with 2 parallel pistons
Wheels (NTX)	:	Light alloy (tubeless, spoked)
Front wheel rim	:	2.50” x 19”
Rear wheel rim	:	4.25” x 17”
Front tyre	:	110/80 R19”
Rear tyre	:	150/70 R17”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
System voltage	:	12 V
Battery	:	12V – 18 Ah
Alternator	:	12 V – 550 W
DIMENSIONS
Length	:	2250 mm
Width (NTX)	:	920 mm (1,050 mm)
Height (NTX)	:	1,430 mm (1,480 mm)
Saddle height	:	820-840 mm (adjustable)
Minimum ground clearance	:	210 mm
Kerb weight. (NTX)	:	257 Kg (272 Kg)
Fuel tank capacity	:	32 litres
Reserve	:	7 litres

“If Roman gods had ridden motorcycles, the Moto Guzzi Eldorado would have been chosen by Bacchus.” This was how Cycle World magazine concluded their test of the luxurious Italian bike, the latest evolution of the 90° V-twin with cardan final drive introduced in the States in the late sixties by the importer Berliner Group. The metaphor effectively highlighted the intoxication experienced on a modern, powerful, luxurious and fast bike, painstakingly studied down to the smallest details and extremely satisfying to ride. Forty years later the experience is repeated in the shape and substance of the new Eldorado.

Staying on the theme of mythology, the new Eldorado leads us to Janus, the two-headed divinity who is the keeper of all passages and transitions. By looking at it one can see clearly how this Moto Guzzi has preserved the personality of its ancestor, drawing it from the past to the future along the path of technological evolution and stylistic continuity.

The flashback effect comes out in the details: the spoke wheels, the fuel tank with chromium sides, the oversize saddle, the rear mudguard with the gem-shaped taillight, the bullhorn handlebar, the passenger grab handle.

With a lower setup thanks to the new sixteen inch spoke wheels that mount whitewall tyres (130/90 on the front and 180/65 on the rear), attention is drawn to the new wraparound mudguards. The front has a particularly “clean” design which enhances the powerful front end, whereas the rear, on the other hand, is the element that draws the most attention on this ultra elegant Moto Guzzi. Its smooth and generous shape integrates with the new full cover shock absorbers, the gem-shaped rear light cluster and the classic rounded turn indicators.

At the front the Eldorado, like the Touring and Custom models, is also distinguishable by its original complex surface headlight with polyelliptical light equipped with LED daylight running light (DRL). Speaking of digital technologies, the instrumentation is particularly satisfying, contained in a 150 mm diameter circular panel with the analogue rev counter scale finding its place along the external circumference and a multifunction full-matrix suspended display at the centre, all packaged neatly, like a luxury watch, in a bright chromium housing.

You never get on the Eldorado, but rather you settle comfortably into the saddle. Positioned just 724 mm from the ground, the new saddle, together with the generous floorboards an the comfortable bullhorn handlebar grip, is an invitation to take a seat, press the start button and let the asphalt roll under your feet for at least 300 kilometres, which is the minimum range guaranteed by the sculpturesque 21 litre fuel tank.

If the road is a never-ending Interstate Highway you can activate cruise control by pressing the button on the right-hand electric block and sail along as you listen to the throbbing 90° V-twin filtered by the big block’s elastic-kinematic mounting system, knowing that if you need or desire it, the cardan final drive will be ready to unleash up to 120 Nm onto the tarmac at 2,750 rpm. Technically unchanged, the twin cylinder confirms its monumental architecture enhanced by the polished valve covers with Moto Guzzi silk-screened on them and the tight and smoothed cooling fins. The engine is an absolute benchmark in its category for engine capacity-performance-consumption ratio thanks to excellent thermodynamic performance combined with advanced Ride-by-wire multimap electronic management. This technology allows the rider to choose one of three engine management maps: Turismo, Veloce and Pioggia. And that’s not all: the dynamic performance of the vehicle is also kept under control by its latest generation traction control system (MGCT) which can be adjusted on three actuation levels in order to increase active safety without impacting performance and riding pleasure.

Moto Guzzi Audace: The muscle bike that scrapes the asphalt.

Ostentatious, muscular and fierce, the Audace can be picked out immediately by its front end, made stylistically lighter by the circular headlight unit and the carbon mudguard mounted on a fork without any telescope covering. It has no chromium plating so every mechanical detail, each small exposed metallic part is dark as night, an ideal condition for fully enjoying a bike in solitude with the striking beauty of the Audace.

Light comes through only in the stark contrast with the colour of the lateral strip that shows several brand new details. Like the undersump lug that gives the side view a gritty look, the metallic radiator grille and the short megaphone exhaust which, despite its rebellious look, is actually Euro 4 approved.

The side panel covers have also been changed, lightened like the passenger footpeg bracket. The platform footboards mounted on all the other models in the range are gone here, as is the rocker gear shift control in order to make room for sportier footpegs mounted farther forward and the classic gear shifter pedal.

Particular attention was given to the saddle, covered in Alcantara skai with exposed red stitching, lowered in terms of the seating position and installation ready for the foldaway passenger seat. The drag handlebar is also new which, thanks to the forward position of the footpegs and the different seating level, create a longer and more dominating riding position.

Another particularly elegant feature is the burnished valve covers, the rear shock absorbers with separate gas bottle and the alloy wheels personalised with the Moto Guzzi logo, as well as the minimal mirrors.

Powerful and aggressive, the Audace looks as if it is crouched down on its haunches like a large feline ready to unleash its explosive power to scratch the asphalt, leaving the mark of its oversize 200/65 rear tyre. The generosity of the 1400 cc “Made in Mandello” 90° V-twin is well known by now and on the Audace, thanks to the exhaust system with redesigned fluid dynamics, is even more lively at high revs. As a result, thanks in part to weighing a few kilos less, the Audace is definitely quicker off the line. It will certainly be the one that is most used with the “Veloce” output map and the one where the MGTC traction control system will need to intervene most often…

Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring S.E.: a change of clothes.

In addition to the Nero Ambassador and Bianco Eldorado versions, for 2015 the California Touring is available in a new version called “S.E.”

Characterised by a new two-tone graphic, this version, which has a built-in passenger backrest and grab handle, emphasises the virtual continuity with its ancestors through the reinterpretation of various style elements. The most obvious of these are connected to the profile of the saddle, the chromium grab handle and the side panels inspired by the T3 as well as a ratio between the fuel tank and engine sizes which favours the latter, just like the style of the glorious V7 and V850.

This impression is given especially by the ingenious fuel tank, made in metal, with a 21 litre central body and two side covers where the Eagle logo is proudly displayed, moulded on the powerful thermal units of the round headed 1400 cc engine.

This impression is further accentuated by the horizontal lines of the highly polished silencers that end at the rear mudguard, moulded over the impressive 200 tyre and equipped with a spectacular dual LED light cluster that also includes the turn indicators. The front view is no less impressive, with a complex surface headlight unit and a polyelliptical light with LED daylight running light (DRL).

The particular polygon shape of the headlight dominates the luxurious front end, enriched in classic California tradition by the windshield and supplementary lights, painted to match the body, as well as the new front deflectors.

The lightweight alloy wheels are an original ribbed design like the headlight frame, the supplementary lights, the handlebar and the valve covers.

The 46 mm front fork is another throwback to its glorious ancestors: completely sealed by dominating “telescopes” which are now chromium plated. Intended for those who devour kilometres, the California Touring S.E. is unrivalled in terms of comfort and load capacity thanks to its generous saddle and the spacious and elegant 35 litre side panniers, the cruise control feature and the dampening action of the elastic kinematic engine mounting system. The engine mounted is the sculpturesque 1380 cc big bore, the absolute top of its class in terms of performance and consumption, equipped with Ride-by-wire multimap electronic engine management.

This technology allows the rider to choose one of three engine management maps: Turismo, Veloce and Pioggia.

The dynamic performance of the vehicle is also kept under control by its traction control system (MGCT) which can be adjusted on three actuation levels in order to increase active safety without impacting performance and riding pleasure.