Moto Guzzi Stelvio

As a motorcyclist with years of experience, the thrill of “firsts” becomes an elusive unicorn. But today? Today, I saddled up for a monumental first. I rode my very first Moto Guzzi. And not just any Moto Guzzi—a brand-new, straight-out-of-the-crate Moto Guzzi Stelvio.

Of course, the purists will say I haven’t technically ridden a “real” Moto Guzzi yet, but hold that thought—we’ll unpack that spicy bit of motorcycle philosophy soon enough.

Let’s dive into the star of the show: the 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio, an adventure-tourer with its signature transverse V-twin engine and shaft drive—features as iconic to Guzzi as their eagle emblem. I picked up this beauty from Motorazzi, Wellington’s Moto Guzzi dealer, a haven for die-hard Guzzi enthusiasts who eat, sleep, and breathe these machines.

Swinging a leg over the Stelvio, I found it surprisingly approachable. The seat height is manageable, making mounting easy, though the ground clearance isn’t what you’d expect from a hardcore adventure bike. But let’s remember—this is an ADV-tourer, built for comfort and versatility rather than scaling cliff faces. The ergonomics impressed me with a spacious seat, a relaxed knee bend, and handlebars wide enough for good leverage. An electrically adjustable windscreen caps it off, doing an excellent job of deflecting wind with minimal buffeting.

Starting the engine is where the magic begins. That transverse V-twin immediately announces its presence with a subtle side-to-side wobble—an endearing characteristic of having the last two cylinders of a V8 sitting sideways across the frame. Give it a blip of throttle, and the bike playfully twitches, reminding you why Guzzi fans swear by this layout.

On the move, the Stelvio is mellow yet capable. In Sport mode, it has plenty of get-up-and-go, but it’s not a wild, face-melting experience. The power delivery is smooth, with a linear curve that builds confidence. It’s the kind of bike that whispers, “Take your time; we’ve got all day,” while still having enough punch to satisfy when the mood strikes. The electronics work seamlessly, managing everything in the background so you can focus on the ride.

And about those liquid-cooled skeptics: Did you know Moto Guzzi was one of the first manufacturers in the world to explore liquid-cooled engines? Yep, their innovative spirit goes way back. The Stelvio is just the latest chapter, blending their rich tradition with modern engineering.

There’s plenty more to say about my time in the saddle of this Italian adventurer. But for that, you can check out the below video.

Here's the specs of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio.

Engine & Performance:
• Engine Type: 1042cc transverse 90-degree V-twin with DOHC, liquid cooling.
• Power: 115 hp @ 8,700 rpm.
• Torque: 105 Nm @ 6,750 rpm (82% available as low as 3,500 rpm).
• Transmission: 6-speed with an optional quickshifter.
• Final Drive: Shaft-driven with a single-sided swingarm, optimized for off-road use.

Chassis & Suspension:
• Frame: Tubular steel with the engine as a stressed member.
• Front Suspension: Sachs 46mm inverted fork, adjustable for preload and rebound; 6.8 inches of travel.
• Rear Suspension: KYB cantilever monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable; 6.8 inches of travel.

Brakes & Wheels:
• Front Brakes: Dual 320mm discs with Brembo 4-piston calipers.
• Rear Brake: 280mm disc with a 2-piston caliper.
• Tires: Michelin Anakee Adventure (120/70R19 front, 170/60R17 rear).

Dimensions & Capacities:
• Seat Height: 32.7 inches.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.5 gallons.
• Weight: 542 pounds (curb).
• Colors: Giallo Savana and Nero Vulcano.

Electronics & Features:
• Cornering ABS and traction control via a 6-axis IMU.
• Optional Moto Guzzi MIA app for smartphone connectivity.
• Accessory options include luggage, heated grips, heated seats, and a center stand.