I have a friend who sells them. I rode the previous generation and the current one when he's had demo units, the current one for a about a full day once. They're good bikes, not as quirky as they look but...they are heavier than a GS1200, the engine gets very hot at the cylinder heads, the engine has a strange pull to the right as you gas it from idle due to its configuration which is not apparent on the GS despite the similar layout. The current model holds a lot of fuel and it's pretty thrifty so the range is massive - it does make good power and thrives on the highway. I'd call it a GS1200 for less money for those who simply want an alternative to a GS1200. It really depends on what you're looking for in that category of bikes but if you want lighter and faster, the soon to be released Aprilia Caponord Rally may be a better choice for even less money. The KTM 1190 adventure is superior to this bike in every way (except it does use a chain instead of shaft drive) but I've got one of those and I'm biased. I prefer the Moto Guzzi to the super tenure as well but I would buy a KTM 1190 or a gs1200 over this any day.
This is a nice looking bike. The Italians and Spanish are hard to beat when it comes to aesthetics..... An aside: Ed March is the guy who's currently riding across Canada (with his Girlfriend) on tiny & seriously beat up Honda C90s. He has a very comical viewpoint on the big adventure bikes, especially BMW, and the industry around them. His Hitler video.....
Looking at options to ride up the Dempster to Inuvik. Worst it'll see is gravel roads, I'm looking for something that can chew through a pile of miles in a day without breaking a sweat or screaming the guts out of it...plus comfort. Plan on going 900 cc+. Like the idea of shaft drive, don't like Beemers for a variety of reasons. The older Guzzi "Quota" is a bit of a tank, but by all accounts, stone reliable. If I go with chain drive it'll likely be 1000 VStrom or Aprilia Caponord.
If you do want one of these Guzzis, shop wisely - there are a few dealers who have leftover and even Piaggio demo bikes with deep discounts if you take your time and call around...this bike eats up highways for breakfast and it's comfy and comes well equipped unlike my KTM 1190 which comes bare-bones (no luggage, no heated grips, etc.).
Stelvio eh? had a Transalp, hope they bring over the Africa Twin, it was a jewel,had a gs 1150, solid....but kinda boring, had a Multistrada 1100,exciting, but a bit costly to maintain, don't like 17in fronts on gravel, and time consuming to work on, get at that air filter...had a ktm 990 adv. not fussy on 21 in fronts on the road, costly to maintain and don't change the oil unless you have the afternoon! (the Mission guys treated me VERY well) and sure more off road capable than what I needed, I spent time on a new Multi....awesome...but 17 in front, chain drive.....spent time on gs 1200, much more fun than the 1150..... but costly and getting way too complex. So....Italy won! I don't need power windscreen, and power suspension, and 5 levels of everything with computers interacting and all the gizmos talking...or not...my desires are met with the Guzzi! Abs...and TC....on or off, big comfy seat, manual shock and fork adjustments , enough to get it right in a minute, giant fuel tank, simple instrumentation, GREAT standard ntx package , EASY to work on, perfect knee warmers and character......loads of character! shaft drive! parts and service? never been without, George at Corsa treats us well. My second M G, it just feels right, did I mention character!? loads of smooth power, and one forgets the size when you get on twisty roads, no slouch in the sport department, and all day comfort...did I mention character? Perhaps I will have a glass of Italian red, a ceegar and go sit with him for a while and watch the snow melt. great bunch of choices out there, have fun, ride safe. rc
Thanks for the input RC! How does it handle on the gravel? The only thing I don't like about this bike (on paper because I've never ridden one) is the weight.
weight is not an issue, compare the big adv. bikes. Balance .... I ride gravel all the time ...being on the poverty side of Dufferin (no horses, only muscrats) more about tires . the Valdez is not top heavy unless you fill it up!
To be honest, I think the Stelvio carries its weight quite well for an uber-barge and yes, on gravel too but like my 1190, it's heavy and cumbersome in the watery, muddy or sandy stuff. The suspension on it is very good
Hey Ron, how are you looking... on paper, these days? They say its never the bike, its the rider but I dunno BJ, that video is hilarious, thanks.
