Covid may have forced the postponement of its 100th anniversary celebrations, but Moto Guzzi is making up for lost time. After the launch last year of the first bike based on its all-new water-cooled platform – the V100 Mandello – comes the Stelvio adventure tourer, which was actually designed and engineered alongside the Mandello.
Given the weight the adventure segment has in global market terms, it’s surprising Guzzi’s owner Piaggio didn’t prioritise the Stelvio over the Mandello… but hey, better late than never. Because I soon understood on what was an exclusive ride on scenic, grippy and demanding mountain roads, this is a very significant bike that moves Moto Guzzi to the forefront of all-round everyday motorcycling.
While the Australian price is yet to be confirmed, in Europe – at €16,499 ($27,400) or €17,299 ($28,700) with the PFF fruit – it’s €509 ($845) more expensive than the Ducati Multistrada V2, €1209 ($2007) pricier than Suzuki’s V-Strom 1050, €959 ($1592) more than Honda’s Africa Twin and €799 ($1326) more expensive than Husqvarna’s Norden 901.
Named after the legendary Dolomites pass in northern Italy which connects two valleys via 48 hairpin bends, the 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio is a reincarnation of the previous model bearing that name, which debuted in 2007 but was shelved in 2016 when it was unable to meet Euro 4 compliance. Powered by Guzzi’s 1200cc eight-valve motor, this was
