MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 Touring Motorcycle

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 is a 3RD generation touring motorcycle from Italy. The factory has a long experience in the allroad touring category and the first dual sport models were introduced around 1986 when AFRICAN -desert rallies and adventure bikes were popular. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS was first time introduced at the end of the 2007. The V2 -engine was tuned up in 2009 and the fairing, instrumentation were updated and the fuel capacity increased in 2012.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 has all the basics in order and it offers proper touring features with an extensive fuel range. The unique V2 -engine is placed sideways and it offers very practical torque, but it`s hardy sporty from nature. On the other hand, the smooth torque and a reasonable amount of power is easer to handle in offroad conditions and therefore the STELVIO is surprisingly fluent to ride. There are ABS and traction control systems supporting rider`s actions. The STELVIO provides good rider ergonomics and comfortable touring with a passenger and significant payload. The basic model has an adventurous brother and the factory upgrade model is called the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015. The NTX -handling includes few basic parts for more adventurous riding and light allroad touring. Therefore I would recommend to go straight with the NTX and maximize the routing potential.

The brother model MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is good for adventurous allroad touring, but it is hardly ideal for challenges and demanding maneuvering or trails. It was not made for such conditions either. The NTX is right on the edge performing both on tarmac and well maintained gravel roads. It`s not a show off machine. It`s simply made for practical touring with ease and comfort in mind. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is also one of the lowest allroad motorcycles from the rider`s seat point of view. Riders at least 170cm or 5 foot 6 tall should be able to master the weight and reach to the ground good enough to master the weight in question.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 urban touring character comes mainly from the cast aluminium wheels, low ground clearance, soft suspension, high center of gravity and the overall weight. With proper allroad tyres, the STELVIO clears easy allroad conditions like any other competitor, but then I would recommend to choose the NTX -brother version instead. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 is certainly an interesting touring enduro for a lot of riders that are not looking for the highest performance, latest MC -technology or the best offroad features. In stead they look for a comfortable and simple straight forward touring machine which would be good also for every day biking.

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 Features

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 has competitive basic touring features. The V2 -engine provides enough practical torque for such an overall load and the traction control with the ABS keeps the rider safe. The STELVIO has some components from the sister company APRILIA. The 3 -stage traction control ATC is one of those and it has been used also in the APRILIA 1200 Caponord 2014. The ATC has been originally developed for RR and therefore it works very well on tarmac. The STELVIO -rider can choose between 3 intervention levels or switch the ATC off. The first level provides the smallest intervention and the third stage the highest. The ATC monitors the wheels and the spin differences allowing reasonable sliding between certain minimum and maximum values. This gives the STELVIO -rider more freedom to push in the limit without aggressive cut down effect.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 has a conventional ABS system that works well on tarmac and it can be also switched OFF easily, but there are no advanced offroad features similar to the KTM or the BMW. The ABS is also not integrated and the STELVIO -rider should practice simultaneous foot braking in order to maintain best possible feel to the rear brakes too. Fortunately the fuel tank is big and provides an extensive range which is a relevant touring factor, even when exploring the urban. Unfortunately the STELVIO has no low octane fuel settings which speaks against remote exploring. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 alternator offers adequate level of power for touring purposes. The twin headlights are using halogen bulbs and therefore I would recommend to install a pair of LED fog lights for the additional safety in the cruising speed instead of using the high beams. There is 12V power outlet in the cockpit for travel electronics. For the GPS navigator I would still bring a separate power cord and leave the plug for the phone etc.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 ergonomics are good, but the standard windscreen is slightly small for an average rider, narrow at the top and the wind coverage includes no side deflectors like the NTX -brother model. Never the less, the windshield is quick adjustable and the simple sliding mechanism works well, although it can not be operated on the move. The rider seat height can be changed into 2 positions by rotating the 4 rubber rests 180 degrees. Below the passenger seat there is a practical compartment for the tools, but there is also additional 12V power outlet which can be used for travel electronics. The compartment is relative big and any handyman could utilize it more efficiently. Such small details are good and not available on every brand. I hope that every producer would use the space more efficiently below the seat to store tools water tightly. Perhaps tool manufacturers could fill up this cap on the market and provide model specific aftermarket solutions. At least I am interested. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 handlebar mount and the foot pegs are not adjustable, but both hand levers can be fine tuned for different size hands. The key MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 features are:

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 has an up to date basic instrumentation with an onboard computer and LCD display. The tachometer is traditional which is the most practical way from the readability point of view. The LCD -display and the onboard computer offers the rest of the info and there are several parameters for touring purposes, but also surprising features such as lap timing. Settings are changed with the left hand 3 way selector button by pushing it to the left or right and selecting with a press down when running loop menus. The key MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 instrumentation features are:

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 Equipment Accessory

The basic MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 would be quite enough for everyday riding and short weekend tours, but the touring windshield with side deflectors and perhaps even with hand guards would be a comfortable plus for most of us. I really appreciate good wind cover and a minimum turbulence. Such add ons are worth the money. Those who start the season early and end it later than the most, would enjoy grip heaters. Since the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 is very urban from nature, the need for extensive tune up is smaller. Proper luggage system and a GPS -navigator support would be enough, but a side stand foot extension would be good too for such a big touring motorcycle. Those who prefer to have more protection and offroad features should automatically go with the upgraded MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 model and continue from there. Adjustable offroad foot pegs would provide better support and more open knee angle.

The factory and the MotoGuzzi -dealers offer few interesting basic accessories that are useful. The engine- and the drive shaft guards, but also the skid plate are relevant for light offroad conditions, but also to protect the bike in the case of a light fall at the yard. Auxiliary fog lights can be also installed to the engine guard easily and the location would be one of the best. The equipment producers have mostly universal travel accessories and since the STELVIOs has not been sold in so many numbers, there are not too many alternatives. The SW Motech and Twisted Throttle US have probably the largest selection. Never the less, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 can be well equipped for touring.

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 Factory Upgrade

The upgraded brother MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is well equipped for more adventurous touring and especially light allroad riding. Unless you are going to stay on tarmac and return when the gravel suddenly hits, I would rather go with the NTX in the beginning. The upgrade includes cross spoked rims, wider windshield with deflectors a side, hand guards, crash bars, short skid plate, pair of auxiliary fog lights and a pair of aluminium panniers. The NTX -equipment fits very well for allroad touring requirements and such accessories are useful. Therefore the NTX -upgrade is always worth considering, even when offroad riding would be mostly a rear exception. It simply maximizes the STELVIO -potential to the fullest and on top looks good. The only thing I would like to change, are the halogen fog lights. The STELVIO alternator is only on the average level and the amount of travel electronics is usually rather high. Once you need also grip heaters, the LED lights would be a much better choice saving the capacity.

A standard MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is already very close to the level of ready to go for an adventure. Small tuning may be in order, such as equipping with a side stand foot extension, front mud guard extension and perhaps also heated grips. Fortunately the fuel tank is big enough giving true long range capabilities which is quite exceptional and relevant for very long LEGs in the remote areas. The key MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 features that differ from the basic model are:

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 Comparison

Compared to the adventurous MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 model, the basic MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 is 15kgs (33.1lbs.) lighter, offers 15kgs more payload capacity, has cast aluminium wheels, offers no sump guard, nor crash bars and the wind coverage is smaller due to more narrow windscreen shape and absence of side deflectors and hand guards. The NTX has also a pair of halogen fog lights for better visibility in cruising speed and a set of side panniers. The difference in nature comes from the cross spoked rims and more extensive wind coverage. Therefore the basic STELVIO is more like an everyday bike with proper urban touring potential. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is first of all a versatile and comfortable allroad touring enduro, mastering the urban and light offroad conditions, but for sure serves well as everyday bike too.

VS BMW R1200GS 2015

Compared to the BMW R1200GS 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 offers 12L (3.2USgal. – 2.6UKgal.) more fuel and 2kgs (4.4lbs.) more payload capacity, but it`s also 43kgs (94.8lbs.) heavier, offers 20HP/12Nm. less engine and 30W less alternator performance. Notice that the weight difference due to the large fuel tank is 8,4kgs (18.5lbs.) and therefore it`s in fact smaller. From the equipment point of view, the STELVIO has also traction control as standard feature unlike the GS. They both have cast aluminium wheels, 12V power outlet in the cockpit, modern instrumentation, average alternator performance and the shaft drives, but the standard GS has no riding aid systems other than the ABS. The GS stability control system ASC is optional, but very sophisticated and includes offroad modes. The GS ABS is integrated and can be also switched into offroad mode. The GS is ride by wire throttled and offers cruise control unlike the traditional STELVIO which has no low octane fuel settings either.

The GS has better ergonomics and versatile adjustments. The basic wind cover is a little bit modest in both bikes, but could be upgraded easily. They both carry the same payload and allow to quick set the suspension accordingly, but the GS offers additionally an electronic suspension system which is not available for STELVIOs. The GS front suspension is also very different from the dynamics point of view. The GS -Telelever supports the weight much better on tarmac emergency braking situations unlike the traditional USD -fork. From the handling point of view, the GS is much more agile and the STELVIO top heavy. After all, the GS enjoys the benefit of the widest equipment range and equipment producers close attention which guarantees the best selection of accessories around the world. The BMW R1200GS 2015 is clearly more sporty, agile, advanced and highly versatile for various touring preferences, but also for everyday biking. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 is more traditional urban touring bike with an exceptional fuel range and traction control as standard.

VS TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2015

Compared to the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 offers 12L (3.2USgal. – 2.6UKgal.) more fuel capacity, but it is 22kgs (48.5lbs.) heavier, offers 8kgs (17.6lbs.) less payload capacity, 32HP/8Nm. less engine and 400W less alternator performance. Note that the weight difference due to the large fuel tank is 8,4kgs (18.5lbs.) and therefore the STELVIO is only slightly heavier. The difference is anyhow smaller issue on the tarmac and they are both top heavy. Never the less, the long range makes also long stretches realistic from the routing point of view. Although the Explorer has low octane fuel settings as standard unlike the STELVIO.

They both have cast aluminium wheels, basic safety electronics, modern instrumentation, power outlet in the cockpit and the shaft drives. The ABS and the traction control systems can be also switched off in both bikes, but neither offers advanced offroad settings like the KTM and the BMW. The Explorer has cruise control as standard feature, but the STELVIO is not even ride by wire throttled. From the traveling point of view, the Explorer offers exceptional alternator capacity for electronics, but the STELVIO has an average back up. From the ergonomics point of view, the Explorer is slightly better due to more versatile adjustments and additional options, but the basic setups are quite close to each other. The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2015 is clearly much more sporty and nimble urban touring enduro. With few upgrade parts it provides the same wind coverage, comfort and the only short coming would be basically the average size fuel tank. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 fits better to riders that are more laid back, less performance oriented and appreciate the long fuel range.

VS SUZUKI VStrom 1000 ABS 2015

Compared to the SUZUKI VStrom 1000 ABS 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 offers 6HP/10Nm. more engine performance and 12L (3.2USgal. – 2.6UKgal.) more fuel capacity, but it`s also 39kgs (86lbs.) heavier. Although 8,4kgs (18.5lbs.) comes from the difference in fuel capacity alone and then some from the different drivetrain type. The VStrom is chain driven which is much lighter than the shaft. They are both top heavy and hardly sporty. Basically they are quite traditional urban touring enduros in today`s standards and therefore more similar than different.

They both have cast aluminium wheels, modern instrumentation with onboard computer, basic riding aid systems, power outlet in the cockpit and an average alternator capacity. The traction control systems are more simple and less advanced without any offroad features, but the STELVIO ABS can be also switched off unlike the VStrom ABS. The VStrom is ride by wire throttled, but has still no cruise control either. Neither has low octane fuel settings which is not alarming for urban bikes, but a kind of small short coming if use in allroad touring. The STELVIO has slightly better ergonomics with larger windscreen and adjustable rider seat, but the VStrom single piece seat can be only changed to higher or lower seat option. The SUZUKI VStrom 1000 ABS 2015 is slightly more agile and stronger in everyday biking. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 is more comfortable and stronger in touring especially with the long fuel range.

VS HONDA VFR1200X CrossTourer 2015

Compared to the HONDA VFR1200X CrossTourer 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 offers 21kgs (46.3lbs.) more payload and 10,5L (2.8USgal.- 2.3UKgal.) more fuel capacity, but it is 5kgs (11lbs.) heavier, offers 2W less alternator and 24HP/13Nm. less engine performance. Note that the weight difference due to a larger fuel capacity is 7,4kgs (16.3lbs.) and therefore the STELVIO would be in fact lighter than the CrossTourer. These motorcycles are more similar than different and they represent the heavy end of the big bore touring enduros. Basically they are the closest competitors for each other and offer a some what similar potential. They are both top heavy from the handling point of view and offer similar level of agility.

The STELVIO offers slightly better ergonomics due to the adjustable rider seat, but both bikes would benefit from adjustable foot pegs and handlebars. They both have a basic level safety equipment for tarmac riding and no advanced offroad settings, but the STELVIO allows to switch both the ABS and the traction control off. From the traveling point of view, they offer an average level of alternator potential which would be acceptable for urban routing, but otherwise modest. They do not offer any low octane fuel settings, but the STELVIO has an extensive fuel range at least. The STELVIO is more comfortable due to better wind coverage, but they both require some tuning to reach a proper level for most of us. Basically the difference in nature comes from the cross spoked rims and higher performance of the CrossTourer. The HONDA VFR1200X CrossTourer 2015 is more sporty, but after tuning offers the same touring comfort and slightly smaller payload capacity. The STELVIO is more comfortable and after tuning still suffers from the cast aluminum wheels, offering more limited routing potential and therefore I would rather go straight with the brother model MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015.

VS KTM 1190 Adventure 2015

Compared to the KTM 1190 Adventure 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 offers 9L (2.4USgal. – 2UKgal.) more fuel capacity and 100W more alternator performance, but it`s also 51kgs (112.4lbs.) heavier, offers 14kgs (30.9lbs.) less payload capacity and 43HP/12Nm. less engine performance. Note that the large STEVIO -fuel tank makes alone a 6,3kgs (13.9lbs.) difference, but still the Adventure is a lot lighter in every single way. Although the weight is not as critical on tarmac surfaces which is mainly in focus with the STELVIO. The Adventure has cross spoked rims, advanced stability control systems and separate ABS -offroad settings which makes it very capable and versatile. One big difference between these bikes is that the KTM has a chain drive which makes the Adventure lighter, but also leads to higher maintenance requirement.

These touring motorcycles are very different from nature. The Adventure is very sporty, agile, versatile and technically advanced. The basic STELVIO is in the opposite end and the factory MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 upgrade would be actually more appropriate in the comparison. The Adventure offers better ergonomics and versatile adjustments. The KTM -instrumentation is one of the most comprehensive, but the STELVIO provides more backup for the travel electronics. The Adventure stability control system is state of the art and adapts to offroad conditions which makes it a true all round touring bike. The Adventure offers optionally electronic suspension systems, but the STELVIO has no such upgrades. The KTM 1190 Adventure 2015 is a sporty allroad touring machine for all surfaces, but suffers slightly from shorter fuel range. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 is a traditional urban tourer providing comfortable ride with long fuel range and basic rider support.

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