MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 Touring Motorcycle

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is a third generation touring motorcycle and factory upgrade version from Italy. The MotoGuzzi 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 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 NTX 2015 is not one of the youngest, but still very competitive all-round tourer.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 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 and controllable torque. The STELVIO is not very sporty from nature due to the weight in question, but the smooth torque and a reasonable amount of power is easier to handle in offroad conditions and therefore the STELVIO is surprisingly fluent to ride. The standard package includes ABS and traction control systems supporting rider`s actions. The STELVIO provides good rider ergonomics, proper wind coverage and comfortable touring with a passenger and a significant payload. The factory MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 upgrade package includes few basic parts for more adventurous riding, maximizing the routing potential.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 more versatile touring character comes mainly from the cross spoked rims and better wind coverage, but a low ground clearance, soft suspension, high center of gravity and the overall weight makes the STELVIO hardly agile or competitive in the more challenging offroad conditions. With proper allroad tyres, the STELVIO clears light allroad conditions like any other competitor and in capable hands the bike overcomes a lot. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is certainly an interesting allroad touring motorcycle for a lot of riders that are not looking for the highest performance, the latest MC -technology nor the best offroad features. In stead they look for a comfortable and simple straight forward touring machine which would be good also for everyday biking.

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 Features

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 has competitive basic touring features. The V2 -engine provides reasonable amount of torque for such an overall payload and the traction control with the traditional ABS keeps the rider safe. The STELVIO has few parts from the sister company APRILIA and the 3 -stage traction control ATC is one of those. The ATC has been originally developed for RR and therefore it works very well on pavement. The STELVIO -rider can choose between 3 intervention levels or switch the ATC off. The first level provides as late intervention as possible and the third stage the soonest. The ATC monitors the wheels and the spin differences allowing reasonable sliding between certain minimum and maximum values which gives the STELVIO -rider more freedom to push in the limit without aggressive cut down effect.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 has a traditional street type ABS system that works well on pavement. Fortunately the ABS can be also switched OFF easily, but there are no advanced offroad features similar to the KTM or the BMW. The ABS is neither integrated and the STELVIO -rider has to practice simultaneous foot braking in order to maintain the best possible feel to the rear brakes. Fortunately the fuel tank is big and provides an extensive range which is a very relevant allroad touring factor when exploring the backcountry. Unfortunately the STELVIO has no low octane fuel settings which speaks a little bit against the most remote destinations with bad fuel scenario. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 alternator offers an average level of power backup for touring purposes. The twin headlights are using halogen bulbs and therefore I would rather 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, but for the GPS -navigator I would always recommend to bring a separate power cable.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 rider ergonomics are good. The wind cover is quite extensive and there are side deflectors too. The STELVIO -windshield is quick adjustable and the simple sliding mechanism works well, although it can not be operated on the move. The rider seat is adjustable in 2 positions by rotating the 4 rubber rests below the seat 180 degrees. Below the passenger seat there is a useful 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 I hope that every producer would use the space more efficiently below the seats to store tools, disk locks etc. water tightly. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 handlebar mount and the foot pegs are not adjustable, but both hand levers can be fine tuned for different size hands like almost every competitor. The key MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 features are:

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 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 several parameters for touring purposes, but also surprising ones 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 the loop menus. The key MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 instrumentation features are:

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 Equipment Accessory

The standard MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 accessories offer an interesting basic setup for solo allroad trip scenarios, but few additional parts may be worth taking. The NTX -upgrade includes cross spoked rims, wider windshield with deflectors a side, hand guards, crash bars, skid plate, pair of auxiliary fog lights and a pair of aluminium panniers. The factory upgrade fits very well for allroad touring requirements and therefore the NTX 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.

I would consider installing adjustable offroad foot pegs for better support, grip in the dirt and a more open knee angle. A proper GPS -navigator support would be good too, but the dash is not designed for placing the GPS above the display. A side stand foot extension would be useful for such a heavy bike. Those who start the season early or end it later than the most, would benefit from grip heaters. The black aluminium panniers fit very well to the overall look, but I would rather have something less radiation sensitive from the direct sun shine point of view. The crash protection is quite modest for offroad conditions and those who enjoy the gravel a lot, should invest on additional crash bars for the cooler and mud guard extension. The skid plate is extremely short, but the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is anyhow not made for demanding offroad maneuvering.

The halogen fog lights are placed good and they are also useful from the visibility point of view, but since the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 has an average alternator capacity, I would rather go with LED -lights. The equipment producers offer mostly universal travel accessories and since the STELVIOs has not been sold in so many numbers, there are less alternatives. The SW Motech and Twisted Throttle US have probably the largest selection. Never the less, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 can be well equipped for touring.

MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 Comparison

Compared to the BMW R1200GS Adventure 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 offers 2L (0.5USgal. – 0.44UKgal.) more fuel and 40W more alternator performance, but it also offers 21kgs (46.3lbs.) less payload capacity, it`s 36kgs (79.4lbs.) heavier, offers 20HP/12Nm. less engine performance. Note that the pannier set with the rack make the STELVIO look even heavier than otherwise. From the equipment point of view, the STELVIO has a less advanced traction control system and the GSA has on top additional stability control features as optional extra. They both have cross spoked rims, 12V power outlet in the cockpit, modern instrumentation, average alternator performance and the shaft drives, but the STELVIO has also a pair of aluminium panniers as standard. The GSA has partially integrated ABS which can be also switched into offroad mode. The GSA is ride by wire throttled and offers cruise control unlike the traditional MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 which has no low octane fuel settings either.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 has slightly limited ergonomics and less versatile adjustments than the GSA. The basic wind cover is one of the best in both bikes. The GSA carries more payload and is more agile to handle. They both allow to quick set the suspension according to the load, but the GSA offers additionally an electronic suspension system which is not available for STELVIOs. The GSA front suspension is also very different from the dynamics point of view. The GSA -Telelever supports the weight much better on pavement emergency braking situations unlike the traditional USD -fork. After all, the GSA 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 Adventure 2015 is clearly more sporty, agile, advanced and highly versatile for various touring preferences. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is more traditional allroad touring bike for less challenge hungry riders.

VS KTM 1190 Adventure 2015

Compared to the KTM 1190 Adventure 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 offers 9L (2.4USgal. – 2UKgal.) more fuel capacity and 100W more alternator performance, but it`s also 66kgs (145.5lbs.) heavier, offers 29kgs (64lbs.) less payload capacity and 43HP/12Nm. less engine performance. Note that the large STEVIO -fuel tank makes alone a 6,3kgs (13.9lbs.) difference and higher level of standard accessories add few more, but still the difference is exceptional. The Adventure has an advanced stability control systems and separate ABS -offroad settings which makes it very capable on offroad and versatile conditions. One big difference between these bikes is that the KTM has a chain drive which makes the Adventure even lighter, but also needs to be regularly serviced during the trips.

These touring motorcycles are very different from nature. The Adventure is very sporty and agile, but also technically most advanced. 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 offers optionally electronic suspension systems, but the STELVIO has no such upgrades. Although it has proper panniers on top. The KTM 1190 Adventure 2015 is a sporty allroad touring machine for all surfaces and more demanding conditions, but suffers slightly from shorter fuel range and moderate alternator capacity. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is a more traditional all-round tourer providing comfortable ride with long fuel range and basic rider support.

VS TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015

Compared to the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200XC Explorer 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 offers 12L (3.2USgal. – 2.6UKgal.) more fuel capacity, but it`s also 29kgs (64lbs.) heavier, offers 23kgs (50.7lbs.) 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 then some more from the STELVIO -pannier set with the rack. They both have cross spoked rims, shaft drives, crash bars, skid plate, basic safety electronics, up to date instrumentation, 12V power outlet in the cockpit and proper wind coverage, but the STELVIO has the advantage of an extensive fuel range. Although the Explorer has low octane fuel settings as standard unlike the STELVIO.

The ABS and the traction control systems can be also switched off in both bikes, but neither has advanced offroad settings like the KTM or 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 travel electronics, but the STELVIO has an average size 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 not very far from each other. The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2015 is clearly much more sporty and nimble allroad touring enduro, but one clear short coming would be the average size fuel tank. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 fits better to riders that are less performance oriented, seek for simplicity and appreciate the long fuel range.

VS HONDA VFR1200X CrossTourer 2015

Compared to the HONDA VFR1200X CrossTourer 2015, the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 offers 6kgs (13.2lbs.) more payload and 10,5L (2.8USgal.- 2.3UKgal.) more fuel capacity, but it`s also 20kgs (44.1lbs.) 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 on top the STELVIO has crash bars, skid plate, auxiliary fog lights and a set of panniers which all reduce the difference to almost nothing. These dual sport motorcycles are basically more similar than different and they represent the heavy end of the big bore touring enduros. They are the closest competitors for each other and offer a some what similar potential with some small differences. They are both top heavy from the handling point of view and offer similar level of offroad agility.

The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 offers slightly better ergonomics due to the adjustable rider seat, but both bikes would benefit from adjustable foot pegs and handlebars. They both have basic level safety electronics for the pavement and no advanced offroad settings, but the STELVIO allows to switch both the ABS and the traction control OFF. The CrossTourer requires fuse box handling with the ABS. From the traveling point of view, they offer an average level of alternator potential which requires reasonable power consumption. Neither of them offers low octane fuel settings, but the STELVIO has an extensive fuel range at least. The STELVIO is more comfortable due to much better wind coverage, but the CrossTourer can be also equipped with an OE -touring windshield. Basically the difference in nature comes from the CrossTourer high torque V4 -engine. The HONDA VFR1200X CrossTourer 2015 is clearly much more sporty and stronger in everyday biking, but after tuning offers quite the same touring comfort. The MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 is more comfortable and ready to travel package with exceptional fuel range.

VS MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015

Compared to the basic MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015, the more adventurous MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 NTX 2015 has cross spoked rims, skid plate, crash bars and better wind coverage due to a larger windshield, side deflectors and hand guards, but it`s also 15kgs (33.1lbs.) heavier and therefore offers 15kgs less payload capacity. 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 which translates to higher routing potential. Therefore the MotoGuzzi STELVIO 1200 ABS 2015 is more like an everyday bike with an exceptional 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.

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