Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Numbercruncher on February 12, 2018, 10:56:05 PM
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It looks like I may be able to pick up new-old-stock 2016/2017 Stelvio. I have done plenty of research and can no longer remember if some of the concerns I have have been addressed or not.
1) EFI Fueling - I don't recall if it was the first generation bike (4 gallon tank) or the new version (2012ish with 8 gallon tank) that supposedly had pretty serious fueling issues. If I buy a brand new bike, I'll do a fly and ride to the other side of the US and do not have a local dealer to do any sort of ECU flash to get it to run properly. Is fueling basically sorted out?
2) Highway pegs. I sold a fantastic BMW R1200GS and the biggest reason was that horizontal engine. I really like to get my legs stretched out in front of me and that layout simply made that impossible. I am assuming this V-Engine will allow for highway pegs, even if I have to remove the halogen lights currently mounted to the crash bars.
3) Power outlets. I believe the bike comes with one 12 volt outlet. Any idea how many amps I can draw? I hope up to 10 for a heated jacket or air compressor.
4) LCD display. On the older generation Stelvio, the gauge supposedly only had indications for full, half, quarter and empty. Are there more gradations on the current bike?
5) What is the interval for valve checks?
6) Since this bike will have the updated valve train, can I expect the bike to be reliable for 100,000 miles assuming I take care of it?
7) Similar to the EFI fueling, does the bike run okay at lower revs or does it need to be kept over 4,000 rpm all the time.
Sorry for so many questions but this is the place to do it.
NC
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It looks like I may be able to pick up new-old-stock 2016/2017 Stelvio. I have done plenty of research and can no longer remember if some of the concerns I have have been addressed or not.
1) EFI Fueling - I don't recall if it was the first generation bike (4 gallon tank) or the new version (2012ish with 8 gallon tank) that supposedly had pretty serious fueling issues. If I buy a brand new bike, I'll do a fly and ride to the other side of the US and do not have a local dealer to do any sort of ECU flash to get it to run properly. Is fueling basically sorted out?
2) Highway pegs. I sold a fantastic BMW R1200GS and the biggest reason was that horizontal engine. I really like to get my legs stretched out in front of me and that layout simply made that impossible. I am assuming this V-Engine will allow for highway pegs, even if I have to remove the halogen lights currently mounted to the crash bars.
3) Power outlets. I believe the bike comes with one 12 volt outlet. Any idea how many amps I can draw? I hope up to 10 for a heated jacket or air compressor.
4) LCD display. On the older generation Stelvio, the gauge supposedly only had indications for full, half, quarter and empty. Are there more gradations on the current bike?
5) What is the interval for valve checks?
6) Since this bike will have the updated valve train, can I expect the bike to be reliable for 100,000 miles assuming I take care of it?
7) Similar to the EFI fueling, does the bike run okay at lower revs or does it need to be kept over 4,000 rpm all the time.
Sorry for so many questions but this is the place to do it.
NC
In order as you asked...
1) The stock map is OK but not great - after you have the bike home, you will probably want a new map for the best performance/economy/smoothness results.
2) Highway pegs in the classic sense will be elusive. You have to come to grips with the physical size, position and orientation of the engine.
3) There is a 12v outlet on the dash cowl, and another beneath the seat exposed to the storage space there. The available power is much more than those two outlets can deliver, and I suggest a supplemental fuse block such as those available from Eastern Beaver for things like heated clothing and other accessories.
4) The NTX dash shows a fuel display with five segments and six steps (including 'you're about to go dry, buddy!'), as well as a reserve light that comes on partway through the second to last step.
5) Recommended interval is in the user and service manuals, but real world experience with the CARC bikes suggests that after the first couple of services you can do this every 12,000. On the other hand, it's so easy why worry about the effort of doing it?
6) With reasonable care, any of the CARC bikes can be expected to go many miles. My 2v Norge needed a rear seal (and a bearing since I was there) at 75,000. It needed a starter at 95,000. It will be getting a clutch at around 140,000 (next month or so) just because it's slipping a wee bit and I can do it, and while I'm having that done I'll have other engine stuff like the cam chain ans such checked and dealt with as needed. I have 29,000 on my 8V Stelvio, and I'm about to start thrashing a Griso 8V that just
arrives. These bikes will last if cared for reasonably.
7) Revs are a matter of choice and riding style, though some bikes have 'preferences'. My 2008 2V Norge loves being in the 3000-5500 range, with cruising right around 4000. This reflects the engine and the fact that I use it as a long-distance highway machine. The 2013 Stelvio 8V tends to be happier at a bit higher RPMs, maybe another 1000 (4000-6500); I haven't had a chance to really learn what the Griso likes, but since it's a 2012 roller 8V like the Stelvio I expect it will be a bit more rev-happy. Let's face it, it's a big V-twin, so it's inherently a torque-oriented engine, but you will quickly, easily and pleasantly figure out what works best for your riding style.
For the right price (which you will easily find), these are immensely capable, enjoyable, and truly captivating motorcycles. Otherwise, why would I have bought three?
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It looks like I may be able to pick up new-old-stock 2016/2017 Stelvio. I have done plenty of research and can no longer remember if some of the concerns I have have been addressed or not.
1) EFI Fueling - I don't recall if it was the first generation bike (4 gallon tank) or the new version (2012ish with 8 gallon tank) that supposedly had pretty serious fueling issues. If I buy a brand new bike, I'll do a fly and ride to the other side of the US and do not have a local dealer to do any sort of ECU flash to get it to run properly. Is fueling basically sorted out?
<snip>
NC,
just wondering where are you located and where were you thinking of doing the "fly and ride" to?
Gerry
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Re: Highway pegs. Yes you can. I have done it myself. I did have to piece meal Kuryakin (sp) pieces to achieve what I wanted but they work great.
My Stelvio was a non NTX model and as such came with none of the add-ons that come with the fully equipped bikes. I installed Stucchi engine guards on mine but the principal would be the same. I got the proper size clamp, right angle arm, and the pegs I wanted and put it all together. I'll look for a pic.
John Henry
edit: Here is a pic:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/ci3tY7/stelvio.jpg) (http://ibb.co/ci3tY7)
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After you get the bike home you can always try a new map. Guzzidiag is easy to use. John Porter has what I think is the best Stelvio map available, others may prefer something else. The point is that you are not stuck with just one option. Right out of the box the '16 or '17 is actually pretty decent.
Peter Y.
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I got my 2016 Stelvio from Moto International in Seattle. I was only able to get 300 some miles on it before winter showed up but I think it ran great.
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I don't understand the need to change the fueling map. I rode my '12 for three years of touring with the latest factory map without difficulty. It ran fine. It was basically stock except the charcoal canister had been disarmed. It also had the stock muffler and O2 sensors.
If I were buying another new Stelvio, I would install a Fuze Block to support my electrical accessories and in-line fuses in the wiring to the Hella Fog Lamps to protect from blowing the 30A fuse that controls the charging circuit.
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PM Sent.
NC
NC,
just wondering where are you located and where were you thinking of doing the "fly and ride" to?
Gerry
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I should have been clear about item #2. Supposedly bikes were nearly unrideable but I think the dealer could install a map at the time of delivery that substantially solved the issue. I have given up on any bike with a catalytic converter being anything but 95% ideal and I am okay with that.
Disappointed about the highway peg matter. That is what got me to get ride of a really nice R1200GS. I have to assume that I can get something to work on the Stelvio as the cylinders are NOT right in front of your feet. It simply cannot be as challenging as the GS. I'll try to at least see one of these in person before I just plunk money down and fly across the country to buy one.
I like your thoughts on the valves. I had a few of the last Husky four stroke dirt bikes and the valves were criminally easy to adjust. With no dealer near me, I need to know I can do most work myself.
Reasonable care = long life. That is me. Especially since my care is a notch above reasonable and borderline OCD.
Regarding revs, I had a 2 valve air cooled Ducati 796 Hypermoto that I loved, even though that era of engine did not like to be below 3,000 to 3,500 rpm. First gear you could do what you want but 2nd and third wanted to be over 3,000 rpm and if you wanted to accelerate cleanly, and quickly in 4th though 6th you had better be at 3,500 rpm. The bike would buck really bad below that. All I care about is that if I am at 3,000 rpm in 3rd gear I can accelerate out of trouble should that arise without having to kick down to 2nd.
If I can at least get 3 amps out of the 12 volt in the dash that will power a USB charger and that is all I need there. I have installed the breaker boxes from Eastern Beaver in the past and don't really like how the wires just screw into position. He really should have ring terminal connectors for security. Granted this bike won't bounce around all that much and it is unlikely to have a wire work it's way free, but I'll probably just plug a batter tender lead in with a 10 amp fuse and use that to run a heated jacket and charge the bike while in the garage.
Any idea how many watts the alternator puts out? I am guessing in the 400 to 500 range.
NC
In order as you asked...
1) The stock map is OK but not great - after you have the bike home, you will probably want a new map for the best performance/economy/smoothness results.
2) Highway pegs in the classic sense will be elusive. You have to come to grips with the physical size, position and orientation of the engine.
3) There is a 12v outlet on the dash cowl, and another beneath the seat exposed to the storage space there. The available power is much more than those two outlets can deliver, and I suggest a supplemental fuse block such as those available from Eastern Beaver for things like heated clothing and other accessories.
4) The NTX dash shows a fuel display with five segments and six steps (including 'you're about to go dry, buddy!'), as well as a reserve light that comes on partway through the second to last step.
5) Recommended interval is in the user and service manuals, but real world experience with the CARC bikes suggests that after the first couple of services you can do this every 12,000. On the other hand, it's so easy why worry about the effort of doing it?
6) With reasonable care, any of the CARC bikes can be expected to go many miles. My 2v Norge needed a rear seal (and a bearing since I was there) at 75,000. It needed a starter at 95,000. It will be getting a clutch at around 140,000 (next month or so) just because it's slipping a wee bit and I can do it, and while I'm having that done I'll have other engine stuff like the cam chain ans such checked and dealt with as needed. I have 29,000 on my 8V Stelvio, and I'm about to start thrashing a Griso 8V that just
arrives. These bikes will last if cared for reasonably.
7) Revs are a matter of choice and riding style, though some bikes have 'preferences'. My 2008 2V Norge loves being in the 3000-5500 range, with cruising right around 4000. This reflects the engine and the fact that I use it as a long-distance highway machine. The 2013 Stelvio 8V tends to be happier at a bit higher RPMs, maybe another 1000 (4000-6500); I haven't had a chance to really learn what the Griso likes, but since it's a 2012 roller 8V like the Stelvio I expect it will be a bit more rev-happy. Let's face it, it's a big V-twin, so it's inherently a torque-oriented engine, but you will quickly, easily and pleasantly figure out what works best for your riding style.
For the right price (which you will easily find), these are immensely capable, enjoyable, and truly captivating motorcycles. Otherwise, why would I have bought three?
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I got my 2016 Stelvio from Moto International in Seattle. I was only able to get 300 some miles on it before winter showed up but I think it ran great.
Did you have him ship the bike to you? Maybe you did a Fly and Ride back to upstate NY and then had to park the bike for the winter after 300 additional miles? Spokane felt like spring last week but we may get snow Thursday - Sunday. If not, I'll drive over to Seattle to look at one of their Stelvios.
NC
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I'll either replace the Halogens with LED's or just remove them altogether. If I have the dealer replace them I'll see if he can take care of the wiring. I recall this issue but can't remember if what triggers the blown fuse is in the light or wiring. If it is in the light then a direct replacement will solve that issue anyway.
NC
I don't understand the need to change the fueling map. I rode my '12 for three years of touring with the latest factory map without difficulty. It ran fine. It was basically stock except the charcoal canister had been disarmed. It also had the stock muffler and O2 sensors.
If I were buying another new Stelvio, I would install a Fuze Block to support my electrical accessories and in-line fuses in the wiring to the Hella Fog Lamps to protect from blowing the 30A fuse that controls the charging circuit.
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I have seen several NTX where the owner removed the halogen lights and used the mounting points for road pegs. When I have asked they said they worked well. Most of them had mounted replacement lamps on the forks. This takes care of two issues. I have thought about doing this for about six years now on my 12' Stelvio but every year I start riding again and never get around to it. For me its just never been quite enough of an issue to get it done.
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I'll either replace the Halogens with LED's or just remove them altogether. If I have the dealer replace them I'll see if he can take care of the wiring. I recall this issue but can't remember if what triggers the blown fuse is in the light or wiring. If it is in the light then a direct replacement will solve that issue anyway. NC
The issue is the vibrations from the engine cause the OEM lights to shake apart and short out. When the short occurs, the 30A fuse is blown and the charging circuit stops working and the battery goes dead. If you replace the Hellas with LED's, the U-shaped steel brackets that hold the lights will break. The option is to make some very heavy duty brackets or, as G5 says, move the LED's to the forks where they will not experience the engine vibrations.
Regardless, installing the in-line fuses in the hot wire to the auxillary lights is a very good deal. They protect that charging circuit.
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Sure you can have Highway pegs! I spend lot of time resting my legs on these...
And 3 years later I still have the dealer fuel map. Its ok, could be better if youre picky. You can definitely ride across USA with original map....
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iZHurS/533_F0_FD8_AB79_47_C3_BF0_F_E7_E0_C025783_E.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iZHurS)
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I should have been clear about item #2. Supposedly bikes were nearly unrideable
Any idea how many watts the alternator puts out? I am guessing in the 400 to 500 range.
NC
Where the '09 bikes might have had a poor map, everything from about '12 on came with a pretty good map. To say that the bike was unridable sounds like a tester who was determined to find a fault.
As for the alternator, I recall it putting out 800 watts....more than enough to power anything you can carry on the bike other than a microwave oven.
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I'll either replace the Halogens with LED's or just remove them altogether. If I have the dealer replace them I'll see if he can take care of the wiring. I recall this issue but can't remember if what triggers the blown fuse is in the light or wiring. If it is in the light then a direct replacement will solve that issue anyway.
NC
I have nothing to Add other then I am in Spokane and the snows not going to last you can not believe the Weather People their job is to Hype the Weather.
Stay in touch. A bunch of us all get together at the Rocket Market first Wed on the Month starting soon open to any
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Sure you can have Highway pegs! I spend lot of time resting my legs on these...
And 3 years later I still have the dealer fuel map. Its ok, could be better if youre picky. You can definitely ride across USA with original map....
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iZHurS/533_F0_FD8_AB79_47_C3_BF0_F_E7_E0_C025783_E.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iZHurS)
Oh, and now that I look at this picture, you want to get rid of the mirrors with the turn signals installed. They break.
Replace them with the Aprilia (I think) Sport Mirrors (without the turn signals) and relocate the turn signals to the European/UK location in the front fairing. All the parts are available and the wiring is all set up for this change.
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Where the '09 bikes might have had a poor map, everything from about '12 on came with a pretty good map. To say that the bike was unridable sounds like a tester who was determined to find a fault.
As for the alternator, I recall it putting out 800 watts....more than enough to power anything you can carry on the bike other than a microwave oven.
Service manual says 550W - still well above the old Moto Guzzi "usuals", and enough for most anything you need ...
Lannis
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I have nothing to Add other then I am in Spokane and the snows not going to last you can not believe the Weather People their job is to Hype the Weather.
Stay in touch. A bunch of us all get together at the Rocket Market first Wed on the Month starting soon open to any
I live halfway between Spokane and Spokane Valley. Small world.
NC
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Did you have him ship the bike to you? Maybe you did a Fly and Ride back to upstate NY and then had to park the bike for the winter after 300 additional miles? Spokane felt like spring last week but we may get snow Thursday - Sunday. If not, I'll drive over to Seattle to look at one of their Stelvios.
NC
I had it shipped. MI has good deals and know how to set up a bike. They also fuse the auxiliary lights and upgrade the spark plug caps.
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1.) The standard 2L map is one of the better factory maps. I still prefer an OL option and my thing will whisper along at sub 2,000rpm in any gear without issue.
2.) Wouldn't know. I think they are the work of the devil!
3.) 2 sockets as mentioned. Why not connect accessories straight to the battery?
4.) Yes, six. Its still pretty useless. My light comes on when I've got about eight litres left!
5.)10,000km
6.) Yes, easily, assuming you take care of it. This means either learning to tune it yourself properly or only taking it to a shop with someone who knows what they're doing. These tend to be few and far between and having a shaved ape work on your bike will be a recipe for expensive disappointment.
7.)See answer to 1.
When you get it make sure you grease the shock linkages and swingers bearings, they'll need it. Check that both air bleeds aren't open. If they are its not been set up right. Do NOT tug at the plug caps to remove them. Pry them up from underneath using a long, thin screwdriver inserted through the cooling tunnel in the head just above the exhaust manifold otherwise you'll damage them.
Pete
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Oh, and now that I look at this picture, you want to get rid of the mirrors with the turn signals installed. They break.
Replace them with the Aprilia (I think) Sport Mirrors (without the turn signals) and relocate the turn signals to the European/UK location in the front fairing. All the parts are available and the wiring is all set up for this change.
Just like the V11 Tenni clutch seems to be a lot of hype for about nothing, it appears that the Stelvio �all turn signals will fail� is same nonsense. I did Trans Labrador Highway with my mirrors, it�s pretty much worst imaginable washboard and hundreds of miles nothing but gravel and potholes. My mirrors and turn signals are just fine. I�ll do Los Angeles-Pennsylvania in June, Let�s see if the Colorado mountain passes can break them? If they fail, maybe it’s time for a chance..
And yeah... The famous Exploding Tenni flywheel was just fine too.
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.... it appears that the Stelvio �all turn signals will fail� is same nonsense. I did Trans Labrador Highway with my mirrors, it�s pretty much worst imaginable washboard and hundreds of miles nothing but gravel and potholes. My mirrors and turn signals are just fine. I�ll do Los Angeles-Pennsylvania in June, Let�s see if the Colorado mountain passes can break them? If they fail, maybe it�s time for a chance..
I do a lot of listening to Stelvio owners here and on other sites. I was determined to make my mirrors last longer than all the ones that were failing at 5k or 10k or 15k miles.
Both of mine fell apart about 1000 miles apart at around 24K miles, and, except for you, I've never heard of anyone's going farther ....
Lannis
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The single plate flywheel problem is well documented. If you've been lucky? Good for you! I notice you no longer have the bike.
When I bought mine it was the first thing I binned.
Pete
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Thanks for the great input.
I know the Stelvio is no light weight. On the upside, the seat seems to be about half an inch to an inch lower than the R2100GS I have spent time on. Is the weight ever really an issue for anyone here. I am no giant at 5'9" and just about any ADV/dirt bike is pretty tall for me. Dirt bikes are of course WAY taller but they only weigh 250 pounds so there is a trade off there.
If I do a fly and ride it will be somewhere in the South East. I'd like to hit St. Augustine and Key West so the closer to Florida the better. I don't know how well those dealers are rated but I'll ask about the spark plug cap and fusing and see if they even know what I am talking about. If it were already April I'd buy from Seattle but this opportunity to hit the warmer South East coast won't come up again for a long time; if ever. I'll be ready in a month's time but may delay to April to get away from Spring Break crowds and maybe see cheaper hotels on the Florida coast.
Typically I add too many gadgets to a bike. Maybe MG makes a cool leather jacket I can buy. I wouldn't mind a retro brown colored one.
NC
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My last question. Is there a standout dealer somewhere in the South Eastern US anybody here would recommend? I won't ask for negative reviews but if there is a place you would send your out of state buddy to for a fly and ride please let me know. PM may be better than an inline reply.
NC
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My last question. Is there a standout dealer somewhere in the South Eastern US anybody here would recommend? I won't ask for negative reviews but if there is a place you would send your out of state buddy to for a fly and ride please let me know. PM may be better than an inline reply.
NC
I don't know anything about them but Matthews fun machines is a guzzi dealer in Matthews NC. They did have a used 2010 Griso for sale. I called to see if it had been rollerized, the salesman didn't know but said he would have the shop pull the valve cover and find out. He called me back the next day to confirm it did not have the rollerization, so good customer service on that one.
https://www.matthewsfunmachines.com/s/search/inventory/query/stelvio
On my 2013 I put highway pegs where the driving lights were and added lights to the forks. I had Guzzi tech pcv with auto tune and his custom map and my bike ran great.. I lost my job in 2016 and had to give the bike up for lack of work. I now ride a 2013 Griso.
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The single plate flywheel problem is well documented. If you've been lucky? Good for you! I notice you no longer have the bike.
When I bought mine it was the first thing I binned.
Pete
Correct, after clutch replacement at Spare Parts I sold it. Had nothing to do with the clutch and everything to do with the fact that my old wrists cannot take V11 riding position. Loved the bike, but it was the same reason I sold the 1000S. Bought a Stornello instead, life is much better with it.
Back to Stelvio....
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How many dealers still have leftover Stelvios?
I noticed that you preferred to pick it at SE location, are there any left in that direction???
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If I do a fly and ride it will be somewhere in the South East. I'd like to hit St. Augustine and Key West so the closer to Florida the better.
There is a guzzi dealer in Jax FL, the guy I bought my 2013 Griso from this pas Dec bought the bike from them and had them do all the service. I called to inquire about any recalls and what service was done and they were very nice and gave me all the information I asked for. I have been in there a few times but no actual business with them.
http://www.cyclesofjacksonville.com/
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A quick mention about the aux lights.
This too has been discussed many times here and I did experience a failure myself, 3000 miles from home. I will say though that there is much adieu about nothing in that the actual culprit is the wire coming off the bulb itself. It will rub on the interior of the housing until it rubs through and grounds out. Since it is tied to the main fuse, the bike stops when that fuse blows.
Roadside fix: Turn off lights, replace fuse, and be on your way.
Long term fix: Add insulation to the tail coming off the bulb. I used 3M fiberglass insulating tape to mine. I also have inspected them on occasion and everything has held up well. That was 2012. I have not fused the lights mainly because I decided to fix was easy and cheap. But, adding a fuse to each one is not a horrible idea by any stretch. I even prepped a couple extra bulbs for if one went out but have yet to need them.
Yes, 5 minutes and some tape per bulb and you're in pretty good shape.
John Henry
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The valve check interval is 6200 miles or 6250 w/o looking it up at the moment. To be performed with engine cold. My 2016 the factory fueling seems fine. After having a Multistrada with habitually failing fuel gauge I like the Stelvio's gauge which so far has been accurate and reliable. If I were you I would try to find one closer and go make sure you can flat foot it stationary. Bike's kind of a beast to push around in garage but mounted and moving she's fine.
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A quick mention about the aux lights.
This too has been discussed many times here and I did experience a failure myself, 3000 miles from home. I will say though that there is much adieu about nothing in that the actual culprit is the wire coming off the bulb itself. It will rub on the interior of the housing until it rubs through and grounds out. Since it is tied to the main fuse, the bike stops when that fuse blows.
Roadside fix: Turn off lights, replace fuse, and be on your way.
Long term fix: Add insulation to the tail coming off the bulb. I used 3M fiberglass insulating tape to mine. I also have inspected them on occasion and everything has held up well. That was 2012. I have not fused the lights mainly because I decided to fix was easy and cheap. But, adding a fuse to each one is not a horrible idea by any stretch. I even prepped a couple extra bulbs for if one went out but have yet to need them.
Yes, 5 minutes and some tape per bulb and you're in pretty good shape.
John Henry
This problem is a wee bit more severe than that IMHO.
If the aux lights short out, as they are almost sure to do, the bike does not immediately shut down. Rather, the alternator stops charging the battery. The battery will then continually wear down without recharging. If you are traveling on a long trip, eventually the battery will weaken enough to not fire the ignition and the bike will stop.
Yes, at that point, if you know about the big fuse behind the side cover, you can change it. However, your battery may be so depleted that it does not recover enough to start the bike and you are still stranded. Additionally, if the big fuse blows and you simply replace it without addressing the cause of the fuse blowing (the lights shorting out), it most likely will also blow in quick time.
The answer, is to install additional fuses to the aux lights to prevent their shorting from blowing the big fuse. If you want to keep the stock aux lights, then you need to add substantial insulation to the internal wiring of the lamps and pull the wires back into the rubber cups of the stock aux lights as much as possible to help avert contact with the cast housing of the lamps.
The stock aux lamps are made by Hella but they are not substantially strong in their light output. Several aftermarket lamps are better made and will put out tremendously more light than the stock lamps and not have the internal wiring problems. I prefer the Rigid, especially the heavy duty vibration absorbing versions. Don't try to go cheap if you want good lights. See past postings.
I've not said much about the questions of this thread regarding the Stelvio (or any other Guzzi). However, my advice to the OP is to do a search of past postings and read up.
They are fantastic machines with lots of fun character that can do many things. However, be aware of the many things attendant to owning any Guzzi and try to head off problems by sorting out the machine.
On top of that, live a good life, be kind to children and old people and go to church on Sunday. The resulting positive karma may help you out down the road.
.
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How many dealers still have leftover Stelvios?
I noticed that you preferred to pick it at SE location, are there any left in that direction???
I don't want to jinx myself but Matthews still has a couple and a dealer in Daytona has one left. Daytona is better for a fly and ride but if their bike is a demo or has a single test ride mile that will kill it for me. Matthews has a bunch of Guzzi's in inventory (40+) so I assume they are a higher volume dealer and will know the bikes well. They Daytona shop doesn't have as many which doesn't mean they don't have a great tech on hand but I'll narrow the list in early March. I am thinking about flying out at the end of March when it starts to warm up everywhere and I'll be past the spring break crowd.
Regarding wrists, I am heading that way quicker than I would like. I have some sort of tendonitis in the base of both thumbs that really hampers guitar playing. If motorcycle gloves are too tight it causes constant pain. Oh well I am 48 as of January of this year. Better ride bikes and play guitar while I can. It amazes me how many old geezers (apparently at least ten years on me if not more) can still ride a bike and hammer a guitar and I can barely do both it seems. Bad genetics I guess.
NC
Edit: Why does it seem like almost every shop has a bunch of 5 star reviews and a bunch of one star reviews as well?
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People only write reviews if they feel strongly and you can't please all of the people all of the time.
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Leaf, I don't disagree with you. Nor was I saying that someone should not add fuses. In my particular instance, When the wire shorted out the main 30 amp fuse blew and the bike dies along the side of the road.
My point was that it can be an easy and inexpensive fix that should be done preemptively. As for the relative output of the lights, my needs are more in the direction of extra lights to be seen by oncoming vehicles. I prefer to be off the road after dark. OTOH, they have proven adequate when I did need them after dark. Yeah, I know there is stuff better/brighter/etc.
If I were buying a Stelvio, adding some tape to the wire leads off the bulbs would be the very first thing I would do before I rode off with my new purchase. What I decide to do long term may be different. In my case, this simple fix has held up well for 5 years now so I just haven't gone further.
On another note, and a short detour on the thread, how is The Great One doing these days??
John Henry
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On another note, and a short detour on the thread, how is The Great One doing these days??
John Henry
Maybe he's taken up reading motorcycle forums so we have to watch our step. Perhaps we could hear about it in a way that he couldn't be identified ....?
On the other hand, maybe he's good with having his exploits noted. Not everyone has a commemorative T-shirt done on their behalf and in their honor. He's a good role model ... for some roles ....
Lannis
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I have seen several NTX where the owner removed the halogen lights and used the mounting points for road pegs. When I have asked they said they worked well. Most of them had mounted replacement lamps on the forks. This takes care of two issues. I have thought about doing this for about six years now on my 12' Stelvio but every year I start riding again and never get around to it. For me its just never been quite enough of an issue to get it done.
I did exactly this and it worked well.
I believe the dash outlet is fused at five amps, and that is all you want to put thru that wiring. There is also an outlet under the rear seat.
I recommend a Battery Tender pigtail, with fuse, directly to the battery and a Fuzeblocks.com for your accessories. Also, fuses on the aux light circuit with new lights. The wiring on the OEM aux lights short to the housing and will leave you stranded.
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So it looks like this bike will weigh about 600 pounds fully fueled with panniers and crash bars but without my lard arse on board or any luggage. My 2016 BMW R1200GS supposedly only weighed about 535 pounds fully fueled but since I had 1/25" crash bars (10 to 15 pounds), skid plate (3 lbs) and panniers that had to have weighed nearly 20 pounds empty (Vario hard plastic cases). That would make my R1200GS closer to 565 with only 5 gallons of fuel so add another 15 pounds for the extra gas and I am pretty close weight wise.
I was always pretty careful with that R1200GS and I am pretty certain the Stelvio has a seat height no higher and maybe lower so I don't think garage maneuvers will really be of much concern. So for those of you who were maybe a little apprehensive about the bike's weight yourself, do you really even notice it any more?
I have thought, temporarily, about an Aprilia Caponard but 8 hours to check valves including the draining and removal of the radiator doesn't sound like much fun. The new Triumph Tiger 1200 has some cool features but the bike I sat on at the dealer felt very heavy and top heavy as well. Hopefully the Guzzi will feel lighter to me. The seat was pretty tall on that Triumph as well. Ducati MTS is too street oriented and the Enduro bike has a 35" seat which is just too tall and that bike like the BMW and Triumph stickers for $25k. I think I'll take a Stelvio at about half that. Factory heated grips are $$ but I like the streamlined integration. I have found a plug and play fuse solution for the lights and will take the advice to tape up the wires as well. And I'll probably swap out the turn signal mirrors for the Euro look ones. So all these accessories + a top case will only add about $1,000 to the bike.
I'll head to Seattle in a week's time to sit on a Stelvio and see what I think weight wise but until then have to rely on what others say. If the bike basically feels okay that'll seal the deal and I'll start working numbers on a bike for the fly and ride.
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You�ll never notice the weight while riding. It feels very nimble being as heavy as it is. I tipped the scales well over 1000 lbs when fully packed. (With my 235lbs fat ass on it)
However if you drop it, you either must use excellent technique or plain brute power. When I�m fully packed and dropped the bike, I had to remove all panniers to get it back up.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/cO90kn/79033915_F0_D7_47_A1_A184_4_DECF63_AD94_B.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cO90kn)
Sometimes the Stelvio enjoys short naps in woods or roadside...
I garage manouver mine by leaning into it and pushing from handlebars or pushing pannier with my body. Works quite well.
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Regarding wrists, I am heading that way quicker than I would like. I have some sort of tendonitis in the base of both thumbs that really hampers guitar playing. If motorcycle gloves are too tight it causes constant pain. Oh well I am 48 as of January of this year. Better ride bikes and play guitar while I can. It amazes me how many old geezers (apparently at least ten years on me if not more) can still ride a bike and hammer a guitar and I can barely do both it seems. Bad genetics I guess.
I suffered this condition for years until it reached the point I could not pull the clutch lever with out extreme pain. I was also to the point I was dropping heavy tools due to the pain. In my case it was osteoarthritis attacking my base thumb joints, this can be repaired with a surgical procedure. Its commonly called an oyster procedure by orthopedic surgeons that specialize in hands. I had it done to both base thumb joints and have been pain free ever since. Best thing I have ever had done. I would suggest finding a good orthopedic surgeon that specializes in hands and have it checked out to see if it can be taken care of.
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That may be what I am facing as the recent cortisone shots did me no good.
PM sent.
NC
I suffered this condition for years until it reached the point I could not pull the clutch lever with out extreme pain. I was also to the point I was dropping heavy tools due to the pain. In my case it was osteoarthritis attacking my base thumb joints, this can be repaired with a surgical procedure. Its commonly called an oyster procedure by orthopedic surgeons that specialize in hands. I had it done to both base thumb joints and have been pain free ever since. Best thing I have ever had done. I would suggest finding a good orthopedic surgeon that specializes in hands and have it checked out to see if it can be taken care of.
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I'll get a look at a Stelvio this week it looks like. Dad is in the hospital in Seattle so I'll send the next several days visiting with him. His health is a priority first but if I have the time to stop by Moto-International I'll take a look.
Life is precious. Be it Dad or a Moto Guzzi you need to do the things in life you want to. Life will end before any of us are ready to. Be careful but take a few chances as well.
NC
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Wishing positive outcomes for you and your family.. :thumb:
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I haven't had a chance to really learn what the Griso likes, but since it's a 2012 roller 8V like the Stelvio I expect it will be a bit more rev-happy. Let's face it, it's a big V-twin, so it's inherently a torque-oriented engine, but you will quickly, easily and pleasantly figure out what works best for your riding style.
I can tell you that Griso will happiest banging off the limiter early and often :evil:
Really, with Beatle's map there's nothing the Stelvio (or Griso) is not going to be happy doing. It's as if someone rode the bike and determined what would be the best response in most any scenario. Oh, that's what Mark did!
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Hope all ends well re your father. My callow advice is get the Stelvio; you will adjust to it as much as it to you (like a custom house--you cannot plan for everything, ask me how I know and I love our home 16 years later). It's a booger under 5mph and a complete joy thereafter. When it takes naps it likes to lie there for a while. You curse and pace around it and when your blood pressure chills you meet new helpful people or figure out ways to gain mechanical advantage on the lazy girl. Don't let analysis cause paralysis--it's a wonderful, top-heavy bike that will take you (almost) anywhere you like. I'm a complete idiot and I've made it my only ride. My wife now has more bikes than I do. (!)
Steve