What will happen with the Stelvio?

[bpreynolds]

Of course, I owned a mostly splendid 2011 version but among all the models in Guzzi's lineup, it would appear the Stelvio is being squeezed out the most by its competitors.  It's been at least a couple years since it was even considered a class competitor by those folks outside of the Guzzi faithful.  And each week now it seems some new bike (FJ-09, Versys 1000) or further advancement in current models (water cooled, higher horsepower GS, KTM 1290 Adventure) puts the Stelvio back and back as a lesser and lesser option in the so called street adventure class.  Modern Guzzis have always seemed to be down a small bit on power and up on weight in comparison with other bikes in said class, albeit with Guzzzi's own qualities standing out enough to make a case for purchase among the market (note here, I said market and not Guzzi faithful); yet, even in this regard it would seem the Stelvio has gone beyond what would typically even be considered competitive, teetering around 100 ponies on top and pushing 600lbs beneath.  All of this above would seem like I'm down on the bike.  I'm not.  I know the bike's charms very well; however, given all of the above, I sadly can hardly believe a single one is selling anywhere in the States right now.  So I ask, what will become of this fine bike? 

[rocker59]

Whoever would be cross-shopping and FJ-09 or Versys with the Stelvio ?

Two adventure-styled streetbikes and one true Adventure bike. 

It's time for the Stelvio to be thoroughly updated.  And judging by Piaggio's aggressive stance in updating the Guzzi line, I would expect a new Stelvio to be shown in a year, or so.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Hopefully the smaller displacement ADV bike rumors are true and we will ge a Re-vamped Stelvio in big-block & small-block variants soon 

[bpreynolds]

Whoever would be cross-shopping and FJ-09 or Versys with the Stelvio ?

Two adventure-styled streetbikes and one true Adventure bike. 

It's time for the Stelvio to be thoroughly updated.  And judging by Piaggio's aggressive stance in updating the Guzzi line, I would expect a new Stelvio to be shown in a year, or so.

The genre (street adventure bikes) is growing so rapidly now in quantity and even ability per se, that I don't think there really is anything (was there ever?) anymore as a "true adventure" class; rather, there is now only street adventure bikes and they mostly get all lumped in together more as upright sport touring bikes.  Whether they are true adventure or not is more up to the owner and his own level of adventure; meanwhile, the majority of them get all grouped together nowadays.  And when grouped together, my original question is the same.  What will happen with the bike?  Will it lose weight?  Gain power?  Get water cooling? 

[ChuckH]

....  What will happen with the bike?  Will it lose weight?  Gain power?  Get water cooling?

Here's my take on your questions shown above: 1) Guzzi will make minor, subtle, sensible changes to it similar to the changes that have been made to the V7 Series bikes.  2) Probably not.  Its major competition (BMW GSA with the whale tank) is about the same.  3) Why? It really doesn't need more than it has.  4) Why? It meets all emissions regs now without it.

I just had this discussion with Jim B. at Rose Farms last week.  To review -- Guzzi manufactures ~7000 bikes per year, only about 10% of them come to the US.  More than 50% of Guzzi production (and that come to the US) is the various flavors of the V7 Series bikes.  The balance is divided by sales of the Griso, Norge and Stelvio (all about the same numbers annually) plus another somewhat small number of the 1400 cc bikes.  The Norge and Stelvio compete respectably well in their specific market segments (Sport Touring and Adv Touring, respectively), the Griso is somewhat separate, and almost alone, in a "Sport Cruiser" market segment, the 1400 Series bikes competes respectively well in the Big Cruiser market.

Sales of the various models seems to be very local in nature.  For example, Jim B. says he has done quite well in his market area with the 1400 Series and Grisos.  However, besides mine (bought in '12), he has sold few other Stelvios.  On the other hand, at "Beemers and More" in Fort Collins, CO, they had Stelvios, both customer owned and new, sitting all over the place.

As far as new models, his opinion is that there are already too many models for the dealers (and the factory) to stock and support effectively.  So, if Guzzi wants to offer a new model, take an existing model off the table.

It's an interesting discussion.  No one really knows what Guzzi (Piaggio) is going to do next but for a market that may buy 650-700 bikes a year, it is hard to imagine them doing a great deal.