Stornello Ride Review in MCN

[leafman60]

The latest Motorcycle Consumer News (February 2017) contains a review/compare of the BMW R9T vs Guzzi Stornello vs Yamaha SCR950.

The little Guzzi held its own! 

In overall rating, it ranked with the BMW with an edge on riding character.  The Yamaha took more hits as being vanilla and less equipped for scrambles use.

[Gliderjohn]

But once again with comments concerning the lack of power. But it seems to me that the BMW is a bit over powered for a scrambler.
GliderJohn

[kenvil1]

The Yamaha has 2.8 inches of rear wheel travel. How does that even qualify as a scrambler?

[sign216]

Leaf,
I saw that article.  Let me ask, as much as I love Guzzis, sometimes I feel that MCN leans towards them disproportionately.
Not that it's a bad thing, just something I notice.
Joe

[kenvil1]

Judging from early reports, it looks like Triumph's new Street Scrambler could be the new king of the category once it gets included in the shootouts. It has a purpose-built frame and revised suspension components compared to its stablemates, and a 19" front wheel to go with its lesser weight and classic good looks. Hopefully, Moto Guzzi will follow suit with an equivalent or better V9 model in the near future. They need to strike while the iron is hot!

[kevdog3019]

The Yamaha has 2.8 inches of rear wheel travel. How does that even qualify as a scrambler?

The collective wisdom from this board has pointed out to me that what constitutes a "scrambler" is simply the attitude that the brand puts on a bike to be a "scrambler". That's it!!!   

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

This MCN comparison did not sway me into thinking any of the three bikes are for me. Their praise for the V7II Stornello was offset by statements such as "never mind it stalled have a dozen times" and "excelerates quite boringly". 

[kingoffleece]

Well, that's the new MCN.  Sounding more and more like CycleWorld every issue.

Maybe it's the users, eh?  I loved my 147 hp bike and the way it accelerated but by no means find my lowly 40hp V7 anything less than thrilling.  Different?  Most definitely.  Boring?  No way.  But that seems to be the trend in all Us based print now.
OMG, the new bike has 160 hp and the old one at 135 is pure rubbish!!!!!!!!!  Why would ANYBODY EVER ride the old bike-and so on.

Yikes.

[kingoffleece]

However, least I get flamed, or worse, if that's your thing-fine.  Got nothing against performance.  My observation is that all the US press seems to only care for the newest and highest power.  I get that that is the nature of the beast.  But MCN used to not play that point too much.

[sign216]

However, least I get flamed, or worse, if that's your thing-fine.  Got nothing against performance.  My observation is that all the US press seems to only care for the newest and highest power.  I get that that is the nature of the beast.  But MCN used to not play that point too much.

Agree 100%

[leafman60]

But once again with comments concerning the lack of power. But it seems to me that the BMW is a bit over powered for a scrambler.
GliderJohn

I don't think they dwelled much on that topic.  They did say that the Stornello "accelerates quite boringly" but one of the testers logs says it "delivers a decent amount of usable power." 

They all give the Stornello credit for great, nimble handling but they also say the fueling was bad and it stalled out constantly.

I'm waiting for a V9 Stornello and some downloadable maps!

.

[Air-Cooled]

I don't think they dwelled much on that topic.  They did say that the Stornello "accelerates quite boringly" but one of the testers logs says it "delivers a decent amount of usable power." 

They all give the Stornello credit for great, nimble handling but they also say the fueling was bad and it stalled out constantly.

I'm waiting for a V9 Stornello and some downloadable maps!

.

I have a Stornello and it doesn't stall out constantly. You do have to let it warm up for a couple minutes, just like on a carb'd bike, but after that, it's pure pleasure.

[BoatDoc]

I thought it was a fairly balanced article and having tried the BMW and owning the Guzzi I agree with their comments. It is probably tough jumping from bike to bike and not immediately thinking of power as a major difference. I also have a 12gs and an R27. The Stornello is certainly not boring compared to the 18 HP R27, but when I'm on each bike they are quite fun in their own way. Of the three, the Stornello is the most fun, and I've never missed the power of the GS when on the Stornello.  When the upgraded suspension arrives it should be pure enjoyment!

I had some stumbling and stalling issues originally, but after the first service they went away. Perhaps the bike they had was not broken in, yet.

[DaSwami]

I just can't get past the white tank and red frame.  Exactly like my old Yamaha BW (Big Wheels) 200 and 350....

[Air-Cooled]

I just can't get past the white tank and red frame.  Exactly like my old Yamaha BW (Big Wheels) 200 and 350....

I guess if you've owned a Yamaha BW, that would taint you.

[sidecarnutz]

If I want a scrambler, I'll put knobbies on my old RE Bullet 500!

[Cage Free]

The site Moto geo had fun video review of the Stornello, hosted by Jaime Robinson ex British super bike
racer now living in So Ca and reviewing great rides and bikes.