New Stelvio

[sgl0226]

Well I traded my V85tt for a new Stelvio.   I loved my V85tt.  It was one of the most fun and versatile bikes I’ve ever owned.  I just wish it had a little more power.  I’m not a fast rider but I do ride with guys who keep a fairly quick pace.  I found that at times I was really pushing the bike hard and I think the Stelvio will have a smoother power at that pace.  It will just be more comfortable for me.  I also have a R1250RT which obviously is more powerful than the tt so I would find myself taking that bike more often on those rides.   Now I’ll probably take the Guzzi more. And let’s face it, as much as I like my RT, Guzzis are cooler than BMWs!”[/url]




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[blu guzz]

Both are great machines.  I would be interested in hearing your impressions as the machine breaks you in.

[Tkelly]

Don’t let your fast rider friends push you out of your comfort zone.Unless you are willing to take racing lessons first,riding fast on public roads is a recipe for disaster.A fast rider on the v85 would have no problem keeping up with an average rider on a new Stelvio or anything else.Enjoy the new toy!

[Trialsman]

Enjoy your new bike.  I could not trade my V85 when I picked up the new Stelvio.  After 1600mi I still am not sure if I will keep the V85, the Stelvio, or both.  You will find the power is very nice on the Stelvio and the power band is so wide you can find yourself two gears higher and still very comfortable with the power delivery.  The Stelvio is heavier which makes it very stable on the road, although the V85 is more nimble.  Wind protection is better with the touring windscreen on the V85 but look into the new Givi windscreen for the Stelvio, it is really good.  I am looking into a custom wound lighter spring for the back as the suspension is set up to handle a passenger which I will never have.  If you find too much play in the windscreen, there is a fix.  I found the six pins that the screen raising mechanism pivot on had too much play.  I powder coated the pins which reduced the clearance by several thousandths.  With the cumulative effect of all six pins and the length to the top of the screen, it reduced movement by about 3/4 inch.  If you choose, both heated seat and grips are easy to put on and wire right up to the display for your control.

[Dave Swanson]

My V85 is not going anywhere, but I agree, in certain situations it doesn't have ideal top end power.  The V100S makes overtaking much safer.  I am a big believer in getting around that semi or a string of cars as quickly as possible.  The V85TT makes these situations a bit more exciting.   

[Bulldog9]

My V85 is not going anywhere, but I agree, in certain situations it doesn't have ideal top end power.  The V100S makes overtaking much safer.  I am a big believer in getting around that semi or a string of cars as quickly as possible.  The V85TT makes these situations a bit more exciting.   

I still have my v7ii Stornello as my V85 alternative. The looks have grown on me but I don't like the fixed duck bill and dual headlights.

You highlight one of the reasons why I almost never take the V7 on the highway or engage in high speed passing or roads. But let's be honest when it comes to power you can never have enough..... The question is is the power adequate?

One of the reasons why I can't move away from my big block CARC bikes (GRiSO 1200 Sport and soon coming Norge) is the power that these bikes produce. Of course these are all 100% Street dedicated motorcycles not ADV or blended roads. But compare any of those to a FJR 1300 or multistrada, and they are slow gasping plodders, at least on paper. Ultimately it's all relative.

I've ridden the pre E5 V85 and was very surprised at the power and can't see many situations where it would be underpowered. Like many here, once you learn and adjust to how a Moto Guzzi motor makes power, they punch way over the spec sheet. I've taken my Norge and 1200 sport on several long-distance group rides with high powered sport touring bikes. While I can't pull away from any of them, neither can they lose me. Impressive for a bike 30+ HP down in comparison. Guzzis are ALWAYS more than the spec sheet, but I get some people want more....

It's unlikely I will spend 16K + on a new Stelvio or Mandello or California, but I am interested in seeing them and taking a test ride. I've only read glowing reviews on the new v100, and I assume the Stelvio and upcoming California's Will continue the trend. Supposedly the v100 motor was originally designed as a 1300 so I would expect if they do a full dress California similar to the last iteration we will see a bigger motor.

[bigbikerrick]

The new Stelvio sure is an impressive looking machine. Moto Guzzi has come a long way, since I was first bitten by the "Guzzi bug", back in 2001 by a Rosso Mandello. The future looks  great for Moto Guzzi !   
Rick.

[Clifton]

FWIW these SW Motech pegs fit the Stelvio (even though they are not listed as fitting). They are larger and slightly wider on the bike, just around 5/8". In addition there are 2 height settings; stock and a lower one that's maybe 3/4" lower which is what I used.

https://sw-motech.us/products/ergonomics/footrests/4052572039397.htm

[dave1068]

Congrats on the new Stelvio! I actually took one out on a test ride and liked it but I found for a 17k bike, the suspension was a bit lacking. As a V85TT owner, I agree, great bike but could use a bit more oomph when passing trailer trucks etc

Hope you didnt lose your shirt on the trade in as left over V85tts are in the 9-10k range.

Ride safely!

[kingoffleece]

Not being a wise guy.  Did you have the opportunity to adjust the bike for you?
Is it possible to come to a conclusion on a bike in such a short sample?

[Perazzimx14]

My days of caring about "cool factor" are long behind me. I'll ride the ugliest bike in three counties as long as it had LT suspension and good fuel range

[Clifton]

Not being a wise guy.  Did you have the opportunity to adjust the bike for you?
Is it possible to come to a conclusion on a bike in such a short sample?

Good point. As delivered my Stelvio suspension was very harsh over bumps. I know new shocks on new bikes often are so I gave it 400-500 hundred miles which helped some, but it remained too stiff. Backing off the rebound 1/2 turn from the factory solo setting (which affects compression too) made a huge improvement.

[twowheeladdict]

Congratulations!

I do have to wonder how much over the speed limit you and your friends ride.

The only time I found the V85TT lacking was the rare occasion of running a couple exits down an interstate with traffic running 80 +. 

Fortunately I never see semi trucks on the roads I favor riding on. 

Also, thanks for the photo of the V85TT with the “Travel” cases.  I have considered doing this and it does look good. 

[Trialsman]

Good point. As delivered my Stelvio suspension was very harsh over bumps. I know new shocks on new bikes often are so I gave it 400-500 hundred miles which helped some, but it remained too stiff. Backing off the rebound 1/2 turn from the factory solo setting (which affects compression too) made a huge improvement.

I solved the front harsh suspension by switching to a lower viscosity fork oil.  It really made a difference.  Today I started playing around with the back spring rate.  I called Ohlins and they do not have anything, no answer from KYB, and a local suspension pro shop quoted me $175 for a custom wound spring.  That's not bad, but it would take 6 weeks.  I made up a tool to support the spring and chucked into the lathe with a cylindrical grinding tool.  I am just guessing but I will know for certain by tomorrow if it did the job.  It's sandblasted and ready for powder coating tonight.  I may get to assemble later or tomorrow morning.  It was either try to soften it or start wearing a kidney belt.

[Clifton]

 So you feel the rear harshness is due to too heavy a spring rather than the shock? I take it there wasn't any free sag after setting the static sag in the rear?
Matris now offers a few different shocks and cartridge fork kits for the Stelvio.

[Trialsman]

The Preload was all the way to soft and there was about 1/2" sag with me on it.  I didn't try Matris, but if I screw it up , I can always see what they have.  I just finished powder coating it so tomorrow is the install and test.

[Clifton]

OK thanks. I need to accurately check mine. One person who said the rear was a little stiff said when he took it on a long ride with a 25# pack on the rack behind the seat, it seemed to ride much better. But he didn't say how much he weighed.

[smdl]

Another suspension option to consider is Shock Factory.  I've used their 2Win shocks on a V7 III, and the improvement was fantastic.  I also used one of their -25mm monoshocks to lower my wife's V85TT, and while I was worried about reduced performance from the excellent (for me) factory shock, it was actually better.  Great value, too.

They do have an option for the new Stelvio:

https://shock-factory.fr/en/1243-stelvio-2024

Cheers,
Shaun

[Clifton]

Another suspension option to consider is Shock Factory....... They do have an option for the new Stelvio:
https://shock-factory.fr/en/1243-stelvio-2024

Cheers,
Shaun

Thanks, does look like a good value. Although you lose the easy hand adjustment preload.

[leafman60]

Supposedly the v100 motor was originally designed as a 1300 so I would expect if they do a full dress California similar to the last iteration we will see a bigger motor.

Guzzi needs a 1300 or bigger motor and not just for a new California if they want to run anywhere close to the Big Dogs out there (BMW, H-D etc).

.

[egschade]

OK thanks. I need to accurately check mine. One person who said the rear was a little stiff said when he took it on a long ride with a 25# pack on the rack behind the seat, it seemed to ride much better. But he didn't say how much he weighed.

Try making a call to Hamlin's MG in Bethel, CT 203.942.2232. Jim is a suspension expert and should be able to help you with setup for your weight and riding style.

[Clifton]

Guzzi needs a 1300 or bigger motor and not just for a new California if they want to run anywhere close to the Big Dogs out there (BMW, H-D etc).

The bike doesn't need more power, anyone who can't go fast enough on a V100 needs to get training. I can't imagine needing faster acceleration or higher top speed when riding on the road? The only scenario I can think of could be riding at higher speed (75+mph), 2-up, up a long grade, and wanting to pass a string of vehicles quickly, without downshifting. For heaven sakes just downshift a gear or 2. Once in a while I run mine out to redline accelerating 3rd and 4th and all I can say is you'll be well over the speed limit and you better be hanging on.

IMO there are other things Guzzi could focus on to make their bikes better rather than getting in the HP contest with Ducati, Kawasaki, etc.,

[sgl0226]

When I mention I want more power it doesn’t mean that I’m gonna ride faster in my Stelvio than on my V85tt, it means that there are times that I need to get up to speed a little quicker.  When I pass on a two lane road I like to be quick about it.  And I want that acceleration to be quicker and smoother.  I want the bike to be smoother at 70-80 mph on the highway.  That’s what I’m looking for. I loved my V85tt but I wanted a Guzzi with the power delivery to be more like  my R1250RT.  We all have our different wants, needs, and desires with our bikes.   

[Rad1o]

Hi,

I have got the Stelvio since September.
I am o.k. with the suspension, but am trying to get the seat height down. I have pushed the forks through a little.

I am looking at lowering kits, different coil springs and shocks.
I can get hold of a Mandello S Öhlins yellow coil, but I am not sure if it will fit the KYB shock. The Öhlins is 140mm whereas the original KYB spring is 165mm. Does anyone know if the coil diametres are compatible?

[twowheeladdict]

I mostly ride tiny lane and half wide roads and the V85TT is amazing in these situations.  I can stop at stop signs without putting my feet down and the slow speed handling is amazing! 

That said, it would not be a great interstate bike.  There isn't much left if you need to pass a line of trucks and the left lane drivers are flying by. 

I was on a street ride with about 10 riders and was in the rear position.  Because of the slinky affect I would have to do full throttle accelerations just to keep up with the group when they turned onto a new road.  When we stopped I told the ride leader that the locals will never expect someone to be coming that fast so he was taking a huge risk riding like that on our back roads. 

[blu guzz]

To those that would like a little more power on the V85, I get that.  I had mine for 4 years and loved it in almost every situation but one.  Fully loaded with 3 hard cases and a duffel, solo riding, it was not the most willing dance partner at speeds over about 70mph.  She would do it of course, but not effortlessly.  My technique was to set the cruise between 65 and 70 and let everyone woosh by me.  This kept the mileage good and my nerves a little easier.  I had a 1400 before the V85 and now have one again.  On that bike, you just pick whatever speed you want to go up to around 90 (hypothetically speaking of course, I would never exceed the speed limit) and hit cruise.  Truth is, I still find it more relaxing to let them woosh by. But passing power is abundant when needed.

[PeteS]

Curious why some think you have to have over 100 HP to pass these days. Most all my bikes have been 60 HP twins, Norton, Guzzi LM, BMW airhead, Guzzi EV and never had that problem on two lane roads. My new V85 runs right up to over 100 and quicker down low than any of those others. Only bike that requires planning when passing is my 34HP KLR.

Pete

[Huzo]

The Preload was all the way to soft and there was about 1/2" sag with me on it.  I didn't try Matris, but if I screw it up , I can always see what they have.  I just finished powder coating it so tomorrow is the install and test.

Winding off preload will make it lower, not softer.

[twowheeladdict]

Curious why some think you have to have over 100 HP to pass these days. Most all my bikes have been 60 HP twins, Norton, Guzzi LM, BMW airhead, Guzzi EV and never had that problem on two lane roads. My new V85 runs right up to over 100 and quicker down low than any of those others. Only bike that requires planning when passing is my 34HP KLR.

Pete

We are talking about in interstates which I have only ridden 10 miles on one with the V85TT.  Yes, stay off the interstates and you will never want for more. 

[Perazzimx14]

Curious why some think you have to have over 100 HP to pass these days. Most all my bikes have been 60 HP twins, Norton, Guzzi LM, BMW airhead, Guzzi EV and never had that problem on two lane roads. My new V85 runs right up to over 100 and quicker down low than any of those others. Only bike that requires planning when passing is my 34HP KLR.

Pete

You don't have to have 100+ HP to pass but it sure makes it easier and much quicker.