Yet another Stelvio question... sorry, it will stop, I promise...

[radguzzi]

I have been reading all that I can regarding the 2014 Stelvio as I have a possible purchase in the works.  While reading this particular article I observed that the writer talks about both the Guzzi 8V AND the NTX as if they are different animals...

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2014models/2014-Moto-Guzzi-Stelvio-1200NTX.htm


Are they...?  Don't confuse me really, I do well enough on my own.

Thanks for any clarification here.

Rob

[leafman60]

The Stelvio NTX is powered by the same 1200CC 8-Valve engine (4 valves in each head) as the standard Stelvio (non-NTX) that comes without bags, guards, etc. This is also the same basic 8V motor as installed in the current Norge and the Griso models, all of which share the single-sided rear (CARC) suspension.

It's a helluva bike and the best value out there for a multi-purpose machine.

Lots of postings on this site regarding the Stelvio.

Search the site for some educational reading but never hesitate to ask any question!

.

[radguzzi]

Ahh,
Thanks leafman,
I had no idea that the Stelvio was offered without the cases... odd.

So yeah, I took the '14 NTX for a twenty mile blast to figure out if I would love it or hate it.  One thing that I did wrong was ride the Beemer RT over to the dealer to do so.  Smooth, linear power of the BMW compared to the brutal, visceral power delivery of the Guzzi. 

I have been a Guzzi rider for thirty-three years and understand the quirky, vibration riddled throttle.  This one did not disappoint.  After a couple of miles to settle in I wrung it out, challenged the handling which is spot on and somewhat unfairly compared it to the RT for the rest of the ride.

The reach was much different than the '09 Stelvio that I had which was equipped with Rox risers and narrower bars.

Due to the reach and needing to lean in the seat was just odd also, I was sitting way into the tank.

None of this is unsurmountable so I have a bit to think about before I make a decision on whether the leave the RT at the dealer and ride the Stelvio home....

Thanks,
Rob

[rocker59]

Stelvio NTX is the 'adventurized' Stelvio, and the only one available in The USA.

Stelvio 8V is the 'standard" Stelvio, was introduced alongside the NTX, and shares all mechanicals and suspension with the NTX.

Stelvio 8V had cast wheels and no guards or bags from the factory.

Stelvio 8V has available luggage that is similar to that on the Norge.

Stelvio 8V video walk around:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mr1YcmyEVY

[leafman60]

The BMW RT and the Stelvio NTX are apples and oranges, very different machines.

The RT is a dedicated road bike with a big windshield and lots of tupperware plastic. The Stelvio is much more versatile and can handle long distance road-running as well as dirt roads and the like as the rider desires.

On the Stelvio, you can change the seat and the windscreen and tailor-fit it for superb long distance duty.

The big difference between the bikes is the charismatic power delivery (and sound) of the VTwin Guzzi compared to the teutonic drone of the flat twin.

Live a little. Be different. Go with something that creates some fun.

[radguzzi]

Stelvio 8V has available luggage that is similar to that on the Norge.

Good info, thanks Mike....  Funny that you feature a shot of the Stelvio in that gorgeous blue with the Norge-ish cases.  The one I am looking at is just so equipped, the bags, not the color...

Thanks,
Rob

[radguzzi]

The BMW RT and the Stelvio NTX are apples and oranges, very different machines.

The RT is a dedicated road bike with a big windshield and lots of tupperware plastic. The Stelvio is much more versatile and can handle long distance road-running as well as dirt roads and the like as the rider desires.

On the Stelvio, you can change the seat and the windscreen and tailor-fit it for superb long distance duty.

The big difference between the bikes is the charismatic power delivery (and sound) of the VTwin Guzzi compared to the teutonic drone of the flat twin.

Live a little. Be different. Go with something that creates some fun.

Oh I get all of that, you're right...  what I was trying to say was that I unfairly judged the Stelvio against the RT that I rode in on... but only for a bit.  I love the Stelvio, had one, want another...

That walk around is cool, love the cast wheels on that one.

[WitchCityGuzzi]

Also, know that there is a fuel map for it made by Xlratr ( here on this site and ADV rider) that will make it smooth, linear, and pull like a stock car.

[radguzzi]

Also, know that there is a fuel map for it made by Xlratr ( here on this site and ADV rider) that will make it smooth, linear, and pull like a stock car.

Yup, good to know too.  I was a little concerned with relative roughness of the engine, pull is pretty good but any assistance is a plus.  Is that something that Seacoast can do, the re-map...?

Thanks,
Rob

[leafman60]

Also, know that there is a fuel map for it made by Xlratr ( here on this site and ADV rider) that will make it smooth, linear, and pull like a stock car.

Xlratr has the best map, period. 

I have tried several. You need to use the Guzzidiag free software to download it.  There's an entire thread here for it.

It is a very easy task, once you know how to do it.

Message Xlratr (John) and he will surely send you his latest map.

[tazio]

Wasn't there a significant difference in rear rim widths and available tire choices between the NTX and non NTX ??

[rocker59]

Wasn't there a significant difference in rear rim widths and available tire choices between the NTX and non NTX ??

The early Stelvios had a 5.5 inch rear wheel and 180/55-17 rear tire.

Both the NTX and 8V have wheels that are 4.25 inches wide and use a 150/70-17.

[tazio]

Got it. Thanks!

[JeffOlson]

That is a beautiful Stelvio! I'd take one, but they are not available here...

[pete roper]

Paint's cheap Jeff.........

[leafman60]

The early Stelvios had a 5.5 inch rear wheel and 180/55-17 rear tire.

Both the NTX and 8V have wheels that are 4.25 inches wide and use a 150/70-17.

That was done to match the tire size of the popular BMW GS series of the day and a very wide selection of tires.  The new water-cooled GS has gone to a wider tire now but the 150 rear remains a very common tire offered in all sorts of tread patterns.

[WitchCityGuzzi]

Yup, good to know too.  I was a little concerned with relative roughness of the engine, pull is pretty good but any assistance is a plus.  Is that something that Seacoast can do, the re-map...?

Thanks,
Rob

Seacoast won't load a non-factory map. PM me and we can organize a meet up and I'll load the map for you. By all accounts from those I've loaded it for, it's spectacular. I'm in Salem, MA


Doug

[Githianki]

By all accounts from those I've loaded it for, it's spectacular.

That map rocks.    Totally different bike for me after it.

Dave

[radguzzi]

Seacoast won't load a non-factory map. PM me and we can organize a meet up and I'll load the map for you. By all accounts from those I've loaded it for, it's spectacular. I'm in Salem, MA


Doug

Good to know Doug, I am still undecided but I am going back for one more ergo check and make up my mind.
I may have to trek on down to Salem.
Thanks,
Rob

That map rocks.    Totally different bike for me after it.

Dave

That too is reassuring.  I do like me some Moto Guzzi...
Thanks Dave,
Rob

[Xlratr]

There are lots of old bikes I'd love to own, but if you're talking about moden machines I really can't think of anything I'd rather have than a Stelvio. It does everything I want it to do! And it's so easy to work on. There's nothing out there that comes close as far as I'm concerned.
The fact that they're stopping production (or have already) is a problem for me as I wanted to ride mine a few years more and then trade in for a new one. I may have to bring those plans forward. If I do, it could well be the last new motorcycle that I'll buy.
John

PS: thanks for the kind words on the map guys. :-)