2014 Stelvio NTX1200 - Impressions and what to look for (Used)

[mthydro]

After owning my V7 Classic for 5-years and being overall impressed with it's ease of DIY Maintenance and overall rideability, I've been thinking of adding another Guzzi to the stable.

I'm looking at something for longer trips, where time slabbing it will be much easier than the V7, ability to carry more luggage, and ability to do some gravel/dirt roads. The Stelvio seems to fit this bill.

There is a 2014 Stelvio I am looking at with roughly 15,000KMS on it it. Are there any things I should be looking for, and what are peoples overall impressions of the bike?

Thanks in advance

Mike

[Luap McKeever]

What you will need to look for:
* An excuse to ride it more often. Awesome bikes.

What you won't need to look for:
* Gas stations thanks to the 8.5 gallon tank.

[ChuckH]

I had a 2012 NTX and, as Luap has said, they are great bikes for long distance touring.  There has been "tons" written on changes that needed to be made.  I'll try to remember a few that were important.  A 2014 bike should already have the roller tappets and appropriate camshaft, so that is not an issue here.

1) Add an in-line fuse in the hot lead to each of the running lights.  If this bike has the original Hella running lights, they will fail at sometime in the future.  When this happens, it will blow the 30A fuse that controls the charging circuit for alternator and the battery will go dead.  If those lights have already been changed to LEDs or something less prone to failure, it is still not a bad idea to add those in-line fuses to protect that 30A circuit.

2) If this bike has the OEM mirrors with the turn signals in them, they will also fail at sometime in the future.  Change them out to the Aprilia (I think) Sport Mirrors and relocate the turn signals to the European position on the front fairings.  Most dealers have a kit with the necessary pieces (about $100. USD).  The change over is easy.

3) I added a vent to the rear drive to protect against water ingress.  That little cap-vent on the top of the rear drive will not protect against that if you get caught in a heavy rain or ford a creek.

Other than these items, load it up (you can load it like a pack-mule) and go riding.

[Utrider]

Buy it, ride it, love it.  Bought mine 3 years ago, 23,000 miles later, I know it was the right bike to cover vast distances with ease. If you will be doing long distances on highways, get a Kaoko throttle lock. Yes, it's expensive, but it works so well and is so well made. 

[Green1000S]

Just did 7500KM cross country trip with 2014 Stelvio.
Previous year 5000 KM trip through Labrador.
This Saturday a 1600km Ironbutt ride in 24 hours.

Hands down best bike Ive ever owner. So far bulletproof too.
Get a better seat and youll butt will love you forever.

Eats miles like nothing, you can load it like mule, one up, two up, all the same.

[Tkelly]

Try a bead seat before you buy a new one.I have 45000 on mine.

[Markcarovilli]

what ChuckH said...

I have his and these mods done by his hand - are a must and glad it was done. 

Mark

[farrider2]

Bought a 2013 with 5,000 miles in January, and it has turned into my daily driver.   It is a tall bike with lots of power and capabilities so it is well-suited to an experienced rider who fits it. The fuel tank size, shaft drive and cargo capacity make it a camel and great for longer rides. Over all, I am very impressed with the Stelvio's performance and ease of maintenance.

Agree with the previous recommendations on minor preventative maintenance items -- easier to make the fix in the shop than beside the road.

Depending on its planned use, you may want to change the tires to better suit highway versus off-road.

One last benefit, this Forum provides access to many knowledgeable people. Helps when the dealer may be a ways off.

 

[pete roper]

I'd also suggest pulling the swingarm and greasing the bearings along with those in the shock linkage.

Pete

[leafman60]

Do a search on this website and you will discover many useful things. 

[mthydro]

Thanks for the input everyone!