2009 Moto Guzzi Stelvio

Of all the manufacturers attempting to cash in on the success of BMW’s R1200GS by producing rival machines, Moto Guzzi ought to have the best potential of all. After all, the basic specification of the GS--shaft drive, single-sided swingarm, 1200cc air/oil-cooled twin, dry single-plate clutch--could just as easily come out of a Guzzi catalog as a BMW one, cylinder angle aside. And let’s not forget, in the past Guzzi was BMW’s main rival as a touring bike manufacturer. Even a small slice of GS sales would count as cashing in very nicely for Moto Guzzi’s new Stelvio, as the old Italian marque is making only 8,500 bikes a year now, where the GS is one of the world’s best-selling big-capacity motorcycles. A tenth of the GS sales figures would represent a major increase in Guzzi production numbers. Yet potentially the Stelvio could achieve that, if the dealer network and marketing are up to it. The bike itself is powered by what is essentially the same eight-valve engine as that fitted to the Griso 8V--ignore the Stelvio’s quirky 4V designation, this is definitely an eight-valve engine. The factory’s dithering in deciding if this is four valves per cylinder or an eight-valve motor typifies a lack of organization which still needs to be addressed at Guzzi. Base Price: $14,990 Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled, longitudinal 90-degree V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cyl. Bore x Stroke: 95.0 x 81.2mm Displacement: 1,151cc Transmission: Six-speed, hydraulically actuated dry clutch Final Drive: Shaft, 1:3.666 Wheelbase: 60.4 in. Rake/Trail: 27 degrees/4.9 in. Seat Height: 32.3/33.1 in. Claimed Wet Weight: 553 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 4.76 gals. Average mpg: NA