Moto Guzzi just announced an upgraded version of their Stelvio dual purpose model that will compete against upgraded machines from BMW, Triumph, Yamaha, Ducati and KTM – a tough playground indeed.

Photo: Moto Guzzi

The restyled Stelvio keeps the chassis, suspension and drive train from the older Stelvio model, so the classic 1200cc V-Twin still gives the bike its unique Moto Guzzi look. Power and torque remain the same: 102 hp at 7000 rpm and 81 ft.-lb. of torque at 5500 rpm, with gobs of grunt ready to help from 2000 rpm on up. A new ECU (I hope they have eliminated the choke lever we found on the 2010 V7 Classic) and reprofiled cams are part of the new package, aimed at improving performance and throttle response. In all likelihood, a detailed inspection would also find innumerable small improvements to reduce friction, eliminate stress points and use new materials to increase engine life and smoothness.

The solid twin-backbone chassis features an impressive 50mm inverted Marzocchi fork, and a Sachs rear shock. To reinforce handling on dirt, an off-road oriented 150/70-17 rear tire replaces the previous model’s 180/55-17 street radial. And you can dress the bike up to your taste from the comprehensive accessory catalogue that includes aluminum luggage, additional high-speed driving lights, heated grips and much more.

And in the best Harley-Davidson CVO tradition, you can buy the very special NTX No Limits version, already dressed up with extra guards for the oil sump, engine and cylinders, in addition to full-cover handguards. And you can then spend even more by upgrading to Ber rims with Alpina spokes. And by the way, both models can be had with ABS. Stand by for Canadian availability and pricing.

Photo: Moto Guzzi