Revamped and boasting better protection against the elements and a longer range, the latest evolution of the Stelvio is aiming for the top of the big adventure bike class. Moto123.com got the chance to take it for a spin on an eclectic mix of highways, country roads and gravel.

Revamped and boasting better protection against the elements and a longer range, the latest evolution of the Stelvio is aiming for the top of the big adventure bike class. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com)

Though its looks might not appeal to everyone (I happen to love it), the Stelvio is here to help you blaze those trails. It’s determined to take you almost anywhere you want to go in full comfort – and it wants you to have a blast the whole way.

Familiar engine
The Stelvio 1200 ABS retains the previous model’s main frame components and the good ol’ 1,200-cc, air-cooled, transverse V-Twin, which now punches out 105 hp at 7,250 rpm and a maximum of 81 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. It has inherited a new on-board computer with improved injection and ignition mapping, ensuring beefier throttle response and greater reliability. The camshafts have also been streamlined to boost power output at high rpm.

The six-speed transmission proves precise, quick and very discrete. You hardly hear a peep from it, no unwanted clunking or anything, and it shares this absolute discretion with the shaft drive. Only the generous dollop of torque requires a bit of attention when shifting gears.

Upgraded frame
On the frame front, the tubular chassis teams up with 50-mm inverted Marzocchi forks and a Sachs shock around back. A 150/7 dual-sport tire replaces the 180-mm number on the outgoing Stelvio, geared more towards on-road riding. And let’s not forget the complete range of Moto Guzzi accessories, including a top case, saddle bags, lamp kit, heated grips and crash bars.

Moto Guzzi understands the importance of range for an adventure bike and has gifted this most recent iteration of the 1200 ABS with a 32-litre fuel tank to replace the 18-litre affair of the previous model.

The well-lit dash is easy to read and includes a full array of instinctive instruments as well as a 12-volt outlet. The handlebar controls prove just as functional, and the windscreen’s height can be adjusted manually. You can easily lift the adjustable seat up from 820 to 840 mm without tools, and the 215-kg posted curb weight seems very reasonable considering the size of the machine.

The well-lit dash is easy to read and includes a full array of instinctive instruments as well as a 12-volt outlet. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com)