2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio First Ride Review | Ultimate Motorcycling

The Stelvio is back! Moto Guzzi's favorite Adventure-Touring model returns to Italian brand's ranks, bringing with it modern levels of performance, while retaining the unmistakable Guzzi charm.
The Stelvio is powered the iconic Italian brand's latest 1042cc water-cooled V-twin engine, dubbed the "Compact Block," due to its comparatively compact size and lighter weight. With a gentlemanly 115 horsepower and 77 ft-lbs of torque on hand, the Stelvio hits the sweet spot with performance, offering a broad powerband and loads of user-friendly torque that can be put down to the road or trail through its shaft final drive. Moreover, it's the most advanced powerplant that the legendary manufacturer has ever produced, utilizing a lightweight finger-follower valvetrain, counter-rotating crankshaft, and more to create its smoothest running engine to date.
Falling in line with its Adventure-Touring application, the new Stelvio features a model-specific chassis, with a unique tubular steel frame and longer-travel suspension. As a road machine, the Stelvio is nearly faultless, sliding into the ADV-Touring role with ease and handling adeptly. While hardcore off-road riding may not be its forte, the 19-/17-inch tubeless wire-spoke wheel combination help accommodate reasonable off-tarmac riding.
As part of the new generation of Moto Guzzi motorcycles, the 2024 Stelvio is not shying away from technology. A comprehensive suite of six-axis IMU-supported rider aids are enabled, along with five customizable ride modes. In addition, owners can purchase a 4D front-and-rear radar system, known as the Piaggio Fast Forward Rider Assistance Solution, that enables forward collision warning, blind spot detection, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise control.
We sent Senior Editor Nic de Sena to sunny Almeria, Spain to ride the all new 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio. So, what does he think of the Stelvio's return? Well, listen in and find out.
Have any questions? Drop them below and we'll get you some answers!

[@gerokatseros]

What a wonderful review sir! How would you compare it to the 21" Africa Twin , Engine wise, handling wise , comfort wise and generally joy of riding wise :) At some point only i realized that you speedometer was on Mph !!!

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey @Gerokatseros, Oh, that's a tough question! It's been quite a while since I've ridden an AT with a 21-inch front wheel. That said, what I can say is that the AT has a more conventional and modern approach in its parallel-twin engine. It spools up nicely, has good punch, and has character on par with plenty of other p-twin powerplants in the industry. In contrast, the Stelvio's V-twin is far more distinctive, focusing more on its low and midrange power. In terms of handling, the Honda is no slouch, though I'd imagine that the inherent stability of the Stelvio will be touch to match for many models in this cateogry. Comfort wise, they're running neck and neck, though the AT is far taller and that could be a hurdle for some potential buyers. We were riding pre-production units and that may have been a calibration issue 😉 Hope this helps! - Nic

[@johnshropshire3399]

👍👍

[@clockworkdimetrodon1001]

I took one for a test ride a few days ago, and I have mixed feelings. I LOVE the leg geometry, both on peg and in relation to the ground. It’s almost enough to get me to buy one. The engine, though. It’s buzzy, enough that I wouldn’t be able to ride it any distance at all. It has great electronics, good power, good brakes. I cannot buy a bike that’s going to leave my feet and hands tingling for hours after. And the price is painful too.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

A real alternative to a GS but at many thousands less, yes its not got all the GSs toys but then again it doesn't cost 24 grand.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey @Ianhlliwell8604, The BMW GS is a prominent figure in the class for good reason. It often promotes new technologies, performance, and handling with its ADV-touring platform. While those things are important for the industry, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio brings a completely different character to a class with such established and distinct personalities. In that sense, it does offer a refreshing take on the ADV-Touring question with its charming V-twin and solid chassis. Take care, - Nic

[@bruceread4507]

Metric please, makes it much more interesting. V/good review.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Bruceread4507, We generally cite imperial figures because we're a U.S.-based publication. It'd probably be a lot easier if we used the metric system. Thanks for the kind words! Take care! - Nic

[@joeyb1853]

'Merica.

[@arjenbootsma6881]

9:34 yeah, again, so many reviews seem to be so very concerned with short riders. But how is the comfort for taller riders, say a 6'5" man with a 36" inseam?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi @arjenbootsma6881, Observations with fitment go both ways, although more often than not, taller motorcycles can present limitations that apply to a large percentage of riders. This did get me wondering about the statistics. According to several resources, less than 1% of the male U.S. population is above 6'5", so we'd be speaking to an extremely limited audience. However, a large percentage of the U.S. population is around my height of 5'10" and I can speak broadly to that experience. Additionally, it's easy to see where riders shorter than myself might run into trouble if I'm struggling to reach the ground on taller motorcycles. That said, it's just as tough to speak to the riding experience of someone that's 6'5" as it is someone who is 5'0", nor do manufacturers consider heights at such extremes. I mean, you can probably just step over most bikes, man. Take care, - Nic

[@arjenbootsma6881]

@@ultimatemotorcycling Thank you for your thoughtful response. I must admit that the fact that "the world" doesn't take tall people into account is a longstanding source of annoyance and frustration, from cars I don't fit in, to bikes that would force me to ride with my knees tucked up into my armpits, to apparel manufacturers that only offer up to a size one size too small for me. As to your last comment, when the Royal Enfield Interceptor came out a while ago, I saw one at a show, and I was able to stand over it without any part of my body touching the bike.

[@robertshotliff1743]

Hi, a few reports on the Stelvio have criticised comfort levels on a long ride. Any comment?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

@@robertshotliff1743 I was happy with the comfort, though I'd remind readers/viewers that comfort is fairly subjective. For reference, I'm 5'10" and didn't experience any discomfort. It has a neutral riding position, plenty of legroom, and a casual reach to the handlebars for someone of my size. Take care! - Nic

[@jusdsun8319]

Dang, cut the music and let us here the engine!

[@matsrekdal3065]

A really interesting bike, but no real alternative in 2024 without electronic suspension. 🤷