2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio – First Look

The 'compact block' engine, as Guzzi calls it, features an entirely new way of thinking about the transverse V-Twin, as Evans’ described from his First Ride of the V100 Mandello:

The two 96 x 72 mm pistons create a 1042cc displacement with components of combustion flowing through four-valve heads. The valves, however, no longer receive their instructions via pushrods; rather, chain-driven, dual overhead cams actuate finger followers to open and close the valves. These followers allow for more aggressive cam profiles, benefitting performance, efficiency, and emissions at the same time. The head layout was rotated 90° to achieve a couple of goals. By placing the intake manifolds in the center of the V, more room became available to the rear of the cylinder jugs for the rider’s knees. Additionally, the intake tract has a straighter shot from the centrally-located air box through the two 52mm ride-by-wire-controlled throttle bodies, which, in turn, send the air/fuel charge through shorter, high-turbulence manifolds into the combustion chamber, again for increased performance and efficiency. Since the exhaust ports are now on the outside of the engine, the headers are located in clear airflow and draw the heat away from the engine (and rider) at speed.

Compared to the cardan shaft drive found on the V100, Moto Guzzi describes the Stelvio’s as ‘reinforced’ to adapt it for off-road use. Likewise, a new steel-tube frame uses the engine as a stressed member. Guzzi says, “The front-end has undergone a complete redesign making it stronger and better suited for adventure riding. Furthermore, it now features different dimensions. The frame also boasts four front anchor points instead of the two on V100 Mandello, giving a 20% increase in rigidity.”

The 46 mm Sachs fork is adjustable for preload and rebound as is the KYB shock. Both offer 6.7 inches of travel. Brembo brakes slow the Stelvio with a pair of 320 mm floating steel rotors clamped by radially mounted monobloc calipers. In the rear, a two-piston caliper clenches a 280 mm disc. A 19-inch tubeless spoked wheel is fitted between the stanchions with a 17-incher out back. All of this can be surmised as Guzzi keeping the Stelvio in the “light off-road” arena of adventure touring, with an emphasis on the latter.

The Marelli 11MP and six-axis IMU helps to optimize these systems as well as cornering ABS, four levels of traction control, and five ride modes according to the company’s parameters. In the Tourism, Rain, Street, Sport, and Off-road modes, settings can be adjusted to fine tune rider preference. Ride modes affect engine braking, power delivery, and traction control. In Off-road mode engine braking is at its highest, and power delivery at its most direct. Traction control and ABS are ‘finely tuned’ for off-road use. Traction control has minimal intervention, while ABS is active only on the front wheel. Moreover, it is possible to deactivate both traction control (across all riding modes) and ABS on both wheels (in Off-road mode only) for added flexibility and control.