I really love the new Stelvio, excellent machine. Once I set the sag properly the bike handled like a dream. The engine is a jewel and feels like it puts out more power than Guzzi says it does. Imagine that, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that understates HP numbers! lol. Overall I am extremely pleased with the Stelvio. Bravo MotoGuzzi!

I test rode one of these a week ago. I was IN LOVE. GREAT bike. AWESOME exhaust note...

Nowadays (oh God I already sound like an old person) everyone can strap a camera to themselves, go to a dealer and publish a video review. But there's just something different about people like Simon or Adam Child or Chris Northover for example. Keep up the good work, this coverage is always valuable to us followers of bike news and prospective buyers.

@I_am_Thursday

4 ай бұрын

There's nothing different. They are all toeing the party line now. Especially now Bauer media have them by the balls. That's why you have that dick Chad doing reviews for every publication. Diversity? Do me a favour

Thanks Simon. Informative and detailed as always.

Thanks for another great review 👍

Great review. I was waiting for the V85TT comparison. These are now selling for £9499 or £10499 for the 'Tour.' More fun, more enjoyable and have the all important Guzzi character.🍔🍟

@TheErcaciotta

28 күн бұрын

just sold my v85tt because in highway use is very unstable end goes wobble and shim very easili. Had many settings at suspensions but wasn't able to fix this dangerous issue. V85tt is a wondeful bike but only if ou ride very calm way and not up to 100 kmh. Mine one was E5 version. Now I'm waiting for my new stelvio and tested few days ago: simply wonderful!

Great review Simon as always, (you’re the most personable and informative reviewer at Bike Social! The V85TT would be my choice - it prettier! 🙏😀

Great review thanks. First one I've seen where I actually had a good idea of what the bike is like.

Beautiful looking bike,great review,but personally still prefer the looks of the v85tt.

I think the Stelvio will be a good seller for Guzzi. Personally, however, seeing the 2024 iteration of the V85TT and the improvements made, I’d put my folding on the smaller air cooled bike. Looking forward to your review, Simon, of the new V85.

@MrDavidfuchser

4 ай бұрын

variable valve timing along with a ecu flash could make it a preferable experience to something like the vstrom 800. hmmm

@nigelfisher3756

4 ай бұрын

@davidfuchser Agreed…..I’d buy the V85TT over an 800Vstrom and and the new 750 Transalp.

Love your reviews, Simon. Have been waiting for this one. It actually very much reminds me of my Super Tenere ES...of which has quietly been put back into their '24 lineup (Anyone else notice that? Probably not...). It seems, like the ST, the more time spent, the more the bike will make sense. It sounds to be really capable and - for the most part; after all it IS Italian - very well-thought-out, and an excellent tripper. Love the looks, the new motor, the complement of features. In a moment of weakness, I could possibly buy one. But (talking of elephants), I'll wait to see how these water-coolers do in the wild after the miles pack on. Utter reliability is the one thing my ST has that would be extremely difficult to give up, and why it's still in their lineup. Surprisingly capable, exceptionally dependable. The two features you can't do without on 1000-mile trips. Hope MG has that worked out!

My favourite reviewer Simon always prepared and who actually can ride and no talk about buy me a coffee or patreon 👌❤️

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

Thanks, but... about that coffee... 😁

Hello Simon! I was hoping you would introduce the new Stelvio. 😉😉 You have a big heart for Guzzi and I love your V85TT videos where you can see how much you love this motorcycle. 😁😁 The new Stelvio is certainly a fantastic motorcycle, but it has also lost some of the typical Moto Guzzi character. It is more accessible and softer and therefore perhaps more suitable for the masses, but no longer has a 100% Guzzi character. You're not the first person to say that the V85TT is more like Guzzi 😉😉 I miss the passion in this test that you had back in Sardinia when the V85TT was presented 😁😁 including footrests on the ground in almost every corner 😂😂 my conclusion: The Stelvio is a great motorcycle but without the typical Guzzi character. If you want the typical Guzzi character, you have to buy the V85TT. Performance isn't everything...😉😉 I love my V85TT precisely because of the character, you also miss in the Stelvio. Greetings from Bavaria Robert

The elephant in the room. Spot on.

Great Review as ever 👍

I thought I’d be interested in the Stelio but I can’t say I’m impressed. For the money there is just so much greatness out there and to be honest the V85 TT looks quite grand in comparison. Retro? Maybe, but isn’t that 9/10 of the Guzzi thing?

Great review. Many thanks. Surely the tiger 900 Gt Pro is also a direct competitor……cheaper, and with all the extras as standard. Love all of your videos. Cheers.

Thanks for that thought provoking review !!! Owned the Mandello S last year (briefly) until it was written off when 1 month old due to diesel on the road 😖 but thoroughly loved the bike ! Was confidence inspiring in the twisties. Was planning to just get another but thats when the launch of the Stelvio sparked my interest. Keen to go for the PFF model which is the one with the uprated radar tech. Waiting to test ride the Stelvio ! But by the sounds of your review, probably best going for the Mandello S with the semi active suspension 🤷‍♂️

Super impressive bike. The best looking of the adventure styled bikes in my opinion. Simon's ability to chat, recall facts and ride at pace is a brilliant skill.

@sorryociffer

3 күн бұрын

I agree. Modern and purposeful looking. Angular and sleek.

So the starting price for this is £14,816, the starting price for a BMW R 1300 GS is £15,990 and the starting price for a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is. £16,299. So is the competition for this bike the Honda, or is it the basic GS which has shaft drive but admittedly handlebars and wheels are probably optional extras?

@davidhoare3428

3 ай бұрын

Spot on

Interesting review. Alan Cathcart's review was glowing!

I’d like to see a vs along the lines of all the 1000ish ADV bikes. Africa Twin, Suzuki Strom 1050, tiger 900, the Versis 900, , this, and any others I may have missed. It would really shape my ideas on the size.

The best review I had see, very honest. I had to agree 100% on your comments.

@Lannet2k

Ай бұрын

Thanks, I'm from Italy but you and all your partner are the best , alway honest , keep going please

Absolutely spot on. I have battery operated garden tools that are six years old that are useless because the battery has died. Tools are fine but have to be scrapped because battery is not available or too expensive!

If I was interested in an ADV bike I think I’d have to go with the 1300 GS. If it leaned more on road with some off then maybe an AT with DCT.

Does it have a low seat option and Sat Nav Thanks for a great review J

Nice review Simon, feels like you're talking to us rather than at us. I was intrigued by this, thought possibly I'd like MG but your advice means I'll stick with my V2S. I thought that might have come up in your comparison?

Love Simon’s detailed bike reviews. More please. 👍……. Edit….oops 3rd person comment 😂

@bennettsbikesocial

4 ай бұрын

You wish is our command. More to follow inc. XSR900GP, Tiger 1200, V85TT and a new series that'll be worth keeping an eye out for. Plus a handful of group tests and What Bike Next? In fact, we should call is 'Simon Social'.

@loftysaltmarsh69

4 ай бұрын

@@bennettsbikesocial 🤣 brilliant can't wait. 👍

@michaelmahon8896

3 ай бұрын

​@@bennettsbikesociallooking forward to v85tt,, probably my next bike, August, September

Great review, I like my V85TT. I am now glad that I chose it over the stelvio

Yeah, I can totally relate to the „steering problem“. Preload was set too low and it felt awkward especially in slow turns. I gave the Preload 20 additional clicks and everything felt perfect. It was actually the same problem I‘ve had with my CRF1100L (2022). Out of the factory it is set to 7 clicks of 35-37clicks (it seems to vary a little) and I had to give it 26-28 clicks to feel comfortable in turns and corners. I don‘t understand why manufacturers adjust preload so soft … or they have to instruct their dealers to set it up to the weight of their customers before leaving.

Hahaaa! I cannot believe, you haven’t ridden the Stelvio pass! I have done something you ain’t done! 😅 nice looking bike! I need. A ride. Great review as, always.

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

Cheers Ben - yup, never done it. I'm not a massive fan of hairpins tbh.

@benkelly2190

4 ай бұрын

@@writestuffmedia funny thing, I’m not either! I quite like living too!😂

@Motoguzzi750

4 ай бұрын

Its a thing to do, rather than the greatest ride ever. A place to be seen. I enjoyed the Sustenpass and the St Gotthard Pass much more!​@writestuffmedia

I'll have a test ride on one but, I think I'll be sticking with my V100 Mandello S

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

I've never ridden one, but I'm guessing the suspension feels nicer than the Stelvio's. I wish they'd put something really nice on it as an up-spec option (instead of the radar).

Great review, you nailed it when you mentioned why persons prefer a Guzzi in front of other brands. I left Guzzi due to reliability and lack of spare parts. If you need to wait 3,5 months you give up. And this concerned two separate Guzzi’s (Norge and Stelvio).😱 However, the running V-twin is a character as you mentioned. So I’m still in love with the brand ❤️

As the reviewer who I probably trust the most on KZread please get on the mandello and do a review of that Simon 🤞

Interesting report Simon. When do we get the report on the new V85TT?

@bennettsbikesocial

4 ай бұрын

His type writer is in overdrive right now... !

Thanks for the review! I'm just confused by the pre-load at the rear, if you increase it, the bike will lower at the back as the spring is already compressed, not the opposite. You should have had less feeling with the front after that.

@pmstirling

4 ай бұрын

No, other way around! If you increase preload the bike will sag less with your weight, ie ride higher

I'm that guy that keeps reminding people that the Guzzi engines are longitudinal V twins, not transverse V twins.

I had a V85 for 2 years and we loved it. I now have the new GS1300 and had briefly considered the Stelvio. Unfortunately it is no competition for the new GS

@therealunclevanya

3 ай бұрын

You spent thousands of pounds more for the GS and the BMW dealership will buy a new Ferrari on what you spend in servicing 😉

Simon, have you test ridden the 2024 85TT which was just revealed? Variable timing and some nice updates. Looks like it carries on the real Guzzi DNA!

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

Yup, rode it the day after the Stelvio (but it was embargoed). Vid up soon!

Nobody yet has mentioned the cost of the panniers. Will they be available as a package like the V85TT?

Die hard fans will probably head towards the V85tt

Not sure I’d be confident enough in touring in this simply due to the difficulty in finding parts or service if needed But I’m interested in getting one to try

Isn't the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 AT a closer point of comparision to this, than the Honda Africa Twin?

Call me Shallow but with Motorcycles looks are very important, and to me this is a real show stopping beauty. If it rides well it could be 1300 GS rival, however dealer network issues could limit it's sales here in the UK. It's a Motorcycle for "Mods".

Mandello & Stelvio should have been 1200, just to put some space between it and the 850 models. I had high hopes for this bike, but I guess it depends where you are trading up from.

I think value for money and Guzziness will make the new V85’s winners (V85 Strada for me, after all, how much off roading are you going to do on one of these)?

Wouldn't this bike's size put it up against the GS and Tiger 1200, both of which are shaft drive?

I have always wanted a Guzzi and the Stelvio looks sexy. The only thing i worry about is the short valve service intervals and cost. I live in Canada and ride 30-35,000km every season (6 months). The Guzzi valve service intarval is 10K, so I would have to do 3-4 services a season $$$. My current bike a 2019 Super Tenere has valve service intervals of 40K. What do you think? Thanks for the great video!

@paulfarcas1514

2 ай бұрын

That's only the first interval and it's 15000 km. Then the interval extends.

The 2024 Yamaha Super Tenere ES also has Shaft drive

I've always loved Moto Guzzi - although I'm amazed that people still can't pronounce it properly - you can pronounce pizza ? Well, the ZZ is said the same way!! I'd been thinking about a Stelvio, as I already have. MotoGuzzi 1000S and an Africa Twin 1100. The Honda is a real tough act to beat and an amazing road bike. I bumped into a guy with a V100 Mandello yesterday and after a year of riding it, said that he really liked it. However he said that his mate had an identical machine that had been at the dealers awaiting repair for 10 months with electronics issues! Now, if that was a Honda, that would have been sorted, but you're relying on Piaggio UK, who are hopeless. So I'll enjoy riding my old Guzzi, but I'll take the Honda over the Stelvio. Or, as the man says, get a proven V85TT and spend the change on fuel and see the world.

Hi Simon. I’m going down to near where you rode next month. Would you be able to post a .GPX file of the route you rode, or at least state where you started from and finisherd at (then I could work out from the paper/online map resources). Many Thanks !!

@ljj808

3 ай бұрын

Found it at last. Thanks for ALL your help……

The only thing missed in an excellent review is that the BMW GS wasn’t really mentioned. And it’s a bargain comparatively.

.....and if you don't care about radar and want shaft drive you can (in theory!) get a GS1300 for under £16k. Nice review.

That Simon... his reviews are too thorough and make mine look like the amateurs attempts that they are. And he can have that in the third person too!

Hello, I think you are a bit unfair with this particular model. it has a transmission shaft which the africa does not have very important to me. the competition is between triumph 900 gt & pro, Ducati multi 900 v2, Suzuki Vstorm 1050 & Honda Africa adv. I believe once the active suspension from Mandello S is fitted it will be the most complete offering in its class. It's a very smart move by Guzzi and will get a lot of customers from other brands like me who is considering swapping my BMW F800GS for this model. I'm sure Guzzi fanatics resent it but I prefer the evolution along with the safety this model offers. I have test ridden the Stelvio in Greece. Thank you very much for your presentation.

Exactly what you need from a bike. Other companies need to take note. We don’t need 1300 cc and electronic crap. Give us a nice practical bike with a fair price.

Question if it was your money, which one, Africa twin adventure sport 2024 model or the stelvio?

@paulfarcas1514

2 ай бұрын

The AT is highly off road focused. The Stelvio isn't. The AT is brutal, the Stelvio isn't.

Can you repeat you McDonalds V85tt challenge are review which one is better of the 2.

So , in a few words which one would you choose? Stelvio or Africa? Also how do you compare it to the basic Africa (21" wheel) , does Stelvio handle better than this one? What about weight feeling? Are they equally strong engine wise?

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

I'd go for the Africa Twin Adventure Sport with semi-active (the 2024 model).Stelvio has 'better' - or more road-oriented - handling than the 21in AT. But the stock AT feels lighter and more agile. AT feels like a much fitter engine - perkier!

Great bike, super marque...GOOT-ZEE.

I was hoping they would do a V100TT 😢

Guzziness aside, I would be worried the quality of some components would not be very resistant to corrosion in the UK climate. I guess as someone who loves Italy, their people,food and clothing, I'm a bit nervous of their engineering standards. Having said that, these bikes seem to appeal to me.

I like the Stelvio, good point about the PFF version re the additional cost to turn the adaptive cruise control on ?? I was in a dealer the other day and they never once mentioned that being an extra? Still like the bike, due to test ride one shortly and have sneaky feeling I'm going to love it 😊

You should get an Africa Twin, apparently.

Real men use a clutch lever 💪🏻😉

@protectorh9167

Ай бұрын

That's just the problem with older Guzzi, to heavy for long trips.😢

I don't understand why they have a smaller fuel tank on this bigger adventure bike versus the 85TT and that bike it gets better fuel economy.

Africa Twin with shaft drive 🎉🎉🎉❤

Don't think the wind tunnel is in use any more.

Simon says 21 lL tank, bike's doing 49 mpg and he reckons that means 180 mille range that to me looks like a 220 ish range is it my senility or his causing problems

I want a stelvio 800 cc with 85hp and 20-25 kg lighter 😊😊😊

Retarded power delivery when commuting on the V85TT is a big negative for the air cooled V. Been waiting for the LC from MG for a while, but not sold on the V100. Looking forward to testing the Stelvio and compare it with the 1250GS TE.

Mhmm ... food rests mounted to the engine block sounds like a terrible idea in case you drop the bike 🤔 But if I haven't bought the CRF1100 almost two years ago, the Stelvio would be a strong competitor because of the shaft drive and ... well ... I just like Guzzi 😁

Thanks Simon! Which one do you prefer 85tt or the Stelvio? 😊

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

V85TT :-)

I want no “same-same” bike! Piaggio! If I want an elektro beemer or a dct honda I’d have bought them. V85 all the way.

Quite frankly the Stelvio is cheaper bike with a much more modern design and plenty of character that the ATAS. Better engine, better (shaft) transmission, better handling, more road oriented wheels (same size as the Ducati Multistrada while the ATAS is an off-road motorcycle adapted for road use), better wind protection, high quality radar system (front and rear) that works great and proprietary system for installing side panniers directly on the motorbike without the need for side frames. To me the only downside is atm the lackness of electronic suspension at all.

The Africa Twin is probably a better buy but the shaft drive and the radar are nice. I think the Stelvio is a much better looking bike.

My money would be on the africa twin

Put a shaft on the Tiger 900 then you would have brilliant bike ,enjoyed the video

@meteficha

4 ай бұрын

Pretty much what the Tiger 1200 is, since it got the T-plane crank.

@martinhughes9769

4 ай бұрын

@@meteficha moce bike the 1200 bit bit to tall

I would imagine that you keep using the clutch because an Adventure Bike with those power and torque figures simply doesn’t nee£ a quick shifter. Nothing that isn’t regularly used on a racetrack does. It’s no more than a current trend, a gimmick.

Moto Guzzi will always be a left field choice. Have they done enough to keep the traditional followers? If it was me I'd go v85. And pocket the difference. The number you see ( or don't) on the road I think says what buyers want, which might be why Guzzi might be trying to go more mainstream with the Stevio. Ride safe 👍

@disekjoumoer

4 ай бұрын

The V85TT is quite popular here in Switzerland. People, especially older riders, seem to appreciate its relaxed riding, keeping in mind that European speed restrictions mean that you will almost never use a bike's full performance.

@PerryFred74

3 ай бұрын

Currently on a 2008 1200 sport. Would happily trade up to the Stelvio

Really, thousands of hours in the wind tunnel?

@user-kh6tw2xk4n

4 ай бұрын

😂

Here we go again with a motorcycle reviewer complaining about "character". I have a KTM SMT 990. It has more character than just about anything else and is huge fun. I also have a Versys 650, which has zero character, but is really good for doing long distance riding when I don't want to struggle with a bike's quirks.

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

Yeah... I'm not complaining one way or the other - just pointing out the Stelvio dials down the Guzzi character a bit (not entirely) and dials up a certain amount of, I dunno, civility. In truth, character is as much what you bring to the bike as the bike brings to you. Versys 650 owners who don't have an SMT as a reference point (great bike btw) might say 'hang on, my bike has LOTS of character!' and they'd be right. It's subjective.

@paulyflyer8154

4 ай бұрын

When it comes to bikes, character's usually just another word for unreliability

@sharpcsc998

4 ай бұрын

I’ve had a 650 Versys, a true d it all bike. Also had 2 Laverdas for 30 years. All 3 great bikes, one for commuting, one to race, and one to tour. Now it’s a 900 tracer GT, some character nothing like an RGS1000. Just watching the video now…

@debrisbit

4 ай бұрын

Where exactly did he complain about character? All I heard him say was that some diehards might find that it's less reminiscent of an older Guzzi feel and character. Like you said you find your KTM very characterful, your Kawasaki bland. What makes you think Moto Guzzi buyers are looking for a bland bike rather than what they've been known for all these years - character?

@mrcintheuk4641

4 ай бұрын

I didn't hear any complaints. Merely pointed out the new engine has a balance shaft that eliminates the Guzzi rock 'n' roll which you may dislike, or not.

Oh look a house on two wheels

@nigelfisher3756

4 ай бұрын

Who’s going on a big tour on a slim, lightweight 250cc?

@stevebester1829

4 ай бұрын

This makes me itchy for a reply....😊

Certainly cheaper than the BMW.

Longitudinal not transverse.

Longitudinal, Si, longitudinal.

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

Stop it! Stop it right now!

@kurtsunderbruch4711

4 ай бұрын

@@writestuffmedia the v8 in my Jeep was longitudinal, and inline 4 in my car is transverse. Orientation is defined by the crank, not by the sticky-outy bits. That's your remedial moto journalist education for today.

I keep saying it, i said it with the Mandello, If your gonna pay with the big boys, you need to bring a proper Baseball bat to the game so you can hit with the big boys and not like little league hits. The bike is missing 20 HP to play in this game. Your performance is in the 2005 - 2013 R1200GS territory. How is it you can start with a clean slate and wind up ten years behind the competition? Even a V2 Multistrada runs rings around this bike. What are they thinking about over at Aprilia?

@sommebuddy

Ай бұрын

sounds like a common argument made by Starbucks ADV warriors, who have never come close to using 50% of the bikes capabilities.

‘Nothing to prove’ (channel) said he was told Guzzi would bring out the Ohlins 2.0 semi-active version next year, so all that ‘vagueness’ could be dialled out. But the Southampton Guzzi dealer Deardens (who have them) say ‘No way is a s/a version coming out’. AGAIN, I think Guzzi have missed a trick. The radar is as you say rubbish. The paint is Matt (subjective, but I hate Matt paint). The Mandello S needs Gold wheels (but they won’t let you have them). Guzzi - what are you playing at. Not having s/a on this bike is a CRIME…..Also their side-box luggage system is very clever in that you just take off the rear seat, put the boxes on and put the seat back on. BUT the boxes themselves have these “struts” which stick out, and will snap off in the 1st hotel door. Then you’re f**ked. Guzzi …… ARGHHHHH

Grown man, years of motorcycle world experience and still fails to pronounce the name correctly.

@writestuffmedia

4 ай бұрын

Gutzi? I can't bring myself to do it. It's like saying Ducahhhhti or Kawasahhhki. In my ears it sounds pretentious, like trying too hard. I'm a northerner at heart. Plus I'm almost as bad as pronunciation as a I am at maths. I'll leave Moto Gutzi to those born south of Watford Gap 😁

@majowa83

4 ай бұрын

I get it but… how do you pronounce “pizza” then?

04-07 1200GS 226KG easily reduced to 215kg so keep your stupidly heavy new bikes. And stop bullshitting about crap new bikes which are clearly too heavy, too complicated and too expensive. Give me an exception if you disagree?

Unfortunately the guy doing the review doesn’t come off well at all. He doesn’t come a cross as he understands or has knowledge of the bike like Adam Child does. With a lot of erms, I think and what I have I forgot’s. Unfortunately I had to switch it off.

@ljj808

4 ай бұрын

Yeah, but Adam Child is a KNOBHEAD

That bike is way behind bmw