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When one hears of the adventure motorcycle segment, you automatically picture a stylish BMW or Triumph, right? Well, you’re not the only one. This segment has long been dominated by these two brands for as long as one can remember, and it’s not like other brands haven’t tried to disrupt their market share. It’s just their finished product has been so great for so long that consumers always land up back at their doorstep.
But now, Moto Guzzi is stepping into the ring with its latest offering – the Moto Guzzi V100 Stelvio. It is a full-blooded adventure motorcycle with all the bells and whistles of a modern-day ADV that one can come to expect. With the anticipation building, riders and enthusiasts are eager to witness how this Italian powerhouse will fare against its established competitors. Can it make a dent in the current adventure motorcycle market?
V100 Stelvio’s Design
Technically, the Stelvio will be based on the same platform as the V100 Mandello (pictured). The major differences will be seen in blatant adventure-oriented design cues that embody the spirit of exploration. Robust and imposing, its bodywork reflects the bike’s capability to conquer rough terrains – something the already existing Mandello isn’t meant for. We get these spy shots from Noale, where the new Piaggio Group models are usually tested – it is the city where Aprilia is based.
It seems to have tire dimensions of 120/70-19″ and 170/60-17″. Then, in contrast to the current road-biased Mandello, there will be an upside-down fork setup with long travel and higher ground clearance. What’s identical between the Mandello and the new Stelvio is the same rear shaft drive, shock placement, and engine mounting positions, indicating that the motor will act as a stressed element in the same tubular steel trellis. The bike’s ergonomics seem to be fine-tuned for long-distance riding, ensuring rider comfort even if the road disappears. There seems to be generous wind protection and a plush, spacious seat and visibly, hand guards also seem to come as stock on the adventure model.
V100 Stelvio’s Engine
The heart of the Moto Guzzi V100 Stelvio lies the same powerful engine as the Mandello, designed to tackle most road conditions with ease. It is a 1042cc liquid-cooled, 8 valves, V-twin engine with 113 horsepower and 77 pound-feet of torque.
The Italian brand’s brand-new engine architecture is an exciting innovation, and it was the first time down-draft fuel injection was used on a modern bike. For the adventure-focused Stelvio, Moto Guzzi is likely to remap the engine. But as a whole, the overall specs and performance figures ought to be more or less the same, but we do anticipate the Mandello Del Lario team to tinker with the gear ratios for the new bike.
Features And Tech
Although much of the motorcycle seems to be camouflaged in the spy shots, there’s still some decent amount of information we can gather about the features that Moto Guzzi will have on offer. The most intriguing new feature that stands out right away is the addition of the front-mounted radar, which will be used to control a number of new electronic aids, such as adaptive cruise control, a danger warning system, or even emergency braking, which is found for instance, on the likes of Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+. It is also confirmed that there will be a rear-mounted radar as well. This second sensor will be integrated with an LED built into the rearview mirror and will be used to alert the rider when a vehicle is in close proximity to your blind spot.
Further, You should expect an ECU for cornering ABS and traction control, cornering lighting, cruise control, riding modes and other state-of-the-art features since it is based on the Mandello. It will sport a huge TFT dash situated right beneath the adjustable windshield and will let you control these settings. A USB-C connector for charging purposes will be offered too. To match its competitors, the Moto Guzzi V100 Stelvio incorporates advanced technology and electronic features, all aimed to elevate the off-road riding experience.
Pricing And Market Positioning
The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello is currently priced at $17,490. And since the Stelvio is in its pre-production phase currently, there are hardly any rumors about its pricing. But it is no secret that Guzzi would want to position the ADV strategically in the market to offer a compelling value proposition and to challenge established rivals like BMW, Honda and Triumph. Considering how their top-of-the-line ADVs are priced, we estimate the v100 Stelvio to be priced around the $20,000 mark, making it the most expensive motorcycle on its books.
Potential Impact
As the Moto Guzzi V100 Stelvio inches closer to production, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly anticipate its potential impact on the adventure motorcycle segment. With its bold design, powerful engine and advanced tech on offer, it has the potential to shake up the market.
It remains to be seen how this Italian newcomer will fare against the well-established giants, but one thing is certain – the adventure market is about to witness the entry of a new competitor. While BMW and Triumph have long ruled the ADV domain, the V100 Stelvio’s arrival might mark the beginning of a new era of competition in the premium segment.
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