Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX, 2012
Riding pleasure at its best.
The NTX is the more "adventurous" version of the Stelvio, and now has all the technical features of the base version, plus some exceptional new fixtures, i.e. the sturdy "armour" that embraces it and comprises the oil sump guard, engine guard, cylinder guard, full cover hand-guards and extra large windshield with additional wind deflectors to protect the rider and his bike against the hidden dangers throughout his trip.
Named after the famous Alpine pass that connects Valtelline Valley to Vinschgau Valley with 84 amazing s-bends between them, Stelvio has launched Moto Guzzi back among the stars of the maxi enduro world. A highly appreciated bike that has now reached a coming of age at a technical-functional level, thanks to the updates and final tweaking undergone by the new 1200 8V and NTX.
It all starts with style, now even more attractive and trendy rounding off the fuel tank by integrating it within the lightweight fairing, which now highlights a clearly smooth streamlined effect which flows into the double front headlight assembly. The latter feature is a distinctive element of the Stelvio design, and the only detail inherited from the previous version. The top fairing, windshield and the half-fairing with integrated turn indicators are all brand new elements that combine to give the front-end of the Stelvio 8V a cutting-edge, more aggressive and dynamic look. It has an original design, but it is above all more functional and versatile, features that are of uppermost importance on models of this type. From an objective standpoint, the style of the new surfaces emphasises two fundamental project milestones compared to the previous version: more efficient aerodynamic protection, thanks to the new top fairing and practically twice fold range capacity thanks to the outstanding new fuel tank with a 32 litre record capacity.
The new Stelvio bike has an air of complete renovation about it, fine examples being the cockpit with brand new graphs on the on-board control panel, a new increased scale fuel indicator.
The heart that beats inside this touring bike is the renowned V-shaped 90° transverse twin-cylinder "Four valve" engine, the highest performer among all the families of engines manufactured at Mandello del Lario, which has now reached exclusive levels as far as its technical/performance development is concerned.
The latest version can boast the careful attention paid to achieve a more silent and smooth running of the engine, whilst tweaking the electronic control, timing system and cooling system. The brand new integrated ignition and injection ECU now exploits the signals sent by the two lambda probes to guarantee adequate feeding throughout the entire combustion cycle, improving response to the throttle control, low-to-mid-range power delivery further to consumptions and emissions. The ECU also includes the ATC system to prevent sliding: this system controls ignition advance and injection to cut torque delivery whenever a sudden loss of grip is detected so as to help the rider to remain in control under extreme, unexpected conditions. The system can be deactivated, just like ABS.
The engine now boasts a maximum torque of over 113 Nm delivered at a mere 5,800 rpm and easily reaches a peak in output of over 105 HP; it practically reaches an automobile-level speed of 7,250 rpm.
A bike dedicated to long haul travellers naturally needs luggage space, hence the spacious aluminium panniers and additional halogen lights. Even more luxury options are available on the accessory catalogue including a GPS navigator installation kit, heated hand-grips, CA.RC protection (Compact Reactive Cardan Shaft Drive), aluminium top box for the NTX or side wind deflectors, extra large windshield, dedicated body coloured plastic polymer panniers and top box kit for the 1200 8V version.
The new Stelvios are available in Guzzi Black, Moon White and Sienna colour schemes, while the NTX will flaunt a brand new colour concept on a black satin finish base (Lava Black).
The COMFORT:
The Stelvio 1200 8V and NTX are great tourers that can also be used off-road, and with excellent performance on asphalt. These characteristics emerge immediately once you are seated on the bike, where the perception of carefully-designed ergonomics can be felt straightaway: saddle, footrests and handlebar form a perfect triangle for all users. Moreover, for the perfectionists, there is still room for minor adjustments: windshield, saddle height (820 or 840 mm), handlebar inclination, levers, pedals, as well as race-style adjusters for hydraulic compression/rebound damping. In a few seconds, everything is at the right place to face any challenge, from city traffic to the most inaccessible off-road paths. In motion, reduced vibration and the efficient aerodynamic protection offered by the new top fairing and windshield and original side wind deflectors (dedicated for NTX) ensure riding comfort for rider and passenger as well, ideal to tackle long trips.
Major improvements are also found in the controls, with a new dashboard including a 12V power outlet, a new fuse box compartment, cockpit and instrument panel with new rpm indicator graphics and a dash display with six-mark fuel indicator that integrates with on-board computer functions such as average and current consumption, average speed, trip time, maximum speed peak reached and diagnostics. The display also lets you control hand grip heating (option) and activate the ATC system, fitted as standard on both models.
CHASSIS, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES
Designed for non conventional paths.
You should not be mislead by its luxury off-road appearance: the Stelvio 1200 8V and NTX feature driving effectiveness superior to the average of many road motorcycles, since they are equipped for the unexpected and able to withstand any off-road driving strains.
The secret is the new upper twin spar frame, made of high-strength steel, with 2.5mm thick directional tubes, where the engine is anchored through six connecting points, two more than in usual frames, which give high rigidity to the assembly at twisting moments.
Chassis positions have been defined to facilitate handling, a headstock with a 27° inclination for a 125mm trail, improved by a 1535-mm wheelbase which guarantees impeccable steering precision.
High quality suspension whose adjustable preload and hydraulic response during compression and rebound combine to ensure instant, smooth response to pressure on the handlebar. The front end is controlled by a new upside-down Marzocchi fork, with 45mm stanchions and 170mm travel, whereas at the rear, suspension kinematic mechanisms with progressive rising rate are moved by a Sachs unit that works on a 155mm stroke.
The refinement of the suspension department guarantees a neutral setting at all times. When going out of a bend, and the action of the 105 horsepower generated by the new "Quattrovalvole" engine is requested, or when braking, under the quick deceleration generated by the three-disc Brembo braking system supported by the deactivatable Continental ABS, fitted as standard on NTX and Stelvio 1200 8V. Both sport a new couple of 320mm front brake discs with a new holder flange, while retaining a 282mm brake disc at the rear. Innovation also for the wheels which boast a cutting-edge designed set of light alloy rims with 150/70-17 rear tyre, new on the 1200 8V version, previously exclusively mounted on the NTX, which comes standard with tubeless spoked wheels (patented Alpina STS system).
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION.
The "Quattrovalvole" evolution continues.
The Stelvio 1200 8V and NTX boast the latest evolution of the "Quattrovalvole" engine", introduced in 2006 and universally acknowledged as the most advanced version of the V-shaped 90° transverse twin-cylinder.
The highly sophisticated mechanical gem, which is unique in terms of both architecture and engineering clarity, is built using advanced componentry and technical solutions. Worth mentioning are the raised cam profile single camshaft timing system driven by silent "Morse" type chains" with hydraulic chain tensioners, the forged pistons with three rings cooled by oil jets in the crankcase, the ultra-light valves in special alloy steel with 5mm stems, and the conical valve springs that eliminate resonance and power loss at high engine speeds. Lubrication and cooling are ensured by two coaxial pumps that circulate lubricant through a separate duct in the head up to the exhaust valve seats, where the highest temperatures develop. The cylinders feature an extremely modern design, with the cooling fins tapered toward the front of the cylinders, while the valve covers - which proudly flaunt the "Quattrovalvole" moniker - feature a floating mounting system to reduce mechanical noise.
As far as the fuel system goes, the "Quattrovalvole" engine premiers the new Marelli IWP 189 injectors located on the intake ducts of the sizeable 50mm throttle bodies, whereas the brand new integrated ignition and injection ECU now exploits the signals sent by the two lambda probes to guarantee adequate fuel metering throughout the entire combustion cycle, improving response to the throttle control, mid range power delivery further to consumptions and emissions. In terms of electronic components, the new Stelvio 1200 8V and NTX debut the ATC system to prevent sliding, an invaluable help in keeping out of trouble in poor grip conditions.
The gearbox is a genuine six speed mechanical gem that excels for quietness, an easily selectable neutral position and precision, thanks also to the quiet and smooth single plate clutch.
The Highlights
ENDLESS IMPROVEMENTS LAUNCH MOTO GUZZI STELVIO INTO THE SCRUM ALONG WITH THE OTHER MAXI ENDURO. HIGHLY SUPERIOR AERODYNAMIC PROTECTION PROVIDED BY A BRAND NEW TOP FAIRING, A TRULY HIGH PERFORMING ENGINE AND A RECORD RANGE THANKS TO THE NEW 32 LITRE FUEL TANK. AVAILABLE ALSO WITH THE NTX NO-LIMITS VERSION
DESIGN
- New headlight fairing.
- New 32 litre fuel tank.
- New windshield.
- New saddle lining.
ENGINE
- - 1200 90° V-shaped Twin-cylinder "Four Valve"
- - Single overhead camshaft timing system with decreased valve control noise level.
- - Two lambda probes.
- - New profile camshafts.
- - Single plate clutch.
- - New exhaust system.
- - Transmission with compact reactive cardan shaft drive.
- - 6-gear gearbox.
- - Euro 3.
CHASSIS
- - High tensile steel upper dual beam frame.
- - Front fork with 45 mm legs, adjustable spring preloading and hydraulics fitted with a new set of progressive action springs.
- - Shock absorber with adjustable preload and rebound fitted with a new more preloaded spring.
- - Rear suspension with progressive articulation single arm.
- - 4 horizontally opposed piston front brake system with new 320 mm discs, deactivatable ABS.
- - Rear 282-mm disc brake, floating calliper with two parallel pistons. Deactivatable ABS
- - Rear tyre 150/70-17.
- - Front tyre 110/90-19.
NTX STANDARD EQUIPMENT
- - ABS;
- - ATC traction control;
- - Black satin-finish aluminium side panniers;
- - Cylinder guard;
- - Long-range lights;
- - Aluminium sump guard;
- - Hand guards;
- - Spoked wheels;
- - Extra large windshield with side wind deflectors
