More than one outlet reports thatMoto Guzziwill release a larger stablemate for its popular V85TT adventure touring bike. The upcoming machine will likely use the platform and 1,048 cc engine from Guzzi’s all-new V100 Mandello. And, according to the outlets, Guzzi will revive its previously used Stelvio moniker.
Piaggio teasers
Moto Guzzi’s parent company, Piaggio, is no stranger to teasing new machines years before they launch. The latest example came when the Italian conglomerate’s Aprilia brand “hid” the now-in-production Tuareg 660 in “plain sight.” In 2019, the bike was “shown” at EICMA enclosed in a plexiglass case with lots of plastic shrubbery covering most of the machine. Three years later, the Tuareg 660 made it to production, even with the impacts caused by COVID.
This time around, it looks like it is Moto Guzzi’s turn to tease the new Stelvio. At this year’s EICMA show, a show stand featured two spoked wheels in front of a picture showing Italy’s renowned Stelvio pass. Underneath the wheels were the words… “Returning Soon.”
The Stelvio was discontinued in 2017. Photo: Moto Guzzi
Original Stelvio
在2008年推出,Moto Guzzi used the Stelvio nameplate on a 1,151 cc heavyweight sport/adventure touring model. But the bike was heavy, and its engine produced only 106 hp, which is not a lot for the category. As a result, it did not gain a strong foothold. Then in 2016, the Stelvio’s fate was sealed by Euro 4 emission regulations, and Guzzi axed the model.
Stiff competition
If the new Stelvio gets the Mandello’s 1,042 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC V-twin engine, it should have around 115 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque. Whether it will be enough in a now very crowded adventure category market is anyone’s guess. Similar but potentially lighter bikes like the new Ducati Desert X, KTM 890 Adventure, Husqvarna Norden 901, and the upcoming MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 could present some pretty potent competition for the new Guzzi.
Production… when?
When the new machine will make it to market is not clear. Guzzi’s EICMA stand said the machine is “coming soon.” In the case of the Aprilia Tuareg 660, it took three years, even with the impact of COVID. But at that point, there already seemed to be at least a complete prototype.
We didn’t see a prototype at this year’s EICMA, but COVID is mostly under control, so perhaps that will speed up the process a bit. One outlet says that the Stelvio could debut at EICMA next year as a 2024 model. Time will tell.
