It all starts with its 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 MY2011 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. This 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.
This 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 thethrottle control, mid range power delivery further to consumptions and emissions.
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.
Due to the unanimous success of Stelvio’s chassis, no changes of any kind have been made to the upper dual beam frame, in high tensile steel that is connected to the engine in six different points giving an exceptionally high levels of torsional rigidity. The chassis geometry therefore remains unaltered, with a rake of 27°, a 125 mm trail, improved by the all important 1535mm wheelbase which guarantees impeccable steering precision, and is something that has contributed to boosting the reputation of this model over time. 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 Brembo braking system remains in place, unbeatable in terms of efficacy and look, along with the front radial-mounted callipers that engage with a new couple of discs, with lighter flanges and a new brake band that better dissipates heat.
Innovation also for the wheels which now boast a cutting-edge designed set of light alloy rims and the standardisation of the rear sizes 150/70/17, previously exclusively mounted on the NTX, also on the standard version of the Stelvio 1200.
On request, the wheels can also be assembled with Ber rims and Alpina spokes, which are standard fixtures on the NTX version whilst both models are fitted with the new Continental ABS anti-lock system.
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 and full cover hand-guards to protect the rider and his bike against the hidden dangers throughout his trip.
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, heated hand-grips, and CA.RC protection(Cardano Reattivo Compatto, i.e. Compact Reactive Cardan Shaft Drive).
The new Stelvio MY 2011 will be on sale from next Spring boasting Guzzi Black and Diamond White colour schemes, while the NTX will flaunt a brand new colour concept on a black Lava satin finish base.