But Guzzi's now making up for lost time, and after the launch last year of the first bike based on its all-new next-gen model platform - the multi-faceted V100 Mandello - here's a second new model which was designed and engineered alongside the Mandello, the Stelvio adventure tourer.
Given the current significance of the ADV segment in global market terms, it's rather surprising that Guzzi's owner Piaggio didn't prioritise the Stelvio over the Mandello but, hey, better late than never. After an exclusive ride aboard this new model along the fabulously scenic, supergrippy and ultra-demanding mountain roads of the Ligurian Alps north of Genova on a sunny winter's day, I soon understood that this is a very significant new model that moves Moto Guzzi to the forefront of all-round everyday motorcycling.
Named after the legendary Dolomites pass in northern Italy, the 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio is, nominally speaking, a reincarnation of the previous model bearing that name, which debuted in 2007 and was shelved in 2016 as unable to meet Euro 4 compliance. However, powered by Guzzi's 1200/8V Big Block motor, this was a physically much larger and 30kg heavier motorcycle than its modern counterpart, and represented an Italian air-cooled V-twin alternative for those who didn't want a BMW R1200 GS. The new Stelvio is a very different package which, like the V100 Mandello, ticks an array of new boxes for the historic Italian brand.
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Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Honda CRF1100L ES Africa Twin
Without panniers he was adventuring nowhere - so at least Bertie's got something sorted now
BMW R 12 nineT
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Test fleet: VOGE 525 DSX
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Portuguese Perambulations
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Highway to Heaven
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We tend to take tyres for granted, never really looking at them in any detail, or at how they work, just hoping that they keep us shiny side up at all times. Even in the wet
Ducati Riding Experience
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First Time Lucky?
It's ironic that the first all-new MV Agusta model to hit the marketplace right after Italy's No.1 trophy brand was acquired by Austrian giant Pierer Mobility, owner of off-road titans KTM, should be the company's first dual-purpose model of the modern era, powered by MV's all-new 931cc three-cylinder engine that's destined to form the basis of a whole series of new models in coming months and years.
