The Stelvio pass gives its name to the new Moto Guzzi adventure bike, and it is appropriate. For years, the road in northern Italy has been a beacon for motorcyclists to venture to and ride as a personal badge of honour and a huge talking point. The Moto Guzzi Stelvio captures this passion and spirit for achieving goals, conquering challenges, and embracing adventure.

Moto Guzzi's 2024 Stelvio has a water-cooled, 1042cc, 8v, V100 transverse V-twin motor, the same as the Mandello sports tourer and is popular with owners. There are two versions of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio, the standard version and one with forward- and rear-facing radar. The non-radar model costs around £14,816 on the road, and the radar version costs £15,516. You can choose between Nero Vulcano (black) and Giallo Savana (orange) for either version. 

You can choose many accessories, including a 37-litre plastic top box or a 52-litre version and 59-litre plastic panniers. A quickshifter will cost you (£188), heated grips (£254), centre stand (£188), heated rider seat (£281) and heated pillion (£188). 

The new motor gets a water-cooling jacket, chain-driven cams, and finger rockers. The unit is lighter and more compact than Guzzi's previous air-cooled motors, and the company has altered the Barrels and heads, rotating them down by 90° so the exhaust now exits downwards, not forwards, and the intakes sit on top of the head, feeding from an airbox under the tank (fuel is moved down under the rider). The changes bring advantages, such as a lower centre of gravity, better low-speed handling, and more room for your knees, making riding more comfortable. The engine puts out 113 bhp and 77lb. Ft.

You get loads of electronic rider aids that enhance your riding experience and increase your safety. They get their information from a 6-axis IMU, and you have five Rider Modes, Off-Road, Rain, Sport, Road, and Tour, which speak for themselves. In each mode, you can select four levels of traction control, three throttle settings, and three levels of engine braking. I am not sure all this is required because many riders use the same settings. 

When you push the gear shift into first gear, you get the characteristic Guzzi thump, but moving through the gears is smooth and delightful. You can opt for a quickshifter, and the model I rode had it, enabling positive changes without using the clutch. Power delivery is smooth, and there is nothing to catch you out if you happen to wind open the throttle. You can progress steadily, but it won't keep your pulse racing. It makes for a relaxing ride, and on the motorway, the engine can sit at 70mph on top at around 4200rpm, and by 80mph, it's pulling 4800rpm. With a redline at a distant 9000rpm,

Stelvio's handling is good, with the bike well-balanced at low speed around town, combining the agility of wide bars and excellent riding position with the turning stability of a 19-wire-spoked front. 

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio has an 830mm seat height, which is somewhat low for an adventure bike and is not adjustable. You can, however, choose a high or low option, and they come as heated units. 

Bars are classic wide-adventure-style one-piece on risers, with hand guards as standard. The screen is electrically adjustable from a switch on the left bar over a 70mm range. They say the screen will not operate above 93mph (150kph), presumably because the wind pressure at that speed is too much for the electric motor to overcome. The Moto Guzzi Stelvio is Ergonomically sound, with the bars wide enough to be comfortable and enable good handling. Your legs have plenty of room, and the broad seat supports well, providing comfort.

Fuel economy on the road was 49mpg for an averagely enthusiastic road ride – take off a four-litre reserve, and you're looking at 180-odd miles until the reserve light shows. The fuel tank is 21 litres, and Guzzi claims 55mpg, giving a theoretical 250-mile range. 

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio has a 5-inch TFT screen, a tad on the small side, and is slightly too far away from the rider, making it difficult to see some details on the display. Guzzi could have gone with a larger screen, as most brands do on their machines; the bike could easily accommodate one. All the essential information is available, but no alternative display options exist. There is space for an accessory USB port just to the left of the display. Navigating menus and adjusting the screen is done via four non-backlit arrow buttons on the left bar. Riding modes are set on the right bar. 

Cruise control is fitted as standard, but heated grips and quickshifter are extras. 

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio is a good Adventure bike and does everything well, but it is limited in its off-road abilities, although I predict not many owners will venture off the tarmac for thrills. It has enough power to carry you mile after mile and not break a sweat, and the handling enables you to put the bike precisely where you want it. The low centre of gravity allows agile manoeuvring, and you can throw the Stelvio about if you need to. The riding position feels right, dispersing any weight on the wrists and keeping your back straight, hopefully preventing back pain after miles in the saddle. The seat is broad and comfy, and I didn't feel any numb bum after extended rides. I like the bike's look, and as a Guzzi enthusiast, I find it appealing. 

Price: from £14,816 

Power: 113bhp Weight: 246kg 

Rivals

Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports | Price: £16,299 

Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro | Price: £13,895

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 | Price: £13,199

Thanks to Dearden Motorcycles of Hythe, Hampshire, for the loan bike. 

Unit 5, Hardley Industrial Estate, Hythe, Hardley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 3NQ

 023 8089 1110

Opening hours

Tuesday - Saturday: 08:30 - 17:30

Sunday & Monday: Closed