New Stelvio test

CW Test new Stelvio

Saw that this morning.

Damn it!

I just can't swing it at this time.

Not just funds but room in the shop and lots of other projects.

Damn

Looks OK but not spectacular. Will be great to ride, I am sure. But like the comments at the bottom of that article already mentioned: it will be very hard to come out on top against its competitors: Harley PA, BMW GS, Ducati MS, Honda AT, in terms of weight, hp, torque, suspension, and (the elephant in the room) dealership availability.

https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/moto-guzzi-stelvio-first-ride-review/

Interesting that one of the changes is to the swingarm pivots..to "beef 'em up"...

One of the guys on a Facebook V100 group has got what looks like shot s/a bearings.

Wonder if this is yet another area of difficulty?

I took a new Stelvio and V100S for a test ride on Tuesday.  Both feel very good riding. Nice power and good, I mean really good brakes. For me the Stelvio has a better riding position, more comfortable seat and also seamed to have a better powerband.  Doing a side by side roll on with my buddy on his Tiger 900 the Stelvio immediately pulled away form him. As much as I like this bike however there is a serious problem that I believe can not be over come for me.  It is way to tall.  I had to be on my very tippy toes when stopped.  I am very sad to say that killed it for me. We looked it over and the front forks could be lowered some. But the way the rear shock is made and mounted, it will not be easy lowering the rear end.

When I got on the V100S the footing was much more manageable for me.  I felt secure when at a stop. The slightly canted forward riding position was comfortable and not taxing on my arms and wrists.  Immediately I could feel this bike call me saying please take me up into the mountains for some fun. Oh I wanted to.  Alas the 15 mile course of a few city streets and a good romp on the freeway would have to be enough.  I took it on the same course as the Stelvio.  The side by side roll on was a little surprising.  The V100S did not immediately jump out in front of the Tiger 900.  It had to build more RPM for a few seconds and then after getting well above 5000 RPM I felt a power surge and then she jumped ahead.  

The electric wind screens worked well either up or down.  No bad air at all.  The TFT screen is well laid out and very visible even in the bright sunlight. It also has some nice features.