Moto Guzzi 1200 8V / NTX

The 2011 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V and 1200 NTX both feature a new 32-liter fuel tank which allows many touring miles in one go.

I have tested the two Moto Guzzi motorcycles in Tuscany just outside Florence where some of the roads sometimes resembles light offroad.

The 105-horsepower V90 engines behaves in a delicious quintessential Guzzi way. The torque push from low rpm is endearing me each time I ride one and now it's with the eight-valve engine from the Griso.

The NTX gets 52 liter-luggage aluminum panniers. One of the journalists managed to drop one at the lunch stop and I inspected the damages which was hardly anything to speak of at all.

No doubt the Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX suits some rugged touring, but wouldn't trust it for as far away and for as many desert miles as the BMW GS.

The Stelvio's are basically road bikes much in the same spirit as the Ducati Multistrada despite the fact it looks more rigid than the Desmo.

Stelvio is a big motorcycle and there's a fair amount of weight so it appeals mainly to a very masculine audience.

The Stelvio 8V feels a lot lighter to ride and it is also a bit more sporty. The windscreen is adjustable by turning two knobs and lifting or lowering the screen and re-tighten the knobs. Not a huge difference felt for me whether it was at highest or lowest level and the feel is slightly on the cheap side.

The greatest thing about the Stelvio is that stonking engine and I quite like the large dimensions, too.

A full review will follow on UltimateMotorCycling.com.