Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX (2009-current)

To give the Stelvio NTX four-valve engine some extra grunt at lower revs, it has revised profile cams, new ignition and injection mapping, and a larger capacity air-box, made possible by shifting the battery on its side. There’s a new lighter-action clutch too. This motor will also appear in the standard Stelvio from now on. There is a noticeable amount more low and mid-range shove, but there’s still a bit of a pause around 5000rpm when the four-valve engine stops to catch its breath, then leaps the final way to its 8000rpm redline. 

The Stelvio NTX is very manageable, far more so than its gigantic BMW competition. It carries it’s all-up, ready-to-go weight of 251kg (5kg less than the GS Adventure) very well at low speed. thanks to a low, two-way adjustable seat, which can be set at 820mm or 840mm. The two-position GS Adventure seat is 890/910mm tall. Town riding is made easy by an ultra-smooth throttle response, gearbox, clutch action and out on the mountain passes the steering is light, and the chassis and suspension set-up gives you lots of confidence. Pillions get a hard time on the back, though as panniers get in the way of their feet.

In true adventure-style, the Stelvio NTX comes with big panniers, spotlights, sump and engine protection and knobbly off-road tyres. It also comes with ABS, radial brakes and a single-sided swingarm/shaft drive as standard. Official accessories include a shaft drive protector, tank bag and pouch, Tomtom Rider 2 sat nav, alarm and heated grips. Compare and buy parts for the NTX in the MCN Shop.