Guzzi: Good vibes

The Stelvio offers an exclusive air BMW's GS now lacks. Photo / Supplied

Forget big dual-purpose bikes as true off roaders. Who wants to wrestle 251kg through the muck? But they are great for touring, for they'll shrug off roads a street bike would struggle with. And they're comfy - the perfect mount for a blast from Christchurch to Invercargill for the annual Burt Munro Challenge.

This racing festival calls for something characterful, like Moto Guzzi's Stelvio. Designed to rival BMW's GS, it's a tall bike that fortunately comes with an adjustable seat height.

Settled into the capacious pew and tucked behind the manually adjustable screen, I fired her up and blipped the throttle for that characteristic Guzzi side-to-side vibe.

This four-valve 90-degree V-twin engine is a goodie, with strong power from basement revs, tractable delivery through the mid-range followed by a top-end surge, all controlled via well-spaced gearing from the six-speed transmission.

The Canterbury Plains confirmed the bike's comfort. Its wide bars deliver plenty of leverage as you tip it deep into bends and, better still, suspension is impressive, absorbing even mid-bend bumps with confidence-inspiring control.

The front Marzocchi forks are fully adjustable as is the rear shock. It kept up with, and even passed, sports bikes through the Lindis Pass, and delivered plenty of fun through the Devil's staircase south of Queenstown.

There's plenty of pull, accompanied by a soundtrack suggestive of classic aircraft; nice.

Off road? You wouldn't do it. Quite apart from the weight, these are road tyres and that rubber-hugging front mudguard would suffer.

The Stelvio is well built and nicely finished. There's plenty of thoughtful detail, too - from the multi-function trip (we averaged 6.0l/100km and travelled 1400km at an average speed of - good lord, is that the time?), to the sturdy pillion grab handles. I like that in-tank cubby too.

BMW's GS may be a tad more powerful and a bit better on road, and no doubt off it. But Stelvio costs less, delivers bags of character, a wonderful soundtrack and an exclusive air the BMW now lacks - along with more than enough grunt, and a plush seat and suspension that's much appreciated during days in the saddle.

GUZZI STELVIO

We like
Characterful engine, comfort, great handling

We don't like
Mirror shake, height

Powertrain
1151cc 90-degree V twin with electronic fuel injection, six-speed transmission, shaft drive

Performance
77kW at 7500rpm, 108Nm at 6400rpm

Price
$24,990

Vital stats
2250mm long, 820-840mm seat height, 251kg wet weight, 18-litre fuel tank