Moto Guzzi Stelvio / Aprilia RS457
I recently called into Piaggio UK for a sneak peek of the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio and Aprilia RS457.These all-new models both represent important steps for the manufacturers. Unfortunately, they were jus for display and we didn’t get a chance to ride, but wow!First up is the Aprilia RS457. This sits between the RS660 and RS125 providing both an A2 stepping for those moving up from smaller capacity bikes and a fast, fun alternative to an unusable litre bike. Aprilia’s RS457 is dripping with all the right names, like Brembo and Showa, and has all the tech you could want.There are 3 rider modes, 3 engine maps, 3 levels of traction control (plus off), ABS level 2 and a 5” TFT dash. The RS457 puts out 48bhp and only weighs 175kg wet. This might be the perfect antidote in a world as crowded as ours, with cameras, potholes and traffic everywhere. There’s no confirmed price yet, but expect it to be around £6500 – 7000. I can’t wait to swing a leg over one. MotoGuzzi’s Stelviol was first introduced in November 2007 at the Milan motorcycle show EICMA for the 2008 model year, named after the infamous Stelvio Pass in northern Italy.Production of the original model ended in 2016, but now, with the changing tastes of motorcycle consumers and their unquenchable thirst for adventure, the Stelvio is back, and it’s about to make quite an impact.The new Stevio is an adventure tourer that will offer a hi-tech user experience.This is pure Moto Guzzi; shaft drive, eagle headlight, transverse 90-degree V-twin engine all echo Moto Guzzi character, leaning on over 100 years of history.The Stevio is quite a package. To start with, the 1042cc engine puts out 115bhp @ 8700rpm and 105Nm torque @ 6750rpm. 82% of the max torque is available from 3500rpm making this a very tractable engine.Seat height is 830mm and due to the nature of the suspension, most riders will easily be able to flat-foot it. I watched Usernamekate sit on the bike, and she could flat-foot it. Wet weight will be 246kg.As you would expect on a premium adventure bike, there is plenty of tech, most notably PFF rider assistance solution, a first for Moto Guzzi. 4D radar imaging technology supports a variety of functions, including following cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot information system and lane change assist. The Stelvio also has cornering ABS, LED headlight with cornering function, 5 rider modes, a 5” TFT dash, an optional quick shifter, a clever luggage system and much more.Expect pricing to be from around £14700I’m really looking forward to getting some alone time with the Stelvio and doing some exploring.
