TRAVERSE Issue 39 - December 2023 | Page 163

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fabricators from Mandello , renowned worldwide . The credit for such a delightful and satisfying ride belong to the optimal weight distribution and the lowering of masses , allowed by the engine architecture and the 21-litre fuel tank that extends beneath the seat . But also to the special layout of the new steel tube frame dedicated to Moto Guzzi Stelvio that uses the engine as a load-bearing element .
Compared to the unit that powers the V100 Mandello , the front-end has undergone a complete redesign making it stronger and better suited for adventure riding .
Furthermore , it now features different dimensions . The frame also boasts four front anchor points instead of the two on V100 Mandello , giving a 20 per cent increase om rigidity . The 1520mm wheelbase and 25.6-degree steering head angle give agility and sporty flair on curvefilled road .
The touring attitude is guaranteed by the ample comfort of the generously sized seat , positioned at just 830mm above the ground and the active riding position that keeps the back upright and the legs slightly bent . It is easy to manage from a standstill and offers solid balance when both feet are on the ground , thanks to its narrow central section .
In keeping with Moto Guzzi ’ s longstanding tradition of on-off road motorcycles , the new Stelvio also features wide , adjustable-section aluminium handlebars , perfect for off-road control while also providing a more relaxed touring posture . The passenger is an integral part of the design and can count on a wide , well-padded portion of the seat with large grab bars and a posture that allows comfortable movement .
The luggage retention system is highly ingenious ( available with a rich catalogue of specialised accessories ), without requiring any additional supports , thus leaving the look of the bike uncluttered when not in use , saving weight and minimising lateral bulk . Attaching them is a breeze – just raise the passenger seat and insert the case hooks into the designated slots .
The suspension system is exclusively tailored for Stelvio , delivering both control and excitement in sporty riding , as well as the necessary comfort during long journeys and reliable grip on less conventional terrain , courtesy of its ample 170mm travel . The Sachs fork , equipped with 46mm stanchions , is adjustable for rebound hydraulics and spring preload , while the KYB rear shock absorber allows adjustments for rebound hydraulics and spring preload via convenient manual controls . Its sloping configuration is meticulously designed and fine-tuned to provide a progressive response and sensitivity in cushioning bumps in the road .
The Brembo braking system incorporates a pair of
320mm floating steel discs at the front , engaged by radialmount monoblock callipers . The handlebar master cylinder , along with the clutch master cylinder , is also of a radial design , and both feature adjustable levers for distance to the handlebar . For the rear brake , a 280mm disc is engaged by a dual-piston calliper . Tubeless , spoked wheels , with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear , accommodate tyres designed with a structure and tread pattern suitable for light off-road riding .
Stelvio is the first Moto Guzzi equipped with the PFF Rider Assistance Solution , offered as a factory option ( the bike can be ordered with or without ).
This cutting-edge driving assistance platform is built on 4D Imaging Radar technology and was developed by Piaggio Fast Forward , a robotics expert based in Boston , founded in 2015 by the Piaggio Group .
This is the first time that such radar sensors ( one is located above the front headlight assembly and one below the rear headlight assembly ) have been implemented for use on a motorcycle , which has very different dynamics compared to a car , with significant variables of the lean angle when cornering . The advantages , compared with a traditional ultrasonic sensor-based driver assistance system , lie in an extremely wide field of vision and reliable monitoring regardless of lighting and environmental conditions .
These devices play a key role on the active safety front , providing the Following Cruise Control ( FCC ), Forward Collision Warning ( FCW ), Blind Spot Information System ( BLIS ) and Lane Change Assist ( LCA ) functions . FCC represents an advanced cruise control system that utilizes the front radar to adapt the speed based on the vehicle in front . This system intervenes in engine brake control , amplifying it if the vehicle in front decelerates . The system acts on engine brake control , increasing it if the vehicle in front slows down .
The FCW uses the front radar to identify potential collisions with vehicles and objects situated in front of the motorcycle . BLIS serves to notify the rider of vehicles located in the blind spots detected by the rearview mirrors . Additionally , the LCA function continuously scans the area up to 30 metres behind , also identifying vehicles approaching from the side that could pose a lane-changing hazard . In all instances , the driver is alerted through appropriate audible and visual warnings displayed on the instrumentation and rearview mirrors .
The system is part of a first-rate electronics package , which includes Ride-by-wire electronic throttle for fine performance and fuel economy management , the advanced Marelli 11MP control unit and the sixaxis inertial platform . The latter , equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes , possesses the capability to discern the bike ’ s orientation in relation to the road . It
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