Friday, 20 January 2012

Stelvio 1200 ABS


THE EAGLE WITH AN APPETITE FOR ADVENTURE.*  
The new Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 ABS represents a fusion between the Italian passion for motorcycle as an unparalleled expression of style, engineering excellence and riding pleasure, and an appetite for adventure - the irresistible yearning to discover distant, challenging places. The Stelvio 1200 ABS marks the return of Moto Guzzi to the large
enduro segment. Around this modern and technologically advanced base, a new concept of a no limits motorcycle took shape, creating a bike that is powerful, muscular, robust and unstoppable.
The new Stelvio 1200 ABS has an improved more powerful “Quattrovalvole” engine delivering, in its latest incarnation, a maximum torque of 113 Nm at just 5800 rpm, marking a significant improvement over the 108 Nm at 6400 rpm of the previous version.
These results were achieved by adopting new cam profiles and a revised air box, which make the “Quattrovalvole” engine even more responsive at low engine speeds while still producing practically the same maximum power. Completing this technological tour de force is a new ABS braking system, introduced on the Stelvio 1200 4V together with the more flexible engine. The Stelvio 1200 ABS has been designed with innovative and modern criteria that is evident in both the quality of the chassis componentry and in premium details such as the adjustable windscreen and saddle, and the ingenious glove-box compartment with remote release operable from the handlebar, which reveal the attention dedicated in the project to rider and passenger ergonomics.
STYLE: Solid elegance.The style of the new 1200 ABS retains the personality and elegance of the original version painted in a warm magnesium hue, the design of the lightweight fairing features many prismatic elements and concave surfaces which, in the zone linking the top fairing, with its adjustable windshield, to the narrow but capacious fuel tank, express the level of attention that has been dedicated to optimize the aerodynamics, creating downforce and directing cool air to the cylinders.
The peculiar blow molding technology was used to produce the tank and helps to minimize dimensions and weight according to the (18-litre) capacity. Moreover, it includes a fantastic glove-box that can be unlocked from the handlebar.  Once you are seated on the saddle, finely upholstered with non-slip material, it is quite noticeable there is more space for both rider and passenger's comfort. The rider saddle height can be adjusted to two positions, 820 mm or 840 mm from the ground, whereas the passenger, besides being seated on a thick and spacious seat, can count on a solid and comfortable handhold seat strap.
Even more aggressive than the front end, the rear end look is dominated by the hi-tech aspect of the rear light with complex surface curve and LEDs, and by an important enhanced aluminum double tail silencer that evokes solidness and power.
COMFORT: Sensation of inner well-being.Stelvio 1200 ABS is a tourer with excellent performance on asphalt that can also be used off-road. These characteristics emerge immediately once you are seated on the bike, where the perception of carefully-designed ergonomics can be felt straightaway: saddle, footrests and handlebar form a perfect triangle for all users. Moreover, for the perfectionists, there is still room for minor adjustments: windshield, saddle height handlebar inclination, levers, pedals, also for professionals, set screws to adjust hydraulic compression/rebound damping of suspension.
In a few seconds, everything is at the right place to face any challenge, from city traffic to the most inaccessible off-road paths. In motion, reduced vibration and an efficient aerodynamic protection ensure riding comfort for rider and passenger as well, ideal to tackle long trips. Among the most appreciated features for everyday use, there is a glove-box on the right-side of the tank that can be unlocked from the handlebar. The instrument panel features complete and easily visible gauges- a white-background rpm indicator that incorporates efficient service warning lights, long-range lights (optional), and a dash display that provides plenty of information about the vehicle operation and diagnosis, a fuel level indicator, average and current fuel consumption, average speed, trip time, maximum speed reached during trip and, as heated handgrips may be fitted upon request, the heating level of handgrips can also be seen.
The Stelvio 1200 ABS is a class leader, as a result of an elegant aesthetic appearance, and is also enhanced by features which, while fulfilling a stylistic function, set new parameters in terms of effectiveness and safety.
CHASSIS: Designed for non conventional paths.You should not be mislead by its luxury off-road appearance: the Stelvio 1200 ABS provides superior riding pleasure, since it is equipped for the unexpected and able to withstand any off-road driving strains.
The secret is the new upper twin spar frame, made of high-strength steel, with 2.5mm thick directional tubes, where the engine is anchored through six connecting points, two more than in usual frames, which provides a high rigidity to to resist twisting moments.
Chassis dimensions have been defined to facilitate great handling, a headstock with a 27° inclination for a 125mm trail, improved by a 1535-mm wheelbase which guarantees impeccable steering precision.
The suspension is adjustable not only for spring preload but also for the hydraulic response during compression and rebound.   The front end is controlled by a solid upside-down Marzocchi fork, with 50mm stanchions and 170mm travel.  The rear suspension linkage provides a progressive rising rate and moves a Sachs unit that works on a 155mm stroke.
The refinement of the suspension department guarantees a neutral setting at all times, especially when exiting a bend, and the action of the 105 horsepower generated by the new “Quattrovalvole” engine is requested.
Quick deceleration is guaranteed by the three-disc Brembo braking system. The effective system consists of radially-mounted calipers engaging onto a couple of fully drilled discs for better heat dissipation.
Splendid spoke wheels assembled with Behr rims and Alpina spokes are lightweight and strong.  The 19-inch front wheel is shod with a 120/70 tire, while the rear is fitted with a 180/55 tire. The wheel sizes have been chosen specifically to provide excellent road handling.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
New verve from the Quattrovalvole engine.
The Stelvio 1200 ABS is powered by the first evolution of the “Quattrovalvole” engine, which was presented in 2006 and is universally acknowledged as being the most advanced iteration yet of the legendary transverse 90° V-twin. For this new version of the engine, low and mid range responsiveness has been significantly improved to better suit the character of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 ABS as an all terrain machine. The engineers at the Mandello based marque optimized the camshaft profile and the air box to increase maximum torque from 108 Nm produced at 6400 rpm to 113 Nm available at just 5800 rpm. These results have been attained without compromising this power plant’s claim to fame as being the most powerful and fastest production engine ever built by Moto Guzzi.
This highly sophisticated mechanical gem, which is unique in terms of both architecture and engineering clarity, is built using advanced componentry and technical solutions. These include the single overhead camshaft driven by Morse chains with a hydraulic tensioner, the forged pistons with 3 piston rings, cooled by oil jets in the crankcase, ultra-light valves with 5 mm stems and conical valve springs that eliminate resonance and power loss at high engine speeds. The engine is lubricated and cooled by two separate oil circuits, with two coaxial gear driven pumps. In the cooling circuit, engine oil is fed via separate conduits in the head to reach the exhaust valve seats - where the highest temperatures are generated - and the heat is then dissipated by an oil cooler, which is located at the front of the engine for maximum exposure to the air flow. The lubrication circuit feeds all the vital organs of the engine, such as the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings and the valve timing components.
The heat generated by the impressive power produced by the engine is dissipated by cooling fins, with a modern design and tapered toward the front of the cylinders, while the valve covers - which proudly flaunt the “Quattrovalvole” moniker - feature floating mounting system to reduce mechanical noise. The “Quattrovalvole” engine introduces new Marelli IWP 189 fuel injectors installed on the intake ducts of the 50 mm diameter throttle bodies. The gearbox is a genuine six speed mechanical gem that excels for quietness, an easily selectable neutral position and precision, thanks also to the introduction of the quiet and smooth new single plate clutch. The new clutch differs from the previous version as it has less flywheel inertia and is more fade resistant and easier to use.

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