Luma46
Cruisin' Guzzisti
After the first 2200 kms on my new Stelvio NTX and after the first service, I figured I should compare my previous 2006, well tuned 1200GS with my new bike. I am rating from 1 to 5; 5 being the best. Some items on my evaluation might not be significant to others, but they are to me.
• Overall power and torque delivery – Stelvio 5, GS 4
There is definitely more power available on Stelvio, but it is not that much difference
• Power delivery and pull at lower RPMs (2500 to 3500) – Stelvio 4, GS 5
The GS was more smooth at lower RPMs, my Stelvio seem to have a RPM band from about 3500 to 4100 when the vibrations show in handlebars, especially under the load
• Fun factor when riding highways – Stelvio 5, GS 3
The responsiveness and the vibes coming from the engine are much more pleasant on Stelvio
• Engine/transmission refinement, noise – Stelvio 4, GS 5
The Stelvio’s engine even after adjusting the valves is noisier in idle than GS. As well, there seem to be some whine coming from engine/tranny at low RPMs when taking off from standpoint. It might get better as the bike breaks in, but as of now, GS was more refined.
• The ease of routine service – Stelvio 4, GS 4
While it is easier to adjust valves on Stelvio, the oils replacement is better on GS and access to other parts of engine seems less difficult on GS as well.
• The ease of cleaning the bike – Stelvio 3, GS 5
To me, cleaning the bike is the most important maintenance to prolong its life. There is few factors that make cleaning the Stelvio more difficult, more tight spots and crevices and the paint on some parts, especially the rear swing arm, attracts road grime and is harder to remove.
• Controls/Switches – Stelvio 3, GS 5
The LCD display on Stelvio is a bit overcrowded and I am still getting used to reading speed in digital format. The main complaint I have is the left hand side controls. The turn signal switch should have been at the very bottom, instead of just next to the Mode switch. I keep pushing the Mode switch to cancel signals… As well, the signals switch doesn’t have any feel to it, no click and it should have been self-cancelling, it is for sure just matter of software.
• Riding comfort – Stelvio 5, GS 4
Even with the Sargent seat I had on my previous bike, the Stelvio is more comfortable ride. Ideal upright seating position for my 5’11’’ frame. The seat on Stelvio seems to be kind of adapting to the shape of one’s but.
• Protection from elements – Stelvio 3, GS 4
I am finding that my boots and riding pants are pretty dirty up to the knees when riding in rain and windshield is not as effective as it was on GS, probably because it is closer to rider.
• Off road /dirt road worthiness – Stelvio 3, GS 4
While I never go off-road on the bike of this size, Stelvio’s weight and Scorpion tires would make it fairly difficult even on a gravel road. Maybe some hard packed dirt road fully dried up after rain, but nothing more.
• Overall value for the money – Stelvio 5, GS 3
The Stelvio is basically competing with the 1200GSA and for the same package/options I figure I saved about $8,500 CAD. Combined with the joy/comfort of the ride, I think Stelvio soundly beats GS.
• Overall power and torque delivery – Stelvio 5, GS 4
There is definitely more power available on Stelvio, but it is not that much difference
• Power delivery and pull at lower RPMs (2500 to 3500) – Stelvio 4, GS 5
The GS was more smooth at lower RPMs, my Stelvio seem to have a RPM band from about 3500 to 4100 when the vibrations show in handlebars, especially under the load
• Fun factor when riding highways – Stelvio 5, GS 3
The responsiveness and the vibes coming from the engine are much more pleasant on Stelvio
• Engine/transmission refinement, noise – Stelvio 4, GS 5
The Stelvio’s engine even after adjusting the valves is noisier in idle than GS. As well, there seem to be some whine coming from engine/tranny at low RPMs when taking off from standpoint. It might get better as the bike breaks in, but as of now, GS was more refined.
• The ease of routine service – Stelvio 4, GS 4
While it is easier to adjust valves on Stelvio, the oils replacement is better on GS and access to other parts of engine seems less difficult on GS as well.
• The ease of cleaning the bike – Stelvio 3, GS 5
To me, cleaning the bike is the most important maintenance to prolong its life. There is few factors that make cleaning the Stelvio more difficult, more tight spots and crevices and the paint on some parts, especially the rear swing arm, attracts road grime and is harder to remove.
• Controls/Switches – Stelvio 3, GS 5
The LCD display on Stelvio is a bit overcrowded and I am still getting used to reading speed in digital format. The main complaint I have is the left hand side controls. The turn signal switch should have been at the very bottom, instead of just next to the Mode switch. I keep pushing the Mode switch to cancel signals… As well, the signals switch doesn’t have any feel to it, no click and it should have been self-cancelling, it is for sure just matter of software.
• Riding comfort – Stelvio 5, GS 4
Even with the Sargent seat I had on my previous bike, the Stelvio is more comfortable ride. Ideal upright seating position for my 5’11’’ frame. The seat on Stelvio seems to be kind of adapting to the shape of one’s but.
• Protection from elements – Stelvio 3, GS 4
I am finding that my boots and riding pants are pretty dirty up to the knees when riding in rain and windshield is not as effective as it was on GS, probably because it is closer to rider.
• Off road /dirt road worthiness – Stelvio 3, GS 4
While I never go off-road on the bike of this size, Stelvio’s weight and Scorpion tires would make it fairly difficult even on a gravel road. Maybe some hard packed dirt road fully dried up after rain, but nothing more.
• Overall value for the money – Stelvio 5, GS 3
The Stelvio is basically competing with the 1200GSA and for the same package/options I figure I saved about $8,500 CAD. Combined with the joy/comfort of the ride, I think Stelvio soundly beats GS.
