By Dave Carr
I know these words are often uttered by most motorcyclists of any brand but as most of you know, I recently purchased a 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio. This is the all new V100 engine, shaft drive, 115hp, water cooled with 5 driving modes, electronically-adjusted windscreen, and for the 1st time, valve adjustments every 12k miles.
It gives a very smooth ride, fueling is excellent in all modes with distinct handling noticed whether in sport, rain, touring or off road modes. I’m approaching 1000 miles in less than 2 months and my 1st service at Razees in a few weeks. The back story is probably more interesting than the bike itself.
As most of you know, I had an Indian FTR1200 Rally and the Honda VRF1200x, the big four-cylinder ADV bike. I’ve also mentioned to some of you in passing that I fell hiking in Austin, TX last June, and my left knee hasn’t been right since. Cortisone shots and Ibuprofen haven’t helped. An MRI showed I have arthritis under my knee and the early stages of tendonitis around my knee. This explained the discomfort with the more aggressive riding position the Indian had.
A quick internet search showed a rare Indian/Moto Guzzi dealer in western Mass who was discontinuing the Moto Guzzi line, and who, coincidentally, had a 2024 leftover Stelvio. After sending him a video of the Indian FTR towards a trade in, he made a very good offer which was only $600 less than the retail price I paid. With that in mind, and since I didn’t really want two big ADV bikes, I inquired if he’d like the big Honda on trade as well, and a fair offer was made.
As we all try to be loyal and give Razee business, Gordon couldn’t come close to the other dealer’s numbers so he thanked me for considering him and said take the other dealer’s offer. Bottom line: It ended up being my two bikes plus $778 for the 2024 V100 Stelvio. No leg issues with this one and I’m looking to put many “knee-free problem” rides on it. Took a nice ride to Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Ma. Pictures below.
