2011 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX

Moto Guzzi NTX

When it comes to motorcycles, the Italians always have a huge appetite for adventure. Moto Guzzi proves this with their all-new Stelvio 1200 NTX, a bike that will compete for top spot in what the manufacturer calls the "maxi enduro" market.

NTX? It's not the first time Moto Guzzi used the prefix for a machine. The company says in 1986, in the heyday of long distance African races such as the Paris-Dakar and the Rally of the Pharaohs, the Mandello del Lario based marque used this moniker to distinguish its extreme adventure models, bikes that earned such respect that they were produced for over a decade.

And now these letters return to the "most specialized and adventurous versions of the Stevlio," the 1200 4V NTX. This bike is a no-limits bike, with a very robust image. This design features a sump guard, an engine guard and integrated hand shields to protect the rider and his steed from any obstacle on the way.

Moto Guzzi says adding visual presence yet also sturdy and practical, the aluminum panniers and supplementary halogen headlamps complete the generous standard equipment of the new NTX, which may be even further enhanced with a comprehensive selection of optional accessories such as a GPS, heated hand grips and, for the more adventurous rider, a kit of enduro tires with a rear 150/70 R17 tire mounted on the standard 4.25 inch rim.

This is all powered by the "Quattrovalvole" engine, a 90-degree V-Twin that makes 103 hp at 7,250 rpm and 83 ft-lb. of torque at 5,800 rpm.

Moto Guzzi says 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.

The NTX also comes with ABS, high-tech chassis components and many other premium details, including an 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.