modern, with inlet air coming from the top of the cylinder and exiting at the bottom, requiring a very different curve to the headers. A big black radiator is cleverly hidden behind the front wheel. The driveshaft goes down the left side of the bike, and with the short muffler on the left, allows the race-style rear wheel to be fully displayed, especially on the side-stand. The engine starts with a twin bark, and the first difference noted between the bikes was the hydraulic clutch was a bit more abrupt than the 850’ s cable clutch. The engine responds to the throttle more quickly and with more power.
The suspension is more taut, tuned for higher speeds. The Stelvio feels more sports bike than tourer. Rushing up hills, roaring over ripples and screaming into corners. At higher revs the engine note is angry woodpecker. More electronics like blind-spot mirrors and adaptive cruise control are an option. Given a choice between an affordable, handsome, calm, relaxed, commuter / tourer like V85TT and the more expensive, gorgeous, bit more frantic, sports-tourer Stelvio … I’ d probably go for the V85TT. But, if money were no option, the beauty of the Stelvio would grace my garage. ERIC EASO
KIWI RIDER 61