Caught by surprise.

Motorcycle tester Rolf Henniges and his photographer from www.motorradonline.de just got done with the first road test for the new Motto Guzzi Stelvio in Italy.

Both busy dealing with gloves and camera on the side of the road, when a strange motorcycle passed them. At first they thought about an MV Brutale with a different head light but they quickly realized just how far off they were.

The roar of the engine sure was no inline 4, it had to be a V, just not a V Twin - it had to be the new VMax!

{mosgoogle right}Henniges quickly decided to forget about gloves for now, threw over his helmet and went after the new VMax.

However, only a few curves later he ended up at a crossing with 4 different roads. Picking the wrong one to follow the new VMax, it was gone for good.

Recalling from the few moments they got to see the bike, they report about a smaller headlight, much smaller air intakes than previously shown on the prototype - but that might be just a disguise on the test bike, a better designed water/oil cooler section - more refined than previously shown, and a rear section less voluminous and better integrated to the overall look of the bike.

A few days later www.motorradonline.de got confirmation that they did see the new VMax being tested on Italy's roads. In addition the next generation R1 and Europe's Super Tenere are being tested in the same area.

Yamaha is making progress and the tests are a clear signal that the bike is in its final phase before releasing it to the public. The VMax is expected to be released as a 2009 Model later this year on the 25 year anniversary of the original VMax.

Ride safe!

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