Thought I’d post on the forum now that I’ve finally got the 17” conversion fitted and have had a chance to ride my bike post-conversion. Also thought it would be a good idea to have this here if anyone wanted to do something similar to their Stelvio 1200.
For anyone interested in the actual setup, I’m using the lightweight OEM Brembo front wheel from a V11 Le Mans with a Norge Brembo rear wheel.
The V11 front turned out to be a surprisingly straightforward fit. The hub width is essentially the same as the Stelvio wheel and the original Stelvio brake discs transferred straight over and lined up correctly, so no disc spacers were required.
I used a Norge front axle, which is slightly longer than the Stelvio axle, so I only needed a small axle spacer to take up the extra length. Other than that, there was very little drama involved in getting the front wheel fitted.
I know people will understandably have concerns or questions about making this kind of geometry change, but after riding it, I genuinely think it’s one of the best things you can do to a Stelvio if your riding is predominantly on the road. I’m not even going to add the usual caveat about off-road ability because, realistically, not many of us are taking a nearly 300kg Stelvio properly off-road anyway 
A few initial impressions:
1. Much quicker turn-in
Turn-in is noticeably quicker and requires much less effort. What surprised me is that it hasn’t become nervous or reluctant to hold a line. Once it’s turned in, it tracks through the corner extremely well.
2. Side-to-side transitions are brilliant
This is probably the biggest difference. Left-to-right transitions are smooth, controlled and almost effortless.
I’ve ridden a friend’s 2011-ish Multistrada 1200S and, honestly, the Stelvio now handles just as well. It actually makes me wonder why Moto Guzzi went with a 19” front in the first place. With a 17” front, the bike feels like it could quite easily have been positioned as more of a Multistrada rival.
3. High-speed stability is still excellent
This was one of the things I was particularly interested in after changing the front-end geometry.
I got it up to a decent motorway/highway pace on the way home and it was absolutely solid. No headshake, no wobbling and no nervousness from the front end. It just sat there.
4. It feels like it has lost about 50kg
Obviously it hasn’t , but the difference in how light and playful the bike feels is huge.
The best way I can describe it is a big sports bike with upright bars. You still have all the character and presence of the Stelvio, but it takes far less physical effort to make it change direction.
5. Slightly more aggressive riding position
Because of the inherent reduction in front axle height from going from 19” to 17”, the bike naturally sits slightly more nose-down.
That gives the riding position a slightly more aggressive feel — a bit more like a Multistrada or S1000XR — and puts a little more of your weight towards the front axle.
The result is loads of front-end confidence. It feels very planted and you get a much clearer idea of what the front tyre is doing.
6. Speedo works perfectly
No problems whatsoever with the speedometer after the conversion. It works exactly as it did before.
A note on suspension
One thing I would add is that, if you have the budget and/or time, this conversion will benefit massively from having the suspension properly sorted as well.
My forks were rebuilt last winter by Brook Suspension using Andreani Misano Evo cartridges, valved and set up specifically for my weight in full riding gear: 147.1kg.
I also sourced a Nitron R1 rear shock from them, again built specifically for my weight.
You absolutely do not need to do the suspension at the same time as the wheel conversion, but having decent suspension underneath the bike really lets you take advantage of the extra agility and front-end feel from the 17” setup.
So far, I’m 100% happy with the conversion.
If you mainly use your Stelvio on the road, particularly if you enjoy twistier roads and want more front-end feel, quicker steering and a generally lighter, more responsive bike, I’d definitely say the conversion is worth considering.
It has genuinely transformed the way mine rides, hope this helps anyone thinking of doing same to their Stelvio!
