V100 Mandello Merged Threadfest

[GmaninAZ]

  I vote black,   possibly the green but that might be weird, satin black is it. (dang it)

Satin "Textured" Black, is where it's at!

[Bulldog9]

djKid,

Nice write up about the suspension, I don't know how much money you have spent on this upgrade but I wonder if it would have been less expensive to buy the S model and have it painted white?  I understand that the cost from Guzzi for the gold rims is pretty reasonable.

Some dealers will change bodywork. I've seen several V85s and V7/9s and a Griso way back when with swapped out bodywork.

Hate to say it but the stock suspension seems like they really cheaped out. I can understand/forgive that for the entry level V7s but the NEW FLAGSHIP?

[GmaninAZ]

Some dealers will change bodywork. I've seen several V85s and V7/9s and a Griso way back when with swapped out bodywork.

Hate to say it but the stock suspension seems like they really cheaped out. I can understand/forgive that for the entry level V7s but the NEW FLAGSHIP?

 

[bad Chad]

I haven't read all the filler on this thread, and I know there is a recall on some v100 due to a defective shock, but that's not the fault of Guzzi is it?  They didn't order a few micro cracks just to make their lives more exciting.  As far as I can tell, the v100 has good to excellent suspension parts.

[jrt]

I haven't read all the filler on this thread, and I know there is a recall on some v100 due to a defective shock, but that's not the fault of Guzzi is it?  They didn't order a few micro cracks just to make their lives more exciting.  As far as I can tell, the v100 has good to excellent suspension parts.

Not the fault of Guzzi.  Some shocks were (sent out?) installed without spacing washers, which allowed more compression than the bike should have.  So, it was the shock manufacturer.  I don't know how many units were affected, but I get the impression that it wasn't many.

[Dave Swanson]

Had a great ride on the V100 today on my custom route of the maximum curves over 300 miles in SW Wisconsin.  This bike is phenomenal!!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Awesome, Dave.. high praise indeed. I thought I looked really good on this "Naval Aviation" livery V100 at the Kentucky rally, but then had an attack of common sense and realized I had just finished moving all the big blocks from the farm for a reason. 

[Moparnut72]

I am planning on test riding one of these hopefully tomorrow. I am seriously considering buying it if I approve after riding it. My main concern is wind control, most reports say it is generally pretty good. I was going to trade my Bonneville and my V7 but after some serious thought I am planning to keep the Guzzi.    The Navale is quite striking in person.
kk

[Dave Swanson]

I am planning on test riding one of these hopefully tomorrow. I am seriously considering buying it if I approve after riding it. My main concern is wind control, most reports say it is generally pretty good. I was going to trade my Bonneville and my V7 but after some serious thought I am planning to keep the Guzzi.    The Navale is quite striking in person.
kk

The V100 wind control isn't in the same league as a Norge, but it does OK.  The Norge was stellar in that regard.

[Moparnut72]

I had an R75/5 with a full Avon fairing on it. Dead still behind that fairing, I don't think there is anything out there that will approach that level nor do I expect anything to do that. I have played with numerous shields on several bikes with varying results. The best was a Dart Marlin that I cut down a little. Took the pressure off my chest but a bit of buffeting at my head level. If the V100 has reasonable wind control I will most likely proceed.
kk

[blu guzz]

I saw that bike at the KY Rally.  It is very handsome.  When I rode the demo at Cadre, I remember being shocked at how good the wind control was considering how small the fairing is.  I found it to have very smooth air flow.  It must have something to do with the wings.  Now, come cold weather time, I expect that the smooth air will be very cold smooth air and not on par with a Norge or BMW RT. 
Good luck.

[kingoffleece]

The wind would be a reason for me to buy a V100.  Sold the Norge as it was just to flippin HOT during summer.

[blackcat]

The wind would be a reason for me to buy a V100.  Sold the Norge as it was just to flippin HOT during summer.

I don't ride the Norge unless I'm heading north on a trip, it's just way too hot but that is an 07.  I understand the later bikes have better heat management with the oil cooler located lower in front of the engine with a fan behind the cooler. I've considered relocating that cooler but that fan is another story. 

[MLR]

Have you ridden your V100 much in the rain yet? That's one of the things I really like about my 2012 Norge, if you can keep moving in a light rain you don't get wet at all. I don't think it's all that bad in hot weather if you stick your knees out a little to catch some air, much better than my old Kawi Concours. Mine will probably roll over 100,000 miles next year and I sure like the looks of the Mandello. I assume it feels much lighter than a Norge riding and pushing it around?

[egschade]

Have you ridden your V100 much in the rain yet? That's one of the things I really like about my 2012 Norge, if you can keep moving in a light rain you don't get wet at all. I don't think it's all that bad in hot weather if you stick your knees out a little to catch some air, much better than my old Kawi Concours. Mine will probably roll over 100,000 miles next year and I sure like the looks of the Mandello. I assume it feels much lighter than a Norge riding and pushing it around?

Spent half a day in pretty heavy rain on my Experience ride. With the windscreen in the UP position and wings extended it kept the rain off my lower torso and thighs. Engine kept some of the rain off my legs. Lower legs, arms and shoulders got soaked but my Tourmaster jacket kept me dry.

A touring screen would have been better IMHO. Could use hand guards too but it IS a SPORT touring bike and will never be as good at protecting the rider as a more dedicated touring bike like the Norge or Concours.

[Moparnut72]

This video popped up on my You Tube browsing this morning. It didn't get too many views but I thought it was excellent. He didn't get to ride the bike too much as it was one of those dealership ride events so he had to take a prescribed route in the city. He covers quite a bit of Moto Guzzi history and is very well spoken even if he used the word 'crap' quite a bit during his ride. One funny thing, I thought, was that he was impressed with the power in Road Mode. When I first got mine it was in Road Mode and I was a bit disappointed. That mode is just a step above rain, Tour is better, Sport is all out and would have opened his eyes a lot wider.

Worth a look even if you aren't interested in the V100.
kk

[Moparnut72]

Geez, forgot to post it.
kk
https://youtu.be/H29CrHoy9Bs?si=tm5oKHKKVCq2s-AO

[Dave Swanson]

A great review.  It stands out as one of the better out there.  My favorite is still the V100 YT from the Lemon Drizzle Gang. 

[rocker59]

Geez, forgot to post it.
kk
https://youtu.be/H29CrHoy9Bs?si=tm5oKHKKVCq2s-AO

LOL.  At the end when comparing models, he forgot to mention Ohlins suspension on the V100 S.

But nice to see an enthusiastic 1st ride response to a Guzzi.

[Moparnut72]

A great review.  It stands out as one of the better out there.  My favorite is still the V100 YT from the Lemon Drizzle Gang.

I subscribe to the Lemon Drizzle Gang's videos. Very enjoyable.
kk

[Huzo]

I was chatting to a guy who was on one the other day on my V85 tour.
I damn well better not ride one….
Or a KNOW what will happen…

[Moparnut72]

You know you want to. I didn't bother with a test ride but got one based on all the positive and gushing reviews and videos. It is everything that was said, even more. The only thing I did was add handlebar risers due to my old worn out body. One thing that really stands out is the stability at less than walking speeds and the handling in general. I dare you, actually double dog dare you.   
kk

[Bulldog9]

Awesome, Dave.. high praise indeed. I thought I looked really good on this "Naval Aviation" livery V100 at the Kentucky rally, but then had an attack of common sense and realized I had just finished moving all the big blocks from the farm for a reason. 

This is my favorite color scheme, though I'd want to delete the Marina logo and circles. I'm also on hold till they sell the V100 with a black engine, trans and swingarm.

[Moparnut72]

Works for me. Best looking one of the bunch, in my opinion anyway.
kk

[Rower30]

Hello all,

I approach this topic a little different than most. Why did this bike get me to buy it? I've sat on a 1992 BMW R100RT the entire time. It was not a reliable antique. I replaces the ignition, charging system, timing bean can, fork springs, racing brake pads, stainless braided Teflon brake lines and top triple clamp. I had to go to dual plug heads, davis piston rings and stainless valves for syntethic oil to stop it being a two stroke and spark knocking with any fuel octane type. With the mods it runs on 87 octane all day. So it wasn't a ride it and forget it bike but I got it done over time such that it's general character is retained. It is an unabashed period bike when they were simple and user friendly. Mine never saw a shop, ever.

What was that personality? It runs from 1500 to 5000 RPM, that's it. Lots of grunt, may as well shift at 4000 unless you like more noise and no real go. It was what it was, a long legged bike that wants to go all day at 65 MPH. But it has no MOJO at all. If it was car it would be a Toyota Corolla or VW Golf or something like that. Not a bad thing, but it is a tool. The R100RT is a nearly pure analog system. It has electronic ignition!

I was searching for a replacement five years after I bought it. A more modern version that was 500 LBS or so and a roadster type application and more SPORT intent but still a mile eater. The R100RT had a lot of junk up front that killed the feeling of being one with the bike. The excellent but expansive fairing is pretty isolating. I wanted a bike like the 1979 Honda CB750F smashed into the 1992 BMW R100RT.  Oh, it had to look nice too. No Yamaha MT-09 monstrosities. OK, they work but are UGH, ugly to me. Add a twin to the mix, I like twins drive characteristics.

Strangely, all the roadster type bikes became ADV, not my thing. The "like" touring bikes went to 550 pounds and WAY more even. Also a downer, I'm 140 pounds! So here a sat with the R100RT all these years smelling like gasoline after any time in the saddle. It is an OLD engine and emissions NOT controlled free for all bike.

Oddly, the V100S showed up. I thought it was a pure show bike. I ignored the noise, but it was like the Odyssey siren's singing to me. And darn, it indeed was a real bike! I immediately rode my R100RT to Cadre Cyle and rode the non S model home to show my wife and then back. On the way home on the R100RT I asked what the BMW did better. We'll it was a better 31 year old period bike, that's it. I'm probably easier to please than most of you having been on an older bike so, so long but;
- BRAKES! OMG it actually stops!
- Anti-lock and traction control to maybe save my butt.
- No engine clatter or mechanical commotion!
- For me, gobs of power off the R100RT and better mileage (52 Versus 43).
- Handles crazy good. No more wiggles in the middle of the bike.
- Fairing is perfect with a tour windshield (same feel down as the stock is up).
- Beautiful design shaft drive with no noticeable pinion climb.
- 52 MPG on mine.
- Cruise!
- I don't stink like petrol riding anymore.
- Bike looks several decade older in styling, a CLEAN engine look with all the ugly stuff hidden (it is there, though).
- Hard luggage that fits. The bags are a little small inside, though.
- Crazy good dash telemetry, but a bit too small for my eyes.
- Added centerstand.
- Added engine guards.
- Added ROX bar lifters.
- May add peg lowers this winter.

I ordered one as soon as I got home, the S model in GRY/SLV. The black wheels, I like those now that I've owned it. Look better in the flesh and hide all the black brake dust better. So nope, I'm keeping the black wheels. I will add GOLD letters to the passenger seat, though. Winter project.

I went to the "S" because this is indeed a do it all bike. I use the settings ALL the time, too. I'm not a fan of I'll set it to my liking but you better have just ONE like. I switch to SPORT in the forrests of Ohio and back to TOUR on the way home. I use ROAD in-town (different throttle map). Stuck in 52F and the rain on slick county back roads, I go to RAIN. I have no regrets on the suspension choice at all. It isn't a gold wing smooth but it is far, far better than it should be with 140 pound me sitting on it.

After 4500 miles, I love this bike. I can't stay off it. Niggles are there. It needs a few storage pockets here and there for gloves and small stuff. I put REX brand bar lifter up and back a touch. My back and wrist have too much motocross built-in. I added a taller fairing windshield but after that and never looked back. I may add peg lowers as it is slightly tight for my 66 year old legs after two plus hours. Strangely, I find the saddle really good...better than the R100RT's reference "broad flat" seat.

I am not a fan of HOW the cruise works, but I love having it. It is too hard to turn on (push to the left and wait, and wait and wait some more) or you accidentally change the traction control that is set with the cruise switch if the cruise is off. Also, it is a challenge for me to re-set to a new cruise speed. Say from 35 MPH to 60 MPH.  The settings seem to sometimes act "perfect" but than fight me the next time I do the same thing. I get it done, but it isn't 100% easy like it should be. I keep thinking I have it down but then I don't.

The engine takes special note (pun there). It is wonderful. It has a V8 snarl up above 4K and two distinct power bands, above and below about 4-5K. Strangely, I shift at 4K as that's where the BMW R100RT signed off it's peak torque. I have all the way to 8K on this bike! It is smooth once to 3.5K. Below that it has a pronounced twin pulse and reminds you of it. Once to 3.5K or up it just goes near glass smooth. I also love feeling the bike at a stop light idling. It is a feeling like no other, a wonderful mechanical awareness to the thing. They hit the mark on this engine for the bike's mission. That mission was a hard one, too as it was EVERYTHING you may want to do. Tour, sport or commute. That last one is the weakest as it is a heavier bike in town. Also, the catalytic is HOT at stops above 80 degrees. I don't notice the heat once moving. Heat is there stopped, though. Stange, no engine heat or radiator at all, just the catalytic collector box. And no, I won't decate it. I like to smell pretty off the bike and not pretty much like gasoline! Done that too long. Also, I have no issue with the exhaust design. it is beautiful to me and allows that rear wheel to be shown off. I like the trade-off to the torpedo long systems on most bikes. I could stare at this bike all day except I'm on it all the time.

The, to me too small, dash wasn't terrible to connect after I used the iPhone connection program and not the MIA app. Once I got the phone connected, the NAV was a challenge too and the instructions are wrong. You need to set the route in the app, then make sure the tiny Icon in the MIA apps dash is touched to connect the phone to the bike. You then push and HOLD the right bar button until it connects the NAV route you set to the bike's screen and you see the WHITE tear drop shaped icon in the dash. I also wish it showed the next road I'm looking for, and not the one I'm on. This is all firmware stuff, so someone decides what we like, or not. I'm an or not, I hate the GPS line-by-line not not showing the next road, direction to turn L or R, and miles to it.

This bike hit all the right things, though. A few Niggles but mine's (end of August delivery) been 100% as promised. No oil consumption at all. Services at 850 miles and now at 4500 and no oil added. I do notice the throttle fake carburator spring is too stiff. I set the TOURING to use the SPORT throttle map (setting #1). That way it feels more like my R100RT'S carbs. Still, the drive-by-wire has a weird dead spot off the stop you learn to stay above.

The transmission is better than the R100RT, so we have that. It does clunk into first. Neutral is a 100% hit it every time up from first at a stop. The BMW was a hit or miss down from second or up from first. The V100S is still iffy down from second but 100% up from first. Shifts are tight and quick, though. I've never hit a false neutral. I don't use the quick shifter up or down. Quick shift up or down work fine above second and every time on my bike, but I just like to shift this bike!

One last peeve, Checking the oil level is rediculous. Hold it upright, not on the center stand!, and pull the little itty bitty plug out you can barely reach. Drip the oil on your pants or the floor and look at the level. Replace the plug but DO NOT let the bike tilt to the center stand side or oil goes all over the floor! I have the center stand, so I checked the oil as per the manual to the "full" line on the stick. Then I re-check on the center stand and note where the "new" full spot is higher up on the dip stick. Now I can check the oil level quicker and no mess.

I love this Guzzi. Never though about A Guzzi, but this thing grabbed me immediately. No regrets. Moto Guzzi deserves my business and I'm so glad they made this bike. It is a perfect do it all roadster and so, so we'll thought out on cosmetics. Most of the pretty stuff is on the outside and the ugly stuff is mostly hidden.

Good job Moto Guzzi.

[Rower30]

I had an R75/5 with a full Avon fairing on it. Dead still behind that fairing, I don't think there is anything out there that will approach that level nor do I expect anything to do that. I have played with numerous shields on several bikes with varying results. The best was a Dart Marlin that I cut down a little. Took the pressure off my chest but a bit of buffeting at my head level. If the V100 has reasonable wind control I will most likely proceed.
kk

I had a 1992 R100RT with the big fairing. It was 100% good at what it did with the wind and 100% terrible stealing the bikes emotion with all the junk up front. But ya, the colder it is the less you care about the bikes MOJO, but your cold BUTTS MOJO.

The V100S, though, is really good at wind control and letting the bike feel like you are on one and not behind yards of fiberglass. The V100S wings flat work (52F in the rain several hours) and the still air space is far better than I expected. The windshield can be tuned to your road speed to smooth the air around your helmet, Too high and it does buffet. Move it down a bit and presto, smooth flow. Still, I ride forever with the V100S in good comfort but, I will conceed that in TERRIBLE weather the R100RT'S barn door fairing is, well, a barn door. I missed the feeling of the world moving along far more than I though. The V100S is a great compromise. Oh, The V100S is 100% better any time it is above 70 F, the R100RT is HOT in the summer. REALLY hot. Balance when you ride the most, I suppose. I don't do misery tours too often myself.

Get the touring fairing. It is as tall in the DOWN position as the stock is UP. The stock is just too short in the down (useless position to me), so I opted to get the taller fairing. I use DOWN most of the time and UP in the rain. Now I have more options and removed the useless (for me) stock DOWN position. I use a BIONDI touring windshield as a reference.

Best,
Rower30

[blu guzz]

Hi "Rower", I met you the other day at our friend's house on my Black Eldorado.  Nice write up.  Like all Euro bikes, it takes a pretty long break-in period something over 10,000 miles.  You should see everything work a little better over that time such as shifting and throttle response.  Maybe we can meet up for a ride sometime, or, some records.

Tom

[Moparnut72]

Now that I have had mine for a month I can add a bit. Unfortunately I haven't been able to ride it as much as I wish. What I will add is wind control. There is no buffeting which is a huge plus, for me anyway. There a lot of air directed to the helmet area but it is smooth air but strong. I get a lot of noise in my helmet but it is more of a helmet problem not the bike. Someday I will find a quiet helmet, earplugs help but are not a viable solution at this point. I use modular helmets which is part of the problem. The noise comes from under the helmet in the neck area. I would think with a modular helmet, padding could be added that would close around the neck blocking wind noise coming from that area. I can put my hands under the lower lip of the helmet and block almost all the noise. I really doubt that helmet manufacturers actually test their helmets in the real world environment. I may also try a higher shield and see if it will direct more of the airflow up and over. Now the best position for the shield is about a quarter of the way up. Maybe another solution would be a full face with a skirt around the bottom.

[Yan]

...
I really doubt that helmet manufacturers actually test their helmets in the real world environment.
...
Maybe another solution would be a full face with a skirt around the bottom.

There may be a reason why helmet manufacturers don't make their products completely wind/air tight; see this Fort9 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_ej8sehs8k.  Then again, I assume that there must be a way to get a sufficient amount of oxygen in the helmet but with a minimal amount of noise.

[Moparnut72]

I agree, get the air in through vents. All the helmets I have had the noise comes from underneath. I can cover the gap with a hand and the noise goes away. I hate to screw around with an expensive helmet but I have an idea that I am doing to try next. I was in the hardware store yesterday getting some door sweeps and saw some round soft foam insulation. I think I'll try that but I need to figure out someway to attach it to the helmet temporarily for testing before I do it permanently if I find something that works. The quietest helmets I have found have been a Schuberth and a Nolan. A couple of touted helmets for low noise that I tried were a Shoei and a HJC. Helmets work differently for for various people but both of these absolutely terrible for me. The best helmet I ever had was a Nava many many years ago, an Italian made helmet. The company disappeared many years ago. Earplugs only do so much. I have significant hearing loss so I don't want to add to it.
kk