Lets talk about the v100S

[LowRyter]

Don has a V100 Stelvio as a demo bike.  Call him first, since the bike is out as a loaner sometimes. 

[azccj]

I own a V100s Mandello. Things I like about it are the seating position, it's style and paint, engine HP, brakes and handling. Things I'm not to happy with are the clutch pulsation felt through the lever, that horrible clunk when shifting into first from neutral, the clunky transmission when shifting through the gears driving along, the  complexity of the engine, the cost of maintaining it, the unavailability of parts when it breaks.

The V100s is for the most part a very nice bike when it's working and when it doesn't need to be worked on. All things considered I'm not sure I would buy another one. What really attracted me to Moto Guzzi motorcycles 25 years ago, was their ease of maintenance, their low cost of maintenance and simplicity of design. The V100 has none of those qualities, where as the V85tt, which I also own, has all of them.

[LowRyter]

I own a V100s Mandello. Things I like about it are the seating position, it's style and paint, engine HP, brakes and handling. Things I'm not to happy with are the clutch pulsation felt through the lever, that horrible clunk when shifting into first from neutral, the clunky transmission when shifting through the gears driving along, the  complexity of the engine, the cost of maintaining it, the unavailability of parts when it breaks.

The V100s is for the most part a very nice bike when it's working and when it doesn't need to be worked on. All things considered I'm not sure I would buy another one. What really attracted me to Moto Guzzi motorcycles 25 years ago, was their ease of maintenance, their low cost of maintenance and simplicity of design. The V100 has none of those qualities, where as the V85tt, which I also own, has all of them.

Has your bike been recalled?  I understand that there were some bad o rings and clutch issues but not knowing the entire story.

[LowRyter]

Has your bike been recalled?  I understand that there were some bad o rings and clutch issues but not know the entire story.

[Luap McKeever]

thanks for all the responses. As much as I'd like to have one, I'm gonna hang on to my current stable as they all suit my needs just fine for now. I could see myself on a V100S someday, or maybe even a new California if equipped the way I like.

[blu guzz]

Luap:  Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the V100.  I found it to be so much different than the 1400s and V85 that I owned or any of the air cooled Guzzi' I have test ridden.  The difference being that when the V85 came out, I had to have one.  It disturbed my sleep, I wanted one so much.  I have only felt that way about certain BMWs and Harleys and the first 1400.  The V100 has not entered my dreams even once.  I have tried several test rides and still, no joy.  For that kind of money, I have to feel the compulsion.   It may just be me, but maybe the V100 is so serious a bike that it changes my attitude toward it and I miss the sheer fun, or at least so far, I have.  I think a V7 is in my future when I can no longer heft the 1400 around.

[rocker59]

Things I'm not to happy with 

the  complexity of the engine,
the cost of maintaining it,
the unavailability of parts when it breaks.

The V100s is for the most part a very nice bike when it's working and when it doesn't need to be worked on. 

What is the maintenance interval for the valve adjustment?    As I understand it, the bike's maintenance interval is 15,000 miles.  During your year of ownership, have you had this service performed?

What have you had break during your year of ownership?

[MG_rider]

Mine is in the shop for clutch slave cylinder seals and coolant leak.

Noticed weeping oil pan late April, gasket ordered, took over 2 months to arrive.
Bike in shop for 2 weeks awaiting available labor.  Might get bike back this week or next.

Slow parts availability and lack of sufficient service labor are a problem here.
Shop has problem finding qualified service techs, nobody qualified seems to want the job available.

4800 miles total, problems started around 2K miles.

Is a great sport touring bike that is not in my garage!

[LowRyter]

Mine is in the shop for clutch slave cylinder seals and coolant leak.

Noticed weeping oil pan late April, gasket ordered, took over 2 months to arrive.
Bike in shop for 2 weeks awaiting available labor.  Might get bike back this week or next.

Slow parts availability and lack of sufficient service labor are a problem here.
Shop has problem finding qualified service techs, nobody qualified seems to want the job available.

4800 miles total, problems started around 2K miles.

Is a great sport touring bike that is not in my garage!

good luck.  I've head about recalls. 

[Bulldog9]

Luap,

I'm riding/renting one tomorrow in Mandello. First time, will give my impressions and ride report, though will be worthless given so many here own them.

[Bulldog9]

Luap,

I'm riding/renting one tomorrow in Mandello. First time, will give my impressions and ride report, though will be worthless given so many here own them.

OK, here goes.....

I rented a 2023 v100s Mandello from Agostini in Mandello de Lario for 4 hours. Fantastic low pressure low drama pure pleasure experience. Luca was awesome.

Luap, no idea if this will help you, but is my experience and feedback.

Overall Impression 9 out of 10 stars.

This, despite major mechanical changes from my beloved CARC big blocks is ALL Moto Guzzi. Sounds like a Guzzi, 1st gear clunk, chucka chucka, honk, great mid and top end response. It feels like a classic Guzzi but also modern. Overall I am very impressed. When I first saw in a shop I thought it was too small, didn't even want to throw a leg over. However, I now say it is about perfect.

CHASSIS - PERFECT I was shocked at how spot on perfect the suspension was on this motorcycle. You can ride in sport mode which was clearly stiffer, but regardless of mode, the bike was always poised whether I was running 160+ km's on the dual Lane motorway (to get back in time for the museum tour) to two lane mountain sweepers and even the tightest switchbacks when climbing up mountain sides. I always knew what the bike was doing and it did exactly what I wanted and when. Easily an out of the box mile muncher. Tire pressures were 2.4 bar F 2.6 R.

Favorite mode was Turismo, no idea what Strada did.... Rain mode started with P. Slower throttle response and wings were out

Chassis and suspension were comfortable, poised, responsive, you couldn't ask for more. Makes my Griso and 1200 Sport (stock but tediously dialed in)  feel like lumbering plods.....

BRAKES - Fronts were perfect. Strong, well modulated, easy to use when going fast or slow. Rear lever was too high for comfortable use, but when I did use, it felt mushy.

SEATING/ERGOs - I'm 5'11, 33" inseam and 200-210, with hip and knee replacement, severe back and shoulder injuries, and neck issues. I have lowered pegs on all my bikes and HB risers or Mana bars on most, so I was nervous about a 4 hour adventure. My worries were baseless..... I was completely comfortable cramp and pain free. Seating position was PERFECT for me .

SEAT - perfect for 3-4 hours, can't say for more, but it was great, and dissipated heat. The V85? Not so much ... My @$$ went from comfy and content for 3 hours on the V100, and miserable hot and sticky on the V85.

ACTIVE AERO and SCREEN - it was 90+ degrees so I wanted air movement, but both work very well. The Active wings open automatically on the Turismo and stay open in the Rain mode. Not a HUGE change but noticeable and likely helpful in cold and wet weather. Windshield movement is from the multi mode switch. I would have preferred a dedicated switch. NO turbulence in any position, just more or less wind.

SPEED SHIFTER - First time using one, and prior to this was worthless tech in my mind as I am clutch less in 3-6 shifts up and down 99% of the time and have been for years. That said, if you want to stay deep in the throttle and shift gears effortlessly this is pretty slick. The more throttle you give/faster the smoother it works. Limp wrist it? Is jerky. A cool feature and capability that is transparent if you shift normal.

DIGITAL GAUGES - I was prepared to hate. Ended up better than I thought. Mostly clear, direct sun and shade, easy to read and interpret, and there was a logical flow for information, but it was too busy and biggest gripe is the TACH was way too small and I don't like the "light as you go" Double the size of the TACH dial and numbers and I'd be happier. I'd also want the ability to shut off most of the info. ***** Low beam indicator is GREEN and right where the Right TS indicator might be. I can't count how many times it caught attention (distraction) thinking the right turn signal was on.

CONTROLS - Felt cheap, not premium or smooth feel. Cruise switch would be broken within a month, very flimsy and vulnerable design/placement. The Rheostat for the TBW between the handgrip and right controls makes using controls problematic. Was easier to reach across with my left hand to toggle between ride modes. Otherwise I had to come off throttle or was unstable. Maybe it is my Fred Flintstone stubs, but the only other bike I have had an issue with the right controls was the MGX-21 for the same reason. Minor, and I am sure I would adjust given time.Levers we're fine.

RANDOM
- Side exhaust ports are impossible to see when seated. This surprised me.
- HEAT! Definitely felt heat on my lower legs. Not sure if a cat bypass would help, but there was more heat than I would have liked
- Side stand..... I didn't like the aluminum side stand or that it is mounted to the engine case. Give me steel on a sub frame that bolts to the engine case.
-No underseat storage?!?!
-CLUTCH - too light and caught too close to the top of travel. This is personal preference and in retrospect I didn't try to adjust the levers.
- Stock exhaust is nice, but I'd want more. Start with larger headers a cat eliminator with stock can, and go from there. Love the stock exhaust can looks.

ENGINE/POWER (I know best for last) just about perfect. Like the suspension there were no surprises. Smooth, responsive, predictable and as demanded. I only had 10-15 miles to really give it the beans, Rollins, etc, but it pulled much like my 1200 Sport or an 8v Norge. Power was smooth and adequate, clearly more than any other modern  Guzzi, but not a real power house. 20 more HP would be perfect. An issue of adequate but NOT more than.

Climbing the mountain, 30km of hairpin turns (I hate), navigating little village streets there was little to NO throttle snatch or fueling gremlins.WELLDONE Mario!

Solid midrange and top gear acceleration. My only real issue was 2nd gear was a bit too tall for my likes. I had to use brakes more than I would have liked. If geared just a bit shorter I could have used the throttle exclusively when in the twisties. UNLESS this is some computer TBW wizardry that limits engine breaking power.

Ok winding down the ramble.....

I was truly impressed. I can see myself on one of these, and especially a Stelvio with the following notes..

- I hate the stock Guzzi side and top cases. Would have to go with Givi or HB even though it would  ruin the lines. The bike I rented had Givi racks and hardware that weren't too bad.
- Need to ride a non S suspension bike. All I can say is I went from the V100S to the V85 and IMMEDIATELY felt wallow and uncertainty compared to the V100. The V85 wasn't bad, it was light and nimble, but not as solid as the v100.
If coming from ANY prior Guzzi (other than a 1400) you will be thrilled. NO way this is making Multi Strada FJR or other 140+ bikes unless they want less power. My BIL is a GS/Thruxton rider and liked both, but said clearly 'not enough power'

OK picture time

Backside of mountain




On the ride












In front of the Agostini Dealer



programmi per foto web


Givi racks and guards looked great








V100 Mandello and Stelvio Side by side (Stelvio was sans screen) noticeable size difference. YELLOW is the winner, but DITCH the matter finish and Stelvio lettering.













I see the V100 as a perfect replacement for a 1200 Sport, FZ1 or other sporting small fairing sport touring bike. A GREAT combination of power poise comfort and nimble control. Just about perfect as a 1 up long distance sport touring bike, even with modest fairing and screen. One won't find it's way into the Bulldog garage, but the Stelvio is a real possibility.

This ends my Italian wine inspired review. The wife is back from shopping..... Time to head to dinner ...

[Luap McKeever]

OK, here goes.....

I rented a 2023 v100s Mandello from Agostini in Mandello de Lario for 4 hours. Fantastic low pressure low drama pure pleasure experience. Luca was awesome.

Luap, no idea if this will help you, but is my experience and feedback.

Overall Impression 9 out of 10 stars.

This, despite major mechanical changes from my beloved CARC big blocks is ALL Moto Guzzi. Sounds like a Guzzi, 1st gear clunk, chucka chucka, honk, great mid and top end response. It feels like a classic Guzzi but also modern. Overall I am very impressed. When I first saw in a shop I thought it was too small, didn't even want to throw a leg over. However, I now say it is about perfect.

CHASSIS - PERFECT I was shocked at how spot on perfect the suspension was on this motorcycle. You can ride in sport mode which was clearly stiffer, but regardless of mode, the bike was always poised whether I was running 160+ km's on the dual Lane motorway (to get back in time for the museum tour) to two lane mountain sweepers and even the tightest switchbacks when climbing up mountain sides. I always knew what the bike was doing and it did exactly what I wanted and when. Easily an out of the box mile muncher. Tire pressures were 2.4 bar F 2.6 R.

Favorite mode was Turismo, no idea what Strada did.... Rain mode started with P. Slower throttle response and wings were out

Chassis and suspension were comfortable, poised, responsive, you couldn't ask for more. Makes my Griso and 1200 Sport (stock but tediously dialed in)  feel like lumbering plods.....

BRAKES - Fronts were perfect. Strong, well modulated, easy to use when going fast or slow. Rear lever was too high for comfortable use, but when I did use, it felt mushy.

SEATING/ERGOs - I'm 5'11, 33" inseam and 200-210, with hip and knee replacement, severe back and shoulder injuries, and neck issues. I have lowered pegs on all my bikes and HB risers or Mana bars on most, so I was nervous about a 4 hour adventure. My worries were baseless..... I was completely comfortable cramp and pain free. Seating position was PERFECT for me .

SEAT - perfect for 3-4 hours, can't say for more, but it was great, and dissipated heat. The V85? Not so much ... My @$$ went from comfy and content for 3 hours on the V100, and miserable hot and sticky on the V85.

ACTIVE AERO and SCREEN - it was 90+ degrees so I wanted air movement, but both work very well. The Active wings open automatically on the Turismo and stay open in the Rain mode. Not a HUGE change but noticeable and likely helpful in cold and wet weather. Windshield movement is from the multi mode switch. I would have preferred a dedicated switch. NO turbulence in any position, just more or less wind.

SPEED SHIFTER - First time using one, and prior to this was worthless tech in my mind as I am clutch less in 3-6 shifts up and down 99% of the time and have been for years. That said, if you want to stay deep in the throttle and shift gears effortlessly this is pretty slick. The more throttle you give/faster the smoother it works. Limp wrist it? Is jerky. A cool feature and capability that is transparent if you shift normal.

DIGITAL GAUGES - I was prepared to hate. Ended up better than I thought. Mostly clear, direct sun and shade, easy to read and interpret, and there was a logical flow for information, but it was too busy and biggest gripe is the TACH was way too small and I don't like the "light as you go" Double the size of the TACH dial and numbers and I'd be happier. I'd also want the ability to shut off most of the info. ***** Low beam indicator is GREEN and right where the Right TS indicator might be. I can't count how many times it caught attention (distraction) thinking the right turn signal was on.

CONTROLS - Felt cheap, not premium or smooth feel. Cruise switch would be broken within a month, very flimsy and vulnerable design/placement. The Rheostat for the TBW between the handgrip and right controls makes using controls problematic. Was easier to reach across with my left hand to toggle between ride modes. Otherwise I had to come off throttle or was unstable. Maybe it is my Fred Flintstone stubs, but the only other bike I have had an issue with the right controls was the MGX-21 for the same reason. Minor, and I am sure I would adjust given time.Levers we're fine.

RANDOM
- Side exhaust ports are impossible to see when seated. This surprised me.
- HEAT! Definitely felt heat on my lower legs. Not sure if a cat bypass would help, but there was more heat than I would have liked
- Side stand..... I didn't like the aluminum side stand or that it is mounted to the engine case. Give me steel on a sub frame that bolts to the engine case.
-No underseat storage?!?!
-CLUTCH - too light and caught too close to the top of travel. This is personal preference and in retrospect I didn't try to adjust the levers.
- Stock exhaust is nice, but I'd want more. Start with larger headers a cat eliminator with stock can, and go from there. Love the stock exhaust can looks.

ENGINE/POWER (I know best for last) just about perfect. Like the suspension there were no surprises. Smooth, responsive, predictable and as demanded. I only had 10-15 miles to really give it the beans, Rollins, etc, but it pulled much like my 1200 Sport or an 8v Norge. Power was smooth and adequate, clearly more than any other modern  Guzzi, but not a real power house. 20 more HP would be perfect. An issue of adequate but NOT more than.

Climbing the mountain, 30km of hairpin turns (I hate), navigating little village streets there was little to NO throttle snatch or fueling gremlins.WELLDONE Mario!

Solid midrange and top gear acceleration. My only real issue was 2nd gear was a bit too tall for my likes. I had to use brakes more than I would have liked. If geared just a bit shorter I could have used the throttle exclusively when in the twisties. UNLESS this is some computer TBW wizardry that limits engine breaking power.

Ok winding down the ramble.....

I was truly impressed. I can see myself on one of these, and especially a Stelvio with the following notes..

- I hate the stock Guzzi side and top cases. Would have to go with Givi or HB even though it would  ruin the lines. The bike I rented had Givi racks and hardware that weren't too bad.
- Need to ride a non S suspension bike. All I can say is I went from the V100S to the V85 and IMMEDIATELY felt wallow and uncertainty compared to the V100. The V85 wasn't bad, it was light and nimble, but not as solid as the v100.
If coming from ANY prior Guzzi (other than a 1400) you will be thrilled. NO way this is making Multi Strada FJR or other 140+ bikes unless they want less power. My BIL is a GS/Thruxton rider and liked both, but said clearly 'not enough power'

OK picture time

Backside of mountain




On the ride












In front of the Agostini Dealer



programmi per foto web


Givi racks and guards looked great








V100 Mandello and Stelvio Side by side (Stelvio was sans screen) noticeable size difference. YELLOW is the winner, but DITCH the matter finish and Stelvio lettering.













I see the V100 as a perfect replacement for a 1200 Sport, FZ1 or other sporting small fairing sport touring bike. A GREAT combination of power poise comfort and nimble control. Just about perfect as a 1 up long distance sport touring bike, even with modest fairing and screen. One won't find it's way into the Bulldog garage, but the Stelvio is a real possibility.

This ends my Italian wine inspired review. The wife is back from shopping..... Time to head to dinner ...

Awesome write up. Thanks for taking the time to do that. I'll see what 2025 brings.

[Bulldog9]

Awesome write up. Thanks for taking the time to do that. I'll see what 2025 brings.

Was my pleasure. Definitely a winner.

Regarding the V85, I didn't have as much time on the E5 version as I did the V100, but I have ridden a coupe others and still feel the same. Great bike, but not enough to pry the Stornello TT out from under me. Maybe the Stelvio in a few years, or if I was forced to go to a one bike solution. It is fantastic, but didn't hold a candle to the V100 especially suspension and chassis wise.

That said, I probably would have been faster in the twisties and switchbacks on the V85. Extremely light and nimble, almost too much for my likes.  I guess that is why I still have CARC on the brain and adding a Norge.