Lets talk about the v100S

[Luap McKeever]

The bug I seem to have for the V100S hasn't yet subsided as I'd hoped. So, before I make a potentially regrettable decision, I thought I'd ask some questions from those "in the know" to help me out. I'm hoping for transparency here.

First, a little about me: I'm 5'11", 185 lbs, with a 34" inseam. I like to ride a minimum of 200 miles whenever I saddle up. So, let's dive in:

All-Day Comfort: How is the bike's comfort for all-day rides? I'm considering upgrading to the taller touring windshield, but how does it fare on real-world, 400-600 mile days? What are the best aftermarket seat options?

Maintenance: How tough is the regular maintenance, especially valve adjustments? I've read some horror stories about shims. I'm not well-versed in that, and the idea of a 5-hour round trip to a dealer is unappealing. I do all the work on my other three Guzzis, but this seems like a different beast.

Common Issues: What kind of bugs or common issues should I be aware of?

Luggage: How good is the luggage, if you have it? It looks adequate, but I would like real reviews on its water resistance and overall functionality. Does it remove easily?

Test Offers: Any Aprilia or Guzzi enthusiasts out there willing to let me "test" one for a couple of years in exchange for a real-world review?

Pre-Purchase Insights: What do you wish you had known before purchasing?

Regrets: Any honest regrets?

Passenger Comfort: How do your passengers find the comfort?

Additional Thoughts: If there's anything else you'd like to share, please do. Also, there are some great deals out there on 23' models. Wondering if any changes took place between 23 and 24?

I'm considering trading my Indian Challenger for one. I love the Challenger, but admittedly, it's getting heavy, and the maintenance is a bit pricey since I let the dealer handle it all while it's under the extended warranty. It's comfortable, reliable (32K trouble free so far), powerful, fast, nimble, and having a dealer 20 minutes away is a great perk. So, I'd be losing that convenience as my closest dealer is 150 miles away.

This is how I'd set mine up (to compliment the V85TT), but adding a taller screen and heated seat.

[twowheeladdict]

With your inseam why isn't the new Stelvio in the running? 

[Luap McKeever]

With your inseam why isn't the new Stelvio in the running?

Because the V85TT fills that need

[Dave Swanson]

I can't speak to all of the questions but I will take a stab at the few that I can answer. 

It is almost as good as the V85TT for all day comfort, which means it is very good.

I haven't had a single regret or issue with the bike.  It handles very well and has all the power I need these days.  A riding buddy has a Tuono.  I tell him that the V100S is a mature rider's Tuono.   

It has more than met my initial expectations which were quite high.  It fuels absolutely perfectly as-is from the factory.  This is the first Guzzi I have felt needs no tuning help.  It's so perfect I am not tempted to fool with it at all. 

The factory saddle bags are decent.  They remind me of the Norge bags. I'm not a huge fan of side opening bags but they do the job.

I can't speak to servicing it yet, but I don't anticipate any problems. 

If you want to pick the brain of a fellow that has ridden the pants off of his V100S stop over to ADV and look up Florida Lime.  He has a lot of miles on his already and posts a lot about it. 

[jcctx]

Can't say anything about the bike in ? but will say this; if you really have the itch, scratch it!!! There are 4 or 5 I wish I had bought when I could still ride. Can't think of one good reason why I didn't!!!!!

[Clifton]

I can comment on the panniers, that they are pretty good for factory side-load, plastic bags. They mount easily and securely. I had them overloaded on my 6,000+ mile ride and they tolerated it fine. No water leaking but I wasn't in a lot of rain just a few short downpours. My reference is the exact same panniers on my Stelvio.

The 2024 Mandello received the same update/improvements made to the transmission that came on the 2024 Stelvio, back cut gears and changes to the clutch to improve shifting.

Even though I'm a little smaller than you (5-11" w/32" inseam) I found the Mandello to be a little cramped, which is why I waited for the roomier Stelvio. I also have a V85 and feel they compliment each other. Yes they are both adventure bikes but they ride and feel quite different.

[blu guzz]

I test rode a barely used one that had peg lowering on it.  I would highly recommend that.  I also have ridden the base and the S.  Ohlins suspension is nearly impossible to beat if you can step up to the S.  The standard is good, but the Ohlins is sublime.  The saddle holds you in one place pretty much, so make sure you like it or consider an after market.  Engine is superb.  I was shocked at how well the wings worked for me when deployed.  There was simply no buffeting and it was super smooth.  Good luck.

[MGrego]

I have a V100S as well, but it's still so new I can't comment much on your questions !  I only have a few hundred miles on it, but so far its great.  I'm 5'11, 34 inch inseam and it fits me very well, However, I may get some lowered pegs for a little more leg room.  I put a sheepskin on the seat and don't see the need for any further seat modification.  Givi tanklock bag and I ordered some Hepco-Becker X-Core side cases, but they haven't come in yet.  These cases are top loading and watertight.  They have other larger top loading options too.  The dash takes some getting used to, I find the menus un-intuitive.  The catalytic converter gets really hot at stops.  The stock windscreen was a bit too short for me, so I drilled new holes on a leftover OEM Norge windscreen and that seems about perfect for me.  The performance of the bike way exceeds my abilities as a rider, but it still seems "friendly" and excellent to ride. 

[Vagrant]

I'll be the negative Nelli!
Remember the teething problems of the 1400? The 19/20 v85?
If it was my money I'd buy the first 2025 that hits the dealers floor. They seem to make all the necessary changes the second or third year.

[bad Chad]

If I were you, I would buy one.  I have purchased two first year Guzzi so far, and had no real issues with either.  Good luck.

[Guzzistajohn]

Luap,

I'm surprised you'd even consider this after the screwin' you got on your last new Guzzi 

But it is an awesome lookin' thing!

[Huzo]

Luap,

I'm surprised you'd even consider this after the screwin' you got on your last new Guzzi 

But it is an awesome lookin' thing!

All the more reason to go ahead..
I’d be powerless to walk away from the Stelvio though.

[Luap McKeever]

Luap,

I'm surprised you'd even consider this after the screwin' you got on your last new Guzzi 

But it is an awesome lookin' thing!

That's why I'm considering the 2nd year version. Maybe some of the kinks are worked out.

[kingoffleece]

Richard T seems to have had zero issues and he's got tens of thousands on miles on his.  First year bike.

[twowheeladdict]

Not sure how much you are enjoying riding off the beaten path with the V85TT, But if I had your stable and wanted a liquid cooled Moto Guzzi, I would replace the Indian with the new Stelvio, and the V85TT with a DR650, or the fuel injected KLR650.

[Luap McKeever]

Not sure how much you are enjoying riding off the beaten path with the V85TT, But if I had your stable and wanted a liquid cooled Moto Guzzi, I would replace the Indian with the new Stelvio, and the V85TT with a DR650, or the fuel injected KLR650.

The V85 is setup for mainly offroading, which I do quite a bit of. The other main ride I like to do is highways and lots of it, backroad touring, etc. That's what the Indian is for. I'd replace the Indian with the V100 "if" I felt it would fill that need. 

[Vagrant]

https://www.guzzitech.com/forums/threads/pop-goes-the-mandello.26537/

Just read this thread.

[LowRyter]

All subjective.   I think a comparison with other bikes might be the easiest descriptor.

The bike is right in the sweet spot for Sports Touring, a cruiser rider or full on touring rider might not find it to their liking.  It's not a replacement for an Softail, Electra Glide or Gold Wing.  It's pretty neat if you want a little bit more agile RT or FJR.  It's more in the line with  an RS perhaps not so many beans but more than enough for most.

But why not just ride a demonstrator like I did?

[Luap McKeever]

All subjective.   I think a comparison with other bikes might be the easiest descriptor.

The bike is right in the sweet spot for Sports Touring, a cruiser rider or full on touring rider might not find it to their liking.  It's not a replacement for an Softail, Electra Glide or Gold Wing.  It's pretty neat if you want a little bit more agile RT or FJR.  It's more in the line with  an RS perhaps not so many beans but more than enough for most.

But why not just ride a demonstrator like I did?

I dont know of any dealers in my area offering test rides. Do you?

[Tkelly]

My riding impression was that it could have been a Honda if it didn’t have Guzzi badges.Not a bad thing but not like a Guzzi either.

[twowings]

I dont know of any dealers in my area offering test rides. Do you?

Did you check with Mother Road Motorsports in Tulsa?

[Luap McKeever]

Did you check with Mother Road Motorsports in Tulsa?

I'm actually going to go there this afternoon to have a look and see if I can ride one.

[MGrego]

Differences between '23 and '24 model year ?  I wondered that too.

Someone on this forum posted that the "gearbox" was upgraded along with the new '24 Stelvio gearbox.  However, I don't know what that meant, and I was not able to find any info on that. Also read that the swingarm on the 24's was slightly thicker metal by a millimeter or two, but unable to verify that either.

The only endemic problem I've read about is a few bikes with improperly crimped radiator hose clamps resulting in some coolant leaks.  Apparently some of the clamps are pretty difficult to get to, so some guys are taking back to the dealer to fix rather than do it themselves.

There was also a service campaign about the clutch lever seal, affected bikes just need a new seal.

The V100 also seems to need to stay on a battery tender, some have had parasitic amp leaks leading to dead batteries after a few days to weeks.

Other than that, mostly just one off reports of problems followed by the usual histrionic hand wringing.

[LowRyter]

I dont know of any dealers in my area offering test rides. Do you?

I think Don still is like last time we brought it up but I can ask him to be sure.  Of course you can just call Mother Road and Motiv.

[LowRyter]

My riding impression was that it could have been a Honda if it didn’t have Guzzi badges.Not a bad thing but not like a Guzzi either.

the engine dips the other way and not so much.  The power delivery isn't that much different from an 8v Grisso other than more of it.  But it's a more modern bike in every way.

[Tusayan]

My riding impression was that it could have been a Honda if it didn’t have Guzzi badges. Not a bad thing but not like a Guzzi either.

Me too, also for the Stelvio.  They’re not a bad thing but having lost their character and serviceability almost completely they now are forced to compete based on performance, and they don’t. My  impression was magnified by test riding a BMW R1300GS immediately after, which by comparison made the Stelvio feel like a 1985 Honda Sabre with its mushy suspension and top heavy handling.  I told my dealership owning friend that I wouldn’t buy any of them, for different reasons, but the best bike I could imagine coming out of the three would be the R13GS with all the nonsense electronics and features removed… because the basic bike is great. 

[Clifton]

Both 2024 V100's get these changes;

There are refinements to the gearbox too. Every gear has been reworked to improve shifting, and the clutch is a new self-assist anti-hopping (slipper) unit that is also meant to improve shift actuation and feel.

I've not ridden a 2023 so I can't comment how noticeable the changes are.

[kingoffleece]

After a certain point, hp only matters on the straight sections.  I've seen dozens of very skilled riders absolutely DUST, as in completely dust, riders on supposed "better bikes".

[MechanizedMedic]

The bug I seem to have for the V100S hasn't yet subsided as I'd hoped. So, before I make a potentially regrettable decision, I thought I'd ask some questions from those "in the know" to help me out. I'm hoping for transparency here.

First, a little about me: I'm 5'11", 185 lbs, with a 34" inseam. I like to ride a minimum of 200 miles whenever I saddle up. So, let's dive in:

All-Day Comfort: How is the bike's comfort for all-day rides? I'm considering upgrading to the taller touring windshield, but how does it fare on real-world, 400-600 mile days? What are the best aftermarket seat options?

Maintenance: How tough is the regular maintenance, especially valve adjustments? I've read some horror stories about shims. I'm not well-versed in that, and the idea of a 5-hour round trip to a dealer is unappealing. I do all the work on my other three Guzzis, but this seems like a different beast.

Common Issues: What kind of bugs or common issues should I be aware of?

Luggage: How good is the luggage, if you have it? It looks adequate, but I would like real reviews on its water resistance and overall functionality. Does it remove easily?

Test Offers: Any Aprilia or Guzzi enthusiasts out there willing to let me "test" one for a couple of years in exchange for a real-world review?

Pre-Purchase Insights: What do you wish you had known before purchasing?

Regrets: Any honest regrets?

Passenger Comfort: How do your passengers find the comfort?

Additional Thoughts: If there's anything else you'd like to share, please do. Also, there are some great deals out there on 23' models. Wondering if any changes took place between 23 and 24?

I'm considering trading my Indian Challenger for one. I love the Challenger, but admittedly, it's getting heavy, and the maintenance is a bit pricey since I let the dealer handle it all while it's under the extended warranty. It's comfortable, reliable (32K trouble free so far), powerful, fast, nimble, and having a dealer 20 minutes away is a great perk. So, I'd be losing that convenience as my closest dealer is 150 miles away.

This is how I'd set mine up (to compliment the V85TT), but adding a taller screen and heated seat.

I'm close to the same size/proportions as you, it's a very comfortable bike for me. I have done a lot of 350-550 mile days on mine (15k miles total). It's just how I like for ergos, but wind protection is just okay with the MG touring screen. If you want very good wind protection then get a larger screen (givi or isotta). I have the MG tall heated comfort seat and its pretty good - it gets REALLY hot. The standard saddle has a better shape but is too low, so I might make a hybrid of the two in the future.

Maintenance is very easy, though the filter change is messy... well, except valve adjustment. I have heard most bikes have not needed any adjustment at 15k, but mine needs it on 6/8 valves. MG doesn't shim maps so you have to pull everything apart to figure out what new shim is needed. It's stupid, but after the first time it's much easier if it ever needs a second adjustment (you'll know the sizes).

Reliability issues are starting to show up with a few bikes out there. Five engine replacements that I know of, mine might need one too. There are a lot of other owners racking up big miles without a problem, so I don't think its a "bad bike", just some random manufacturing errors for some of us.

The panniers are really nice in my opinion. I bought liner bags for them and love how easy they are overall. My gripe is that they don't make matching red panels for them. Also, I didn't get the rack/top case because I think they're ugly and I almost always ride solo. The two times I've had a passenger they were plenty comfortable - it's a well designed sport-tourer.

I would absolutely buy a Mandello again, but next time I would wait a year for Guzzi to iron out the kinks. I would also get the S model if I was choosing again. I've been very happy riding the base model, but it would be really nice to have the electronic suspension when I want a plush ride around town.

Overall, I'm still absolutely in love with the looks, engine and chassis of my V100. It has some quirks but is VERY entertaining to ride and mostly easy to upkeep. If everything gets fixed under warranty I'd be very happy to own it for many more years

[LowRyter]

After a certain point, hp only matters on the straight sections.  I've seen dozens of very skilled riders absolutely DUST, as in completely dust, riders on supposed "better bikes".

One of the posters on our Ducati board is a Yamaha Track instructor.  He said that all of them prefer to ride midsized (700/900) standards  and nakeds around the track, much more fun and more forgiving.  The track weapons are so serious and so fast that that they aren't enjoyable.  Given that some bikes are approaching 200+ hp, COTA, Indy and RA might be the only racetracks that can use all that power.