V100 for Speed Twin 1200

[bronzestar1]

Out with the old ('24 V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale) and in with the new ('25 Triumph Speed Twin 1200).  Had the V100 for 18 months, put less than 800 miles on it.  That jerky clunk going into first from neutral really annoyed me, since the other bikes I had / have at the time didn't / don't do it, certainly not to the degree of the V100.  Beautiful bike, but just didn't check the boxes for me.  That, and I'm planning on retiring at the end of the year.  With there being less than 30 Guzzi dealers across the country at last count, figured I'd better get something where I wouldn't have to take a day off and drive to the nearest Guzzi dealer (presently in Richmond, great shop!).  Right now it's about an hour's drive, but once I retire and move down to NC, it'll be more like a 4-hour drive, and there are Triumph and Aprilia dealers closer (I sold my '23 V7 Stone Special Edition and got a '26 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory).





 

[blu guzz]

Good luck with your plans.

[faffi]

I have really liked the Speed Twin 1200 since the first one appeared.

[DoubleGuzzi]

Strange to think that I've done nearly the opposite: changed my Street Twin for a V7 III. The Guzzi dealer is double the distance away.
I'll do the services myself and tappets are much easier to deal with than shims.

[yrunvs]

That sure is a good looking Guzzi. That clunk into first must have been pretty bad.

[bronzestar1]

Strange to think that I've done nearly the opposite: changed my Street Twin for a V7 III. The Guzzi dealer is double the distance away.
I'll do the services myself and tappets are much easier to deal with than shims.

The initial service is 600 miles on the ST1200, then every 10K after that.  With three other bikes in the stable, most likely that bike won't see 10K with me, so I'll just have to plan on doing yearly oil changes and maybe a set of tires or two.  Oil changes I can do, but tires will have to be done at a shop.  If I'm feeling froggy, I could probably take the wheels off myself and take them to a shop to get the tires mounted and balanced.  Otherwise, I'll just drop off the bike and have them do it.   

[bronzestar1]

That sure is a good looking Guzzi. That clunk into first must have been pretty bad.

I wouldn't necessarily say it was "bad", but it was definitely the worst out of the bikes I had along with it.  I'd be at a stop, then when shifting into first from neutral the bike would clunk and jerk forward.  None of the other bikes I rode did this, certainly not as much as the V100 did.  I read somewhere that it does this because of the design of the transmission for the water-cooled bikes, and it would basically be something I'd have to get used to.  Nope, you pay that kind of money for a bike like this, those shifts should be buttery smooth, no jerky clunks at all...

[JJ]

CONGRATS on the Triumph 1200 Speed Twin.  You will have fun with that one...

[turboguzzi]

Too great looking bikes.
I for one, totally understand you. Wanted a V100 real bad when it came out, thought itd be my retirement present (this year). After all the issues i read and the annoying glitches experienced during a test ride, said to myself: no effing way. Marvelous engine, yes, special stance yes, great handling yes, sure felt them all first hand, but just felt way too anxious about buying also a heap of potential unpleasant issues.
Such a pitty

[yrunvs]

I wouldn't necessarily say it was "bad", but it was definitely the worst out of the bikes I had along with it.  I'd be at a stop, then when shifting into first from neutral the bike would clunk and jerk forward.  None of the other bikes I rode did this, certainly not as much as the V100 did.  I read somewhere that it does this because of the design of the transmission for the water-cooled bikes, and it would basically be something I'd have to get used to.  Nope, you pay that kind of money for a bike like this, those shifts should be buttery smooth, no jerky clunks at all...

To each their own. And by the way, if you indeed were awarded a bronze star then I thank you for whatever you had to do to get it. It takes an act of immense bravery to get one. They only award those to hero's.

[blackcat]

Too great looking bikes.
I for one, totally understand you. Wanted a V100 real bad when it came out, thought itd be my retirement present (this year). After all the issues i read and the annoying glitches experienced during a test ride, said to myself: no effing way. Marvelous engine, yes, special stance yes, great handling yes, sure felt them all first hand, but just felt way too anxious about buying also a heap of potential unpleasant issues.
Such a pitty

Not surprising for a new design/production bike and from what I've read those problems seem to be resolved with the latest models.

I test rode a then brand new (99?) BMW RT and the clunk to first gear was horrible, but I thought that I could live with it but then as I kept riding the bike, the shifting was horrible and I couldn't get it into neutral at a stop light. Took it back to the dealer and that was my last interest in a modern BMW. A friend owns a new Mandello S and he loves the bike, says it's one of the best bikes he's ever owned and he has owned a lot of bikes. He says the clunk to first is noticeable, but he is use to that from owning many BMW's and he thinks it is getting better. 

[PeteS]

Not surprising for a new design/production bike and from what I've read those problems seem to be resolved with the latest models.

I test rode a then brand new (99?) BMW RT and the clunk to first gear was horrible, but I thought that I could live with it but then as I kept riding the bike, the shifting was horrible and I couldn't get it into neutral at a stop light. Took it back to the dealer and that was my last interest in a modern BMW. A friend owns a new Mandello S and he loves the bike, says it's one of the best bikes he's ever owned and he has owned a lot of bikes. He says the clunk to first is noticeable, but he is use to that from owning many BMW's and he thinks it is getting better.

My 2025 Wind Tunnel still has the first gear clunk. I can live with that. More annoying is having to dick around finding neutral at every stop. Fortunately this is not my daily rider but more of day and weekend tripper for country roads.
No plans to get stuck in big cities.

Pete

[bronzestar1]

CONGRATS on the Triumph 1200 Speed Twin.  You will have fun with that one...

I've owned two Street Twin 900s, currently have a Scrambler 400X in the stable.  My expectations are the Speed Twin 1200 will have the power of the V100, but have more nimble handling, more comfort, and a smaller feel to it.  I also have a '26 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory, and rode that bike and the V100 back-to-back on the same roads.  To use an analogy, the Guzzi is like a hammer, and the Tuono more like a scalpel.  I'm hoping the ST1200 is closer to the Tuono! 

[faffi]

To use an analogy, the Guzzi is like a hammer, and the Tuono more like a scalpel.  I'm hoping the ST1200 is closer to the Tuono!

That reminds me of the test Cycle World made with the Laverda RGS back in 1984, I believe, when they said that the Honda Interceptor attacked corners with the precision of a scalpel, while the Laverda carved through them like the world's biggest chain saw.

[Bulldog9]

Congrats and enjoy!

I really like the new triumphs, I just wish they had (other than the rocket) shaft drives.

[Moparnut72]

I traded my T120 for a V100 Mandello. The first gear clunk got a lot better with some mileage, like a few thousand. It also has a mechanism that allows the transmission to go into neutral from 1st without bypassing into 2nd when stopped. Mine didn't do it until I got a bunch of mileage on the bike. I sold it after a couple of years due to it's height and weight because of my age I started dropping it. Compared to it the Bonneville handled like a dump truck. On top of everything I will never ever own another bike with chain drive. But don't mind me, enjoy you bike. The Tuono is supposed to be a terrific bike from everything I have heard and read.
kk

[turboguzzi]

Not surprising for a new design/production bike and from what I've read those problems seem to be resolved with the latest models.

I test rode a then brand new (99?) BMW RT and the clunk to first gear was horrible, but I thought that I could live with it but then as I kept riding the bike, the shifting was horrible and I couldn't get it into neutral at a stop light. Took it back to the dealer and that was my last interest in a modern BMW. A friend owns a new Mandello S and he loves the bike, says it's one of the best bikes he's ever owned and he has owned a lot of bikes. He says the clunk to first is noticeable, but he is use to that from owning many BMW's and he thinks it is getting better.

I hear you, and indeed in the famous consumer report study (https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/who-makes-the-most-reliable-motorcycle/index.htm), BMW came last in the the ratings. So is that an excuse for Guzzi not sorting out the bike properly before launching it? Is that a consolation for someone with his V100 out of use?

I want guzzi to succeed, not bleed money. You dont have to be an industry insider to imagine  the cost of all the warranty work some V100's models have required.  On top, Guzzi has neither the brand standing or the economical shoulders of BMW. Guzzi is not a company that can afford costly mistakes.

[Rons]

I’ve got a 2022 Speed Twin 1200. Great bike, tons of torque.
Sounds great and pulls hard.  Sporty riding position but still comfortable.

My 2026 V7 Sport has a lot more feel and character. I only got 200 miles on the V7 before Winter.

Best of luck with the Triumph!

[LowRyter]

Seems like comparing apples to oranges.  Hopefully, you've found what you're looking for.

[blackcat]

I hear you, and indeed in the famous consumer report study (https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/who-makes-the-most-reliable-motorcycle/index.htm), BMW came last in the the ratings. So is that an excuse for Guzzi not sorting out the bike properly before launching it? Is that a consolation for someone with his V100 out of use?

I want guzzi to succeed, not bleed money. You dont have to be an industry insider to imagine  the cost of all the warranty work some V100's models have required.  On top, Guzzi has neither the brand standing or the economical shoulders of BMW. Guzzi is not a company that can afford costly mistakes.

Piaggio has the deep pockets to withstand whatever problems they have encountered in this comparatively small production bike within their company, similar but certainly not with the same level of deep pockets as the BMW Group subsidizing whatever problems that may arise in their auto's, Mini, RollsRoyce and Motorrad divisions. The final drive issues with the GS series is well documented with the company sometimes blaming the owner's for their failed product. I have not read that Mandello owner's are the problem with the relatively few problems on this bike.

But I agree, it would have been nice if they had solved these problems before production but not surprising for such a small company as Moto Guzzi.

For myself, it won't discourage me from owning Mandello S sometime in the future depending on current exterior issues which I'm not allowed to discuss.

[Bulldog9]

I hear you, and indeed in the famous consumer report study (https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/who-makes-the-most-reliable-motorcycle/index.htm), BMW came last in the the ratings. So is that an excuse for Guzzi not sorting out the bike properly before launching it? Is that a consolation for someone with his V100 out of use?

I want guzzi to succeed, not bleed money. You dont have to be an industry insider to imagine  the cost of all the warranty work some V100's models have required.  On top, Guzzi has neither the brand standing or the economical shoulders of BMW. Guzzi is not a company that can afford costly mistakes.

Seems to me the recalls on the v100 have been relatively small, especially compared to the cam failures on the early 8 valve motors and before that the hydro lifter issues.

[turboguzzi]

For all i know, there has been only one official recall for the shock breakage issue. Mgmt must have s#!t in their pants for potential liability claims and took action. For the many other V100 problems, piaggio is dealing with them when customers come into the dealer steaming with complaints. Not the best way to make loyal followers, nor make your dealers happy, very short sighted....

Sure there has been worse, KTM's long refusals to acknowledge the chocolate cams on the parallel twins before bowing to the pressure will cost them in sales for many coming years.

BMW is the outlier, the brand is so strong that no matter how much soft brown substance hits the fan, there are still going to be buyers queuing at Motorrad and MINI dealerships. Guzzi doesnt have that luxury, so should have aligned its QA and QC to Japan standards before betting everything on a new platform.

Just last week Honda has recalled all sold Hornet 1000 bikes due to high oil consumption and delayed the launch of the new 2026 CB1000F and CB1000GT models that use the same engine. Plan is to replace engines in all the Hornets worldwide and introduce the new models only when the problem is solved. Thats having balls in my book.

Was planning to buy the CB1000F before this happened, will have no hesitation to buy it once Honda puts it on the market.
Maybe I would have maintained my earlier plan to but a V100 if I saw Guzzi owning up and solving the issues, surely not with the current mgmt. head in the sand attitude.

[Moparnut72]

I have not seen many problems with the V100 except for some early teething pains which for the most part were pretty minor. I had  none of the issues with my '23. The only issue I had was that the bike could not be shifted into neutral from 1st or 2nd when I was stopped. I would have to shut the engine down, shift to neutral and restart. After some miles on a tight 1st and 2nd gear road it got better and improved shortly after. I didn't know that the bike has a mechanism that allows a shift into neutral at a stop without going into second no matter the pressure on the lever. So am guessing there was a minor issue with this mechanism until it was broken in. The dealership said it was normal and all Italian bikes do that. I no longer darken their door. I no long own my V100, nothing to do with the bike just that the owner is not getting older but is old and downsized to a V7 850, best bike I have ever owned.
kk

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

If I was buying anything with a chain (or non guzzi or non EV) ... It would be the Speed Twin. Awesome bike!

[draco_1967]

The Speed Twin was at the top of my list along with the Mandello. With the lack of luggage options, I went with the Mandello. The ST is a beautiful bike! Sadly, I only have room for one road bike right now, so it needs to be multi-purpose.

Honest question: why is everyone putting the bike in neutral at every stop?

I definitely notice the clunk/lurch into first, but I'm only feeling it when I first leave the garage or a parking spot where I have to back out...Every stop light, stop sign, etc., my bike stays in gear.

[Huzo]

The Speed Twin was at the top of my list along with the Mandello. With the lack of luggage options, I went with the Mandello. The ST is a beautiful bike! Sadly, I only have room for one road bike right now, so it needs to be multi-purpose.

Honest question: why is everyone putting the bike in neutral at every stop?

I definitely notice the clunk/lurch into first, but I'm only feeling it when I first leave the garage or a parking spot where I have to back out...Every stop light, stop sign, etc., my bike stays in gear.

Because when you are in gear with the lever in, the thrust bearing , friction and pressure plates etc, are all wearing to some degree.
I ALWAYS snick neutral as I’m rolling to a stop and wait 2 seconds with the lever in before grabbing first gear. It makes for a completely silent engagement and the (still original) clutch has 230,000 km on it.
Also..
Why the hell do you guys buy these bikes, knowing that they have this feature and then sell the damn thing because it “annoys you”..? It must be evident during the evaluation ride ?

[DoubleGuzzi]

Also, it's ingrained for many of us that grew up with cable operated clutches - a safety issue, if you like. What if the cable snapped whilst waiting at lights etc.? Yup, it may be tenuous but was a habit learnt, not to be forgotten. Hydraulic clutches need not apply but I did it anyway.  (It was quite a foot dance with the Monster 600! )

[kingoffleece]

Huzo,
I was wondering the exact same thing.

[bronzestar1]

Also..Why the hell do you guys buy these bikes, knowing that they have this feature and then sell the damn thing because it “annoys you”..? It must be evident during the evaluation ride ?

I don't think I've EVER done an "evaluation ride" on any of the bikes I've purchased over the last 40 years.  I'm willing to put up with some minor annoyances, but that jerky clunk into first was about the worst out of any bike I've owned, which has included some BMWs and Harleys.  A clunk I could've lived with, but jerking forward combined with that clunk was too much. 

[bronzestar1]

Honest question: why is everyone putting the bike in neutral at every stop?

I never leave my bikes in gear when I'm stopped, despite what the safety Nazis tell you to do.  It's like operating a manual transmission car, I never leave those in gear either when I'm at a stop.  There's less wear and tear on all the parts associated with the clutch.