When we think of Moto Guzzi, a brand founded in 1921 in Mandello del Lario, we immediately think of the iconic V7 models (and others before them), with their traditional transverse V engines and that classic and refined look. The V100 Mandello S is a model that breaks with the paradigm and shows itself as a modern and evolved motorcycle. An excellent surprise!
When I first saw the V100 S, I was a bit puzzled about what was in front of me and in which segment to place it. Apart from that, the motorcycle has futuristic and elegant lines that may surprise those accustomed to the brand’s most emblematic models.
The V100 S is, by the brand’s own concept, a Roadster-Touring and although I initially tried to include it in the sport-touring ranges, the truth is that it makes much more sense to be seen as a roadster with additional fairings and some “magic” mixed in…
INNOVATIVE AND APPEALING
It all starts with a reinforced steel tubular frame, to which the new 1,042 cc engine, lighter and more compact, is added as a structural element of the motorcycle.
The front is dominated by an LED headlight composed of several elements, with a modern and dynamic visual signature in which the daytime running light is reminiscent of the brand’s eagle, and by a front screen electronically adjustable through the controls placed on the left handlebar. Although not very large, it provides good aerodynamic protection and clean air flow, causing no turbulence. The adjustment is limited to 105 km/h, so as not to put too much strain on the actuator mechanism.
THE BEST AESTHETICS; ENGINE; SUSPENSION; EQUIPMENT LEVEL
TO IMPROVE ENGINE VIBRATIONS; EXHAUST PIPE FINISH
The 17-liter fuel tank, inspired by the 1976 Le Man 850, follows the lines of the front fairing and wraps over the valve covers of each cylinder creating a muscular and compact design. It is on the sides of this tank that a bit more magic happens. The V100 S is equipped with dynamic and variable deflector panels that allegedly reduce aerodynamic drag on the rider’s body by 22%.
The movement of these panels is automatic and can be adjusted (between 30 and 95 km/h) in the configuration menus for each of the 4 riding modes, making it the first production motorcycle to feature movable aerodynamic elements.
All of these systems, as well as the various menus, are managed or configured by commands on the left handlebar, with the exception of the driving modes that are selected on a button to the right. The information is transmitted to us by a 5-inch color TFT, well done and with excellent visibility, even in intense lighting conditions. The rear is simplistic and ends with stylized taillights (inspired by the after-burners of military planes) also in LED. Here is where we can find the fittings for the side case system that is part of the extensive range of accessories available for this model. MANY AND GOOD HORSES
They are more than a thousand cubic centimeters, capable of generating 115 hp and a torque that would make many other motorcycles envious. This torque can push the set surprisingly and vigorously in any gear and at any speed. This is also contributed by the good gear ratio of the 6-speed gearbox and the bidirectional quickshifter (also a debut in Guzzi), which, despite being a bit “rough,” ends up being an asset to this motorcycle.
The ride-by-wire system allows the motorcycle to be fully configured in 4 different maps, in order to adjust the engine response, electronic aids, suspensions, and elements of adaptive aerodynamics to the needs of each moment.
At the end of the power unit, we find a well-designed exhaust with a deep and addictive sound, highlighting the sporty side of the V100 S. The only downside is that the exhaust pipe under the motorcycle has not received any aesthetic care, remaining a “clumsy” element that clashes with the overall design and construction quality. A simple cover matching the exhaust headers would make all the difference.
INTELLIGENT SUSPENSIONS
LED, TFT, IMU, Quickshifter, Cornering ABS, Cruise Control, TPMS, driving modes, Apps, adaptive aerodynamics, cornering lights, heated grips and so on, are expressions and acronyms that we have been getting used to in recent years. What we were not used to was seeing all these elements together in the technical specifications of Moto Guzzi.
Yes, the V100 S has (practically) everything!
I could detail all the equipment here, but many of them are already well known. Instead, I prefer to highlight a few that really deserve to be talked about.
The TFT (quite similar to those used by Aprilia), is very complete and well structured and it is easy to find the desired information.
Here, we interact with the menus and control all the other electronic elements, such as driving modes, the level of heated grips, or even the adjustment of the windshield position.
The big novelty turns out to be the retractable panels placed on the tank. They are electronically controlled and make this Moto Guzzi go down in history as the first production motorcycle to use adaptive aerodynamic elements. The final effect is not very significant, but it will surely be a topic of conversation when presenting the bike to friends!
Short words also for the curve headlights that only illuminate “any little thing” and for the heated grips, which help, but could be hotter.
The V100 S Mandello seems to be the Moto Guzzi of the future. It breaks with tradition, clearly improves in engine power, suspensions, and equipment, and innovates in technology, now being able to compete shoulder to shoulder with the most modern motorcycles on the market.
ON THE ROAD
The riding position is good and allows for covering long distances without much fatigue. The aerodynamic protection elements, while not extremely effective, are sufficient to maintain high speeds with some comfort, and the Ohlïns suspensions are a clear asset in this model.
The engine seems much stronger than the numbers show, always able to push with force and with a very distinct sound. It would be even better if there were no vibrations throughout the entire range of rotations. In our test, we achieved a nice average of 5 liters for every 100 kilometers traveled.
233 kg ready to ride is a slightly high figure, noticeable as soon as you take the bike off the side stand, however, while riding, it feels agile and maneuverable.
The color scheme of our test unit is superb (personal opinion), there is also a black and gray version.
The price of €18,499 is somewhat high, but easily justifiable considering the level and quality of the equipment.
Bring more like this!
MOTO GUZZI V100 MANDELLO S
TRANSVERSE 90° TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE, 4 VALVES PER CYLINDER
DISPLACEMENT 1,042 CC
POWER 84.6KW @8,700 RPM (115HP)
TORQUE 105NM @ 6,750 RPM
6-SPEED GEARBOX, SHAFT FINAL DRIVE
HIGH RESISTANCE STEEL TUBULAR FRAME
FUEL TANK 17 LITERS
FRONT SUSPENSION OHLINS 43MM INVERTED TELESCOPIC FORK SEMI-ACTIVE, ELECTRONICALLY ADJUSTABLE
REAR SUSPENSION OHLINS SEMI-ACTIVE MONO-SHOCK, ELECTRONICALLY ADJUSTABLE
FRONT BRAKE 2 320 MM FLOATING DISCS AND 4-PISTON RADIAL BREMBO CALIPERS, WITH CORNERING ABS
REAR BRAKE 280 MM DISC AND 2-PISTON BREMBO CALIPER, WITH CORNERING ABS
FRONT TIRE 120/70 ZR17
REAR TIRE 190/55 ZR 17
WHEELBASE 1,475 MM
SEAT HEIGHT 815 MM
WEIGHT 233KG (KERB WEIGHT)
R.R.P. 18.499 €
