Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello

[Mick_J]

Managed to blag a dem on a Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello yesterday and had it for about an hour or so.  The bike looks well built and everything seems to be of good quality.  Sitting on the bike everything fell to hand nicely with the only exception being the mode button, it's hidden under the starter switch so you can't see it when seated, the dealer pointed it out as he had been caught out himself during a demo. 

The dash is the usual (these days) a 5-6 inch TFT with all the information on it but they have tried to cram too much in so the fonts are quite small, you have to look at it rather than have a quick glance, I expect you would get used to it once you know where the info you want is located. 
The central position is a large dial with revs only taking up the left half the right top quarter is the fuel gauge and the bottom right side is temperature with a big gear position box at three o'clock.  A row of information runs along the top edge and there are also lights running down both sides of the display.  At nine o'clock there is a rolling display of fuel consumption, mileage, trip meter etc which is controlled from the left switch cluster.

Pulling out of the car park the bike felt great, clutch was light and very responsive, throttle was smooth with no jerking so fuelling seemed spot on at low revs.  Out on the road the bike felt smooth, not as smooth as my BMW or the R1250rs I took out a couple of weeks ago but it wasn't unpleasant. 
There is a V twin vibration that can be felt all the time, not annoying but noticeable.  The gear box however was a different story, it's quite stiff and gear changes have to be deliberate with firm pressure, there's no snicking up (or down) the box on this bike, although I had to block change when a tractor pulled out just around a corner and I had to stop quickly and it ran down to 1 with no problem, some bikes I've ridden don't like block changes. There were no missed gears and every one was positive it's just not as slick as some.  It is geared lower than my R1200r but it is 200cc's short so 70 comes up at 4000 revs.

Handling was very good and stable but a little slow, it can be hustled about but it's best to plan your line through corners and get it all set up before the turn, (which is what we all should be doing anyway) this suites my riding style so I found it a great ride but it's no sports bike.  I found some roads that were wide, open and smooth and just enjoyed the ride,  I think this is where the bike excels, smooth open roads where you can just chill out and ride while taking in the scenery.  The brakes are excellent I only really needed to use them once (in anger), they pulled the bike up toot sweet without any drama's and the ABS didn't kick in so it must be set up well, (my R1200 ABS kicks in way too early), they are smooth and progressive so no problems with them at all.

But it's not all roses, for me the bike has a number of problems.  The seat is too low and narrow, it's shaped a bit like a hammock so there is no moving around on it, the lump at the back was nice to stop sliding back but the front raises up too much, after my one hour ride it was definitely time to get off.  The front of the fuel tank splays out to incorporate the front fairing and my knees were pressed against it, not too uncomfortable but bloody annoying.  Shorter riders probably wouldn't have these problems.  But the biggest downside for me is the screen, it causes way too much noise and buffeting, over 30Mph  I couldn't hear the engine which is a shame as it has a nice roar from it when accelerating hard from 2-3000 revs.  It is adjusted via the menu switch on the left handlebar and I tried it up, down and in the middle but it just doesn't work for me.

So the bike is good, well built, well braked and the suspension is well set up but it's not for me, a shorter rider might not notice any of the problems I did.  It's not a sports bike but choose your line through a bend correctly and ride the torque it's a very satisfying bike to ride and I enjoyed my dem on it.

[grog]

Great write up mjgt. At 30g youd think most things would be perfect.

[GSXKING]

Piaggio purchased Moto Guzzi in 2004. The build quality was never fabulous.   Notorious for crappy electric systems. Similar story to most Italian makes during mid last century.  Only a hard core enthusiast would touch them these days IMHO. I had first series Aprilia RSV Mille. It was a great bike for 6 months. Warranty was nonexistent and spare parts never arrived. 

[grog]

GSX, strangely enough my Mate has 2003 Mille. Hes not good on maintenance or cleaning, that bloody bike still thunders along, never had a problem in 20 years.  Luckiest man in the world i reckon. His other twist, he bought R1 Yam, it stopped first ride out, towed.Funny how things happen. 

[VladTepes]

Moto Guzzi build quality is way ahead of what it ever has been. I'd definitely have one, but probably not this and certainly not at that price point!

@Mick_J have you ever ridden a Griso because I'd be interested in your thoughts on that.

[grog]

I test road a Griso, long time ago, maybe 8 or 9 years. All i can remember was so glad to get back on my bike for ride home.

[Mick_J]

Moto Guzzi build quality is way ahead of what it ever has been. I'd definitely have one, but probably not this and certainly not at that price point!

@Mick_J have you ever ridden a Griso because I'd be interested in your thoughts on that.

I have ridden the Griso, a couple of years ago but I still remember it which is why I was interested in the mandello.  The engine seemed to be much the same, plenty of grunt and smooth while having a rocking motion which is not unpleasant but noticeable all the time.  Weirdly, although the gearbox still needed a firm prod in both directions slipping into first was quieter with no lurch forward but then it felt much the same.  Again its no sports bike and prefers to just rumble along wide open a/b roads.  The reason I didn't buy it was the seat was too low for me and pillion accommodation was sparse, the bike felt physically too small for me.  I think anyone under 6 foot who wanted a lazy bike with stacks of character would find it perfect. 

[VladTepes]

I test road a Griso, long time ago, maybe 8 or 9 years. All i can remember was so glad to get back on my bike for ride home.

A mate of mine has a Guzzi cafe racer he built. It is VERY nimble, VERY powerful (for a Guzzi at least) and VERY VERY VERY uncomfortable.

I was glad to get off that one.

No issues with the Griso though.


The best agility / comfort combo was definitely the Breva 1100.  Great bike nearly bought one, but it fell through and the Suzuki 1400 came up and the rest is history .


Having said that I loved riding the Stelvio 1200 NTX, wish they still made that!

[GSXKING]

My friends Zagato inspired custom Guzzi. Rearsets and
clip ons means zero comfort 💩💩💩🤮🤮🤮
You either LOVE them or loathe them. That's his sons Boldor in the background with blueprinted motor, it's like an old school superbike 🧨🧨💣💣

[GSXKING]

Having said that I loved riding the Stelvio 1200 NTX, wish they still made that!



There's a reason they don't make them anymore 💩💩💩

[VladTepes]

Curious as to why you say that?

I didn't find any issues with it, and loved the low gearing on 1st great for off-road.