Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S 2024: The cutting edge of tradition [ROAD TEST]

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S 2024 – It doesn't matter where in the world you are: for any motoring enthusiast, Italy represents the cradle of the brands that have written the pages of global motoring history. Among the names that contributed to building motorcycling, Moto Guzzi played a fundamental role: its twin-cylinder engine with a 90° transversal V layout combined with a cardan transmission has united - over the years - a true family of enthusiasts spread across the whole globe.

For its hundredth anniversary in 2021, the Como company has laid the foundations on which to build the next century of history by presenting the new Guzzi V100 Mandello to the world: a compact and dynamically-riding sport-tourer, capable of moving like a roadster without sacrificing the comfort of a tourer.

Elegantly sporty

The 90° transverse V-twin is the fulcrum around which the aesthetics of the V100 Mandello gravitate; the style, imagined to last over time, winks at the past, highlighting how Moto Guzzi does not need to seek stylistic stimuli that go outside of its tradition to keep up with the times. The tank embraces the heads of the new compact block while the underseat side panels have three slits which are a clear tribute to the '850 Le Mans 76. The identity of the V100 extends to the fairing - a tribute to the 1981 Le Mans III - and then continues on the front dominated by the headlight unit with LED lighting which, when the motorbike is on, draws the unmistakable silhouette of the eagle in the lower part of the headlight itself, also equipped with the very useful bending lights.

The slender tail enhances the particularity of the rear light cluster with a design inspired by the afterburners of aeronautical engines; the large handles, on the other hand, allow the passenger to securely anchor themselves to the motorbike. To preserve the aesthetics, the technicians have provided for the housing of the rigid side cases without any support frame, to the benefit of the overall look. The result is satisfying to the eye and to the touch: the surfaces are perfectly aligned and the visible absence of connection pipes and wiring further increases the level of perceived quality.

Adaptive aerodynamics and advanced electronics

The two deflectors placed on the tank further elevate the value of this project: adaptive aerodynamics enters the world of two wheels and it is the V100 Mandello that brings it. The activation of the deflectors does not have a down-force function, but rather is used as a means to reduce the air pressure on the rider, increasing the level of comfort; in fact, the completely open deflectors reduce this factor by 22% and, combined with the electrically adjustable screen (and independent of the Riding Modes) with a range of 90 mm, they manage to bring the V100 closer to the levels of protection guaranteed by the more voluminous and less compact competitors. sports. The opening threshold of the deflectors is set at 70 km/h but can be modified in a range from 30 to 95km/h with automatic closing expected when the opening value drops 20km/h, preventing them from continuing to open. and close when traveling at the set activation speed.

The Marelli 11MP control unit combined with the 6-axis inertial platform manages the Ride By Wire electronic accelerator and the Cornering ABS, developed together with Continental. Are available 4 Riding Modes, each of which provides a different combination of 3 engine maps, 4 TC setting levels, 2 engine braking levels, the opening of the deflectors and, on the S version, also the calibration of the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic suspensions. The Touring and Road Riding Modes are ideal for transfers: the first provides more comfortable suspensions and the opening of the deflectors above 70km/h while, the second, a less invasive intervention of the TC, the suspensions set to Dynamic for a more reactive, and the deflectors always closed. If the Pioggia Riding Mode is the most "conservative" from every point of view, the Sport mode, on the other hand, is the one that maximizes the sporting ambitions of the V100.

Using the new blocks already seen on the Aprilia sports cars, you can move through the menu which is always clearly visible on the 5-inch TFT monitor: navigation takes place via 4 convenient buttons located on the left block, which can also be activated with thick gloves. On the right, however, there are the ignition and engine maps. It is standard on the V100 Mandello S Moto Guzzi MIA, the multimedia platform that allows information relating to the motorbike to be extended to the smartphone via Bluetooth.

More Sport or more Tourer?

The steel tube frame which uses the engine as a load-bearing element is responsible for the satisfying ride that the Mandello V100 can offer. The architecture of the engine and the shape of the tank which also continues under the saddle, favor the lowering of the masses to the advantage of cornering stability without penalizing handling, guaranteed by the 1475 mm wheelbase and the inclination of the steering head equal to 24,7°, an excellent compromise to be stable on the straight but reactive in the curves. The saddle placed 815 mm from the ground allows you to touch the ground easily, even if its shape leads to "sliding" backwards even when you want to ride in a forward position, with more load on the front.

The portion reserved for the passenger is comfortable and spacious, padded enough to withstand long transfers without any particular discomfort. The dynamic package of the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S includes the advanced Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension system which, thanks to a dedicated control unit, is able to "read the asphalt to provide the best possible riding experience, whether in Comfort or Dynamic mode.

There is also a manual calibration mode: in this case, you can start from two types of predefined calibrations and then adapt them to your riding style, always using the controls on the handlebar; in this case the semi-active assistance is therefore deactivated. Braking is guaranteed by the Brembo system which relies on a pair of 320 mm discs at the front gripped by radially mounted calipers, coupled to the single rear caliper on a 280 mm disc; the Pirelli Angel GT II tires then take care of transferring to the ground what the Mandello technicians have expertly created.

Compact Block, Guzzi emotions

Moto Guzzi has decided to undertake the road to the future with an entirely new engine. To obtain an agile and sporty chassis, therefore, here comes the innovative 1.042 cc engine called compact block: compact and light, it is a very modern and high-performance engine that respects the architectural tradition of 90° transverse V-twin. Liquid-cooled, it boasts a double overhead camshaft distribution with finger rocker arms controlled by a chain with 4 valves per cylinder; the new engine is equipped with a counter-rotating shaft which does not have the classic function of balancing the first order forces - already perfectly balanced thanks to the 90° architecture - but of decreasing the overturning torque, to the benefit of driveability, eliminating any reaction unwanted during accelerations and decelerations. Thanks to this component, it was possible to reduce the size of the crankshaft, thus benefiting compactness and overall performance.

A big innovation is given by the multi-disc slipper clutch in oil bath, much more robust and compact than the dry single-disc clutch adopted on the other models; At a glance, the first element that allows you to recognize the new compact block are the heads rotated by 90°, a choice that also allows you to increase leg space. The two manifolds emerge from the cylinders and then join together in a double outlet terminal, very pleasing to the eye.

All this innovation translates into highly respectable performances: they are 115 hp delivered at 8.700 rpm with a peak torque of 105 Nm at 6.750 rpm, with 82% available already at 3.500 rpm. The final transmission, as tradition dictates, is a cardan shaft integrated into the aluminum single-arm positioned on the left side; the work carried out by the designers is excellent, so much so that the transmission almost makes you forget that you are riding a motorbike with a cardan shaft, fully confirming Moto Guzzi's entry into the new direction. For the first time the Quick Shift gearbox arrives which, however, does not fully meet expectations, especially in the transition between first and second gear, where it is certainly better to use the clutch. Hard in the implementation phase, it has a slow cut-off time and therefore gives off that annoying "tap" which then vanishes from third gear onwards, especially if you shift at a high number of rpm and with the throttle wide open. When downshifting, it is better to wait for the engine rpm to drop before switching to the lower gear, to avoid annoying engine vibrations.

How it goes on the road

The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S is a motorcycle that represents a leap forward for the Como company. In the saddle the position is centered but, thanks to the suspension and the handlebar grip, it is active; It's a shame about the shape of the seat which tends to make the rider slide backwards especially when you opt for a more aggressive ride loaded on the front end. If it is true that the deflectors on the tank - once opened - reduce the air pressure on the rider's legs, the same cannot be said for the fairing: even keeping it totally raised, the shoulders remain exposed to the flows, especially if you exceed six feet tall.

When the compact block comes to life, the emotions are those of real Guzzis; accelerating in neutral, the bike “shakes”, clearly remembering what you are sitting on. Of course, thanks to modern technologies, everything is much more controlled, but the scent of tradition can still be felt, strong and clear. The gearbox is a little hard to implement and requires the use of the clutch to move from first to second gear, and then continue relying instead on the quick shift which begins to work as it should from third gear. Here, you immediately forget about the cardan, thanks also to the smooth operation of the engine which is extremely elastic, allowing you to go with a tad of throttle in sixth gear at 2000 rpm. without feeling any tears. Fluid and regular, it encourages you to travel by increasing the pace more and more: the torque curve undergoes a slight decline around 5000 rpm. to then recover and grow without hesitation almost to an altitude of 8500 m.

It's amazing how i 233 kg in running order they disappear when you start pushing, especially with Riding Mode Sport. The front bends as expected from a sport-tourer: it's not lightning-fast, but the feeling of stability and trajectory hold are satisfactory, thanks also to the Öhlins electronic suspension and the sincerity of the Pirelli tires. Braking is excellent, even at the rear, with the right bite in every situation and an expertly calibrated ABS. The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S plays at being a sports car but remains more of a tourer, more stable than agile, with the rider's footrests risking touching the ground when cornering when the pace is increased, perhaps on surfaces that are not perfectly smooth. It is a motorbike that must be made to slide in order to get maximum riding pleasure by exploiting the roundness of the engine and avoiding sudden load transfers that only dirty the ride.

Conclusions and price

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S it starts from a price list of €17.999 and it stands out from the basic version for its richer equipment which includes the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension, the quick shift, the heated grips, the TPMS and the Moto Guzzi MIA system. Then there is a long list of accessories for all needs which range from hard suitcases to the superb heated saddle present on the sample under test: combined with the standard heated grips, they won't make you fear even the coldest days. The V100 Mandello represents the beginning of the new direction of Moto Guzzi and, what we are certain of, is that it will also be able to attract the attention of those who had never considered a Guzzi, without ever forgetting who, the eagle, he has always had it in his heart.

Dimensions: length 2125 mm; width 835 mm; wheelbase 1475 mm; saddle height 815 mm; trail 104 mm
Motor: liquid-cooled transverse 90° V-twin, max power 115 hp at 8.700 rpm, max torque 105 Nm at 6.750 rpm
Displacement: 1042 cc
Shift: 6-speed with Moto Guzzi Quick Shift System
Weight: 233 kg in running order
Front suspension: Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 Ø 43 mm
Rear suspension: Mono Öhlins TTX Smart EC 2.0
Braking system: Front double disc 320mm, rear single disc 280mm
Tires: 120/70 ZR17 front, 190/55 ZR17
Tank capacity: Lt 17
Consumption: 4,7 L / 100 km
Price: 17.999 € fc