Quick Test: 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S

Moto Guzzi remains one of the world’s oldest and most famed manufacturers. In 2021 the company celebrated its 100th birthday and to usher in the incredible milestone, Roberto Colaninno instructed his factory to craft the stunning V100 Mandello.

This stunning machine has to be one of the most beautiful bikes to come out of the Guzzi factory….

The new Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello is sporting an all-new liquid-cooled engine, semi-active suspension and the world’s first adaptive aerodynamics on a production motorcycle. So, to find out if the all-new offering from the Italian giant lives up to the hype, I headed down to the Australian launch in Melbourne to put the touring focussed roadster through its paces and give you some straight-shooting impressions on this beautiful bike.

Check out more of Mark’s reviews and articles here on Pipeburn.com…

The amount of tech this machine features is absolutely out of this world.

There’s a heap of parts that Moto Guzzi have never added to their bikes before…

Moto Guzzi has once again pushed the boundaries of performance and style with the introduction of their latest masterpiece. This awe-inspiring motorcycle is a testament to Moto Guzzi’s rich heritage, combining classic design elements with cutting-edge technology. The Mandello exudes timeless elegance, capturing the essence of Moto Guzzi’s design philosophy.

Completely new engine for Moto Guzzi.

Stunning active aero.

That characteristic Guzzi note is still there.

115hp@8700rpm and 105Nm@6750rpm.

At the heart of the machine lies a mighty 1040cc transverse V-twin engine, that still delivers that characteristic Guzzi sound and feel. The powerplant delivers exhilarating performance, generating an impressive output of 115hp@8700rpm.

At the heart lies a mighty 1040cc transverse V-twin engine, that delivers that characteristic Guzzi sound and feel.

The engine’s torque curve provides exceptional low-end grunt, allowing for effortless acceleration and swift overtakes. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling twisty mountain roads, the Mandello’s engine will never leave you wanting for more power.

“The engine’s torque curve provides exceptional low-end grunt, allowing for effortless acceleration and swift overtakes.”

The new engine platform is what the company describes as a “compact block” design, considerably smaller than previous engines of the same capacity and sporting cylinder-heads that have been rotated by 90º to place the intake and injection at the centre of the motorcycle.

“That engine just pours on the power so smoothly, it has heaps of torque and the V-Twin configuration means you really feel it..”

Even standing at 185cm, my knees don’t go anywhere near the motor when riding. As we hit the twisties in the mountains, that engine just pours on the power so smoothly, it has heaps of torque and the V-Twin configuration means you really feel it and it just makes for an incredible ride. The clutch action is smooth and the gearbox not too bad. It all just works well.

“As we hit the twisties in the mountains, that engine just pours on the power so smoothly, it has heaps of torque and the V-Twin configuration means you really feel it and it just makes for an incredible ride.”

I opt to spend most of my time on the Mandello S which  comes equipped with premium Ohlins semi-active suspension. On the road it’s such a confident bike, the tighter the turns the more it feels like a sportsbike, and yet it still manages to deliver a plush ride the entire time.

The “S” model comes with the premium active Ohlins suspension and a few extra goodies, while the standard comes with a more tradition setup.

Even as we hit patches of snow, the Guzzi stays planted and the traction control works really well. It is somewhat of a heavy bike, but you don’t feel it while on the move, and the full Brembo braking system does an amazing job of bringing you to a halt, with great feel and modulation at the lever.

Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active single shock that is fully adjustable and complete with spring preload adjustment via a knob on the “S” model.

Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active fork, 43 mm USD with superficial TIN treatment, fully adjustable on the “S” model.

280mm disc with Brembo two-piston floating caliper.

320mm dual floating disc, four-piston Brembo radial calipers.

It feels like a classic bike, with that real rubble from the engine, but the technology is seriously first-class. Some of the cool features include adaptive aerodynamics, which sees a pair of wings emerge from the side of the tank and help to keep wind and water off your pants and nether regions.

Electronically adjusted windshield!

Typical stunning Guzzi badging.

Another party trick is the windscreen, which with just the hit of a button can be made to rise up and down, even as you’re out on the road on the fly.

“The tighter the turns the more it feels like a sportsbike, and yet it still manages to deliver a plush ride the entire time. Even as we hit patches of snow, the Guzzi stays planted and the traction control works really well.”

Having built the bike for the 21st century, it’s packed full of goodies and the IMU-equipped machine delivers traction and engine brake control, cruise control, cornering ABS and all the fruit you could possibly want. The V100 Mandello also offers a comfortable riding position, allowing riders to maintain a relaxed posture for extended periods.

5in TFT dash.

Left hand controls.

Active aero!

Comfort kept in mind for the passenger and rider.

The seat is thoughtfully designed to provide ample support, reducing fatigue on those marathon rides. It’s another example of how Moto Guzzi has come up with a bike that is truly a sporty roadster and tourer all in one.

“The key takeaway, I absolutely love it! The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a work of art that combines jaw-dropping aesthetics with unmatched performance.”

The key takeaway, I absolutely love it! The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a work of art that combines jaw-dropping aesthetics with unmatched performance.

“Traction and engine brake control, cruise control, cornering ABS and all the fruit you could possibly want…”

Thanks to its powerful engine, advanced electronics, and rider-centric features, the Mandello sets a new benchmark for the Italian manufacturer.

“Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or an aficionado of classic design, the V100 Mandello will exceed your expectations and ignite your passion for the open road.”

Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or an aficionado of classic design, the V100 Mandello will exceed your expectations and ignite your passion for the open road. We will get hopefully get the S version back for a full road test and a more in depth review before the end of the year. But for now, first impressions at the launch are that it ticks all of the boxes that it is supposed to.

2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Tech Talk

The V100 Mandello is the first Moto Guzzi to be powered by the new “compact block” engine, with its sophisticated technical characteristics. Tradition is respected with the 90° transverse V architecture of the twin, which guarantees that unique torque delivery and inimitable Moto Guzzi sound, but the powerplant is all new…

Retaining the famous Moto Guzzi layout.

Now with liquid cooling…

An innovative design has allowed for the development of an extremely compact and lightweight engine, which is 103mm shorter than the V85 TT small block. The new twin stands out from all the engines recently built in Mandello del Lario for its cylinder-heads, which are rotated by 90°, a decision that Moto Guzzi made in the hopes to increase on-board comfort and the positioning of components in the intake/electronic injection systems.