Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello (2022): A New Chapter in Italian Motorcycling Heritage

Introduction: Bridging Centuries of Innovation

When Moto Guzzi introduced the V100 Mandello in 2022, it wasn’t just launching another motorcycle—it was making a statement. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Italian marque fused its iconic design language with groundbreaking technology, creating a machine that defies categorization. Part sport-tourer, part roadster, and entirely captivating, the V100 Mandello feels like a love letter to riders who demand both excitement and practicality. After spending a week with this bike, it’s clear that Moto Guzzi has crafted something special—a motorcycle that honors its past while charging headfirst into the future.

Design & Ergonomics: Where Retro Meets Futurism

The V100 Mandello’s design is a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with innovation. The signature 90° transverse V-twin engine dominates the visual landscape, but it’s framed by sleek, modern bodywork that nods to Guzzi’s racing heritage. The green/blue/gold color scheme (a tribute to Mandello del Lario’s lake and mountains) shimmers under sunlight, while the tank’s muscular contours seem to hug the cylinder heads like a glove.

Slip into the saddle, and the 815 mm (32-inch) seat height accommodates most riders comfortably. The riding position strikes a perfect compromise: the aluminum handlebar pulls you slightly forward for spirited riding, yet the pegs remain relaxed enough for all-day touring. The adaptive aerodynamics—a world first—are subtle but transformative. At highway speeds, the flank-mounted deflectors rise silently, reducing wind buffeting by 22%. It’s like having an invisible force field against fatigue.

Engine & Performance: The Soul of Mandello

At the heart of the V100 Mandello lies a liquid-cooled 1042cc V-twin, producing 115 HP (84.5 kW) at 8,700 RPM and 104.3 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque at 6,750 RPM. This isn’t just numbers on paper—it’s an engine with personality. Thumb the starter, and the transverse twin awakens with a bass-heavy growl that vibrates through the frame.

Twist the throttle, and the Ride-by-Wire system delivers power with surgical precision. In Sport Mode, the V100 lunges forward with urgency, its torque curve feeling nearly flat from 3,500 RPM onward. Switch to Tour Mode, and the throttle softens, making it ideal for rain-slicked roads or relaxed cruising. The shaft drive—a Guzzi hallmark—eliminates chain maintenance while delivering seamless power transfer. Unlike older shaft-driven bikes, there’s no noticeable driveline lash; acceleration and deceleration feel as direct as a chain-driven machine.

Handling & Dynamics: Confidence in Every Corner

Weighing 233 kg (513 lbs), the V100 isn’t light, but its steel tubular frame and 1,476 mm (58.1-inch) wheelbase hide the mass brilliantly. The suspension setup varies between models:
- Standard Model: 41 mm USD fork and monoshock (adjustable preload/rebound)
- S Model: Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension

On twisty Tuscan roads, the S model’s Öhlins unit shone, automatically adjusting damping to match aggressive cornering and sudden elevation changes. Even the base model, however, feels planted mid-corner, aided by sticky 120/70-17 (front) and 190/55-17 (rear) Michelin Road 6 tires. The Cornering ABS and inertial platform work invisibly, allowing you to trail-brake deep into turns without worry.

Electronics & Features: Tech That Complements, Not Complicates

The 5-inch TFT display is a model of clarity, offering crisp visuals even in direct sunlight. Four riding modes (Tour, Sport, Rain, Road) adjust throttle response, traction control (4 levels), and engine braking (3 levels). The Moto Guzzi MIA system (standard on the S) syncs seamlessly with smartphones, projecting turn-by-turn navigation onto the dash—a boon for explorers.

Standout features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains speed effortlessly on long hauls.
- Bending Lights: Additional LEDs illuminate apexes when leaning.
- Quick Shifter (S Model): Snicks through gears with rifle-bolt precision.

Competition: How the Mandello Stacks Up

The V100 Mandello inhabits a niche between sport-touring and premium roadsters. Key rivals include:

1. BMW R 1250 RS

• Pros: More horsepower (136 HP), Telelever front suspension.
• Cons: Heavier (249 kg), less charismatic boxer engine.
• V100 Edge: Adaptive aerodynamics, lower maintenance shaft drive.

2. Ducati Multistrada V2

• Pros: Lighter (205 kg), agile on tight roads.
• Cons: Chain drive requires frequent upkeep, firmer seat.
• V100 Edge: Superior wind protection, unique Italian flair.

3. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

• Pros: Cheaper, CP3 engine’s reliability.
• Cons: Plastic-heavy build, lacks premium feel.
• V100 Edge: Shaft drive, richer electronics package.

The Mandello doesn’t dominate in any single category but offers a compelling blend of style, innovation, and touring comfort that’s uniquely Moto Guzzi.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Mandello in Prime Condition

Owning a V100 Mandello is a joy, but like any precision machine, it thrives on care. Key considerations:

1. Shaft Drive Maintenance

• Advantage: No chain lubing or tension adjustments.
• Tip: Inspect the final drive oil every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). MOTOPARTS.store offers OEM-spec replacement fluids.

2. Liquid Cooling System

• Flush coolant every 2 years or 24,000 km (15,000 miles). Our store stocks ethylene-glycool compatible with the Mandello’s aluminum radiator.

3. Brake Care

• Brembo components are durable but benefit from sintered pads (available in our catalog) for aggressive riding.

4. Tire Upgrades

• Consider Michelin Road 6 GT for extended touring mileage or Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV for sportier grip.

5. Winter Storage

• Use MOTOPARTS.store’s battery tender to preserve the 12V lithium-ion unit during off-seasons.

Conclusion: A Motorcycle That Rewards the Curious Rider

The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—and that’s its strength. It’s a motorcycle for riders who crave character, who smile at the burble of a transverse V-twin, and who appreciate engineering that prioritizes joy over raw specs. Whether carving Alpine passes or commuting through Milan’s chaos, the Mandello delivers a ride that’s as engaging as it is sophisticated.

For owners looking to personalize their machine, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from Öhlins suspension upgrades to touring luggage that integrates flawlessly with the Mandello’s design. This is a bike that invites you to ride further, tinker often, and fall in love with motorcycling all over again.

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Specifications sheet

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