New Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Gives You Wings

In 2021, Moto Guzzi officially clocked up a century of bike manufacture, celebrating recently with a completely new V100 Mandello model. This also looks to the future of the brand, introducing tech like active aeros, a first on any motorcycle.

Developed from a clean sheet, the V100 incorporates both sport and touring aspects in a single motorcycle. Two models are being produced, a well equipped base variant and an S version with niceties like semi-active Ohlins suspension and heated grips.

Like all Guzzis, the design of the V100 showcases the across-the-frame V-twin engine. The tank seems to curl around the engine heads, with slits in the lower panels behind the knees that remind of the mid-seventies Guzzi Le Mans 850. Head-on, the DRL of the LED light cluster traces the outline of the brand’s eagle emblem. The rear taillight reminds of aircraft engines, both of these icons showing up first on the V85 TT.

A brand new twin cam dohc engine known as “compact block” features here, optimised for torque and low emissions. Displacing 1042cc, it features a low volume shallow oil pan for a lower C of G and reduced friction, hence lower emissions and faster throttle response. A counter-rotating crankshaft helps with rideability, and reduces torque reaction from the shaft drive.

The new mill is liquid cooled, a first for Guzzi, and is more compact than the V85TT unit, 103mm shorter, in part thanks to a new hydraulic multiplate wet clutch.  

Cylinder heads are rotated by 90°, increasing legroom and shortening the intake tract optimises the air/fuel mix and reduces emissions.

Peak output of 115hp (86kW) arrives at 8700rpm while the torque top of 105Nm hits at 6750rpm. Four-fifths of the twist is available by 3500rpm. Mean fuel consumption is rated at 4.7L/100 km while service intervals are set at 12,000km. A 17L fuel tank offers a touring range of around 350km. 

A quickshifter mechanism is fitted on a Moto Guzzi for the first time. Power flows to the rear wheel via a shaft drive. A single-sided swingarm is used and has been developed to allow the use of a beefy 190/55 tyre.

Chassis architecture aims for agility, stability, and good front end feel. The engine acts as a stressed member, helping to contain overall weight which is a claimed 233kg wet. A two-piece saddle set at 815mm forms the foundation of “a relaxed riding position”. Both ‘bars and pegs are adjustable.

The pillion gets a plush wide pew, along with grab handles. An integrated pannier fastening system is fitted that’s essentially hidden from view when it’s not in use.

Suspension comprises a 41mm Kayaba fork and rear monoshock, both adjustable for rebound and preload, the latter at the rear by remote winder. The S model uses Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension front and rear, and it’s also linked to the steering damper. In auto mode, Comfort and Dynamic settings can be chosen, the former for everyday riding and touring, the latter for sports riding. Manual mode allows fine tuning of the system.

For retardation, radial-mount four-piston Brembo calipers act on a pair of 320mm floating steel discs up front. The handlebar cylinder is radial and both clutch and brake levers are adjustable. Tyres are Pirelli Angel GT IIs.

Moto Guzzi has engineered adaptive aerodynamics, a world first for a motorcycle. The system automatically adjusts the position of deflectors on the sides of the tank depending on the speed and riding mode selected. They’re fully active in Rain mode. Fully opened deflectors reduce air pressure on the rider by 22 per cent, similar to a full dress tourer. The windscreen is also automatically variable. The rider can raise or lower it by up to 90mm electrically or let the various modes do that automatically.  

On that, the V100 features four ride modes, Tour, Rain, Road and Sport, affecting engine response, TC and even side deflector opening and semi-active suspension settings. The rider can also fine tune and save settings individually. 

Standard V100 equipment includes full LEDs with DRL, along with bending lights, an underseat USB port, cruise control, and a five-inch TFT colour instrument. A smartphone can be connected to the instrumentation via Bluetooth for calls, music and GPS. 

The base V100 comes in white with gold rims, or red with bright red rims. 

A limited edition V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale (1913 to be made) reflects links with the navy, which is where Guzzi’s eagle badge originated. Special features include “jet intake” stripes and a tricolour rosette on the sides of the fuel tank. A serial number is laser-engraved onto the handlebar riser.

Finally, the V100 Mandello S is characterised by its semi-active suspension, quickshifter, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring and the Moto Guzzi Bluetooth system. It comes in green and gray or another shade of gray, both versions with black rims.

The V100 is due here in May next year, when pricing will also be announced.