2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S - 500 Mile Update - Houston, Texas (1080p) 

@SP Steve, thank you. I appreciate it.

Me personally would like a blacked out s.

We are waiting for you to come to Italy with your new motorbike. In Italy you are welcome

@Janne Paananen, thank you for that. I really appreciate it. Yes, versatile. It definitely is. I test rode a base FTR and a Race Replica when they first came out in 2019. The 19 inch front wheels were new to me. I had only been used to 17 inch up to that point. I've been itching to get a Championship Edition FTR but they kept the 19 inch wheels on them but not on the other variants.

@whiteafrikkkannun1442Basically three things. Fueling is (still?) bad, especially on cold. Fuel tank is too small for that kind of engine, so the mileage is abysmal. Filling up is very cumbersome, because the tank is shaped like it is and is under the seat. Basically it takes lot of time to fill it up.

I'm loving that I don't have to worry about keeping the beautiful rear wheel clean from chain lube splatter.

@@BenManrriquez I run a belt now. I've had chains and shaft drive bikes in the past. Shaft drive is my favorite but belt is nearly zero maintenance and clean. My belt is 20 years old so I'm going to change it soon. It's a 30 minute job on a Sportster but on a Dyna it's trapped behind a LOT of stuff you have to remove. Not a fun job on my current bike at all.

I hear what you're saying about the quick shifter. It is clunky for me going into 2nd and 3rd. I'm not using it often in those gears for now. Just using the clutch until it breaks in more. 4th, 5th, and 6th are buttery smooth for me now. But, I tend to ride a bit aggressive. Not as aggressive as I do my Tuono Factory, Brutale RC, or 990 SMT, but close. I'm doing my best to keep it under 6,000 rpm before the first 900 mile break in period. I, as well, plan on getting handguards to help with the lack of heat in the grips.

@@BenManrriquez Yeah 4-5-6 is great. But that being said I test road a BMW R1250RS SE and it had the same feel to its quickshifter. Cant afford to ride to aggressively here in Uk at moment with all the rain, add to that its ploughing time for the local farmers so the road are covered in mud and manure, slippy slippy, but the TC works really well.

Oh, yea! That TC. I swear this bike gives me so much confidence to push it hard and lean it over in the curves. Way more than I'm used to feeling comfortable with on other bikes. Could be a great thing or maybe not. 🤔

Sorry to do that to you. I'm enjoying it. 😉 Hope you can as well soon.

Picking mine up this week as well.

What part of the country are you in, Tom?

What about you, Quack, where you at?

@@BenManrriquez Berlin, Germany… so unfortunately a few miles away…

I didn't know color affected easiness to clean. Mmm.

@LieutenantLysol, sorry to have wasted your time.

Thanks, Robert. I have an appointment to drop off the V100 at AF1 this Friday for the 900 mile initial service. I'll ask about the updates. My Tuono Factory is a 2017. It has the Akrapovic full exhaust and Race ECU. It received an update 2 years ago at AF1. I'm approaching 36,000 miles on it so will be time to take it back to them soon for a valve check.

GMAC, whew! Thanks for that information. I was beginning to think it was due to my little hands. 😕 I'm getting more and more used to it. But do notice the difference when I switch bikes. I do believe I prefer the skinnier grips.

@alp3781, I'd say go for it. We have a Moto Guzzi dealer in Houston. They actually have 2 locations in Houston and are expanding to Dallas. But, I've had bad experiences with all 3 of their make lines (which I have all 3 of); Aprilia, MV Agusta, and Moto Guzzi. They have a reputation for dealing a certain way and lacking customer service. So.... I drive almost 3 hours away to AF1 in Austin for service. There is a former Houston dealer, MPH, that is well sought after for his Moto Guzzi expertise and his shop is only a few miles away from me in West Houston. But, he has a work order queue that's too long for me to wait on. As long as I set an appointment with them, AF1 has gotten me in and out within hours.

@@BenManrriquez Better you then me. That is a major issue on the East Coast dealing with MV, Aprilla, MG. Its a shame cause we are loosing riding wonderful machines. I can ride a Ducati, but the dealer is almost 2 hours from me. Enjoy your machines, boss.

You in New Zealand?

@@BenManrriquez Yeah mate. South Island, the beautiful one!

@Martino Zito, Rebel Guzzi and Rebel RAM truck. They go hand in hand. 😃

The sound Is magic!!

@Fishing w Cp!, thank you, thank you.

can't agree more about the front fender its poor , Ive fitted a pyramid extender at £ 70.oo works well but why on a GT tourer don't MG fit as standard this bike is made to be used not just looked at. I love mine

@AllWheelDrive, oh, I'm not familiar with glass beads. I'll look into it. I'm at 1,600 miles as of two weeks ago. Rode my V7 Racer and KTM 990 SMT last weekend. Will put a few more miles on the V100 this weekend. So far, so good. No issues at 900 mile service 2 weeks ago. Running impressively smooth.

AF1 is where I got mine from. Placed a deposit on it in March 2022. Finally came in last week Tuesday.

Cx650 is still a lovely looking bike today... 😁

I can confirm on the website you can add the center stand. However I do believe it should have been included in the base model of the bike.

@BayMoto55, I got it from AF1 in Austin. There are a few of us on MotoHouston with Tuonos and RSV4s.

@@BenManrriquez Great. Thanks. I'll check out MotoHouston

Just seen spy shots of the new stelvio, looks stunning, think ill wait for that... 😁

I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you.

Yes, I'm now planning on adding handguards. My original plan was to do away with having to wear thick cold weather gloves that reduce feel. Maybe the combination of mild heated grips and handguards will be enough to keep me warm. I tend to easily get cold.

@@BenManrriquez I added hand guards to mine a few months ago mainly because I hate wearing gloves. I force myself to wear them most of the time but sometimes I don't. I rode for 30 years never wearing gloves so it's taking time to get used to. The handguards make a subtle difference in the cold but you'll still need heated grips or gloves in the real cold. I like that they block rain and debris which is the main reason I put them on.

@William Thomas, the way Americans say it.... yes. I'll pronounce it correctly on my next update. The "u" is almost silent. It's a sound that it not easy to make in English. In Spanish we say "tu madre". Which is the same sound in Italian. It's somewhat like the "th" sound in "thump". Like "tu y yo"... like that. 👍 I'll work on it.

I'm 5'6 and 155 lbs. Short, I know. I tippy toe on both sides at stops. It feels as tall as my 2017 Tuono Factory. Not as tall as my 2010 KTM 990 SMT or other taller bikes I've had in the past. At 5'11, yea, you'll probably be more comfortable with the taller seat as the foot pegs are high up almost at sportbike height. I feel comfortable. It fits me fine. What's still bothering me is the tightly sprung throttle. It tires my hand. But the cruise control with help out with that. Oh, a Pikes Peak. I regret passing up on the opportunity to buy an exceptionally clean one last year. I test rode a base model a few years ago. Liked it. I can only imagine how much better the Pikes Peak is.

@@BenManrriquez Hi Ben, I'm a fan of your videos! You can ask at the first service if they can adjust the throttle? I have V85TT and the throttle can be twisted very gently, even by two fingers.

@@j_moonchild, oh, I didn't know that. I'm already past the 900 mile "first service". I'll look into this to see if the throttle can be lightened for me. As of this past weekend I'm at 1,600 miles. We'll have rain here in Houston the next few days. I won't be able to get out much. I do need to do an update soon ,though. Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it.

@A Hughes, yes, unfortunately it might be a tab cramped for you. I'm only 5'6 and it's a tight fit for me. But, it's way more spacious than a Tuono. I rode the Tuono two days ago and quickly realized that the foot pegs are way up racer style. Huge difference between the Tuono and V100. I can barely tippie toe on one side while on the SMT. I've gotten used to it, though. I actually like it now... riding high to where I can see far down the road. I was going to get a 2020 TV RC but ended up going with the Brutale RC. It was going to be a special order as the dealer only had the base TV in stock. I was impressed with the test ride. Very easy to maneuver bike. I'd say keep an eye out for someone local to let you sit on (or ride) their V100. Then you'll know for sure it you can put up with the cramped ergonomics.... based on your height.

@@BenManrriquez Thanks for this. I’m going to the MG dealer this weekend to check it out. I rode a Tuono for a few days last year as the MV service centre I used gave it me as a loan bike while the TV was in for an annual. I couldn’t even use the rear brake it was so cramped and my knees got in the way of full lock! Scary stuff especially as the I was on unfamiliar wet & slippery country roads.😆

@Karl-dn9el, I have found that by tilting the nozzle rearward and inserting it all the way, it stays on and I get no splash as compared to inserting it forward or straight down. In this position, I can even pull the trigger at the highest flow rate with no splash. I've actually had other motorcycles that are way more finicky than this and no matter what angle I point the nozzle in, it splashes or turns off. Could just be your local gas station nozzles. Where are you located? They do vary for us from gas station to gas station in Texas. But I've mostly had good success with the rearward tilting. Hope it begins to work better for you.

@Mozeby, yea, good point. That's what's keeping many from buying... the lack of local dealer support. We have an authorized Houston area dealer but my service experience with them on a Aprilia Tuono 3 years ago was not good. Others I've spoken to about their experience with this place have similar opinions. So, I bought it from AF1 in Austin 2 1/2 hours away from my home. I took it back to them for the 900 mile service. I expect to keep taking it to them for each upcoming service. My Tuono has not had any issues. I'm at 34,500 miles on it now. I'm at 2,850 miles on the V100. I have a 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 II Racer and a just acquired a 2020 V7 III Racer 10th Anniversary last weekend. No issues with them so far. But I am lucky that I have within 10 miles from me an Aprilia / MV Agusta / Ducati / BMW certified technician and a Moto Guzzi master technician. I've owned 2 Ducatis and both had severe electrical problems. Luck of the draw, I guess!

@@BenManrriquez how’s the size? I’m 6’1 and about 220. My Triumph Trident is a great bike but maybe a little small and little to no wind protection so that’s why I’m looking at a sport touring like this or Tracer 9. I ride to work on the hwy doing 70’ish so comfort is a big deal. First bike so live and learn.

@@mozeby1975 at 6'1 you should be fine. It depends on where on the seat you prefer to sit. I'd imagine that some over 6 feet tall will touch the cylinder heads with their knees if they sit up close to the tank. As far as speed, I have found that this bike feels most at home in the 80 to 100 mph range. It will easily do 70 with no wind buffeting.

@Deetroiter, yes, it's going to be tricky. My worst experience has been with my 2010 KTM 990 SMT. It has to be checked at exactly a certain number of minutes while hot. Same here; different readings / different results. 😞 www.ktmforum.co.uk/threads/how-to-check-the-oil-level-correctly.82968/

Yea, I heard about the dipstick. I'm gonna need some help with someone holding it upright when it comes time to check the oil level. So oil doesn't spill while bike is leaned.

@Bill h, are you Italian, Bill? I speak Spanish. It is "Tu ono". The u is almost silent. Not "2 ono". Not "Too ono" as some Americans think.

@@BenManrriquez When has Aprilia become a spanish brand? In Italian the u is clearly audible.

@jeremy cioe, will do. I have my thoughts already but let me get some footage of both in similar situations. I'll follow up with a post comparing the Tuono to the V100.

@Eli The Great, in general, I agree with that. But my 2017 Aprilia Tuono Factory has been flawless at 34,500 miles now. Maybe I'm just lucky. On the other hand, I had 2 Ducatis a few years ago that both had severe fatal electrical issues. Maybe I was just unlucky in that case. But 2 of them! My 2019 MV Agusta Brutale RC has been great at 10,500 miles now. No issues with 2 other Moto Guzzis. But, yes, a risk, nonetheless with this first year totally new V100.

@@BenManrriquez You are indeed lucky, I wish you continued Luck. That Guzzi looks nice, I hope any Gremlin’s are kept away 👍

@elithegreat6463, I'm at 7,200 miles so far. No issues yet. I'm watching for them, though.

@Rod Mitchell, I like it. I can quickly feel the difference between ride modes. Especially when going from Sport to Rain. Sport is firm but still comfortable enough for me to ride in for extended length of time. Road and Tour are similar. So far, apart from adjusting the speed at which the aero winglets deploy in each mode, I've left the suspension settings alone to get a good feel for stock setup. I plan on getting some help with suspension setting specific to me after a few thousand miles.

@kevinbelter7934, Well, since I'm new to the brand, I wouldn't say greatest achievement just yet. But it is a huge advancement. And, of course, it helps that much of the technology that went into the V100 has trickled down from Piaggio Group. It's a beautiful, well-rounded bike. I'm loving it!

Let me rephrase. My hands don't get tired. I just dislike the thick grips. Every time I ride a different bike with thinner grips, I much prefer the thinner ones.

Sorry, I have not.

@@BenManrriquez darn, any chance you could go demo a rebel 1100 or atwin with dct? :P

@dariusOlupus, I'm always up for adventure. I'll look for a demo days opportunity to do this. We have plenty of dealers in the Houston area.

@@BenManrriquez just if you do try out the fully automated mode, make sure to have the dct reset (the computer learns how you ride and adjusts its shifting in those modes to your riding style) also rear brake feathering = clutch feathering for slow speed maneuvers

@giacomomini1851, It will be a tight fit. I'm only 5'6 and it fits me perfectly. The only way to find out is to go test ride one. I'm lucky that AF1 is only 160 miles away from my home. I was there 3 weeks ago. They several demos available including the V100. I test rode a 2024 Speed White Tuono.... very nice.

@Kent Brown, I'm 5'6. No, my knees don't touch. Plenty of room for me. I'm hearing of some that are 6'2 or taller and having trouble with the tight space.

@@BenManrriquez I wondered. I'm 6'2" with long legs. Damn Damn Damn.

@Danny Van, I did not test ride before buying. I got hooked when the pictures of it started coming out at EICMA 2021. I placed a deposit at AF1 in Austin in March 2022. By that point, based on specs, and knowing that it was a Piaggio product somewhat related to the Tuono, I had a good idea I would like it. I was right. Moto Guzzi have done an outstanding job. The V100 is a joy to ride!

Yes, they just arrived 2 weeks ago in the US. I had placed a deposit on the higher spec S model in March 2022 at AF1 in Austin. I agree, I love the look of it. I'd prefer red or white, only the green is available in the S version.... for now. I purchased a 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer last year to get acquainted with the brand. I quickly grew to like the unusualness of it. It's not a perfect bike. But I like how basic it is. AF1 in Austin is my preferred dealer. I live in Houston. I also have a 2017 Aprilia Tuono Factory that I've taken to AF1 for the 12k mile service. I have 34,500 miles on it now. The local Houston Aprilia, MV Agusta, and Moto Guzzi dealers have a reputation for not being dependable. I've personally experienced it myself. I gave them a chance but they failed; a couple of times. They claim to be trying to improve their service but I have not heard of an improvement. For now, I'll continue to travel to AF1 2.5 hours away. My 2019 MV Agusta Brutale RC gets serviced by Apex Reparto Corse in Katy. The technician there specializes in MV Agusta, Ducati, and Aprilia. Yes, the 200 miles in a day is a norm for me. I ride with a few groups in the Houston area. We routinely do 200 to 300 miles per day riding around the countryside north and northwest of Houston where the decently curvy, hilly roads are at. First break in service is at 900 miles. I'll be at AF1 next Friday, March 24 for that.

@@BenManrriquez Thanks for the prompt and detailed response! This is one of the few bikes that I am looking at but the closest and most accessible dealer is about 72 miles away with traffic at times. So, I think about if the bike has issues and when I need service etc. But, the bike has all the things that I would like and it is one of the most beautiful bikes out there. The bike is striking and I would assume that it is like that in real life. I hope you post more videos about the bike and do you plan to make modifications like an exhaust and luggage et. Personally, this is one of the few bikes that I could live with out the box I think they got it right.

I'll be doing an update at 1,000 miles or so after the break in service. I had ordered the Guzzi top case, bracket, and dash USB along with the bike. The parts haven't arrived yet. I'm also hoping to order the stock side cases. Might even order the gold wheels. I like to keep my bikes as close to stock as possible. I don't like bling; especially gold or chrome. The only upgrade I usually do is an aftermarket exhaust and ECU remap. Apart from the cases, taller windscreen for long distance riding, and a phone holder, I'm going to leave it as is. The stock exhaust is the best sounding I've ever heard. Sound is subjective. I swear some of the Aprilia Tuono sound made its way into this bike. I'll leave the stock exhaust. As I get older, I cherish cruise control, heated grips, wind protection, quick shifter, storage, an informative dash, and overall comfort. Sounds like you also value these same things. Plus, the bike is a hoot to ride. I went out for a short 2 hour ride this morning before the rain arrived. Put a smile on my face. 😀

@@BenManrriquez Thanks! This is beautiful and I can tell that you are excited. I will look into this bike as well. I see this bike as a sport tourer which is a segment that has gone away and have been replaced with Adv bikes. Sport touring was my initial roots but they went away. I will check this bike out. Thanks so much!

I know mv has improved but I kinda have trust issues. Fortunately I will be able to try them in few weeks, but yeah, is 800 mv engine safe now, or should it only be considered as a second bike. Also have you had any reliability issues with either mv or moto guzzi. :) They look both awesome

Also, for the gold wheels, my retailer told me it was 100% doable to swap with white or red gold wheels the S black model. As people who buy red or white non S want black wheels, and people buying green S model want gold wheels xD That said the black/grey S really nail the black rims. ;)

@thomasbouvier3203: I test rode a 2020 MV TV when I got my 2019 Brutale RC. I liked it. But, the triple engine took some time to get up to speed. You really have to rev the engine to get the power out of it. The V100 has power everywhere. I can take off in 2nd through 4th gears and keep that gear to a high speed. I've never ridden a monster. The latest Monster SP looks nice though. I've ridden 2 RS 660's and a Ducati V2. Both are similar. Being smaller displacement, you have to ring their necks to get the power.

@thomasbouvier3203, the latest 800's are fine. My 2019 Brutale RC rides great. I'm at 10,500 miles with no engine issues.

@thomasbouvier3203, yes, I purchased the gold wheels separately. I got them put on 3 weeks ago. I tried to swap with another new owner, but the cost at the dealer was going to be more than what I was willing to pay. Instead, I purchased the gold wheels and that way I get to keep the black wheels as spares. I'm at 7,200 miles now.

@stefano rgh, yes, I actually did buy it for the heated grips. That, the quick shifter, cruise control, electronic windscreen, and the active aerodynamic winglets. Plus the ability to add a top case and side cases. All those things are important to me.

@Zaphod Beeblebrox, wind maybe. 😉

@Joel Andrade, now that I've ridden the S, I'm thinking I would have been fine with the base bike. But I really wanted the heated grips, cruise control, quick shifter, and IMU without having to add them later. And that red or the white.... beautiful colors.

S is for Special

@Michael Alquist, it's my GoPro camera setting. I have it on wide angle. I'm still learning. Hoping to get better with filing and editing.

@Danny Van, yea, it's not acceptable. I tried various fixes for the wind noise. Settled on a hack using a foam housing. So far, so good on my latest recordings.

Ha, ha. My first language was Spanish.

@@BenManrriquez Or Espanish? ;-)

@Hos Steinle, sorry you didn't enjoy my amateurism. I'll probably do a few more updates before I drift off. Gotta warn you in advance. Ain't gonna get much better. I created these videos for my own personal enjoyment. I am very appreciative, though, to those few that found it helpful.

@michelemaio8399, true, true. 😆

@Stephen Croft, I'm just a regular person with the GoPro app on an old Android phone. That music is all I got. Sorry it wasted your time.

Ha, ha. I was just testing them. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. On average, we get like 5 days a year in Houston with near freezing temperatures. I've ridden at below 40 a few times. Needed heated gloves, several layers of shirts, a heated vest, and heated socks. Felt comfy.

I have a difficult time holding onto thicker grips. Blame it on my little hands. 🤣