2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello | What I DONT Like About This Bike! 

As a V100 S owner, I definitely agree with the comment about the fuel cap. First time I filled my bike I got a huge back blast of petrol. The filler is very similar to the one that was fitted on a Nelli Trek I had and I had similar issues with that. You need to fill it slowly. When I picked my bike up from the dealer I was warned about the checking the oil and told to do it on the flat on the centre stand (luckily Guzzi for once had the centre stand available when the released the bike, not like the V7 850 where I waited over 5 months for the stand). The suspension the S is really good, but I have found in the auto comfort mode (used in tour and rain modes) I have had to increase the brake assist as there is a lot of dive under braking with factory setting. Just finished running mine in and wow now that the "behave yourself mode" is off the engine is glorious. The sound is amazing (especially In tunnels :) ). I have to pinch myself that this is a Guzzi gear box (this is my 12th Guzzi) neutral is easy to find. The only fly in the gearbox ointment is the horrendous clunk at stand still from neutral to 1st. Im still not sure about the quick shifter 4 -> 5 -> 6 is OK but in the lower gears forget about it. Using the shifter to come down seems to be a bit hit and miss, maybe I just havent worked out how to use it porperly. However I will say I noticed the same issues with the quick shifter on a BMW R1250RS SE. So maybe quick shifters not so good on shaft drive bikes? If you are buying one of these bikes get the engine bars the rocker covers are vulnerable in a drop. I know as I had a slow speed 1 mph drop in a car park and now have a little scar to show on a rocker cover. At the time I had no engine bars fitted, I do now, if the bars had been fitted there would be no damage to show. In my defence the bars hadn't arrived from Guzzi at the time.. The brakes are way way beyond anything I have experienced before. The heated grips on the S are nothing to write home about. More Triumph warmers than BMW finger burners. The headlights are excellent. Id put them on par with a modern car for illumination. For me the seating position is fine (5ft6 and 29in stumpy legs). Though the standard seat means that its only a one foot flat job when stopped. The longest non stop trip I have done so far is 120 miles and the seat is well comfy, though you do get some engine vibes through the seat. The adjustable levers are fab for those of us with tiny hands way better than any after-market levers I have had fitted to other bikes in the range of adjustments available. I found initially the side stand a complete pain in the bum to deploy. The return spring is very strong and it needs a good flick to get the side stand down, this is quite awkward with shorty legs as the foot peg gets in the way. Fortunately as the pivot has now got a little gunked up the spring resistance is easier to over come and I dont have any problems with the stand now. The factory main stand is one of the easiest to use. Its easier to use than the one on my V7 850, and mile better than that fitted to a Honda NT1100. I couldnt get the Honda on the main stand at all when I test rode one. The build quality is really good. I just wish that the rear hugger was a little larger and the front mudguard was a bit better, as the amount of crap sprayed up by the wheels is astonishing. Bike is an absolute muck magnet. (XCP and ACF50 are your friends if you have Mandello).

Best channel on YT… real step change in production quality. Keep it up chops… 👍👍

I test rode the standard version last week. 2 things I didn't like: 1. The side stand 2. I don't have the money yet to buy one!

I very much appreciate seeing the longer format intro restored. It gets me excited and zoned in for another excellent video. This is one I’ve been hoping to see for a while. Thank you!

Pro Guzzi tip - if you point the curve of the gas pump's nozzle toward the rear of the bike when filling up you can do it much more quickly without spillage

Great review Chopsy .👍 I was amazed to see blue sky and dry roads 😮😮 for a few seconds anyway 😁😁 nice sound from the guzzi . Spain sound good right now .👍

I've owned mine for 5 weeks now and it's a wonderful thing I have to tell you. The suspension on the non S version is way too stiff on standard settings but I've had mine set up professionally and its now terrific sonsomething to bear in mind if you take a demo out. Didn't like any of the colours ways of the S model so went for the white with gold wheels obviously which sets the whole thing off beautifully.

Checking the V100 accessory options for a snorkel and a pair of flippers🙂. Great review as usual!

I've had bikes with the dip stick that requires the rider to sit on the bike and check the level with it level. Not easy, but it is 'do-able' but not ideal. I love sight glasses, very satisfactory, I wish ALL bikes had these.

What an astounding set of reviews! Prob for the best that you didn’t explore that river crossing 😮 The Nelson M is a beautiful package even with all the little let-downs. I’d love to try one.

Great honest review. 👍

Another good review Lamb Chop.

Looks fantastic in the white! Great review. Hoping they do a Stelvio update!

Solid and fair review. Good job. I got reprimanded some months back for calling Cycle World's review of it a "Puff Piece."

Great real world review Chopsie. Minor niggles, but great to have them pointed out. I am a serial Guzzi owner and also have a Multi 950, so this may replace two bikes in the future. Looking forwards to a test ride in kinder weather.

Another cracking vid chops. Interesting to see how you find the new 1250RS. Being 6ft 4,I always found the pegs on that quite high & forward for a tourer and the seat to peg ratio quite short. Looking forward to it. Spain in March!? Can't be bad!! 😁😎👍

Coldest weather i ever started out was 14 above centigrade. Had electric heated gloves and vest. My toes and eyes were chilled but that was it. There was no black ice and no salt.

I've got a test ride booked for March, looking forward to it!! But very grateful to you Chopsy for the excellent review, points worth knowing 👍

Loving the reviews Chopsey. Please keep them a bit raw as they are a lot more enjoyable than the heavily edited reviews from other reviewers.

Valid points chops, I'll take a good mudguard and underseat storage now I'm 50 odd 😉, guzzi fan here had a couple unfortunately wouldn't buy another. 👊

The fact that it looks different makes it interesting 😊

Hey Mate- I picked up the S model. You have to really dial in the suspension settings. Don’t rely on the factory settings. They are set for an Italian super model. Way light. Once that is done, she’s a wonderful. Still worried I should have considered the R1250RS though. But the Italian is a looker vs the German

I went with the S model for the electric suspension. Have it on a 2022 Kaw ZH2 SE I just got, along with other bikes i have. Definitely a worthy upgrade. Quick shift is also a good feature.

I remember going to a bike meet one evening many years ago and this old chap had come along on his mint condition Moto Guzzi Le Mans, my all time favourite Guzzi, great vid Chops we all like a nice Guzzi.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇬🇧

If you can, find time to visit the tt this year, it’d be great to see some of your footage from over in the Isle of Man 👊✊️✊️

Very thorough and complete, great to see the bad mentioned. How would you say it compares with my bike, the Kawasaki Z1000 SX? It's such an underrated sports tourer

Always like your reviews Chopsy. Don't forget some of us are featherweight and would probably find that suspension hard 🤣🤣 I love the active aero, I can see other manufacturers taking that and doing their own thing

Good video review given the conditions. I appreciate the critical comments as well, and agree you need to do another review. Would love to hear your comparison with the R1250RS, for which I am a bit biased. But I am very interested in the Mandello. Haven't ridden it yet though. None here yet.

Nice one John. It wasn't you that was miserable, it's the weather! Your right, I wouldn't fit on that!

I was wondering 'where's my Chopsy video' and had a great start to Saturday instead 🙂 One area the Moto Guzzi is going to kick the BMW into next week is looks 😍 Looking forward to the bros back to back vid 👍

Great review. I suspect I’ll have a similar issue with the suspension being far above the average sized Italian. That alone would probably make me pony up for the S. I do love the bloody gold wheels.

Thank you for entertaining reviews as always. I few points off this time for a pollution Mr. Chops

The dream is still alive! It's always good to get some real world opinions and things that might be an issue or not.

Centre stand is an option which will help when trying to check the oil with the dip stick!

I was lucky enough to test ride the bike on quite a warm ( for February) day and the roads had been dry for a few days so so probably pushed it a little harder than in the test and found the suspension to be good with little of the wallowing that was reported. As said in the video I think you need to test the bike again in the dry to get the best from it this having been said suspension is a bit of a black art and I think a bit of playing with the S model active suspension would reap big rewards. I would never buy the base model suspension on any bike, it is built down to a price and is always the first thing that you end up changing…….. it’s always cheaper in the long run to buy the up market suspension as the bike manufacturer can buy it cheaper than you can buy after market suspension.

Great video Chops. Not my cup of tea, but sounds nice. On your comment about the sound of Japanese bikes, I’d say at least one exception, the Yamaha CP4 on the R1 and MT-10, gorgeous sounding engine!

Hi chops. When this bike first came out I think we all did the same thing like wow!!!! What a stunner. I knew once the first live with video came out I would not be all Rosie in the garden. I'd be interested to see what people say after 12months. For me it's not even in the same league as the bmw. Not even in the same league as the Japanese sports tourers like the tracer z1000sx and gsx gt.. too many borrowed parts for me and too expensive but I will still say this machine is stunning

Looking forward to the RS review and comparison with the V100.

I have finally test ridden a Mandello. I forgot about the fuel fill up and sprayed half a gallon on the forecourt floor!. The engine is amazing. Loads of grunt in each gear. The gearbox is the best Guzzi one I have ridden lovely an slick with no clunking as reported in other reviews. It was nice and comfy for me, although he screen seemed to funnel the flies onto my visor when fully up, so I would go for a higher one. The suspension was really hard, but someone had been messing before me. There was no preload wound on, so it was bottoming. It was slightly better when I dialled some in. The brakes were lovely and progressive. I wanted to love the bike but the suspension put me off. Perhaps I need to ride a better set up one or the S model

I believe that holding down the Mode button on RHS handle bar whilst riding activates the screen up and down function.

All I know is I went and checked this thing out in person today and I think I am in love. I know she has flaws but love is blind so I fully embrace them. 😂 I don’t know that I have ever liked a road bike this much. 👍🏾

The temperature displayed is probably what the sensor is telling the ECU so by that adding an extra 5*C leans the mixture more so it passes emissions.

Tilt the fuel nozzle backwards and it fills up fine. Also if you press and hold the riding mode button whilst on the move it's a shortcut to the Screen adjustment.

Brilliant video as always! Been looking at this bike for a while so your comments are very helpful 👍. Can I ask what rucksack/top your are wearing with all the pockets? Would be handy for my daily commute. Thanks

I can overlook the faults…I want this bike!

Nice review, very honest as always, DONT think it compares to the BMW1250RS... at all

Good vid Chops. I do like this bike & you raise some interesting points. How much if at all did you play with the suspension? It has preload & rebound only front & rear doesn't it? I wonder if this might be some variation of the old Aprilia Shiver suspension as it seems to have similar traits from what you say.

Yeah, we definitely need to see you test out the S version in the dry. Rather terrible road conditions whole out of the standard version.

Hello all, for the oil check the machine is supposed to stand upright. The tank and the mirrors are the same since 2010, I think, my 1200 Sport had the same already. Lift the gas nozzle a bit and it will work fine. Have fun!

Nice looking bike. Harsh but bouncy, over sprung and under damped? The dipstick oil level should be quite a way from the top shouldn't it? Maybe it's really over filled. Great vid as usual Mr Chops. Cheers.

what a good looking and sounding bike

If those few little niggles are the only negatives, the Mandello has to be a really good bike. I own a 21 Tuono, so I am use to the switch gear and gas cap, I am sure it can be modified with a Dremel. I do agree they should have separate controls for the windscreen. I am sure someone will figure out a Tidy Tail, they figured out how to make one for the Multistrada V4 with radar. I have an S model on order, bike has arrived in the US just waiting for my dealer to receive the unit. Enjoyed both videos on the bike, thanks!

that one sided golden swingarm rolling...eye candy.

Finally, one of the Fab 4 has reviewed this bike. Really appreciate this review Chopsie. Despite some ongoing concerns about the Nelson I've ordered an S version. Main concern being about the increased oil required, the bike was originally specced with 3L and has been upped to 4.9L. Which explains the lack of sight glass, substitute dipstick and oil overflow on your video. Why it doesn't have hazard flashers I'll never understand. Eagerly looking forward to the comparison video with the R1250 RS, which I saw as my only other option. Keep up the good videos.

You could be in the southern highlands of New South Wales Australia. My backyard with some outstanding motorcycling roads.

For a minute there I thought you were going to ride into that pond!lol. Consensus is the S makes a huge difference that’s why I’m quite keen to see you review it, and on a very nice day too. Keep up the great work Chops👏

Local dealer ( San Diego ) has 10 coming this week. Already have confirmed VIN ( # 34 ) on my S model.

Still, such a gorgeous bike. They nailed the bodywork in my opinion.

good catches on the bad things....that luggage location and oil filler are absurd.

I don’t know what Japanese bikes you’ve been riding but I have been on the new MT09 & MT10 this week. They sound great

I would think the niggles you mentioned are a much better tradeoff then if the motor acted like an old Guzzi! There's your character! Has any owner here had the same problem checking the oil using the side stand? The rest of those things are inconsequential. I'd also suggest - and I know it might be inconvenient - but ask the dealer to help you dial in the suspension. I'm really tired of hearing all the reviews talking about how it just doesn't feel right - but nobody has taken the time to work it out! For some - possibly me included - I'm not entirely sold on electronic suspension management, specially on bikes that don't exactly have the best reputations for reliability. A good, well adjusted non-leccy suspension is a good thing, specially for a long-term owner.

Oh yeah, it does blend the aprilia and guzzi brands. Would fit in aprilias line up and who would alow that engine layout anywhere but at guzzi. Hope it sells. Maybe we can get a bigger dealer network in the USA (for aprilia) as a result.

Nice bike, very elegant

Ducati 950s. Italian, V-twin, 113bhp (or is it 110 now?) built-in luggage system, Brembos, Öhlins, quickshifter, adjustable screen...closer than the BM. Or a Thruxton RS, tho luggage is more of an issue, a great ride.

Great follow-up review Chops. I need some 'niggle awareness' before I get too giddy and slap a deposit down. Though, strange as it may seem, a few idiosyncrasies may actually be a positive. My 1250RS is brilliant on paper and a superb ride, but there is something missing and it's not just looks, which I guess is why I'm sniffing around this here Guzzi 🤔

SO Mate - you just reviewed the 1250RS. If it were you, which one would you choose?

Do you think there is any difference in riding position between the V85 and the V100? I have a V85 and wondering. The dealers around here don't have a V100 yet to look at. Your remarks about the suspension, did you check the preload, rebound, and compression settings before you rode it? The people that rode it before you could have set it wrong or played with it to make it feel wrong.

The wallow is just your weight. Apart from an extra bit of rear preload to compensate you just needed to add a little more damping on that rear.

I'm not sure, but I think the ambient temprature shown on the vehicle (applies to cars and trucks/lorries) dash may be gotten off the EFI system inlet air temprature and that is inside the air intake system where it may have been heated by the engine and will be higher than outside air once the engine is at normal temperature. The seal flap/grommet on the fuel fill looks like something a government required to contain fuel vapor when filling the tank. That it makes it more likely to spill fuel while refueling makes it almost guaranteed to be government standard.

The luggage slot on the tail is a major and shocking fail but what a gorgeous bike

Yes even on my V9 Bobber you need two guys to check the oil. In the tank that lip is a visual cue where to stop filling your tank.Yes it's a Guzzi.

If they put that 1050 engine in the V7 and made it twin disc it would be an instant buy from me.

I think on the fuel filler it's deliberately sized to just fit an unleaded nozzle in, your meant to actually insert the nozzle vertically. It's the same on most cars now, to make it more difficult to accidentally fill with diesel, which is a larger diameter nozzle.

What is temperature of your ride? I have an experience with a cheaper suspension, with a lot of bikes. When i ride and temperature is between 0-5 celcius, suspension doesn’t work good (I feel backaches and overall poor functionality), maybe it's due to congealed or poor quality oil in fork. When the temperature rises around 10 degrees celcius everything works good and much more sophisticated.

Guzzi's do have a bit of a following and I understand why. That engine looks great

Very useful video. I'm a long time guzzi owner and have been considering an S to replace my California EV. Would love to hear a pillions opinion on comfort. If it's wallowing solo it doesn't bode well for two up with luggage. What's the overall tank range like?

Ohlins on my Daytona 765 have ruined me for anything lesser. would love to get an "S" one!

The fuel system is the same on the MG TT, you have to go deep into that whole withe the nozzle and when its full it will stop without spilling. If you don't do that you have a spilling of course.

the fact that you automatically compare it to the GS1250 that costs an extra 7k€ here in PT, tells loads about this motorcycle!

They have created a great looking bike here, I really do like it. I enjoyed your video insights. The designers though must have in mind how they want the bike to look to the rider when they are on it. I can't believe those designers say 'We must have the brake reservoir sample bottles sticking up so the rider can see them when they are riding'. Is it cost, or weight saving or don't Brembo make combined brake/reservoir units ? (I know this applies to other manufacturers as well)

I have about 5 feet, one of which is used as a door stop 🤣 I've always fancied a Guzzi, I'm not sure the 'niggles' would put me off, every bike has some after all, though I'm not sure if that sort of bike ( or indeed any road bike) needs aero?

My Spada and Norge were 2 of the smoothest engines (on the motorway!) I had experienced, with their inherently perfect primary balance of the 90 deg V twin? Perhaps it need proper bedding in, as they did?

You're complaint of having to go into the menu to raise/lower the windscreen is false. Hold and press the mode button to do this as well.

Like the pros and cons summary. That oil filler is plain daft, you don’t want that. Seems to have lots of Italian character versus your standard BMW fare.

This is a cool looking and well made Guzzi, but still has some downsides that can bother quite a lot of riders. Overall I like it and can't wait to test it, but today the market is very critical and everything counts. You got my like bro.

I normally would flick by a video with Moto Guzzi content…but they have upped their game tenfold, more than a bit of B’jazzle. Those roads sent me back into my hibernation sad sod mode😂

Maybe the fuel filler thingy is to avoid pumping diesel? Diesel nozzles are bigger and don't fit in petrol cars because of that Maybe the same reason for the Guzzi?

I'm in the process of buying the standard in either red or white. The standard and S models aren't really that different for my riding skills but the S model colour is not to my liking. I couldn't look back at that green colour in my garage but the red or white with the gold wheels....well....woweee😍 EDIT: Got it. Love it.

Brembo clutch master is nice. KTM 1290 clutch master is the push bike magura HC1.

PAst few bikes have had electronic bouncy bits so I'd have to have the ohlins flavour, oem tyres are usually crap too

As an italian: very well pronounced! 👍

Great review and comments. Personally, I would buy the BMW RS instead of the Guzzi. Objectively, it is the better bike (material, engine, features). I understand that it is also much more expensive but you can find very good second hand examples of the RS, 2-3 years old which costs less than the Guzzi. Also, the depreciation of the Guzzi will be horrendous, I am sure of it. The RS would keep its third-hand value pretty well.

What do you wear over your Knox? Casual clothes or another biking jacket?

This is the first and second best reviews of the new V100. Second being your first video. I'm still on the fence for one of these, only because of my age (65), Body build (6-0, 34" inseam with arms to match) and 6 other bikes in the garage. Being from the states, I've only read about them, so I would be putting a deposit on a bike I haven't even seen let alone sat on. It's hard to get bikes to fit me, and other than my GL1800, I have modified every bike I've ever owned since my 77 Suzuki GS750. It was great to hear all the positive and negative comments in the video and comment section. Both answer many of my questions. Questions for the viewers. I know I like the bike. This would be my first v-twin. Love roll on torque. No sharp angled, comic book bodywork, a rear end that looks like an Italian female rear end(gorgeous), great brakes, engine noises and a PERSONALITY. I have a Versys 1000K that after modifications, now fits me, can be sat on for more than 30 minutes ect., ect. but has the personality of a Possum. Do you people believe I would physically fit on this bike with the above body dimensions? British roads look like Minnesota roads, bumpy and rough. All my bikes have reworked suspensions since I used Race Tech in my 95 Triumph Sprint. Wondering if the Suspension upgrade it worth the $. It seems like it may, due to the other features that come with the upgrade, but then no red version. Must I get a red Italian bike? it's fning beautiful. The 2 red bikes I had attracted police like bees to honey. We only have 2-3 dealers in this state. what are your maintenance thoughts. Please share your thoughts.

All the bikes I have come across the oil level is always checked when the bike is on the level and not on the side stand.

Something warm to drink? It's almost dinner time on a Saturday. It's egg & chips with a pint for me 😁👍

That flashing Cruise Control symbol is why I decided not to get a MGX21 when I test rode one, I know its a minor nitpick but man. The BMW's do it like cars, It goes from Orange when primed to Green when on, and the R9T just shows up green.

There is no way that you'd mistake the bike for any other manufacturer. You only have to look at the tank and side panels to know its styling comes from the 850 Le man's. Unmistakable if you've been around for a while. If you're a newbie then maybe you could. Then of course there is that engine configuration. Waffling on a bit me thinks! I will agree with chops on one thing why the "F" doesn't the S version come with Gold wheels? What were they thinking? The Gold with the metallic green paint would have been mega like the original design. That is a major dropped ball Piaggio!

I wish the S version was coming in that color. Green is okay, I guess.

Beware ownership if anything goes wrong your looking at waiting over a month for the part(s) to come from Italy, i had my V100 a month and then at the start of May 24, the exhaust sheared away from the collector box , 13th May 2024 they accepted the warranty and apparently its been sent 28th May , fingers crossed i will have it back soon. but a major disapointment after owner BMWs for the last twenty years with no problems like this