Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S: bikesales Bike of the Year 2023 finalist

The introduction of the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S is the start of a new era for the 102-year-old Italian company. It is the first Moto Guzzi model with liquid cooling, and the first to feature a full suite of electronic rider aids.

For a company that literally wears its history as a badge of honour, the V100 Mandello S is a massive technical departure from Moto Guzzi’s past. And yet, the brand’s engineers have still somehow managed to seamlessly blend that history into a modern machine, while maintaining a high degree of style and class.

The bike is powered by 1042cc liquid-cooled transverse 90-degree twin-cylinder engine that produces somewhat modest figures of 115hp at 8700rpm and 105Nm at 6750rpm. But the engine is beautiful and, when combined with the tubular steel frame chassis, the bike is effortlessly easy and enjoyable to ride.

Another trick that the V100 S has up its sleeve is the electronic adaptive winglets, which help deflect air off and around the rider. It is a industry-first according to Guzzi, and while the real-world benefits are not huge, it is an innovative move nonetheless.  

The V100 Mandello is both high-tech and high-class, and it is a very deserving nominee in the 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year awards, proudly presented by Youi Insurance.

The V100 Mandello S doesn’t really fit into any one genre. It falls somewhere between adventure sport (think BMW S 1000 XR) and sports tourer (a la Suzuki GSX-S1000GT), but it’s quite unique in many ways. Can we start a new segment perhaps? Heritage touring?

Regardless of what category it does or doesn’t fall into, the V100 Mandello S will appeal to riders looking for a comfortable, capable, and undeniably cool tourer that is equally adept at tearing along a twisty mountain road.

And if you are Guzzi fan? Well, despite the significant leap in technology and innovation, this might just be the most Guzzi Guzzi in the brand’s current lineup. And it might just be the greatest Guzzi built to date. So, if you’re a Guzzi fan, then you’ll probably want a V100 in the shed.  

The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S is priced at $32,290 ride away, but the standard non-S version drops that to $28,290 ride away.

A four grand difference is significant, and on the surface it appears the standard version is the better bet, but the S version adds Ohlins semi-active suspension, a up-and-down quickshifter, heated grips, and tyre pressure monitoring. All of those features are welcome, but the Ohlins suspension is worth the extra dosh alone. The S version also comes in the popular and exclusive Verde 2121 colourway.

Cam Donald and Dylan Ruddy both tested the V100 Mandello S. Cam attended the Australian launch and experienced cold temperatures and snow-covered roads in the Victorian High Country, while Dylan battled hot and humid conditions at the Asia-Pacific launch in Malaysia.

“In the two days of riding, we covered a variety of conditions and tested the V100 Mandello thoroughly,” said Cam. “I struggled to find an area the bike was lacking. From highway miles to tight, twisty mountain roads and everything in between – the V100 Mandello didn't put a foot wrong.”

Dylan was equally impressed with the bike and highlighted its aesthetics and loyalty to Moto Guzzi heritage. “The V100 is a masterclass in how to progress while still retaining history, culture, and character,” he said. “This is the most high-tech Guzzi ever, and yet it is still very much a Guzzi. It has class and the brand's rich history oozes out of every part.”

Price: $32,290 ride away
Engine: 1042cc, liquid-cooled, four-valves-per-cylinder, transverse 90-degree V-twin
Output: 115hp (84.6kW) at 8700rpm, 105Nm at 6750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 233kg (wet)
Seat height: 815mm
Fuel capacity: 17 litres