Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S is the 2023 People’s Choice

The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S is the winner of the 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year People’s Choice award, proudly presented by Youi Insurance. 

Marking an exciting new chapter for Moto Guzzi, the V100 Mandello S debuted earlier this year to positive reviews from the motorcycling media. The sportstourer accounted for 24 per cent of the votes from respondents to the Bike of the Year reader’s poll, beating seven other finalists in the only prize voted for by the public. 

Related: 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year finalists

Innovation and style were two areas that resonated with voters, as the V100 Mandello sees Moto Guzzi take a massive leap forward while still maintaining its heritage. The Mandello is the first Guzzi to feature liquid cooling and a full suite of electronic rider aids. 

“Something completely new but recognisable from Moto Guzzi,” said one voter. “It looks fabulous, and you know exactly what it is: a motorcycle that you just want to ride.”

Another voter went as far as to say that the V100 Mandello “must be the best-looking bike in Australia”, while another called it “an historically beautiful handmade Italian masterpiece”.

There was one voter who perhaps summed it up best: “A brilliant combination of originality combined with effective tech that enhances its appeal.”

In second place for the People’s Choice award was the Honda CB750 Hornet, which finished with 16 per cent of the vote. Offering incredible value for money, the Hornet is a well-equipped commuter than can easily double as an exciting weekend warrior. As one reader put it: “It rides great, and the price is even better”.

And it was a tie for third place with the BMW M 1000 R and the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS each taking 15 per cent of the vote. “Moving the bar higher, and still accessible to mere mortals,” said one voter of the M 1000 R, while another called the Street Triple “all the motorbike anyone will ever need”. The BMW and Triumph both sit within the naked genre but offer very different performance levels and price tags. 

Notably, three of the top four bikes could be classed as naked bikes or roadsters, showing a strong interest from the riding public in dedicated road motorcycles.

The other finalists included the Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition, the Ducati Diavel V4, and the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. The People’s Choice race was tight, with all eight bikes registering at least six per cent of the vote.

Next up in the 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year awards is the announcement of the Bike of the Year winner and two Highly Commended winners. That will happen in early December, followed by the winner of the Learner Bike of the Year award a week later. Stay tuned!