Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello VS BMW R 1250 R | The Exotic Twin Battle

We love these machines because of their different engines. The comparison got us riding some beautifull mountain roads in our search for the best big capacity roadster.

[@ginaz2640]

I rode a V100 about three weeks ago and did not feel the vibration you speak of, the mirrors at speed are crystal clear and the only vibes I could feel at speed were low frequency and very subdued at the pegs which are mounted directly to the motor cases; the bars seat and pegs were all day touring smooth. There is a very slight amount of vibration through the bars though while at idle, and while feathering the clutch taking off from a stop which is actually a good thing for me as it gives a feel for what is happening at the clutch engagement/friction zone, otherwise it was very smooth. I had a very connected feel with the motorcycle; I personally do not like a sterile motorcycle with no feel...... I liked the V100 so much so, that I put a deposit down 4 days after riding the V100 and ordered a V100S, along with the panniers..... and I have never owned a Guzzi in my 50+ years of riding. By the way, how many miles were on each of the bikes in your video? Just for S&Gs, check out the mirrors in this video and see what is said: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmG3Z55tbsRlbKs Cheers, keep the shiny side up.

[@mathiashammar1]

Yeh me bit clueless what they got it from. After honda smooth Mandello i tested KTM 1290 GT and a Ducati Monster this weekend also. My hands and crotch was numb after 15min ride and mirrors was useless. Only thing i was a bit confused about was the rear break of the Mandello. I had a hard time to make it bite. (maybe i was having my foot on something else) i never dared to look down in a group ride.

[@sfzx54]

@@mathiashammar1 Yes same here Mathias. I've had a chance to spend about an hour on the standard version V100. Never did I feel that vibration was even a concern and I come from a long history of ultra smooth inline 4 cylinder machines. I could see very clearly in the rearviews as well or better than other bikes and as you noted might have felt a tiny bit of vibe in the foot pegs on a very low mileage bike (under one hundred miles), the guzzi usually gets even smoother with some miles on them. The suspension quality was even surprisingly good on the standard version and most of my inline 4's have had custom suspension work done. I don't think I trust BMW's drive shaft as much as I would the Guzzi. A friend of mine owned a BMW 1250 and it lived in the the shop for the first three months he owned it!

[@malcolmabram2957]

@@sfzx54 I have a R1250R, two years now, no issue with the shaft. I had a R100T in the 80s, and did nearly 80,000 miles on that bike. Never an issue with shaft. In fact apart from two clutch plate changes (did a lot of riding in London), never had any issue with the bike.

[@brucem8129]

This is a better more balanced review than I just watched.

[@rustynail9007]

If it doesnt vibrate, its not a moto guzzi. Gotta have the vibrations for a healthy prostate, its good for circulation!!

[@RacingandAdventure]

Nice one! Go Guzi then!

[@kupalisky3553]

Motogoochie

[@c.g.c2067]

The V100 is a breath of fresh air... really enjoyed it

[@barrysebastian9584]

Both great bikes - I seriously considered the BMW, but went with the V100S Verde, due to weight and seat height. Glad I did - it’s a perfect blend of my Norge and Ducati ST3S… with a taller screen on the V100, long rides are tolerable. I’m sure the beemer is smooth as silk, and has proven engine tech, but for us “inseam challenged,” the Guzzi is a solid choice😀.

[@couttsy222]

Not quite correct, Barry. The 1250R most definitely has a lower seat. My (very) vertically challenged wife has a 1250R with the optional lower seat which is only 760mm high. I do wish more manufacturers were as considerate of shorter riders. Hope that you're enjoying your V100 -- it appears to be a stunning bike.

[@cpuuk]

V100 is a really nice, and different, bike to own.

[@ThePalmatron]

I love the Guzzi....

[@Rower30-ye6qn]

I own a V100S, Vibration is nil. I don't use the quick shifter because it shifts so well manual. 5,300 miles and it's been great. Keep it above 3,000 RPM and you're golden. This engine is really a rever for a twin, and not at all like my 1992 BMW R100RT that was a lawn mower. All grunt off the bottom but zip on top. Suspension on the bike is very good but I'm way light (150 pounds wet) for the average rider. I need the next lighter rear spring probably. I'll look at that this winter. V100S MPG is 54 MPG ridden reasonable. Same as the BMW with a bigger but worse 43 MPG so no loss there. I did add ROX bar riser up and back a bit. I have three sized fairing for the ride type; stock (low), Bodini (middle) and GIVI (high). All are fine based on what you need. This bike looks so clean and well thought out compared to about any "modern" bike. All the uglies are there, of course, but hidden away so well. During the winter I like to look at my bike and the new BMW is just ugly, not like the 1992 R100RT or V100S at all. I like the lower V100S weight and how nimble it is. The 1250 was just a bridge too far in weight and clumsiness most of the time. I didn't feel accomplished on it at all. The V100S was almost an immediate fit for me for all around use and I felt good getting it to listen to me. The brakes on both bikes are awesome. No problems there. Coming off a 1992 bike the rider aids are really good on either bike. The display on the BMW was better (larger) but that wasn't enough to me. So for me the V100S got my bucks.

[@StockySnail]

I test rode the v100 and didn't notice any vibrations. It felt smooth, relaxed, progressive, yet still fast.

[@AlbertManiscalco]

yeah this is the first review ive read/watched that declared it buzzy. maybe its just in comparison to the BMW. seems like its more than tolerable to everyone one else that rode it.

[@ionescualin1112]

The real test is V100 vs R1250RS. more similar bikes, sport touring, windshield... Same winer, BMW, but is the right class

[@giovanniricci4369]

Well said 👍✌️

[@bijouxsurroues2897]

Moto Guzzi really did an amazing bike! If you want something different but with style and efficiency that's the bike. For BMW, id rather go for the r nine t

[@jimmarshall807]

Sounds like you found the BMW the more refined bike, but as a rider of an air-cooled 850cc Guzzi (which is arguably more 'characterful' then the V100) I know which one I'd pick!

[@martinozito1854]

Infact!! 👍

[@thestonegateroadrunner7305]

Sigh! The engine on the Moto Guzzi is installed longitudinal, not transversal. A motor journalist should actually know the difference. The cylinders are positioned to the side just like the cylinders on the Ford Mustang V8 and nobody would think of the Mustang V8 being installed transversal.

[@AlbertManiscalco]

seems like they are just repeating stereotypes...i havent seen anyone else call the bike buzzy.

[@christianmouraux7269]

You call the flaws of the Guzzi, character. And that’s totally correct! Because a bike has to have character, that is precisely what the Bmw is missing. For sure the BMW is excellent bike but that is the reason why it’s also a bit a boring bike. I go for the Guzzi 😀

[@christianmouraux7269]

Done ! I got one Mandello S, sooo good looking and pleasant to ride! I recommend 😀

[@yanorf7513]

I'll take "character over "prestige" any day. My ego doesn't require a BMW

[@Deetroiter]

The difference between these two bikes is that the turn signals work on the Guzzi

[@malcolmabram2957]

I have the BM, they work fine on my bike. However the headlamp could be better in the dark.

[@rememberitsallagame]

I Love your channel guys - really miss Christian, keep the vids coming ✌

[@garynichols2944]

So many here are overlooking a major factor: the romance of owning a Guzzi. One must REALLY want one. I went with the v100.

[@malcolmabram2957]

I have a R1250R, now 3 years now. Cannot judge the Moro Guzzi (though loads of respect) as I have not ridden one. However the BM is a superb bike to ride, always stable and superb torque even from low revs.

[@reneroozendaal5493]

Hi guys this is a nice comparison! You are the firts to mention that the guzzi has hi frequency vibes....... mayby there is something wrong with this particular bike? In no other test did this pop up...... Good work, ciao ciao

[@Boxer1250RT]

Guzzi has the looks. Very beautiful machine. Time will show how reliable this new model will be.

[@joedudz]

I'll give you guys a clue. One is a motorbike. The other is a work of art.

[@brucewygal133]

The Guzzi is one of the most beautiful bikes ever and the BMW looks like a tractor. Don't know why the Guzzi you had seemed to vibrate because no one else seems to think so. the BMW is a fine utilitarian bike, but the Guzzi is a work of art. My opinion.

[@nilslofthagen686]

I second your opinion.

[@AlbertManiscalco]

you could actually pick up women on one, the other one would scare them away and make them assume youre a pensioner 😂 so if youre retired then get the Bimmer if you still have lead in your pencil get the Guzzi...either way horses for courses lol

[@jonathanprior6025]

The Guzzi is a bike that, after parking it up and walking away, I would always turn round and look at it to admire it. With the BMW, I would park it up and try to forget how ugly it is! 😂

[@AlbertManiscalco]

one is for pensioners and the other for those with a bit of blood still pumping in their veins

[@yannisfotis923]

I test rode the basic version of MG Mandello, and I have to say that it is perhaps the most satisfying bike I have ever riden! It is a perfectly modern, refined bike as far as I am concerned. "Refined", but still a bike too... not an electric blender! Have no clue about the BMW though - nor have I ever ridden any big boxer, to be honest. I also loved the fact that you analyzed quite extensively how both of these bikes handle in the twisties. We needed that! I would love to know how does the pillion seats feel too, though.

[@AngelSapundzhiev]

The V100 Mandello compares much better with the R 1250 RS because of the fairing and wind protection, as an overall experience.

[@petewelsh9978]

Exactly

[@thefunk731]

I ride the Guzzi V100, good vibrations not disturbing at all!

[@yanorf7513]

i prefer a bike that has a bit of engine feel, that's how you know it's alive!

[@morequestions8034]

Having ridden both bikes I brought the Guzzi. They talk about the Guzzi vibrating badly I haven't found that to be the case at all it's a very smooth V twin. Next the suspension on the Guzzi is adjustable at the touch of a button have it how you like. The BMW is definitely more grunty but the Guzzi has plenty for the road and handles great . I love the Guzzi very happy with my choice and I don't recognize my bike from their review.

[@tonydare7614]

The Guzzi is a clear winner for me having tested both. It has better protection, more original, and more character. The BMW is a great bike to go from A to B but has less soul in my opinion.

[@p-dub7422]

Great review! I am looking at getting a new bike but I am looking at the BMW 1250 RS and the moto guzzi Mandello in this video. It seems to me that you would have compared the BMW 1250 RS with this bike because they are both sport touring bikes with a fairing. Why did you select R 1250 R over the RS version? Will you also compare that RS with this bike? Now I feel a little doubtful about the Guzzi based on what I heard hear. Do you have an opinion about the BMW RS 1250 compared to the Mandello? Thanks

[@RacingandAdventure]

The RS and the R are basically the same. The wind protection is the inly difference.

[@stevenbatley8666]

I had a new Norge1200T and loved it,unfortunately the dealerships were awful,no spares and when you finally received the spares the costs were diabolical, but it was a beautiful piece.

[@race8427]

The Guzzi looks like it belongs in a museum of fine art, the BMW looks a bit claddish. Turn the customizers loose on the Guzzi and you can visualize something stunning, the BMW will definitely challenge the imagination.

[@stewy62]

Great review from a great team ! The V100 is a superb looking bike. I don’t know how prices compare across Europe but here in the UK the V100 is a few hundred pounds more expensive than the faired R1250RS 🇬🇧

[@andysmith-ne1qs]

Out here o the west coast of Canada the difference is 19990 1250 rs vs 19909 v100 s

[@andysmith-ne1qs]

My error 23909 for the rs versus 19990 for the v100 s .

[@peterwilliams1004]

Don't forget the options.......!

[@larryechols6606]

I now own a Moto Guzzi V100S Mandello and after 3,500 miles I love it. I added a larger windscreen and that made it nicer for longer rides.

[@bonwana2275]

For the last 6 months, I've been watching youtube videos in a search for a bike to buy. I first started looking at adventure bikes but in the end I decided to concentrate on a road bike. The Bmw r1250r was my selection and last week I ordered the 2023 Triple Black version (The bike in this review). I am in Australia and the Mendello doesn't seem to be on sale in Australia. I could be wrong but I would have selected the Beamer anyway. This review is fantastic and very much appreciated and in my opinion, it is up there with the best reviews on the internet. Well done. Rev up! @07:01 made me laugh....seeing as I'm 59 lol Ps. Loved the intro! Great music, fantastic videoography and excellent production. And awesome humour lol Liked and Subscribed

[@RacingandAdventure]

Thank you and enjoy your new motorcyle!

[@malcolmabram2957]

I am a Brit, here Moto Guzzis are hard to find, and dealerships are sparse. Not the case for BMW. Something to be considered. Saying that, I have a lot of respect for the Guzzis. I have the BM as in this video.

[@Sr.D]

I can't wait to see the new LC Guzzi engine in a more classically styled bike, like a big brother to the V7 Classic! It would be great competition for the Bonneville T120, just as the V7 competes against the T100

[@keremarsan]

I have a mandello s , love it , so special , yes it is new and a lot of things to improve , but why about the passenger ? BMW look like no enough place for passenger ? and exotic machines can maybe not match the best of the categories but they are exotic , and it is the v100 mandello which is special in my opinion ( I driven for 1200 km now and always with smile on my face ... ) - 20 years of bike experienced drivers , 50 years old I am ...

[@brucewygal133]

I'm 70 and I just had my V85TT totaled from a crash caused by a blow out. I came out ok, but I really loved the Moto Guzzi. Now I have to decide whether to get another V85TT or maybe get the Mandello. If the Mandello had the 6 gallon fuel tank and came with luggage it would be an easy decision. I love the looks of the Mondello.

[@keremarsan]

@@brucewygal133 sorry to hear that , Mandello is a wondefull bike but , make a test drive before deciding , the low turning radius is a problem , and the seating position less comfortable compare tto v85tt, you can get Side bags , for long trips, the 4.2 gallons (approx) will not be suffisent fornlong trip, need to stop ever 150-200 Miles....

[@Rower30-ye6qn]

Look at the range, not the tank size. My V100S gets 52-54 MPG and my 1992 BMW R100RT gets 43 MPG. Same range on both bikes but lighter carrying less fuel on the V100S.

[@helgejohan3604]

Guzzi evry day, more raw and fun motor✊🔥

[@Victor-vf1fi]

Bravo băieți super review!

[@rubenangelvarisco4233]

Guzzi ❤🎉

[@baklcdcvdfv3434r4]

The reviewer is BMW fanboy always put BMW on pedistal

[@yanorf7513]

He likes the wider bars', they provide more room for farkles.

[@Bruno-my9uf]

Hi is nice to see you keept the channel . Miss boody too. ❤

[@donatd4844]

They are both beautiful ❤ Guzzi is beautiful, BMW is prestigious

[@scd3916]

I bought from the dealer exactly this bike with 4.2k km on it. It was their test bike. They are talking bullshit about the guzzi. There are no vibrations in the mirrors. They are clearly bmw fan boys. I tried a 2023 R1250RS owned by a friend. The only 2 differences i saw negative to the mandello is the shifter/quickshifter which is not as smooth as the BMW's and the engine heat in over 30 degrees celsius weather when in traffic. I would not change my mandello for a bmw rs.

[@fauveride]

nice comparison!

[@leeedwards8690]

Guzzi forever ❤

[@stevenharris7788]

1250R all day long it’s a better bike

[@Baste_Bastesen]

I went from Norway to Sweden today, and back. 450 km.. inbetween nigthshift 🥱 love my 2020 Bmw R1250R HP.

[@leeedwards8690]

As one of the biggest Guzzi fans that there is and I will be biased, the Guzzi is a better looking bike and most definitely a head turner and I would sell my brother just to take a Mandello for a ride before I die! Once the Guzzi bug bites your arse you are infected and there is no turning back 🤷🏻

[@thomaseberhart7304]

This review didn't do it for me......Statements like " it feels good, it sounds great" or " it's punchy" cannot possibly give me an idea about these bikes...And starting the presentation with "I prefer this one" ? Really?? Most unprofessional review, total waste of time and breath...

[@baklcdcvdfv3434r4]

But the BMW but the BMW ...every second word

[@ellomirza]

Relax dude. Clearly they’re ESL but despite that I got the gist of what they’re trying to say. I think they did a good job reviewing these bikes.

[@MandelloUK]

Go Italian - go Guzzi! BMW = bland

[@TXLorenzo]

The Moto Guzzi looks like a Venus sculpture and the BMW looks like a tool box.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

Should have been a BMW R1250RS

[@gapper3]

I absolutely hate the flat, low, and angled headlights so many new bikes have now. It's like someone punched them in the nose.

[@gaborszekeres2161]

Join the queue with BMW or try to buy a smooth Harley, you missed the point with the Guzzi.

[@howardrunser9312]

Not to mention the Guzzi is HALF the price of the BMW

[@MrBabyrang]

Should have rs for comparison, not r

[@cinoaz1243]

I'm sorry, but, which one of these bikes would a chick see you ride up on and say, "yeah, now that's style". That's it, hands down. If your touring for 1k Km or more, ur getting a Goldwing or similar, neither of these bikes, so, that just leaves driving for chics, and the Guzzi wins K.O.

[@yuliybeilin5038]

+++👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@wazreba5859]

It so easy to lost against 1250cc. Let try me with 900cc! Difference will be only 147cc. I am 1042 god damn.

[@sandroporcellana8571]

Ma veramente volete paragonare un'opera d'arte con un cancello?... Indovinate quale sia il cancello. . Vibrazioni. .. ma dai.

[@TheRisto2]

Guzzi all day long. Too many BMW:s on the road.

[@mathiashammar1]

I have to disagree abit. I test driven 3 previous BMW models R1100,R1150R,R1200R several times. They all felt like shifting an old tractor and vibrating like a Ducati. Enginge rattling like a dry clutch. Those models i would never ride even if someone gave me a new one for free. All of a sudden this new R1250 is godsent new engine aka Hodna "V-tec".. I now drive a 1000SX and i yet find a smoother bike to ride (goldwing)... I tested the normal Mandello today and it hardly vibrate (it sounds alot!) but very little vibrations. and gearbox is very nice feeling. Engine has great torque but lacks a bit top end. It reminds me of a Honda CB1000R. Mandello feels like a Japanese bike actually. I will testride the 1250 but i can tell you that from 1994 until 2023 previous models have been garbage and this one still is. I dont buy into this BMW hype that hasn't been true for 30 years...

[@GDM22]

You are going to disagree; based on what; you haven't ridden the BMW R1250R, which by the way has been out since 2018 in its current form. You then say you will test ride the 1250, but the previous ones were garbage and this one still is. How do you know you haven't ridden it, if you have nothing sensible to say, keep quiet.

[@carlosalonso9866]

Would be curious about the differences you found between the 1000sx and the V100. I own a ‘21 Ninja 1000sx but like the Mandello, I haven’t tried it yet. How do ergonomics compare? Do you notice the 25hp less on the Mandello for roughly the same weight? Ride safely

[@DakarBlues]

The latest R1200 and 1250 have a wet clutch I believe.

[@suezjk]

nice feeling from gearbox? I’ve test driven V100 and to me the shifter felt like tractor, which is a shame for bike that cost 17k. wouldn’t also defend it as a character

[@GDM22]

@@suezjk It is not a character, it has character.

[@miglioverde303]

Guzzi..ahi ahi ahi! Bmw Forever. Saluti da italia

[@Ingwine]

BMW didn't invent anything new , Guzzi is a fundamentally new motorcycle, with a new engine, with a new suspension, a new frame, everything is new. BMW ancient rubbish with a century-old boxer engine.

[@michaeltelemachus5112]

I s this a comedy video?

[@tDes865]

I’ll take the GUZZI made on the shores of Lake Como over the BMW made in China all day, I’ve ridden both, the BMW has no soul. The Guzzi is all soul..

[@GDM22]

How is the R1250R made in China

[@tDes865]

@@GDM22lots of BMW motors are made in China, Austria , Taiwan..some entire BMW bikes are made in India..the motor on this one isn’t, but some are..

[@GDM22]

@@tDes865 Yeah but the boxer motor BMW's are made in Germany and this is what is being compared here. I own an r1250r I know how good they are.

[@zafuenzo]

Gli scarichi della BMW sono fatti a Mandello così come i cilindri motore del 1250 vengono fatti in una fabbrica vicino alla Guzzi.

[@mukimuki1348]

No point arguing. I own a R1200R. Brilliant. I tried a Mandello. . Same brilliant. Although not as refined. Who cares? They both great machines. Thanks for the engineers designers etc for their work. Buy the one you like and don’t try to convince others. I wish I could buy the Mandello so I’ll have both. I’ll keep dreaming

[@lyndonohue3350]

I rode the Guzzi and wanted to like it, but it really did not impress me very much. Looks like the BMW is the better of the two.

[@AlbertManiscalco]

seems like the Guzzi is intended more as a fun sexy commuter that you can take on a longer trip if one wanted and the Bimmer more of the mile eater, but in terms of aesthetics there is absolutely no comparison as they are not even in the same league. one looks cool, and one just doesnt. you could actually still pick up women on one, and the other one she would assume youre a divorced pensioner if you try to flirt lol...she might even enjoy the buzzing of the Guzzi haha...

[@MysticVic1]

Im a 22yrs of Guzzi riding. The whole "soul" thing is real...for. me. Im 73 and looking at an 800mi weekend on my 2000 V 11 Sport with my handful of dear old childhood riding buddies. They're all 29+ year Beemer guys. They mostly have over 100kmi on their Beemers but they will all tell you in harmony "The MODERN factory and dealers SUCK" ... I have converted 2 to Guzzi 😅😂😅😅😂...

[@douglaselliott8298]

Moto Guzzi retained their soul despite modernizing it. BMW lost its soul by replacing the far superior Tele-lever suspension with the inherently inferior(but less costly) telescopic forks on the R & RS. Trying to cure brake-dive and bump-steer with trendy and costly to repair GIZMOtronics in telescopic forks is like trying to cure Spina bifida with Asperin and Ben-Gay.

[@mitsospouliezos6289]

TAKE A LOOK TO THE RIGHTSIDE OF MOTORCYCLES !!!!!!! THE BMW IS FULL OF TUBES AND BETWEEN THEM SOME UGLY PLASTIC --- AT THE MOTOGUZZI YOU CAN SEE A GORGEUS ALUMINIUM ENGINE NOT IN BLACK SHIT -- AND THERE IS PLENTY OF SPACE TO WORK AND ADMIRE ALL THOSE BEAUTIFULL COMPONENTS BEHIND THE CYLINDERS !!!!!! THE CYLINDERS ARE IN A NARROW POSITION AND NOT LIKE THE BMW THAT RUIN THE AERODYNAMICS !!!!!! SPEAKING OF AERODYNAMICS THE GUZZI HAS NOT A COMPLETE FAIRING BUT COMPAIRING WITH THE BMW THAT HAS NOTHING AT ALL -- IT IS MUCH - MUCH BETER !!!!!! SPEAKING ABOUGHT THE COMFORT THERE IS NO QUESTION -- LOOK BACK YOUR VIDEOS AND YOURSELFS -- AND YOU WILL DISCOVER THAT THE ONE IS SITTING ON THE BIKE AND THE OTHER IN THE BIKE !!!!!! THE GAJETS -- THE MOTO GUZZI HAS EXACTLY WHAT IS ESSENCIAL FOR SAFE RIDING -- THE BMW IS LIKE A ΗΟRE WITH MANY DECORATIONS !!!!! BY THE WAY BOTH OF THEM THEY DONT NEED POWER SHIFT --- WHO ΜΑΛΑΚΑΣ NEEDS POWER SHIFT FOR THIS KIND OF MOTORCYCLES !!!!!! YOU SAID THAT BMW IS FASTER THAN THE MOTO GUZZI -- WHY YOU TEST THEM IN A TRACK ?????? NO !!!!!! THEN HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH ONE IS FASTER ?????? AND AFTER ALL WHO CARES WICH IS FASTER ?????? ONLY THE IDIOTS !!!!!! AND YOU NEVER MENTION THAT THE ONE HAS 1050 CC AND THE OTHER 1250 CC ---- GROW UP YOU BOYS THERE IS STILL TOO MUCH ROAD FOR YOU TO COVER UNTIL YOUR BRAIN IS STILL !!!!!!!!