2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello first impressions. (timecoded)

Thanks to Arnold's motorcycles Loughborough
www.arnoldsmotorcycles.com/lo...
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Time codes:
0:45 Initial impressions
1:03 Startup
1:10 Vague throttle
1:44 High tickover and 1st gear bang
2:25 Ride
3:22 Fiddly indicators
3:54 First pitstop
4:35 annoying cruise light
5:05 Weird indicator position
5:29 Vibes
6:30 town fuelling
7:33 Slow speed
8:16 Suspension
9:18 Transmission lash
9:35 Cruise
10:16 Annoying flashing cruise light
11:38 Induction roar
11:57 Riding position
12:25 Tailgater HA!
12:35 U Turn
12:48 Moto guzzi Brakes
13:07 Electric Screen
13:40 Stop 2
14:44 Mandello 1st gear bang
15:29 Harsh road
17:15 Clutchless gear shifting
17:39 Mirrors
18:08 Rattle
18:25: Conclusion
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[@Deetroiter]

A 2023 motorcycle that actually looks like a motorcycle! Finally!

[@kaveiros75]

Most importantly: it feels (and sounds) like a motorcycle, too.

[@alastairday8451]

I'm 3 months and 2500 miles into my ownership. The clunk into 1st has settled down and the gearbox is lovely and smooth. Its a fantastic motorcycle

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

That's interesting as I did like this bike. Can you do me a favour and report back in, say 5/10,000 miles and give me an update please?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Any updates? How you getting on with it now? What's your mileage? Thanks

[@christianmouraux7269]

I confirm! 👍

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Absolutely love the look of the bike. They are the best looking Guzzi for years.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, it's beautiful.

[@johnnyboy1586]

Never seen this model she's a beauty!

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

It’s great that you had a shout out for Arnold’s in Loughborough, I can thoroughly recommend them through personal experience. My purchase was expertly handled from initial enquiry right through to delivery of my new bike. Other “big name” dealers in the locality failed big time regarding customer care. Arnold’s renewed my faith regarding the promise of returned phone calls and job pricing.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Credit where it's due. I also bought two MT07s from them a couple of years ago without any trouble.

[@shadowred1980]

Great review, thanks for making it.

[@simDIY1981]

Love the review and the cluncky gearbox. Reminds of my Tiger 1050 - always notified when you select first gear

[@christopherhorton5449]

I test rode a Mandello yesterday after watching your review. My thoughts were Amazing power and torque it felt more powerful than my Multistrada 950. The gearbox was smooth as silk no clunk into first gear unlike my Multi. The riding position was very comfortable. I spent 2 hours in the saddle and felt ok. However the rear suspension was really hard. I checked the preload and it was wound right off, so I dialled some in, which improved matters slightly, but not knowing what it should be, it was a shot in the dark. The bike felt very solid on the road and the brakes were amazing. I found that the screen while reasonably quiet, directed flies straight at your visor. I would want a higher one. You were being a bit picky about the cruise control.. I never had a problem with the cruise light as it depicts a speedo. Makes sense to me. Overall I wanted to like the bike but the suspension put me off. I perhaps need to ride another or the S model.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Did you end up deciding on one? I'd have swapped out the rear shock for a better one. Shame though, I did like it.

[@christopherhorton5449]

@@RoadcraftNottingham No. I have decided to hang on for the new Stelvio. I had a sit on it at the EICMA show. There are some tempting deals about on the Mandello at the moment though. My "Local" dealer is giving £1000 off and free panniers!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Now, that Stelvio! I've heard they've made gearbox and other improvements. Will certainly be trying that one.

[@c.g.c2067]

Test rode the white standard version and was delighted by its engine, brakes, handling and seating position. I find it a rather classy design which is a rarity nowadays.

[@barryjmarling]

That is one beautiful looking bike,great video. As for the gear clunking my 2016 Bandit 1250 is exactly the same going into first.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, there's a few others I can name including an older cbr600 but that much of a bang would drive me nuts and I'd avoid any bike with that level of bang. Once I'd turned down the tickover on my fazer 1000 it was acceptable but you can't manually do that to this bike I don't think.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

UPDATE : Message for skip watchers... I know that the cruise can be turned off whilst riding, I mentioned that in the upload but only wanted it unsetting for a minute or so whilst braking. Shouldn't have to keep turning it totally off and on again to stop the annoying flashing light. My car just needs "set" pressing, no "ready" then set. That's like having to turn the power on to your house lights first then turning the switch on, just turn the switch on.....After having had time to think about it, I've decided not to buy one. I don't think that first gear bang for one is acceptable for a £14k bike and as nice as the rest of it was, it's just not for me overall. Let me know how you get on with your test rides or if you buy one.

[@NooBiker]

I'm glad you had good weather for your ride. I'm much more of a noob so some of the things you picked up on are not that noticeable to me. I put the clunk down to "character". I'd buy this bike based on looks, shaft drive and ergonomics and then get used to the quirks, I think. But I also decided not to get one because I think my current Kawasaki Z1000SX is just overall a better fit for the biking I do right now.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@@NooBiker Yes, buying is incredibly personal. I rode my 1996, 96k miles Pan European 1100 the other day and thoroughly enjoyed it, made me realise I still have a search ahead of me to beat this old bus.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

@@RoadcraftNottingham FJR 1300 will answer your calling. Does everything you need a bike to do. 😎👍

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@@FREE_PUREBLOOD333 I did a review on one a few years ago. May be worth trying a newer one. My 3cv fj1200 was my fave in 92

[@markwittenberg4350]

Bit of useless information, but that back yard at Arnolds was where I rode my very first bike in 1986. Pre CBT days they showed me how to ride my Yamaha T80 Townmate before my wobbly ride home 😁

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Let me add to that useless info, I have a 1982 Honda mb5 in my shop with its original number plate on with Arnold's printed at the bottom 😊

[@Grahamvfr]

I fully get that, in 1973,the owner of Armstrong mcycles Middlesbrough, ran alongside me on my new fizzy, whilst t I learned clutch bite haha

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

Even more useless information, I purchased a bsa bantam for £40 from Tagg’s in Sutton in Ashfield in 1966. I was taken on pillion to a back street where the salesman gave me a swift lesson before I rode it back to Nottingham. Steep learning curve ! Still riding, recently downsized to an MT 03 and 💕 it.

[@tomostinato2918]

Great review. Love the styling and sound. That gearbox though...

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks. Think I've upset some "fanbois" on the Mandello Facebook page but this is only my opinion and first impressions. ☺

[@PThree-ru7gl]

Press and hold the mode button and it enters screen mode to adjust the screen

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

This is one of the most useful reviews on the new Guzzi as it’s refreshingly free of the usual gushing that comes from riding something new and reading from the marketing blurb. It tells me that there’s an experienced biker giving sensible views, the sorts of things we need to know. Best thing is always to take a test ride one but this is one useful review. I like the sound of the V100…overall it seems a genuinely decent step up from earlier models. Two important questions against a benchmark bike…how does it compare to the R1200RS in quality of build and ride?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks for the compliment. I actually started getting bad comments from fan boys on the Mandello Facebook page so I came off there. I've not actually ridden the BMW... May sort out a ride on one.

[@zoltankiss6857]

nice review, for me is one of the best looking bike in the last years...

[@underbear9683]

Nice demonstration of the snappier throttle response in Sport Mode.

[@Grahamvfr]

Added to the long list of bikes, I want to ride, but not own (lottery win aside). Great to see sports tourers appearing again. Cheers Russ.

[@mariuszuk79]

It’s something you get used to with Guzzis. My girlfriend rides V7 - no clunk but 1st gear is sticky for first minute of the ride when cold. I ride her V85TT - smooth through the gears but going into 1st gear there is a clunk. About half of the one you had on the V100 😂 Rode tested V100 and loved everything on it. As I have said you can get used to it and won’t have problems with “character “ even after 50000 miles

[@ApriliaRSA250]

Thanks for actually showing the first gear "leap". It's the same on the Aprilia Tuono V4.

[@Dan66T]

My 1150GS can be a bit clunky getting into first on a cold engine. Like your old CX650, it also feels a bit agricultural when setting out, but when the journey is over I have remember why I love riding it.

[@jb1876]

Nice looking bike

[@nickbitten9910]

Interesting bike methinks

[@NBMoto547]

What you said about the CX being like a tractor then grow to love is exactly how I feel about my GL650 Silverwing especially if I've been riding my super smooth BMW k75 😂 but I do love a V-Twin

[@simonlangmead7]

I have a 2008 Kawasaki Concours 1400 and have had it since new, now it has 122,000K on the clock. Despite the age and Kilometres on it, it always bangs going into 1st gear whether the engine is hot with thinner hot oil or cold with thicker cold oil.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

It’s a Piagio group cruise control, same on the Aprilia Tuareg with the flashing light. It is very easy to just deactivate it rather than leave it flashing.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I just don't understand any manufacturer making you press a button to get it ready. Just have it always ready then you just press "set" like I do in my car. It's like turning the power on to your lounge light before switching the actual light on. Unless there's some weird safety law.

[@paulaustin5970]

Totally agree the DRL green light is the same on my v85tt and very annoying so placed my sat nav just in the right place then when riding, it just blocks the light and rest of dash totally visable plus sat nav in good place.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

A tiny square of insulation tape would soon sort that, lol

[@richardsmith5249]

I found I would get right-hand aches on my old VFR on long runs. If I was doing a few hundred miles on the autoroute, I'd be holding a constant throttle for hours on end - broken by occasional fuel stops, of course. I was always a fan of the various rudimentary cruise controls I had, from the thumbscrews on the airhead BMWs to the random throttle clamps on elderly GoldWings.

[@not-fishing4730]

Years ago, with my 4 Guzzi's (75-'07) if you pull in the clutch and wait a several seconds you allow a shaft to stop spinning and you will not get the clunk when you press it into first.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

The same as my current st1100 pan European. Didn't work on this. Looking forward to trying the Stelvio

[@Tidgeontour]

The tick over is set high to stop some of the vibration even though it now has a balancer shaft that doesn't kick in until 1500 revs so if tick over is set lower the vibration would be similar to a Harley

[@jefflukas2732]

A brilliantly honest review compared to other gushing ‘best Moto Guzzi yet’ versions. I tested recently, and seems V100 is only masquerading as as sports bike. Oh so beautiful, and even better in person, however agricultural nature of this motorcycle quenched my lust. This coming from am ex-Buell S3/T rider years ago which was a race bike by comparison. I’ve owned many V-twins (cruisers & HD in the beginning) and the clunky transmission of this model is a deal-breaker. Certainly didn’t seem to spool up and rev like a sportsbike, but if you love torque you’ll be impressed. Was following owner of the dealership after telling him I was a sports touring rider (Ninja 600, Seca II, Buell S3, Bandit 1200, Ducati 750SS, Triumph Sprint ST, GSXR600, Ducati Scrambler Cafe, GTR/Concours for perspective). Possibly pace was too fast to acclimate, but In the past I wrung the neck of a buddies R1100RT on a bike swap and even that behemoth took abuse. May try again another test ride to be sure. Told my wife possibly I should buy it and learn to like it, but she knew my history of prior relationships (bikes & women), and wisely suggested this is unwise. I left shaking my head in disbelief and disappointment after my own ride. This video was a candid and honest review. Notice at the end he never revisited the comment about ‘thinking of buying’. OK, an honest and polite review. Please tell me I’m wrong, because it is oh so sexy.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks for appreciating my honesty. I was a member of the V100 Facebook page and within 20 mins of posting this, two "Fanbois" slated me so I deleted my post and left the group (without announcing my departure btw 😂) I would have certainly come back for a full day play if I hadn't received an email reply stating the tech/mechanic was happy that the tickover was correct and the bike was fine. Another aggressive comment on this upload is telling me to "man up" as all bikes have bangy gearboxes due to motorcycles mechanical nature..... I've ridden literally thousands of bikes in my 40+ years of biking and this is the worst going into 1st of all of them. Thanks again for your comment.

[@kahidunn7907]

Guzzi gearboxes are notoriously clunky but once i figured it out they are very smooth, love my griso thinking seriously of trading her in for a v100 Mandello

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Unfortunately there's no figuring out putting a bike into 1st apart from not doing it slowly and preloading whilst changing up. The only figuring out here is whether to put up with it or buy a different one.

[@westfletcher9219]

Thanks for the review Russ, but I’ll keep my Vstrom 650 with its silky smooth transmission.

[@jaminic16]

I have a Stelvio 2015 model and have to say that there are no vibrations, not that you would bother with and the gearbox is smooth.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I certainly have my eye on the new Stelvio.

[@Machinehead90]

It's an all new italian bike, it looks beautiful but it'll take a few years to really see how reliable it is. Definitely a case of joining a forum & seeing how things go before committing to a purchase me thinks!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Agreed, the problem with the forum I was on, for example is they're all naturally "fanbois" so wouldn't see what I saw and called it "character"... Some slated my upload so I left. I'm known for being very honest in my reviews and with nearly 40 years instructing experience across many bikes, I think I deserve a little respect at least. ☺

[@paulsmith1494]

Go and see your doctor for carpel tunnel surgery. It turned my riding from painful to absolute joy.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Ohh matron...mind your flaps!!

[@BunnyUK]

I wonder why bike makers can’t make gearboxes as sweet as a Suzuki’s

[@Machinehead90]

Enfield can!

[@johngoodlass]

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

[@alandmorley]

It looks like a cross between a cx500 and a Benelli 900 sei. Very welcome in Derbyshire

[@rickparkinmoto]

The tickover is probably set high as the engine is new and tight. I've noticed tickover speed being lowered at the first service on a few bikes I've had.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

They replied to me and said the tech said the tickover was correct. That swayed my decision unfortunately.

[@PerryFred74]

If it does it when in gear and clutch in I.e sat at lights it’s the system designed to help you stop stalling on pull away. My 2008 1200 sport does it

[@paulmckell7726]

Regarding your hand going numb,I've struggled with this for years.I have had carpal tunnel operation,but to no avail,I then had cubitol tunnel operation ,which entails 're routing the nerve in your elbow ,this is an operation where one is "put under" . I still suffer on all bikes ,I have a kaoki throttle control on my 2004 fjr and my ktm 1290 has a great cruise control ,this obviously enables me to shake my right hand to get feeling back.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks Paul, yes it seems to start from or go to my elbow sometimes. Did the nerve reroute work or do I just have to put up with it?

[@paulmckell7726]

@@RoadcraftNottingham Heyup,yes the cubitol tunnel operation helped ,but besides hand going numb on bike ,when I I would wake up in bed my arms would be bent up and my hands were like they were grasping something ,it was quite painful and actuallycaused nightmares, the reason your ulna nerve is doing this is it's like an electrical wire and cos you're getting older the plastic coating on wire shrinks and tightens ,,as this nerve passes through the gap in bones at the elbow as soon as your arm is bent slightly it loses feeling in hand ,I've noticed after operation that I have to be careful placing my elbow on things as I get little electric shocks in elbow because the nerve has been rerouted (my op was done at Burnley,maybe they aren't the best,also ,the staples they put in were a right state ) I would have it done again even at Burnley. I also use grip puppies . On riding topic ,although I passed my IAM ,a friend passed who has no idea how to go around corners (he goes around them like a three penny bit) ,, I actuallysaid to my partner that no way would he pass ,and yet he did .Anyway my point is that someone I respect told me that on IAM test they will pass anyone as long as they don't do something really stupid ? I would like your opinion on this ,I'm also thinking of doing rospa ,,I hope this helps 're ulna nerves

[@a.r.t.4611]

My 1300 Pan has a heavy clunk selecting 1st when chock is on. Once warmed, and revs drop to tickover it's fine. Probably same with the Guzzi.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I questioned the tickover level, thinking it was too high and was told it's ok. That finalised my decision not to buy one sadly.

[@mrrarerooster3578]

That first gear bang is impressive. Do you recall what the tick over rpm was? Just curious. My V7 Guzzi does have a hefty click into first but not like that V100. It also is tricky to go into second until you've changed gears a few times. I do like the look of them, It was smaller than I expected it to be, which I quite liked. Best not try one, I'd likely be smitten.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Iirc it was about 1400rpm. Even the mechanic thought it seemed high. Certainly worth trying if you like Guzzi character.

[@MrMauriziomazzoni]

I own a V85TT (no 1st gear clunk at all, if you hold the clutch for 1-2 secs, before actuating the gear lever) and went to test ride the V100, months ago. I rode two different V100s and I was so disappointed by the 1st gear clunk!! But the dealers had already reported this to Moto Guzzi and the motivation given is that the clutch needs some running in. It should settle with miles, as Christoper says

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@MrMauriziomazzoni I'm so pleased others have commented on this. Many owners have suggested I'm being picky but they would because of the "confirmation bias" some people experience after buying something. One of my trainees bought a V85tt without this problem.

[@splodge5714]

1400 revs sounds too high.1000/1050 rpm is usually a correct tick over. No wonder it was banging into 1st gear from neutral.

[@bradjacobs1844]

I think computerized fuel mapping on some bikes still has a long way to go before it exceeds the performance as a set of Mikuni carbuerators, even after decades of development. Sometimes the old ways are better.

Stelvio gearbox includes some changes that remove the clunckiness of the original Mandelo. This change will also get to Mandelo and Mandelo S making it smoother.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Ooh!.... love the stelvio but was told it's the same engine...may be a game changer now.

​@@RoadcraftNottinghamit is the same engine, but the were some small changes on the gearbox...kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXTXnX9pZ9yajdEsi=Vd4hpWrDqv2ihBq0&t=58

[@Robinbamv]

While I can see most of the criticism I think you are making too much of the cruise control light, why anyone would engage cruise control on anything but a motorway or dual A road is a mystery to me. It is probably the least used system on the bike . The suspension of the standard bike I can’t comment on but the semi active suspension on the V100S is in another world in Tour mode my passenger has declared it the most comfortable motorcycle she has ever ridden. The suspension options on the S are mind blowing, I hate dive under braking and this I have dialled out in the suspension adjustment function. The conclusion is the extra money pays dividends for riding comfort. The quick shifter is great going up and OK coming down in the top three gears but from 3rd to 1st just forget it ! Use the clutch. This having been said the gearbox is getting better by the mile so I may have to revise that opinion given a few thousand miles more. You ma ask is the S version worth the extra money, my previous experience is that motorcycle base model suspension is built down to a price, it is adequate when new but quickly the performance fades and you end up with aftermarket shocks and fork internals, top of the range suspension usually lasts. Finally I should issue a warning, the bike is so relaxed that it is very to find yourself traveling much faster than intended.

[@rumblin_cynth_rampo374]

Very good review Russ. Hope your tender bits went unbruised Regarding the big ol neutral to first clunk. Ive got over 5K on my V100S and its still there. However I was out with a friend on a R1250R and that too has a huge neutral to first clunk. So if BMW is supposed to be the "pinnacle" of motorcycle luxury and it clunks I can live with my V100 having a clunk. Perhaps the bike you rode is just a bit clunkier, who knows. As I have said before I dont find the DRL indiot idiot light to be intrusive, but that may just be me, likewise cruise control. On mine I dont find the tickover to be too high. I have heard some people that there is some sort of anti-stall thing going on with the higher tickover, dont know if this is true or just an urban myth in the making Low speed handling is fab, I can leave mine on tickover and first and it will pottle about at 10-11 mph. I will say that the turning circle when you are manually shoving the bike about does remind me of a super tanker. I find the throttle response in Road or Tour modes to be nice, Sport just feels a bit too much for me. Rain is a bit lack lustre (probably why its for riding in the rain). And someone had been fiddling with the settings on the bike you rode if the winglets deploy in Sport mode, by default they are off. You comment about the indicator switch position is interesting, I find it is the horn button that is a little too low and when I do have to apply some "appropriate use"of the horn and I have to fiddle about to find it. At least it isnt like a Honda where I hit the horn every time I go for the indicators. Totally agree with your comment about being in higher gear, I find that where I would be in 3rd on my other bike (yes another Guzzi) 4th feels far more pleasant on the V100. 30 in top gear does seem to be a bit ragged on all but the flatest roads, 5th is better And the brakes are amazing. The lower seat is nice, but it isnt as low as you would think it would be (as a short arse at 5ft6 with 29" legs Ill take any help I can get). Defintely get a longer ride if you can (all Guzzi test ride should be at least 90 minute if not longer IMHO)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Excellent review thanks, you should be doing this 😂 If this is the lady from the Facebook page, I'd posted it on there and got a couple of nasty comments so deleted it and came off the page. Don't need that in my life 😉 The horn thing on the Hondas is certainly "humerous" but the throttle advanced on the CB650r is quite helpful for our pupils. Thanks for your comment.

[@Dooby0071]

I want this bike so bad

[@user-tu6dn2dj2f]

1500rpm is normal tick over for these , not sure if that changes after the first service but I don't think it does , the gearbox gets a lot better the more you ride , it starts to get a lot smother after a while , except the initial clunk of the first gear .

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

That's good news. I'm used to first gear clunks, had various levels of clunk over the past 40 years but this one is nuclear lol.

[@NooBiker]

I also decided not to get one because I think my current Kawasaki Z1000SX is just overall a better fit for the biking I do right now. I'm glad you had good weather for your ride. I'm much more of a noob so some of the things you picked up on are not that noticeable to me. I put the clunk down to "character". I'd buy this bike based on looks, shaft drive and ergonomics and then get used to the quirks, I think.

[@majordelays4909]

I’m sulking at moment as my insurance for my ninja 1000 sx has just risen from expected £380 ish (IIRC) to £740 with date of 1st July. I’ve tried alsorts of combinations but for 3 year no claims and 3 years licence it’s around that price. Then I quote on Ducatis, bmw s1000xr and all sorts of stuff and they are all £280-340. I was really enjoying the kwak but resenting this price increase over faster and more expensive bikes…. 😮 End rant

[@NooBiker]

@@majordelays4909 that doesn't make any sense, unless there's been a large number of claims from accidents with that bike model in your area recently 🤯

[@mikeroberts]

Hmm, every car or bike I've owned/ridden need the cruise control arming first. Agreed the flashing green light is annoying. I also didn't like the clunk/surge as you select 1st gear. A clunk is fairly common, especially with shaft drive. My Triumph Explorer 1200 clonks awfully, but it doesn't lurch forward. I thought the gearbox was really nice (other than 1st selection). It's not a Japanese slick, but still pretty good. We know you are over picky on throttles. I thought the fuelling was excellent, but given it is fly by wire I found the throttle return spring way too strong. Nice bike. Ditch the flappy wings and give it a full sports/tourer fairing with the money saved Mr Guzzi.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I think My SLK and deffo my current Jag XJ are both ready to hit set. Just seems pointless to have to do two things, like activating your indicator button ready then using it. There must be a good reason. If I could turn down that gear bang by 20% it'd certainly be a contender, then I ride my old Pan European again and I'm back in love. Wish it was lighter.

[@mikeroberts]

@@RoadcraftNottingham With a bit if googling. The on/off button is a safety feature. Blame the Yanks who set it or resume accidentally! Of course, having to set it on means you have an off switch if you don't want to use the cutch or brake deactivation method. Usually, the reason for having to turn it on in a car is you can choose cruise or speed limiter.

[@bjdec]

More videos pls

[@neilhughes3823]

Second that, sir.

[@splodge5714]

Slow the tickover down to 1000rpm and hold the clutch in for a few seconds before putting it into 1st gear.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

That'd be my suggestion but they said it was correct.

[@gbrand42]

Thanks for the review Russ, this one had sparked my interest but the same as you I think it’s “character” would become annoying over time. As an instructor I’m curious why you seem to choose a higher gear than optimum for responsiveness. Genuine interest, in no way a criticism. I’m of the opinion that I can always learn more so value your opinion. Cheers!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I choose the higher gear for smoothness, not responsiveness. Maybe I didn't phrase it right. I find lower gears and higher revs less forgiving for small throttle changes. Hope that explains it better. ☺

[@mloclam6917]

My Fazer 800 and Fazer 600 both slapped into 1st

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Quite a few bikes do but this one was particularly aggressive.

[@AnotherHerring]

The gear change on the boxeye Fazer Russ sold me was like dropping a bag of spanners. I lived with it, though.

[@diegocella6791]

I think Guzzi is working really well lately, love the V85TT, this looks pretty cool, however, the winglet (or whatever you can call that) looks totally gimmick, plus, am i the only one who thinks that by the side (square on) this bike looks like the scarver (not a compliment)? It looks nice from any other angle... but the side...

[@omaliveatlast4688]

Looked forward to a real test thanks . Regarding your hand , it sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome .I put up with it for ages , just get it done is all I can say . Huge difference . PS ever rode a TDM 900 ? With the 270° crank its just like a CX but 85 HP and better brakes , handling ...60+ mpg ....just don't ask about low speed throttle response lol

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I rode an early 900 but preferred the earlier carbed 850. Leanna loved her 900 and did many miles on hers.

[@omaliveatlast4688]

I bet the carbs helped win you over with better response at low rpm , but not that v twin feel of the 270° crank

[@kenmorrison1725]

Lovely looking thing, not a fan of the red. I wonder if they had given it 130/140 bhp, if that would have then taken sales from the BMW R series!

[@thebrowns5337]

VW UK tried to fob off saw toothing on the rear tyres of my Golf as 'a character of the vehicle'.

[@raycollington4310]

These Guzzi's always look good on paper. I just worry that it's made in Italy and parts may be hard to get. Thank you.

[@Wolfox360]

What drives me off is that there is a Service Belt for the alternator, best thing about motorcycles that it's all sealed inside, belts are things of the past.

[@johnstonstewart9683]

Numbness in the hands is horrible, I ended up with tingling in my hands which made riding the bike very uncomfortable for the first 30 minutes or so. I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands.... That sorted it...

[@andybrough1035]

Italian style and character! Go for the Mandello S and leave it in Sport mode!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Nah, I prefer my fillings in my teeth when I put bikes into gear 😉 😂

[@andybrough1035]

@RoadcraftNottingham I'm testing riding an S1000R next week...perhaps too much power...?

[@havolia127]

I think its like a Triumph Sprint ST 1050.

[@RandomShart]

Clunk into first sounds like my last two BMWs

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yep, especially on a shaft drive, that's unacceptable to me.

[@hobnob15]

The cruise control can be turned off while riding 👍🏻

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I know that, I mentioned that in the upload but only wanted it unsetting for a minute or so whilst braking. Shouldn't have to keep turning it totally off and on again to stop the annoying flashing light. My car just needs "set" pressing, no "ready" then set. That's like having to turn the power on to your house lights first then turning the switch on, just turn the switch on.

[@crustyzimmerman3324]

Tingling fingers. Are you diabetic? Best get an HB1ac. Divide your Triglycerides/ by HDL. Greater than 3.0 can indicate high insulin. As can skin tags. You need 1.0 or below. Look out for thirst. Tiredness after eating.

[@michaeldobson8859]

I have commented extensively on this bike from the performance perspective. I wanted to add a cosmetic comment or critique as well. After looking at many different videos I think there is one serious criticism that needs to be laid on this design and that is the amount of plain black plastic is really over the top. THe rear mudguard, the center section of the fuel tank, radiator area and the front fender are huge pieces of plain black plastic. Kinda cheap looking if you as me. I think a VESPA Scooter looks higher quality than the V100 package! Tell me if i am wrong?

[@EngelsNederfiele]

You wer driving around the area I had a regular bus route, I'm glad it's not just me that gets the local Dickheads hassling me, they overtake just to go stop at the upcoming red light - TW*TS!!

[@kaveiros75]

"Why I didn't buy one"? Easy answer within 4 words: don't have the money!

[@MrMannakin]

Love v-twins but not for me, there is no excuse now days for the character flaws this bike seems to have.

[@rizzorides2490]

That throttle sounds like my Mercedes Benz accelerator. i ONLY drive it in sport mode, because of how snappy and responsive she becomes. Also, it's WAY overpriced, $15,500 and $17,500. for the "S" model. NO FUGGIN WAY!

[@motozest7856]

So, answer your own thumbnail: why didn't you buy it?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Watch the upload

[@claude7473]

Bad video, cant see the screen... too dark.

[@paulxavier4394]

Shame its a Beautiful looking Bike. But so many niggles on it id be running away definitely not one for me . Think its gonna be Jap bikes or the RT 1200 for me 😎👍

[@Al-ie9ob]

What niggles? I have one. Best bike in class. An absolute joy to ride.

[@williammuir638]

If brought up on honda washing machines then a real motorcycle like Guzzi is not for you.