You don’t see a Moto Guzzi often, especially in this part of the world, but it isn’t rare to have heard of one. I, on the other hand, have been lucky enough to ride one a few years ago. It was a big cruiser, wide, and low, called the Audace. That motorcycle is a fine example of how good engineering can transform the riding experience for the better. It handled well for its size and even in the terrible city traffic, the engine heat didn’t really bother me. I was impressed to ride a Moto Guzzi.
Since then, I have wondered that the smaller Guzzis should feel even better. But that’s not certain, is it? Anyway, under Piaggio, Moto Guzzi is looking good in the future. The company’s first adventure bike, V85 TT, is pretty good and promises good stuff from the Italian marque.
Moto Guzzi’s transverse-mounted 90-degree v-twin engine is as unique as they come. It not only manages to give a unique riding experience but also is a major visual component in the bike’s design. And though the company first started making motorcycles in 1921, the 90-degree v-twin engine was first designed in 1965, went into production in 1966, and came into the market in 1967. This engine has since been Moto Guzzi’s literal face in the motorcycle industry.
V100 Mandello
Now, in EICMA 2021, Moto Guzzi has unveiled its first new-gen motorcycle, V100 Mandello. This is an important motorcycle as it not only is Moto Guzzi’s most advanced motorcycle but it also has a feature that’s first in a production motorcycle.
First, the engine - 1042cc transverse 90-degree, DOHC, liquid-cooled v-twin with 4 valves per cylinder produces 115 horsepower and 105 NM of torque at 9,500 RPM. It comes with ride by wire and has four riding modes, and for the first time, a Moto Guzzi gets a 6-axis IMU with cornering ABS. Further down the feature list, there is semi-active suspension, bending lights (cornering lights), and a quick-shifter.
But more impressively, there’s intense work done to allow the engine to perform better. The V100’s engine is made on the “compact block” concept and it is 103mm shorter than the engine in the V85 TT adventure bike. This not only makes the engine less wide, it also keeps the motorcycle compact making it usable in a wider variety of riding conditions.
Active Aerodynamics - a first in a production motorcycle
One of the biggest talking points of the V100 Mandello is its active aerodynamics, which automatically adjusts the wind deflectors on each side of the fuel tank depending on the selected riding mode and speed.
It would be interesting to see how it performs in the real-world once the reviews start coming in and actual owners start sharing their experiences down the line.
V100 Mandello starts a new era for Moto Guzzi
V100 Mandello is a completely new motorcycle. And its compact dimensions clearly enhance the sportier appeal of this motorcycle. It looks comfortable and is designed to cover distances in style while having fun on twisty roads. The “compact block” engine platform is an indication toward exciting future motorcycles and we can’t wait to see what motorcycles come out.
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