THE MOTO GUZZI V100 MANDELLO EXCLUSIVELY UNVEILED AT EICMA
23 November 2021, Milan, Italy – The first bike in the world to offer adaptive aerodynamics; the first Moto Guzzi to feature semi-active suspension, an inertial platform, cornering ABS, quick shift and, as anticipated, a liquid cooling system. Compact, sporty and dynamic, it rides like a roadster, but with the comfort and travel vocation typical of the best tourers.
Moto Guzzi paves the way for future motorcycle innovation with a complete, powerful, comfortable, fun bike, packed with first-rate technology. Starting a brand new chapter in the story with a bike that refuses to fit into just one category. Marking its centenary in 2021, Moto Guzzi does not just celebrate a milestone but rather a starting point – the beginning of a new century which will continue to see magnificent motorcycles, authentic and strong in character.
Oozing with charm and cutting-edge technology, these modern bikes will be proudly made in Italy, as ever, at the Mandello del Lario factory. The factory itself will also benefit from a new look, the result of an ambitious project to reconstruct, expand and develop over the coming years – including opening to the public and promoting efficient use of resources for environmental sustainability.
The “V100” name signifies several important themes for the Moto Guzzi brand: Firstly, 100 years of history, passion, skill, innovation and success. It refers also to the next century that has just begun, and finally, indicates the displacement of the very modern new engine, which will become the basis for a family of new generation motorcycles.
V100 Mandello features an innovative design that focuses on showcasing the unique and inimitable twin engine. Far from nostalgic, the lines offer a modern take on the very cornerstones of Moto Guzzi style. A 21st-century bike in style and technology, V100 Mandello still continues to embody the character and authenticity typical of all Moto Guzzis.
It will also be the first Moto Guzzi powered by the new “compact block” engine, with its sophisticated technical characteristics. An innovative design has allowed for the development of an extremely compact and lightweight engine, which is 103 mm shorter than the V85 TT small block. The new twin stands out from all the engines recently built in Mandello del Lario for its cylinder heads, which are rotated by 90°, a decision that increases onboard comfort and rationalises the positioning of components in the intake and electronic injection systems.
Its actual displacement equates to 1042 cc, while timing involves a double overhead camshaft with finger followers and four valves per cylinder, which are chain driven. It also flaunts a wet sump lubrication system, a liquid cooling system, and a hydraulically-controlled wet clutch.
Performance is also second to none, with power in excess of 115 HP and torque of more than 105 Nm. Also, the shaft drive employs a long aluminium single-sided swingarm, now positioned on the left. This, along with the lower drive shaft exit position, makes for a much smoother ride.
The sports character of V100 Mandello does not just have to do with the performance of the new engine, but also the qualities of a compact and manageable chassis, which offers excitement through the turns and fast sections but also real stability over more long-range trips, with that inimitable front wheel feeling, synonymous with fun and riding pleasure. This is also thanks to the steel tube frame.
Its touring attitude is boosted thanks to the significant comfort that the generous saddle and active, relaxed riding position afford. Two-person travel is at the base of the project, the passenger able to count on a significant, well-padded portion of the saddle and practical grab handles, with a posture that ensures a relaxing trip.
Moto Guzzi technology also contributes to increasing both comfort and air protection, with the world-first adoption of an adaptive aerodynamic system that automatically adjusts the position of deflectors on the sides of the 17.5-litre tank depending on the speed and selected Riding Mode. The fully raised aerodynamic appendages reduce air pressure on the rider by 22%, which brings V100 Mandello close to the level of air protection afforded by more voluminous and less sporty tourers, thanks also to the protection provided by the top fairing, the height of which can be electronically adjusted.
This system contributes to what is a first-rate electronics package, including:
- The Ride by Wire electronic accelerator
- The advanced Marelli 11MP ECU
- The six-axis inertial platform for management of the electronic controls
- Cruise control
- Cornering ABS to ensure active safety when braking through turns
Four Riding Modes are available, namely Travel, Sport, Rain and Road. Each of these manages three different engine mappings, four levels of traction control, three levels of engine brake and (in the version that introduces them as standard) also calibration of the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension, which can adapt automatically, minute by minute, to suit the type of riding and the road conditions, for the best possible bike behaviour in any situation. Electronic parameters can also be personalised so that every rider can find their preferred settings.
Also included as standard is the 5″ colour TFT instrumentation, full LED lighting with DRL and the “bending lights” system with a pair of additional lights that illuminate the entire corner, increasing visibility when leaning.
V100 Mandello is available in two versions, which differ in terms of their trim. The more comprehensive version includes Öhlins semi-active suspension as standard, but also the quick shift, heated handgrips, and the Moto Guzzi MIA multimedia platform that allows a smartphone to be connected to the instrumentation via Bluetooth to extend its functions. Moto Guzzi MIA includes both the infotainment system for management of the voice assistant, phone calls and music via the intuitive handlebar controls, and the GPS function, which allows the rider to view directions directly on the instrument panel once a destination is set on the smartphone.