Moto Guzzi have released more details on the V100 Mandello, which signifies a huge step forward for the brand. Best known for their low-tech retro machines of late, the new V100 is the most technologically advanced Guzzi so far. At the heart of the Mandello is a new 1042cc twin, which is Guzzi’s first water cooled unit and brings with it some very new tech.
As well as the water cooling the new DOHC
engine also features finger followers, four valves per cylinder, a wet sump and
a hydraulic wet clutch. Even with the new tech it’s more compact that even the
V85 engine, at over 10cm shorter. Thanks to all this new tech, Guzzi have
successfully extracted 113bhp from the block and 77lb.ft of torque. More
impressive still is that 90% of the torque is available from just 3500rpm while
throttle happy types can rev it out to 9500rpm. The new bike also features a single sided
alloy swingarm but it’s positioned much lower than on any previous models,
doing away with any torque reaction.
The Mandellos’ main party trick is a world
first – active aerodynamics. Fitted to the side of the 17.5 litre tank is a
pair of adaptive wind deflectors that can move outwards to mimic the wind
protection of a more traditional tourer. Guzzi claim that in their fully outstretched
position they reduce air pressure on the rider by 22% but if that’s not enough
there’s an electronically adjustable screen too. Also coming head first into
the 21st century are the electronics. For the first time a Guzzi is fed info by
a six-axis IMU that’s keyed into a Marelli 11MP ECU.
The first is a top notch electronics suite
that includes four riding modes, three engine maps, four levels of traction
control and three levels of engine braking on top of the cruise control,
cornering ABS and cornering lights. If
that’s not enough the top of the range model also comes with Öhlins Smart EX
2.0 semi-active suspension, quickshifter, heated grips and Bluetooth smartphone
connectivity.
So far there’s been no word from Guzzi on
the price but we’d expect it to be around £ 15,500 for the top spec edition.