RedMandello
Just got it firing!
Picked up my Red Mandello last Friday (in Portland OR).
When the bike was wheeled outside to start and ride, it briefly started then died. Further attempts to start, failed. The battery was low and it seemed to be out of gas. I left the bike there and went to lunch.
Returning a half or so later, the bike had the battery swapped from another V100 and some fuel added. I rode directly to the nearby gas station and filled up.
Rode home (275 miles).
The next day, the garage smelled very strongly of fuel. I was kind of busy that day and didn't get to investigating until later in the day. When I did, I found a small puddle of fuel under the bike. I could also see that it was dripping fuel from just under the right side of the tank.
Trailered the bike back to Portland on Tuesday. In talking to the service guy, he mentioned that MG had seen some bikes with a leaking fuel pump seal and figured that was likely the issue.
When he uncovered the tank, he found that there was a crack in the tank near a mounting tab. He's not sure if it happened during tank manufacture or installation. I haven't heard yet on how long it's going take to get a new tank (are there any in the states?).
Other observations:
I like that engine - very different from the V85TT I test drove.
The side cases are ok, but can be difficult to get locked onto the bike. (The pinion seat locks the side cases). The ignition key works on the side cases.
The key can't be removed unless the case is locked. I'd prefer to be able to decide when I want to lock the case.
The top case uses a separate key.
No luggage liners.
The "Touring" windscreen really isn't much taller than the standard. If you're looking for complete wind coverage, this isn't it. (I'm 5'8").
The engine idle speed is set at 1400rpm. Seems quite fast and results in noticeable lurch when putting into 1st gear.
On the dash there's a Range remaining indicator. When I was riding home, I had looked at occasionally during the ride. I then noticed that it was just showing "--" and no longer indicating range remaining. I also noticed the Trip odometer was incrementing like it just been reset to zero. I wasn't sure what had happened and how much range I have left. I was able to get to a gas station and refill ok. Thinking about it, I concluded that when the tank hits reserve the Range remaining indicator switches to "--" and a special "Reserve Trip odometer" (my verbiage) starts counting. So, instead of a range remaining "guess" it provides an accurate "how far have I traveled in reserve" gauge.
When I got home and was able to read the owner's manual, it only mentions the range remaining gauge.
"Driving in reserve (only when the reserve indicator is on) (displayed in mi or km)." (Page 61) This is from a "02_09/2022" owner's manual edition.
I'll probably get the big socket for the rear wheel. I'd hate to need a tire at a shop that doesn't have such a thing.
All that said, I think I'm still going to like this bike. It's size, weight and performance should make for very good combination.
RedMandello
When the bike was wheeled outside to start and ride, it briefly started then died. Further attempts to start, failed. The battery was low and it seemed to be out of gas. I left the bike there and went to lunch.
Returning a half or so later, the bike had the battery swapped from another V100 and some fuel added. I rode directly to the nearby gas station and filled up.
Rode home (275 miles).
The next day, the garage smelled very strongly of fuel. I was kind of busy that day and didn't get to investigating until later in the day. When I did, I found a small puddle of fuel under the bike. I could also see that it was dripping fuel from just under the right side of the tank.
Trailered the bike back to Portland on Tuesday. In talking to the service guy, he mentioned that MG had seen some bikes with a leaking fuel pump seal and figured that was likely the issue.
When he uncovered the tank, he found that there was a crack in the tank near a mounting tab. He's not sure if it happened during tank manufacture or installation. I haven't heard yet on how long it's going take to get a new tank (are there any in the states?).
Other observations:
I like that engine - very different from the V85TT I test drove.
The side cases are ok, but can be difficult to get locked onto the bike. (The pinion seat locks the side cases). The ignition key works on the side cases.
The key can't be removed unless the case is locked. I'd prefer to be able to decide when I want to lock the case.
The top case uses a separate key.
No luggage liners.
The "Touring" windscreen really isn't much taller than the standard. If you're looking for complete wind coverage, this isn't it. (I'm 5'8").
The engine idle speed is set at 1400rpm. Seems quite fast and results in noticeable lurch when putting into 1st gear.
On the dash there's a Range remaining indicator. When I was riding home, I had looked at occasionally during the ride. I then noticed that it was just showing "--" and no longer indicating range remaining. I also noticed the Trip odometer was incrementing like it just been reset to zero. I wasn't sure what had happened and how much range I have left. I was able to get to a gas station and refill ok. Thinking about it, I concluded that when the tank hits reserve the Range remaining indicator switches to "--" and a special "Reserve Trip odometer" (my verbiage) starts counting. So, instead of a range remaining "guess" it provides an accurate "how far have I traveled in reserve" gauge.
When I got home and was able to read the owner's manual, it only mentions the range remaining gauge.
"Driving in reserve (only when the reserve indicator is on) (displayed in mi or km)." (Page 61) This is from a "02_09/2022" owner's manual edition.
I'll probably get the big socket for the rear wheel. I'd hate to need a tire at a shop that doesn't have such a thing.
All that said, I think I'm still going to like this bike. It's size, weight and performance should make for very good combination.
RedMandello
. Better days ahead…
️
