Two Year Anniversary

[TennesseeSmith]

I bought my V100 Mandello two years ago today at Gateway Cycles in Mt Sterling, Kentucky.

We've covered 17,060 miles together in six states. The bike has not required anything beyond regular service and a change of tires. I am continually impressed at how well the bike handles the Appalachian backroads. I just look where I want to go and the bike takes care of it for me. When I need to pass slower traffic, this bike does it nicely. It doesn't leave any doubt.

Springtime in Appalachia is the best time and place to ride a motorcycle.

Here are a couple photos of the bike. One is in Ravenna, Kentucky. The other is my ice cream stop in Tyner, Kentucky yesterday afternoon. Yeah, I know it needs a wash...

 

[Nordicnorm]

100% positive. And you are taking the time to post about it!
Thank you!

 

[V700Steve]

Nice to see the bike work as it should. A positive comment on it, nice to know.

 

[BDS]

Congrats @TennesseeSmith on the good experience! I just passed my 2 yr as well. I only have 12k, but aside from an RPM sensor fail, the day I took delivery, it’s been an excellent bike! In fact I’m in Telico Plains, TN on it right now… been riding NC, TN and GA (Suches, Freddy’s Peanuts, 180, 60, and 68 today - in some drizzle). Awesome handling, and torque (kept up with the Ducati leader yesterday on the Cherohala Skyway. Cheers!

 

[TennesseeSmith]

@BDS
Is the new Bald River Falls bridge open yet? I've been wanting to get down to Tellico Plains to get some pictures of my V100 and my V85 with the waterfall in the background. They began demolition of the old bridge in September of 2023. The last I heard, they were saying the new bridge would open in the Spring of '25.

 

[BDS]

@BDS
Is the new Bald River Falls bridge open yet? I've been wanting to get down to Tellico Plains to get some pictures of my V100 and my V85 with the waterfall in the background. They began demolition of the old bridge in September of 2023. The last I heard, they were saying the new bridge would open in the Spring of '25.

@TennesseeSmith - Yes, still closed, as of Saturday. . Beautiful area back there - great for those photo ops!!

 

[TennesseeSmith]

Thanks @BDS

I'm glad your bike is doing well also. Typically, we hear more about issues than the good stuff. My experience with these two Moto Guzzi bikes has been so good that I wish I'd bought one years ago.

 

[William H.]

Congrats @TennesseeSmith on the good experience! I just passed my 2 yr as well. I only have 12k, but aside from an RPM sensor fail, the day I took delivery, it’s been an excellent bike! In fact I’m in Telico Plains, TN on it right now… been riding NC, TN and GA (Suches, Freddy’s Peanuts, 180, 60, and 68 today - in some drizzle). Awesome handling, and torque (kept up with the Ducati leader yesterday on the Cherohala Skyway. Cheers!

Don't forget to stop by 129 Motorsports the new Moto Guzzi dealer in Blairsville,Ga ( old Pappys Place on 19 )

 

[Tebax]

I have owned my V100S for two years now as well.
I am a happy owner, and like the bike just as much as when I took the delivery!

There have been no failure on the bike, it runs smooth and willingly.
No coolant hose clamp problems (tighten or replace), no oil leak (torquen the engine bolts).
However there was a one off incident with the Brembo front break during a long trip to Norway in torrential rains, where the front brake didn’t put power on the brake pads.
But there was nothing found to explain it, except perhaps water getting in to places in those heavy rains.
And it hasn’t occurred since then, so I feel secure with the bike.
Oh, and water found its way into the brake contacts and kept flickering the brake light even shortly during acceleration.
…those rainy days were quite special
No problem with brake lights since then.
The “O-ring” sealing inside the engine for the hydraulic clutch was replaced on warranty last summer (necessary as it dissolves due to wrong material).
The parasitic drain from the electronics and mostly the digital display is, compared to what I read of both the V100 and other brands latest models, acceptable.
It drains the battery in less than two months.
I have a “smart charger” connected if it is parked unused more than a week, so I keep it working.

Other than that I like the bike in its whole, the looks, the finish of it, the engine performance and character…and off corse I absolutely love the sound!
Quite addictive
I am satisfied with the fairing and experience no buffeting in any speed (I’m 174cm, and the inseam is perhaps on the slightly shorter side).
No problems with vibrations either. They are there at low engine speed, but mainly when accelerating at low rpms.
There is no numbness in my fingers when having a pause on journeys, or any sensation by the end of the day, not even 500 miles day trips.

So yeah, as a first time Guzzi owner, I am very happy with the bike!
Perhaps there’s one thing I would wish for in a new generation, and that would be a weight saving.
The bike is very fine when driving, but as a short legged guy it would be nicer with less pounds when trying to fiddle when turning around on narrow country roads (gravel roads), or just maneuvering it around in the garage.
A less weight would off course also be an advantage in the corners if the road surface is challenged by less friction.
Less weight is after all easier to change direction with.
That said, the OEM panniers is robust and stylish, and keeps water tight in heavy rains, and I have not any problems with the debated mounting difficulties. Just look thoroughly and it will be fine.
I mostly keep the panniers on the bike though.

 

[BDS]

Don't forget to stop by 129 Motorsports the new Moto Guzzi dealer in Blairsville,Ga ( old Pappys Place on 19 )

Good to know!! However, I didn’t get there… and, back home in Cincinnati this evening. Really spirited rides for three days… huge grins!

 

[wpgnorge]

Keep these positive reviews of longer term ownership and enjoying road trips coming. I'm on the fence whether to buy a new Stelvio or Mandello. My experience with the reliability of my Norge has been positive. But in Canada where I live, and the northern US, where I may ride as well, dealers are few and far between. My experience with MG parts availability is ......you never know when parts will arrive.

As I get older (crankier and less patient with things that should work but aren't reliable) and do roads trips, I just dont want the hassle of a problem sidelining me in the middle of nowhere for God knows how long. Sensible thing would be to buy a Japanese sport tourer or Adventure bike. But they dont interest me like a Guzzi would.

Keep the positive reviews coming!

 

[BDS]

Keep these positive reviews of longer term ownership and enjoying road trips coming. I'm on the fence whether to buy a new Stelvio or Mandello. My experience with the reliability of my Norge has been positive. But in Canada where I live, and the northern US, where I may ride as well, dealers are few and far between. My experience with MG parts availability is ......you never know when parts…

I also had a (‘15) Norge. Really liked that bike. I traded it, and a Ducati ST3S for my V100S. The Mandello doesn’t have the more “full” faring protection of the Norge, but, in my two years with it, I’ve enjoyed it much more than my Norge. More nimble, more powerful, and has lots of modern amenities… it is a nice blend of my Norge and Ducati. But, I get the sparse dealer issue… I am fortunate to have a very good dealer within 5 miles of my home. If that weren’t the case, I’m not sure I’d have the V100. If you get one though, riding it will be a joy!