Three days and 430mls into ownership. Have my initial thoughts changed? A little, it's even better than I initially thought it was. I'm not fully into the electronics yet, it takes me a while with that sort of thing. Apparently you can change the amount of engine braking in the settings!
I've heard quite a few people ask 'Is it still a Guzzi?' It is much more refined, it handles much better, the gearbox is lovely the clutch is light, it's much quicker, it has far more electronic wizardry than any other Guzzi I have owned or ridden, but that DNA is still there. You could ride this bike blindfold, metaphorically speaking, and you would know without doubt that it was a Guzzi.
For someone of my size and stature, 5'9" short fat legs, it is the perfect fit. I'm not saying it wouldn't suit shorter or taller, fatter or thinner folks, but for me it's the perfect fit.
I've got used to the way the quickshifter works now and it is indeed a very nice addition on the open road, not so useful around town or in heavy traffic, easier just to use the clutch. One thing that I have found very nice is the ability of the bike to run at 7mph with the clutch fully engage, no stuttering or jerking no need the feather the clutch, the fueling is very near perfect.
Out on the open road it's a joy to ride. The power for me is just about spot on. From 45mph in 6th gear it will pull like a train, making overtakes very swift and safe, the brakes are I believe the best I've ever encountered on a bike, lovely feel and never need more than 1 finger. It feels very light once on the move and flicks from side to side without having to wrestle with it, it has got a slight tendency to run wide at speed, but I think this was more me being used to wide bars on adventure bikes. Dipping the shoulder into the corner appeared to overcome this.
Top box looks bloody awful on the Mandello, so I'll have to get used to riding with a rucksack again.
I did purchase a taller screen but didn't like the look of it so put the original back on. It does a good enough job.
Electronic wing things. Not sure, but you can feel it deflects the cold air from the top of your thighs, might be useful in heavy rain.
I've sent for a pyramid plastics front mudguard from the V85tt, I'm sure I can make it fit the V100. Something is definately needed to protect the radiator from all the crud chucked up in this country.
I've a feeling that once Guzzi start putting this engine and technology into other bikes we're going to be seeing an awful lot more Guzzi's on the road.