Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Vs. Honda NT1100

Producers method the sport-touring phase from a wide range of angles. Some adapt present sport bike and ADV platforms for long-distance journey. Others construct new sport-tourers from the bottom up. Moto Guzzi falls within the latter class with its all-new V100 Mandello mannequin.

The recently-hatched Goose is each Moto Guzzi’s million-dollar child and it’s the Italian agency’s first crack at a liquid-cooled engine. That 1,042cc, transverse V-twin isn’t the lone star on this manufacturing, both. The V100 additionally champions the primary lively aerodynamic winglets. Whereas Mandello Del Lario’s newest sport-tourer sides with novelty, Honda’s NT1100 favors the tried-and-true observe.

Based mostly closely on Large Pink’s profitable Africa Twin, the sensible tourer repurposes the adventurer’s metal semi-double-cradle body, bolt-on aluminum subframe, and 1,084cc parallel-twin engine. Slap a pair of 17-inch die-cast aluminum wheels onto that confirmed package deal and you’ve got a reliable sport-tourer.

Whereas Honda and Moto Guzzi take completely different routes, they share the identical vacation spot. The query is: who will get there quickest? For that reply, we flip to the spec sheet.

Overview

Fraternal Twins

Moto Guzzi dropped jaws when it lastly unveiled its compact-block mill. Sustaining the OEM’s signature transverse orientation, the eight-valve, DOHC, 1,042cc V-twin places Guzzi’s engineering may to good use with 115 horsepower and 77.4 lb-ft of torque. The powerplant’s oversquare format (96mm bore and 72mm stroke) together with its 12.6:1 compression ratio enhance the V100 Mandello to these efficiency heights.

Conversely, the NT1100 exudes an easygoing disposition. The Unicam parallel twin’s 1,084cc quantity could eclipse the Guzzi’s displacement, however Crew Pink performs the lengthy sport with its 92mm bore, 81.5mm stroke, and 10.1:1 compression ratio. These parameters produce 101 horsepower and 76.7 lb-ft of torque. Respectable numbers by most measurements, besides when in comparison with the Mandello.

Along with its energy benefit, the V100 additionally advantages from its smaller determine. The Goose ideas the scales at 514 kilos, which equates to a 10-pound distinction to the NT1100’s 524-pound curb weight. Pairing that athletic construct with a potent powerplant solely falls in Moto Guzzi’s favor. Because of this, the V100 Mandello takes the primary spherical in convincing style.

Dancing Across the Ring

The NT1100’s metal semi-double-cradle body could take accountability for a few of that additional weight. The development definitely fits off-roading journey bikes of the Africa Twin’s ilk, however many sport tourers don’t require such safety. However, Honda surrounds that strong framework with a responsive 43mm cartridge-type inverted entrance finish and a single-tube pressurized rear shock from Showa.

The NT1100 additionally finds a contented medium between agility and stability with its 26.5-degree rake and 60.4-inch wheelbase. With security prime of thoughts, Large Pink equips the sport-tourer with twin four-pot clampers biting 310mm discs on the entrance and a single-piston binder mated to a 256mm rotor out again.

Predictably, Moto Guzzi prioritizes efficiency with the Mandello. The mannequin’s metal tube body enlists the liquid-cooled V-twin as a load-bearing ingredient. A KYB 41 mm fork and KYB monoshock bolster the lot with rebound and preload adjustability. Following in that vein, the V100 virtually activates a dime (by sport-tourer requirements) with a 24.7-degree rake and 58.1-inch wheelbase.

Up entrance, a pair of Brembo four-piston calipers and twin 320 mm present deft stopping energy whereas the two-piston binder and 280 mm rotor regular the rear. With such a setup, we’ve no alternative however to award the Mandello one more victory.

Beneath Management

To this point, Honda’s performed it protected, however that’s the popular method on the subject of expertise. The NT1100 covers all its bases with three ranges of traction management, three-setting wheelie management, and multi-tiered energy and engine braking settings. If that isn’t sufficient high-end tech for you, the five-inch TFT touchscreen show additionally boasts Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Crew Pink even tosses in heated grips, cruise management, and panniers (65L) as commonplace, making the NT1100 street trip-ready straight out of the field.

In the meantime, Moto Guzzi arms the V100 with a Marelli 11MP ECU and six-axis IMU that governs cornering ABS and 4 trip modes (Journey, Sport, Rain and Street). Every mode routinely units the multi-level traction management, engine map, and engine braking. When tailoring these choices, the five-inch TFT show goes straightforward on the eyes too.

Whereas these options place the Mandello as a contender, the lively aerodynamics push it excessive. As the primary mannequin to tout such tech, we will’t wait to see how different producers undertake the shapeshifting winglets. But once more, Moto Guzzi and Honda sit at reverse ends of the efficiency/practicality spectrum. Each obtain their ends with effectivity, however that doesn’t lend to direct comparability. For that motive, this spherical ends in a draw.

Conclusion

The Honda NT1100 and Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello could enrich the identical sport-touring group, however the two fashions don’t share the identical language. The Goose upholds the ‘sport’ aspect of sport-touring, whereas the Honda focuses on the ‘touring’ a part of the phrase. These traits will attraction to completely different clients, making each a winner available in the market. Nonetheless, we’ve to declare a winner.

Honda has but to announce whether or not the NT1100 will make it to U.S. shores, however based mostly on the mannequin’s £12,999 U.Okay. price ticket, we’d count on an MSRP north of $15,500 (ought to it make landfall). That ballpark determine additionally aligns with the V100 Mandello’s $15,490 value level. With prices almost equal, all of it comes right down to the spec sheet.

For our functions—which normally aspect with efficiency—there’s no different alternative than the Moto Guzzi. The Honda definitely brings its justifiable share of pragmatism and reliability to the sport-touring social gathering. Nonetheless, with the V100 Mandello, Moto Guzzi ushers its model and the class into the long run.