You think Guzzi maintenance is more than BMW maintenance?
I currently own a 2003 Moto Guzzi V11, and have owned another in the past. I know this is a very small sample and anecdotal but the only maintenance I have had to do on those bikes is change the oil every once in a while. It is a shaft drive so no chain maintenance.
Yes but this is Guzzi's first time doing a liquid cooled engine.
I have a Guzzi. I love it. And I also think the mandello is a gorgeous piece of design and engineering. I would still wait at least two years to buy a bike with that engine, at least as my only bike. That's about how long it takes Guzzi to stamp out gremlins with a new model.
Also the BMW warranty is nearly twice the length of the Guzzi warranty.
The Mandello is gorgeous, and I hope they make a more touring oriented bike on the same platform (more like the old Norge) but I wouldn't buy a Mandello in the first model year unless I had another good bike to ride... Just in case.
I tried the bike , beautiful handling and bracking, even going down to some steep mountain roads is very comfy and stable.
Component are at top level, torque is always available and power more than enough. If you want to stand out definitely buy the Guzzi.
Being a Guzzi owner, I'd have to go with the Mandello. That is one beautiful bike. The downside is the poor dealer network here in the states. Fortunately, the bikes are pretty bullet proof and don't require a lot of maintenance, just change the oil and filter and put new tires on her occasionally. The valves are easy to get to on these bikes.
I would not count out the FJR. Those are also excellent motorcycles, if you like that riding position (it's a bit more forward lean than my Norge or the Mandello). They were (and to some extent still are) the weapon of choice for Iron Butt Rally riders. Those bikes can lay down the miles, are not bad around town, and fun in the twisties. There is a great support community for them as well. Parts are not going to be an issue with those for many years.
Yep, that's an issue with Guzzi. But, like I said, they really don't require a lot of dealer maintenance. Most stuff can be done by a half-way decent do it your selfer. They are very easy to maintain.
Good luck. If you ride one and you like it, nothing else will scratch that itch.
BS! On the V7 II and later:
>The procedure of holding down the LH button (toggle for miles/trip) then turning on the key works.
Of course I never did get the "key off" prompt. After a few seconds turned the key off and all was well.
It is in the manual...somewhere in the beginning of the maintenance section.
On the Mandello:
>To deactivate the "spanner" icon, turn the selector near the light switch to MODE. Recall the MENU function by briefly pressing SET and releasing, then confirm the selection by pressing and holding the same button. Press and hold the SET button to select the DIAGNOSTICS function. Enter the V100 Mandello service code (it's in the owners manual), then select the function "RESET SERVICE".
All motorcycles will have some growing pains and even those that have been in production for years sometime still have known issues (KLR with the dohicky and thermo-bob). I wouldn't let that stop me from purchasing the bike that puts a smile on my face and touches my soul.
My Norge was a first year bike and has been virtually trouble free (other than rider induced problems) for well over 80,000 miles.
You really need to ride them both. The BMW will seem much more refined - almost sewing machine like, while the Guzzi will feel much more visceral. It will rattle and shake and generally let you know you are on a real motorcycle. There is a place for both. I ride both a Goldwing and a Moto Guzzi Norge. Very different experiences and both great to own and ride.
Are you going to get the semi active suspension on the bmw? Looks like the guzzi has ohlins semi active. The guzzi has more potato potato sound with its v engine and the bmw has the even fire put put that is unpopular in this era of big bang engines. A couple of people I know have the Guzzi machines and rave over how much they love them especially ride comfort. The guy with the bmw says he hates the sound of the bmw. Then I know that there is always a new bike coming out but literally bmw has a new GS coming out and we have to assume it will carry over into the rest of the horizontale opposed bikes, it’s possibly 1300 and 1400cc with full water cooling and full dry sump. I really think the new engine will be a game changer for BMW.
Yup Guzzi V-twins are miraculously smooth and pleasant sounding. I don't see what the new boxer 1300 engine could bring in terms of riding experience, I think it's just to keep up in the spec sheet wars. The 1250 already has more power than you will ever actually need. I went Guzzi and am sometimes a little jealous of the technological refinement of BMWs and I'd go with the BMW if only they could trade a little power for a more pleasant engine cadence and sound.
When I get on BMW boxer I sometimes forget just how hard the bike slaps sideways when you pull in the clutch and rev lmao.
Now that Guzzi is catching up to and even surpassing BMW in terms of technological refinement, assuming Guzzi nails the reliability of the new platform and expands their dealer network and supply chains (hopeless optimism) BMW could finally be facing some really steep competition in this segment.
I rode an RS for 3 years. Good bike. Comfy, and still nimble enough for lighter and "spirited" riding to an extent. It's accurately categorized as a sport tourer I think. Get an aftermarket exhaust and it sounds great too.
No experience with the Guzzi.
I don't think you should count out the FJR though. They have a big following and there are lots of aftermarket parts. I think you'd probably be able to find parts for quite a while without much trouble.
No, it has a slight lean forward but not to an extent that made it uncomfortable on long rides at all. It is very slight. I'm not sure about foot position and leg bend on the RT but the RS your feet are pretty much below your hips.
Maybe an older R 1200 RT or GS then?
I know the Mandello is being marketed as a sport tourer but the design just isn't suited to long distance touring like the RT is.
I have the V85 TT, with an aftermarket windscreen it was a piece of cake doing 2000 miles in three days. Don't overlook the V85, BMW GS, or Tiger 1200. They are nearly as touring capable as the dedicated big tourers and much more sporty and nimble in the city than you would ever believe until you go ride one. Seriously go take a test ride on a used R 1200 GS, you'll be astounded.
Just joined this group. I hope it’s better than MOTORCYCLE group full of trolls and just two wheel enthusiasts. 🙏🏾 Ride safe on two or one. Somebody some where wants you back in peace.
I think you have already answered your question. Go buy the FJR. I’m sure you can find one on CycleTrader with almost no miles. Why would you consider these other bikes when you have already said this is what you want?
The BMW will be perfectly agreeable. Engine's got torque in spades, the dash is still unrivaled and it will do everything you'd expect from a sport tourer.
So naturally, I'd take the Guzzi.
I’d buy the RS without thinking about it. It isn’t really even a discussion in my opinion. This also stems from the fact that I’m not a huge fan of the way the Guzzi looks and I’m an avid BMW enthusiast.
That Guzzi is a beautiful bike. There is nothing like it on the road dude. I would buy the Guzzi.
It is but cost in maintenance is more. But if it’s done after warranty on owner then I agree.
You think Guzzi maintenance is more than BMW maintenance? I currently own a 2003 Moto Guzzi V11, and have owned another in the past. I know this is a very small sample and anecdotal but the only maintenance I have had to do on those bikes is change the oil every once in a while. It is a shaft drive so no chain maintenance.
Yes but this is Guzzi's first time doing a liquid cooled engine. I have a Guzzi. I love it. And I also think the mandello is a gorgeous piece of design and engineering. I would still wait at least two years to buy a bike with that engine, at least as my only bike. That's about how long it takes Guzzi to stamp out gremlins with a new model. Also the BMW warranty is nearly twice the length of the Guzzi warranty. The Mandello is gorgeous, and I hope they make a more touring oriented bike on the same platform (more like the old Norge) but I wouldn't buy a Mandello in the first model year unless I had another good bike to ride... Just in case.
I tried the bike , beautiful handling and bracking, even going down to some steep mountain roads is very comfy and stable. Component are at top level, torque is always available and power more than enough. If you want to stand out definitely buy the Guzzi.
Guzzi looks like it's got more comfy ergos
Being a Guzzi owner, I'd have to go with the Mandello. That is one beautiful bike. The downside is the poor dealer network here in the states. Fortunately, the bikes are pretty bullet proof and don't require a lot of maintenance, just change the oil and filter and put new tires on her occasionally. The valves are easy to get to on these bikes. I would not count out the FJR. Those are also excellent motorcycles, if you like that riding position (it's a bit more forward lean than my Norge or the Mandello). They were (and to some extent still are) the weapon of choice for Iron Butt Rally riders. Those bikes can lay down the miles, are not bad around town, and fun in the twisties. There is a great support community for them as well. Parts are not going to be an issue with those for many years.
I want a Guzzi but there is not one service center in my state!
Yep, that's an issue with Guzzi. But, like I said, they really don't require a lot of dealer maintenance. Most stuff can be done by a half-way decent do it your selfer. They are very easy to maintain. Good luck. If you ride one and you like it, nothing else will scratch that itch.
The dealer told me only a dealer can turn off the Maintenance warning alert on the screen.
BS! On the V7 II and later: >The procedure of holding down the LH button (toggle for miles/trip) then turning on the key works. Of course I never did get the "key off" prompt. After a few seconds turned the key off and all was well. It is in the manual...somewhere in the beginning of the maintenance section. On the Mandello: >To deactivate the "spanner" icon, turn the selector near the light switch to MODE. Recall the MENU function by briefly pressing SET and releasing, then confirm the selection by pressing and holding the same button. Press and hold the SET button to select the DIAGNOSTICS function. Enter the V100 Mandello service code (it's in the owners manual), then select the function "RESET SERVICE".
Would you take a chance buying the first year model release? I heard it’s better to wait a year or two until the bugs are worked out.
All motorcycles will have some growing pains and even those that have been in production for years sometime still have known issues (KLR with the dohicky and thermo-bob). I wouldn't let that stop me from purchasing the bike that puts a smile on my face and touches my soul. My Norge was a first year bike and has been virtually trouble free (other than rider induced problems) for well over 80,000 miles. You really need to ride them both. The BMW will seem much more refined - almost sewing machine like, while the Guzzi will feel much more visceral. It will rattle and shake and generally let you know you are on a real motorcycle. There is a place for both. I ride both a Goldwing and a Moto Guzzi Norge. Very different experiences and both great to own and ride.
Are you going to get the semi active suspension on the bmw? Looks like the guzzi has ohlins semi active. The guzzi has more potato potato sound with its v engine and the bmw has the even fire put put that is unpopular in this era of big bang engines. A couple of people I know have the Guzzi machines and rave over how much they love them especially ride comfort. The guy with the bmw says he hates the sound of the bmw. Then I know that there is always a new bike coming out but literally bmw has a new GS coming out and we have to assume it will carry over into the rest of the horizontale opposed bikes, it’s possibly 1300 and 1400cc with full water cooling and full dry sump. I really think the new engine will be a game changer for BMW.
Yup Guzzi V-twins are miraculously smooth and pleasant sounding. I don't see what the new boxer 1300 engine could bring in terms of riding experience, I think it's just to keep up in the spec sheet wars. The 1250 already has more power than you will ever actually need. I went Guzzi and am sometimes a little jealous of the technological refinement of BMWs and I'd go with the BMW if only they could trade a little power for a more pleasant engine cadence and sound. When I get on BMW boxer I sometimes forget just how hard the bike slaps sideways when you pull in the clutch and rev lmao. Now that Guzzi is catching up to and even surpassing BMW in terms of technological refinement, assuming Guzzi nails the reliability of the new platform and expands their dealer network and supply chains (hopeless optimism) BMW could finally be facing some really steep competition in this segment.
I rode an RS for 3 years. Good bike. Comfy, and still nimble enough for lighter and "spirited" riding to an extent. It's accurately categorized as a sport tourer I think. Get an aftermarket exhaust and it sounds great too. No experience with the Guzzi. I don't think you should count out the FJR though. They have a big following and there are lots of aftermarket parts. I think you'd probably be able to find parts for quite a while without much trouble.
Does the RS have the exact RT ergonomics except with a smaller faring?
No, it has a slight lean forward but not to an extent that made it uncomfortable on long rides at all. It is very slight. I'm not sure about foot position and leg bend on the RT but the RS your feet are pretty much below your hips.
Since you were really after something like the FJR 1300, have you considered the R 1250 RT ?
Yeah. Way over my budget.
Maybe an older R 1200 RT or GS then? I know the Mandello is being marketed as a sport tourer but the design just isn't suited to long distance touring like the RT is. I have the V85 TT, with an aftermarket windscreen it was a piece of cake doing 2000 miles in three days. Don't overlook the V85, BMW GS, or Tiger 1200. They are nearly as touring capable as the dedicated big tourers and much more sporty and nimble in the city than you would ever believe until you go ride one. Seriously go take a test ride on a used R 1200 GS, you'll be astounded.
Just joined this group. I hope it’s better than MOTORCYCLE group full of trolls and just two wheel enthusiasts. 🙏🏾 Ride safe on two or one. Somebody some where wants you back in peace.
I think you have already answered your question. Go buy the FJR. I’m sure you can find one on CycleTrader with almost no miles. Why would you consider these other bikes when you have already said this is what you want?
The BMW will be perfectly agreeable. Engine's got torque in spades, the dash is still unrivaled and it will do everything you'd expect from a sport tourer. So naturally, I'd take the Guzzi.
I’d buy the RS without thinking about it. It isn’t really even a discussion in my opinion. This also stems from the fact that I’m not a huge fan of the way the Guzzi looks and I’m an avid BMW enthusiast.