twisties , and is as stable and sure-footed as the class-leaders in this niche , and more so than a lot of contenders . It feels solid , planted , and substantial . Guzzis have always handled well . The factory has relentlessly ensured that . And it goes . I thought it would give some bang away to the R1250RS with which it directly competes , and which has 250 more ccs . And maybe that is the case on a dyno . It sure didn ’ t feel like it on the road . The V100 Mandello delivers its power smoothly , and doesn ’ t stop all the way to red-line which is 10,000 , if I recall . Speeds in the low 200s are right there , pilgrim , if you ’ ve a mind to sail that way . The traditional Guzzi torque-lurch is gone . My brain told me the ghost of it remained , but that ’ s what angst does to you . It scars you forever . Feel free to lash this thing into corners as hard as you like . It ’ s not got any “ character ” there to mess with you . But it remains unmistakably a Guzzi . Rich torque delivery – so creamy it ’ s like you ’ re riding an entire dairy farm – and the ability to brake , lean , and power out of bends with the best of them . It ’ s comfortable , as two full days in the saddle followed by my ability to walk unaided through airport security will attest . So it ticks the touring bike box . Seeing as how this was a Press Launch , I didn ’ t do big miles , but one does tend to spend most of the day in the saddle . Our well-heated leadrider , Chris “ The Sheepdog ” Harris , ensured I was treated to some lovely Victorian roads , some
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