Donk got a V100 Mandello!!!

Checkswrecks

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Saw this on ADV in the 2023 Stelvio thread about being able to reset the service wrench:

"I was told the same thing after I purchased my Aprilia Tuareg 660, but decided to give the Aprilia specific OBD-Star a try anyway. Long story short, it works perfectly. The sale price was $375 delivered, similar to the GS-911 I have been using on my BMWs for over a decade. A friend of mine purchased a Mandello, and was given the same advice as me with my Tuareg. I suggested that he try the Moto Guzzi specific OBD-Star device. He did, and again, it works perfectly for about the same price. We each purchased them on eBay. The device takes some playing with to operate properly, as there aren't any good tutorials, but if I can figure it out, it's likely you can as well. Also, there is a lot more functionality available than just resetting the service interval. I just haven't gotten into that yet."
 

Donk

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Saw this on ADV in the 2023 Stelvio thread about being able to reset the service wrench:

"I was told the same thing after I purchased my Aprilia Tuareg 660, but decided to give the Aprilia specific OBD-Star a try anyway. Long story short, it works perfectly. The sale price was $375 delivered, similar to the GS-911 I have been using on my BMWs for over a decade. A friend of mine purchased a Mandello, and was given the same advice as me with my Tuareg. I suggested that he try the Moto Guzzi specific OBD-Star device. He did, and again, it works perfectly for about the same price. We each purchased them on eBay. The device takes some playing with to operate properly, as there aren't any good tutorials, but if I can figure it out, it's likely you can as well. Also, there is a lot more functionality available than just resetting the service interval. I just haven't gotten into that yet."
That could be a handy tool. Good find.
 

Donk

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Took the Mandello on an 1150 mile ride this week,2 days from WI to Buzzards Bay MA. First day was 900 miles of slab and second day was a mix of backroads and some more slab.
The good;
Great engine
Comfortable riding position
Good weather protection
Great OEM luggage
The could be better;
Only 160 mile range to reserve
Seat is lacking
Tranny is only ok, quick shifter is awful!

All and all a good bike. I think the complaints other than fuel range are minor or fixable. Stelvio carries a gallon more gas which would get you over 200 to reserve. The quick shifter turn a marginal tranny to pooh! Wish I never put it on, it's bad enough I seldom use it. Not sure the bike was ever intending as a true touring but does the job just fine.
 

Donk

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A Man could do a lot worse than to ride a Guzzi. If the range thing starts to really bother me I would trade it for a Stelvio but other than that I just like the bike.
 

Checkswrecks

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Everything has a place

 

Donk

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My Beautiful Italian Nightmare(s) by Donk

All is not well in the Guzzi world.

Yesterday I headed to MA from WI on the ‘14 Norge that I just got back from dealer for a minor cold running issue. At the same time I dropped off the ‘23 Guzzi for a warranty shifting issue. Dealer says it’s a bad shift drum Piaggio/Guzzi USA says it can’t be because they’ve never had one go bad and won’t approve the dealer tearing it down to see. At least they are not arguing over fixing the leaky right head gasket. Anyway my last words to the service manager about the Norge were “are you sure this bike is good to go?” He assured me it was. Heading east from WI got to the IN-OH border and felt the bike hiccup, then again 20 miles later. My gut said better to have the bike turn into a lump in WI than MA so I turned around. The bike ran perfectly for the next 50 miles making me question my decision. Then a hiccup and another and the bike isn’t running great but I’m heading in the right direction. I have enough gas to get through Chicago but it was cold in the am, I have all my layers on and now it’s hot. Don’t dare pull over to shed layers so keep going. Get to the TriState at 1pm traffic is light all is looking good except……halfway around the TriState bike drops a cylinder. Nowhere to pull over so we keep going on my thumper. With gas deep into reserve I cross WI line and pull off and into a KwikTrip gas station. Bike is puking oil in addition to running on 1 cylinder. Call dealer they apologize profusely and say they will send a truck to my house to fetch bike. I agree I can make it home, do get home and flatbed shows up. Really nice guy help him load bike watch him strap it down, I would have done different but he’s the professional and I keep my mouth shut. He says I will call you to confirm delivery to dealer which he does and informs me that the bike fell over en route busting a saddle bag and scratching up right side of fairing and other bits. So ended my 640 mile ride to nowhere yesterday and at least when the bike landed on its side I wasn’t on it!

It is entirely possible my next bike will have a J in the VIN as country of origin.
 

Sierra1

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That . . . . is amazing. And not in a good way. But yeah, it's Japan or nothing for me for exactly this kind of reason(s).
 

ZigZag

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None of that brings joy. Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I'll think positive thoughts and hope its all put right quickly and easily. Every time I see a Mandello or a new Stelvio my heart says "you really should buy one". My brain says, patience grasshopper, wait and learn from others experiences. Brain scores 1 from this story. However heart is already far ahead on the score sheet.
 

Donk

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Thanks for your thoughts but at the end of the day it’s just a motorcycle, or 2 :( No one’s health or well being is at risk. I still love the Mandello, it’s a sweet ride. I believe they will get it sorted. Mine is one of the first batch of ‘23s so it’s an early production bike. I know there were minor changes made to the ‘24. As far as the Norge goes It has reached the end of the line. It was an accident and they happen. The dealer is being super about it. All in all I really don’t have much to complain about. Even early S10s were not perfect and when Yamaha went to 6 speed on FJR they had their issues. I just thought it was funny that so much could go wrong at once. Even the service manager said regarding the Norge he was putting it out back and smudging the shop to rid it of bad energy!
 

Checkswrecks

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Wow.
Sorry to hear about the Norge!

On the Stelvio it seems I’ve heard of issues with third gear so maybe it’s that and not the shift drum. Regardless, that’s what the warranty is for.
 

Donk

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Problem with V100 right now is Guzzi/Piaggio USA insists the problem is the quick shifter even though service mgr has proven it is not. He took quickshifter off went with standard linkage and bike is the same. Piaggio will not approve opening up tranny at this time because” it’s never happened before”. As service mgr says “well it has now”. Dealer is being great so I’m sure it will get sorted……by October!
 

ZigZag

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It’s unnaceptable that a company like Piaggio can’t organise a simple spare parts logistic network. It really isn’t rocket science. In the past I’ve worked for global companies that had effective spare parts networks. Including Russian cars, Italian tractors, Mazda and Caterpillar. Caterpillar by far and away the best, toss up between Lada in the late 1980s and Italian tractors 20 years ago for worst performer.
 

Madhatter

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the massive clunk when engaging 1st gear may be a Guzzi trait , but hard metal parts slamming together causing me some concern . maybe it will be ok .
 
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