BMW R1250 RS vs the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello

[Grumpy Goat]

One of the match-ups I have been waiting for over a year to see. Fair review I think.

[Lee]

Here's a comparison of the R1250R and V100 I watched a couple months ago.
I did not watch it again but from what I remember they thought the Guzzi had more vibration and the transmission was not as good as the 1250.

https://youtu.be/3SFy1uNbiOM

[maxredline]

Thanks for the link.
On paper the BMW wins.

[Grumpy Goat]

Thanks for the link.
On paper the BMW wins.

And in real life, I think. The Mandello is "prettier" no doubt but overall, the BMW is the better bike I think. Performance, space for one or two, dealer support, and while it does not look like other sport tourers or sport bikes, it is not bad looking either ... just not pretty. Probably easier to work on as well.

[Becksy]

If you factor in performance, the BMW would win that clearly. Plus dealer support and likely build quality are factors in favour of the BMW. I went to have a look at one when it came out, and admittedly it was an early model probably only for the show room, but it did not look well put together on close inspection. A circlip on the rear wheel just came off in my hand with no effort on my part, cables etc looked much less durable.
I think the V100 would be a great posey second bike for the well off, but BMW is the every day choice.

[TriangleRider]

If you factor in performance, the BMW would win that clearly. Plus dealer support and likely build quality are factors in favour of the BMW. I went to have a look at one when it came out, and admittedly it was an early model probably only for the show room, but it did not look well put together on close inspection. A circlip on the rear wheel just came off in my hand with no effort on my part, cables etc looked much less durable.
I think the V100 would be a great posey second bike for the well off, but BMW is the every day choice.

I had the same impression when I saw a V100 in person.  In addition to an apparent lack of build quality, the up-close look left me a little flat compared to the photos.  The factory luggage looks like an absolute afterthought.  V100 doesn't make sense as a second bike to the RS.  Might as well get something truly light weight and fun.

[maxredline]

Thanks for the link.
On paper the BMW wins.

And in real life, I think. The Mandello is "prettier" no doubt but overall, the BMW is the better bike I think. Performance, space for one or two, dealer support, and while it does not look like other sport tourers or sport bikes, it is not bad looking either ... just not pretty. Probably easier to work on as well.

On point. 
Imho BMW just needs to rework the front end to no look so much like a shield (which it is).
If they did It would no doubt sell better and hopefully quiet the wind and mechanical noise down some.
Case in point the first gen Multistrada's front end turned a lot of folks away from its fugly front end though was a very capable bike.