The Mandello is the real deal — it’s quick, comfy, usable and ultra-sophisticated

The Mandello is an amazing comeback from one of motorcycling’s most-iconic brands. Wonderfully styled and oozing the kind of premium bits and pieces that always make ownership a joyous experience, even with our cynical hats on, we’re utterly captivated by it.

Everything about it works as it should — that transverse V-twin is usable, quick and throbs with character; the handling is neat; and the finish is impressive. There is no getting away from the fact that £13,500 isn’t a small amount of money but it undercuts rivals like Ducati’s Supersport 950 and BMW’S R1250RS (once you spec it properly) while offering a riding experience that’s appropriate for the riding us Brit bikers do and the miles we cover. It should be an excellent European tourer as well.

The basics are all just as they should be. The active aero might be a bit of a red herring but a good riding position, neat handling though good suspension and correct geometry, plus an engine with just enough (but not too much) power show that even in the world of IMUS and electronic aids, solid engineering still rules the day.

In this ever-competitive sport touring class, the Moto Guzzi might be playing a different game from the Universal Japanese Motorcycles like Suzuki’s GSX-S1000 GT and Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000SX but it feels just as effective at covering distance, almost as rapid and has a cachet and style that they can only dream of. The Mandello’s not only the best Guzzi ever, it’s one of the nicest sports tourers you can buy.

THANKS TO MSC Motorcycle & Scooter Centre for the kind loan of their demo Mandello for this test. Contact them at mscnottingham.com or 0115 939 2713.