Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale takes off

A new special edition bike has arrived from Mandello del Lario as the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale taxis to the runway.

The bike is a tribute to one of the company’s founders, Giovanni Ravelli, an Italian Navy pilot who died in 1919. Ravelli, along with Giorgio Parodi and a mechanic called Carlo Guzzi, had agreed to dedicate their lives after the war to the construction of motorcycles. The eagle crest within the Moto Guzzi badge is a direct tribute to Ravelli.

With this ingrained link to military aviation, it’s really no surprise to see Moto Guzzi offering this aviation-themed special edition into the mix.

The bike will be limited to just 1913 examples and wears a dedicated livery which is inspired by the F-35B fighter jet's own paint scheme. The bike even features jet intake warning stripes around its moveable aerodynamic winglets, aping those found on the vertical take-off and landing fighter jet.

Each bike will also come equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system, heated grips, a dedicated motorcycle cover and a commemorative plaque, while the individual serial number is laser engraved on the top yoke.

Sadly for UK-based Moto Guzzi fans, the bike is only available in the Italian market, and pricing as yet seems to be unconfirmed.

The V100 Mandello is the first of a new breed of Moto Guzzis to use an all-new 1,000cc engine platform. It produces 115bhp and 77lb-ft of torque. It’s highlight piece of tech is some electronically controlled ‘wings’ that can flick up for touring – to keep wind and weather off the rider – or fold flat for more performance-oriented riding.

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