Moto Guzzi launches special naval edition V100 Mandello

They say that politics make for strange bedfellows.
Motorcycles do too. Don't ask me how I know, I just do.
But here's an example that's family friendly.

Moto Guzzi has released a version of its new V100 that's a tribute to the Italian navy. I would never have linked bikes and boats, but here it is. Guzzi recently had a press launch aboard the aircraft carrier Cavour.

I suppose the whole thing makes sense when you look a little deeper as the company founders Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi were in the Italian Royal Navy’s Aeronautical Arm in World War One. They had planned to start a motorcycle company after the war with their friend pilot Giovanni Ravelli. He was killed in an accident in 1919 and the other two chose the spread-winged eagle logo in tribute to their friend.

Their connection with the navy was trumpeted with the new limited edition V100 Mandello Aviazione Navale. They made 1913 numbered motorcycles as a tribute to the year the Italian navy was founded.

The V100's livery is a nod towards the low-visibility of the navy's F-35B fighters. The graphics replicate those of the aircraft, with the insignia on both sides of the cowl, together with the typical “jet intake” stripes. The look is bolstered by a low-vis tricolour rosette on the sides of the fuel tank, the emblem of the Italian Naval Aviation, and the logo of the Boarded Aircraft Unit.
Standard features include a tire pressure monitoring system and heated handlegrips. The serial number is laser etched on the handlebar riser. Each bike comes with its own cover and a commemorative plaque.

Moto Guzzi calls the V100 Mandello a "watershed moment" in the company's history. It's the first bike with adaptive aerodynamics. It's also the first Moto Guzzi to feature a six-axis inertial platform, ABS cornering, semi-active suspension and a quick shift.

The V100 Mandello features the new compact-block engine with traditional 90° V-twin architecture. This entirely new engine makes 115 hp and torque of 105 Nm, with 82% already available at 3,500 rpm.