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Head to head

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello vs Kawasaki Versys 650

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello and Kawasaki Versys 650 are among the most cross-shopped touring bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Versys 650 undercuts the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello by about $5,391, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello leads on power with 115 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello
Our pick
8.3

Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello
Kawasaki Versys 650
7.0

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Versys 650

The verdict

The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello edges it overall at 8.3/10, but the Kawasaki Versys 650 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Kawasaki Versys 650

66 hp.

Most exciting

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello

115 hp and 0.49 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Kawasaki Versys 650

Our 7/10 at $10,099, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Kawasaki Versys 650

220 kg with an 845 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello

Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.

Price & rating
Price$15,490$10,099
KickTheStand score8.3 / 107 / 10
Performance
Engine1042cc twin649cc twin
Power115 hp66 hp
Torque105 Nm61 Nm
Power-to-weight0.49 hp/kg0.30 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm USD fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshock, preload/rebound adjustableMonoshock
Front brakesDual 320mm discs, BremboDual 300mm discs
Rear brakesSingle 280mm discSingle 250mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight233 kg220 kg
Seat height815 mm845 mm
Fuel capacity17 L21 L
Suitability
ClassTouringTouring
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best fortouring, commutingtouring, commuting, adventure

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello vs Kawasaki Versys 650: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello or the Kawasaki Versys 650?

The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello makes the most power at 115 hp and 105 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello or the Kawasaki Versys 650?

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,099.

Which is lighter, the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello or the Kawasaki Versys 650?

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the lightest at 220 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello or the Kawasaki Versys 650?

For a new rider we'd point to the Kawasaki Versys 650: 66 hp and 220 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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