Just introduced at the EICMA show, the Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is another retro standard taking it’s place in the market along with classic models already offered by Triumph and Ducati. The V7 has a 2 valve 750cc engine and styling that draws heavily from the late ’60s.
Quite a few of you wrote in about the upcoming release of this bike. Is there a strong unserved market here? It’s a very nice looking bike and it will probably do fairly well in Italy and other European countries though I’m curious if that will carry over to the U.S. I have no information about where this will be sold or when.
More photos below:
Tanshanomi says
As Adam Savage would say,
“Now THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about!”
Phoebe says
It’s a very pretty and classic standard…I like it a lot! Unfortunately, I very rarely see Moto Guzzis on the road (at least in my area), so I can’t imagine it’ll be a big seller in general…but this is just going by what I see around me. Most motorcycles I see on the road here are either some kind of Harley or a modern sportsbike; anything else is a rarity. I hardly ever see Ducatis either, but obviously they’re selling just fine in the US. *shrugs*
Mayakovski says
Nice, very nice.
OMMAG says
I’ve been wondering if the manufacturers are considering the possibility of insurance industry and regulator attacks on performance motorcycle owners.
Could this be a Strategy to get standard type bikes back into the consumer focus ahead of the coming war on performance machines ??
Jeff says
I wonder what effect the falling dollar will have on the price of these Euro imports ? Sweet bike by the way . I am at the end of the baby boomer generation and this style of bike appeals to me .
Bryce says
Bring out a 4V version of this engine and I’d be interested.
It looks like an early 70’s era bike that has been seriously cleaned up and had the fat trimmed off. I’m a fan of the look.
PigIron says
That’s EXACTLY what I’m talkin’ about too. It has the classic Guzzi styling of yore with none of the foolish gimcrackery of the modern “stylists”. Looks just like one of the old V7 Le Mans or Sports. If they ever offer it here in the States I’ll buy one in a second flat.
todd says
This is the sort of bike I want. It’s perfect as far as I can tell. Maybe after a while they will produce a 4 valve V7-Sport too.
Problem for me and potentially many other prospective buyers: I already have something almost just like this in the garage, or I can buy a very clean example of the real thing (original V7) for about half of what this will sell for.
-todd
jps says
I feel the American market is ready for something people can get on and pretend they’re Steve McQueen.
Michael says
I love the styling. As the owner of a new Bonneville I wonder about the 2-valve head, though. Just because you want retro looks, doesn’t mean you want old-style power. I turned away from a Nevada for that very reason (20hp!).
Boris says
No matter how cool the bike, if you can’t get parts for it, they are not going to sell. I love my Guzzi, but every time I need a part (other than simple stuff like filters) it takes them 6-8 weeks to deliver. I like riding my bike, not looking at it in the garage….
Sean says
Wow. Now THAT is a Guzzi. The tail end looks fairly similar to the new Bonneville, but the front end is all Guzzi. However, two valves? Come on, what’s up with that?
Fraser says
so when do we get the 1100 or 1200? Now THAT would be
the doggie’s danglies!
It will do well in the UK
John Sutherland says
Add inverted forks, mag wheels, dual front discs and chopped fenders for a home run! It doesn’t have to be a museum piece. Bolt on cafe fairing optional.
guitargeek says
Hey, a motorcycle that’s styled to look like… a motorcycle! What a concept!
todd says
I think the power out-put is fine (around 50hp). It’s about as much as I have now and I have no problem keeping up with other bikes and blowing past cars.
They probably keep the power below 50hp because of learner laws in other countries.
-todd
mark says
Nice bike… and it would be easy to build a drop-dead gorgeous cafe racer out of it.
Sean says
40hp is great for blowing past most cars and gives me a fair few giggles on the twisties. Massive top speeds aren’t great fun when you like your licence. Incidentally, that second cafe is absolutely amazing. This is a great cafe project.
Jim says
Everyone says it,but honestly,I’d buy one tomorrow.I’ve already written the Guzzi US office asking them to bring it to the States–we’ll see.I’m a fan of modern bikes(KTM especially is speaking to me these days),but I absolutely love,and miss,the clean simple styling of this bike.Decent cornering clearance,seat height under a yard,and tons of potential to “make it your own” as in the cafe’ reference mentioned above.I’m seeing more and more riders every day who are dusting off older standard bikes and putting them back in service;they’re a d*mn sight more usable than cruisers or race replicas,and more fun more of the time than either.As for the V7 Classic,I hope Guzzi sells a ton of them.
4BikeDan says
I LOVE this ‘new’ style! I think the ‘crotch-rockets have had their day, and insurance will put them out of contention. I feel sorry for the dealers that get them traded-in for ‘newer and faster rockets’ with no one wanting the ‘OLD’ model! The serious rider doesn’t want a rocket, they want a practical and useful bike, like riding it every day to work and errands. I would love to test ride the Norge and this V7 if possible. Always room for another bike in the garage!
Mezambo says
Wow! I’m all over it, I’m down on my knees praying that it’ll be marketed in the USA.
Willie Schmitz says
Nice lookin’ Goose. It’s probably got enough power for practical riding. It would sure make a great Cafe as all the recent retro bikes would.
G-Bo says
Skip ahead two years after a hopeful North American release:
“Great fun, looks,…I sure with they’d put the 4 valve Grisso mill in that frame.”
Economy of scale; building more of one motor will be less expensive than fewer of two (2-valve 750 vs. 4-valve 1200…just a thought. THAT would make my wallet fly open.
dezjet says
Between the Guzzi and the cb1100f retro that Honda just unveiled, man, it is getting tough to choose. I’ll just have to wait and see which bike fits me best.
BlitzPig says
I love the looks and always wanted a guzzi, but my ’04 Bonneville has at least 10 more BHP, Is no doubt far more reliable, and has an actual dealer network in the US to support it. And I’ll water the V7 costs at least 50% more than my Bonnie Black did.
mobilus says
I’m imaging this style of bike with a BMW F800 engine… hello new R80.
PigIron says
Why have a BMW when you can ride a Moto Guzzi ??? After all, they have much more bullet-proof engines and trannies than any Triumph (old or new) that ever came down the production line.
coho says
Hey, it’s the practical middleweight standard nobody builds anymore.
‘Bout time.
todd says
What I want to know is why doesn’t Harley make a version of their sportster like this?
I like Mobilus’ R80 idea; style it like a /5 with the “toaster” tank. Heck, even an opposed twin R80 with the classic looks would be nice. Forget the ugliest BMW ever, the R1200C.
The comparison with the Triumph is very valid. People like me who would be giving up a classic bike to buy a “Classic” bike often think the Bonneville is a tad phony and not as clean as the original. The Ducatis are a little over the edge, at least it looks like the extreme forward slant would tip you over the edge every time you hit the brakes. The Sportster is authentic enough but there’s the whole IMAGE thing and shoddy components. Besides, they verge on down-right uncomfortable because of the short shocks, high bars, and forward controls. The Enfield Bullet just isn’t available to us in California, I’d like to own one but I’m a romantic.
No, the Guzzi V7 shown above is the truest, faithfully Classic I’ve ever seen. I think it will set a standard for authenticity, practicality, and desireability. If they import it to the US, I know my dad who hasn’t riden since 1980 would give it serious consideration… as long as Moto Guzzi (Piaggio) gives it some serious media. My dad doesn’t read Cycle World. I’d buy one too, seriously.
-todd
BlitzPig says
todd, “phony is as phony does” hehe. The new Bonnie is no more “phony” than that V7 will be, what with fuel injection, disc brakes etc… that the V7 will have. My experience is that folks who call the new Bonneville “phony” have either never ridden one, or would simply rather be working on a bike than riding it. The Enfield Bullet is a piece of junk, poorly assembled, under braked, ill handling, and very maintenance intensive.
I was looking for a used Guzzi before I bought my Bonneville and I’m glad I picked up the Bonnie instead. It has been totally reliable, and economical to operate, and there is a huge after market availability of parts and accessories for it, and a dealer network that actually is pretty good, whereas Moto Guzzi is legendary for poor parts availability, poor warranty service, and dealers that have the staying power of a snowball in a hot place. The 750 series bikes have a very poor reputation in Europe as they are plagued with manufacturing defects to the engine blocks (cracked castings in particular).
If you think they are more reliable than a modern Triumph or BMW then I suggest you move your calendar up from 1970 to the current year.
Jim says
I was thinking along the same lines as G-Bo above,except I believe the short-stroke Griso 850 engine would be a perfect fit for the bike and its intended use.Guzzi already has the Griso and Breva in 850cc versions,so G-Bo’s economy of scale argument remains intact.
ROHORN says
Nice. Almost as nice as the Guzzi 1000S from some years back. It was a sales disaster. Nice doesn’t sell – hasn’t in decades.
Can anybody PLEASE explain why “standard” bikes always generate the most noise from interested “buyers” yet they are always failures in the marketplace? Or, at best, they sell well for a very short while the disappear?
Considering all the different models that fall under that category, I’m not going to buy the “It just hasn’t been done right yet” bit. And no, nobody wants to buy a new 400cc “Nice” bike, either.
ROHORN says
Yes, the “naked sports bikes” sell – sometimes. The standard SV1000 is gone, as is the 919 for 2008. Honda’s last air cooled UJM 4 (750 Nighthawk?) went away years ago. The Bandits, Z1000, and FZ models are still here.
The ‘R Beemers were sales bombs for the most part. Which was a shame – I liked them a lot. I was working at a dealership when the 850 model was current – they sold very badly. I’m told the Bonnies sell well, but I rarely see them unless they are the scrambler, cafe racer, or cruiser models.
What happened to the W650 or whatever that Kawasaki BritStyle twin was called? I remember a lot of people begging to get it sold over here. It lasted what, 2 years? Or the ZRX? Or the Zephyrs?
The Kawasaki 500 & 650? The ones with the “Ninja” name on the side? I own one of those ’03 500R bikes – it’s nice – but they wouldn’t sell without that name on the side. The nice thing about those stickers is that they will peel off. I got the bike for dirt cheap:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b157/rohorn/100_0019.jpg
Then there was my previous new bike, a ’99 Buell M2 – a very good bike. I almost got the SV650 instead. But I got a killer deal on the M2 – far less than a new ZRX or Bandit – and no annoying chain or 4 cylnder buzz to deal with. I don’t own it anymore and Buell dropped the M model.
The SV still sells because it performs well for the money. The nice old Honda 650 Hawk GT did neither – it didn’t last long as a result. Whenever “nice” standards come out, people look at the price and then look at what else is available – then the standards do what they do best: Help chase the other models out the door.
Standards, in practice, are good for any and all pavement riding. I don’t see motards as beeing nearly that functional. Jolly good fun though they might be, they are about as fashion driven and dysfunctional on public streets as choppers, in my personal opinion.
ROHORN says
In that environment, they are the best things on wheels, in my experience. I know my old KLX 650 (another short run model) certainly excelled in those areas. But it was terrible everywhere else. Which is why I sold it and replaced it with a GSXR1100. That was hardly the epitome of practical function, either. That’s why “standards” exist – and why so few buy them.
Michael says
I guess it depends on where you ride. I have a half hour of near straight road to get to work, so I bought the Bonnie Black to cruise to work and occasionally go for a scratch. My dual-sport has been stripped down for the hill climbs at the back of my property. Oh, and the Bonnie handles my 1/2k dirt driveway well too
Robert says
The new Moto Guzzi V7 is a fantastic looking
bike with more than enough power for the
average weekend rider.
Not everyone wants a 100 bhp plus monster that
weighs a ton.
It’s certainly on my “wish list”.
Sandy Bay
Tasmania
Dick Colburn says
Some of us motorcyclists are getting old, we don’t all have 36″ inseams, don’t need to wheelie or stoppie and ride within posted speed limits.
Standards are very attractive to us even though dealers and importer/distributors would rather try to shove sport bikes and cruisers down our throats.
The V7 will, I assume, have the Breva 750 drive line. I have ridden a Breva 750 and find it performs very well within my expectations and is a very friendly bike to ride. I did not like the sporty forward lean required and the V7 eliminates that complaint.
I have a W650 Kawasaki and smile when I see what they continue to bring on the open market. The fact is that no one ever marketed the W650 and by the time it was discovered, Kawasaki had imprudently quit importing it. It is a most excellent bike!
The V7 may not become Moto Guzzi’s best selling motorcycle but if they bring it into the US, there are some of us who will be waiting impatiently to find a Moto Guzzi dealer within a days drive in order to purchase one.
Dick in Ohio (3.5 hours to closest Guzzi dealer)
David Davies says
Excuse an interloper from across the pond. I WILL be buying one and selfishly I’m glad it doesn’t have the 850 motor! I currently have a Breva 1100 (and am a long time Guzzi man – but not exclusively) and have covered some 18000 trouble free miles on it and am more than happy with it. But being short and getting on in years I do find it (and most bikes these days)a little heavy and bulky, until on the move. Always imagined I would replace it a few years down the line with a Breva 750 but have never been totally enamoured with the looks. One look at the V7 and I can see me changing next year. The 850 motor would have meant 850 frame and the bulk and weight would remain. The 750 is 7 stone lighter!This has all been brought home to me by another bike I bought this summer. I bought a 500cc Royal Enfield Trials model and have had huge amounts of fun on it due to it’s lightness and nimbleness.I’ll be in the show room the day they arrive to have a proper look.
Robbie says
I happen to own 2 Guzzi’s, a 2003 Triumph Bonneville and a Kawasaki so i’ve had a good chance to see both the pro’s and cons of the bonnie vs guzzi’s.
Unfortuntely for me , our Bonnie leaked like a triumph of old at the head gasket, no doubt made worse by the ham fisted Triumph dealer stripping the thread on the screw, so forcing me to go get it helicoiled.
Stock, the triumph came with a massive flat spot off of idle and a shockingly bad front brake. The bike also feels liek the frame bends when you push it. I’ve just had new rear shocks put on, new pipes and a whole bunch of additional work so hopefully these issues will now be resolved. i’ve also noticed that new triumphs will come with FI, so im sure that the flat spot was a result of lean jetting to pass emissions.
It’s not a fair comparo between the triumph and my 2001 V11 Sport, because the sport is hot rodded out. I do however have a 1976 Guzzi Convert that compares favourably to the Bonnie. The Bonnie has more power (well the convert is an automatic and shes heavy), but the Convert tracks better in corners and can be pushed harder. Both bikes top out around the same speed (around 115 indicated) , the bonnie is a 790, maybe next year ill drop in the 904 cc kit 🙂
all in all theyre both great bikes, i prefer the Guzzi Convert, my other half prefers the Bonnie, is it any coincidence that the Bonnie is lighter and less intimidating?
I for one hope Guzzi sells a gazilion of the V7 classics. what a great nimble and light standard for nipping round town. I dont think the 750 measures up to the current 865 cc Bonnie in terms of power but i dont think thats why people buy these bikes in the first place.
Robbie
Ed says
Love the bike hope Canada or the US imports.
If so, and it passes the weight/seat-height nimbleness test, I’ll wait a year or two and pick up a used one – my ’01 W650 with 35k kms will suffice till then.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m91/Crash48/HPIM3911_edited.jpg
Seth says
It’s strange that cars are starting to pass up motorcycles in the gas mileage department. Bikes are still coming out in liter+ capacities when even a 250cc will do 100mph+.
We all want style, but why can’t we get a sexy lightweight bike (maybe italian) that gets 70+mpg
My aprilia does but it comes in scooter style only. The point is piaggio has very powerful 250cc motors that will out accelerate cars and can pass on the highway.
Most bikes are getting in the 30’s and 40’s which is not impressive anymore. This bike looks to be a ‘guzzler’ too.
I would buy a sub-400cc bike as long as it has fuel injection and all the rest. At least then it can be converted to ethanol.
Mark says
Wow! Wow ! Wow! What a beautiful bike! …and it won’t fall apart like a Triumph! …If they price it low it will be a best seller! The low back fender and dual shocks make it look even cooler than the Ducati GT 1000!
guzziearl says
I ride a Breva 1100, I have put 16000 miles on it so far. And enjoyed every single one so far. If the V7 gets 50 plus miles per gal. is priced well under $10,000 I will have two moto guzzis to ride.
Whofungpu says
I would have to hold out for the 850, or a hot rodded 750 at least. I own a 1975 850T right now, and this is prolly closer to that than any V7, despite the shape of the tank. I would need at least 55-60hp to keep me in check with modern traffic speeds. I do have a liter sport bike, an SV650, and a Kwak Concours. I am not Guzzi through and through, but I have been out to Mondello, have a dealer friend in Italy, and try to do my homework on these things….a 4V 750 may do it. Chris…RI, USA
Paul Schmolke says
When can I go to the Moto Guzzi dealer and get one? This is the best idea I’ve seen in the last few years for real motorcycle; No plastic sprawl or tricky gimmicks just a straight up bike with good use of current technology and the Italian’s unerring sense of good design. I want mine now.
Henry Bowers says
I really like the looks of this new Guzzi. Actually I like the Breva 750, but it feels a little too cramped for me (I’m 6ft). I wound up buying a VStrom 650 which is a fine bike, but the Guzzi’s keep calling my name. If this new Classic V7 makes it to the U.S., I’ll definitely give it a serious look. What appeals to me is the long seat (70’s style) which would allow me to adjust my riding position for longer trips. Wish this bike was around when I bought the VStrom.
Btw, I would have chosen a Bonnie over the VStrom, but I just didn’t want carbs. Also, the mpg for Bonnies is in the mid 30’s, which I feel is pretty bad for a bike that size. My VStrom is getting close to 50mpg. I’m thinking this new Classic V7 will get something similar.
Richard Tickle says
I’m a 1944 model at 6’2″ at 20 stones and am excited by a light weight Guzzi with a flat seat to accomodate my size and riding style. I now ride my V-max (much too cramped), a Husqvarna SM-450 (seat too high and power only at high RPM) a ’68 TR-6 (fun anywhere), a 73 Trident (fun in all riding situations), and 2 modified RE Bullets (both have rear sets and are comfortable but lack expressway acceleration). I can live with a low RPM two valve 750cc motor having acceptable fuel economy especially if it shares low tech and infrequent maintenance. I hope to be the first US owner of the new classic even though I am four hours from the nearest dealer.
BT
Jim Kean says
Absolutely Beautiful ! Classically Gorgeous !! This bike stirs my blood more than any bike has in 30-40 years. Will be the perfect garage mate for my other best love … 06 Red Ducati 620 Multistrada ( so so sweet ! ). I do wish it had more like 60-65 HP.; althouth with a supposed dry weight of only 400lbs it may be more spirited than most are currently thinking. Oh Mama ….. I want one so bad !!!
Neil Waite says
I agree with the comments of Dick Colburn and Dave Davies, Not all of us are after high power heavy weight bikes. I too own an Enfield which I have enjoyed throughly riding on 2 lane roads here in rural New Hampshire. Fortunately, I have a solid Ducati, Aprilia, Guzzi Dealer within 1/2 hour of my home and I have been in contact with him since last fall. I’ve looked at a Nevada and would buy one if I can’t get ahold of a V7. I’m not sure the V7 will be available here in the US.
If I can be happy with a 500 single in my type of riding, I’m sure a 744 cc Guzzi twin will do just fine. The weight gain for upgrading will be about 40 lbs. but the performance on steep hills will be well worth it. As for interstate highway riding and speeds above 65 mph, – – – well I don’t need that to be happy on two wheels.
Neil in NH.
Phoebe says
Neil, not to get too far off topic, but does your Enfield go fast enough to travel on the highway or no? I’ve been interested in them for a while, but if I’m going to buy a midsize bike, I need it to be able to go on the highway at least.
W.P.Normington says
Import,the Moto Guzzi V7 Classic and I’ll buy it!
See_Me_in_NYC says
I have been loyal to BMW and Moto Guzzi for 2 decades and will not ride anything with a chain. Thank you for this model.
Dr. Steinberg
Jim Kean says
I was at the Cycle World motorcycle show yesterday in Atlanta. No Classic 7 to be seen. the MG representative stated there has not even been a decision made yet as to whether this bike will be sold in the USA … as the weakness of the dollar / pricing being one big obstacle. I suggested possibly pre-orders with a $500.00 deposit as one incentive to help establish real interest/sales potential to motivate MG to bring this bike to the USA. There were 3 other riders all seriously asking about the Classic 7 during the 20 minutes I spent with the MG REP.. Any others out there with thoughts/suggestions?
Neil says
To Answer Pheobe:
My Enfield goes well on 2 lane roads at 50 to 65 mph. Most of the roads I ride on are 2 laners. Enfield singles were engineered back in the forties and fifties for 2 lane roads and they are comfortable at those speeds. As for 70+ mph on interstate highways, they are not up to the steady pounding that requires of the single cylinder engines. Besides, in a light bike like that you will feel like a “guppy” in a tank full of sharks riding on interstates. Thats my take on it. I perfer the senic routes of the country.
rick says
—-try and buy one???? just another tease, not available in USA—just like the W-650—-all you want in europe, not america—
Mike Brown says
I am buying a new bike this season. The finalists are: the Ducati SportClassic GT (a little pricy), Triumph America / Speedmaster (less pricy), Suzuki C50 / S50 (priced just right) -AND- a MG V7 Classic if it becomes available.
I wrote MG USA a letter several weeks ago urging them to bring the model to the States. They have not responded.
I believe, if priced right, the V7 would find a large and loyal following of riders seeking the nostalgia of its’ classic design. I hope they make an announcement soon.
Kristian Jones says
I am absolutely in love with this V7 Classic. Of all the bikes in my garage, the most fun is the “little” 36 year old 450 Honda. Horsepower isn’t the only issue here, the “fun factor” has to be taken into consideration. Personally, a simple 2 valve, 50 hp, lightweight Italian twin sounds like an enormous amount of fun to me. Throw in the fact that Piaggio has built up even more reliability, and increased parts availability and I will be beating on my dealers door if this bike comes available state side.
monte phoenix says
I have always admired Guzzis, but have never owned one. I will buy a V7 Classic if they bring them here. I currently have an ’07 Thruxton, a ZRX1100, and a KLR250 (ok, and 2 ’20’s era BSAs). Both the Triumph and the 1100 are faster than I need. I think the 750 Guzzi will be fine powerwise. I get 42mpg with the Thruxton, 45 with the 1100, and in the mid 60’s with the 250. I will also buy the Harley XR1200 when it makes its US debut. (Nice pics of the Harley on Harley’s UK website) The V7 looks like a ‘real’ motorcyle. I can’t wait to enjoy shaft drive!
Jim Chalmers says
What a GREAT looking bike!
I’d sell my FJR in a heartbeat if these
came to the US.
Classic lines, classic look. I want one
(really bad), but I’d like the price point to
at least be under 10k (maybe around $9200 or thereabouts), although the price is currently rated between £5,199 through £5,399 ($10,378 and $10,777 USD). Seems kinda steep to me, but with the USD so low I guess I can understand it,
but MAN, I’d sure like to have one of these!
Come on, Piaggio, please bring this to America.
Jim
Tom Ward says
Very interesting to see how many comments talking about mpg, I have a 1979 MG 850 T3. I don’t have a clue what it does to the English £5.00(10 bucks) gallon.If I want high mpg I’d buy a bicycle.
Also drive 1981 Series III Land Rover – 23mpg.
Blue skies and green lights to you all.
tom
DARRYL says
I HAVE JUST COME BACK FROM A DEALER WHERE THEY HAVE THIS MACHINE IN STOCK. I ALREADY OWN A 1977 MOTO GUZZI LE-MANS MK1.
MY FIRST IMPRESSION WAS WOW WHAT STUNNER !IT HAS ABOUT THE SAME SEAT HEIGHT AS A LE-MANS ITS A WHOLE LOT LIGHTER AND PROMISES TO RETURN 50 + MPG.
I WILL NEVER PART WITH MY LE-MANS BUT A V7 WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY JOIN IT IN MY GARAGE .
todd says
Darryl, you don’t happen to be in the USA? I haven’t heard any news about the V7 being available to us (because this is a country with a curious lack of freedom of choice).
-todd
Jeff says
I have the same question as Todd. Is this available in the U.S.? If not, when? I have a 2007 865cc Bonneville and absolutely love it. My wife now wants a bike but my Bonneville is just a bit tall for her. The 2009 Bonneville was lowered about an inch, so it may work but we haven’t seen it in person yet. This V7 looks like a great bike for her if it fits. A perfect bike for a newbie but with a lot of character.
Stuart garfath says
The V7 Classic may be on Australian shores “sometime” in November (2008) according to Moto Guzzi. I desperately hope so!!.
Here’s why. I am a rider since September 16, 1967, and have experienced a fair amount of motocycles. My latest was a 2001 Triumph Bonneville, – ‘all’ I had ever wanted.
It proved to be pure garbage. Triumph failed me,- Completely. Here’s how they did it.
Disgraceful quality of manufacture, NO IMPORTER SUPPORT AT ALL, and appallingly dismissive Agent/customer relations. TRIUMPH (?) A different way of spelling ‘TRASH’ in the ENGLISH Language!!. (Signed) Stuart Garfath, 52 Nathaniel Parade, Kings Langley, New South Wales. Australia. 2147. (Post Script) I GAVE it away, in the hope that the circle of professional idiocy, thus broken, would bear fruit. I hope so.
Guzzi Gadgy says
Have had my V7 classic for about 3 weeks and cleared 1000 mls last weekend.Previous bike was a Cali Vintage which was great to ride but a pain in the back to move around.V7 is so easy to ride and move about. The fun is back in biking. My dealer brought two back from Italy on the Sunday both were sold by Wednesday.
Stuart Garfath says
Guzzi Gadgy;
G’day mate, nice to read your input on the V7C, I’m drooling with envy. If everything goes to plan, I should be throwing a leg over MY V7 sometime in late October, according to my dealer.
Why did I buy it?. Simple. This machine appears to be WHAT I AND MY WIFE WANT, no ‘crotch-rocket’,- anyone can go ‘fast’- but riding requires skill, and it might well be the ‘bike that WILL go the distance, in every aspect, unlike my EX. 2001 Bonnie. We hope so.
Regards, S.G.
Stuart Garfath says
Hey Guzzi Gadgy!,
I’ve had the chance to give a V7 Classic a very thorough ‘once over’, I’m impressed!. Apart from the bum on seat height, which for me is ‘tippy-toes’,- I’m 5’3″, (I’ll have the height altered, as Twiggers in England did), I will not change a thing, I have Huge good feelings about this machine!.
The presentation and finish of the machine is excellent, the high quality of design and workmanship is clearly evident, it has a SOUND, not just a noise, and those two electric horns DO make you look and take notice!. As I sat on the machine, all the controls just fell into place, everything felt ‘natural’, Moto Guzzi has surely given itself a hard act to follow!.
Regards.
Mike Brown says
I’m absolutely delighted Moto Guzzi is bringing the V7 Classic to the States. Triumph has enjoyed a total monopoly on standard ergonomics and classic styling but the arrival of the V7 changes that. Here in America, cruisers, sport bikes, and way too tall adventure bikes are virtually all that’s available. For riders (especially mature riders like myself) who just want to have some fun… too big, wide, heavy, and/or too uncomfortable, not to mention too expensive, just doesn’t cut it. I’m frankly amazed the Japanese don’t offer traditional midsize UJMs in the states. My last two bikes, a BMW R75/5 and most recently a vintage Honda twin served me very well. I look forward with great anticipation to the arrival of a V7 at my local MG dealer. Now I have a choice! Are you listening Japan?
Ed O'Brien says
My cycling buddy and his wife visited the last week of Jan. and we discussed the beauty of the new V7 Classic. I said I’d buy one if it came stateside. We visited the local MG dealer just by chance that weekend and a V7 was on the floor! My wife and I both flipped over it, talked it up over the weekend, she gave me the go-ahead, and I called and purchased it on Tuesday. Now mind you, I already own an ’04 Bonnie that I have had custom painted and tricked out for my needs (and it gets 50-55 MPG), an ’08 GT1000 (running rear Ohlins) that gets 50-58 MPG, and my original ’76 R90S restored to perfection just over a year ago (and 48 MPG). The new Hinckley Bonnie and the Duc have been perfectly reliable (the R90S never let me down, but we’re talking about the modern classics in this thread). I expect the Goose to perform on par with the Bonnie (very low upkeep costs) and if it does, I’ll have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. The stock Goose already contains items that I had to upgrade on the Bonnie – brakes, SS lines, tach, and a more comfortable saddle for starters. The Goose is without a doubt the nicest looking newer bike in my stable and its riding position is perfect. Handling is great and its light weight makes it the easiest to move around in my garage. I’m still breaking it in – high-40’s MPG right now, but I can tell that it has all the power I want or need in a bike of its type. If I have an urge to slice and dice, I’ll take one of the Ducs for a run. However, if I ever had to pair down to only one bike, I had been saying for years that the Bonnie would be the sole keeper. Now, I’m not so certain. It’s a really tough call now, believe me, and I’m glad that I don’t have to make that decision. Take it from an older rider – relax about the HP; buy the Classic, treat it right and enjoy it for the next 30 years. You’ll be smiling on every ride. Oh, and never sell your classic bikes. You’ll miss them and chances are, you won’t get what they’re worth if you do sell.
Tim Hudswell says
One might say “the V7 is short on bells and whistles” like it’s a bad thing. I say simplicity is the point of this machine. That and a wonderful entry into Italian marque. I’ve had mine just one week and am already talking about never ever selling it. For 15 years i’ve wanted a Guzzi so setting myself up for disappointment – i’m not! Buy one of these fine machines and enjoy finding its potential legally. If you think the V7 has short comings, buy something else.
Tim in Cairns
Al Peat says
My 1st Guzzi, our Xmas present 2008, V7C 09 model. 3000mi on the bike now and running like a champ. I did change to the Mistral mufflers . Seems to run cooler and sounds good(baffles in). When you 1st ride the bike it might seem a little tight and stiff, as you break it in the engine seems to produce plenty of go and the suspension becomes more comfortable. Overall one of the best and most likeable bikes I have owned , congrats to the crew at Guzzi.
Dana says
I love the look of this bike…I think it’s better looking that the Bonneville, and shaft drive makes it that much more desireable.
I tested one yesterday. Tested a Bonneville today. I will probably end up buying the Bonneville. To me, the Guzzi felt cheap. The plastic tank, loose side panels, flimsy feeling switches on the bars, vague shifter, ugly gauges and numerous rattles all gave me a pretty negative first impression. The engine and brakes were fine. The clutch was not to my liking, but that’s probably very subjective. I found it a little abrupt- easy to kill the engine. This may be in part because it’s a dry clutch. I spoke to the dealer at length about reliability, and he mentioned one having come back to him with a ‘porous casting’ in the engine that required replacing the engine case. I thought in 2009, manufacturers pretty much had die-casting down.
The Bonny? Smoooooooth. I was very impressed. Felt powerful to me (I ride a GB500 currently). The brakes were flawless. I could honestly find no fault with it. Except the fake carbs. That annoys me. If it’s fuel injected, why hide it? FE is a good thing.
Again, I think the V7 is the better looking bike, and the shaft drive is very appealing, but it only comes in white, and for the reasons I mentioned above, it just felt….well…italian.