Euro Cycle Reno was kind enough to let me demo a V7 Centenario today. I had misgivings about even looking at it, fearing it would be such a beautiful object that I'd do something brash. Alas, it didn't knock my socks off looks-wise. For me it was a rare instance of something looking better in photos than in person. Of course that is purely personal, as beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder. Specifically,the handlebar looked kinda cheap and the "V7 Stone" font and label just didn't do it for me. That's being nit-picky because the color scheme, brown seat, lights and dash are lovely.
The bike had 1 mile on it and had just been prepped. Riding impressions are based on 6 miles around town keeping revs under 5000 RPM.The bike feels larger than the out-going V7. This matters to someone 6'1" with 34" inseam, as it's easy to look too large for a bike. I still probably looked gangly on it but WTH. At the first stoplight 2 guys in a work truck yelled out the window something about how cool it was.
One reviewer complained of engine vibration under 5000 RPM, meh, not the case. Maybe he wants the sewing machine feel of an in-line 4, not a real moto. The engine feels great and the torque increase is quite evident, pulling hard from 3000 on up. Equally important is the improved rear suspension. With apologies to current V7 owners, I bought a 2013 Special and for me it was a big mistake. This iteration is a huge step forward.
If I buy a 2021 it will probably be later and used. However, if I was a new rider looking for a single do-everything ride this would be it. I think Guzzi has a winner, I just can't justify a fourth bike right now.
