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Wild1_OR -- I understood you say you are a beginner without a motorcycle. If I understood you correctly, you have the wrong starting point. Here is the correct starting point: http://team-oregon.org/endorsement/eintermediate/Because you are a quite a large individual with all that implies, for your own safety you must continue your training with http://team-oregon.org/advanced/As a minimum, I recommend the Riders Skills Practice and the Precision Maneuvering courses.When I took my Mustang open-tracking (you have some nice courses in OR) my instructors told me the best investment was not in my car but my track time. They were right and I was always the last off the course.After you've completed your courses you will not only be a safer (to you and others) rider but you will be closer to making a decision on your ride.Best wishes. Send pictures.
Wild1,I see that you asked a similar question on the Suzuki Savage forum.My perspective from owning both an S40 and a 750 Breva (pretty much the same as a V7 first gen but with different bodywork)is that they are both pretty good bikes to begin on that you can still enjoy and be satisfied with after your learning curve.I would tend to lean towards the 750 Guzzi cosidering that you are a big guy.You probably could find a good Breva 750 or an S40 for around $2k.The S40 is probably cheaper to own long term as there are a lot of them around and used parts are plentiful. Both the Guzzi and the S40 are pretty durable and trouble free.The S40 and the V7 have considerably different ergonomics. I prefer the Guzzi ergonomics because I feel bore balanced with my feet under me (not forward)and a slight lean forward to the bars. Both are a lot of fun.Whenever I ride either the S40 or the Breva I say to myself, I would be happy and satisfied with this if it was my only bike.
Yes, I want a classically styled motorcycle, which to me meant a cruiser. Therefore, I initially had my heart set on either an S40 or Rebel 500, as a beginner bike. Through this journey, I read that cruisers may not be ideal for beginners, due to the raked forks, forward pegs and relaxed seating positions, which may make them challenging to control in abrupt situations.
Though more or less true in comparison to other designs someone wholly oversold you on the significance, especially when it comes to the bikes you mentioned. I doubt the average rider would even know the difference nevermind the beginner.Look I whole-heartedly think a V7 could be a great bike for a beginner. I wouldn't look twice at an S40, but that's taste. I'd sooner take a Rebel of those two. That said there's nothing about handling and capability that should matter between the three to a beginner.If I were to say anything I would also suggest you consider a used 883 Sporty. Cheap to buy and maintain, simple, forgiving and can take a beating and carry a big guy.
Your information is helpful. I wish to keep the wet weight of the bike under 500 lbs. The only HD that comes close to that weight is the Street 500 and it's 65 lbs heavier than the V7 III.
Poor fueling; not an issue on the III, but maybe the II. However, a Beetle map is desirable for either bike and completely solves all fueling issues. Installing the maps is easy, and as with most things you may need to do on a V7, there is a wealth of information available on here and from the great members.
For a V7lll you won't need a Beetle map. Mine fuels perfectly through the whole range. My Audace not so much. I had to make modifications.kk
Briefly, a map is the instructions to the computer in the ECU controlling the air, fuel & spark in response to the various inputs. If a map is well written from the factory (like the Breva & the V7 Classic), then there is no issue, and can mostly be ignored. The single throttle body V7's & the V7 II were given a new ECU which was not quite so robust, hence the interest in after market maps. Some other guzzi models did not tolerate changes of mufflers well either, as well as other issues, and some clever people found out what was inside the ECU's instructions and made it freely available to the world. The small dealer base & the tools & training available (or lack of same) from Guzzi may have had something to do with the popularity of aftermarket tools as well.
Point of order, it's not the "robustness" of the latter maps that's the issue it's the complexity combined with the unintended consequences of meeting emissions standards at certain points and the attempts to balance that with optimal performance.I tend to retain stock mapping on my bikes even if I know there are potentially some RCHs of performance to gain from abandoning them and shutting off the O2 sensors.Is there A NEED for a new map, NO.ARE there benefits to it, sure.
My wife is selling her 2013 v7 special in yellow and black.We are in S W Wisconsin.Bike has everything fixed for comfort and performance.Call Deb if interested 608 574 7880.
To the OP, as someone who is both tall AND fat, let me assure you that you will look silly on a S40. I love the bikes, they’re awesome, and there’s a tasty cafe conversion. However, I’m modestly 6’1” and a solid 300 lbs. When I’m skinny I’m around 275. Anyways, cruiser style bikes with a narrow silhouette (like s40, 883, rebel) tend to highlight girth, and if your taller you’re cramped on them. Standards like you have mentioned generally have a taller seat height which lessens the effect of “its a gorilla on a tricycle”! Just my opinion fwiw. Check the Royal Enfield Himalayan in addition to the V7. Oh and this forum is among the best anywhere. If you get a V7 you WILL have plenty of online help!
This is awesome advice! It was a concern that I hadn't voiced, because I was sorta self-conscious about it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Meh, I mean I'm "only" 5'10" and uh 225-240 depending on uh lunch. But I look MORE like a monkey humping a football on my V7s than I did on our Sportsters.Not that I would let that stop me from loving and riding our V7s.I haven't figured out how to link and post photos from my phone or I'd at least post one on the V7.Trust me when I say my last Sportster was bigger.
But I look MORE like a monkey humping a football on my V7s than I did on our Sportsters.
This is awesome advice! It was a concern that I hadn't voiced, because I was sorta self-conscious about it.
I tend to retain stock mapping on my bikes even if I know there are potentially some RCHs of performance to gain from abandoning them and shutting off the O2 sensors.