Is there a more modern midsize Guzzi styled like V700/Ambo/Eldo?

[Mwether]

The V7 is what initially attracted me to Guzzis five plus years ago, I REALLY thought I wanted one.

However, the more I learned, the more older models replaced the V7 as objects of desire. I began to fall in love with the styling of the V700s/Ambassadors/Eldorados.

Does a more modern midsize Guzzi with that same design language even exist? (I know I should ride one to be sure, but I've written off Californias as too big and unwieldy.)

If it helps, I'm also a big fan of the look of the RE Classic 350, but its performance envelope seems to have too much overlap with my Piaggio Liberty. The Super Meteor is less aesthetically attractive IMO, but (with bags and a screen) it's sort of in the right vein, plus it has a much more capable engine than the Classic.

Essentially, I'm wondering whether there are any other options for what I'm after besides:

• get a V700/Ambassador/Eldorado and start learning/wrenching
  
• wait for a Classic 650 (https://youtu.be/VwNnxH8vRIA?si=eP6654VofRed4uvJ)

I realize that, in a Guzzi forum, #2 will not be an attractive option for many... 

[Kev m]

You are asking about the bike I've been chasing in my head for a few decades. I came to it from a slightly different point of view, from an early a Harley Road King, but really I'm looking for the same.

When I first bought my Cali Jackal I thought it was it, a slightly smaller and lighter, upright, nice handling, long distance capable bike. It probably was it, for all intents and purposes, though the ergos, and wheelbase seemed a tad different. And honestly it was a bit quirky from design and service points of view.

So I wound up pursuing the smallblock chassis and it is much closer to what I was looking for, except perhaps highway comfort and prowess and the ergos are still a little different.

I bought a late model RK and kept it alongside a pair of V7's for a while before conceding that it was just too big a bike for that I wanted.

My only conclusion in the Guzzi family was the smallblock and honestly I still think the first gen V9 night be the right answer from ergos to motor feel, but I'm not in love with the tank which would be an expensive swap.

So the answer is you've been looking in the right places and there's no true fit.

[AJ Huff]

I don't think the new V7 small blocks are anything like the Loops. I own a Cal Spec and an Ambo. Definitely not the same feel. So I'd say the answer is NO.

-AJ

[Mwether]

...So the answer is you've been looking in the right places and there's no true fit.

...So I'd say the answer is NO.

Thanks!

Much as I secretly hoped you'd say something like, "What you want is a 2007-2010 Diplomat. (No such thing.) It's exactly what you're after," I'm glad to know that a model hasn't snuck by me! 

I just need to figure out whether I want to commit to a bike that's approx. half a century old, or get something newer that, alas, isn't a Guzzi.

[Mwether]

Fixer upper. We were born the same year! 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/696547425487816

I'd also have to get used to the rear brake and gear shift being on the "wrong" sides!

[pehayes]

Maybe consider the V-65C or Nevada or Florida?  Those are more like downsized versions of the early Eldorado.  However  anything with substantial mileage is likely to need a very full restoration project first.  Also, for unknown reasons, the V-65C we had got the worst fuel consumption of any Guzzi I've ever owned.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Moparnut72]

MG just doesn't make anything along the lines of what you are looking for. I was in the same predicament a couple of years ago when my Audace got to be too much for me. I replaced it with a T120 Bonneville which I thought would fit my needs. After a few long trips I became aware that it wasn't doing the job for me and it wasn't a Guzzi. So even though it doesn't meet the type of bike you are or I was looking for I got a V100 last fall. I put some farkles on it to get it to touring levels. The main thing I did to make the ergonomics fit me better was add Rox risers to give me a more comfortable riding position. It is a lot lighter than it looks and is an extremely stable bike at walking speeds or less making it an easy bike for an old guy like me to ride with confidence. It also has more than enough power to do anything on the highway, like passing a couple of cars while going up a grade. I also have a V7lll but I wouldn't consider that a decent touring bike loaded with camping gear etc, as I am just short of 80 and it just isn't comfortable enough. I have toured the country on an R75/5 but that was quite a few decades ago so it can be done on a V7 but it depends on what you are willing to do. Don't get me wrong I really like my V7 but I wouldn't jump on it and go ride 500 miles tomorrow like I would on the Mandello. Good luck in your search.
kk

[Dirk_S]

I’d say, given a small budget, learn to wrench first, THEN get a vintage carbureted bike that you will most likely need to do at least some work on if you buy it cheap.

My first bike was a ‘78 KZ400, bought in 2011. It needed various work. I was able to fix some things. I’m not a mechanic, but I do like to learn and do things myself. Still, because my knowledge of internal combustion engines was pretty nihl, I was chasing things and getting frustrated because I simply couldn’t fix ‘em with the little amount of resources I had. So it sat while I’d try one thing, take it out on the road, become encouraged that it ran better only to have it fail on me later. Sold the bike after a year.

Second/third bikes were Honda CX500s, bought about the same time, overlapping one another. Same deal—both could ride sporadically, but ultimately I was chasing stuff I wasn’t full aware of. Finally took the one to a mechanic, and the guy just spent forever on it—over 6 months—due to personal issues. Got to a point where I no longer wanted to deal with older bikes.

Bought a cheap Suzuki TU250 on a rebuilt title (famous, too—it was the bike used in the Cyclepedia manual for that model). Smaller engine and performance than I preferred, but so thankful I could actually put miles on a bike. Kept the TU for a little over a year before having the money saved up for my V7 II, which I’ve owned since 2017.

Over the years I’ve dove into reading, watching vids, and bugging folks smarter than me to catch up on knowledge. Then I bombed the engine—spun a big end bearing due to some heavy sidecar usage, and was left with a dilemma: scrap the bike or spit on these smooth artist hands of mine, slap ‘em together and say “well, let’s do some work.” So I rebuilt the engine with the help of the service manual, the Guzzi training videos uploaded to Greg Bender’s site, my dad (rebuilt a few engines himself), and folks on this forum. If I had the money, perhaps I would’ve scrapped the motor and bought another, but low funds can often allow you to be creative—however, if I was as poor and frustrated as I was in 2011-13, I would’ve either thrown in the towel with motorcycling, or the bike would’ve been sitting in the barn for even longer. It’s fixed now (I think…I do have a rattle issue that might be in the rocker assembly), but that’s because I was able to allocate the time and enough funds to completely focus on it.

Over the years, I’ve learned so much—and that engine rebuild really elevated my confidence and comfort level—that I bought a 70s bike again to actually replace the Guzzi. Parking it next to the Guzzi, I immediately felt like I was breaking up with a girlfriend. Decided to keep both, and I’m thankful that I did, because that BMW (bought cheap) has needed quite a bit of work to be road ready, 90% of which I did. I did hand it over to a former BMW tech to figure a couple nagging issues only because it started getting cold out (I don’t have a shed/garage to work in anymore). Thankfully no internal work yet, but I’ll be ready for it. And much more confident.

Some get cheap, old bikes, and they run well almost right out the gate. I consider those folks lucky.

Long story short—If your funds are low, you’ll either need a fair amount of knowledge AND/OR a fair amount of time.

[Mwether]

Maybe consider the ... Nevada or Florida?  ...

Good advice. I gave the Nevada a go: https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=120893.0

Red didn't do it, but I think a black one (provided I could find it) with bags (to hide much of the back end) and a screen would get close.
https://youtu.be/1Z8tagSbsKo?si=wCUqL7mVCAptl2Ql

Not sure if the Classic trim/paint scheme came to the US?
https://youtu.be/6lsbEgM_m5s?si=2mhGi5B-gM-SAtpc

Either way, any Nevada would still have the teardrop tank, as opposed to a flatter/more rectangular shape. So it's really more of a mini Cali.

The V7 is the right answer on so many fronts, that I will probably be able to come back around to the more UJM styling.

[Shorty]

If you have the time and/or money, a hybrid "Super Eldo" is your best bet. People have been adding better brakes, bigger engines, and better charging systems and suspensions to Loop Frame Guzzis since about the beginning. The parts needed and where to get them are scattered on WG and other web pages.  If you go down that path, start a new thread about building a "Super Eldo", and folks with that expertise will chime in. There is a section above on WG about building and restoring Guzzis.

Barring that, there are several Royal Enfield enthusiasts on these pages, and most of those who are not do not mind a little non Guzzi discussion.  I myself am waiting for a chance to see the 650 Shotgun when it hits my area. I think Enfields are hitting a homerun with their reliability, styling and pricing, but you didn't hear it from me...

[Walter]

A lot of folks make cafe racers out of California 1100s but they also lend themselves to conversion to a 'standard' bike as well.  Early 2000's can be had dirt cheap (I have a 2001 EV, 2001 Stone, and 1998 EV that I recently paid $3k for the bunch).  You get very reliable FI, great brakes and handling, a decent transmission, and an extremely dependable and easy to maintain engine.  Swap in an Eldorado or V7 tank, standard seat, and used or repro side panels of your choice and you could potentially reach your goal with minimum cash outlay or mechanical work

[bigbikerrick]

Your best bet is look for a well sorted daily rider loop frame guzzi. They do come up for sale. They are pretty easy to live with, and stone simple to wrench on. Ive ridden many different Guzzis, and the "feel" of the loop framed bike, with its heavy flywheel is a very unique experience. The brakes can be improved where its safe, within its limits, but no comparison to any modern bike with abs.  The charm of the loops is not only in the looks, which is a huge part, but also the overall feel and raw "Guzziness", which is hard to describe.
Rick.

[Mwether]

Thanks, everyone.

More and more, it seems that a well-sorted Loop may be the way to go. Must continue to save in that case. Maybe as much for a motorcycle lift, as the bike itself! 

Alternatively, this is pretty much the mini-Cali that MG doesn't build...

[Mwether]

...I myself am waiting for a chance to see the 650 Shotgun when it hits my area. ...

Me too.
I may prefer its mid controls to the Super Meteor's. Though I have yet to test a SM...

[faffi]

There are potentially also the Triumph bobbers to consider for that kind of lazy lope, but The RE 650 will be lighter, cheaper and simpler.

Kinda strange that Guzzi has opted away from the Cali look these days, since that is the look most Guzzis on our roads have, be that a V7 Special, Ambassador, Eldorado, California in any and every edition through the 1400 of more recent times. I think they could have done well if they dared to make a V7 looking more like the original V7 700, maybe even a smaller 650 version, provided it was styled just right. Currently, only Royal Enfield and Triumph do get it really right IMO.

All that said, Guzzi did make a Cali-like 650 once, the V65C. IMO, it looks less wrong than the Nevada, and outsmart also the 1100 California. YMMV.

[AJ Huff]

I think the closest thing to a modern Loop is probably the Indian Scout series. Probably where I will be headed in a few years.

-AJ

[guzzisteve]

Nothing like the original V700, Love mine, I got 3, 2- completely disassembled & I ride this one

[Dave Swanson]

That Shotgun is a reasonable facsimile of what a modern Eldo would look like.  Interesting looking bike.

But there's nothing quite like a Loop. 

[sdcr]

The V7 is what initially attracted me to Guzzis five plus years ago, I REALLY thought I wanted one.

However, the more I learned, the more older models replaced the V7 as objects of desire. I began to fall in love with the styling of the V700s/Ambassadors/Eldorados.

Does a more modern midsize Guzzi with that same design language even exist? (I know I should ride one to be sure, but I've written off Californias as too big and unwieldy.)

If it helps, I'm also a big fan of the look of the RE Classic 350, but its performance envelope seems to have too much overlap with my Piaggio Liberty. The Super Meteor is less aesthetically attractive IMO, but (with bags and a screen) it's sort of in the right vein, plus it has a much more capable engine than the Classic.

Essentially, I'm wondering whether there are any other options for what I'm after besides:

• get a V700/Ambassador/Eldorado and start learning/wrenching
  
• wait for a Classic 650 (https://youtu.be/VwNnxH8vRIA?si=eP6654VofRed4uvJ)

I realize that, in a Guzzi forum, #2 will not be an attractive option for many... 

Well, it does not have quite the same look as an early Loop, but the G5 is one of my favorite Guzzi’s. 1000cc Vtwin, with a comfortable seat and riding position. IIRC, they were available from about 1978-1980. Sweet machine.

[faffi]

G5 is basically a 1000 edition of the T3, or?

[Mwether]

Well, it does not have quite the same look as an early Loop, but the G5 is one of my favorite Guzzi’s.

Very nice!
In a similar vein, I'm also Convert-curious as well! 

[Mwether]

I think the closest thing to a modern Loop is probably the Indian Scout series.
...

Very interesting. I hadn't thought of them and will take a closer look. 

At first blush, I think "expensive."

[Tkelly]

Maybe Guzzi Steve would sell one of his v 700 s,right size and surprisingly good brakes and handling,but not cheap.

[ff73148]

Be patient. There will be a new California, probably with a V100 engine.

[guzzisteve]

Maybe Guzzi Steve would sell one of his v 700 s,right size and surprisingly good brakes and handling,but not cheap.

Yes, I'd sell that one. Looks like just an old bike but very reliable.

[jrt]

The nice thing about older Guzzi's is that you can fit some more modern components on them.  The front-mounted alternator is probably the most difficult issue (in my opinion), but even that has a pretty simple solution to retrofit a Fields type generator.  This one is front and rear discs.
Not much you can do about the weight, though.  They heavy.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Fixer upper. We were born the same year! 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/696547425487816

I'd also have to get used to the rear brake and gear shift being on the "wrong" sides!

That's not an Ambassador, but rather a V700. Most Ambassadors and all Eldorados had left foot shift and right foot brake. The shift pattern is "backwards" on footpeg bikes, but can be easily changed to "normal".

[lazlokovacs]

My take

From the very first second that you sit on a loop you know that guzzi motorbikes have only become cheaper since then.

No later guzzi has a riding position as neutral and natural as a loop. They just feel like they were made for the comfort of actual humans.

They look incredible

They are bulletproof

You get two boxes for your tools that are made of steel rather than some plastic cubbyhole that is too small for a rudimentary toolkit.

The stock brakes are rubbish for anything over 60mph in modern use.

This can be fixed, but it's not a quick job.

You have access to thisoldtractor which is probably one of the most comprehensive online websites devoted to any motorcycle.

The loop gurus on this forum are extremely helpful.



Get a loop!