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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: sdcr on November 16, 2022, 11:35:50 AM

Title: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 16, 2022, 11:35:50 AM
A very low mileage one of these just popped up on a website that likes trailers. I hesitate to link it, because I’ll be sent to Wild Guzzi purgatory.

So, just checking with those that know, what are the pro and cons of this particular year, and model?
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: JJ on November 16, 2022, 11:46:42 AM
A very low mileage one of these just popped up on a website that likes trailers. I hesitate to link it, because I’ll be sent to Wild Guzzi purgatory.

So, just checking with those that know, what are the pro and cons of this particular year, and model?

Yes...I saw that also this morning!! :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh: :wink:

(What really happens in Wild Guzzi Purgatory?!?) :laugh: :grin: :wink:
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: twowheeladdict on November 16, 2022, 12:48:25 PM
A very low mileage one of these just popped up on a website that likes trailers. I hesitate to link it, because I’ll be sent to Wild Guzzi purgatory.

So, just checking with those that know, what are the pro and cons of this particular year, and model?

The pros are that it is a racer.  The cons are that it isn't a V7III. 

Someone will correct me if I am wrong and I don't have time to do your google search for you, but I believe the 2014 is still a V7 instead of a V7II or V7III.

That means it is a Heron Head, 5 speed, two throttle bodies, needed to have the head re-torqued, could possibly need new ignition wire ends where they connect to the spark plug.  Things I'm not sure apply to that year would be something with a thrust bearing?  steel wheels instead of alloy?  etc.

The real question is how was it cared for, and is it pretty?

Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: tonUPRacer on November 16, 2022, 01:09:48 PM
Negative, it is single throttle body. I have a 2013 since new. I think in 2014 they may have started with ABS and traction control? That could be a pro or con depending on viewpoint. Mine has neither and I like it that way. If it has very low miles, I'd be more suspicious than if it had at least 10K. Low miles could be troublesome if it has sat awhile. Any other good upgrades such as suspension? Well maintained? There are other little things to sort out such as the plug wires/caps, regulator, fuel filter. I have about 20K on mine and I still love it.
(https://i.ibb.co/z8c2YPc/PA110244.jpg) (https://ibb.co/z8c2YPc)
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 16, 2022, 02:18:57 PM
Cannot speak to how it was maintained. Current owner has it for a year. Only mods I see are La Franconi mufflers. Bike has 810 miles.

(https://i.ibb.co/7nLJRnW/906-F5-ECE-D7-A5-443-A-9303-B0-A44-E22-C955.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7nLJRnW)

(https://i.ibb.co/D4H2Yx3/B32-C78-B6-C45-C-4297-9821-A9-C2115-AD35-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D4H2Yx3)

(https://i.ibb.co/zQyPfwH/06-D6876-D-ADA8-47-B6-8-C45-95119-EE694-E6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zQyPfwH)

(https://i.ibb.co/t3HYXDZ/FC1-FC99-A-30-FF-4-D0-B-960-D-E39485-EFE6-F7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t3HYXDZ)


https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2014-moto-guzzi-v7-racer/
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 16, 2022, 02:23:56 PM
Yes...I saw that also this morning!! :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh: :wink:

(What really happens in Wild Guzzi Purgatory?!?) :laugh: :grin: :wink:

We sit around a campfire and discuss motorcycles, but just the ones that we can’t buy😀
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Kev m on November 16, 2022, 02:45:48 PM
Just to clarify, in NA:

2012 last year V7C 2TB Series

2013-14 V7 MkI 1TB, heron head, 5-speed, dryb alternator

~2015 MkI.5 wet alternator

2016 V7 II Heron head, 6-speed, ABS, wet alternator

2017-20 V7 III Hemi head, 6-speed, ABS, wet alternator

2021+ V7 850

Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: cliffrod on November 16, 2022, 03:04:59 PM
While the V7 Racer viability is being discussed, I have a question. I know little to nothing about modern Guzzis.

A local friend has a Racer that he bought new or almost new, no idea what year model but at least 5 yrs old by now.  From what I understand, He’s not that mechanically inclined.  When I was at his shop early this year looking at his bikes, he said he loves riding the Racer but parked it because of the potential cost of replacing the notoriously failure-prone fuel pump if it went bad was $3k or more.  So he was just saving the bike as part of his collection.  Sounded ridiculous to me.  having no specific knowledge and trying to be a polite guest, I just nodded and smiled.

Are the fuel pumps on that and similar engine bikes that bad & that expensive?
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: antmanbee on November 16, 2022, 03:23:30 PM
Are the fuel pumps on that and similar engine bikes that bad & that expensive?

He is wrong about how much it costs. I just went through this with the 2011 V7 Classic that you arranged the deal for me on.
I think if purchased as a whole assembly from Guzzi they are close to a thousand dollars. But most all the parts are available separately.
The pump was abut $50, the regulator was about $35, filter and special submersible hose about $25, and the plastic elbow that breaks when some struggle to remove the fuel coupling from it is about $25 too. So for about $150 or so the whole assembly can be rebuilt completely. The fuel level sensor is also repairable.
This holds true for most all internal pump Guzzi models.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Kev m on November 16, 2022, 03:42:25 PM
And they are not notorious or prone to failure.

I wonder if the whisper down the lane internet nonsense about some failed fuel filters led to that ridiculous notion?


EDIT - I wonder if the guy was actually talking about the throttle body/ECU? Though not prone to failure either I bet THAT WOULD cost closer to $3k.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 16, 2022, 03:48:01 PM
Just to clarify, in NA:

2012 last year V7C 2TB Series

2013-14 V7 MkI 1TB, heron head, 5-speed, dryb alternator

~2015 MkI.5 wet alternator

2016 V7 II Heron head, 6-speed, ABS, wet alternator

2017-20 V7 III Hemi head, 6-speed, ABS, wet alternator

2021+ V7 850

Well Kev, that really clarifies it. Thanks.

 I won’t ask why MG elected to create so many different iterations., but would 2014 be a Solid machine. I realize that as with any Guzzi, some things will need to be upgraded, corrected etc.  but is the dry alternator an issue? Should I look for a newer version?
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Kev m on November 16, 2022, 04:44:23 PM
Well Kev, that really clarifies it. Thanks.

 I won’t ask why MG elected to create so many different iterations., but would 2014 be a Solid machine. I realize that as with any Guzzi, some things will need to be upgraded, corrected etc.  but is the dry alternator an issue? Should I look for a newer version?

Absolutely should be a solid machine. And though it's definitely down on power compared to the Hemi head models there's something very fun went satisfying about the MkI Heron head. I'm still quite enamored with mine after 10 years.

Issues: very few.

* Spark plug caps were cheap and sometimes arc.
* Clutch cable was sometimes routed too close to the right cylinder.
* Half plastic fuel filter should probably be replaced eventually

The dry alternator is a good thing actually and higher output than the wet ones. There is a pattern problem with the regulators. For some stupid reason they are designed to operate at 15V which many feel is already overcharging. And many of the 13-14's had ones that failed and would charge even higher 15.5-17 V.

Jay, Cam, and I and a bunch of others on this board changed them out, usually to MOSFET units.

Honestly that's about it. Don't over fill especially as the breather pushes oil to the air cleaner and you could foul some sensors/passages in the throttle body.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: mhershon on November 16, 2022, 04:55:11 PM
I have a 2014 V7 Special. Mechanically, it is the same as a Racer. Mine has 46,000mi at this point. I bought it from a contributor to this forum who was the perfect previous owner. He replaced the spark plug caps, the voltage regulator/rectifier and the fuel filter, all known problem items, none difficult or expensive to replace. I had a final drive leak, not unusual on any series V7, that was somewhat expensive to repair. That's it for the money spent on the bike except for tires, oil, filters, etc. I do the oil and filter changes and valve adjustments myself; you can too. A 2014 is what's called a first-series V7 so it does not have ABS brakes. It has five transmission gears, not six like the later bikes. I don't miss the ABS or the sixth gear.
A first-series V7 would be a fine bike that you will enjoy for as long as you own it. None of the "upgrades" on the later bikes are essential. In my view.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: kingoffleece on November 16, 2022, 04:59:53 PM
Mr. H.
Good to hear from you again.  We're in Mesa now.  We gotta meet up.  I'll need one of my mags autographed!
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: cliffrod on November 16, 2022, 05:14:44 PM
He is wrong about how much it costs. I just went through this with the 2011 V7 Classic that you arranged the deal for me on.
I think if purchased as a whole assembly from Guzzi they are close to a thousand dollars. But most all the parts are available separately.
The pump was abut $50, the regulator was about $35, filter and special submersible hose about $25, and the plastic elbow that breaks when some struggle to remove the fuel coupling from it is about $25 too. So for about $150 or so the whole assembly can be rebuilt completely. The fuel level sensor is also repairable.
This holds true for most all internal pump Guzzi models.

And they are not notorious or prone to failure.

I wonder if the whisper down the lane internet nonsense about some failed fuel filters led to that ridiculous notion?


EDIT - I wonder if the guy was actually talking about the throttle body/ECU? Though not prone to failure either I bet THAT WOULD cost closer to $3k.

Thanks, guys.  I figured something like ^^ was more realistic for something that’s likely to need replacement at some point.   Didn’t make any sense.  I can see something more proprietary like an OEM ecu & throttle body would be more costly, but his numbers sounded nuts.

We talked about telling him about the Classic you bought (Antmanbee), in case he wanted another Guzzi.   but after that visit to his place and the things he said, I figured it would be more than he could deal with if it wasn’t turn key & ready to ride.  Glad that bike went to the right home instead.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 16, 2022, 05:20:59 PM
Well I’m bidding, so we’ll see.

Appreciate all the insight from the Guzzi brain trust, Kev, mHershon, antmanbee, twowheeladdict and all.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on November 16, 2022, 05:48:37 PM
Just to clarify, in NA:

2012 last year V7C 2TB Series

2013-14 V7 MkI 1TB, heron head, 5-speed, dryb alternator

~2015 MkI.5 wet alternator

2016 V7 II Heron head, 6-speed, ABS, wet alternator

2017-20 V7 III Hemi head, 6-speed, ABS, wet alternator

2021+ V7 850
All you need to know.
It could be a great little bike
True  a V7III would be better, you would be looking at a V7III for that.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: usedtobefast on November 17, 2022, 09:53:03 AM
But, it really isn't special.  Seems like a stock Racer with aftermarket slip on silencer/mufflers.    Not sure how much extra you will pay at that trailer site  :laugh:, but you could probably save a ton of money buying one some other way.  But, I guess low miles and unmolested adds some value.

I see them pop up on craigslist occasionally.   But the craigslist add will not use the word "bespoke" or have phrases like it is being offered (really, it is just a used bike for sale) and lots of words used to list all the stock specs in a slightly fancy golf course voice sort of way (I image the trailer listing being spoken in that hushed golf announcer voice  :laugh:).  Not sure that is worth $1000-$2000 extra dollars. 

Good luck with the bidding ... hope it stays reasonable. 

Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: JJ on November 17, 2022, 09:58:58 AM
We sit around a campfire and discuss motorcycles, but just the ones that we can’t buy😀

That would be a very, VERY long list!!  :laugh: :grin: :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh: :wink:
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: majstevetrevor on November 18, 2022, 07:16:57 AM
I’ll just add that I have under 2015 for about a year, and I thought it was a blast to ride. I know it doesn’t produce the power of the later models but that didn’t seem to bother me and it seemed very zippy. Ultimately the riding position wasn’t quite right for my 57-year-old body, but if I was able to have more than one bike I will keep it as a second bike for sure.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 18, 2022, 07:51:29 AM
Guys,

Very much appreciate all of the input. I have a feeling that the auction machine will ultimately exceed a reasonable market.
And, I’ve had the opportunity to demo the 850 version of the V7, and that’s probably my future Guzzi.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: twowheeladdict on November 18, 2022, 08:44:18 AM
Guys,

Very much appreciate all of the input. I have a feeling that the auction machine will ultimately exceed a reasonable market.
And, I’ve had the opportunity to demo the 850 version of the V7, and that’s probably my future Guzzi.

I demo'd an 850 V7 in Kentucky and didn't find it to be noticeably different than my V7III.  That said, if they come out with a V7 850 racer or lemans I might be tempted. 

I am not that interested in water cooled bikes.  Been there done that.  I one water cooled bike in the stable today and I feel more heat from the radiator than I do from the engines on my other bikes.  The cat on the V85TT is another huge source of heat that I haven't experienced on other bikes so there is that with these EU emissions regulations.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 18, 2022, 09:07:24 AM

....  The cat on the V85TT is another huge source of heat that I haven't experienced on other bikes so there is that with these EU emissions regulations.

Do all V7 variants have a catalytic converters?
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: usedtobefast on November 18, 2022, 09:58:36 AM
Do all V7 variants have a catalytic converters?

On my v7 iii , they were in the slip on exhaust (mufflers).  I believe that is the same for earlier years.  So with the exhaust change, should be no more cats.  But I'm not sure what year that started.

Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: antmanbee on November 18, 2022, 10:41:00 AM
Guys,

Very much appreciate all of the input. I have a feeling that the auction machine will ultimately exceed a reasonable market.
And, I’ve had the opportunity to demo the 850 version of the V7, and that’s probably my future Guzzi.
A forum member in north Georgia has a V7 850 Special in dark blue for sale for $7500 with 2.5K.
That seems like not much more than a racer that gets bid up to an exceeded reasonable market value.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 18, 2022, 10:44:25 AM
On my v7 iii , they were in the slip on exhaust (mufflers).  I believe that is the same for earlier years.  So with the exhaust change, should be no more cats.  But I'm not sure what year that started.

So, change out the mufflers, and cats eliminated, correct?
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: mechanicsavant on November 18, 2022, 10:51:22 AM
Yup
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 18, 2022, 10:59:07 AM
Yup
[/quote

Cool, many excellent sounding mufflers available too. The LaFranconi’s on the auction bike sound great.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Dave Swanson on November 18, 2022, 02:40:30 PM

And, I’ve had the opportunity to demo the 850 version of the V7, and that’s probably my future Guzzi.

At the 2021 MG National Rally, Hamlin's was there with V7-850s which were available for demos.  I had just come off a few hour ride on my 2015 V7 Special that I really liked, and figured it would be a perfect time to demo the V7-850.  I was hoping to return from the demo not being that impressed with the upgrades, and put and end to my wandering eye.    Jim Hamlin asked what I was riding, when he found out I had a 2015 he just said "prepare to be impressed!"  I'll be damned if he wasn't right.    :grin:

(https://i.postimg.cc/YSW823LY/IMG-0406-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ffh0D0ZH)
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: twowheeladdict on November 18, 2022, 08:51:15 PM
So, change out the mufflers, and cats eliminated, correct?

Only on the V7 750s

The euro 5 bikes have one piece welded exhausts so you have to change out the entire system.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 19, 2022, 09:16:33 AM
So I had a number in mind for this Racer, which was around $5500, or less, all in. Currently, it’s sitting at $5350 including the buyer premium. Still has several days to go, but I doubt I will get it.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Cam3512 on November 19, 2022, 04:56:41 PM
At the 2021 MG National Rally, Hamlin's was there with V7-850s which were available for demos.  I had just come off a few hour ride on my 2015 V7 Special that I really liked, and figured it would be a perfect time to demo the V7-850.  I was hoping to return from the demo not being that impressed with the upgrades, and put and end to my wandering eye.    Jim Hamlin asked what I was riding, when he found out I had a 2015 he just said "prepare to be impressed!"  I'll be damned if he wasn't right.    :grin:

(https://i.postimg.cc/YSW823LY/IMG-0406-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ffh0D0ZH)

How did I NOT meet you at that National Dave??!!  Or did I, the beer and bourbon was flowin…
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 22, 2022, 08:58:49 AM
$600 + BP. with a day to go.

This Racer is getting near V7III pricing.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: usedtobefast on November 22, 2022, 09:52:55 AM
Looks like $6600 right now. 

The problem with a bike where the main attraction is low miles ... you buy it, ride it, and that "low miles" thing is gone.  Vs. a bike where the attraction is rare model, or how it is set up, or who owned it in the past (like a famous person) ... if you put on 2000 or 5000 miles all those "attraction" items are still there, adding value. 

Compared to a v7 iii Racer ... I do like the chrome tank on the 2014 vs the satin finish on the racer iii.

Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 22, 2022, 10:56:32 AM
Looks like $6600 right now. 


Yes, meant to say $6600.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Dave Swanson on November 23, 2022, 01:16:56 PM
HOLY COW - sold for $10,000 plus fees! 
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: sdcr on November 23, 2022, 03:50:31 PM
HOLY COW - sold for $10,000 plus fees!

That is well beyond what I planned to bid. At that number, I think an 850 V7 may be in the future.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Moparnut72 on November 23, 2022, 04:47:27 PM
Geez, when I got my 2019 V7lll at the end of the model year there were only 4 V7s on the floor my Special and 3 Racers. The Racers didn't sell very well in my neck of the woods. Cool bikes though, at least to me. Not for me t my advanced age.
kk
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: twowheeladdict on November 23, 2022, 09:45:19 PM
HOLY COW - sold for $10,000 plus fees!

I need to figure out how to post my Carbon on there.
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: blu guzz on November 24, 2022, 07:04:54 AM
When I test rode a 21 V7 850, I was impressed by much more than the increase in power.  As others have said, the power increase is noticed, but it does not change the basic character of the bike, does not turn it into a speed demon.  I was most impressed with the suspension improvements.  The Series 3 always felt to me as if it was over-sprung and under-damped as do so many new bikes that try to save some money on production costs.  I would have counted on at least $1,000 in suspension work if I had bought one of those.  The new V7 850 to me felt ready to go with no changes needed in that area.  If an older 750 was for sale at a price that left room for a suspension mod, I would look seriously at it, but that's just me, I am sure lots of folks like the bike as is. 
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: Dave Swanson on November 24, 2022, 08:59:09 AM
When I test rode a 21 V7 850, I was impressed by much more than the increase in power.  As others have said, the power increase is noticed, but it does not change the basic character of the bike, does not turn it into a speed demon.  I was most impressed with the suspension improvements.  The Series 3 always felt to me as if it was over-sprung and under-damped as do so many new bikes that try to save some money on production costs.  I would have counted on at least $1,000 in suspension work if I had bought one of those.  The new V7 850 to me felt ready to go with no changes needed in that area.  If an older 750 was for sale at a price that left room for a suspension mod, I would look seriously at it, but that's just me, I am sure lots of folks like the bike as is.

Same experience here.  Although the extra 100cc really punch above their weight especially when overtaking compared to the 750, the suspension improvements to the 850 are very evident.   The stock rear suspension of my V7 Special gave me the feeling of riding a jackhammer and I had to do something about it immediately before I became a cripple.   :grin:   The 850 suspension isn't perfect, but it is very acceptable as - is.  I have no urge to upgrade. 
Title: Re: Pro and cons on the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 racer
Post by: usedtobefast on November 24, 2022, 10:25:57 AM
wow, crazy!   :shocked:

I bet the seller is super happy!!