2016 V7II Stone, tall rider experience

[dave1068]

Hello all,

May be adding a 2nd bike to the collection and saw a 2016 V7 II stone that caught my eye. I sat on it and like how narrow it is compared to the near 600lb Triumph Explorer 1200.

I like that I can slide back on the seat of the Stone but also have some lower back issues from years of riding. For those who are around 6'2 or so and have the Stone, what are you experiences with rider comfort, etc?

Thanks-

[benebob]

Not quite as tall.  6'1" but similar bikes with my Tiger 800 and a V7ii abs.  Your back will not get better on the Stone between the 60s era suspension and the weirdly shaped riding triangle for a tall guy.  I have spent over 800 miles a day on a Tiger (actually on my 955i but 600 mile days no problem with the 800).  I don't think I could do more than 400 in a day on the v7 and even with that I doubt I would be able to repeat that the next day. 

[Siamese]

I just got a V7III Special, and I'm 5'll", 157lbs..  Maybe being 65 is a contributing factor, but I didn't like the way my legs felt scrunched up under me.  There just isn't enough room between the top of the seat and the pegs.  Obviously, they do everything they can to cater to shorter, and newer riders.  Sure wish they had a "tall" version of the frame.  That'd allow for some more room for suspension travel as well?

I changed out the pegs for a pair that are 1 and 3/8" lower, and don't have a rubber insert, so they may be lower than they advertise.  I found them to be totally sufficient for making the ride pleasurable.  I don't think they interfere with lean angle...the kickstand will likely grind first on the V7III. 

I don't have a problem with my lower back on this bike.  Any foot forward bike like a Harley or other cruiser clone will ruin my back.  The V7III seems to treat it well, as my torso is in an upright position and my feet aren't way forward.  A bike's gotta be comfortable or I'm not interested.

The suspension can be a little lively, but I haven't found it to be a problem for my back.   My back is more sensitive to position than impacts.  It can get a little bumpy, but at low to moderate speeds I just get my butt off the seat and put my weight on the pegs so my legs take the shock.  Can't do that on a foot-forward bike.   

If the peg to seat distance is similar from the v7II to the v7III, then lower foot pegs could save it, but you don't know until you try...which can be $$$. 

[dave1068]

Thanks for the info, I read some of these models had clutch issues, went to the vin site and it came up with no issues. I did notice the side panels had no decals and the valve cover looks specially painted. Not sure if the prior owner did this or a past issue that may have been resolved. See pic-

[benebob]

The clutch issues are very real.  Mine is likely in for a new engine.  Don't think I would buy an 16 v7 again for that reason.  Piaggio doesn't keep a record of  the bikes that are missing the thrust washer, probably because they don't know and want to avoid fixing them. 

[dave1068]

That clutch issue was another concern I have, this used bike does have 7200 miles so not sure if thats relevant. Good luck w/ the w the new engine-

[kingoffleece]

I'm a click under 6 foot.  Raised the seat by 2 inches.  World of improvement.

[Kev m]

Fwiw it's not a clutch issue per se, but it's in lack of clutch adjustment that the engine issue manifests.

The issue involves the crankshaft thrust bearing and should appear in the first 1k miles. If a bike is well past that it should be no worries.

[dave1068]

Good to hear as this once has over 7000 miles, Its on the possible 2nd bike list. As are a possible Stornello and some T100/Scramblers with under 1000 miles, all in the 5-6k price range

[dave1068]

I'm a click under 6 foot.  Raised the seat by 2 inches.  World of improvement.

Forgot to ask earlier: How did you add the 2", insider the seat or a seat pad?

[kingoffleece]

Rebuilt the seat.

[malik]

Everybody's different & even those of the same size have bends in their arms & legs in different places. I'm some 3 in shorter than you, slimish, & flexible & only a 33 in inside leg and I've set up my V7s to suit me - good for 500 mile days, day in, day out. Rear sets & multi adjustable bars helped me get the best riding position. For the V7s there is a confusing array of saddles around, before even going custom, although I find the solo seats more comfortable long distance (and the best of those is on the V7 III Racer). With some attention, you could probably end up sorting it. But have a look at a 1200 Sport if it comes your way - I've mates a lot taller than you riding these with comfort - they fit the taller among us easier to start with.

BTW I think you'll find that job on the valve covers is a custom one - attractive, isn't it?

[alanp]

I am 6' even an have a 2016 Stone.  I find it quite comfortable with a couple of minor tweaks, raising the seat slightly and lower peg.  All I did for the seat is use a Beadrider pad, but it really helps.  I got a set of pegs that are slightly lower and back.  With these mods it works great for me all day. 
As Kev said, if it has 7000 miles it isn't missing the thrust washer and will be fine.  Mine has been completely flawless for near 10k miles. 

[dave1068]

Everybody's different & even those of the same size have bends in their arms & legs in different places. I'm some 3 in shorter than you, slimish, & flexible & only a 33 in inside leg and I've set up my V7s to suit me - good for 500 mile days, day in, day out. Rear sets & multi adjustable bars helped me get the best riding position. For the V7s there is a confusing array of saddles around, before even going custom, although I find the solo seats more comfortable long distance (and the best of those is on the V7 III Racer). With some attention, you could probably end up sorting it. But have a look at a 1200 Sport if it comes your way - I've mates a lot taller than you riding these with comfort - they fit the taller among us easier to start with.

BTW I think you'll find that job on the valve covers is a custom one - attractive, isn't it?

Funny you mention that, Ive had a 1200 Sport and liked its power but found it was an ideal bike for the tallest little person in the room. I have long arms and long legs bit I remembered jokingly saying it required a ride w/ short legs and long arms...

I agree I like the valve color custom paint job, Im still looking for bike #2...Stone is on the short list, appreciate the info-

[malik]

If it happens that you are tempted by an earlier V7, do note that the II's and III's have a smidgen more knee room, at least theoretically - their engines have been canted forward a tad. It may be enough to make a difference, so test riding is in order.

[SmithSwede]

Hard to really answer this.  Just depends. 

My 2013 V7 is the most comfortable bike I’ve ever owned.  I can ride it all day, and for days on end.  I’m 6’1”. 

The biggest improvements was better bars so I could lean forward a bit.  Better rear shocks.  And a bikini fairing.

I tend to think people underestimate their ability to adapt.