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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: redrider90 on April 26, 2015, 12:46:09 PM

Title: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: redrider90 on April 26, 2015, 12:46:09 PM
 A professional woman's athlete who is a client of mine always drools over my red Mille.
She is an all star caliber athlete at 5'11" and 160# Now I am taking 160#s of muscle so she is not lacking for strength. She is solid muscle. 
So she is looking at Guzzi's and asked me what I thought. I recommended the V7 line and she said that is what she is looking at.
Are there any significant differences in the V7 s worth noting? Or is it just a question of aesthetics? She promised she would not ride buy before taking the safety course.
Because she is based in LA I told to to take a ride out to the the snake on Mulholland Hwy and have a look see at what not to do on a bike as a new rider
Title: Re:
Post by: Kev m on April 26, 2015, 01:23:16 PM
The only significant difference of the 1tb models is between the Racer and the other two.

The Racer has better suspension and different ergos.

But at that height, she might prefer to wait for the blue arriving V7II versions.
Title: Re:
Post by: Cam3512 on April 26, 2015, 01:25:05 PM
The only significant difference of the 1tb models is between the Racer and the other two.

The Racer has better suspension and different ergos.

But at that height, she might prefer to wait for the blue arriving V7II versions.

If she's 5'11" height shouldn't be an issue.

Do a search here, tons of info on the V7 line.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: pyoungbl on April 26, 2015, 01:26:42 PM
I'm 5'11" and my '13 V7 Special could use a touch more distance between the seat and pegs.  The bike is still comfortable for a couple hours in the saddle but I'd be happy to have just a little less bend in my knees.  The V7 II is reported to offer a bit more distance so I'd recommend she look at that model.  BTW, I have a 32" inseam.

Peter Y.
Title: Re:
Post by: Kev m on April 26, 2015, 01:34:30 PM
That's what I was getting at, that the issue might be she could be a little cramped on our bikes and the V7II might fit her better.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: lucydad on April 26, 2015, 03:57:01 PM
I agree with Kev.  The V7R is pretty cramped.  I am 5 ft 5 on a good day, and its a decent fit.  The Trumpet has more room.
The V7R semi-cafe lean takes getting used to, and ergos, in my opinion, are a bit difficult for longer rides. 

Otherwise the small-blocks are incredible machines, and to be recommended without reservation.  I would wait for the 6 speed and ABS personally.
Might look at one myself when they arrive, if they had a color that twisted my heart.
Title: Re:
Post by: Cam3512 on April 26, 2015, 03:58:07 PM
That's what I was getting at, that the issue might be she could be a little cramped on our bikes and the V7II might fit her better.

Doh, I was thinking reach to the ground.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: cytocycle on April 28, 2015, 01:59:27 AM
i disagree, the V7 racer is very easy for my 5'8" and is not even close to a sport bike.   it does take some stomach muscles and you do have to clamp the tank with your legs but that's how you are suppose to ride a motorcycle with clip ons . if you wanted more comfort just throw on some handlebars.    if you are a lot larger the Triumph's will accommodate you better with their longer and sadly 100+lb more bikes
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: ChuckH on April 28, 2015, 05:12:13 AM
I'm 5'11" and my '13 V7 Special could use a touch more distance between the seat and pegs.  The bike is still comfortable for a couple hours in the saddle but I'd be happy to have just a little less bend in my knees.  The V7 II is reported to offer a bit more distance so I'd recommend she look at that model.  BTW, I have a 32" inseam.  Peter Y. 

I agree.  I've looked at the V7's and would really like to try one for my riding needs but the seat to foot peg dimension is some 3-4" less than on my Stelvio.  That puts my knees at more angle, which is not be comfortable for long days on the seat.  I'm going to check out the V7 II's when Jim B. gets them in at Rose Farms to see if they offer enough of an improvement.  BTW, I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam.

OTOH, this lady is an athlete and younger so her joints will probably still bend as originally designed.  That will certainly help her.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on April 28, 2015, 07:06:37 AM
i disagree, the V7 racer is very easy for my 5'8" and is not even close to a sport bike.   it does take some stomach muscles and you do have to clamp the tank with your legs but that's how you are suppose to ride a motorcycle with clip ons . if you wanted more comfort just throw on some handlebars.    if you are a lot larger the Triumph's will accommodate you better with their longer and sadly 100+lb more bikes

This.. if she is solid muscle, she'll have no problem with ergos.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Kev m on April 28, 2015, 07:28:24 AM
I try to never make an absolute judgment on another's happiness with Ergos.

I suggest the V7II MAY be better than the current for her because of her size/length.

MAYBE she'd be fine with the current, but I wouldn't assume it.

And generally speaking in such things, a little more is likely better and not a detractor.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: rocker59 on April 28, 2015, 07:43:39 AM
i disagree, the V7 racer is very easy for my 5'8" and is not even close to a sport bike.   

I agree with your disagreement.  The V7 Racer has a pretty relaxed seating position compared to what I ride.

It's all in what you're used to, or willing to commit to.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Yukonica on April 28, 2015, 07:45:29 AM
No one has mentioned tube vs tubeless tires. I have a Special and like the look of spokes.
Really wish I had tubeless for those long out of town runs.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: boatdetective on April 28, 2015, 07:53:53 AM
Inseam length will be more of a deciding factor than height. At 6'0", I only have a 32" inseam, so the V7 doesn't bother me.

As a beginning rider, the power and seating position of a v7 should be fine for her. Obviously, the Triumph is another easy winner. The MG obviously has more cache and exclusivity, if that matters.  As a beginner bike- I don't really think any of the models matter. I'd say get what ever looks cool to her- chances are she may change preference once she gains experience anyway.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: rocker59 on April 28, 2015, 07:54:19 AM
I try to never make an absolute judgment on another's happiness with Ergos.

I suggest the V7II MAY be better than the current for her because of her size/length.

MAYBE she'd be fine with the current, but I wouldn't assume it.

And generally speaking in such things, a little more is likely better and not a detractor.

At this point, with the V7-II arriving shortly, it's what I'd recommend.  

Then which model?  Whichever she likes, I guess.  

If she's got a 32"+ inseam, I'm sure the little bit of added legroom would be welcomed.


Inseam length will be more of a deciding factor than height. At 6'0", I only have a 32" inseam, so the V7 doesn't bother me.


In my experience, a gal who is 5'-11" will likely have a 34" or 35" inseam.

Since she's in shape it may not matter to her, but the slightly roomier V7-II couldn't hurt.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: malik on April 28, 2015, 09:19:23 AM
A test ride will likely be definitive; both are in the shops here at the moment. She has to get something that grabs her. With luck & good fortune it may be a Guzzi, or it could be something else. Tells here to take the test rides & get what shouts her name.

Mal
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Loftness on April 28, 2015, 10:23:32 AM
Why are so many people implying that the current V7 is a cramped bike?  Your friend would fit very nicely on either the V7 or the V7II.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on April 28, 2015, 10:44:55 AM
A test ride will likely be definitive; both are in the shops here at the moment. She has to get something that grabs her. With luck & good fortune it may be a Guzzi, or it could be something else. Tells here to take the test rides & get what shouts her name.

Mal

V7 and V7II are both in your US dealer already? Are you sure?? This would be the first we've heard of the V7II in the USA


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Kev m on April 28, 2015, 10:55:47 AM
Why are so many people implying that the current V7 is a cramped bike?  Your friend would fit very nicely on either the V7 or the V7II.

MAYBE.

I notice, and maybe it's because I'm starting to get older, that I AM starting to get a little cramped on my Stone on longer rides, couple/three hundred miles in the saddle days.

It's not a big deal, but the V7II does offer like an inch more room which could be the difference for some people.

Don't get me wrong, still LOVE my V7.

Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Loftness on April 28, 2015, 11:35:54 AM
MAYBE.

I notice, and maybe it's because I'm starting to get older, that I AM starting to get a little cramped on my Stone on longer rides, couple/three hundred miles in the saddle days.

It's not a big deal, but the V7II does offer like an inch more room which could be the difference for some people.

Don't get me wrong, still LOVE my V7.



I can see that for some, but I guess I assume that most V7 customers aren't putting hundreds of miles on them daily.  For around town and short trip rides I can't imagine feeling cramped.  Makes sense though in that context.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Kev m on April 28, 2015, 11:48:49 AM
I can see that for some, but I guess I assume that most V7 customers aren't putting hundreds of miles on them daily.  For around town and short trip rides I can't imagine feeling cramped.  Makes sense though in that context.

But we have no idea what this person might want this bike for no?

So I just like to warn of the possibilities.

Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: kevdog3019 on April 28, 2015, 11:58:30 AM
Cramped?  I had a B750 '04 and my 6'0 height, 34" inseam, 160# was fine.  The first V7 was a variation on the B750.  They all are with only slight differences.  One vs.two TB is not a difference maker in my book.  Not for the price.  Like most here, she will probably buy something based on color so the 1 vs. 2 is a non-issue.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: ponti_33609 on April 28, 2015, 12:03:52 PM
I can see that for some, but I guess I assume that most V7 customers aren't putting hundreds of miles on them daily.  For around town and short trip rides I can't imagine feeling cramped.  Makes sense though in that context.

 ;-T
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: jas67 on April 28, 2015, 12:06:29 PM
...
It's not a big deal, but the V7II does offer like an inch more room which could be the difference for some people.
...

From reading about the V7II, it is my understanding that the additional leg room is only additional clearance from the rider's knee to the cylinder head, but, that the seat to foot pegs distance would be the same.    The bike advertised as having a 1-inch LOWER seat height.     So, unless the pegs are MORE than an inch lower than the outgoing model, a rider wouldn't have any less knee bend, just more clearance at the knee for a rider with longer femurs.

All that said, she is a new rider.     I'd definitely go V7II for the ABS and traction control.     I'd also recommend Special or Stone over the Racer, as the more standard riding position is likely to be better for a beginner.   ALTHOUGH, she should sit on both, or ideally take the MSF course first, get her license, test ride both, then buy what calls to her.   If she is a road cyclist (pedal bike that is), then, she just may find the Racer's ergos to be preferable.

As Rocker and, IIRC, another have said, the Racer's ergos aren't that radical.     I'd put it halfway between the Stone/Special and a sport bike like CBR600RR, R6, etc.   I have a Racer, and a Ducati Monster.    The lean to the bars is about the same, though the angle of the bars is different, being clipons, vs. the straight bar on the Monster.    The foot control position on the Racer is slightly less rear set than the Monster.

Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: jas67 on April 28, 2015, 12:11:11 PM
...One vs.two TB is not a difference maker in my book.  Not for the price....

I beg to differ with this comment.    I specifically upgraded form a two TB to one TB bike to get all the upgrades:
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: arveno on April 28, 2015, 12:14:53 PM
A professional woman's athlete who is a client of mine always drools over my red Mille.
She is an all star caliber athlete at 5'11" and 160# Now I am taking 160#s of muscle so she is not lacking for strength. She is solid muscle. 
So she is looking at Guzzi's and asked me what I thought. I recommended the V7 line and she said that is what she is looking at.
Are there any significant differences in the V7 s worth noting? Or is it just a question of aesthetics? She promised she would not ride buy before taking the safety course.
Because she is based in LA I told to to take a ride out to the the snake on Mulholland Hwy and have a look see at what not to do on a bike as a new rider


 :PICS!: :PICS!: :PICS!:
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: ponti_33609 on April 28, 2015, 01:08:41 PM
Someone years back posted this and funny but I refer to it when looking at bikes and can't sit on them.  I was planning on a Stone or Special but the pricing on the Racer was better and went that route.  Still I used this tool to see how different from my old V11 Sport.

(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd173/ponti_33609/V11_zpsh61kkngy.png)
(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd173/ponti_33609/V7S_zpsrwanvds2.png)
(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd173/ponti_33609/v7r_zps9snfqpzm.png)

http://cycle-ergo.com/ (http://cycle-ergo.com/)

Based on this I figured I was going to feel right in between my V11 and Special/Stone
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Loftness on April 28, 2015, 01:40:20 PM
I beg to differ with this comment.    I specifically upgraded form a two TB to one TB bike to get all the upgrades:
  • Metal fuel tank -- no ethanol-swelling plastic tank worries
  • Much longer range due to 35% more fuel capacity, and slightly better MPG
  • Alloy wheels (spokes with alloy rims, or cast allow wheels on the Stone) -- the steel rims with crappy Italian chrome rusted too easily -- I got sick of polishing the rust off of 'em
  • Tubeless tires (Stone model, or in my case, I found a slightly used Racer that the P.O. put Stone wheels on).

I'll also add 'performance' and 'starting' to that list as to why I feel they're very different.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Kev m on April 28, 2015, 02:14:18 PM
I think it's silly a bunch of guys, who are different sizes, arguing ergos which are going to be different for all of us (and her), as well as preferences of ergos which are more different still.

From reading about the V7II, it is my understanding that the additional leg room is only additional clearance from the rider's knee to the cylinder head, but, that the seat to foot pegs distance would be the same.    The bike advertised as having a 1-inch LOWER seat height.     So, unless the pegs are MORE than an inch lower than the outgoing model, a rider wouldn't have any less knee bend, just more clearance at the knee for a rider with longer femurs.

I guess we never settled it, but argued it (search the merged V7 II threadfest for the terms "leg room":

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?action=search2

Looks like Cycle World originally claimed it would have BOTH more leg room and more knee room.

Looks like Dogwalker pointed out that the frame rails are indeed lower, and thought the distance from the seat to the pegs was the same.

Of course, one could always pad the seat and create more leg room that way (which, long term, perhaps I should think about with my stock seat).

Anyway, it's not a big deal, but I still say at this point it makes sense for her to start with the V7II and see where the search takes her from there.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Dave Swanson on April 28, 2015, 06:05:30 PM
This one  ;)

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/dswansbiker/v700001.jpg) (http://s233.photobucket.com/user/dswansbiker/media/v700001.jpg.html)
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: lucydad on April 28, 2015, 06:25:40 PM
Thought about this topic again today.  Its an excellent question.

Kevin speaks with Jedi wisdom though.  Best solution:  go test ride and see what "fits".  What the heck do we know except our own experiences and own bikes?

Given that, for me, it takes quite a few miles to really determine my body's reaction to a particular bike.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Dimples on April 28, 2015, 06:41:27 PM
Sell your client your red Mille she desires and get yourself a red Sport 1100 with the funds.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on April 28, 2015, 06:41:53 PM
Thought about this topic again today.  Its an excellent question.

Kevin speaks with Jedi wisdom though.  Best solution:  go test ride and see what "fits".  What the heck do we know except our own experiences and own bikes?

Given that, for me, it takes quite a few miles to really determine my body's reaction to a particular bike.

But she's not a rider, the way I read it. <shrug> Oh, I agree. It takes time.
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: redrider90 on April 28, 2015, 07:37:18 PM
Sell your client your red Mille she desires and get yourself a red Sport 1100 with the funds.

Funny thing is I had someone give me their sport for 2 days practically begging me to buy it. I hate riding other people's bikes.
But I took the 96 carbed home and road it.  I like it a lot (not as much as the Daytona I got to ride for an hour) but long term the ergos just didn't work.
Besides I have the Mille set up for my 6'5"frame and no way you get your feet on the ground a 5'11".
Title: Re: which V7 do I recommend?
Post by: kirkemon on April 28, 2015, 08:11:44 PM
I suggest she take a test ride at Pro Italia in Glendale (or any dealer close to her).