New to Guzzi -questions & observations...

[Chuck-D]

 I just picked up a new V7 ii Stone from the local dealer. It's my first big-boy bike, I've put about 20 miles on it, and have some observations:
- This is a LOT more bike then the 250s I've been riding.
- The left exhaust header seems to be discoloring faster than the right.
- Clutch lever feels stiff, takes a little muscle to use properly.
- I'll be at a stop, in neutral, I'll shift into first, the neutral light goes out, I start letting the clutch out to get in the friction zone to start off, and instead the neutral light comes back on & I'm somehow back in neutral. Right foot nowhere near the gear lever.
- there's a small rubber drain tube? that hangs below the engine, comes down from the canister under the fuel tank. I'm guessing it's emissions-related?
- all in all it's fun to ride, just haven't had the chance yet away from stop lights & heavy traffic. It's just much more than I'm used to, power & weight-wise.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Welcome to WG, Chuck.. good name, BTW.
Try pushing down on the gear lever while slowly letting out on the clutch lever. That lets the transmission turn enough for first to engage.

[ajonen]

drain tube is most likely to drain the overflow in the airbox.

[Luap McKeever]

Welcome Chuck.

-You've got alot more cc's now too :-)
-Don't worry about pipes yet. It'll even out more than likely.
-Welcome to dry clutch world.  That'll get better with time too.
-Your Guzzi wont even be broke in until at least 5,000 miles.  Stomp that sucker into gear until it gets smooth.
-Ride that sucker.  It'll only get better with time.  Just like a fine wine :-)

[Kev m]

On the clutch, if it doesn't start improving sometimes it needs better adjustment... I think the spec allows a tiny bit too much freeplay (at least it has on a couple of examples I've ridden).

But mostly, just enjoy!

[kevdog3019]

Since you only mentioned stiff clutch and not being in first, I'm not suspecting clutch adjustment is out.  As Chuck mentioned push down on the shift lever (left foot... I think you had a typo) and slowly let out clutch (at stops) and it will engage.  Compared to your 250's the clutch may feel stiffer.  Enjoy the ride!
Welcome most of all.

[Kev m]

Since you only mentioned stiff clutch and not being in first, I'm not suspecting clutch adjustment is out. 

True, but it's seemed common enough and not everyone describes their trouble as well as we would like sometimes... 

[sib]

- I'll be at a stop, in neutral, I'll shift into first, the neutral light goes out, I start letting the clutch out to get in the friction zone to start off, and instead the neutral light comes back on & I'm somehow back in neutral. Right foot nowhere near the gear lever.

Yes, it happened to me a few times.  The 6-sp gearbox is different from the 5-sp in this regard.  I've gotten into the habit of making sure it's in gear by letting the clutch lever up a bit and feeling the pull.  If you have your foot on the shift lever while doing this, it gets in gear and stays there every time.

[sib]

- there's a small rubber drain tube? that hangs below the engine, comes down from the canister under the fuel tank. I'm guessing it's emissions-related?

There should be two similar-looking hoses ending there, one coming from the carbon canister (which, as you pointed out, is now located under the fuel tank, moved from it's previous location dangling from under the bike) and the other one coming from the tank filler drain moat.  That hose begins at a fitting near the rear of the fuel tank bottom.

[segesta]

Chuck D? Man, I _loved_ "Ice Ice Baby"!

(that's a joke, guys)

[Chuck-D]

Since you only mentioned stiff clutch and not being in first, I'm not suspecting clutch adjustment is out.  As Chuck mentioned push down on the shift lever (left foot... I think you had a typo) and slowly let out clutch (at stops) and it will engage.  Compared to your 250's the clutch may feel stiffer.  Enjoy the ride!
Welcome most of all.

Yes, I meant "left foot" !!
Clutch feels stiff always, but it's only a problem in first.
I'll practice being on the shift lever when I'm letting the clutch out from a stop.
Thanks for all the advice, everyone !