Customizing my v7 stone...seems like it never ends!

[cruzziguzzi]

Hey everyone,
I hope you are enjoying some good weather and rides wherever you may be!
Over the last year, I have slowly started to customize my baby (v7 stone) and it's a good thing! Yes it may get expensive (I am doing it slowly), but I have to say it is a thrill to see how the bike it turning out!

So far, this is what I have done:

Lafranconi Competazione exhaust,
V7 Racer rear sets,
CRG arrow lane splitter mirrors,
Rizoma black handlebar,
Front and rear clear turn signal lenses with amber bulbs,
Moto Guzzi rubber tank pads,
Stucchi rear rack (black),
"Breva Model" windscreen,
Removed the amber reflectors on the front forks,
Left side original mirror thread was left in upright position so I can thread a RAM MOUNT ball adaptor for GPS,
Chrome generator cover,
"Adaptor" line for my battery tender and USB to charge small electronics (mainly my iphone)

I plan on doing a couple of more small mods...just need to save up for them!

Here's my attempt to post a link to some pics on photo bucket...if the link doesn't work, I apologize in advance...I'll try to sort that out!

Hope you like it and please post some pics of your mods!

Cheers and safe riding,

Chris

I guess your bank account is fortunate that a "Screamin' Eagle" catalog doesn't exist for Guzzis.

I say, get all that stuff that you can afford while you can, whether you use it or not. Once the line is dropped or significantly revamped, the gotta-haves will fade quickly away. My own most recent experience with this is that most manufacturers for exhausts for pre-rubber-mounted Sportsters have dropped the 03 and earlier bikes products and new products already don't get developed for them.

I wish that I had gone catalog-fag for my Spot. So many of the various bags, racks, pillion eliminators and the like disappeared overnight. I'm glad I got the Borla exhaust but for the other stuff, I'm SOL.

Even were you to not end up using them, someone like me will always be looking for them later, and at a premium at that.

[Mgv7rider]

I guess your bank account is fortunate that a "Screamin' Eagle" catalog doesn't exist for Guzzis.

Even were you to not end up using them, someone like me will always be looking for them later, and at a premium at that.

Points well taken Cruzziguzzi...never thought that at some point the original parts may be "difficult" to get and someone may pay a premium for them. Thanks again!

Chris

[sib]

This thread reminds me of some women who choose mates because "He's everything I've ever wanted to change in a man".  Personally, I pretty much like my V7 Stone the way it came from the factory.  I did add an OEM crash bar because I'm a klutz, and an OEM gel saddle because I didn't like sitting on the stocker's "strap", but I think the suspension's fine, the fuel map is fine, the low fuel warning light is fine, the alternator cover is fine, etc., etc.

[Rick T.]

Interested in details on your Rizoma handlebar.  What model is it?  How does it compare to stock in terms of real-world differences?

[Mgv7rider]

Interested in details on your Rizoma handlebar.  What model is it?  How does it compare to stock in terms of real-world differences?

Hey Rick,
Model number is MA 001B from rizoma. I did not instal myself so I can't help with any of those questions. As for the functionality...the y are similar to stock yet have a slight taper inwards...to me they are a bit more comfortable, however I really bought them because they were black and they were quite similar to the stock ones (I didn't want to take away from the look of the original too much. I hope that helps.

Cheers,

Chris

[roadscum]

Mr Fugazzi.....
 
Nicely done sir!

Can you post some pictures of the Tarozzi clip ons.... Thx.

Paul

[Rick T.]

Hey Rick,
Model number is MA 001B from rizoma. I did not instal myself so I can't help with any of those questions. As for the functionality...the y are similar to stock yet have a slight taper inwards...to me they are a bit more comfortable, however I really bought them because they were black and they were quite similar to the stock ones (I didn't want to take away from the look of the original too much. I hope that helps.

Cheers,

Chris

Chris,
Thanks for the quick response.  I immediately placed my order for the MA001B (thru Motovation).  Like you, I'm opting for these bars primarily because of aesthetics, but didn't want to drastically alter ergos from stock.  Looks like the MA001B is exactly what I need.  Thanks for the feedback!  I'll post up seperately once my bike is fully completed...

Rick

[Mgv7rider]

Sounds good Rick...I am sure that you will like these bars. Keep us posted.
Cheers,

Chris

[sonicboom]

Those bars remind me of the old R90S bars we all liked so much in the 70's. Almost the exact bend and rise. Although I can't remember how wide those bars were but I think they were somewhat narrow. Those on your bike look wider to me. That will give you a lighter feel pushing into turns.

[Joe G]

Sounds good Rick...I am sure that you will like these bars. Keep us posted.
Cheers,

Chris

Other than being black, what is the difference with the new bars?  How are the ends made? I didn't care for the way my stock chrome bars were made. Had to drill those pesky plugs out after I bought the wrong style bar end mirrors.  

I keep thinking you could have painted the old bars black. 


       Joe G

[Rick T.]

Other than being black, what is the difference with the new bars?  How are the ends made? I didn't care for the way my stock chrome bars were made. Had to drill those pesky plugs out after I bought the wrong style bar end mirrors.  

I keep thinking you could have painted the old bars black. 


       Joe G

The Rizomas are aluminum (vs steel) & have open/hollow end allowing more options for bar ends/mirrors. I also welcome a bit more sweep for a bit more comfort - we'll see...

Lighter, more barend options, and a little bling for not too much money. Sounds good to me.

[kevdog3019]

Here are some pretty cool low and wide blinker mirrors that fit the stock mounts.  They are a very solid and well made mirror that won't show your shoulders.  The blinkers are bright and also show to the side and rear for safety.  Just take your stockers off up front.  Just fit them on my project Guzzi.  bar-ends are just too low for my liking.  I think they would look good on the V7. They are made by Rivko.  

[Mgv7rider]

Here are some pretty cool low and wide blinker mirrors that fit the stock mounts.  They are a very solid and well made mirror that won't show your shoulders.  The blinkers are bright and also show to the side and rear for safety.  Just take your stockers off up front.  Just fit them on my project Guzzi.  bar-ends are just too low for my liking.  I think they would look good on the V7. They are made by Rivko.  

Sweet looking bike...those mirrors look pretty cool.

Cheers,

Chris

[Joe G]

Those mirrors will definitely work well on a V7 Stone. 

Aluminium bars make sense too, as long as they're lighter than steel bars. Have several bikes with the light bars myself.  ;)

    Joe G



     

[raul]

Is that rear rack sourced from MGCycle?  If so, how much was shipping?  I ordered one yesterday and it said shipping would be added later.  I don't really like surprises, unless it is less than I expect. 

[Moto Fugazzi]

Mr Fugazzi.....
 
Nicely done sir!

Can you post some pictures of the Tarozzi clip ons.... Thx.

Paul

Let me know what kind of pics you want. I have the high rise on, and they're set fairly level. If you click on the image, it should take you to my photo bucket pics.
Ken

[Mgv7rider]

Is that rear rack sourced from MGCycle?  If so, how much was shipping?  I ordered one yesterday and it said shipping would be added later.  I don't really like surprises, unless it is less than I expect. 

It was from mg cycle and I couldn't tell you the delivery as it was ordered via my dealer...what I can tell you is that here in canada, the shipping would be more plus we have to pay the duties...it was over $100 more than listed :(...I would just call them and ask them approximately what the cost would be.

Cheers,

Chris

[roadscum]

Thx Ken, just what I wanted.

Paul

[raul]

It was from mg cycle and I couldn't tell you the delivery as it was ordered via my dealer...what I can tell you is that here in canada, the shipping would be more plus we have to pay the duties...it was over $100 more than listed :(...I would just call them and ask them approximately what the cost would be.

Cheers,

Chris

They dinged my bank account today and it was less than expected.  A good surprise for a change.   ;-T ;-T

[Mgv7rider]

They dinged my bank account today and it was less than expected.  A good surprise for a change.   ;-T ;-T

Good to hear! Post some pics when you install it!

Cheers,

Chris

[Yukonica]

Thanks Ambogal,

The cover is from:

http://www.af1racing.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=56343

I thought it was a nice touch to break up all of the black in the lower centre of the bike.

Cheers,

Chris

[Yukonica]

Thanks Ambogal,

The cover is from:

http://www.af1racing.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=56343

I thought it was a nice touch to break up all of the black in the lower centre of the bike.

Cheers,

Chris


Is that alternator cover 'metal' or just plated plastic? (the vendor doesn't really say). As metal I think it would be a great option. Plated plastic in my region would probably take a terrible punishment from gravel and such.

[Yukonica]

Hi Sib. Glad you like the bike as it was conceived; except for parts you didn't like.
I think the post is mostly about adding chilli flakes to a pizza. Adjusting personal taste while remaining true to the concept. Minor changes in aesthetics rather than a wholesale custom rebuild. I think the bike looks nice. I think the OP is as proud of his ride as you are of yours. Rightfully so for both of you. Just different approaches.

[Mgv7rider]

Is that alternator cover 'metal' or just plated plastic? (the vendor doesn't really say). As metal I think it would be a great option. Plated plastic in my region would probably take a terrible punishment from gravel and such.


Yukonica,
I bought my alternator cover from my local dealer (who got it from Af1 racing)...the one I have is METAL and very well built.  Having said that, give them a call or drop them an email just to make sure before you buy it.

Thanks for the compliments.

Cheers,

Chris

[Moto Fugazzi]

I added some silver pinstripe over the red on the tank and side panel. I think I'll replace it with grey that matches the V7 on the side panel.
Ken

[Kev m]

I added some silver pinstripe over the red on the tank and side panel. I think I'll replace it with grey that matches the V7 on the side panel.
Ken

Looks good...

[Mgv7rider]

I agree with Kev...looks good. The little subtle touches like those stripes add class and character to the bike. Enjoy it!

Cheers,

Chris

[mgfan]

As for hanging onto parts, I've got some brand new pieces from my brand new at the time 1982 Goldwing if anyones looking!   :BEER:

[greer]

Nice, nice bikes!  I always enjoy making a bike my own.  I like to buy a bike in the fall and then piddle with it all winter.

Sarah