Author Topic: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability  (Read 2430 times)

Offline Mayor_of_BBQ

  • Instagram: @Mayor_of_BBQ
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3618
  • 'Ever thus to deadbeats, Lebowski'
  • Location: Asheville, NC
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #30 on: November 26, 2021, 08:04:15 AM »
I dont think a V700 will do 80--90mph at all, let alone all day!  I cant get my Ambo over 75, but im a great big ol'boy. It does seem it would run happily at 65mph all day and all night tho
Chad (Shadrach) in Asheville NC
1979 LeMans CX-100 (battle axe)
2007 Breva 1100 (Sport 1200 tribute)

Offline Fredrik

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 104
  • Location: Sweden
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #31 on: November 26, 2021, 10:43:50 AM »
I dont think a V700 will do 80--90mph at all, let alone all day!  I cant get my Ambo over 75, but im a great big ol'boy. It does seem it would run happily at 65mph all day and all night tho

I can take mine to 150km/h without any problems and cruising at 120km/h. A stock V7 Special has a claimed top speed over 100mph (160 km/h).
« Last Edit: November 26, 2021, 01:40:25 PM by Fredrik »
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber -2021
Moto Guzzi V7 Special -1971
Ural Retro 750 -2011
Ural Вояж 720 -1999
IZH Jupiter-3.01 -1980
IZH Planeta-5 -1993
Honda Black Widow 750 -2001
Aprilia Leonardo 125 -1999

Offline Tom H

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3377
  • Location: So. Cal.
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #32 on: November 26, 2021, 07:48:15 PM »
I just wanted to make sure which engine we are talking about. Is this a 700cc or a 750cc? Makes a bit of a difference with gearing and such.

Tom
2004 Cali EV Touring
1972 Eldo
1970 Ambo V1000
1973 R75/5 SWB with Toaster
2007 HD Street Bob
1953 Triumph 6T (one day it will be on the road!)

Offline cappisj1

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 286
  • Location: Illinois
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #33 on: November 26, 2021, 09:56:46 PM »
I know it’s an 850 but most everything else is the same. I bought this and put the nicasil cylinders on it. Took a 2,000 mile trip on it in September. Again it’s the 850 and other then the jugs 100% stock but it did 75-80 mph when needed. I took 2 lane roads as much as I could so we ran along at 55-65 mph all day long. I did put new plugs in it on the trip. I gave it a good tuneup with point gap, timing, plug gaps, valves adjusted and grease and oils before I left.

I would think if the wiring and connections are in good shape and you trust the bike enough your good to go.

I just had to adjust my expectations for daily miles, it is not like my Norge. After I excepted that, I had a ball on the old girl. I’ll do it again next year for sure.




Wildguzzi.com

Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #33 on: November 26, 2021, 09:56:46 PM »

Offline Fredrik

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 104
  • Location: Sweden
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #34 on: November 27, 2021, 05:43:36 AM »
I just wanted to make sure which engine we are talking about. Is this a 700cc or a 750cc? Makes a bit of a difference with gearing and such.

Tom

Mine is a 750cc.  :cheesy:
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber -2021
Moto Guzzi V7 Special -1971
Ural Retro 750 -2011
Ural Вояж 720 -1999
IZH Jupiter-3.01 -1980
IZH Planeta-5 -1993
Honda Black Widow 750 -2001
Aprilia Leonardo 125 -1999

Offline nick949

  • All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that's given to you.
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 3200
    • Nick Adams Writing
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #35 on: November 27, 2021, 07:05:35 AM »
Just do it. Take a few spares (plugs, points etc.) and a good tool kit and ride.  If you do have a little trouble on the way, think of it as part of the adventure.
Modern bikes, with their effortless reliability and performance are just so dull. Enjoy the challenge. Take the V7.

Nick

Offline Fredrik

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 104
  • Location: Sweden
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #36 on: November 27, 2021, 09:16:36 AM »
Just do it. Take a few spares (plugs, points etc.) and a good tool kit and ride.  If you do have a little trouble on the way, think of it as part of the adventure.
Modern bikes, with their effortless reliability and performance are just so dull. Enjoy the challenge. Take the V7.

Nick

Yes Sir, that is my plan.  :thumb:
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber -2021
Moto Guzzi V7 Special -1971
Ural Retro 750 -2011
Ural Вояж 720 -1999
IZH Jupiter-3.01 -1980
IZH Planeta-5 -1993
Honda Black Widow 750 -2001
Aprilia Leonardo 125 -1999

Offline smdl

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1321
  • Location: Courtenay, BC
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #37 on: November 27, 2021, 02:05:31 PM »
I did a 7500km, cross country trip on my '74 Eldorado in 2017, completely without issue.  That said, I fully restored the bike in 2012, with all new electrics (thank you, Gregory Bender).  Engine is a 949cc, and the bike will readily do over 90mph indicated.  However, sustained riding over 75mph starts pushing oil out of the breather, and I have to watch consumption.  I wouldn't hesitate to do the same trip again today. 

Truly a practical classic!

Cheers,
Shaun
'74 Eldorado Civilian
'17 V7 III Stone
'21 Aprilia Tuono 660
'22 V85TT Guardia D'Onore
'22 V85TT Guardia D'Onore (Yep, two)

Offline guzziownr

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 2127
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #38 on: November 28, 2021, 03:02:54 PM »
I bought a new-to-me 2013 Griso a week before a rally. 7K miles on the clock. The rally was three states away so I rode my '75 Eldorado because -- reliability!
If you ever feel like no one pays attention to you, try making a sandwich in front of your dog

Offline Klinkhammer

  • 2024 Board Donor
  • Hatchling
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 129
  • Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #39 on: November 30, 2021, 09:34:09 AM »
A few years ago I rebuilt a 850T and rode it from Stockholm to the factory in Mandello with some friends.
Finished the build the evening before we left. The test ride was from the garage to my home and back for some sleep.
Re-torqued the heads, checked fluids and off we went. Did the first change of oil in France. Kind of stupid but had no problems whatsoever.
Did the same trip a year later. Clutch cable snapped in Germany on the way home, apart from that no problems.
I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
Also, stop by for a cup of coffee in Stockholm!

This is the bike. Not as uncomfortable as it looks with a tank bag you can lean on.



« Last Edit: November 30, 2021, 09:38:24 AM by Klinkhammer »
850T Endurance racer lookalike 1974
992 Le Mans III Agostini 1983
V1000 ConverT 1976
850 Le Mans II 1979
BMW R1250GS HP 2019
V7 sport 1972 (Sold)
850T3 California 1977 (Sold)
850T 1974 (Sold)

Offline Fredrik

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 104
  • Location: Sweden
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #40 on: November 30, 2021, 09:37:14 AM »
A few years ago I rebuilt a 850T and rode it from Stockholm to the factory in Mandello with some friends.
Finished the build the evening before we left. The test ride was from the garage to my home and back for some sleep.
Re-torqued the heads, checked fluids and off we went. Did the first change of oil in France. Kind of stupid but had no problems whatsoever.
Did the same trip a year later. Clutch cable snapped in Germany on the way home, apart from that no problems.
I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
Also, stop by for a cup of coffee in Stockholm!

Great to know i have back-up in Stockholm if needed. Thanks!  :cheesy:
« Last Edit: November 30, 2021, 10:10:23 AM by Fredrik »
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber -2021
Moto Guzzi V7 Special -1971
Ural Retro 750 -2011
Ural Вояж 720 -1999
IZH Jupiter-3.01 -1980
IZH Planeta-5 -1993
Honda Black Widow 750 -2001
Aprilia Leonardo 125 -1999

Offline Klinkhammer

  • 2024 Board Donor
  • Hatchling
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 129
  • Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #41 on: November 30, 2021, 09:57:37 AM »
Great to know i have back-up in Stockholm if needed. Tanks!  :cheesy:

Welcome :wink:
850T Endurance racer lookalike 1974
992 Le Mans III Agostini 1983
V1000 ConverT 1976
850 Le Mans II 1979
BMW R1250GS HP 2019
V7 sport 1972 (Sold)
850T3 California 1977 (Sold)
850T 1974 (Sold)

Offline Furbo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1614
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #42 on: December 03, 2021, 12:38:49 PM »
Generally very reliable - some one else mentioned electrics, and I would agree. IMHO the wiring harness is way too complex....   If you're on the original starter relay - replace it. Other weak spots on the V7's are the seals in the bell housing (engine and Tranny), the clutch cable and the U Joint. One more - as the bike is 50yrs old - if you've not done so replace the wheel bearings all round. The BEST thing a disintegrating bearing will do is leave you stranded. The worst.....will leave you personally with no future problems...at all.....ever...  :shocked:
Killeen, TX
'96 Sport 1100
'72 N. Falcone
'72 Eldo

Eccl 9:9,10

Offline Antietam Classic Cycle

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 14141
  • Happily stuck in the past.
    • Antietam Classic Cycle
  • Location: Rohrersville, Maryland
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #43 on: December 03, 2021, 01:07:00 PM »
Generally very reliable - some one else mentioned electrics, and I would agree. IMHO the wiring harness is way too complex....   If you're on the original starter relay - replace it. Other weak spots on the V7's are the seals in the bell housing (engine and Tranny), the clutch cable and the U Joint. One more - as the bike is 50yrs old - if you've not done so replace the wheel bearings all round. The BEST thing a disintegrating bearing will do is leave you stranded. The worst.....will leave you personally with no future problems...at all.....ever...  :shocked:

Sorry, but I don't agree with some of this. The original (non-police) Loopframe wiring is about the most simple and easy to understand of any motorcycle ever. Adding relays for the headlight and horn is a good idea. 

The clutch cable is no more prone to failure than on any other Guzzi and on a 4 spd. Loop is very easy replace. Use a good quality cable such as those made by Barnett and keep the hand lever and barrel fitting that goes into it greased and moving freely. Barnett also makes the best quality brake cables. 

Yes, the u-joint is smaller on drum-brake Guzzis than on disk-brake Guzzis, but can last a very long time unless the bike is ridden heavily loaded, has performance modifications, or the rider abuses it. My '69 with 111k miles still has the original u-joint.

Same with the wheel bearings. They are an uncommon sized tapered roller bearing, not readily available at bearing suppliers. Aftermarket replacements of unknown origin are available, and Peters Bearings in Germany may have new old stock. Fortunately, if kept greased and shimmed properly they will outlast the rest of the bike. I cleaned and repacked mine when I replaced the tires last time - at 105k miles they still looked nearly new. In the 15 years I've been wrenching on old Guzzis professionally, I have yet to see a bad one of these wheel bearings. More suspect would be steering head, swingarm pivot and u-joint carrier bearings. 
Charlie

Offline Fredrik

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 104
  • Location: Sweden
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #44 on: December 03, 2021, 03:53:27 PM »
Sorry, but I don't agree with some of this. The original (non-police) Loopframe wiring is about the most simple and easy to understand of any motorcycle ever. Adding relays for the headlight and horn is a good idea. 

The clutch cable is no more prone to failure than on any other Guzzi and on a 4 spd. Loop is very easy replace. Use a good quality cable such as those made by Barnett and keep the hand lever and barrel fitting that goes into it greased and moving freely. Barnett also makes the best quality brake cables. 

Yes, the u-joint is smaller on drum-brake Guzzis than on disk-brake Guzzis, but can last a very long time unless the bike is ridden heavily loaded, has performance modifications, or the rider abuses it. My '69 with 111k miles still has the original u-joint.

Same with the wheel bearings. They are an uncommon sized tapered roller bearing, not readily available at bearing suppliers. Aftermarket replacements of unknown origin are available, and Peters Bearings in Germany may have new old stock. Fortunately, if kept greased and shimmed properly they will outlast the rest of the bike. I cleaned and repacked mine when I replaced the tires last time - at 105k miles they still looked nearly new. In the 15 years I've been wrenching on old Guzzis professionally, I have yet to see a bad one of these wheel bearings. More suspect would be steering head, swingarm pivot and u-joint carrier bearings.

Alot of great info, thanks.  :azn:
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber -2021
Moto Guzzi V7 Special -1971
Ural Retro 750 -2011
Ural Вояж 720 -1999
IZH Jupiter-3.01 -1980
IZH Planeta-5 -1993
Honda Black Widow 750 -2001
Aprilia Leonardo 125 -1999

Offline Stretch

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 542
  • Location: Belgrade, Maine
Re: V7 Special -1971 touring reliability
« Reply #45 on: December 04, 2021, 10:25:12 AM »
Quote
Just do it. Take a few spares (plugs, points etc.) and a good tool kit and ride.  If you do have a little trouble on the way, think of it as part of the adventure.
Modern bikes, with their effortless reliability and performance are just so dull. Enjoy the challenge. Take the V7.

Nick

Yeah - what Nick said.  :smiley:

Have fun!

                     -Stretch
1967? Change Jiang M1M
1978 Yamaha SR500
1987 BMW K75S
2011 Kawasaki KLR650
2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring
2015 Triumph Trophy
2017 Moto Guzzi 1400 California Touring

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
http://www.wildguzzi.com/Products/products.htm
Advertise Here
 

20 Ounce Stainless Steel Double Insulated Tumbler
Buy a quality tumbler and support the forum at the same time!
Better than a YETI! BPA and Lead free.
Advertise Here