Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JohninVT on April 12, 2019, 05:38:35 PM
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The V7 line has never been my favorite. They don’t have enough poke to be my sole motorcycle so I’ve always sort of dismissed them. Not because they aren’t good looking....I’ve always thought they look like a proper motorcycle. I’ve been thinking about getting a second bike for a while so suddenly they’re on my radar. My 1400 is a flawed machine. Mainly because it’s 700lbs. I don’t jump on it to ride two miles for the newspaper or a coffee. It’s a bit like trying to commute with a dump truck. I want something light that I can roll up a ramp into the back of my truck alone. I’d like to ride on gravel again. I want a standard.
I went to a dealer this morning who had 7 or 8 V7’s and I was shocked....I don’t like the V7III in person. In photos, they look great but in person I thought the valve covers were out of proportion and I really, really dislike painted exhausts. I also don’t like the side covers. Of all the variants I only liked two; the Milano and the yellow Stone. I wouldn’t think the color gray would be especially attractive but it sure is in the flesh and the yellow Stone just pops like crazy. It’s sort of a butterscotch color. I could live with either the Milano or a yellow Stone.
However.....what surprised me the most is how beautiful the blue V7II Special is. THAT is what a motorcycle should look like. Holy hell is it sharp. There was also a red V7II Scrambler. It’s basically a Special with an Arrow high exhaust. It sounded better than a 40hp bike has any right to. The only reason there isn’t a new bike in my garage right now is that I couldn’t decide between the two. Both are new leftovers at an acceptable price. I think one of them might come home with me tomorrow.
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Make sure you let us know about the ride home tomorrow. I like the looks of the V7 too, I’m holding my breath for next years V85 Lemans.
T4
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Come to the dark side.... We have cookies...
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The blue Special is the most gorgeous bike I've ever seen...I could look at it all day... :thumb:
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Same reason I bought a special last year, 15,000 trouble free miles later, I love it.
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Come to the dark side.... We have cookies...
:grin: :grin: :grin:
The smallblock range to me has always been under rated, probably because of things like the Lario debacle. However, we Darth Vaders have come to rather appreciate their charm.
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Count me in as an elder on a V7 Nevada low seat in favor of the small block motor! Awesomely awesome awesomeness..
But I wouldn’t be doing things I could with linked braking...it’s one tinnie small tire that’s doing a lot of work
I did keep this photo of a blue one just cuz it looks soooo sweeet
(https://i.ibb.co/7Kv0tjf/544787-C0-A3-BD-415-E-B12-A-717-DAA02301-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7Kv0tjf)
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I dig the yellow myself and put some gravel road tires on it. You can also pick up used V7 III chrome OEM exhausts on eBay as folks swap them for nosier parts. I almost went with a high-pipe V7 II but it was 1) more money and 2) the improved performance of the III was noticeable.
Will get a high pipe for mine when I can find one for under $1K - $1800 for a new one is kinda ridiculous. When I do it will look like this:
(https://i.ibb.co/XS1HsYn/4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XS1HsYn)
Mine now:
(https://i.ibb.co/3WhQ0ZF/semi-rough-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3WhQ0ZF)
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John,
If you want and plan gravel and off road, get the Scrambler setup. I bought a Stornello last year and love it. Added it for all the reasons you state. I already had a Griso and Norge.
The sound and feel of the Stornello pipe is great. Only drawback is the high pipe makes matching saddle bags a custom mod project.
I hear your comments on the 1400, yet, I am planning to trade the Norge for a 1400. Wanting more cruise to sport for mile munching duties. Also wanting a more open riding position, and I'm ready for a change. Have been on a Sports Tourer since my C10 Connie in 1995(ish). Plus the MGX would look perfect along side the Griso....
Good luck on the choice, is a tough one.... Beauty and near perfection of the blue special or high pipe scrambler for mixed on/off road fun... Cant go wrong either way. Every time I ride my V7 I am in pure joy.....
Steve
The V7 line has never been my favorite. They don’t have enough poke to be my sole motorcycle so I’ve always sort of dismissed them. Not because they aren’t good looking....I’ve always thought they look like a proper motorcycle. I’ve been thinking about getting a second bike for a while so suddenly they’re on my radar. My 1400 is a flawed machine. Mainly because it’s 700lbs. I don’t jump on it to ride two miles for the newspaper or a coffee. It’s a bit like trying to commute with a dump truck. I want something light that I can roll up a ramp into the back of my truck alone. I’d like to ride on gravel again. I want a standard.
I went to a dealer this morning who had 7 or 8 V7’s and I was shocked....I don’t like the V7III in person. In photos, they look great but in person I thought the valve covers were out of proportion and I really, really dislike painted exhausts. I also don’t like the side covers. Of all the variants I only liked two; the Milano and the yellow Stone. I wouldn’t think the color gray would be especially attractive but it sure is in the flesh and the yellow Stone just pops like crazy. It’s sort of a butterscotch color. I could live with either the Milano or a yellow Stone.
However.....what surprised me the most is how beautiful the blue V7II Special is. THAT is what a motorcycle should look like. Holy hell is it sharp. There was also a red V7II Scrambler. It’s basically a Special with an Arrow high exhaust. It sounded better than a 40hp bike has any right to. The only reason there isn’t a new bike in my garage right now is that I couldn’t decide between the two. Both are new leftovers at an acceptable price. I think one of them might come home with me tomorrow.
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There are V7III specials in blue and black with chrome exhaust and wheels.
https://www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/moto/standard/V7-III/V7-III-Special/
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I have a few bikes in the garage.touring to off road. Since I bought my Stornello last year it's the one that I tend to ride most. Puts a big smile on my face every time !! I think I saw on cadre cycles web site they had scrambler pipe listed for $850.00. Not certain but you might want to check it out.
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I did keep this photo of a blue one just cuz it looks soooo sweeet
(https://i.ibb.co/7Kv0tjf/544787-C0-A3-BD-415-E-B12-A-717-DAA02301-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7Kv0tjf)
I'm particularly fond of that photo-chop.
Before Jenn bought the Dark I had a line on one I was seriously thinking of finishing the paint job. I really, really LOVE that blue and I think it looks great in those proportions.
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I wouldn't say no to a blue V7lll Special; nice looking machines.
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The V7 line has never been my favorite. They don’t have enough poke to be my sole motorcycle so I’ve always sort of dismissed them. Not because they aren’t good looking....I’ve always thought they look like a proper motorcycle. I’ve been thinking about getting a second bike for a while so suddenly they’re on my radar. My 1400 is a flawed machine. Mainly because it’s 700lbs. I don’t jump on it to ride two miles for the newspaper or a coffee. It’s a bit like trying to commute with a dump truck. I want something light that I can roll up a ramp into the back of my truck alone. I’d like to ride on gravel again. I want a standard.
I went to a dealer this morning who had 7 or 8 V7’s and I was shocked....I don’t like the V7III in person. In photos, they look great but in person I thought the valve covers were out of proportion and I really, really dislike painted exhausts. I also don’t like the side covers. Of all the variants I only liked two; the Milano and the yellow Stone. I wouldn’t think the color gray would be especially attractive but it sure is in the flesh and the yellow Stone just pops like crazy. It’s sort of a butterscotch color. I could live with either the Milano or a yellow Stone.
However.....what surprised me the most is how beautiful the blue V7II Special is. THAT is what a motorcycle should look like. Holy hell is it sharp. There was also a red V7II Scrambler. It’s basically a Special with an Arrow high exhaust. It sounded better than a 40hp bike has any right to. The only reason there isn’t a new bike in my garage right now is that I couldn’t decide between the two. Both are new leftovers at an acceptable price. I think one of them might come home with me tomorrow.
Regardless if you get the V7 or not, if you can, stop by and say hi. While not a guzzi rally (all are welcome) we do manage to get a few to show up. a couple of years ago we had 7, last year 5.
http://www.armchaircommando.org/bennington/BenningtonTriumphBash/Home.html
Gerry
p.s. red for me....
(https://i.ibb.co/DVz845r/red-v7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DVz845r)
free image hosting (https://imgbb.com/)
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whos windshield is that. looks great. does it work and fit ok?
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I’m real close to trading in for a V7lll Special, have my Breva Sport 1200 for sale.
That V7 thread on Advrider is the most active thread. :evil:
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whos windshield is that. looks great. does it work and fit ok?
It's an MRA speed screen that got from Twisted Throttle. Yes, for me it works great. It has some adjust ability up/down and angle.
I usually slab at around 70mph and I have no trouble with buffeting based on the height/angle I have it set at.
(https://i.ibb.co/z5750T0/MRA-speedscreen-suzuki-SV650-SPS12-JPG.jpg) (https://ibb.co/z5750T0)
Gerry
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I went to a dealer this morning who had 7 or 8 V7’s and I was shocked....I don’t like the V7III in person. In photos, they look great but in person I thought the valve covers were out of proportion and I really, really dislike painted exhausts. I also don’t like the side covers. Of all the variants I only liked two; the Milano and the yellow Stone. I wouldn’t think the color gray would be especially attractive but it sure is in the flesh and the yellow Stone just pops like crazy. It’s sort of a butterscotch color. I could live with either the Milano or a yellow Stone.
Just wondering where in Vt are you and what dealer is in your area?
Gerry
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I concur - the blue Specials, either V7II or III - are beautiful and alluring.
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To wit:
(https://i.ibb.co/KsbnFYC/C2-D2-B579-4-AC1-4-DF5-8-CAF-4-E8-B2-CD90098-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KsbnFYC)
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Knuckle down, buckle down, do it, do it, do it.
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I concur - the blue Specials, either V7II or III - are beautiful and alluring.
But the red ones are faster :grin:
(https://i.ibb.co/v3vgNWz/red-V7iispecial.jpg) (https://ibb.co/v3vgNWz)
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whos windshield is that. looks great. does it work and fit ok?
I've got one, bought it for my Stornello, but didn't like it. Put a Dart classic. Less wind protection, but I like the look better. It is the same as the one in the pic but has the adjustable spoiler. Had on for 2 days, if you're interested shoot me a PM.
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I'm still undecided on a V7. I had initially thought of buying one in addition to my Touring but that's not in the cards. It's one or the other. The appeal of the V7 is that it weighs 300lbs less than my California and the geometry(and tire sizes) makes it about a thousand times better on smooth gravel roads. The hitch is that I love the 1400 engine more than any Guzzi I've ever owned. I don't know that I can live with 40hp. Do I keep a bike that has an amazing engine despite not liking the ergonomics and its' inability to explore dirt roads? Do I trade it for a bike I think is beautiful but woefully underpowered? I'm torn. There will not be two Guzzi's in my garage. It's like the Highlander...there can be only one.
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I'm still undecided on a V7. I had initially thought of buying one in addition to my Touring but that's not in the cards. It's one or the other. The appeal of the V7 is that it weighs 300lbs less than my California and the geometry(and tire sizes) makes it about a thousand times better on smooth gravel roads. The hitch is that I love the 1400 engine more than any Guzzi I've ever owned. I don't know that I can live with 40hp. Do I keep a bike that has an amazing engine despite not liking the ergonomics and its' inability to explore dirt roads? Do I trade it for a bike I think is beautiful but woefully underpowered? I'm torn. There will not be two Guzzi's in my garage. It's like the Highlander...there can be only one.
The V85 should be here very soon — seems like that might strike the right balance. And if it doesn’t have to be a Guzzi (heresy!), I can recommend this:
(https://i.ibb.co/t4WwL5H/714-BDD70-9-BB8-41-C3-BD62-42389307-A394.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t4WwL5H)
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The V85 should be here very soon — seems like that might strike the right balance. And if it doesn’t have to be a Guzzi (heresy!), I can recommend this:
(https://i.ibb.co/t4WwL5H/714-BDD70-9-BB8-41-C3-BD62-42389307-A394.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t4WwL5H)
I've seriously considered buying a used TW200 or XT250 and keeping the Cali. The trouble there is I often do 3-400 miles on a Summer Saturday or Sunday and that's just not fun on a little dual sport.
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Happy with my V7ii Special with blue tint but I agree with you John that it isn't quite an every day bike. Great for around town and shorter trips but the lack of weather protection and storage do limit it a bit. Sure you can add bags but I tend to think that will clutter the simplicity and slow ya down above 70 where the bike drops off quite a bit to begin with. If you are tall and wanted to do any stand up off roading the frame isn't good for that either so to me the dirt oriented versions are more for the lookthen practicality.
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I do 300 miles a day on my V7 all summer. I had a Street Triple for three years (now sold) and did the same rides on that bike. I don't miss the Triumph at all. The V7 is not as fast but it's way more fun-for me.
If you gotta be first the V7 isn't it. But I take trips every year up by you and I've never been not entertained by the 7 there. Yes, sometimes the others are at the gas stop 1 minute before me. Stuff happens. At the end of the day with a few good IPA's we agree we all had a blast. I don't think for a second this helps you. If you think it will be too slow it most likely will be and might you regret it?
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I'm still undecided on a V7. I had initially thought of buying one in addition to my Touring but that's not in the cards. It's one or the other. The appeal of the V7 is that it weighs 300lbs less than my California and the geometry(and tire sizes) makes it about a thousand times better on smooth gravel roads. The hitch is that I love the 1400 engine more than any Guzzi I've ever owned. I don't know that I can live with 40hp. Do I keep a bike that has an amazing engine despite not liking the ergonomics and its' inability to explore dirt roads? Do I trade it for a bike I think is beautiful but woefully underpowered? I'm torn. There will not be two Guzzi's in my garage. It's like the Highlander...there can be only one.
I recommend three Guzzi's in your garage not two. The one you already have, a middle weight 1100 of either a Tonti framed or spine framed bike and then a small block for the gravel roads.
Both can be had used for probably no more than a single new one.
I love my small block and I may put some dual purpose tires on it next tire change time.
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Find a leftover Stornello and have at it. How much HP do you need exploring gravel roads up there? MORE than enough power.
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I'm still undecided on a V7. I had initially thought of buying one in addition to my Touring but that's not in the cards. It's one or the other. The appeal of the V7 is that it weighs 300lbs less than my California and the geometry(and tire sizes) makes it about a thousand times better on smooth gravel roads. The hitch is that I love the 1400 engine more than any Guzzi I've ever owned. I don't know that I can live with 40hp. Do I keep a bike that has an amazing engine despite not liking the ergonomics and its' inability to explore dirt roads? Do I trade it for a bike I think is beautiful but woefully underpowered? I'm torn. There will not be two Guzzi's in my garage. It's like the Highlander...there can be only one.
How is the V7 woefully underpowered? Zero to 60 times range from 5.2 seconds to 5.8 seconds depending on reviewer.
For comparison with you old guys and your 1960s muscle cars:
1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427 — 5.3 seconds
1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 — 5.3 seconds
1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi — 5.3 seconds
1964 Porsche 904 — 5.3 seconds
1965 Ford Mustang GT 289 — 5.2 seconds
1969 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi — 5.1 seconds
1967 Ford GT40 Mark III — 5.1 seconds
Those were amazing cars in their day! LOL! Now a little ol woefully underpowered V7III is just as fast.
How often do you do full throttle accelerations on your 1400? If you do that all the time then maybe the V7 isn't for you. I say get a second bike for the gravel and leave the 1400 for the drag strip. ;)
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How is the V7 woefully underpowered? Zero to 60 times range from 5.2 seconds to 5.8 seconds depending on reviewer.
For comparison with you old guys and your 1960s muscle cars:
1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427 — 5.3 seconds
1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 — 5.3 seconds
1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi — 5.3 seconds
1964 Porsche 904 — 5.3 seconds
1965 Ford Mustang GT 289 — 5.2 seconds
1969 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi — 5.1 seconds
1967 Ford GT40 Mark III — 5.1 seconds
Those were amazing cars in their day! LOL! Now a little ol woefully underpowered V7III is just as fast.
How often do you do full throttle accelerations on your 1400? If you do that all the time then maybe the V7 isn't for you. I say get a second bike for the gravel and leave the 1400 for the drag strip. ;)
I use full throttle all the time. Executing a pass while riding two-up pretty much requires it. 5.3 to 5.8 seconds to 60mph is about what most of the Japanese 300cc streetbikes can do. Not that it’s all about speed because it’s not.
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Sounds like you answered your own question, John.
The new Tiger 800 is really fun, as is the reports on the 1200 Scrambler (new). The 800 does everything but hard core single track really well.
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I use full throttle all the time. Executing a pass while riding two-up pretty much requires it. 5.3 to 5.8 seconds to 60mph is about what most of the Japanese 300cc streetbikes can do. Not that it’s all about speed because it’s not.
I wouldn't recommend a V7 for two up riding unless combined you are in the 250lb range.
Sounds like two bikes are in order, or just get a GS and be done with it.
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I wouldn't recommend a V7 for two up riding unless combined you are in the 250lb range.
Sounds like two bikes are in order, or just get a GS and be done with it.
My wife and I (when she used to ride pillion) have got to be over300lb together, and the Breva 750 had no problems at all. More than adequate power and it actually handled better.
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My wife and I (when she used to ride pillion) have got to be over300lb together, and the Breva 750 had no problems at all. More than adequate power and it actually handled better.
I agree, but based on the power output the OP craves, it won't be enough.
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John,
I sounded a lot like you. One of the best things about motorcycling to me is the ability to pass in situations that you would never consider if in a car, and just the thrill of WOT on a powerful bike. But the V7's are gorgeous, and the retro standard stying really appealed to me. I test rode them on several occasions spanning about 5 years before I finally took the plunge, and I will never regret getting a V7. There is just something extremely satisfying about these bikes. They are so easy to ride and invite you to just relax and enjoy. I love riding mine. There is also something satisfying about a machine that is just "adequate" to me. The V7 is enough, but not too much. It is hard to explain, but I am sure they are not for everyone.
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Gee,this sounds familiar. I was in a similar mood a couple years ago.Soo I was @AJ s in Gill Ma. Alan made me an offer I couldn't refuse! I kept my R1200r & got a V7II @ a good price .
I believe the M/C stars aligned that day!
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The OP keeps wondering if he can live with 40hp? You’re asking the wrong question. While the Herion head v7II put down about 42hp, the v7III is outing down 48hp! That’s not going to stretch your arms, but the difference between a 40hp and 48hp on a middle weight bike like this is significant.
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Having ridden in New England for years I'd never think to ride two up on a V7. The roads are horrible in so many spots. Can't imagine she'd be anything close to comfortable.
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John,
I sounded a lot like you. One of the best things about motorcycling to me is the ability to pass in situations that you would never consider if in a car, and just the thrill of WOT on a powerful bike. But the V7's are gorgeous, and the retro standard stying really appealed to me. I test rode them on several occasions spanning about 5 years before I finally took the plunge, and I will never regret getting a V7. There is just something extremely satisfying about these bikes. They are so easy to ride and invite you to just relax and enjoy. I love riding mine. There is also something satisfying about a machine that is just "adequate" to me. The V7 is enough, but not too much. It is hard to explain, but I am sure they are not for everyone.
In complete agreement. No one was more surprised than I was that the V7 has become my all time favorite bike. I thought I would try it (got a great deal), grow bored with it and sell it after a season. Didn't work out that way!
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John,
I sounded a lot like you. One of the best things about motorcycling to me is the ability to pass in situations that you would never consider if in a car, and just the thrill of WOT on a powerful bike. But the V7's are gorgeous, and the retro standard stying really appealed to me. I test rode them on several occasions spanning about 5 years before I finally took the plunge, and I will never regret getting a V7. There is just something extremely satisfying about these bikes. They are so easy to ride and invite you to just relax and enjoy. I love riding mine. There is also something satisfying about a machine that is just "adequate" to me. The V7 is enough, but not too much. It is hard to explain, but I am sure they are not for everyone.
Hop on a 24 HP dual sport for a few hundred miles and then take the V7 out for a ride. The V7 has definitely got some grunt if you are willing to open the throttle.
On my 100 hp plus bikes it was a rare occurrence that you could open the throttle all the way because of the risk flipping the bike or the 3 seconds later you are at illegal speeds. I guess knowing you can and don't is one thing.
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Hop on a 24 HP dual sport.....
My 2017 XT250 had all of 17HP and could do 70MPH on the highway all day long. Not comfortably, mind you. I'll take the 40hp of the V7III any day.
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I LOVE
my OUR V7 V7s....
...but I think you guys are pissing in the wind with John. He's long fallen on the other side of all the subjective impressions of these bikes (and by THESE I mean Guzzis in general) with regards to performance. I think he's not really gonna be happy with something that puts out less hp than say maybe an R9T or Desert Sled even in this application.
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Well, my $0.02. and n0t trying to convince anyone of anything...
I've done four hour trips, 2-up with my wife on the back, doing 130 km/h. Optimal? No. But performed well.
As for "WOT all day"... I guess so, never felt the need myself. Bike spins at about 4700 rpm at 115 km/h, and I can pass at speeds up around 150 with no issues. Never once have I ever felt that it was gutless or anemic when it comes to passing.
Meh. If one doesn't dig it, they don't dig it.
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I LOVE my OUR V7 V7s....
...but I think you guys are pissing in the wind with John. He's long fallen on the other side of all the subjective impressions of these bikes (and by THESE I mean Guzzis in general) with regards to performance. I think he's not really gonna be happy with something that puts out less hp than say maybe an R9T or Desert Sled even in this application.
My all time favorite motorcycle? The TW200, which has 14hp. I’ve owned four of them and I’ll definitely have another. It’s not that I feel the need to have 100hp all the time. It’s more that I enjoy every kind of riding but I can only have one or two motorcycles. I have to pick bikes that are really flexible and I have a daughter heading off the college this August so if I get something I’ll keep it a long time. I could afford to have a bunch of bikes but I’d feel guilty if Sophie came to me her sophomore year and asked to study abroad or something similar and I had to say no because I had a couple bike loans.
So.....what’s an easy decision for some folks isn’t for me and me questioning whether a V7 has enough power isn’t slagging the bike...it’s just me thinking aloud.
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Maybe I missed it but have you had an opportunity to ride a V7III? I would think a decent test ride on one would go a long way to answer your question.
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My all time favorite motorcycle? The TW200, which has 14hp. I’ve owned four of them and I’ll definitely have another. It’s not that I feel the need to have 100hp all the time. It’s more that I enjoy every kind of riding but I can only have one or two motorcycles. I have to pick bikes that are really flexible and I have a daughter heading off the college this August so if I get something I’ll keep it a long time. I could afford to have a bunch of bikes but I’d feel guilty if Sophie came to me her sophomore year and asked to study abroad or something similar and I had to say no because I had a couple bike loans.
So.....what’s an easy decision for some folks isn’t for me and me questioning whether a V7 has enough power isn’t slagging the bike...it’s just me thinking aloud.
I guess I was lucky. Both my boys earned free rides through college on academic scholarships. Both entirely off my financial support at 18 years old. Multiple roommates, 10 year old cars, and a desire to make something of themselves instead of having it handed to them. Not implying that your daughter is not like that, just stating how my sons don't fit the stereotypical millennial.
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V7 stornello my all time favorite bike. And I've had many. My Suzuki van van is also a whole lot of fun.
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My all time favorite motorcycle? The TW200, which has 14hp. I’ve owned four of them and I’ll definitely have another. It’s not that I feel the need to have 100hp all the time. It’s more that I enjoy every kind of riding but I can only have one or two motorcycles. I have to pick bikes that are really flexible and I have a daughter heading off the college this August so if I get something I’ll keep it a long time. I could afford to have a bunch of bikes but I’d feel guilty if Sophie came to me her sophomore year and asked to study abroad or something similar and I had to say no because I had a couple bike loans.
So.....what’s an easy decision for some folks isn’t for me and me questioning whether a V7 has enough power isn’t slagging the bike...it’s just me thinking aloud.
I'm honestly not taking it as slagging. I'm just compiling a mental picture of all the times you've talked about speed, acceleration, passing 2-up, wanting or enjoying that rush of power etc. and I don't think that adds up to you being happy with a V7 as an everything, do-it-all, and especially 2-up bike.
Not that it can't be all those things to the right person.
But hell it's certainly not a 2-up bike to me, except with my (little) kids.
I remember when my eldest was in high school. I only took him to school once on my V7, after that it was back to the Sporty.
And coming off a Cali, I can't imagine you enjoying 2-up on a V7, or honestly rolling it on solo and not coming up short of expectations. That Cali does spin up like a freight train.
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But the red ones are faster :grin:
(https://i.ibb.co/v3vgNWz/red-V7iispecial.jpg) (https://ibb.co/v3vgNWz)
I concur.
(https://i.ibb.co/Z2sksjt/lPBwIHT.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z2sksjt)
But I will say I did ride the Scrambler 1200 and that thing was a blast and wouldn't pass that up either.
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Indeed, riding two up has a lot to do with weight, gurth and belly size, in what ever order works for you. :grin:
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Come to the dark side.... We have cookies...
So does my I pad..
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Lets be real. Unless you're on the Autobahn, who really rides WOT? I must be a real pussy. Come on...
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My all time favorite motorcycle? The TW200, which has 14hp. I’ve owned four of them and I’ll definitely have another. It’s not that I feel the need to have 100hp all the time. It’s more that I enjoy every kind of riding but I can only have one or two motorcycles. I have to pick bikes that are really flexible and I have a daughter heading off the college this August so if I get something I’ll keep it a long time. I could afford to have a bunch of bikes but I’d feel guilty if Sophie came to me her sophomore year and asked to study abroad or something similar and I had to say no because I had a couple bike loans.
So.....what’s an easy decision for some folks isn’t for me and me questioning whether a V7 has enough power isn’t slagging the bike...it’s just me thinking aloud.
Man, John- you and your priorities have my total respect. Very, very cool. It's great to see someone else making their bike decisions & expenditures subordinate to more significant family responsibilities. Sounds like your daughter has a great father.
I can't really add insight into modern bike purchases and comparisons, other than to say I can't imagine riding a V7 2 up in VT would be much fun on most roads. We bought our old Harley FLH for exactly that reason while I was working in Barre. Lots more room and comfortable flogging over the hills and bad roads, even if it wasn't a hp boon...
Enjoy your time with your daughter before she heads off to school. Good luck with your bike decisions.
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WOW I must be the real odd guy out... granted I normally didn't rid over 250 miles at a time, but heck I used to go anywhere on my old RD400.. My big bike was a 82 GS650 and never lacked power on the road solo or two up... Heck we took many 200 mile rides 2 up on my wifes old 454LTD.. Ya I love more power as much as the next guy, but a lot of people rode a lot of miles on under 50HP bikes for a lot of years.
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WOW I must be the real odd guy out... granted I normally didn't rid over 250 miles at a time, but heck I used to go anywhere on my old RD400.. My big bike was a 82 GS650 and never lacked power on the road solo or two up... Heck we took many 200 mile rides 2 up on my wifes old 454LTD.. Ya I love more power as much as the next guy, but a lot of people rode a lot of miles on under 50HP bikes for a lot of years.
Sure, and again none of my bikes are "fast" and I LOVE MY V7.
But, what you are remembering probably happened when the speed limit was 55 not 75+ with people running 80+.
It probably happened when 300 HP = a muscle car and today that's a family sedan.
I wouldn't hesitate to ride my V7 anywhere, except I might choose my RK for more power, and more comfort, and more capacity if I'm going longer distances or higher speeds (especially 2-up).
As for longer distances there's a pretty big difference between 250 miles and 500 miles in a day.
But none of this is really what I think the OP won't like. I'm thinking it's all about the grunt.
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Those are solid points Kev, most of us tend to discount how much faster almost everything on the road is now. A run of the mill Chevy Impala has over 300hp!
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The V7 line has never been my favorite. They don’t have enough poke to be my sole motorcycle so I’ve always sort of dismissed them. Not because they aren’t good looking....I’ve always thought they look like a proper motorcycle. I’ve been thinking about getting a second bike for a while so suddenly they’re on my radar. My 1400 is a flawed machine. Mainly because it’s 700lbs. I don’t jump on it to ride two miles for the newspaper or a coffee. It’s a bit like trying to commute with a dump truck. I want something light that I can roll up a ramp into the back of my truck alone. I’d like to ride on gravel again. I want a standard.
I went to a dealer this morning who had 7 or 8 V7’s and I was shocked....I don’t like the V7III in person. In photos, they look great but in person I thought the valve covers were out of proportion and I really, really dislike painted exhausts. I also don’t like the side covers. Of all the variants I only liked two; the Milano and the yellow Stone. I wouldn’t think the color gray would be especially attractive but it sure is in the flesh and the yellow Stone just pops like crazy. It’s sort of a butterscotch color. I could live with either the Milano or a yellow Stone.
However.....what surprised me the most is how beautiful the blue V7II Special is. THAT is what a motorcycle should look like. Holy hell is it sharp. There was also a red V7II Scrambler. It’s basically a Special with an Arrow high exhaust. It sounded better than a 40hp bike has any right to. The only reason there isn’t a new bike in my garage right now is that I couldn’t decide between the two. Both are new leftovers at an acceptable price. I think one of them might come home with me tomorrow.
John, your little girl would probably grow into a v7, right:)
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Sure, and again none of my bikes are "fast" and I LOVE MY V7.
But, what you are remembering probably happened when the speed limit was 55 not 75+ with people running 80+.
It probably happened when 300 HP = a muscle car and today that's a family sedan.
I wouldn't hesitate to ride my V7 anywhere, except I might choose my RK for more power, and more comfort, and more capacity if I'm going longer distances or higher speeds (especially 2-up).
As for longer distances there's a pretty big difference between 250 miles and 500 miles in a day.
But none of this is really what I think the OP won't like. I'm thinking it's all about the grunt.
I normally run at about 70.. But that being said, on the highway when im riding I tend to sit about 5mph over the limit, and just enjoy the ride.. Keep out of everyones way. :)
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I normally run at about 70.. But that being said, on the highway when im riding I tend to sit about 5mph over the limit, and just enjoy the ride.. Keep out of everyones way. :)
On a Guzzi V7, that's realistically right AT the speed limit. My speedo typically indicates 3-4mph higher than the GPS.
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Well...our roads are lousy with maniac Quebecois. They all either run 10mph under the speed limit or 30mph over it. The Canuck truck drivers are the worst. They don't use directionals, half are hopped up on speed and over hours on their log books. It's best to pass them and get the hell away. At least half the traffic on I91 and I89 is going 80mph. The other half are hyper-miling tossers going 62mph in their Prius...Prius's...Prii?
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A PERFECT traffic report!
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Hopefully they will all be gone by the time the Bennington Bash rolls around.
While basically a Triumph based rally is has morphed into an all are welcome.
two years ago we had 7 Guzzi's, last year 5 along with Ducati's and Aprilia's, etc. So if anyone is interested in a good time (Friday BBQ and Saturday banquet) come join us.
http://www.armchaircommando.org/bennington/BenningtonTriumphBash/Home.html
Sure will miss you again this year KOF
Gerry
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Well...our roads are lousy with maniac Quebecois. They all either run 10mph under the speed limit or 30mph over it. The Canuck truck drivers are the worst. They don't use directionals, half are hopped up on speed and over hours on their log books. It's best to pass them and get the hell away. At least half the traffic on I91 and I89 is going 80mph. The other half are hyper-miling tossers going 62mph in their Prius...Prius's...Prii?
Why do you even bother to ride on those roads? I ride for pleasure and relaxation, not to see how long I can survive. :bike-037: