Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: deeve on March 09, 2021, 08:36:28 AM
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Hello, I am getting back into street bikes after a hiatus of riding dual sports for a number of years. In the past I owned a 97 Sporti and really liked it. I am looking at buying a used 2017 V7 III Special and am curious if there are any known issues to be on the lookout for. I prefer to do my own work on the bike since the nearest dealer is now over 3 hours away so fixing problem is not an issue.
Thanks!
DAVE
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The only known problem is that there isn't currently one in your garage!
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Hello, I am getting back into street bikes after a hiatus of riding dual sports for a number of years. In the past I owned a 97 Sporti and really liked it. I am looking at buying a used 2017 V7 III Special and am curious if there are any known issues to be on the lookout for. I prefer to do my own work on the bike since the nearest dealer is now over 3 hours away so fixing problem is not an issue.
Thanks!
DAVE
I had an anniversario, it was fantastic. Zero issues.
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the 17 and up have been solid, trouble-free bikes.
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Most will want to upgrade the suspension. It is a little short on travel.
There have been a few alternator issues and a couple final drive leaks, but very few and far between.
It's an easy bike to maintain yourself. Just don't add more oil than half way between low and high marks or it will end up in the airbox.
It's a great bike for non interstate sub 65 mph travels.
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The mushroom vent on the rear drive can stick and cause some leaking due to over pressure. EZ enough to check and keep clean or replace it with a banjo fitting and breather hose.
+1 on the suspension being a little weak. I upgraded front springs and went with longer Hagon shocks on the back to carry my 200 lb self around.
I found the OEM tires a big greasy feeling and replaced them.
These are more personal preference items than issues. Basically I had 0 problems with the bike over 3 years of ownership.
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Rear tires wear out way too fast. Maybe it is me, but only getting about 3000 miles per tire.
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Road construction makes a big difference.
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Hi Dave, and welcome!
I hope you'll want to go for that V7 III!
And we're looking forward to photos - - - - -
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Replace the fuel filter in the tank ASAP with a all metal filter.
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Replace the fuel filter in the tank ASAP with a all metal filter.
Or don't, like me.
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I have had my V7III Special for nearly 2 years now, only one serious problem, the alternator stator was partially shorted out resulting in a flat battery, this is a very unusual fault I think, replaced under warranty.
There is not a lot of spare capacity for heated gear so I added a Voltmeter to monitor the battery.
The original rear tire did seem to wear quickly 13,000 km but the replacement Avon is fine and the larger profile 140/80-17 made the speedometer quite accurate.
Now running tubeless courtesy of Sikaflex.
Lube the driveshaft at first tire change.
Check the rear drive for water ingress if you ride in the rain, the factory did a poor job of sealing the drive boot at the gearbox.
The check engine light comes on quite often but its usually gone before I get a chance to check it with Guzzi Diag.
Rear brake pads were worn out at 15,000 km (probably me, I tend to use the rear more than most) I think the pads were
Overall I am very pleased with the V7, I would buy it again.
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Or don't, like me.
I found mine was all metal
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I have a 17 v9, but I’m sure the fuel filter is the same. I haven’t bothered to look at it, and like Kev, mine works great.
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My '17 Anni is as good as gold and I've done nothing but give her the love she deserves. :thumb:
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I’ve had my 2013 V7 Stone since new. The bike is a total piece of crap.
It only puts down about 40 horsepower at the rear wheel, so it obviously can’t take you beyond the county line or over 57 mph. Forget the interstates. But over the weekend I just rode mine from Dallas to Yuma. I got lucky I guess.
I’ve got 116,500 miles total on the odometer. The way it has been running lately, I doubt it will last much past 500,000 miles. Maybe I’ll squeeze out 750K if I’m lucky. Disposable Italian garbage.
It is slower than a Huyabusa. Weighs a lot more than a Grom. It has two valves per cylinder operated by pushrods, which I think was a design patented by Aristotle back in the day.
I’m not sure why I even maybe kinda like this heap. Ok, love the thing.
Ok. Maybe it’s my all time favorite bike.
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Thanks all! Sounds like a great machine. I’ve owned quite a few Ducati’s and one Guzzi. Of all of them, I wish I had the Guzzi back. A beautiful yellow and loud Sporti. Lots of character with that one. I hope the news ones retain that.
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Swede, you are a scream. I've had my V7lll Special since July, only have a couple thousand miles on it but I love it anyway. She would have more but she has to share me with an Audace. I love both of them but in different ways. The Audace is the hot mistress but the V7 is the one that always makes me feel good.
kk
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Swede, you are a scream. I've had my V7lll Special since July, only have a couple thousand miles on it but I love it anyway. She would have more but she has to share me with an Audace. I love both of them but in different ways. The Audace is the hot mistress but the V7 is the one that always makes me feel good.
kk
So the Audace leaves you feeling a little dirty and ashamed?!? :tongue:
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No, but my Harley buddies ignore me, like they did when I rode a Sportster. I guess they don't like being upstaged by a "lowly " Guzzi. Can't keep up either. :evil:
kk
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Thanks all! Sounds like a great machine. I’ve owned quite a few Ducati’s and one Guzzi. Of all of them, I wish I had the Guzzi back. A beautiful yellow and loud Sporti. Lots of character with that one. I hope the news ones retain that.
The V7III retains all the character of past V Twin Guzzis. It wont have the same testosterone level of the Sporti though. :laugh:
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That’s a good point. I’ve also got an old air-cooled Ducati 900SS. That is a very raw machine, giving a highly testosterone laden riding experience, which is quite enjoyable, at least in limited doses.
The best way to describe the Guzzi V7 experience is “sweet.” Still has plenty of character, but just a sweet, mellow, easy going personality. Accept it for what it is and you’ll have a long term friend. Demand that is make 20 more horsepower or be a full-blown sport bike, and you are heading in the wrong direction.
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I vote for the original V7. The last motor vehicle made with a Heron Head.
Cutting edge technology during the WWII era.
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The Heron head: Ahead of its time pre-WWII...
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In another 50 years my Heron Head will be COOL!
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Thanks all! Sounds like a great machine. I’ve owned quite a few Ducati’s and one Guzzi. Of all of them, I wish I had the Guzzi back. A beautiful yellow and loud Sporti. Lots of character with that one. I hope the news ones retain that.
Amen, brother! My first Guzzi, a '97 sporti.
(https://i.ibb.co/zsLRd8G/guzzi-Grizz-771.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zsLRd8G)
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I would suggest that you replace the plastic fuel filter in the tank as well. I bought one form Guzzitech, late last year, but found my 2019 V7III came with metal one already. So, if you want, I will sell you mine for $15 shipped by post office first class (if you are in the USA).
Also, check and torque all nuts and bolts.
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Thanks all. I went and checked it out. Beautiful machine and with the Agostini pipes it sounded great. Not the monster the Sporti was but still very nice sounding. I had some ergo questions I am going to post on a different thread so any info shared might be easier for others to find.
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Thanks all. I went and checked it out. Beautiful machine and with the Agostini pipes it sounded great. Not the monster the Sporti was but still very nice sounding. I had some ergo questions I am going to post on a different thread so any info shared might be easier for others to find.
Posted a reply there on how I modified my V7's suspension.
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V7II , after 20k miles its running better than when new ! I had an issue with the clutch rod pusher not being greased at the factory !!!! But its slick as a button now ! :grin:
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In another 50 years my Heron Head will be COOL!
The Heron Head is cool now! A relic of the WW2 era, used in fighter/bomber planes, that were cutting edge (at least then).
And Guzzi was the last to use in the modern era.
I don't know if I should be proud, or ashamed.
Joe
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Proud !
I love my Heron heads.
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If I understand correctly, my V7 II is the last Heron Head, but with the addition of ABS and Traction Control. It's just right for me. I had to replace a rear wheel sensor, and was advised to silicone the area where the wire enters the sensor to prevent water ingress. I've done that both front and rear, and I'd advise a new owner to do that right off the bat.
Sarah
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Yes, the Heron engine is such a sweet runner!. It is part of the reason my V7 has endeared itself to me over the last few years. I am sure it would run just as well with a different combustion chamber design, but it does seem to have something special.
I am intrigued by the new V7-850, but since I am 100% satisfied with my Heron V7 I can't see myself actually taking that step. If I bought a new 850 V7 that would make this sweetheart redundant and that would sadden me.
(https://i.postimg.cc/90Ywh9zj/IMG-6756.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fSkR7JxH)
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Oh yes, that would be very sad indeed.
In my opinion, the V7II is the best looking of all the 'new' V7s.
Especially the black/orange as on your machine.
Perfect lines and proportions all.
And a bit more on topic:
No problems with my V7III so far.
Ok, it's not even a year old and has only 4000kms on the clock, but still.
It seems it indeed gets smoother all the time - or at least I start learning to ride her properly now ;)
Cheers,
D.
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That black and orange is real nice looking! I haven't committed to anything yet, although it is between the V7 and RE Int650.Glad to know that if I go with the Guzzi I will not have anything to worry about except perhaps the fuel pump filter, which is an easy fix.
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deeve
I've got the V-7II and a Kawasaki W650. The Guzzi pulls a lot more powerful at the normal range of RPM , fuel usage is about 55 mpg on both . I'd think the RE 650 would be a lot like the W650 ... If you find out otherwise let us all know ??? :undecided:
I'd keep the Guzzi , if one of them had to leave . My Guzzi is at the 20,000 mile area , only problem was ... the factory didn't put any grease in the clutch push rod area from the factory , it got hard to move - but just a little grease in the right area fixed it nicely ! :grin:
Yea its kind of redundant , having two bike so similar in function , but ... those 400 pound-ish / 50 HP-ish bikes are just SO SWEET !
(https://i.ibb.co/jWN0vCw/Kawasaki-W650-2000-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jWN0vCw)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZYZ2dqR/lucky-2020-2mp.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZYZ2dqR)
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Hello all,
I took a V7 Stone for a bit of a ride today. That engine is pretty darn amazing torque-wise. It just pulled and pulled. So much so that I kept getting the shift light warning on the dash. No tach, so I do not know how much more revs it had, but the light seemed to come on early (and often). I have no complaints about it thought. I was very impressed with the handling as well. It seemed very planted. The bad was the seating position was not great for my bad hip and knees. Pardon the expression, but I felt like I was squatting to take a poo in the woods. Knees high and butt low. It hurt my knee to shift, but when not shifting I was able to slide my foot back on the peg and it felt better, but in town it was not a pleasant feeling.
I think I realized that I love the Guzzi engine. I am going to look for a V11 or one of the bikes with more rearset pegs. I sat on a Svartpilen and believe it or not, that was very comfy. I think the V11's are similar. Maybe one of the V7 cafe styles would be similar and I will look for those.
Thanks for the advice!!!! I am very glad I took that Stone for a test ride because I would have been very bummed to have bought it and realized it was not that great for me.
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Hello all,
I took a V7 Stone for a bit of a ride today. That engine is pretty darn amazing torque-wise. It just pulled and pulled. So much so that I kept getting the shift light warning on the dash. No tach, so I do not know how much more revs it had, but the light seemed to come on early (and often). I have no complaints about it thought. I was very impressed with the handling as well. It seemed very planted. The bad was the seating position was not great for my bad hip and knees. Pardon the expression, but I felt like I was squatting to take a poo in the woods. Knees high and butt low. It hurt my knee to shift, but when not shifting I was able to slide my foot back on the peg and it felt better, but in town it was not a pleasant feeling.
I think I realized that I love the Guzzi engine. I am going to look for a V11 or one of the bikes with more rearset pegs. I sat on a Svartpilen and believe it or not, that was very comfy. I think the V11's are similar. Maybe one of the V7 cafe styles would be similar and I will look for those.
Thanks for the advice!!!! I am very glad I took that Stone for a test ride because I would have been very bummed to have bought it and realized it was not that great for me.
Not trying to dissuade you from looking at other bikes.
But two thoughts:
1. As previously stated, you can get the seat built up to take away that cramp.
2. And or you can but rearsets, or a V7 Racer that already has them.
3. The shift light is programmable and comes with a low setting foot break-in.
But have fun and enjoy whatever you decide.
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The mushroom vent on the rear drive can stick and cause some leaking due to over pressure. EZ enough to check and keep clean or replace it with a banjo fitting and breather hose.
It must be noted that this a thing on all the later small blocks. The one on my '03 Breva was blocked from new. Sign316 alerted me to this. A flush out is part of the fluid change regime now, and now, over a period of time, a slight oil mist deposit builds up around it. Shows that pressure can build up,
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Deeve: Don’t give up on the V7 so quick if you otherwise like it so much.
I personally hated the stock seating position on my 2013 V7 Stone. It was a sit up and beg position that left my spine straight to absorb all bumps, and my torso in the wind getting buffeted. I’m 6’1” tall.
The solution was to fit a pair of Norman Hyde “M” handlebars. These aren’t a radical as clipons, but do permit you to lean forward and down. Vast improvement. I can sit like that at speed all day long.
I also routinely ride long stretches of highway with one or both feet on the rear foot pegs.
Of course, a lot of this is personal preference.
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Deeve: Don’t give up on the V7 so quick if you otherwise like it so much.
I personally hated the stock seating position on my 2013 V7 Stone. It was a sit up and beg position that left my spine straight to absorb all bumps, and my torso in the wind getting buffeted. I’m 6’1” tall.
The solution was to fit a pair of Norman Hyde “M” handlebars. These aren’t a radical as clipons, but do permit you to lean forward and down. Vast improvement. I can sit like that at speed all day long.
I also routinely ride long stretches of highway with one or both feet on the rear foot pegs.
Of course, a lot of this is personal preference.
Ironically, I fitted bar risers to heighten bar, and that made it more comfortable for me (at 5'8"). So what feels good depends on You.
P.S. Thanks for the recognition, Muzz.
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Know issues? They're awesoem!
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Hmm, that's an idea to alleviate same problem I have. the Dart Marlin screen helped a little bit. Would look for chrome finish for my special.I have bought some Hyde stuff over the years and was happy with the quality.
Did you change the risers at all?
Deeve:
The solution was to fit a pair of Norman Hyde “M” handlebars. These aren’t a radical as clipons, but do permit you to lean forward and down. Vast improvement. I can sit like that at speed all day long.
I also routinely ride long stretches of highway with one or both feet on the rear foot pegs.
Of course, a lot of this is personal preference.
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(https://i.ibb.co/KN2rRVS/2mp-Pearl.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KN2rRVS)
(https://i.ibb.co/bHL87Qq/lucky-2020-2mp.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bHL87Qq)
:laugh:
Hay deeve
These are both "SMALL BLOCKS" , if you like the V-7 motor ... then ... try the V-9 motor , they have similar characters . You might need to know that the V-9 and the V-7 seat/peg positions are very different (expand this picture) they sit very differently , knowledge is a powerful thing ! :grin: The white one is a Roamer V-9 and it came with two sets of foot + controls mounts sets.
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(https://i.ibb.co/KN2rRVS/2mp-Pearl.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KN2rRVS)
(https://i.ibb.co/bHL87Qq/lucky-2020-2mp.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bHL87Qq)
:laugh:
Hay deeve
These are both "SMALL BLOCKS" , if you like the V-7 motor ... then ... try the V-9 motor , they have similar characters . You might need to know that the V-9 and the V-7 seat/peg positions are very different (expand this picture) they sit very differently , knowledge is a powerful thing ! :grin: The white one is a Roamer V-9 and it came with two sets of foot + controls mounts sets.
To be clear ONLY the first run of V9s in North America had the peg position shown, after that they all had a position that was about the same as the V7. And since Piaggio provided the kit to do that to the first run free of charge it's likely many of them are the same as the V7 now too.
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If you REALLY want more room go with a V85TT. Guzzi extended the 0% interest promo through March. I just sold my V7 III for one and am loving it.
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@deeve:
Bar risers really help a lot!
When I told my shop that I found the seating position not 100% comfortable, he put me on a bike that had a pair of 20mm bar risers installed.
That made a huge difference!
The bit more upright position takes pressure off the hips and subsequently off the legs too.
And it doesn't really mar the looks of the bike either.
But I certainly would not want to talk you out of a RE 650 - these are great bikes too!
Have fun & ride safely with whatever you end up buying.
Cheers,
D.
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Hello all, thanks for all the great advice. I really appreciate it! This may not be a popular decision with this forum, but I am going to pick up a new Svartpilen 701. Got it for less than the used Guzzi I was looking at. I had a 690 Enduro and loved that big single. What this did confirm for me though is that I love the Guzzi twin but prefer the manners of my older Sporti. I am going to look for a twin from that era as my longer distance ride. Something about the "rawness" of that older engine really appealed to me.
Thanks!
DAVE
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Hello all, thanks for all the great advice. I really appreciate it! This may not be a popular decision with this forum, but I am going to pick up a new Svartpilen 701. Got it for less than the used Guzzi I was looking at. I had a 690 Enduro and loved that big single. What this did confirm for me though is that I love the Guzzi twin but prefer the manners of my older Sporti. I am going to look for a twin from that era as my longer distance ride. Something about the "rawness" of that older engine really appealed to me.
Thanks!
DAVE
Neat Choice - ENJOY and RIDE SAFE!
Kev
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Dave - that's a very cool bike and one that I'd welcome in my garage next to the V85TT. There's something about a big single that hooks you - much like a Guzzi but in a different way. Wishing you many happy and safe miles on it!
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Perhaps I should fess up and say mine caught on fire when the cat overheated and ignited the insulation.
I had pretty good 6" flames there on both sides for a while until a kind passer by gave me a bottle of water.
(https://i.ibb.co/MfC6kmS/DSCN0250.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MfC6kmS) Click to zoom
An indirect result of the bad alternator.
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We like all motorcycles Dave, just some more than others. Congrats to you, and enjoy that bike!
Sarah