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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: mjptexas on January 10, 2016, 09:14:46 PM

Title: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on January 10, 2016, 09:14:46 PM
I could blame Rocker for doing this.  AF1 had some sweet deals on 2015 V7s.  This little Goose followed me home on my 64th birthday.

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/V7/FEA2F560-FAF3-4F58-81A9-246374EEC359_zpsqcdtxvun.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/V7/FEA2F560-FAF3-4F58-81A9-246374EEC359_zpsqcdtxvun.jpg.html)

Already have 160 miles on it.  More to follow...
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: oldbike54 on January 10, 2016, 09:38:02 PM
 Cool  :bike-037:

  Dusty
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Lcarlson on January 10, 2016, 09:41:07 PM
Good looking Goose.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: kirkemon on January 10, 2016, 09:44:44 PM
 :thumb: Well, A Happy New Year to you!
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on January 11, 2016, 08:28:03 AM
So for the rest of the story.  I was dropping my Cali Custom off at AF1 for tires and started looking, once again, at the V7s.  I had ridden one in late November and thought about buying it then.  Anyway, prices had come down a little, got a sweet deal with the Bi-turbo shocks and she followed me home.

I did get a 100 mile ride in yesterday, all kinds of roads: highway, twistys, city,  so I have my initial impressions of the bike.
- I'd say the little goose punches above it's weight class.  May only have 48 hp, but it certainly makes the most of them.
- Not sure about the ergonomics.  The V7 feels small, and, when I initially get on the bike I feel a bit cramped.  Interestingly this feeling goes away after a couple of miles.  Riding position may be ok.  I'll give it 1,000 miles before I do anything.
- Seat seems a little hard, but wasn't a problem for the two hours I was on the bike.
- It was a delightful surprise in the twistys - not in the same league as my Ducati, but still fun none the less.  (Didn't drag anything yet as I'm still getting use to the bike).
- Competent on the highway.  I did a few miles at 70 -75 mph.   It was pretty content running at that speed.
- I'm glad I did the shocks.  I'm sure there are better shocks out there, but they are a big improvement over the stock shocks.  I've got to play with the adjustments a bit.

I re-read Rocker's V7 post.  He's certainly a lot more thoughtful about what he wants to do with is V7 than I am with mine.  I know there are changes in the future, just don't know what or when.

I think the the forks will get attention first.  Some bumps I hit on the twistys seemed to upset the front end.  When I upgraded the shocks on my Sportster it really highlighted how crappy the front suspension was on that bike.  I suspect I'm seeing the same thing on the V7.

Beyond the forks I'm not sure what will be next.  I'm thinking about the sump extender, but I wondering if the oil consumption is anecdotal story related to earlier versions of the small block, or if it's still an issue.  One reason I may add the sump is to get a modest increase in the cooling capabilities for the hot Texas summer that's about 3 months away.

More to follow....
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: lucydad on January 11, 2016, 08:35:28 AM
Now that is a smart Little Goose to follow you home!

Have fun, hope to see you two on a TEXAS highway some day.  Love the black/stripe combo.

High speeds are better with a Dart flyscreen...
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: O on January 11, 2016, 08:46:01 AM
Love the look of the Guzzi Garage springs with the orange/black paint scheme.  I was wondering if they would match up, and it looks like they do nicely.  Congrats on the new bike!
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: MGrego on January 11, 2016, 09:01:19 AM
Now that's a sharp looking bike !
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: LowRyter on January 11, 2016, 09:05:50 AM
congrats Mike.

If you run out of room in your garage I can store a couple of them for you.  The Monster and Custom come to mind. 

 :bow:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: George_S on January 11, 2016, 09:33:41 AM
That is a great looking bike. I guess it will seem small after you ride your Cali.
I am sooo glad I don't live near AF1 racing. I've been admiring their deals for a while now.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: jas67 on January 11, 2016, 10:31:10 AM
Congrats!    I love that color combo (which is why I bought the one I did).
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Lcarlson on January 11, 2016, 12:16:56 PM
I was not aware that the designation "Custom" or that color scheme was available for model year 2015. I thought is was only the Stone, Racer or Special models, the Specials being available in red or blue with white stripes.  There were also four equipment kits, but none like your bike. How did you find this model?
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: O on January 11, 2016, 12:43:41 PM
I was not aware that the designation "Custom" or that color scheme was available for model year 2015. I thought is was only the Stone, Racer or Special models, the Specials being available in red or blue with white stripes.  There were also four equipment kits, but none like your bike. How did you find this model?

The OP can confirm or deny, but this looks to be a 2015 V7 Special with shocks from one of the Guzzi Garage equipment kits.  Maybe just something the folks at AF1 put together for fun?
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Kev m on January 11, 2016, 12:58:40 PM
Ha Ha - awesome. They do have a way of getting under your skin!

Enjoy!

Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Lcarlson on January 11, 2016, 01:58:10 PM
Actually, to answer my own question, I believe it's a 2014 (not 2015) V7 Special. Should have checked before I asked.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: O on January 11, 2016, 02:33:39 PM
Actually, to answer my own question, I believe it's a 2014 (not 2015) V7 Special. Should have checked before I asked.

I believe only 2015s got the black headlight bucket.  My 2014 has an all chrome one.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 11, 2016, 02:52:41 PM
Nice looking scooter.. :thumb:
Quote
I suspect I'm seeing the same thing on the V7.
Ya think?  :evil: :smiley:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on January 11, 2016, 03:44:32 PM
Now that is a smart Little Goose to follow you home!

Have fun, hope to see you two on a TEXAS highway some day.  Love the black/stripe combo.

High speeds are better with a Dart flyscreen...

We’ll have to meet up in the Hill Country this spring. 
I had a Dart fly screen on my Bonneville and liked it for the most part.  I really like having my helmet in clear air and find that even a small screen creates some turbulence that can be annoying.  A screen may be in the future, but it is  a ways down on the want list.

Love the look of the Guzzi Garage springs with the orange/black paint scheme.  I was wondering if they would match up, and it looks like they do nicely.  Congrats on the new bike!

The springs on the Biturbos are really red, but they seem to blend in well.

congrats Mike.

If you run out of room in your garage I can store a couple of them for you.  The Monster and Custom come to mind. 

 :bow:

John, I'm sure you'd make sure they were ridden often enough that the gasoline stays fresh.  I appreciate the offer but my daughter has a garage that is about 390 miles closer.  :laugh:

That is a great looking bike. I guess it will seem small after you ride your Cali.
I am sooo glad I don't live near AF1 racing. I've been admiring their deals for a while now.

It certainly is a different ride from the Cali.  Regarding AF1 - the new facility they moved to is even closer to my house (big problem).

The OP can confirm or deny, but this looks to be a 2015 V7 Special with shocks from one of the Guzzi Garage equipment kits.  Maybe just something the folks at AF1 put together for fun?

Per the VIN (and my insurance company) it is a 2015 MOTO GUZZI V7 CLASSIC.  I had AF1 put the Biturbo shocks on the bike.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rocker59 on January 11, 2016, 03:46:53 PM
I could blame Rocker for doing this.   

HaHa!  It will be good fun !!!   :bike-037:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: malik on January 11, 2016, 05:48:54 PM
What a birthday present! Well done. You're in fun some fun.

It started life as a V7 SPECIAL. The insurance company probably just ticked the closest box.

I found the cafe seat to be more comfortable than the stock (and more comfortable & more convenient than the racer seat), especially with the stock footpegs.

As a 2015 model, the bike has been sitting around for a while, and the fork oil may have degraded somewhat. I'd recommend new oil, filled to shop spec (7.5wt & 140ml air space) to give yourself a baseline for comparison. My Special came with Racetech springs & their performance is better than the standard springs on the Classic.

The forks on the Classic have some rust spots at the top of the sliders. Hopefully the gaiters on the Special will help prevent this.

I haven't found any need for the sump extender on either the Classic (1.7 litres) or the Special (2 litres). My Special does not use any oil between changes (the Classic 200-400ml). But then, it doesn't get quite as hot for quite as long here in Sydney.

I didn't find the windscreen useful after mounting rear sets.

The Staintunes made a huge difference to the Classic, but as the Special came with the Mistrals already installed, I don't have a basis for comparison there.

I do find the OEM rear rack very useful, in fact, essential.

(http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hatihati/V7S%202014/IMG_2283.jpg)

I'm currently testing out a Rizoma mirror (Radial Sports) on the Special. Initial impression - superior. May well remove the bar end.

(http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hatihati/V7S%202014/IMG_2289.jpg)

Enjoy your ride!

Mal



Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: cruzziguzzi on January 11, 2016, 05:53:21 PM

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/V7/FEA2F560-FAF3-4F58-81A9-246374EEC359_zpsqcdtxvun.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/V7/FEA2F560-FAF3-4F58-81A9-246374EEC359_zpsqcdtxvun.jpg.html)


Geeze but that's a pretty version.

I wonder what colored gators on the forks would look like to balance those cool period looking colored springs/?

Todd.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rob-mg on January 11, 2016, 06:16:47 PM

I do find the OEM rear rack very useful, in fact, essential.

(http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hatihati/V7S%202014/IMG_2283.jpg)

That's the rack that replaces the grab bars, right? The product photos are severely foreshortened. This is the first I've seen that suggests its dimensions, and how far back it extends. I've asked my dealer to install one, but I won't see the result until I pick up the bike next month. Very helpful photo. It's exactly what I want.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: malik on January 11, 2016, 07:30:05 PM
Yes, it replaces the bars. There two racks now available - the second one brought out with the V7 II is shorter & not as firmly mounted. A local rider here has one on his V7 II and after a couple of months was fully rusted up - lousy chroming job. The earlier, and a little bigger Stucchi one is recommendded. Solid as.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rob-mg on January 11, 2016, 07:50:50 PM
Yes, it replaces the bars. There two racks now available - the second one brought out with the V7 II is shorter & not as firmly mounted. A local rider here has one on his V7 II and after a couple of months was fully rusted up - lousy chroming job. The earlier, and a little bigger Stucchi one is recommendded. Solid as.

In the US, two other racks have been available for some time, in "long" and "short" versions, both black. There's an earlier thread here in which someone says that these are prone to rust, and that the one you purchased is a much better choice, despite the significantly higher price. Didn't know about the new shorter chrome rack. In any event, the one you have is what I've arranged for, and looks to be perfect for my needs. Thanks for the photo. It completely allays concerns that it might be shorter than I want.

Like you, for me a rear rack is an essential accessory, and I think it looks pretty good on the bike.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: malik on January 11, 2016, 08:22:28 PM
You should be more than happy with it. A tip - the welds at the joins have a tendency to rust slightly over time. Every now and again I put a thin film of ACF50 or lanolin on them (often when lubing the side stand, but I'm not religious about it) and that seems to do the trick.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rob-mg on January 11, 2016, 08:46:02 PM
You should be more than happy with it. A tip - the welds at the joins have a tendency to rust slightly over time. Every now and again I put a thin film of ACF50 or lanolin on them (often when lubing the side stand, but I'm not religious about it) and that seems to do the trick.

Thanks, will do this.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: canuck750 on January 11, 2016, 09:52:25 PM
Nice bike, it bears a decent semblance to the original, I would prefer if Guzzi took a few more ques from the 75 model and offered chrome fenders, alloy flange rims and black exhaust, just my opinion, kinda a purist of original design.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/canuck750/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/DSC04985_zpssq3nrggl.jpg) (http://s249.photobucket.com/user/canuck750/media/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/DSC04985_zpssq3nrggl.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rob-mg on January 11, 2016, 10:02:11 PM
Nice bike, it bears a decent semblance to the original, I would prefer if Guzzi took a few more ques from the 75 model and offered chrome fenders, alloy flange rims and black exhaust, just my opinion, kinda a purist of original design.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/canuck750/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/DSC04985_zpssq3nrggl.jpg) (http://s249.photobucket.com/user/canuck750/media/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/DSC04985_zpssq3nrggl.jpg.html)

Interesting. I was attracted by how the V7 II looks, know nothing about the "original" bike (except that I'm pretty sure that an "original" version doesn't exist), and purchased the V7 II in part because of the new 6 speed transmission and ABS. In fact, I held off for two years because I knew that ABS was coming and wasn't prepared to buy a V7 without it.

What I like is that this is a modern bike and not a copy of an "original".
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rocker59 on January 11, 2016, 11:23:13 PM
alloy fenders are in the accessories catalog, for someone wanting a little more retro with their retro...
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on January 12, 2016, 07:52:34 AM
It started life as a V7 SPECIAL. The insurance company probably just ticked the closest box.

The brand/model is tied to the VIN.  Adding a bike to the insurance is very automated.  Go to the website, key in the VIN and it tells you what you are insuring, ergo the V7 Classic.  I'm not sure I've ever seen a 'Special' sold as an option in the U.S.


I found the cafe seat to be more comfortable than the stock (and more comfortable & more convenient than the racer seat), especially with the stock footpegs.

I'll give the seat a few miles before I make a decision, but there may be a Corbin seat in the little Goose's future.  I have Corbin seats on two other bikes and like them.

My Special came with Racetech springs & their performance is better than the standard springs on the Classic.
Well, after a 160 miles it's pretty obvious that this Goose has the 'standard' fork springs.  That's the next item on my upgrade list.

I haven't found any need for the sump extender on either the Classic (1.7 litres) or the Special (2 litres). My Special does not use any oil between changes (the Classic 200-400ml). But then, it doesn't get quite as hot for quite as long here in Sydney.
That's good to know.  I'll have to keep my eye on oil consumption.

I didn't find the windscreen useful after mounting rear sets.
I try to avoid windscreens when I can.  Only reason I add them is if the wind blast at highway speed starts pulling my shoulders out of their sockets  :laugh:

The Staintunes made a huge difference to the Classic, but as the Special came with the Mistrals already installed, I don't have a basis for comparison there.
This Goose has the standard Classic silencers.  There may be a pair of Agostinis in its future, but that will come after the forks are fixed.

I do find the OEM rear rack very useful, in fact, essential.
I'm trying to avoid adding a rack but may end up doing so.  This goose will be doing mostly day trips.  I'm hoping to get by with a small tank bag or a small tail bag strapped to the seat.

I'm currently testing out a Rizoma mirror (Radial Sports) on the Special. Initial impression - superior. May well remove the bar end.
Mirrors are next after the forks.  The mirror position on my other Guzzis is just fine, but not so much on this one.  I may need to look into this solution.


(http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hatihati/V7S%202014/IMG_2283.jpg)
Enjoy your ride!

Mal
Good looking bikes.  Thanks for all the comments, and,  I ALWAYS enjoy the ride.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on January 12, 2016, 07:55:27 AM
Nice bike, it bears a decent semblance to the original, I would prefer if Guzzi took a few more ques from the 75 model and offered chrome fenders, alloy flange rims and black exhaust, just my opinion, kinda a purist of original design.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/canuck750/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/DSC04985_zpssq3nrggl.jpg) (http://s249.photobucket.com/user/canuck750/media/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/DSC04985_zpssq3nrggl.jpg.html)

Hadn't thought about the chrome fenders.  Might have to add them to the wish list.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rocker59 on January 12, 2016, 12:26:19 PM
Hadn't thought about the chrome fenders.  Might have to add them to the wish list.


The long...
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=75542

and short of it...
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=75485
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Kev m on January 12, 2016, 02:36:33 PM
The brand/model is tied to the VIN.  Adding a bike to the insurance is very automated.  Go to the website, key in the VIN and it tells you what you are insuring, ergo the V7 Classic.  I'm not sure I've ever seen a 'Special' sold as an option in the U.S.

Wait a minute. Pedantic I know, but are you actually claiming this model was called by Piaggio/Piaggio NA etc. a V7 CUSTOM because that's how your insurance company classified it in their system?

I realize the VIN will normally contain a unique model code digit, but the meaning of that digit is assigned by the manufacturer, and then insurance companies, banks, and DMVs around the world have to manually add that data to their own database (or take it from someone else's database they contract with).

Either way mistakes do happen, but that doesn't change what the OEM called it, or the MSO even.

And maybe the V7 hasn't been on your radar very long, but I can assure you that until the V7II Piaggio NA has called that model nothing but the

V7 SPECIAL since it arrived in the US in the beginning of 2013.


<snipped un-necessary supporting documents>  :boozing:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rocker59 on January 12, 2016, 02:50:49 PM
It's a V7 Special.  Says so on the side cover.

Insurance companies (and sometimes DMVs) don't keep up well with Guzzi models.

My Nero Corsa was a Rosso Corsa to my insurance agent and a Coppa Italia to the county assessor.  Those were the closest names they had.  They didn't have Nero Corsa.

I don't doubt that his insurance company calls them all "V7 Classic".  That is what they are, after all.  Variations on the V7 Classic.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: kirkemon on January 12, 2016, 03:10:15 PM

The long...
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=75542

and short of it...
http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=75485

The long - is confusing. First it says Extra LONG Bobber; then it says: "Smaller than stock, hand polished natural aluminum fenders."

So they're longer than than the SHORTER Bobber fenders, but shorter than the stock fenders?
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Kev m on January 12, 2016, 03:15:57 PM
It's a V7 Special.  Says so on the side cover.

HA ha, yeah, there is that too.  :laugh:  :boozing:  :thumb:



It's a V7 Special.  Says so on the side cover.

Insurance companies (and sometimes DMVs) don't keep up well with Guzzi models.

My Nero Corsa was a Rosso Corsa to my insurance agent and a Coppa Italia to the county assessor.  Those were the closest names they had.  They didn't have Nero Corsa.

I don't doubt that his insurance company calls them all "V7 Classic".  That is what they are, after all.  Variations on the V7 Classic.

YUP,

Or just V7C I could see that.

Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Lcarlson on January 12, 2016, 03:57:44 PM
CT DMV listed one of my former bikes as a " Bueli M2 Cyclone " for years....
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on January 14, 2016, 08:48:41 AM
And maybe the V7 hasn't been on your radar very long, but I can assure you that until the V7II Piaggio NA has called that model nothing but the

V7 SPECIAL since it arrived in the US in the beginning of 2013.

Chalk it up to a brain fart.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Vagrant on January 14, 2016, 09:16:00 AM
Georgia titled my 2001 EV as "Moto" and that's it.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Kev m on January 14, 2016, 09:49:10 AM
Chalk it up to a brain fart.

I can relate cause I'm REALLY GOOD AT THOSE!

AGAIN, gorgeous bike, hope you enjoy!

Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Muzz on January 14, 2016, 01:40:54 PM
A nice looking bike indeed sir! :1:

Welcome to the gaggle who have found that the small blocks do indeed punch above their weight. They will feel smaller after the big block, but the payoff is in the twisties where they can really be flung around with ease. Face-ache is a common problem I have found. :thumb:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: drlapo on January 14, 2016, 02:31:02 PM
CT did not recognize Moto Guzzi as a manufacturer of new motorcycles so I had to have my new V7 Special inspected at the main office of the DMV the inspector confirmed that it is a motorcycle and it is now registered as a Moto
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on January 14, 2016, 05:28:27 PM
Nice bike, it bears a decent semblance to the original, I would prefer if Guzzi took a few more ques from the 75 model and offered chrome fenders, alloy flange rims and black exhaust, just my opinion, kinda a purist of original design.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/canuck750/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/DSC04985_zpssq3nrggl.jpg) (http://s249.photobucket.com/user/canuck750/media/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/DSC04985_zpssq3nrggl.jpg.html)
And...
I was thinking polished Agostinis until I looked at your picture again. I may need to rethink....
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: guzzinka on January 14, 2016, 07:41:28 PM
My insurance company has "moto marina" on the paperwork  :grin:  I must have told him "guzzi" 10 times....
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Muzz on January 15, 2016, 03:46:36 AM
My insurance company has "moto marina" on the paperwork  :grin:  I must have told him "guzzi" 10 times....

And I thought a moto marina was somewhere where they parked fizz boats. :shocked:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: HDGoose on January 15, 2016, 07:37:15 AM
mini bike!
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rocker59 on January 15, 2016, 08:08:34 AM
And...
I was thinking polished Agostinis until I looked at your picture again. I may need to rethink....

This was my happy medium:

(https://rocker59.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2015-August-8-V7-Special/i-jS9QJfr/0/M/20150902_215212-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: HDGoose on January 15, 2016, 10:59:21 AM
Georgia titled my 2001 EV as "Moto" and that's it.

I went to register my 79 1000SP in New Orleans. When the lady typed in just the serial number, she looked up at me and said she would be right back. Then a deputy appeared behind me, asked me where my vehicle was, and I said outside. She explained that it was stolen and would be impounded. I said I know who the owner is, and that the motorcycle is not stolen. She said "motorcycle?". Apparently, the serial numbers were part of a VIN associated with a stolen Chevy truck. Once she typed the whole VIN, she then asked what a MoGu was.

And some insurance had Guzzi listed as 'exotic sport bike'. I actually laughed when the agent told me that.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Dean Rose on January 15, 2016, 11:09:15 AM
Geico said my Breva 1100 was a Sport bike and now the EV is listed as a Stone.


Dean
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: LaGrasta on January 15, 2016, 05:08:05 PM
Congrats on your new V7.
I have a 2010 V7cc and own both the original Café seat as well as a later model two-up seat I picked up for the wife rides. As you mentioned in your original assessment ride, it's hard. The Café is much softer, much nicer.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on January 17, 2016, 07:41:55 PM
Finally got a decent ride in the on the Little Goose yesterday (275 miles).  The miles were fairly evenly split between backroads under 60 mph and highway speeds 70-75 mph.  After a total of 450 miles I think I've got a pretty good impression of the bike.

Interestingly, the riding position still feels cramped when I first get on the bike, but, I never felt uncomfortable throughout the day.  I may think about adding rear sets for a little more legroom, but that's down the road a bit.

It handled nicely on the curvy roads.  You'll never mistake it for a sports bike but it does fine for my purposes.  An occasional bump in a corner seems to upset the steering more than I'm used to on my other rides.  For now I'm attributing this to the forks.

It does great at highway speeds.  I think this bike can run all day at 70-75 mph with no issues.  It's obvious there isn't a lot of reserve power so passes have to be carefully planned.  I did notice a very slight, what I'll refer to as nervousness, in the front end at highway speeds - it wasn't enough to present any problem but it was there.

The Biturbo shocks did just fine.  I may crank a turn of preload into them, but beyond that no issues (And yes, I know there are better options out there - they aren't in the same league as the Ohlins I had on my Triumph). 

I initially thought the seat might be ok.  Yesterday at the 175 mile mark my butt was saying  'this could be better'.  At the 240 mile mark my butt had about all the seat it could take.  So, seat replacement is moving up on the want list.

I'm still breaking the bike in so I haven't fully cracked the throttle nor have I run it up to 6,000 rpm.  But I must say the Little Goose certainly makes the most of it's modest horsepower output.  And the mileage was pretty good: 46-47 mph.

This is the only picture I got of the bike yesterday.  This guy is on one of my regular riding routes and I'm trying to get a picture of all my bikes in front of him:

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/V7/D00ADB90-2263-4B47-9C6E-76A71CCA98EE_zpscb16ntdt.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/V7/D00ADB90-2263-4B47-9C6E-76A71CCA98EE_zpscb16ntdt.jpg.html)

POST SCRIPT
I got out on the Griso today for about 70 miles of back roads.  I'm not even going to draw any comparisons as the two bikes are so different that it would be meaningless.  But I will say this - the Griso makes me smile every time I get on it.

Title: Latest incarnation of my Little Goose
Post by: mjptexas on April 26, 2016, 05:10:46 PM
At the 1,200 mile mark with just a couple of changes:

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/V7/FAF9C436-2D4B-4668-899A-EABBC6E4DC09_zpsnfcfgxnn.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/V7/FAF9C436-2D4B-4668-899A-EABBC6E4DC09_zpsnfcfgxnn.jpg.html)

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/V7/23225FF4-039B-41C8-A8CB-E459FA2DC3B7_zpsdlgoz9f9.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/V7/23225FF4-039B-41C8-A8CB-E459FA2DC3B7_zpsdlgoz9f9.jpg.html)

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/V7/884A4EEE-C836-40F0-9937-EF0C1AE1D668_zpsmcv0muu5.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/V7/884A4EEE-C836-40F0-9937-EF0C1AE1D668_zpsmcv0muu5.jpg.html)

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/V7/BF0AFB67-78B8-4439-9B3D-2BF628FC14E5_zpsjrw6pjlt.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/V7/BF0AFB67-78B8-4439-9B3D-2BF628FC14E5_zpsjrw6pjlt.jpg.html)

The front suspension needs attention.  Still pondering what to do with the exhaust.  Both will have to wait as prime riding weather has hit Central Texas.   :bike-037:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: rocker59 on April 26, 2016, 09:12:10 PM
how's the seat ??
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on April 27, 2016, 07:04:28 AM
how's the seat ??

I like the seat, but then again I've got Corbins on 3 bikes.  Hard like all Corbins.  Definite improvement over the stock seat.

It does change the riding position a bit as you tend to  sit back an inch or so farther which increases the reach to the bars, straightens your knees slightly and gives you more space between your knees and the jugs. 

Need to get a really long ride on it to see if my opinion changes.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: lucian on April 27, 2016, 07:32:44 AM
Congrat's on new addition!  Who say's birthdays are no fun when your,   um,    ah,  more mature.  :grin:
 Must feel like a mini bike when you get off the cali. Hope the big blocks don't bully it too bad. Enjoy and happy maturity day.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: vstevens on April 27, 2016, 08:18:57 AM
The chrome valve cover... is that a bolt on addition?  it looks very similar to the 70's version.  Very nice bike and mods!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on April 27, 2016, 08:44:02 AM
The chrome valve cover... is that a bolt on addition?  it looks very similar to the 70's version.  Very nice bike and mods!  :laugh:

Covers are for a 2012 V7 Racer, with a spacer plate from Guzzitech.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: ClassicV7 on April 27, 2016, 08:45:04 AM
Great looking bike. Have a 2012 myself and love it. Only upgrades are rear rack (which came with bike), Dart Manta flyscreen and I recently put on Aprilia mirrors from AF1 (much better than stock).

(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/abrel01/1391607_10151728170741344_2068000364_n_zpsauwbmfxm.jpg)
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: mjptexas on April 27, 2016, 09:01:52 AM
Congrat's on new addition!  Who say's birthdays are no fun when your,   um,    ah,  more mature.  :grin:
 Must feel like a mini bike when you get off the cali. Hope the big blocks don't bully it too bad. Enjoy and happy maturity day.

The big blocks are getting most of the love lately, primarily because I've been out with one of my riding buddies who is on a BMW K1200s.  Keeping up would present a challenge to the V7.

I have gotten some miles on the V7 during solo rides  :wink:
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Muzz on April 28, 2016, 12:43:51 AM
The big blocks are getting most of the love lately, primarily because I've been out with one of my riding buddies who is on a BMW K1200s.  Keeping up would present a challenge to the V7.

I have gotten some miles on the V7 during solo rides  :wink:

Out here with our tight twisties my mate who also has a K1200 struggles to keep up with the Breva. He also said that he enjoys listening to the "V twin bellow" as I wick it in the corners.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Roebling3 on April 28, 2016, 03:48:18 PM
What a great looking S-3 and the smaller version is terrific for those of a certain age. Fool that I am, I'd like polished alloy, wire spoke wheels. 'twould be a no-brainer with more push.
Thanx all for the tail rack discussion. Do any of the V7 seats have storage in or under them?  R3~
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: malik on April 30, 2016, 11:27:56 PM
None to talk about - enough for a slim bag with a few tools, or a rag, or a couple of (muesli) bars.
Title: Re: Little Goose joins the gaggle
Post by: Muzz on May 01, 2016, 12:28:26 AM
The Breva under seat storage holds my disk lock. Tools have their own little pockets either side of the mudguard tucked in by the frame.