2020 Moto Guzzi V7 lll Stone S

[kingoffleece]

"Cheap" is one of the reasons I bought a Stone.  I knew I'd throw away the crap stock shocks and fork internals right away.

[bad Chad]

But a T120 starts at almost 3 thousand dollars more than a v7 Stone, I wonder why???

[Joliet Jim]

But a T120 starts at almost 3 thousand dollars more than a v7 Stone, I wonder why???

Because it's a better bike with a better company behind it?

[bad Chad]

Really Joliet?  That’s how you want to go at this?

[Socalrob]

As I've repeatedly noted, it's not simply about "Ohlins".  It's about anything that's better than the crap forks found on Every farking V7 and V9 in the lineup...

But for comparison, I would like to refer you to the Triumph Bonneville website.

https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/classic

I actually own a V7iii. The front forks are fully adjustable, compression, rebound, preload, custom sprung for me.  Matris parts.  Cost about $750.  Rear has fully adjustable piggy back shocks.  Matris again.  $1,500.  Had the suspension set up professionally by a tuner.  Could not be happier.  Ride is almost plush. Rails on sweepers in the canyons.  College son (he sold his bike to back to school) rides it up the crest when he is in town, and does get a knee down.  I don’t, but do get my boot scraping from time to time.  Son will wring her out on the crest, manages to melt the tires a bit.  Always has a smile from the ride.

The hp is fine if you are not looking to go to jail, just need to ride the PACE and maintain corner speed.  Bike is tons of fun.  And it has a Big gas tank and shaft drive, so I enjoy it as a daily commuter.

I understand as a rider of a small block many here don’t consider me to be a real Guzzi Owner, but I love this versatile modest bike.

I am very interested in this new Stone with LED lights.  Really want to know if the LED lights will be plug and play with my 2017 V7iii.  Hoping so.

[blu guzz]

bravo socal:

thanks for injecting some sense into this conversation.  yes, you buy the stone for whatever, say $8,000 and put another $2,000 and have just the bike you want for about the same price as the stock triumph.  i have no beef with any triumph, but some people like them and some like mg, both are good.  like many v7 riders, you are not looking for high horsepower because if you can ride the bike closer to your and its limits, you don't really need it.
i have always thought if you want to go faster in the turns with more confidence, then the best mechanical mod for any bike is the suspension (rider training is really the overall best).  10 more horsepower will not get your through faster and safer than better suspension.  several bikes ago, on a bmw k1200rs, a very fast but slightly top-heavy bike, i ordered ohlins front and back and the factory wanted to know my weight, preferred riding style and luggage use before choosing the springing.  i admit that a factory upgrade would probably improve any model but not as much as if you custom order it.

[Kev m]

bravo socal:

thanks for injecting some sense into this conversation.  yes, you buy the stone for whatever, say $8,000 and put another $2,000 and have just the bike you want for about the same price as the stock triumph.

I'm not sure which side of the argument you're supporting.

But I'll just say that the reason Guzzi doesn't do it (at least on most of the line) is the market that gives THAT much of a shit about the suspension is NOT the majority. I.E. most people who are buying a V7 or Triumph classic don't care as much about the suspension as they do that $2k.

[kingoffleece]

Bingo.  As stated above, one who values these things can buy and mod a bike for the same or even less that others in the same category.
How can one argue with that?  It's a win!

[blu guzz]

sorry if not clear.  i come down on the side of the status quo for the v7 when it comes to suspension and engine power as delivered.  it gives  a good starting point for some or a less expensive end point for others.

[gentlemanjim]

Its adequate I like the V7's, but a dozen variations with none of particular distinction from the others.   I would have expected the "S" would have some WOW factor.