I just finished my third ride on the 26 V7 sport and I rolled over 500 miles.
Admittedly I am tough to please. I can find fault with anything. That said it's very hard here and faults are very minor. First the front forks are great compared to any other V7 even than my V7II with the Matris F15 (I think) kit or my III with springs for my weight. Now the book says the normal setting is no preload what so ever and at that I am getting the right sag. That makes no sense to me you would think with an adjuster on both forks you would at least have 1/4 to 1/3 pre load on them. Also I'm sure they would be much better with some rebound adjustability. As is they are set up for sport riding. In other words a bit harsh. One step lighter on them would be a big improvement. FYI, I'm 180# and 200 with full gear. A 150 # rider won't be happy but a 220 # will be happy. Same for the rear. A bit over sprung and needs re bound. I am on the lowest setting to get the right sag. Front and rear have improved a lot since new. If they improve the same amount in the next 1000 miles all the above will be a mute point.
The only other fail is the rear brake. It is weak and I don't understand that because the V85 rears are fine. Easy cure will be EBC-HH but first I will scrub the rotor with sandpaper and flush it and the pads with cleaner just in case it is left over cosmoline.
Now the very good. It sounds like a Guzzi should at idle and it has a nice note to it while running. It is just enough to make me not do an exhaust system thank God because they sure aren't cheap for the E5 series.
I think they copied the V85 seat as I did 200 miles the first ride and it was 98 when I got home and I still felt good. They also opened up the rider triangle compared to the 17 III. It's very comfortable for an old codger. The 6 speed is the best yet from Guzzi. The engine is fantastic. Great dare I say perfect fueling. Lots of bottom end torque and great throttle response. I wasted an hour trying to find out if it has VVT like the V85. The only thing I can find is the USA site says revised timing. I know it's got different cams so it could only be that or both.
The front brakes are awesome. Better than the V85 and I think better than anything I have ever owned with the possible exception of the 2000 SV650 Suzuki. Actually this bike reminds of the SV only better in every way other than weight.
This one is going back to Ga. with me and I forsee me selling the V7III and getting another one just like it (maybe red this time) to take back to Az next year.
Great purchase and I'm glad I spent the extra on the 26 sport compared to cheaping out with a 24 stone.
JMHO!
