Rode a V7 II today

[Lcarlson]

I'm pretty new to Guzzidom, having just purchased a California 1400 Custom this summer. While having it in the shop for a windshield installation today, I got a 2016 V7 II to use as a loaner. I was impressed. I was really surprised at the level of good, useful performance that fifty horsepower could deliver. The build quality, style, and sound all worked wonders. Sometimes, I guess, less is truly more. I could definitely see owning one of these machines, but probably only after our winter is over.

[Kev m]

Yup.

It's funny how a number of riders have come full circle to smaller machines that are often looked upon as "entry" level due to size and price.

I've but only done it with Guzzi, but I've done it Harley as well.

Actually not that I look at it, our whole fleet is made up of examples of this. And it continues with the main other bikes in which we're interested (Scrambler, Bonnie, Scout, etc.).

That's not to say I wouldn't consider another big block or BT, but they're just not the priority right now.

Glad you enjoyed.

[bpreynolds]

Yup.

It's funny how a number of riders have come full circle to smaller machines that are often looked upon as "entry" level due to size and price.

I've but only done it with Guzzi, but I've done it Harley as well.

Actually not that I look at it, our whole fleet is made up of examples of this. And it continues with the main other bikes in which we're interested (Scrambler, Bonnie, Scout, etc.).

That's not to say I wouldn't consider another big block or BT, but they're just not the priority right now.

Glad you enjoyed.

 :1:
As stated in my V7 thread, the small block has become my absolute favorite motorcycle ever which was the biggest surprise to me more than anybody else.  When I sold the Stelvio - mainly due to issues with heat but mostly size (me being small and it being large  ) I said I was gonna go buy a mini bike.  And I basically did, except one that had 106 horsepower in the Street Triple.  I said hey, this small bike thing is not so bad afterall.   Sold the Street and traded in my Cali for the V7 and haven't looked back   In fact, if I buy another bike in the next year or two I suspect it will be an even lighter and smaller displacement machine than even my V7 and one to only compliment it, such as a supermoto single.  That Husqvarna 701 sure looks the part and parked right next to the V7 would be a fantastic and difficult choice to make earch morning.   

[bad Chad]

The 701 might be a blast to ride, but would it even be possible to make a motorcycle more visually unappealing?

[Lannis]

The 701 might be a blast to ride, but would it even be possible to make a motorcycle more visually unappealing?

The 701 looks like just about any other "motocross" or "supermoto" styled bike these days to me ... hard to get used to if you don't like it, normal if you're into those things ...

The V7-II I rode at the National was a great-feeling bike.   Felt like it could go anywhere anytime, but nowhere clumsy or heavy in any way .... Right now, my BSA Firebird




 satisfies the need for a Lannis-only good-handling one-up bike at 400 pounds and 40 HP or so, but if I need a modern one a V7 would be a great choice....

Lannis

[bpreynolds]

The 701 might be a blast to ride, but would it even be possible to make a motorcycle more visually unappealing?

Nonsense.  They are gorgeous.