New Moto Guzzi Door Mats Available Now
Clutch pull - I would call it the light side of average. Many hydraulic clutches being lighter but most cables being heavier. You think that's heavy, try a brand new Sporty, which has been lightened a few times these past few decades.Top heavy - you only think a V7 is top heavy because you haven't tried to ride bikes that actually are, since they're too tall. Try a Paris-Dakar GS, heck even most CARC Guzzis are more top heavy. My Oilhead BMW was more top heavy than any Harley I owned.Rear brake - typical for any bike with standard to sporty ergos, the rear brake is more for show than slow. Aside from trail braking or using lightly in low traction conditions, the rear brake only slightly contributes to overall braking on anything that isn't a long/low/heavy/rear biased bike.
I treat bikes like the V7 or B11 and others like them as if they don't have a rear brake for must braking situations. I use the rear for trail, low friction surface, and other non-usual braking concerns. But for panic braking, know it's a low friction tool.
I'm actually glad I'm in the good habit of using both brakes concurrently and modulating each differently to bring about as quick and steady a stop as possible. It's something I HAD to pick up in my dirt bike riding days back in the mountains. Try descending a steep dirt grade using only your front or rear brake. Hello mud sandwich. Been too many years since I've broached the dirt. You learn a lot there, I think. I've been considering taking that dirt riding class for street in...Georgia I think.
Yesterday, I was at our local Guzzi dealerr having tires put on the Stelvio. While hanging around and chatting with one of the salesman there, I mentioned that I'd like to ride the new V7 sometime as my only experience with the small blocks, was the V50III I owned for a few years (and really liked). I was curious as to how the new single throttle body performed.He mentioned that a couple of people had taken one for a test ride and that it was all warmed up and ready to go, so go have fun. This is my impression.My impressions (spoiler alert;I really liked it): The common complaint that the bike needs more power from my perspective is complete bullshit. The single throttle body motor is so torquey that it is and absolute blast to ride, and not once did I think while riding it that it needed more horsepower. The sound of the stock pipes were fantastic. The handling is light and nimble and an absolute blast in the twisty stuff. I think you'd be hard pressed to find any similar bike that handles any better or has a more enjoyable riding experience. Brakes (anti-lock) were excellent. Gear box was crisp. Bike comes from the factory with Pirelli Sport Demons (which I love) and is sure footed. I had it up to nearly 90 mph at one point, and while it didn't get there quite as quickly as the Griso or Stelvio, it was still pretty brisk. It seems if I remember correctly that 2000 rpm was it's sweet spot. It pulled cleanly from pretty much anywhere to red line. It's definitely not the brutal acceleration of the Griso 8v, but it's totally enjoyable none-the-less. If you haven't ridden the single throttle body version, I'd recommend a test spin. I fully appreciated it for what it is and what it is not. I totally get why Guzzi has stuck with it now. The updates make it feel like a fun modern bike. I will say, it is a small bike though and someone very tall may find it a little cramped. I had my Sidi Adventure boots on too because it was cold and I had a bitch of a time getting my toe under the shifter. it would definitely need to be adjusted for bigger boots. The V7 oozes with essence of what a great standard was.If I see a Nuovo Stornello come through, I may have to buy one. It would be a terrific commuter bike. Now I understand why this bike is Guzzi's best seller. It's a solid package. I also overheard a young guy in there that came in to look at the V7 tell the salesperson after he brought him over to show him the Ducati Scrambler "The Ducati really isn't my thing. I really like the Guzzi better". It was cool hearing that.
I'm not saying I don't or I can't, but look at MCN's (M Consumers News) performance index on stopping distances.There's no doubt that the V7 front brake is superior to many others. And the V7 is lighter than the Sportster by 100-150#.Then why is the stopping distance LONGER on the V7? (at least in the 883L I was just comparing the other day, but I'm betting it's a pattern).Reason? Simple physics. There's just not enough weight over the rear wheel, especially under threshold braking, for the rear wheel to significantly contribute on bikes with architecture similar to the V7.Learn to use what you've got any way you want, that's cool.But that doesn't change the simple rules of physics.
