V7II or V7III

[fossil]

I guess I'm the only one who has a current bike with the V7 I or II aesthetics who thinks the III was an improvement?

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not bitching about my Stone's looks, I like em a lot. I just find the III an improvement.

No, Kev, definitely not. I love my Stone (it is the same model that you own, also in white). But the details of the III are gorgeous. The III is second to none in this regard, not even to a Triumph. All these details (the shift levers and the like) look a bit rough and flimsy on the older models. And the modern double-walled exhaust gives the new bikes a more "grown-up" appearance.

[Kev m]

Kev

you like that little fender thingie ?

What's different about the fender (on all but the Anniversary model)?

[Kev m]

I like the look of the III better than the II, but it might be the colors of the blue/orange special  Also like the heads better. Do not like the plastic covers of the injectors but those can be removed easely.

The injector covers were plastic on my 13 too. Weren't they plastic on the V7II as well?

[twowheeladdict]

twowheeladdict

Sloans is where I discovered these great bikes !    Yea , I checked sloans inventory out , I have to have mag wheels instead of spokes (Tubeless  ).   Sloan's had that V9 Roamer when I was there (I kinda liked it too) but the larger fuel tank of the V7's  made me drool     

The 2017 model might have new heads , but they also have them ugly black mufflers and that ridicules front fender thingie !    And what happened to the RPM counter ?

So , I found   where I could pick-up  a  2016 model .    I'm very happy with it too ! 

twowheeladdict  you from Murfreesboro ?    You ever get to Lynchburg ?   

Southwest of Fayetteville.   Ride the curvy roads around Lynchburg.

Another improvement with the III that I also like is the double walled exhaust.

[bmp72]

The injector covers were plastic on my 13 too. Weren't they plastic on the V7II as well?

Ah, sorry, I compared them to the ones on the V9 , those are metal. But independent of metal or plastic, they just look a lot nicer on the II.

[Kev m]

I gotta look at these side-by-side:

V7 I



V7 II



V7 III




I don't see big differences visually between the I and II - but what I do see (black handlebars, black plastic injector covers, black mirrors) are all things I prefer. And obviously there are some mechanical changes from ABS and TC to the wet alternator with slightly lower output (also used on the last year of the I).

I DO see bigger differences between the I and II - and once you get by the motor (which would be enough for me), I also see thicker/double-walled pipes (black on the stone), sidecovers that I like as much or better, nicer injector covers, the controls look more refined). Nope FOR ME, I'm not seeing a negative. I liked the look of the 1TB heron head motor better than the look of the 2TB, and I like the look of the new Hemi head even more.

But that's just me.

Of course, I'd be REALLY tempted to go with a black V7 III Stone, then buy a Blue Special tank and sidecovers, AND paint the front and rear fenders to match! Now THAT WOULD BE GORGEOUS!

[bmp72]

Of course, I'd be REALLY tempted to go with a black V7 III Stone, then buy a Blue Special tank and sidecovers, AND paint the front and rear fenders to match! Now THAT WOULD BE GORGEOUS!

you mean like this ? (only has 850km, costs 83% of msrp.... veyr tempted to go have a look but 260 km from home while there's like 5 guzzi dealers in a 15 miles radius here)
I do agree, really nice bike.









for more and bigger pictures: http://www.catogne.ch/p_mocc01.php

[Kev m]

you mean like this ? (only has 850km, costs 83% of msrp.... veyr tempted to go have a look but 260 km from home while there's like 5 guzzi dealers in a 15 miles radius here)
I do agree, really nice bike.









for more and bigger pictures: http://www.catogne.ch/p_mocc01.php

Yup, plus I'd do the rear fender!

And well, as much as I've tried to support local dealers if there are 5 nearby it's a pointless worry.

[jas67]

I'd buy the blue V7III Special, and buy a set of Stone cast alloy wheels and swap them on.
That way, I'd get a tach.

Plus, the wheels are likely less  $$ than the tank + side covers.

[Kev m]

I'd buy the blue V7III Special, and buy a set of Stone cast alloy wheels and swap them on.
That way, I'd get a tach.

Plus, the wheels are likely less  $$ than the tank + side covers.

But then you get a chrome exhaust and some other chrome bits.

Ick!!!!

[jas67]

But then you get a chrome exhaust and some other chrome bits.

Ick!!!!

That doesn't bother me like it does you.  But, yes, I see you're point.   If you prefer the blacked out stuff, then, starting with the Stone makes perfect sense.   

[bmp72]

I think in my case it will depend on price, a Special with Stone wheels or a stone with blue tank. I like the chrome on the special but not at all cost... a wheel change will need to be approved here by the government regulation body, don't know the cost of that. Here in Switzerland basically nothing is allowed, even a handlebar change needs to be approved !

Plus I kind of like the hobby potential of the Stone  I am very good with electronics, micro processors and things like that. For the Stone I would use a 3D printer and one or more stepper motors to build a rev indicator. I could go just one dial, or dual like a swiss watch, or have a fixed indicator line and rotate the numbers behind it (Citroen CX speedo style), make an eagle with rotating wing (if you like tacky)... like I said, hobby potential 

[twowheeladdict]

I think in my case it will depend on price, a Special with Stone wheels or a stone with blue tank. I like the chrome on the special but not at all cost... a wheel change will need to be approved here by the government regulation body, don't know the cost of that. Here in Switzerland basically nothing is allowed, even a handlebar change needs to be approved !

Plus I kind of like the hobby potential of the Stone  I am very good with electronics, micro processors and things like that. For the Stone I would use a 3D printer and one or more stepper motors to build a rev indicator. I could go just one dial, or dual like a swiss watch, or have a fixed indicator line and rotate the numbers behind it (Citroen CX speedo style), make an eagle with rotating wing (if you like tacky)... like I said, hobby potential 

Supposedly you can buy the optional Bluetooth transmitter and download the Guzzi app and send all the data to your smartphone.  Get a mount for the phone and it becomes your second display.  Maybe this was the way for Guzzi to connect with the millennial audience for the Stone. 

The part that frustrated me when I took one for a test ride is that there already is a display screen on the speedo that you can cycle through a few information displays.  They could have easily sent the RPMs to that display.

[bmp72]

So I had a testride this morning on the V7-iii ... It is quite different from the V7-ii . If you ride them a week apart and the memory of the v7-ii has faded, the chassis difference is small with more neutral steering for the iii (but only at walking speed, above 5mph both are neutral), the engine difference is not really noticable. What immediately stood out though is that the v7-iii has a much lower seat than the v7-ii. With my 36.5" inseam the v7-ii feels perfect while the v7-iii is too cramped for my legs.

I will wait for any news from the EICMA as I'm still hoping for a v9/7 (v9 in the v7 style). I will look into having the pegs lowered on a v7-iii , but the cheapest and immediately everything OK option for me will be to find a v7-ii stone. There are still heavely discounted brand new examples that have been standing in the shop for a year and a half around here...

[Kev m]

So I had a testride this morning on the V7-iii ... It is quite different from the V7-ii . If you ride them a week apart and the memory of the v7-ii has faded, the chassis difference is small with more neutral steering for the iii (but only at walking speed, above 5mph both are neutral), the engine difference is not really noticable. What immediately stood out though is that the v7-iii has a much lower seat than the v7-ii. With my 36.5" inseam the v7-ii feels perfect while the v7-iii is too cramped for my legs.

I will wait for any news from the EICMA as I'm still hoping for a v9/7 (v9 in the v7 style). I will look into having the pegs lowered on a v7-iii , but the cheapest and immediately everything OK option for me will be to find a v7-ii stone. There are still heavely discounted brand new examples that have been standing in the shop for a year and a half around here...

I haven't ridden them yet, but how can the engine difference not be noticeable, very isn't it like 20-25% more power?

I find it funny how different reports are on the same bikes (ii vs iii).

[bmp72]

isn't it like from 48 to 52 hp, so 10% more ? My current bike is 30 hp, so 48 or 52 just feels like a lot more 

I just saw there are off-road footpegs for the v7-iii , in the picture these look to be quite a lot lower than the standard ones (which had quite a thick rubber cover)

http://www.motoguzzishoponline.ch/product.aspx?prd=MG/2S000258&pg=1&grp=accessori%20V7%20III

Does anyone have these ?




upload pictures

[twowheeladdict]

I haven't ridden them yet, but how can the engine difference not be noticeable, very isn't it like 20-25% more power?

I find it funny how different reports are on the same bikes (ii vs iii).

I rode a V7II special with 1600 miles and a new V7III stone back to back and didn't notice any seat of the pants difference.  I was more comfortable on the special but I attributed that to the seat style (not strap for passenger) than rider triangle. 

What would pull me towards the III would be if it gets significantly better MPG and if it is a higher build quality machine. 

The last ride I did on my FZ-07 with loaded GIVI V35 saddlebags I got 69 MPG. 

[jas67]

I rode a V7II special with 1600 miles and a new V7III stone back to back and didn't notice any seat of the pants difference.  I was more comfortable on the special but I attributed that to the seat style (not strap for passenger) than rider triangle. 

What would pull me towards the III would be if it gets significantly better MPG and if it is a higher build quality machine. 

The last ride I did on my FZ-07 with loaded GIVI V35 saddlebags I got 69 MPG. 

Check out Knight Design, they make lowered pegs for the V7:

Knight Design


I have the 1 3/8" drop ones on my '14 V7 Special (mine are black):

[bmp72]

Hey thanks those lowered pegs look exactly what i need  They even have ones that lower by more than 2". Having these would shift my preference to the v7iii (it somehow feels wrong to buy a discontinued model brand new...)

Now in a months time I'll go to Milano to check out any new Guzzi bikes (there are rumors floating around of a 70 to 80 hp bike based on a v9 smallblock), but if nothing interesting i'll try to get these Knight Design pegs and order a v7iii.

[JACoH]

Even with the discounts, I went with a v7 III Special, and added the cast wheels after I had a nail in the rear tube at 1200 miles. At least a tubeless tire would have lost air a bit slower.  The bike is perfect for me, no issues, now with 4500 miles in 3 months.

[twowheeladdict]

Even with the discounts, I went with a v7 III Special, and added the cast wheels after I had a nail in the rear tube at 1200 miles. At least a tubeless tire would have lost air a bit slower.  The bike is perfect for me, no issues, now with 4500 miles in 3 months.

Looks good.  Wish I was closer, I would make an offer on the spoke rims for my Café to get away from the chrome on steel which is a maintenance nightmare.

[jas67]

Even with the discounts, I went with a v7 III Special, and added the cast wheels after I had a nail in the rear tube at 1200 miles. At least a tubeless tire would have lost air a bit slower.  The bike is perfect for me, no issues, now with 4500 miles in 3 months.

Looks great!   If I were I the market, I'd a blue special, but, with the cast alloy wheels just as you have it.
But, alas, the V7III isn't quite enough of an. upgrade over my 2014 V7 Special.   Now, if the rumors mentioned above about a 70-80 HP V9 motored bike that looks like a V7 were true, my wallet would be in trouble.   

My money is likely safe.   Brace yourself for new colors to be announced in November at Milan.

Looks good.  Wish I was closer, I would make an offer on the spoke rims for my Café to get away from the chrome on steel which is a maintenance nightmare.

I definitely agree with on you on the chrome on steel wheels been a maintenance nightmare.    That was one of the biggest reasons that I sold m 2009 V7 Classic.  I was already to order a 2014 V7 Special when I got a good deal on my Racer.    I missed having a V7 with hard luggage and upright ergos, and bought a nearly new 2014 V7 Special two years later, with only 976 miles on It.  It had been sold as a left over on a few months prior.

[Roebling3]

I wanted, but wouldn't buy, the new version of V7 'til they improved and slightly modernize the engine. I was also looking for better suspension. Took delivery of a 2017 V7 III Racer mid July. would have rather had a special, for its looks (paint the Racer this winter). It turned out that the Racer was an easier choice, getting better foot controls, rear suspension and actually making money selling the wire wheels, in a swap for cast wheels from a Stone; which will be powder coated. The shorty front fender will be replaced, for more coverage on the backside and painted the new body color. The bars were swapped for Verde Legnano type. They will be powder coated wet black. I added MG adjustable levers. It has a K-Tech fork kit as well, plus a tail rack. Wanted the Record or Stucchi fairing, but have confirmed neither will fit a Series 3-V7. R3~

[bmp72]

Printed out pictures of the V7-II and V7-III to equal scale and overlayed them (paying attention to the motor, not the wheels) on a lightbox. The footpegs of the III are about an inch forward and an inch higher than those of the II. Both of which would bring up my knees, explaining the 'my knees are in my ears' feeling I had on the III. But nothing a few aftermarket pegs won't fix.

[Calculon]

With my 36.5" inseam the v7-ii feels perfect while the v7-iii is too cramped for my legs.

Sometimes I think my Nevada, which I believe is only slightly smaller than the V7 III, is about an inch too short and I've only got a 30" inseam.  When I sat a 2015 V7 Special and a 2016 V7II they felt better, at least as much as one can tell from sitting on them from the showroom floor.  For that reason, I'd be inclined toward the II.

[Kev m]

Printed out pictures of the V7-II and V7-III to equal scale and overlayed them (paying attention to the motor, not the wheels) on a lightbox. The footpegs of the III are about an inch forward and an inch higher than those of the II. Both of which would bring up my knees, explaining the 'my knees are in my ears' feeling I had on the III. But nothing a few aftermarket pegs won't fix.

Good info.

Though I'd originally missed the part where you have the inseam of an orangutan. [emoji6]

[Mikecocos]

I rode a V7III the other day for the first time. Compared to my V7I Stone, the VIII seemed a much more modern bike. It vibrated a lot less, had more power and the shifting was more crisp.

That said, the ride made me realize that I really enjoy the engine vibrations and other old-school  idiosyncrasies on my V7I that basically give the bike that genuine Guzzi feel. All in all, I was a little disappointing with the ride.

I choose V7II - because the bike still feels like a Guzzi. My $0.02.

Cheers,

Mike

[M0T0Geezer]

Thanks BMP72,

I was thinking a used II (was there a V7I?) Or possibly a Breva 750 your thoughts on those options.

Well, I have had almost 50,000 trouble-free miles on my 2004 Breva 750.  Up-to-date info on the "21st Century" Moto Guzzi 750 series is at this link: 

  http://www.dansher.com/bikepix/Guzzi/_V7_fyi.txt

'Geezer