Stornello V7-II first impression-- "" !

[John in PA]

Bill Hagan stopped our place Saturday on his way to Erie for Zagawa, the Polish festival (Kathi's family lives up there and is of Polish descent) Anyhow, he wanted me to see and test ride the V7-II  Stornello. I was VERY impressed.  For a 750, it pulls like a freight train.  Power is plentiful, more than enough to satisfy any sensible individual (as well as those not quite meeting "sensible" specs-- "Guilty, your Honor...")  Pulls HARD, and without protest or shudder, from about 2500 on up. Fueling is positively spot-on.  Handling is more than competent, and definitely confidence-inspiring.  Stoppers seemed to be all you could ask for.  Vibration well-tamed.  Arrow exhaust smart looking, and, for my personal taste, could use a bit more throat, as I like to monitor engine sounds when riding.  End cap looked to be easily removed and letting it breathe a bit better *might* be easily achieved with some investigation and a bit of "surgery."  One niggle, the mirrors give a lovely view of the operator's shoulders, but not too much behind, easily fixed with a couple of machined aluminum anodized bracket extensions, readily available on Fleabay. Bench seat seemed comfortable on my 13+ mile test ride, but, in all honesty, I've never been able to assess seat comfort without 45 minutes in the saddle, and Bill said I was limited to a shot glass or two of fuel consumption...     

Seriously, if I was looking for a new middle-weight, I'd certainly consider one of the new V7 range. I might pull out my 2004 Breva 750 for a quick ride (mostly my daughter rides that one) to do a closer comparo, but my first impression at least was that the refinements Guzzi have achieved on the 750 platform are quite impressive.  Seemed like a totally different power plant!

Congrats,  Bill,  on a fine choice of stablemate for the growing flock of Geese at Iron Cross Junction!

[twowheeladdict]

The Stornello is pulling at my heart strings.  Not one closer than 7 hours from me though.  I need to ride one of the V7 III bikes and see how much of a difference from my 2010 and the V7 II Special I rode a couple weeks ago.

[oilhed]

The Stornello is pulling at my heart strings.  Not one closer than 7 hours from me though.  I need to ride one of the V7 III bikes and see how much of a difference from my 2010 and the V7 II Special I rode a couple weeks ago.

Gotta agree. My dealer had one for a while and I never thought twice. I knew the V7 III improvements were coming.  If he still had it now I'd be mighty tempted. D'oh!

[usedtobefast]

The Stornello (v7 not the original) is what pulled me in to Moto Guzzis.  I ended up with a v7 iii Racer, but I've always wanted a Stornello too.  Maybe some day ...

[Bulldog9]

Absolutely love mine. Upgraded my suspension (K-Tech springs front  Hagon 420mm Enduro/Trail rear) to get more travel and more compliant ride. Changes netted a 3/4" increase in ride height, handling is more stable and the ride quality is spot on. The Stock suspension was fine on smooth pavement and minor bumps, but off road, on gravel, large bumps and such, it is a literal back breaker. Went out for a 75 mile ride today,and continue to be amazed at the difference in suspension and what a delight this bike is to ride.

[twowheeladdict]

Gotta agree. My dealer had one for a while and I never thought twice. I knew the V7 III improvements were coming.  If he still had it now I'd be mighty tempted. D'oh!

You see from my signature what I ended up with.  For me the Stornello was not enough of a change to replace my café classic and the lower frame looked a little strange without the exhaust.  The V7III really feels like a modern bike whereas the V7 café classic rode like a 1970s motorcycle.

[Roebling3]

There are likely series 3 racers currently available for very short money. Ohlins rear suspension, add K Tech fork innards or similar conversion and drop the triples ~15mm. Fiddle the fully adjustable rearsets and put a 4 pot Brembo clamp and 15RCS mc on the front. It's still 'weigh' too heavy, but a damned nice Guzzi.  R3~ 

[flat out]

The Stornello is awesome, handles the road surprisingly well for a scrambler set up.
It'll make you smile just looking at it. I did install Bitubo rear shocks to soften the ride.
t.