Greetings for Portugal ! and my first question, what to buy !

[clubman_x]

          Greeting to the forum members

My name's Tito, I'm from sunny Portugal.

For a long time now I have this thing for buying a Moto Guzzi and now is the time to fulfill my dream.

I need something that I can use to comuted to work everyday, filter between the traffic, so light and agile,
but at the same time comfortable for my weekend touring, and most important for my holidays.

So the short list is : 2012 Nevada
                            2015 V7 II stone
There's one 2012 Nevada on a dealer ( called Luzeiro )  here in Portugal, it's the only one, it's brand new, and for that reason I cannot do a test-ride.
        I've tried at this dealer a 2014 V7.

The problem is that this dealer Luzeiro has lost the concession ( doesn't import guzzis anymore ) and the new one is Lisbon will not import one without having an order.

the V7 feels comfortable,position seems ok  but is it good enough to travel through Europe ? I know that in the past there was a version of the Nevada called the touring, that came already with the screen and side cases, so that means that for long distance the Nevada is a better choice? My concern is the comfort for long distance, at the moment I ride an Yamaha Virago ( small cruiser ) and for anything above 50 km it starts to became desconfortable, I've done 300 km in a day, but that's about the maximum I'm willing to do with it.

So what's the forum opinion ?

Tito

[Bill Hagan]

          Greeting to the forum members

My name's Tito, I'm from sunny Portugal.

For a long time now I have this thing for buying a Moto Guzzi and now is the time to fulfill my dream.

I need something that I can use to comuted to work everyday, filter between the traffic, so light and agile,
but at the same time comfortable for my weekend touring, and most important for my holidays.

So the short list is : 2012 Nevada
                            2015 V7 II stone
There's one 2012 Nevada on a dealer ( called Luzeiro )  here in Portugal, it's the only one, it's brand new, and for that reason I cannot do a test-ride.
        I've tried at this dealer a 2014 V7.

The problem is that this dealer Luzeiro has lost the concession ( doesn't import guzzis anymore ) and the new one is Lisbon will not import one without having an order.

the V7 feels comfortable,position seems ok  but is it good enough to travel through Europe ? I know that in the past there was a version of the Nevada called the touring, that came already with the screen and side cases, so that means that for long distance the Nevada is a better choice? My concern is the comfort for long distance, at the moment I ride an Yamaha Virago ( small cruiser ) and for anything above 50 km it starts to became desconfortable, I've done 300 km in a day, but that's about the maximum I'm willing to do with it.

So what's the forum opinion ?

Tito

V7 "good enough to travel through Europe?"

Ask this guy: http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=70652.0   :D

Seriously, while his was a Breva 750, you can see that small block Guzzis can handle some very serious long distance riding. 

I believe that hughtwg had some mechanical issues, but as I recall, those were pre-existing problems in a used bike bought unseen while back in the USA.

Best wishes on deciding.  IMO, both Nevada and V7 are fine, but I'd opt for the newer latter.

Bill

[fotoguzzi]

we don't get the Nevada in the US anymore but I think the drive train is the same small block used in the V7.. so it's mostly about which fits you best.. the 2015 has some good upgrades like the single throttle body so that would be my choice from the two.. you can add travel bags to both.
Welcome to the forum.. you might be our first member form Portugal?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Welcome to WG, Tito.  ;D I'm not sure we even get the Nevada in the States any more. I have never seen a late model. The last one I've actually seen was at the Oregon nationals a few years ago, and it was a beauty. Solid red. So, to answer your question, *I* can't say. I do know that the V7 will handle your task easily.

[biking sailor]

My wife has done several 500 mile days on her 2007 Breva 750.  350 mile days and she is ready to hop on it and go for dinner after checking into a motel.  She claims it is the most comfortable touring bike for her in the stable.

It will cruise at 80 MPH for hours on end and never complains.  A windshield and some bags and the V7 small blocks will take you anywhere you want to go.

[davedel44]

Don't know about the Nevada but the V7 is a strong runner and very nimble.  I love mine in town and have no hesitation touring with it.  Add a original equipment  windshield and a set of Hebco Becker side cases and your all set.

Dave
Galveston

[pehayes]

Doesn't the newer Stone have cast, tubeless wheels?  That would be a deal maker for me.  Ease of roadside repair.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Vasco DG]

I'd suggest that although more expensive the V7-II Stone would be a pretty much ideal bike. Much better riding position for touring. Luggage for all the smallblocks is essentially the same and Hepco Baker make a very good system for the smallblocks.

Despite what many people think it is perfectly satisfactory to tour on a 'Smaller', less powerful bike and the single TB smallblock engines seem to have addressed both the oil consumption issues of the single TB models and are a cheap, easy, dream to service. I used to tour Europe on a 1957 Triumph 500! A V7 would of been a deranged fantasy of a ride!

If it was me there would be absolutely no question which model I'd buy.

Welcome as well!

Pete

[Kev m]

I'd suggest that although more expensive the V7-II Stone would be a pretty much ideal bike. Much better riding position for touring. Luggage for all the smallblocks is essentially the same and Hepco Baker make a very good system for the smallblocks.

Despite what many people think it is perfectly satisfactory to tour on a 'Smaller', less powerful bike and the single TB smallblock engines seem to have addressed both the oil consumption issues of the single TB models and are a cheap, easy, dream to service. I used to tour Europe on a 1957 Triumph 500! A V7 would of been a deranged fantasy of a ride!

If it was me there would be absolutely no question which model I'd buy.

Welcome as well!

Pete

+1 8)8)8)

[rboe]

A buddy in Slovenia went with the Nevada (this was a few years back) and did a lot of riding around that area of Europe (English prof at local college). Had a falling out with the local dealer and got a Harley XR1200 a couple years back. He would have gotten another Guzzi otherwise.

[donn]

I know that in the past there was a version of the Nevada called the touring, that came already with the screen and side cases, so that means that for long distance the Nevada is a better choice?

I would sure look into getting a screen (and of course side cases) for the V7.

I have an older Moto Guzzi, from the '80s, that came with a windscreen.  It was miserable on long rides - original windscreen, optional taller windscreen, no windscreen - abominable.  Apparently OK for others, not for me.  I found an old one that worked much better, for me, and now it's quite nice.  So the moral of my story is, yes a windscreen is a great improvement, but maybe not the first one you get, or comes with, the motorcycle.

I would try to be very careful with an old used Nevada (the only way you could get one?)   I'm only saying what I've read, but the size and design of the oil sump in older "small block" motors could lead to engine damage.  I guess after that happened it wouldn't be possible to pretend that the motorcycle was in working condition, but I don't know that for sure.  I think this has been improved in the latest models, which is a strong point in their favor.

[Vasco DG]

The sump remains the same, it's the Pistons and rings that have been redesigned which seems to have cured the oil usage issues.

Pete

[clubman_x]

Hello all

My computer failed on me, so I've been away for a while, now using a borrowed until mine gets repaired  :-[

Thank you all for your input, the old dealer ( luzeiro ) is refusing to lower the asking price , not even one euro, even though they have the bike for sale for the last three years. Maybe that's why they lost the concession ? I even agree to their asking price of € 6900 if they offered the title transfer ( about € 65 ) and not even that they accepted !!!

So no deal then,  which means the new V7 is the choosen one ! that is if I like the ride, haven't tried one yet, but cannot be too diferent from last years model !

Has far I know,  the new importer has sold already one special, and they have one  V7 stone on display in Lisbon, I might go there tomorrow to have a look. unfortunately is not registed yet, so cannot be used on the road.

Are you already receiving the new bikes is the States ?

Tito

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

which means the new V7 is the choosen one

That is very good, let us know what you think of it after riding it home.  ;-T

Are you already receiving the new bikes is the States ?

Not for awhile unfortunately.

[GuzziPilot]

Given your choices (currently) I'd stick with the most popular bike, the V7, as it has more accessories available and you'll have an easier sell, if need be.  They really do capture the classic lines and look.  Neat bike all the way around.

As for touring?  Well the Honda CB350 was considered a mighty fine ride back in the day, and the Triumphs & Norton's, twice that size were the gold standard....so a modern, fuel injected 750 ......peace of cake!!

And welcome to WG forums!!!

Lee

[Orange Guzzi]

I visited Portugal once, don't buy the cheap wine.

[clubman_x]

    Today I went to visit the new importer for MG in Portugal, they have just received one V7 stone in silver. I leave some pictures for you guys. They don't have one for demonstrations yet, maybe for the end of next week. When I get my hands on it I will let you guys know the result.

[clubman_x]

           Today  I finally got the chance to ride the new V7, so I want to share my impressions with you all.

First the new gearbox is very good, most of the time you don't even feel you have selected first gear, is really smooth, with a nice click to every gearchange. Loved it. Brakes also get  good marks,  progressive, powerfull, really good. Clutch wasn't too heavy, and had a progressive engage, quite good.

    Now the engine,  the sound is typical MG, lovely, power is good, went to 140 km/h with ease. The big down for me and what is making me think twice is the vibrations. There's quite a few, of all types. I understand that at idle the bike can shake a little, but with others as soon you start moving they desapear or reduce, with this one no, the just change. never go to a point for it to be smoth. noticed that it gets worse with more demand on power no so much rpm related.
      Like I mentioned in the firts posts, the bike I'm going to buy will have a dual role, city ridding while commuting to work, and on the weekend and holidays for long distance travel. Now my worry is just that, after a couple of hours I'm I going to be annoyed by this vibrations, numb hands,etc.

Your comments ?

Tito

[Lannis]

           Today  I finally got the chance to ride the new V7, so I want to share my impressions with you all.

First the new gearbox is very good, most of the time you don't even feel you have selected first gear, is really smooth, with a nice click to every gearchange. Loved it. Brakes also get  good marks,  progressive, powerfull, really good. Clutch wasn't too heavy, and had a progressive engage, quite good.

    Now the engine,  the sound is typical MG, lovely, power is good, went to 140 km/h with ease. The big down for me and what is making me think twice is the vibrations. There's quite a few, of all types. I understand that at idle the bike can shake a little, but with others as soon you start moving they desapear or reduce, with this one no, the just change. never go to a point for it to be smoth. noticed that it gets worse with more demand on power no so much rpm related.
      Like I mentioned in the firts posts, the bike I'm going to buy will have a dual role, city ridding while commuting to work, and on the weekend and holidays for long distance travel. Now my worry is just that, after a couple of hours I'm I going to be annoyed by this vibrations, numb hands,etc.

Your comments ?

Tito

IF you have issues with discomfort on that bike, it will likely come from OTHER reasons than vibrations from the bike, which is very smooth.

If the handlebars, seat, and footpegs are in the "wrong" position for you, you MAY have numb hands, sore knees, sore bum, etc.   The first thing I always do with any new bike is to "customize" it (either with adjustments, new handlebars, handlebar risers) and to consider what kind of seat to get, so that it fits ME and maybe ONLY me.   Gel grips, gel or air seat pads may help too.

No matter who you are, the chances are very small that you are the same size and configuration as the mythical Luigi Mozzarelli, the universal test rider of new Guzzis at the factory who declares the bikes comfortable and ready to go!

Lannis

[Doppelgaenger]

When I test rode the V7 stone, I also found that there was a lot of vibration, especially in the foot pegs. Enough that I thought the vibration might actually put my feet to sleep. But I rode it about 10 miles in traffic and that didn't happen.

All guzzis are going to vibrate a little bit, my Breva 1100 certainly has it's moments, but you do end up getting used to it. You do have to let a guzzi warm up quite thoroughly before you can make any informed statment on how much it vibrates though. My bike smooths out noticeably one it's properly warm. This usually takes at least 10 miles... and the bike you're riding is new so it might smooth out when it breaks in. If that is true or not, I leave to V7 owners who have lived with the bike tho.

personally I didn't care for the front brake on the V7. It's adequate, but not great.