V7 Classic handling

[hannibal smith]

Is it just me, or does the V7 Classic's front end get very "light" at speeds 85MPH plus?

It could be due to the upright position, but it just seems that the weight bias favors the back end to a great extent.

Any thoughts?

ETA- I have a few bikes, and I definitely feel a difference on the Guzzi-

[Kev m]

I can't say I've particularly noticed it. I mean, it's a lighter front end to begin with when compared to our other current bikes.

And I'm not a small guy (5' 10"/225ish), who leans forward a little which might help it on the Stone.

What's your size and how are you sitting on it, upright or leaned in? I wonder if that could be a factor in what you're feeling?

[slowmover]

Slow down.

[mjptexas]

My 2015 V7 has a 'lighter' feel than my other bikes.  I attribute it to a combination of steering geometry and the relatively spindly forks.  I quickly got used to it, and have not found it to be an issue.

The V7 is like every other Guzzi I have - always wants to go faster...

[Cam3512]

Slow down.

Right, just don't do 85!

[hannibal smith]

Will the actually go 85 MPH ?

 Dusty

That and change! It's a puller.

[kevdog3019]

Drop the front-end; I'll bet you'll like it. I'd make the sump parallel with the ground. Works brilliantly on my Lario. Not twitchy!!

[Kev m]

Drop the front-end; I'll bet you'll like it. I'd make the sump parallel with the ground. Works brilliantly on my Lario. Not twitchy!!

Wait, the OP if complaining the front end feels too light (meaning too quick to turn) and you want him to make a change that will make it turn in quicker?

What am I missing?

[kevdog3019]

Wait, the OP if complaining the front end feels too light (meaning too quick to turn) and you want him to make a change that will make it turn in quicker?

What am I missing?

I didn't hear anyone say it turned in too quickly (unless "light front end" is code for "God this thing turns in too quickly!!).  I think you're putting words in the OP's mouth. I'm suggesting putting more weight up frontl since he only said it felt light up front. And trust me... It won't feel like it turns in too quickly. Does a bike that turns in too quickly always feel too light up front??  That's not my observation.

[Ion66]

This would be my route. http://www.racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/Moto%20Guzzi/V7/2009-15

[Kev m]

I didn't hear anyone say it turned in too quickly (unless "light front end" is code for "God this thing turns in too quickly!!).  I think you're putting words in the OP's mouth. I'm suggesting putting more weight up frontl since he only said it felt light up front. And trust me... It won't feel like it turns in too quickly. Does a bike that turns in too quickly always feel too light up front??  That's not my observation.

I guess you're right I might be putting words in the OP's mouth/misinterpreting his meaning.

I guess turns quickly is a characteristic that I generally associate with a front end feeling light.

[hannibal smith]

Drop the front-end; I'll bet you'll like it. I'd make the sump parallel with the ground. Works brilliantly on my Lario. Not twitchy!!

Yes, I definitely considered this. What I meant by "light" is that there is that sensation that the front tire is barely touching at speed. By leaning far forward, I can induce the sensation (or reality) that I have more pressure down, and the weight bias feels somewhat "normal".

I am 5'10" and 185, so the cockpit is compact, and I do sit rather upright. Fantastic for visibility and mirror use on the commute, but lacks when you want to hurry along.

So far, I have no issue with the suspension, the front and rear soak things up but still feel solid.

[redrider]

I hear you a bit there, Kev. My Benelli certainly has light as in flickable handling feel. Not much needed to change direction. But then there's too light in the front end that I feel as the front wheel comes up more quickly than the drive forward. As in light switch snap to the vertical.

[rodekyll]

Does this rig have a windscreen or fairing?

If the sensation is reality, you could be getting lift at speed -- like an airplane on a runway.  The right fairing or windscreen could apply downforce and help pin the front tire to the road.

I have the big tonti frame and I load it heavy to the rear for trips.  The front wheel feels light in parking lots.  As my speed comes up, the dino-rmous windjammer pushes the front end down.  So the faster I go the more stable it feels. 

[malik]

I think the V7C's front end must be somewhat light - I got 55,000k wear on the last Avon Roadrider (may be an aberration), & the current one looks about half worn at 33,000k. And I have rear sets & drop bars. The front always feels controllable & positive & the front end has never washed out. To me, the Avon seems to have a slightly sharper turn-in than the Sport Demon, and are a vast improvement on the original Lasertec. It may well be merely a handling difference between your bikes.The GRiSO & the V7, for example, are completely different animals to ride, as are the 1100 Sport & V7. And the Enfield single feels like a toy after coming off the V7.