I'd Like Some Basic V7 Advice Please

[Sheepdog]

Any bike can have small issues. My Calvin quit on me during a tour, due to the improper hose material used with the fuel pump (doesn't work well with E10 fuels). I pulled the tank, extracted the fuel pump, reconnected it, and double-clamped the hose...at 9:00pm by the light of a casino sign. I was on my way in about an hour. Excepting a few flats, that is the only problem I've had in 10 years of ownership...

Guzzis are pretty overbuilt. As long as you keep up the maintenance and resist the temptation to splice into your wiring or make ill-advised engine modifications, these bikes will last a good long time.

[pete roper]

The vast majority of problems I see and read about on forums are the result of 'Have-A-Go-Harry-Hometune' screwing about with stuff that they don't understand and aren't competent to attempt. Unfortunately quite a few of these turd burglars seem to run shops or work in the service departments of same.......

[Guzzi Gal]

I'm short on the inseam side of things.  The V7 is still a tad high for me.  Has anyone had any luck having the front of the seat narrowed a bit to allow my legs to go straight down, instead of splayed out to the side?  Or is the body and frame still too wide to make that very effective.  On a stock bike, I'm barely on my tip toes.

I'm 5'6" and ride the III without any modifications.  http://cycle-ergo.com might help find the right fit.  Initially, I wanted the blue Special, then I saw the Anniversario.  I have the same issue as you, lack of local service, but bought her anyway.
 
Moto International is where I purchased my bike, sight unseen, and had her shipped.  The owner, Dave Richardson, is fantastic, and literally wrote the book on Moto Guzzi.  This is copied from http://www.motointernational.com and might be of interest to you.

"To better accommodate shorter riders, we have compiled a custom kit of components that lower seat height approximately 2. The kit consists of a lower, narrower seat with gel insert, shorter rear shocks, repositioned front forks, and different hand levers better accommodating a shorter reach.  We love the shocks! Compared to the originals, these provide a more compliant ride, and easier spring preload adjustment. This pair is 1 inch shorter than stock for use by shorter riders. In spite of being shorter, they actually provide slight greater suspension travel (movement). To match, the front forks should be slid up through the triple clamps approximately 3/4 of an inch."

The only problem with Anni is her rider.  She SUCKS!   

 

[tasdisr]

I am 5ft 6in and the only changes I have made to get a better riding position is to add the gel saddle which I think lowers the seating height by about one inch and a set of adjustable brake and clutch levers.


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[guzzisteve]

"guzzisteve,

Can you tell us why you might prefer the V9 over the V7III?

Sarah"
Just for more power that's all.

[Hawker]

Wow...you have all been more than helpful.  I've been riding a while so a taller bike doesn't bother me, but I'd at least like to be able to get the balls of my feet on the ground.  Helps with crowned roads at stop lights, and when trying to back into or out of a parking space.

I think I need to find one in N.GA to at least sit on.  But I'm pretty committed to a V7III at this point.   

Thanks again. 

[elvisboy77]

Wow...you have all been more than helpful.  I've been riding a while so a taller bike doesn't bother me, but I'd at least like to be able to get the balls of my feet on the ground.  Helps with crowned roads at stop lights, and when trying to back into or out of a parking space.

I think I need to find one in N.GA to at least sit on.  But I'm pretty committed to a V7III at this point.   

Thanks again.

Go dog, Go!  And PLEASE SEND PICTURES!  Have fun.

[greer]

"guzzisteve,

Can you tell us why you might prefer the V9 over the V7III?

Sarah"
Just for more power that's all.

Thanks!

Sarah

[Vagrant]

Wow...you have all been more than helpful.  I've been riding a while so a taller bike doesn't bother me, but I'd at least like to be able to get the balls of my feet on the ground.  Helps with crowned roads at stop lights, and when trying to back into or out of a parking space.

I think I need to find one in N.GA to at least sit on.  But I'm pretty committed to a V7III at this point.   

Thanks again.

check your PM

[Yukonica]

But I took your original comment to be more of a "the big mechanical things are solid" or "there's no single trend toward poor mechanical in Guzzis" or something more like that.

You are absolutely correct. The bike is mechanically solid. I have had a few teething issues to be sure, and maybe it is luck of the draw. I looked at the challenges as a signal that if I'm going to ride a unique marque in a region with no service options I had better be willing to get my fingernails dirty. Peter Roper is probably shaking his head and coming up with a quirky way to say 'dumb---' but it was learn for myself or ride a Honda.

[pete roper]

You are absolutely correct. The bike is mechanically solid. I have had a few teething issues to be sure, and maybe it is luck of the draw. I looked at the challenges as a signal that if I'm going to ride a unique marque in a region with no service options I had better be willing to get my fingernails dirty. Peter Roper is probably shaking his head and coming up with a quirky way to say 'dumb---' but it was learn for myself or ride a Honda.

No, I won't say dumb because living where you do you went into ownership with your eyes wide open and accepting that if something did go wrong you either had the skills or could effectively Aquire them to deal with the issue.

What I find odd and a little bit enraging is people who live at some remove from dealer, any dealer, assistance who buy something out of the mainstream that they don't have the skills or understanding to look after and then look for fault anywhere or with anything rather than their own poor choices and decision making.

Trying to think of some sort of thing to compare it to? Perhaps someone living in a remote Aboriginal community in Norther Territory of Oz deciding that they really like the idea of a fifty foot cabin cruiser and then complaining that the nearest river it can float in is 1500km away and it can't be serviced in town! Just odd!

Pete

[malik]

That brings to mind the boat club on Lake Eyre. I believe you have to have a boat (moored/parked/beached) there to be a member. They only get enough water to float the boats every what? 10  or 15 years, and then only for a month or 3. But they knew that going in.

[Huzo]

That brings to mind the boat club on Lake Eyre. I believe you have to have a boat (moored/parked/beached) there to be a member. They only get enough water to float the boats every what? 10  or 15 years, and then only for a month or 3. But they knew that going in.

Is it a house boat ?