Possible 2014 V7 purchase

[bikelee]

Thinking about getting another Guzzi. I've had a few for the past ten or so years and thinking about getting a V7. There's one about a hour from my house. here's the ad;

 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Touring - $3900 (Catskill, NY)




2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
 Original Owner and Clean NYS Title in Hand
 9k miles ShowRoom Condition

The closest dealer ( AJ's in Mass. ) to my house is 2.5 hours away so reliability is a must. How are these bikes reliability wise ?  I know they have a metal tank, so no expansion issues. Were there problems with rectifiers and such ?
Are there problems or possible issues I should check out when I go see it ?

I just want a fun bike I can take out for a day and have a blast on. Seems like this should fill the bill. I would probably take off everything but the rear rack.

Please let me know what you guys think. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Leon.

[Dave Swanson]

Wow!  I don't think I have ever seen so much stuff hung on a V7!  It will be a lot of work taking it all off!  But the price is good.  What is up with the angle of those floorboards!   

 I believe the general consensus is that the V7 series is one of the most reliable of the modern day  Guzzis

[sign216]

Leon,

I've been a dedicated V7 rider for almost a decade.  They are reliable, although any machine can have it's problem.  Fortunately they are very easy to work on, so going to a dealer isn't an issue.  The rectifier problem wasn't so much w these bikes, but past models from years ago.  There are a few things to be done, but you can do them yourself.

Off the top of my head, early V7s had a problematic electrical connection underneath the fuel tank.  Take the tank off, and see if it looks burnt.  If not, you're ok.  Also, there was a recall to adjust the rear brake line.  Essentially to move it and tie it down, so it wouldn't get abraded.  An inspection should show if there's an issue.  That's all I can think of right now.  And...I wouldn't even do this for the pre-purchase inspection (removing the gas tank is a chore), but something to do after it's yours.

If AJ's the closest dealer to you, where are you located?  I'm down in south east Mass, by Taunton.

Joe

[pyoungbl]

Judging by all the cruiser stuff on the bike I'd guess that it has led a more sheltered life.  The R/R issue was present on my 2013 so I installed an aftermarket one once I saw that the OEM unit was charging at over 15V. That was an easy swap.   Some owners swap out the fuel filter for an all metal one but I only know of one actual failure from the metal/plastic part.   Otherwise the bikes are trouble free or at least as much as any machine can be.

[lorazepam]

Love my V7. It will run 75 all day with bags. A small windshield puts air at my shoulders, and no helmet buffeting.
I prefer day trips on backroads rather than riding on the highway.
They are modern airheads, and great motorcycles. Easy to maintain and repair.

[usedtobefast]

I'm not seeing the price.  Also, do you want the huge fairing, huge crash bars, and floor board/foot peg things? 

I would go for a brand new V7 iii Stone ... they are several places that have them at $6K ... then everything is brand new and you get a 2 year warranty.  But if you want all the touring stuff on it you would need to then add that.

[Dave Swanson]

I'm not seeing the price.

https://albany.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2014-moto-guzzi-v7-stone-touring/6897354032.html

[bikelee]

fixed my post. $3900

[Cam3512]

Good lord!  Did he chrome those valve covers?  Still, not a bad deal with low miles, but doesn’t look “showroom” to me.  Gotta strip all that stuff off.   My ‘14 had the rectifier issue, so I swapped it out. 

[Kev m]

The rectifier problem wasn't so much w these bikes, but past models from years ago.  There are a few things to be done, but you can do them yourself.

Joe

No actually the R/R problem effected 2013-14 models. They were spec'd to charge as high as 15-volts, but many overcharged at 15.3-17 volts. Many of us replaced the regulators with better aftermarket units.

[rocker59]

Harley Sport Glide fairing ??  LOL!

[malik]

My 2014 Special has proved significantly more reliable than my 2010 Classic - in more than 100,000km I've replaced a defective front brake light switch & a collapsed front wheel bearings (unusual to fail so early, but a $23 fix). Remove all those extras, and replace the floor boards with the standard footpegs (or some rearsets) & you'll be fine. Should you wish to spend money later, the suspension is the first candidate, then the muffler, & a beetle map, and possibly a solo seat (I find these more comfortable & they used to be very cheap). The other alternative is to wait until you find one that have already been set up the way you would like it, but this one does have very low mileage. Good hunting.

[sign216]

My 2014 Special has proved significantly more reliable than my 2010 Classic - in more than 100,000km I've replaced a defective front brake light switch & a collapsed front wheel bearings (unusual to fail so early, but a $23 fix). Remove all those extras, and replace the floor boards with the standard footpegs (or some rearsets) & you'll be fine. Should you wish to spend money later, the suspension is the first candidate, then the muffler, & a beetle map, and possibly a solo seat (I find these more comfortable & they used to be very cheap). The other alternative is to wait until you find one that have already been set up the way you would like it, but this one does have very low mileage. Good hunting.

My '09 Classic has been reliable.  What problems did your '10 have?

Oddly, I had to replace a wheel bearing too.  The originals were quality SKS bearings, but still one failed.  Perhaps the factory had a problem with the instal procedures.

Joe

[SmithSwede]

I’ve got a 2013 Stone.  Coming up on 92,000 miles.  I’d call it reliable.  I ride mine everywhere.   It’s my all time favorite bike. 

The OEM spark plug caps are utter crap.  This gave me absolute fits for a couple of years.  Easy & super cheap fix with correct NGK caps.   Goop up the spark plug wires with silicon to get a water tight seal.   Also seal the speed sensor on the rear wheel. 

My clutch went out at 60,000 miles–slipping.  I do a fair bit of city riding.  The first bearing on the transmission input shaft was also shot.   I think one may have caused the other.   About $350 in parts, but I did the labor myself.

Spline couplings on drive shaft failed at 86,000 miles.   I don’t think I was lubricating it correctly.   I just slathered on new spline grease onto the old, rather than clean out the splines and re-greasing with fresh stuff.  Around $300 in parts; easy fix. 

Crank position sensor failed at 50,000 miles.   Second one at 90,000 miles.   Now I carry a spare.   And I now know that you can get the same part from a Fiat for $40 or less.  Very easy fix.

The bike is dead easy to work on generally.  This forum helps as lot.   

 

[malik]

My '09 Classic has been reliable.  What problems did your '10 have?

Oddly, I had to replace a wheel bearing too.  The originals were quality SKS bearings, but still one failed.  Perhaps the factory had a problem with the instal procedures.

Joe

I'll do a full list on the Classic once I pass 200,000km - likely next week - & put it up on the yahoo site. At least then I'll be home & have access to the logbook/diary I keep. Still, I wouldn't swap it for any other bike, even the V7 III. It's been a great teacher, and it' suits me.

[Kiwi_Roy]

At that price and with it's low milage how could you go wrong?

[guzzi4me]

I bought my V7II new (my first new bike) and the only issue was a leaking front gasket that was fixed under warranty.

Other than that no issues at all. Would not hesitate going cross country on her.

Well, there is one problem. The ride to work is 15 miles...the ride home could be 15 to 50 miles!!
Nice problem to have.

I think you would be happy.

Ride safe and often,

Jeff

[Cam3512]

The guy that bought my '14 Special flew to NJ and rode it the long way to Denver (2,500 miles).  Didn't miss a beat, not even air in the tires.  I was confident it was well sorted.

[jas67]

The guy that bought my '14 Special flew to NJ and rode it the long way to Denver (2,500 miles).  Didn't miss a beat, not even air in the tires.  I was confident it was well sorted.

He got home w/o a flat, because Bill Hagan wasn't with him

[Cam3512]

He got home w/o a flat, because Bill Hagan wasn't with him

So true.

[Roebling3]

Been wondering if you had sold that bike, Cam. Better than new and looking great!
Hah! Under my now long gone traipsing to Cheyenne, SLC, Tucson, et. al. that would be a bunn burner gold X 2. IOW, 2 days. I have no idea what roses smell like, but it was huge fun.  R3~

[Cam3512]

The guy that bought my '14 Special flew to NJ and rode it the long way to Denver (2,500 miles).  Didn't miss a beat, not even air in the tires.  I was confident it was well sorted.

Yes Bud, making room for the new V85.  I shoulda mentioned, the new owner is 77 years young!

[gerryp]

Yes Bud, making room for the new V85.  I shoulda mentioned, the new owner is 77 years young!

Cam, are you going to be at Hamlin's when MG brings the demo truck in June?

Gerry

[Cam3512]

Cam, are you going to be at Hamlin's when MG brings the demo truck in June?

Gerry

Planning on it!

[larrys]

Cam, are you going to be at Hamlin's when MG brings the demo truck in June?
Gerry

When in June is that going to be? I've never been there, it would be a good excuse for a ride.
By the way, nice meeting you at the Whistle Stop.
Larry

[Vagrant]

No actually the R/R problem effected 2013-14 models. They were spec'd to charge as high as 15-volts, but many overcharged at 15.3-17 volts. Many of us replaced the regulators with better aftermarket units.

the 15's had it too. at least mine did.

[Kev m]

the 15's had it too. at least mine did.

Meaning the lower charging output MKI with a wet alternator?!?

That's the first I've heard. Thanks for the info.

[gerryp]

the 15's had it too. at least mine did.

Larry,

Hiya!!  good to see you post up.

Below is the info.  I'll be around to help out.

Factory Demo Truck Event


Moto Guzzi Factory Demo Truck – June 12-13
10 AM to 4 PM
The All New V85 plus V7III’s, V9’s, Stelvio and Norge Available to Demo-Aprilia’s Also Available to Try Out
Local Radio Stations Will Be Here Playing Music All Day
Roccos Deli Will Provide Lunch
!Please Call to Reserve a Spot!

Gerry