Ducatisti considering a V7...thoughts?

[BedMac]

Hello!  I'm new to this board, brought here because I find myself thinking about my next bike. I'm looking for your thoughts on a V7 as my next purchase.

By way of background, I've mostly been riding Ducatis in recent years - an ST3 and a 999 gave way to an 1198S and a Hypermotard.  But that's history; they're gone. Currently I ride a Multistrada 1200S which I think is incredible, and I'm keeping that.  For around town I have this great scooter, an Aprilia SR50 Factory.

I'm 64.  While I did about 20 trackdays between the 999 and the 1198 (and one on the ST3), those are behind me.

I was thinking my next bike to join the Multi and the scoot was going to be a smaller ADV bike, a Royal Enfield Himalayan, maybe a KTM790 ADV, ideally the long rumored KTM 390ADV if it ever came out. But I decided that realistically, since I tend to like to ride alone I probably wouldn't use them in real life nearly as much as I fantasize about doing all those "Backroad Discovery Routes" you hear so much about. 

So back to now.  I've been thinking about a bike between the functionality of the scooter (quick trips around town) and the Multi (capable for everything but big and best on the longer haul).  Something I can hop on easily, maybe throwing a little caution to the wind by not going "all the gear all the time" like I do on my long tours. A bit more casual, if you will.

Given my Ducati history I started there.  I've never taken to the Scramblers in terms of design.  And I don't need 1100ccs and the Ducati prices.  The older Sports Classic and and the GTS1000 would be great, except their brief release means their used prices are way up there.  And again, don't need 1100ccs.  On the other hand, retro has some appeal.

So then I "discover" the V7.  Like many, I had not considered Moto Guzzi.  Didn't know much about them except they looked kind of odd.  Uncommon and esoteric.

So I check into them.  Reliability appears better than I expected.  Sure there are quirks (no fuel gauge?) but nothing massively off-putting.  Shaft drive is a welcomed plus. I'm close to a good "Italian bike" dealership (Pro Italia) and am familiar with AF1 so service and parts, if needed, don't seem bad.  Great deals seem to be possible and right now MG even has a financing incentive going.

But what really struck me are some of the Youtube reviews of the V7, how you could discern the reviewer's simple "joy of riding."  Often they just start laughing. This is really appealing to me!  Sounds perfect for casual, relaxed, around greater Los Angeles area rides.

So I'm looking for your thoughts: Has anyone else here gone from much higher horsepower, higher performance rides to a V7?  Was it a joy or a disappointment?  From anyone, do you think this would be a short term mistake or a long-term love affair?

Thanks for reading this far and for your thoughts!

[Kev m]

So back to now.  I've been thinking about a bike between the functionality of the scooter (quick trips around town) and the Multi (capable for everything but big and best on the longer haul).  Something I can hop on easily, maybe throwing a little caution to the wind by not going "all the gear all the time" like I do on my long tours. A bit more casual, if you will.

That describes the V7 perfectly.

But what really struck me are some of the Youtube reviews of the V7, how you could discern the reviewer's simple "joy of riding."  Often they just start laughing. This is really appealing to me!  Sounds perfect for casual, relaxed, around greater Los Angeles area rides.

As does this.

So I'm looking for your thoughts: Has anyone else here gone from much higher horsepower, higher performance rides to a V7?  Was it a joy or a disappointment?  From anyone, do you think this would be a short term mistake or a long-term love affair?

BIG HP? Maybe not... but when I had this 100 rwhp Buell in the garage side-by-side with this V7 Stone, I often found myself riding the Stone instead or wishing I had.







Equally my wife loves her 696.... but is also very happy with the V7III we picked up recently.





You should PM my little bro JAS67, he's got a couple of Ducatis including a dedicated track bike (he just got back from VIR last week) and also has two V7s.

But really, at the end of the day none of us can reassure you, that's something you have to experience for yourself. So find a dealer willing to allow you a decent demo or hit up someone from the board and go out for a ride - swap bikes for an hour or two and see.

[MMRanch]

BedMac

I've got a V-7II and understand the V-7III is better.   

The Guzzi designers might have thought they were competing with Suzuki GSX-R 750 when they did the V-7 gear spacing , but would have been better off to put more space between the gears so we could have an American Interstate 6th gear.   
There is more than enough power to cruise at 80 mph (5K-rpm) easily all day long , and that 5.5 gal fuel tank is a wonderful thing .   The seat is nice and long too.   The thing handles like a sport bike in the twisties just fine .
That 17 inch rear rim means you can't get long lasting tires for it , but its a fun bike that can leave most cars sitting at the light and get you 50-55 mpg when you let it stretch out. 

[fossil]

Hi!
Not exactly what you ask for (others will chime in here), as the V7 Stone I bought in 2013 was my first "big" bike. However - my dealer carries Guzzi, Ducati, Aprilia, Vespa, Royal Enfield, Suzuki and some odd chinese marques. So - when I had my V7 in for service he gave me a Monster 1200 for two days. Which I rode extensively, of course. On the same backroads here in Northern Germany I ride with my own bike. And that was interesting! The Duc was marvellous, extremely docile (I chose the "Touring" - mode), crisp acceleration. I could position it at will with the steering, the brakes and the acceleration. It felt as if it was stitched to my a.. . But the most astonishing thing was: riding this modern bike was much less - well, difficult ist the wrong word. Somehow the much weaker and slower V7 was more demanding in a good way. When I got my bike again I looked whether still both cylinders were present after the first acceleration. But that feeling vanished soon and I was simply happy on my bike. Could I be happy with the Monster? But of course! Am I envious of Monster - riders? No, interestingly not.

Don´t ask me what I felt when my dealer gave me a V-Strom 1000. I was really unhappy on this soulless hunk of plastic and metal. With double the power of my little Italian.

So, just borrow such a thing for two days and ride it.

By the way, I`m 64.

And another addition: The V7 III is better.

I have altered the Kaifa forks using Mupo emulator valves, and the fork is pushed up for about 15 mm. Altered the steering and roadholding positively.

[fossil]

That 17 inch rear rim means you can't get long lasting tires for it , but its a fun bike that can leave most cars sitting at the light and get you 50-55 mpg when you let it stretch out. 

How do you define "long lasting"?

[pyoungbl]

I had a few Ducks in the past...ST2, Multistrada 1000DS, Monster and (way back when...750SS).  I loved each of them.  I did not love the maintenance.  After you upgrade the suspension you'll find the V7 to be the one you'd take to meet your parents as opposed to the red headed nymphomaniac that owned a liquor store (Ducati). Seriously, the V7 is a joy to maintain and it's fun to ride. 

Peter Y.

[Sykestone8886]

I've owned many bikes over the years mostly big heavy touring bikes and two stroke scramblers. Last summer I purchased a 2016 v7 stornello, and I must admit it is my favorite bike of all to ride. I've put 8000 trouble free miles on it so far. The suspension is not the best but I've got used to it and the seat not the best either but I've added an air hawk seat and it is night and day. Also very easy to maintain. So with out a doubt I think you should test ride one, there's a lot of good deals out there. I think you'd like it !!'

[guzzi4me]

Greetings and welcome to the board!

I was a Honda rider since 15...CB175, CB360 CB550 GL1000 until I saw a Guzzi at Munroe Motors in San Francisco.

Sat on it and bought it without even a test ride. Been nothing but Guzzi's for me ever since.
I have had 2 V11's but decided to downside to a V7II due to health reasons.

The V7 series is a fantastic bike. Mine is my everyday rider..the ride to work is 15 miles and the ride home could be
anywhere from 15 to 50 miles!

They are a fun bike to ride. Quite capable for in town or long rides. Quite reliable and easy to work on.

I think you would be happy.

Jeff

[jpv7]

I had a few Ducks in the past...ST2, Multistrada 1000DS, Monster and (way back when...750SS).  I loved each of them.  I did not love the maintenance.  After you upgrade the suspension you'll find the V7 to be the one you'd take to meet your parents as opposed to the red headed nymphomaniac that owned a liquor store (Ducati). Seriously, the V7 is a joy to maintain and it's fun to ride. 

Peter Y.

+1.  I am coming from a Ducati 916 track bike, 2003 ST4 and Monster S2R1000.  I bought a V7ii.  The biggest shock for me was the front fork (wow it was bad compared to the Ducks).  But that was probably because I was trying to ride it fast.  Yes it's down on power and you need to plan your passes a bit, especially if you are riding with higher HP bikes.  But that's part of the fun of it.  For me, I don't need to ride it like an idiot to have fun on it.  With the suspension sorted (you get what you pay for BTW) I can even tour on it now.  V7 quality is decent for a Guzzi, although mine had an oil leak from the alternator cover that I fixed myself.  That wouldn't worry me at all.  As others said, the maintenance is easy, and the insurance is a lot cheaper for sure...     

[Chuck in Indiana]

I had a few Ducks in the past...ST2, Multistrada 1000DS, Monster and (way back when...750SS).  I loved each of them.  I did not love the maintenance.  After you upgrade the suspension you'll find the V7 to be the one you'd take to meet your parents as opposed to the red headed nymphomaniac that owned a liquor store (Ducati). Seriously, the V7 is a joy to maintain and it's fun to ride. 

Peter Y.

This pretty well explains it.  I was a Ducati guy from the 70s-90s until I first rode a Guzzi. I have an older small block, and it's perfectly capable of doing what needs to be done.  There is an involvement with Guzzis that is (to me) missing in any other marque I've ridden.
Just the same, only you can decide what you like. Guzzis are "different" though, and a half hour test ride probably won't let you "get it." It took me 5000 miles on my first one (Centauro) before I fully understood what they are about. Some "get it" immediately.. I'm a slow learner..
I see that jpv7 posted while I was typing. Yes, don't expect it to handle as well as a Duck with the "poverty pack" suspension they are delivered with. They are not horrible.. but not for canyon scratching without suspension mods.
At any rate, to me, a motorcycle is all about the "motor." Guzzis talk to me.

[Beowulf]

I have ridden with a friend who owns a Ducati monster. Nice bike without a doubt. Stupidly fast. But i have to say the v7 isnt a rocket. However it isn't any slouch and it is very fun to hit any sort off curve with. I have ridden a lot of Harleys(so many demo days so little time). I have rode bmw's, few Hondas a cbr 1000. Kz 1000. There have really hasn't been to many instances where i find the v7 lacks power in the realm of legal speeds and beyond.

Its just fun. Easy to handle not very heavy. It's not bad on long distance trips. My wife and i had a great time taking it to Florida. I think from what you describe it would be great. Im honestly surprised they are not more popular bikes.

[jpv7]

This pretty well explains it.  I was a Ducati guy from the 70s-90s until I first rode a Guzzi. I have an older small block, and it's perfectly capable of doing what needs to be done.  There is an involvement with Guzzis that is (to me) missing in any other marque I've ridden.
Just the same, only you can decide what you like. Guzzis are "different" though, and a half hour test ride probably won't let you "get it." It took me 5000 miles on my first one (Centauro) before I fully understood what they are about. Some "get it" immediately.. I'm a slow learner..
I see that jpv7 posted while I was typing. Yes, don't expect it to handle as well as a Duck with the "poverty pack" suspension they are delivered with. They are not horrible.. but not for canyon scratching without suspension mods.
At any rate, to me, a motorcycle is all about the "motor." Guzzis talk to me.

I must say that with suspension mods, it's satisfying to pass bikes with 2X the horsepower in the canyons and twisty bits...and I'm laughing in my helmet while doing so...

[malik]

What they said. You do need to test ride to see whether the V7 "speaks to you". if possible, test ride the V7 III Racer  also - those Ohlins on the rear make a significant difference.

[Dave Swanson]

Welcome to the forum!  And good luck on your quest to own a Guzzi. 

I think you will enjoy one of the  V7 series whichever you choose.   Every time I am on my 2015 V7 it brings me back to the pure feel of riding I had as a new rider 45 years ago on my 74 Honda CB750.  There is something just so right about this bike! 

The rear shocks to me were very lacking and were replaced almost immediately, but I have found the front suspension is decent.

I wholeheartedly can recommend this bike.  I have ridden the new V7III and was impressed also.  The V7 Milano has been calling to me.  :)

[mhershon]

I had a ZRX1200 Kawasaki for 75,000 miles before selling it and buying a first-generation V7, a Special. I don't miss the horsepower. I miss the chain final drive even less. I bought my bike from the perfect previous owner and it has not given me problem one. It's my only bike, and honestly all the bike I need. Brisk is fast enough on the twisty roads..and adjusting the valves takes half an hour. My bike has spoked wheels and tubed, non-radial tires. Like you probably, I rode tubed non-radials for decades so it's not a problem. Lots of V7 riders feel that their bikes need to have the ECUs re-flashed. I'd factor that into what you'll have to pay. A V7 doesn't say anything about you, except for the Racer models, I guess. It's a light-hearted motorcycle if that's what you have in mind. 

[Dave Swanson]

Lots of V7 riders feel that their bikes need to have the ECUs re-flashed. I'd factor that into what you'll have to pay.   

I am in that camp.  A Beetle map comes at a very reasonable cost.  That and a set of Mistral slip ons (I prefer with db killer left in) equals pure bliss! 

[usedtobefast]

I think head over to Pro Italia and try one out.  With your list of bikes I would be shocked if you like it.

I just can't imagine a track day Ducatisti liking a V7.  I don't think the guys test riding a V7 and laughing came to the demo on a Ducati Multistrada 1200.   

If you were thinking of a mid 70's retro bike ... and then decided on a V7 iii instead, that's a great idea.  You get a "modern" bike that is kind of like an old bike at the same time.

And as for the more casual riding, I think you should put all your gear on with anything you are going over 25 mph on. 

[pete mcgee]

All I can suggest is you go and take one for an extended test ride.
If horse power is important to you, you may be underwhelmed.
Having owned a mk 3 lemans for the last 32 years, I found when I went for a ride on the V7 predesesor the breva that the small blocks were a bit of a revelation, light weight, light clutch, light throttle, nice in the city etc.
The V7 in all reports is a step up on the breva.
Thats my 2 cents for what its worth.
Cheers

[SmithSwede]

I’ll chime in to say my all time favorite bike is my 2013 V7 small block.   It is a really fun bike that does everything I reasonably need to do on a bike.   Just a smile inducing, quirky, fun bike.   I commute on mine, ride long distances, etc.   

That being said, I recently bought a carbed Ducati 900SS from a forum member, and it is my second favorite bike of all
time.   It is seriously in contention to knock the Guzzi out of first place.   Jury is still out . . .

So I really, really like them both.    My hunch is if you “get” Ducatis, you will “get” a Guzzi too.   The Guzzi will be more mellow and perhaps less maintenance intensive.   Perhaps. 

[Cam3512]

I had a ZRX1200 Kawasaki for 75,000 miles before selling it and buying a first-generation V7, a Special. I don't miss the horsepower. I miss the chain final drive even less. I bought my bike from the perfect previous owner and it has not given me problem one. It's my only bike, and honestly all the bike I need. Brisk is fast enough on the twisty roads..and adjusting the valves takes half an hour. My bike has spoked wheels and tubed, non-radial tires. Like you probably, I rode tubed non-radials for decades so it's not a problem. Lots of V7 riders feel that their bikes need to have the ECUs re-flashed. I'd factor that into what you'll have to pay. A V7 doesn't say anything about you, except for the Racer models, I guess. It's a light-hearted motorcycle if that's what you have in mind.

Yea, I hear your bike is really dialed in and tastefully modified!

Cam

[ssrealty]

I love Ducati motorcycles.

I currently own a 2014 Ducati Multistrada, a 2017 Ducati SuperSport S, and a 2017 V7III. I previously owned a Monster 796, Scrambler, and a previous generation Multistrada. I track the SS.

I purchased the V7 as a third motorcycle. I wanted a bike that my daughter and wife could ride. I was looking for a motorcycle that was  easy to ride, low/reasonable HP, light weight, has low seat, and is fun to ride. The V7III has character and good low end torgue. It is like a baby Ducati but much easier to ride at slower speeds. It is very easy to ride slow in the city and is happy at low RPMs unlike a Ducati.

I have ridden over 4,000 miles in less than a year. I ride it much more than I anticipated. I think you will really enjoy a V7III.

[BedMac]

First, thanks for making me feel instantly welcomed here.  All I can say is "WOW!" there is some great insight and advice here...just what I was hoping for.  And if you've got more, please don't stop!

Although I put it in the "Introduce Yourself" thread, here is my complete motorcycle history:

1970 Honda Mini Trail 50 (Christmas gift in 1970; still have it)
1981 Yamaha XS400 Special (gone)
2007 Ducati ST3 (gone)
2003 Ducati 999 (gone)
2009 Ducati 1198S (gone)
2011 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 (gone)
1980 Yamaha XS400 "cafe conversion project" (gone)
2011 Suzuki DRZ400S (gone)
2009 Aprilia SR50 Factory scooter (current)
2016 Ducati Multistrada (current)

Probably relevant are my two turns with the Yamaha XS400, (the original and a cafe conversion I did for fun and as sort of a goof). The Yamaha put out about 34HP if I recall correctly.  The cafe version was based on the XS400 since that was the original model of my first real motorcycle. I had never tried to make one of those so I figured I'd give it a shot.  It was a total blast to ride around and it had a long tank too.  I'm expecting the V7 would recreate some of that experience with the benefits of being modern, stylish in its own right, and not require an engine rebuild that would have been the next step on my XS400, (or at least have some sort of warranty).  I'll attach pics, before and after; like I said it was my first attempt so keep any laughter down, please. (PS: It really wasn't "Moon Equipped")

I may jump in with some quoted replies but for now I just wanted to say thanks and let you know I'm reading everything you are saying!

What I started with....





What I ended with...

 

[Kev m]

I just can't imagine a track day Ducatisti liking a V7.  I don't think the guys test riding a V7 and laughing came to the demo on a Ducati Multistrada 1200.   

That is despite me giving an example of one (JAS67) on here who has TWO V7s in the first reply.   

[Muzz]

I have the smallblock Breva, the generation before the V7 range, and have had it now for 15 years.  I have never owned a Ducati.

When they came out it was panned because "it only had 48hp, it's too small for touring, and it's not a big block".  I piddle around town on it and I tour on it. It's very comfortable and really the only problem is, I get faceache from grinning when I come to a hill.

The 48hp is very usable, torque from low down and away it goes.  Makes for enjoyable riding; here in New Zealand we have CORNERS, lots of them, and the Breva is in it's element.  Fire breather it ain't, fun machine definitely.  The V7 range is later and more refined.

[Devildog]

Welcome. I too am not keen on the Ducati Scramblers, but my son has one and they are really nice bikes to ride. The power is close to my '98 900 SS, and it handles well. The V7, while gorgeous, lacks the kind of power that you are used to. The V85 might be the better compromise, and rumor has a street V85 is coming out, that might be worth waiting for.

[fotoguzzi]

I think head over to Pro Italia and try one out.  With your list of bikes I would be shocked if you like it.

I just can't imagine a track day Ducatisti liking a V7.  I don't think the guys test riding a V7 and laughing came to the demo on a Ducati Multistrada 1200.   

If you were thinking of a mid 70's retro bike ... and then decided on a V7 iii instead, that's a great idea.  You get a "modern" bike that is kind of like an old bike at the same time.

And as for the more casual riding, I think you should put all your gear on with anything you are going over 25 mph on.

Read what usedtobefast wrote twice, I agree and don't think I'd be happy on the V7 for more than a week.. then get a real long test ride or borrow one for a weekend.. having said that I think they are priced right compared to Ducati'? Don't know what that scrambler costs, not my kind of bike either.

[Penderic]

In the distant future, if you get tired of riding, you can always switch to 4 wheels and still keep the Italian connection. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMMvXbyqq60

[MMRanch]

Fossil  wrote :  How do you define "long lasting"?


I've been running Commander II's on my Cruiser Bikes and getting near or better than  20,000 miles out of them.    Yes , REAR tires.

So

These Bubble-Gum 4 to 6 K mile tires seem like a cruel Joke in comparison .   The Avon AM26 RoadRider I just replaced had 8,200 miles on it (130/90-17)  . 

[mechanicsavant]

I’m in agreement w/the above comments, my other bike is a naked R1200r .
Bought a leftover V7II & after personalizing it it’s a hoot ,like doing a polka w/a 100lb. Girl !
One more thing, the first week it was pretty tight w/coarse suspension . Motor seated in about 8k mi. & I sorted the suspension to my taste . Some hard bags & misc. farkles too. Now @ 15000Mi. & it’s a total grin generator .

[fossil]

Fossil  wrote :  How do you define "long lasting"?


I've been running Commander II's on my Cruiser Bikes and getting near or better than  20,000 miles out of them.    Yes , REAR tires.

So

These Bubble-Gum 4 to 6 K mile tires seem like a cruel Joke in comparison .   The Avon AM26 RoadRider I just replaced had 8,200 miles on it (130/90-17)  .

This is long lasting. However: how much of your riding is in cold and wet conditions? I ride relatively often in temperatures below 0°C, and what I need here is grip. Much more grip than for example the Sport Demon generates. In the moment I use the Dunlop Street Smart which is really good here (and outlasts the Pirelli by appr. 40 %), the next tyres will be Conti radials.

By the way: there is no fitting size of the Commander II for the V7. Neither front nor rear.