Just musing about V7 III

[ohiorider]

I've been on WG for over 10 years.  Joined prior to purchasing my 1200 Sport.  So, with a 10 year history of following topic on this forum, I have noticed that the smallblocks seem to draw lots of praise, and also seem (to me) to have a very small number of problems posted.

The V7 III is of interest to me.  I've read much of what KevM has posted about the V7's he's owned, as well as many other posts.  These small bikes (small by today's standards) would seem to be an ideal machine to ride and maintain.  Two simple overhead valves to adjust periodically, a single throttle body requiring no balancing, and the price on one, especially a 2018 or 2019 leftover, seems reasonable.

Am I missing any glaring issues about these bikes?  Or would one make the near perfect commuter and day rider?

Realize I'm asking a (ahem) biased audience, but I'm not going to ask this question on a Triumph or BMW forum.

Bob

[Kiwi_Roy]

I wondered the same thing
I tried a 1400, I figured it was too big and heavy for someone my age,
So I bought a V7iii Special
I have been very pleased so far, 12000 km
Do you want easy clean cast wheels with tubeless OR Spokes and tubes?
Do you need a Tach?
Also check out the Roamer and Bobber, one of those may tick your boxes.
Would you have said a 750 was a small bike 30 years ago?

[Kev m]

You already know my answer! 


But picture > words:

[alanp]

You are not missing anything Bob!  They are very well sorted bikes from the factory*, maybe some of the best Guzzi ever made.  Easy to ride, surprisingly enjoyable, good handling*, comfortable, good looking.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my V7II!

*except for the much mentioned suspension issues, and limitations inherent with short suspension travel.  Pretty easy to upgrade, though, and the bikes handle well even with the stock suspension.  Just rough riding and easily unsettled.

[Vagrant]

Am I missing any glaring issues about these bikes?

only the fact you haven't bought one yet.

[ohiorider]

Would you have said a 750 was a small bike 30 years ago?

Roy, when I bought my first bike in October of 1965, my 650cc BSA was a beast of a bike .... so no, 55 years ago, the V7III would have been a superbike of the era.  Sounds like the V7III fits the bill for you!  Good to hear.

Bob

[egschade]

Have had my V7 III Stone and it has been reliable as a, well, stone. No issues and it's a great platform to personalize. If you're riding rough roads you may find the suspension a bit harsh and I think the bike handles better with radials and a 110 front IMHO. Replaced OEM front springs and added Hagon trail shocks to smooth things out a bit.

[Dave Swanson]

I am a big fan of the V7s.  If I was in the market for a new V7III right now I would be swayed toward the V9 Roamers at Cadre.  For $5500 and a bit more poke than the 7s. How could you go wrong!

[aproud1]

I rode a V9 and a V7 at Cadre. Went in convinced I'd ride a V9 home but left with a V7. The V9 was really nice. Very good power, comfortable and really like the looks (apparently some don't). The V7 just seems to feel more together. Once I adapted to the ergo's I stopped overthinking and enjoyed riding. Still in the honeymoon phase but I really love my V7 and think besides being fun to ride is beautiful.

I say go ride one and buy it if you like it. Hard to think of a new production bike I'd rather ride around town. Just something so right about the V7.

[bad Chad]

I smell a new bike purchase coming for someone. 

[MMRanch]

Bob

I've got a V-7II and a Roamer V-9 .    The Roamer has a lot more "Go" , but the V-7II is a lot quicker ride.   A couple weeks ago I went to Suches Ga. to meet some of the other Guzzi Folks from here.   Also , I met-up with a brother (1200 Sporter) who lives there and a buddy (F800BMW) that I ride with a lot.   
So I brought the Roamer to the mountains for the first time.   The last two times I met with these guys I was on the V-7II.   Both of them thought I was "Slower than my usual pace" on the Roamer , but it didn't seem it to me ???  But , they were able to keep-up this time . 

Your experience may vary ?   

[Kiwi_Roy]

The V7 III is of interest to me.  I've read much of what KevM has posted about the V7's he's owned,

I think KevM gets a commission on every one he sells, he sure loves them lol

[malik]

Yes, I'm biased, but with reason. A better commuter & day rider than most of the larger Guzzis. (I suspect that the Enfield 650 twin might actually be a better, lighter handling machine - blasphemy - or even (horrors) the SV650X). Don't let that stop you from the long trips, especially open-ended touring hunting the tight twisties. Both mine were ideal on the 30,000 km (19,000 mile) 140 day explore around the country. In this type of riding, you're trying not to miss too much of the sights as as you go by, there's no time limit, so no stress. It will handle more than legal speeds, but the extra concentration required is wearing over the longer periods.





The stock suspension is merely adequate, though quite useable; if I bought another, it would be the III Racer with Ohlins - sublime. If you don't like those ergos, then you could swap out the rear sets & clip ons (mild) for a more standard set AND have some change. Most of us change the mufflers for something that flows a little freer. The chromed headers don't suffer long term abuse well, so in a few (or more) years you may see fit to change those.

Easy to service (cheap too), reasonably fuel consumption with 21L in the tank, loads of torque in the right places, what's not to like.

[vstevens]

My 2013 V7 (same year and color as KevM’s) was more than adequate for me.  About the only issue was that it took a couple minutes to warm up properly.  That was never a problem but I recall a couple threads complaining about it.   Ditto on rear suspension.  Some have had water in the rear drive shaft (smith Swede I think) but seemed an easy fix.  I remember a few threads on the oil sump needing to be bigger.  I didn’t have a problem with it.  All in all, the V7 is an easy to live with bike.  And from what I have read, the V7iii is noticeably better in every aspect.  The V9 is gorgeous in person but pictures fail to capture the narrow waist and curvy tank.

[twowheeladdict]

I enjoy photographing mine almost as much as riding it. 

[stornello465]

I've been on WG for over 10 years.  Joined prior to purchasing my 1200 Sport.  So, with a 10 year history of following topic on this forum, I have noticed that the smallblocks seem to draw lots of praise, and also seem (to me) to have a very small number of problems posted.

The V7 III is of interest to me.  I've read much of what KevM has posted about the V7's he's owned, as well as many other posts.  These small bikes (small by today's standards) would seem to be an ideal machine to ride and maintain.  Two simple overhead valves to adjust periodically, a single throttle body requiring no balancing, and the price on one, especially a 2018 or 2019 leftover, seems reasonable.

Am I missing any glaring issues about these bikes?  Or would one make the near perfect commuter and day rider?

Realize I'm asking a (ahem) biased audience, but I'm not going to ask this question on a Triumph or BMW forum.

Bob

Hey Bob, I've loved my V7 II and used it as a commuter for long stretches of time. The only thing I'd say is that it depends on the commute you're doing. I've been riding mine on the CA highways I wish that the power output would be sliiiiiightly higher to help managing the aggressive traffic. But, I understand the V7 III have a better power output at higher revs than the II's.

With that said - super comfortable rider (I've been doing all-days on it and been in much better shape than my friends I've ridden with). Depending on what your build and preferred riding position is, maybe worth considering a Racer? I rode a friend's V7 II racer for 1.5 hrs or so and felt like it had slightly better power output. Although that one did have some modded pipes on...

[jas67]

You are not missing anything Bob!  They are very well sorted bikes from the factory*, maybe some of the best Guzzi ever made.  Easy to ride, surprisingly enjoyable, good handling*, comfortable, good looking.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my V7II!

*except for the much mentioned suspension issues, and limitations inherent with short suspension travel.  Pretty easy to upgrade, though, and the bikes handle well even with the stock suspension.  Just rough riding and easily unsettled.

The stock shocks on the III are much better than the stock shocks on the earlier V7's.


Oh, and a pic:

[ohiorider]

Jas, that's good to know!  How about forks?  Same as previous versions of the V7?  If so, has anyone done a quick fix by going with Progressive fork springs?  Looks like that could be done without even removing the fork legs, as long as one set the fork oil level per Progressive's directions.

Bob

Edit: good looking smallblock! Ominous looking sky ...... beautiful pasture.

[jas67]

Jas, that's good to know!  How about forks?  Same as previous versions of the V7?  If so, has anyone done a quick fix by going with Progressive fork springs?  Looks like that could be done without even removing the fork legs, as long as one set the fork oil level per Progressive's directions.

Bob

Edit: good looking smallblock! Ominous looking sky ...... beautiful pasture.

I don't find the forks to be in need of help on the III, though I've never really had a problem with the forks on the 2013 or 2014 V7's.    In fact, when I upgraded the '13 Racer with Ohlins on the back, I got fork internals for the front that I haven't had time to install yet.    I'm pretty happy with it as it is.   I fully expected to hate the front end once I had the Ohlins on the back, as such as nearly the case with my Monster 796 when I put Ohlins on the back.  The non-adjustable front end  of that bike felt unsettled until I scored a pair of Ohlins fork legs from a 1100S.   Now that I have both ends of that bike dialed in, it is bliss.

All that said, with my lower back problems, having a good rear suspension that protects my lower back from unexpected jarring is important.

Back to the front end, I will say, both my III and '13 Racer front ends are more likely to be upset by a bad bump mid turn than the Ohlins on the Monster, or even the stock BMW R1200RS front end.   

As a few others have said, go get a ride on one and see for yourself.

[Guzzi Gal]

Track one down and giver 'er a ride.

I love mine as delivered but I'm a rather sedate rider.  She'll do a ton willingly when asked so she has more than enough oomph for me.  I'm also not bothered by the suspension on the bumpy backroads but I'm not taking the twisties at any great speed so any unsettledness I might notice is minor.   

[HarveyMushman]

I've been on WG for over 10 years.  Joined prior to purchasing my 1200 Sport.  So, with a 10 year history of following topic on this forum, I have noticed that the smallblocks seem to draw lots of praise, and also seem (to me) to have a very small number of problems posted.

The V7 III is of interest to me.  I've read much of what KevM has posted about the V7's he's owned, as well as many other posts.  These small bikes (small by today's standards) would seem to be an ideal machine to ride and maintain.  Two simple overhead valves to adjust periodically, a single throttle body requiring no balancing, and the price on one, especially a 2018 or 2019 leftover, seems reasonable.

Am I missing any glaring issues about these bikes?  Or would one make the near perfect commuter and day rider?

Realize I'm asking a (ahem) biased audience, but I'm not going to ask this question on a Triumph or BMW forum.

Bob

I bought my V7 III Milano in part for the reasons you mentioned.  No regrets.  It's fun and easy to own. 

[HarveyMushman]

Have had my V7 III Stone and it has been reliable as a, well, stone. No issues and it's a great platform to personalize. If you're riding rough roads you may find the suspension a bit harsh and I think the bike handles better with radials and a 110 front IMHO. Replaced OEM front springs and added Hagon trail shocks to smooth things out a bit.

I'm in the process of wearing out the OE tires and will definitely replace them with radials, probably Conti RA3's.  But I'm curious about your preference for the 110 front.  Care to elaborate? 

[twowheeladdict]

I bought my V7 III Milano in part for the reasons you mentioned.  No regrets.  It's fun and easy to own. 

For all those who wanted chrome and cast wheels, this is the perfect bike.  She is a beauty!

[egschade]

I'm in the process of wearing out the OE tires and will definitely replace them with radials, probably Conti RA3's.  But I'm curious about your preference for the 110 front.  Care to elaborate?

My Stone came with a 100 front and Guzzi shows an 'optional' size of 110. I never felt comfortable with the feel of the stock tire even after a couple hundred break in miles - kinda harsh and greasy. Switching to the MT-60s with the 110 front (which is a radial) made the bike feel much more planted and stable in the corners. Could be the slightly bigger footprint OR radial construction but it feels much more confident and predictable. Steering is still quick but neutral. I'm running 1" taller Hagon shocks which more than compensates the bigger tire - same effect as raising the forks.

The MT-60s are stock on the Rough version and really work well on asphalt AND dirt/gravel roads. 2K miles on them with minimal wear.

[HarveyMushman]

For all those who wanted chrome and cast wheels, this is the perfect bike.  She is a beauty!

I think she's purty.  I like the blacked out Stones too.  Can't have 'em all. 

[HarveyMushman]

My Stone came with a 100 front and Guzzi shows an 'optional' size of 110. I never felt comfortable with the feel of the stock tire even after a couple hundred break in miles - kinda harsh and greasy. Switching to the MT-60s with the 110 front (which is a radial) made the bike feel much more planted and stable in the corners. Could be the slightly bigger footprint OR radial construction but it feels much more confident and predictable. Steering is still quick but neutral. I'm running 1" taller Hagon shocks which more than compensates the bigger tire - same effect as raising the forks.

The MT-60s are stock on the Rough version and really work well on asphalt AND dirt/gravel roads. 2K miles on them with minimal wear.

Cool, thanks.  Food for thought.  I need to ponder the circumferences and geometry changes. 

[Vagrant]

when I looked a while back it appears Conti quit the 100/90 and just has the 110/80 front now. one reason I tried the A41 Bridgestone + it was $100 cheaper a set.

[HarveyMushman]

when I looked a while back it appears Conti quit the 100/90 and just has the 110/80 front now. one reason I tried the A41 Bridgestone + it was $100 cheaper a set.

Wasn't sure so I just checked:  Revzilla at least still offers both the 100/90 and 110/80. 

[kingoffleece]

I put Conti RA 3's on in the stock size.  I'm quite happy FWIW.  Never even thought of changing size.  Maybe next time based on the reports.
2015 V7 Stone Mk1

[greer]

Thanks for the pictures, folks.  I do like scenes of V7's with my coffee.

Sarah