2nd bike: Stornello and Scrambler owners

[dave1068]

Greetings,

Looking to get a 2nd bike and both a Stornello and Scrambler are available. IVe had Scramblers but the old carb version and had Guzzis, the stelvio and 1200 sport. Ive always liked the Stornello and I know Scramblers are reliable.

For those who have had BOTH bikes, what were your thoughts?

For those that had the stornello, any known or regular problems as we know MG is often prone to?

Thx- Dave

[Dirk_S]

Do you mean the original Stornello, or the V7 II variant? If the latter, I reckon there isn’t much difference between that and any other V7II.

[dave1068]

Yes the most recent Stornello from 2016 not from one 50yrs ago or so. Thanks

[JJ]

Never owned or rode one...but I like them...and I believe the Stornello would make a fine dual-sport bike, if not flogged too hard.

[usedtobefast]

What bike do you mean by "Scrambler"?  When I hear that I think of the Ducati Scrambler? 

[dave1068]

Triumph Scrambler

[Matteo]

Having fun with my V7 in Alaska.

[Sykestone8886]

I have the 16 stornello that I bought new in 2018. I now have 13,000 trouble free miles on it, I've upgraded the seat stock was like a two by four. The suspension is not the best but I've gotten used to it. It's a fun bike that I ride more than any of my other ones, it does good on a lot of the state forest roads I ride , but I'm a leisurely rider, just wish I could find tires that I could get more than 6-7 K on.

[Bulldog9]

The Stornello is a great second bike.

It is basically a V7ii with a different map, scrambler exhaust, dual sportish tires (that work surprisingly well) and unique body work. The combination of map and exhaust give the motor a more raucous feel, at least compared to the other V7's I've ridden. The bike is a blast, and I enjoy it far more than I thought I could a 44hp motorcycle.

The Stock suspension is terrible for anything other than sedate riding on smooth roads. In those situations it is fine. Any kind of rough/bump/washboard, and delight turns to misery.  I'm about #200 and would crash/bottom the front suspension on every ride, and the rear was not much better. Way oversprung and under damped.

Solution was a new set of Fork springs and rear shocks.  Went with KTech fork springs and 420mm Hagon Enduro/Trail shocks for the rear, sprung for my weight.  Cost under $400 total and the ride is sublime on any and all roads or bumps. Also have about 1/2" increase in height while seated on the bike and 1" overall (if I remember correctly).

The stock seat is fine for me, have done 8 hour days on multiple days without issue. I've made a few other changes and additions to the bike (too many for those with sensitive natures) but my Stornello "TT" is exactly what I wanted for the dirt/gravel long distance riding I want.  I did NOT want a true off road bike, but one I can ride cross country on any road or condition, and not have to turn around when encountering too much dirt/mud/gravel. I also use it for my daily commute to work.

Major modifications are as follows:

1. Beetle Map (an absolute must)
2. Hagon Enduro shocks and Ktech Fork Springs (another absolute must)
3. Mistral exhaust can (pulls can almost 2" closer to frame)
4. Hepco Becker Xplorer side and top cases with custom brackets to mount outside the exhaust (made more feasible by the Mistral)
5. Adapted an old Large Norge Windscreen
6. Oxford Grip Heaters
7. Stelvio Hand Guards
8. HB case guards and center stand
9. 1" bar risers (makes standing up on pegs more natural and more neutral riding position)
10. AUX LED lights front and rear

The Stock tires are about done, and have been far better than expected, you'd never guess it has a knobby rear tire, but the front is terrible in the wet. I plan on Bridgestone A41's this summer. It would be a fun second bike, but be prepared for it to be your 'go to' 

Even without modification the bike is a TON of fun. The only real 'necessary' upgrade to make the bike a perfect 'second' bike would be the suspension for me. It is sprung for someone weighing #150 IMO.

I've ridden several other V7's, a classic, two iii's and one other ii. The Stornello has a different character that I can only attribute to the different map and high exhaust. Get it, you won't regret it.  Sometimes I do miss the simple purity of the design, and it is only a 30 minute job to pull of the case racks and windshield which I do.

[blu guzz]

that is so retro cool looking like something  from the 70s dirt bike era.  i don't doubt you love it.

[slopokes]

Traded mine in for a v85—enough said...