Any Known Issues with V7 III?

[deeve]

Hello, I am getting back into street bikes after a hiatus of riding dual sports for a number of years. In the past I owned a 97 Sporti and really liked it. I am looking at buying a used 2017 V7 III Special and am curious if there are any known issues to be on the lookout for.  I prefer to do my own work on the bike since the nearest dealer is now over 3 hours away so fixing problem is not an issue.

Thanks!
DAVE

[mnuttall87]

The only known problem is that there isn't currently one in your garage!

[elvisboy77]

Hello, I am getting back into street bikes after a hiatus of riding dual sports for a number of years. In the past I owned a 97 Sporti and really liked it. I am looking at buying a used 2017 V7 III Special and am curious if there are any known issues to be on the lookout for.  I prefer to do my own work on the bike since the nearest dealer is now over 3 hours away so fixing problem is not an issue.

Thanks!
DAVE

I had an anniversario, it was fantastic.  Zero issues.

[Vagrant]

the 17 and up have been solid, trouble-free bikes.

[Chethro]

Most will want to upgrade the suspension. It is a little short on travel.

There have been a few alternator issues and a couple final drive leaks, but very few and far between.

It's an easy bike to maintain yourself. Just don't add more oil than half way between low and high marks or it will end up in the airbox.

It's a great bike for non interstate sub 65 mph travels.

[egschade]

The mushroom vent on the rear drive can stick and cause some leaking due to over pressure. EZ enough to check and keep clean or replace it with a banjo fitting and breather hose.

+1 on the suspension being a little weak. I upgraded front springs and went with longer Hagon shocks on the back to carry my 200 lb self around.

I found the OEM tires a big greasy feeling and replaced them.

These are more personal preference items than issues. Basically I had 0 problems with the bike over 3 years of ownership.

[twowheeladdict]

Rear tires wear out way too fast. Maybe it is me, but only getting about 3000 miles per tire.

[kingoffleece]

Road construction makes a big difference.

[pebra]

Hi Dave, and welcome!

I hope you'll want to go for that V7 III!

And we're looking forward to photos - - - - -

[guzzi771]

Replace the fuel filter in the tank ASAP with a all metal filter.

[Kev m]

Replace the fuel filter in the tank ASAP with a all metal filter.

Or don't, like me.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I have had my V7III Special for nearly 2 years now, only one serious problem, the alternator stator was partially shorted out resulting in a flat battery, this is a very unusual fault I think, replaced under warranty.
There is not a lot of spare capacity for heated gear so I added a Voltmeter to monitor the battery.
The original rear tire did seem to wear quickly 13,000 km but the replacement Avon is fine and the larger profile 140/80-17 made the speedometer quite accurate.
Now running tubeless courtesy of Sikaflex.
Lube the driveshaft at first tire change.
Check the rear drive for water ingress if you ride in the rain, the factory did a poor job of sealing the drive boot at the gearbox.
The check engine light comes on quite often but its usually gone before I get a chance to check it with Guzzi Diag.
Rear brake pads were worn out at 15,000 km (probably me, I tend to use the rear more than most) I think the pads were
Overall I am very pleased with the V7, I would buy it again.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Or don't, like me.

I found mine was all metal

[bad Chad]

I have a 17 v9, but I’m sure the fuel filter is the same.  I haven’t bothered to look at it, and like Kev, mine works great.

[Guzzi Gal]

My '17 Anni is as good as gold and I've done nothing but give her the love she deserves. 

[SmithSwede]

I’ve had my 2013 V7 Stone since new.  The bike is a total piece of crap. 

It only puts down about 40 horsepower at the rear wheel, so it obviously can’t take you beyond the county line or over 57 mph.  Forget the interstates.  But over the weekend I just rode mine from Dallas to Yuma.  I got lucky I guess.

I’ve got 116,500 miles total on the odometer.   The way it has been running lately, I doubt it will last much past 500,000 miles.   Maybe I’ll squeeze out 750K if I’m lucky.  Disposable Italian garbage.   

It is slower than a Huyabusa.   Weighs a lot more than a Grom.  It has two valves per cylinder operated by pushrods, which I think was a design patented by Aristotle back in the day.   

I’m not sure why I even maybe kinda like this heap.  Ok, love the thing. 

Ok.  Maybe it’s my all time favorite bike.     

[deeve]

Thanks all!  Sounds like a great machine.  I’ve owned quite a few Ducati’s and one Guzzi.  Of all of them, I wish I had the Guzzi back. A beautiful yellow and loud Sporti.  Lots of character with that one. I hope the news ones retain that.

[Moparnut72]

Swede, you are a scream. I've had my V7lll Special since July, only have a couple thousand miles on it but I love it anyway. She would have more but she has to share me with an Audace. I love both of them but in different ways. The Audace is the hot mistress but the V7 is the one that always makes me feel good.
kk

[Kev m]

Swede, you are a scream. I've had my V7lll Special since July, only have a couple thousand miles on it but I love it anyway. She would have more but she has to share me with an Audace. I love both of them but in different ways. The Audace is the hot mistress but the V7 is the one that always makes me feel good.
kk

So the Audace leaves you feeling a little dirty and ashamed?!? 

[Moparnut72]

No, but my Harley buddies ignore me, like they did when I rode a Sportster. I guess they don't like being upstaged by a "lowly " Guzzi. Can't keep up either.   
kk

[Dave Swanson]

Thanks all!  Sounds like a great machine.  I’ve owned quite a few Ducati’s and one Guzzi.  Of all of them, I wish I had the Guzzi back. A beautiful yellow and loud Sporti.  Lots of character with that one. I hope the news ones retain that.

The V7III retains all the character of past  V Twin Guzzis.  It wont have the same testosterone level of the Sporti though.   

[SmithSwede]

That’s a good point.  I’ve also got an old air-cooled Ducati 900SS.  That is a very raw machine, giving a highly testosterone laden riding experience, which is quite enjoyable, at least in limited doses. 

The best way to describe the Guzzi V7 experience is “sweet.”  Still has plenty of character, but just a sweet, mellow, easy going personality.  Accept it for what it is and you’ll have a long term friend.  Demand that is make 20 more horsepower or be a full-blown sport bike, and you are heading in the wrong direction. 

[sign216]

I vote for the original V7.  The last motor vehicle made with a Heron Head. 

Cutting edge technology during the WWII era.

[mhershon]

The Heron head: Ahead of its time pre-WWII...

[kingoffleece]

In another 50 years my Heron Head will be COOL!

[tazio]

Thanks all!  Sounds like a great machine.  I’ve owned quite a few Ducati’s and one Guzzi.  Of all of them, I wish I had the Guzzi back. A beautiful yellow and loud Sporti.  Lots of character with that one. I hope the news ones retain that.

Amen, brother! My first Guzzi, a '97 sporti.

[subin]

I would suggest that you replace the plastic fuel filter in the tank as well. I bought one form Guzzitech, late last year, but found my 2019 V7III came with metal one already. So, if you want, I will sell you mine for $15 shipped by post office first class (if you are in the USA).

Also, check and torque all nuts and bolts.

[deeve]

Thanks all. I went and checked it out.  Beautiful machine and with the Agostini pipes it sounded great.  Not the monster the Sporti was but still very nice sounding.  I had some ergo questions I am going to post on a different thread so any info shared might be easier for others to find.

[egschade]

Thanks all. I went and checked it out.  Beautiful machine and with the Agostini pipes it sounded great.  Not the monster the Sporti was but still very nice sounding.  I had some ergo questions I am going to post on a different thread so any info shared might be easier for others to find.

Posted a reply there on how I modified my V7's suspension.

[MMRanch]

V7II , after 20k miles its running better than when new !    I had an issue with the clutch rod pusher not being greased at the factory !!!!   But its slick as a button now !