touring on a v7 850

[blackbuell]

At 73 YO and 5'7", MC seat height and even more so, curb weight, are becoming a major issue for me. I still want to be able to take cross-country trips, including ones 2-up. I checked out the V85 travel yesterday at Cadre, but there is no way I could handle it comfortably fully loaded, even if I could lower it an inch; just too tall. I did sit on a V7 stone, which seems to be a good size for me. However, I am concerned about lack of power for hauling 2 people with full luggage at highway speed. Also wonder if there are effective windscreens and top boxes available for the model. My wife and I are not very large people: about 275 lbs. between us. I do have a Norge, but fully loaded, 2-up, it is becoming a handful for me; need something lighter.

Though I prefer to stick with the Guzzi brand and shaft drive, I am also considering a Yamaha tracer 9 GT and a triumph tiger 660 sport; both are light-weight, have more power, and are better set up for touring than the V7.

Any thoughts?

Jon

[brother dave]

At 73 YO and 5'7", MC seat height and even more so, curb weight, are becoming a major issue for me. I still want to be able to take cross-country trips, including ones 2-up. I checked out the V85 travel yesterday at Cadre, but there is no way I could handle it comfortably fully loaded, even if I could lower it an inch; just too tall. I did sit on a V7 stone, which seems to be a good size for me. However, I am concerned about lack of power for hauling 2 people with full luggage at highway speed. Also wonder if there are effective windscreens and top boxes available for the model. My wife and I are not very large people: about 275 lbs. between us. I do have a Norge, but fully loaded, 2-up, it is becoming a handful for me; need something lighter.

Though I prefer to stick with the Guzzi brand and shaft drive, I am also considering a Yamaha tracer 9 GT and a triumph tiger 660 sport; both are light-weight, have more power, and are better set up for touring than the V7.

Any thoughts?

Jon

Jon
I have a V7 III.  While it has a bit less power than the 850, they are very similar.  With some added side carriers and a Dart screen its not bad for 300 mile days.  I'd get a much larger screen if I was seriously touring.  My wife never really got comfortable riding two up on the V7 but that's just her preference.  A backrest or rear case with a rest would probably help the passenger quite a bit.  These days my V7 is more of an around town ride and I use a Cali Vintage or V85 for two up and longer trips.

See the following discussion for other insights...
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=92161.0
Cheers,
Dave

[kpmurphy]

I have a V7 850 I tour with (MG rear rack and Givi screen) Great setup for one person. I don’t think the V7 850 would be ideal for two up 80 mph blasts out west. I have a Tracer 900 and that’s the motorcycle for blasts out west. The newer Tracer 9 has a lower seat height and some fancy electronic features I don’t favor but the motorcycle does hit the sweet spot as far as seat height, power (~105 rwhp) and weight.

[blackbuell]

KP,

Is the V7 smooth at 75-80 mph? Can you post a picture of your bike that shows the windscreen and rear rack?

Thanks,

Jon

[Bulldog9]

My V7ii Stornello is set up for all road touring. I have a 1200 Sport for most long distance riding and touring, but when the time comes that it is too top heavy, I'd move to a V7 in a heartbeat. Never would have said that until I made some mods to the Stornello, and am always surprised at how pleasant the bike is, even on 3-400 mile days. Granted, the V7 is NOT a big block, high speed dual lane superslab mile muncher, but is perfect for back roads and state highways (i.e. Motorcycle roads). Great fuel mileage and range, perfect motor for 30-60mph all day riding. Cant say that about the other options you list which can be buzzy and IMO look like insects.

A Better Seat, Lower pegs and new shocks/fork springs made the riding experience very good on the Stornello. Add wind protection and HB racks and you have all the luggage you need, and plenty of variety and sizes/styles. Oxford heated grips are easy. I've heard the new V7850 has better factory suspension, but you would be the best judge of that.

[mechanicsavant]

By myself @ 100kg. & carrying 100 lbs. of kit  I ‘m quite happy with my V7/850 . Limited experiences so far . I did a 3 day weekend last fall . 250-100 & 250 mi.back home . I was quite surprised how well things went . H-B 30 Litre  hard bags & a “Moto-Fizz “ tail bag + a wolf man tank bag . Oh tent camping too Not bad considering I’m a 52 model year .

[twowheeladdict]

Take a look at MMRanch's bike.

He has a V7II Stone with a huge windshield, corbin seat, 3 piece hard luggage and rides two up with his wife on it.

The way he rides makes it seem like it is double the bike it really is.  That guy can ride! 

[merlinj79]

On this topic, what's a good windscreen for a v7III/750 stone?

Looking for something something good for interstate speeds and readily removable, since most of my riding is around town and nearby areas accessible on county roads.

[Beowulf]

Add my two cents. I traveled a bit with Guzzi V7 ii two up with me and my wife 5’11 and I’m 5’10. I had a dart flyscreen but the bike while not a rocket two up was more adequate for our 1200 mile round trip visiting Florida coming from Texas. I cruised 70-75 most of the time. Also had a beetle map and aftermarket exhaust.

We did great. Not the roomiest but honestly doable and I loved not lugging 7-800 pounds everywhere we stopped. Bike was confidence inspiring and outfitted with conti road attack 3’s. Last 200 miles nothing but rain and wind but the bike did phenomenally well. I own a V7 850 now and two seems much easier as regards power so I’d do without hesitation again and would recommend it and the addition of seatbeads.

Hope this helps. My wife now prefers riding her own bike so i imagine our future trips will be two bikes. Hope that helps.

[Chethro]

Buy a nice two-person saddle, get removable bags and you have you a nice one-person bike or two up tourer. Just don't expect it to be a rocket ship loaded when loaded up. Perfectly fine for touring and spirited riding. IMO. I would plan on basic suspension upgrades too, but decide that after trying it for a while. You may be fine.

[Kildareman]

5'6" with 28" ish inseams. I've added Unit garage frames and side bags and just finished modifying a Givi rack to fit with these (I bought the rack first & prefer it to the Unit Garagerack, which sticks too far out the back for me)

[Kildareman]

5'6" with 28" ish inseams. 73Kg, 83 in full riding kit. I've added Unit garage frames and side bags and just finished modifying a Givi rack to fit with these (I bought the rack first & prefer it to the Unit Garagerack, which sticks too far out the back for me)

Should add the seat, for my money, is superb all day comfortable.

[kpmurphy]

Here is a pic (I hope)



MG rack and Givi A34 windscreen. Motorcycle cruises fine at 75-80 mph which is around 4250 rpm. Like most Guzzis above 4000 rpm is the sweet spot. About 50 mpg. Rwhp is reported to be about 55.
Be advised since this is a Guzzi you need to sort it out. Paint on the black headers flaked off in places. Not an uncommon problem. Sanded the headers and heat shields to bare metal. Many V7 850 have a hiccup at lower rpms at a steady speed. A carbon canisterectomy solves the problem. If you haven't already check out the ADV Riders site RoadWarriors/ Moto Guzzi V7 850 thread.

[Huzo]

Seems to me like a V9 would be the thing.
Low seat, plenty of power.

[Dirk_S]

Seems to me like a V9 would be the thing.
Low seat, plenty of power.

That V9 tank though = not quite a tourer.

I’m willing to bet a Corbin seat would be your biggest benefit for both you and your wife in regards to mutual joy in longer riding days. I’m 5’ 8” 160. If I had a girlfriend, we’d probably push 300 lb. I’d still be rocking the V7 II.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean she’d still want to date me.

[Kev m]

Eeeeehhhhh why not, I'll chime in.

The V7, the V7 III and the V7 850 can all handle that kind of weight and run at highway speeds I say this from personal experience as I approach that weight on my own and have carried kids on both the I and III.

THAT SAID

Comfort and happiness in how the bike feels at speed, or satisfaction with what additional speed is left in it afterwards is completely subjective and I can't answer that for you.

I can say that if you make it up this way this spring/summer I'll happily toss you the keys to the V7III (after mounting a topcase to the rack as a backrest for your passenger) and let you find out for yourself.

It's my subjective opinion that the V7III is sufficiently more powerful than my MkI Stone and that it is a better highway bike then my Stone. I also feel the 850 is "better" still (I say that because I'm sure it is even though I didn't feel it in the seat as much as I thought I would, but if I feel my III is good, the 850 would be "more gooder").

Anyway, I truthfully think only YOU can say whether or not you'd be happy with one.

I would tour on either of ours, but solo. Then again me solo is almost you guys 2-up and frankly I don't usually do the 2-up thing. And hell when I go lots of highway, I usually take the RK and not the V7. But I do know the V7 is perfectly capable of it.

At the end of the day it all comes down to WANT and not NEED

PS just typing all this makes me want to take a LONG ride on the V7 Stone this year.

[Moparnut72]

I had to downsize myself, my 1400 Audace was getting awkward for me to handle. 76 years old and 165 lbs., so just too much but it sure could gobble up the highways at 80 and more. I also have a V7lll Special but I don't think I would enjoy long rides on it, I know I wouldn't. I really wanted something in-between the Audace and the V7. Guzzi doesn't make anything currently that would satisfy my needs.     I really wanted a classically styled middle weight. The only thing I could find was a Triumph Bonneville T120. Handles extremely well at slow speeds and has lots of power for the slabs. I will admit I had to service and adjust the chain. Sure miss the driveshaft, haven't had a chain drive motorcycle in over 50 years. I hope the Mandello will fit the middle weight class, not my type of bike anymore. Twenty years younger I would be all over it.
kk

[blu guzz]

Hi Jon.

I have only ridden with Margaret on the back a few times on the V85TT (she has about a 50 mile range)  and really have to say that I would not want to do any long distance work that way.  The weight that makes your Norge such a pain in the butt to push around the campground is what makes it so good on the road.  When we took our trip last year, I really wished for either my R1150RT or even my K1200RS back for the slab work especially on that last cold, windy day.  Like your Norge, they really stood up to the long days, the 60 inch and longer wheelbases really help here as well.  However, like you, I would no longer enjoy that extra weight in any other situation but long distance days. One day, the saddle will be just too high for me on the TT.
Two up, on the V85 or any other sub-600 lbs bike, I would stick to the backroads and max out at 250 to 300 mile days.
A real puzzle for us aging dudes. 
Let us know what you work out.

[Huzo]

I’ll concede that the V9 range might be a thing, but in reality if you plan your stops a bit, it really shouldn’t matter.
It just means you put in three quarters of a tank instead of half.
You can incorporate a comfort stop and an ice cream and you’re good to go. I mean, how far would you really go between stops even if you had 23 litres on board ?
They’re affordable, powerful (enough), low, Guzzi like and plenty to choose from.

[Kiwi_Roy]

The V9 has a surprising range, I was traveling with my Bro on his V9, I was riding an 1100 or 1200 I Hired from Guzzi Gander, we would both have to fill up at the same time except I was using 50% more.
A V9 with a V7 5 Gallon tank fitted would be a perfect cruiser but you would want a better seat for two up riding.

[Muzz]

I have no trouble touring on my 750 Breva, and it has no trouble hauling two people around.

[greer]

Jon,

Take some time to read thru this V7 850 thread:

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=111649.0

In my experience the bike is smooth as can be at 75-80, so no worries there.  I made a quick run to Florida to visit kinfolks back in October and couldn't have been happier, but I'm fairly small and ride solo.

Huzo and Roy's comments on the V9 are well worth noting.  I can't speak for the current Bobber, but the '17 V9 engine definitely has the punch and pull to handle any load you want to pile on it.  Better gas mileage than the V7 bikes, too.

Sarah
 

[JJ]

That is one nice looking, modern Guzzi!!





IMHO, the V7 850 is a fine bike for touring, but not for two up....unless both people weigh about 100 lbs. each.

[wymple]

My son would travel the whole world on his V7 if he had the time......All he has changed is the seat.

[photorich65]

I'll throw in y .02 - I have a V7II Stornello and older 865CC Bonneville.  I don't ride two up but my 245 lb self isn't too far from your 275 combined weight.

For highway speeds I love the Guzzi.  Plenty smooth and has the torque you'll want for lugging around a loaded bike.  I'm sure the 850 is even better.  My Triumph has more power but it's busy at highway speeds.  Nothing the engine can't take - just that I prefer the relaxed lope of a V-twin as opposed to "ride it like you stole it 360 degree twin.

Coming from big sport tourers, I love these midweight bikes, the closest you can get to universal motorcycles in these days of specialization.

Rich

[Moparnut72]

I have to respectfully disagree. Guzzis like to be to be wound up. My V7lll ran the smoothest over 4,000 rpm. My Triumph Bonneville likes it below 4,000 rpm and is quite happy between 2,500 and 3,500. Both brands are excellent bikes but different.
kk

[Kev m]

I have to respectfully disagree. Guzzis like to be to be wound up. My V7lll ran the smoothest over 4,000 rpm. My Triumph Bonneville likes it below 4,000 rpm and is quite happy between 2,500 and 3,500. Both brands are excellent bikes but different.
kk

EDIT - I'm really starting to hate auto-corrrect...

There's a difference between what you "like" and what the machine "likes/is capable of without stress".

And though it is speed and load dependent, both my V7's and certainly my MKIII more than my MKI are fine running below 4k. Granted not as low as 2500, but maybe just north of 3k. So I guess I fall between you two guys in terms of preference and perception.


I must say I'm shocked the Bonnie is happy that low, that's not what I remember from my last ride on one, but it's been a minute.

That's talking Harley territory.

-- hopefully that makes SOME sense now -- 

[blu guzz]

this discussion certainly shows how very experienced riders experience things differently.  one man's low revs feels fine and another man feels better at high revs.  diversity is a good thing.  coming from generally lower revving bikes, i admit that my v85 feels great at 3500 and up and positively giddy and ready to attack at 4000 to 5000, but my old self still somehow doesn't think it is "right" to run that high.  i think it goes back to the  across the frame 4 cylinder bikes of my early years of riding that to my memory tended to buzz the bars and pegs at higher revs as well as the revved up sound.
back to the original question, to me, the question is not whether there is a bike that will do 2 up as even a 300 will do that, to me, its more of a question of will both riders enjoy the ride on a smaller bike. that is trickier.  i will risk saying that if the passenger isn't happy, the rider won't be happy for long, especially if the passenger is a wife type.  in the old days, girlfriends would put up with an awful lot that a wife of long standing will not.
good luck in your quest jon.

[Vagrant]

On a V7, any V7 there is a difference in flat roads at sea level where Kevin is and 2500 and up in the mountains.
Back to the original question, you will want, need to put on good shocks and fork springs to get the best out of a V7 two up.

[Moparnut72]

EDIT - I'm really starting to hate auto-corrrect...

There's a difference between what you "like" and what the machine "likes/is capable of without stress".

And though it is speed and load dependent, both my V7's and certainly my MKIII more than my MKI are fine running below 4k. Granted not as low as 2500, but maybe just north of 3k. So I guess I fall between you two guys in terms of preference and perception.


I must say I'm shocked the Bonnie is happy that low, that's not what I remember from my last ride on one, but it's been a minute.

That's talking Harley territory.

-- hopefully that makes SOME sense now -- 

Agree on the V7lll  rev range. My seems smoother above 4k revs but I don't run it there. I generally keep it around 3,500, + or -. I have the latest version of the 1200 Triumph, with the new crank. It is very happy at Harley rpms. It only has 500 miles on it so far so things may change. I need snow to quit and temps to go up to get some significant seat time.
kk