Making a 2013 V7 Stone more suitable for longer trips (Bags + Seat)

[guzzistaNC]

Hi All,

I purchased a 2013 V7 about a year ago with very few miles on it. It's my first "adult" bike and I love it; also, coming from a long line of Guzzisti (I was 18 when I rode in the back of my dad's California to Mandello for the 90th), I had to get a Guzzi  .
Last summer the missus and I moved from the West Coast to NC, and towed the bike in an enclosed trailer. Along our many stops, we rode the V7 into (and through) Glacier NP, Yellowstone and Badlands. One thing became apparent: the V7, as it's currently set up, is not suited for more than a 40-50 mile ride.

So I decided it's time to invest some money into making it better for the purpose. My current plan is to purchase the following:

- Thicker, more comfortable seat: the Corbin Gunfighter and Lady (https://www.corbin.com/motoguzzi/mgv7sgl.shtml) sounds like a good option (and possibly the only one I found)

- Saddle bags: either the SW-MOTECH Legend Gear (https://sw-motech.us/bike/Moto-Guzz...gage/Legend+Gear/saddlebags/4052572034255.htm) or the Hepco & Becker C-Bow mount + the Xtravel bags (https://www.motomachines.com/hepco-becker-xtravel-c-bow-side-bags-pair)

- Rear Rack: This hepco & Becker one (https://www.motomachines.com/hepco-...jRc2fOx-IfAIcMxWPhEWhjlP89ih2zvYaArGqEALw_wcB) since it's much bigger than the OEM Guzzi, which If I understand correctly only holds like 10 lbs.

- Rear Case: not sure what to get really. Could I just adapt a hard case from harbor freight or something along those lines?


I am looking for opinions from folks who have one or more of the items listed. Specifically: Will the corbin seat fit with the Cbow mount and the rack (it looks a lot wider than the stock)? Are those bags any good? Am I overlooking something, like should I get new shocks/springs? Also, of note: the missus will be with me on any long trip, so storage options that occupy the rear portion of the seat are a no-go.

Thanks in advance, and apologies if any of these questions are silly (I'm a complete newbie)

Sebastiano

[Dirk_S]

- Rear Rack: This hepco & Becker one (https://www.motomachines.com/hepco-...jRc2fOx-IfAIcMxWPhEWhjlP89ih2zvYaArGqEALw_wcB) since it's much bigger than the OEM Guzzi, which If I understand correctly only holds like 10 lbs.

MG makes two rear racks for the V7II:
2S000256 - A smaller one that only attaches at the rear frame brace, and…
2S001454 - a more substantial one that also mounts to the rear shock mounts for carrying more. The one you’re referring to is most likely the smaller one. More info here: https://www.moto-guzzi-onlineshop.com/luggage-rack,-rear,-black,-rigid-for-moto-guzzi-v7-850-2021--2s001454

Note that these are the black painted versions. The chrome versions will have a different part number if you prefer them.

- Rear Case: not sure what to get really. Could I just adapt a hard case from harbor freight or something along those lines?

Abso-stinking-positively-lutely. Nothing and nobody says you must purchase expensive top cases. Find a box you like and make it fit! Harbor Freight, Walmart, ebay, Amazon, thrift stores… you can find sturdy boxes anywhere. Look to Pinterest and KLR owners for thrifty inspirations.

And welcome! Feel free to update us on your progress.

[Guzzistajohn]

Seat comfort is really subjective. I have a  Corbin Gunfighter on my CX100 and a Sargent on the LMIII. My Keester likes the Sargent best. The Corbin looks cool, but it's pretty firm. You and the little woman's keester may disagree.

[SmithSwede]

I ride my 2013 V7 daily and go everywhere, including routine long trips.  But no longer ride two-up.  My suggestions:

I really like the Hepco Becker “Junior” hard saddle bags.  Looks good on that bike.  The 30 liter is fine.  The 40 liter size looks too big for the bike, but would sure hold a lot of stuff. 

No opinion on rear racks or top case.  I prefer a duffle bag or the like strapped to the seat, but that obviously won’t work if you have a passenger. 

I like the stock seat just fine and have never felt the urge to change it.  I just put a cheap set of beads on top.  I have a theory that if you just ride the thing a lot, your body will adapt to the seat, unless it is truly atrocious.  The stock seat is not a bad design—it is flat and properly contoured on the side. Properly firm.  But yes, I know a lot of people don’t like the stock seat. 

For long trips, I highly recommend replacing the rear shocks with Ikons or something.  The stock rear shocks really are atrocious.  The ride quality and your basic comfort will be *greatly* improved by better rear shocks. 

I hated the stock handlebars on my 2013 because it forced me to sit up too straight and get buffeted by the wind, especially over 65 mph.  My solution was Norman Hyde “M” bars, which create a moderate lean forward position.  I’ve always preferred the lean forward position, and it makes sustained high speed riding vastly more comfortable.  At least for me.

I also highly recommend extension pieces on the stock rear view mirrors.  I insist on having excellent visibility to what is going on behind me.  I never could adjust the stock mirrors to work, but adding about 3 inches of extenders made for the best set of mirrors I’ve ever had on a bike. 

Consider a throttle lock of some kind. I really like the Throttlemeister. 

Don’t add too much engine oil.  These engines seem to like the hot oil level to be no more than 1/2 full on dipstick. 

Very important!  Change out your stock spark plugs caps to the NGK phenolic ones.  Use some kind of sealant between the wire and cap.  The stock caps are garbage.  Serious rain will stop you cold with those horrid, leaky caps. 

Always carry a couple of new spark plugs. 

[Kev m]

I've had my 2013 V7 Stone since new and I've long had it set up basically that way. Not sure I see a question in all that? What do you want to know?

My Stone has:

Corbin
Knight design drop pegs
HB sidecases and topcase
HB centerstand
Euro side stand
Over racing sliders
Emgo fairing
And a bunch of little things ...


Edit-better shocks can make a big difference if you want it.

[Brand X]

I like the Royster bags real well. I had them on a second gen Tuono, and my Breva 1100. I built the mount for my V-7 out of spare parts from some of them. The inside built in water proof bag is a great feature.. The bags don't stick out a mile and fits the slim lines of the V-7.

[Bulldog9]

Sorry to once again traumatize the group with pictures of the Mello Yellow Stornello....... My Formula, jump off where you want.
- Hagon rear Enduro shocks - Transformed the ride and handling. 420mm raises clearance 1/2" seated
- KTech Fork Springs - Same as rear. No more bottoming, even on stock fork oil.
- 3/4" SW Motech Bar Risers - Brings the bars up perfect height (for me)
- Honda GL1500 Foot pegs - Cheap, lower, and wide. (1/2-3/4" drop)
- KOF Built up seat - Some kinda magic, and about 2" taller
- Airflow seat cover - Cheap, and keeps your @$$ cool and dry. Can be chilly in cold weather
- Triple Hepco Becker Racks and Bags - Wide Variety of bag style/choices
- Large Norge Windscreen on DART bracket
- Oxford Grip Heaters
- Stelvio Hand Guards
- Bunch of other non comfort related stuff......

Results is an all weather all road long distance super fun touring tool. Only drawback (as you likely know) is it lacks real power  and passing power for the high speed state highways or the unavoidable super slab.

[mechanicsavant]

Lots of good advise here . I’ve been touring with my V7II for a few years . Solo & camping too , as I’m a bit of a Luddite if ya PM me w/ e-mail address I’ll send some pics . The only thing I didn’t see mentioned was radial tires . But thats another thread.

[guzzistaNC]

I ride my 2013 V7 daily and go everywhere, including routine long trips.  But no longer ride two-up.  My suggestions:

I really like the Hepco Becker “Junior” hard saddle bags.  Looks good on that bike.  The 30 liter is fine.  The 40 liter size looks too big for the bike, but would sure hold a lot of stuff. 

No opinion on rear racks or top case.  I prefer a duffle bag or the like strapped to the seat, but that obviously won’t work if you have a passenger. 

I like the stock seat just fine and have never felt the urge to change it.  I just put a cheap set of beads on top.  I have a theory that if you just ride the thing a lot, your body will adapt to the seat, unless it is truly atrocious.  The stock seat is not a bad design—it is flat and properly contoured on the side. Properly firm.  But yes, I know a lot of people don’t like the stock seat. 

For long trips, I highly recommend replacing the rear shocks with Ikons or something.  The stock rear shocks really are atrocious.  The ride quality and your basic comfort will be *greatly* improved by better rear shocks. 

I hated the stock handlebars on my 2013 because it forced me to sit up too straight and get buffeted by the wind, especially over 65 mph.  My solution was Norman Hyde “M” bars, which create a moderate lean forward position.  I’ve always preferred the lean forward position, and it makes sustained high speed riding vastly more comfortable.  At least for me.

I also highly recommend extension pieces on the stock rear view mirrors.  I insist on having excellent visibility to what is going on behind me.  I never could adjust the stock mirrors to work, but adding about 3 inches of extenders made for the best set of mirrors I’ve ever had on a bike. 

Consider a throttle lock of some kind. I really like the Throttlemeister. 

Don’t add too much engine oil.  These engines seem to like the hot oil level to be no more than 1/2 full on dipstick. 

Very important!  Change out your stock spark plugs caps to the NGK phenolic ones.  Use some kind of sealant between the wire and cap.  The stock caps are garbage.  Serious rain will stop you cold with those horrid, leaky caps. 

Always carry a couple of new spark plugs.

Thanks for all the great tips! I'll make sure to check on all of those. I think my mechanic back on the West Coast had told me about the caps, and changed them accordingly. I'll have to double check.

RE:rear shocks, do you have any suggestion for specific Ikon models? I looked on their website and there are several that fit the V7. Apologies if it's a silly question, I'm pretty much a newbie.

Thanks again!

[guzzistaNC]

I've had my 2013 V7 Stone since new and I've long had it set up basically that way. Not sure I see a question in all that? What do you want to know?

My Stone has:

Corbin
Knight design drop pegs
HB sidecases and topcase
HB centerstand
Euro side stand
Over racing sliders
Emgo fairing
And a bunch of little things ...


Edit-better shocks can make a big difference if you want it.

Hello, and thanks for all the suggestions. I have a few specific questions:
1) How does the corbin feel, compared to the stock seat? Does the extra width make a noticeable difference? Do you have the 2-seater version (gunfighter & lady) and if so, did your passenger ever express their opinion on the quality/comfort of the rear?
2) What HB side/top cases do you have, and are they enough storage for multi-day trips?
3) Do you have any recommendations regarding rear shocks?
4) Could you share a couple pictures of your bike?

Thanks again and have a great day,

SB 

[guzzistaNC]

Sorry to once again traumatize the group with pictures of the Mello Yellow Stornello....... My Formula, jump off where you want.
- Hagon rear Enduro shocks - Transformed the ride and handling. 420mm raises clearance 1/2" seated
- KTech Fork Springs - Same as rear. No more bottoming, even on stock fork oil.
- 3/4" SW Motech Bar Risers - Brings the bars up perfect height (for me)
- Honda GL1500 Foot pegs - Cheap, lower, and wide. (1/2-3/4" drop)
- KOF Built up seat - Some kinda magic, and about 2" taller
- Airflow seat cover - Cheap, and keeps your @$$ cool and dry. Can be chilly in cold weather
- Triple Hepco Becker Racks and Bags - Wide Variety of bag style/choices
- Large Norge Windscreen on DART bracket
- Oxford Grip Heaters
- Stelvio Hand Guards
- Bunch of other non comfort related stuff......

Results is an all weather all road long distance super fun touring tool. Only drawback (as you likely know) is it lacks real power  and passing power for the high speed state highways or the unavoidable super slab.

I personally think the bike looks awesome. Thanks for the feedback!

One quick question: I am 5'8", if I go with the Hagon 420 mm, will that raise the bike too much for me?

[Kev m]

Hello, and thanks for all the suggestions. I have a few specific questions:
1) How does the corbin feel, compared to the stock seat? Does the extra width make a noticeable difference? Do you have the 2-seater version (gunfighter & lady) and if so, did your passenger ever express their opinion on the quality/comfort of the rear?
2) What HB side/top cases do you have, and are they enough storage for multi-day trips?
3) Do you have any recommendations regarding rear shocks?
4) Could you share a couple pictures of your bike?

Thanks again and have a great day,

SB

Sorry I missed this the other day.

1. Corbin seats are firm but extremely comfortable in the long haul, once they are broken in. The concept is that the closed cell foam slowly takes a set to your particular butt and in doing do will eliminate pressure points/hot spots. It never feels cushy, but becomes 500+ miles a day comfortable remaining firm. I have the solo as I never take passengers very far on this. My wife rides her own bikes and our kids icky ride with us on day trips now, for which I just use the stock seat.

2. I've got 30L HB Junior sidecases and either a 40L or 50L HB Junior topcase I use for travel/touring. They are great and it would be hard to ask for more storage than that. Though I tend to travel solo on this bike so I can cheat and strap a tail bag on too when I want. One could go bigger with the 40L sidecases if they wanted, but they are getting really wide at that point.

3. I've got YSS shocks and they are fantastic.

4. I'm happy to add some pics to the thread in a couple of days when I get home again, unless I can figure out how to do it from my phone sooner.

[Kev m]

OP, I'm back at my desk. Wasn't sure if you still wanted pics. Here are a few in various configurations over the years, "just in cases"....














I would say that I am QUITE happy with my choice of the HB juniors. They are durable, pretty spacious, easy to take on/off etc.

IF there is a small down side it is simply one of vanity as they do leave behind some racks that aren't the most sightly of things. But it's a small price to pay from my point.

IF I were concerned about such things I'd probably look at the HB C-bow or the like. I still prefer the function of hard, locking, quick-detach and basically waterproof bags over anything soft/synthetic so I'm still a juniors guy more than not.

The Corbin is also a good choice to me. Better shocks are hard to argue with.

I have drop pegs on the MK I to open the rider triangle up just a little bit.

Air management is fine with something small for me as I wear a helmet with a face shield on my V7s.... otherwise I might be tempted by an actual windshield.

Hope all this helps and enjoy the journey!

Kev

[kingoffleece]

https://ventura-bike.com/collections/moto-guzzi

I realize I'm the outlier here but I'm no fan of panniers on a V7.  Kills the lovely line of th bike.  Now, friends, please don't disown me!  You do you!
But, I get all I need into the large Ventura bags, switch to a small rack (again, for looks) when they are not needed, use the zip together feature when I need the kitchen sink, and get a GREAT backrest for long days in the saddle.  The V7 is the only bike I have with this setup and I absolutely love it.  Modular, and takes less time to configure that it takes to type it!

Guess I should add-I'm not anti bag. I have the National hard bags on my Jackal. LOVE the look and would never change them.  PERFECT line for that bike.

[Kev m]

https://ventura-bike.com/collections/moto-guzzi

I realize I'm the outlier here but I'm no fan of panniers on a V7.  Kills the lovely line of th bike.  Now, friends, please don't disown me!  You do you!
But, I get all I need into the large Ventura bags, switch to a small rack (again, for looks) when they are not needed, use the zip together feature when I need the kitchen sink, and get a GREAT backrest for long days in the saddle.  The V7 is the only bike I have with this setup and I absolutely love it.  Modular, and takes less time to configure that it takes to type it!

Guess I should add-I'm not anti bag. I have the National hard bags on my Jackal. LOVE the look and would never change them.  PERFECT line for that bike.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.... I don't personally own bikes without hard bags. Having to strap a bag on to carry something, as opposed to quickly latching and turning a key is a non-starter for me.

Jenn feels differently, which is why she tours with a tail-bag on the seat of her Duc rather than add bags to that.

But she specifically bought a V7 to carry a passenger.

Which, if I'm not mistaken is why the OP is asking about panniers, because he's carrying the "missus" which, if I am reading that right, kinda eliminates the Ventura for that use.

Pics of Duc touring for solidarity with the KOF concept though...

[guzzistaNC]

OP, I'm back at my desk. Wasn't sure if you still wanted pics. Here are a few in various configurations over the years, "just in cases"....














I would say that I am QUITE happy with my choice of the HB juniors. They are durable, pretty spacious, easy to take on/off etc.

IF there is a small down side it is simply one of vanity as they do leave behind some racks that aren't the most sightly of things. But it's a small price to pay from my point.

IF I were concerned about such things I'd probably look at the HB C-bow or the like. I still prefer the function of hard, locking, quick-detach and basically waterproof bags over anything soft/synthetic so I'm still a juniors guy more than not.

The Corbin is also a good choice to me. Better shocks are hard to argue with.

I have drop pegs on the MK I to open the rider triangle up just a little bit.

Air management is fine with something small for me as I wear a helmet with a face shield on my V7s.... otherwise I might be tempted by an actual windshield.

Hope all this helps and enjoy the journey!

Kev

Hey Kev! Thanks for the pictures. They help a lot, since my V7 is also white, and it helps to see exactly what it would look like. I have to say, you make a very convincing point for the juniors, and both the rack and bags look quite good. At it stands right now, I'm thinking of driving up to DC with the missus when she has to go in for work related reasons, and take a detour to the Motomachines warehouse in VA, so I can look at both bags in person before purchasing. I might bring some gear up too, to see what fits in the smallest.

One last question: what brand are those drop pegs? they look like a solution to my restless legs issue on long trips.

Thanks again!

Sebastiano

[Kev m]

Hey Kev! Thanks for the pictures. They help a lot, since my V7 is also white, and it helps to see exactly what it would look like. I have to say, you make a very convincing point for the juniors, and both the rack and bags look quite good. At it stands right now, I'm thinking of driving up to DC with the missus when she has to go in for work related reasons, and take a detour to the Motomachines warehouse in VA, so I can look at both bags in person before purchasing. I might bring some gear up too, to see what fits in the smallest.

One last question: what brand are those drop pegs? they look like a solution to my restless legs issue on long trips.

Thanks again!

Sebastiano

No problem.

Knight design drop pegs, 2" IIRC. Got them second hand and found it best to use adapters to drop the control pegs to more or less match. They do help on our MkI models, though I wouldn't want that much drop on some of the later models where the pegs are already lower.

[Vagrant]

HB has chrome racks also. IMHO they look better on a bright bike. Look at the specs. The HB Juniors are only about 4-6" wider than the small bags and hold lots more. On day rides I only use the top box. On overnighters all three.

[Kev m]

HB has chrome racks also. IMHO they look better on a bright bike. Look at the specs. The HB Juniors are only about 4-6" wider than the small bags and hold lots more. On day rides I only use the top box. On overnighters all three.

I loathe chrome.

I wouldn't have any on it but I'm too lazy to change out the exhaust or forks.... Might do the bars someday.

Want to know a secret, when I bought mine HB didn't have black racks available for the V7, so technically those ARE chrome, which I paid extra to have powdercoated.

That's how much I hate chrome.

[Bulldog9]

https://ventura-bike.com/collections/moto-guzzi

I realize I'm the outlier here but I'm no fan of panniers on a V7.  Kills the lovely line of th bike.  Now, friends, please don't disown me!  You do you!
But, I get all I need into the large Ventura bags, switch to a small rack (again, for looks) when they are not needed, use the zip together feature when I need the kitchen sink, and get a GREAT backrest for long days in the saddle.  The V7 is the only bike I have with this setup and I absolutely love it.  Modular, and takes less time to configure that it takes to type it!

Guess I should add-I'm not anti bag. I have the National hard bags on my Jackal. LOVE the look and would never change them.  PERFECT line for that bike.

I resemble that remark............