What does "V7" mean?

[MotoGuzzi750]

Experts,

Somehow I assumed ( in correctly ) that V7 meant "V-"700"" cc engine.
But seems that's not true.

Then what does "V7" mean, if it does not mean V-Twin having "700" cc engine ?

[twowheeladdict]

Experts,

Somehow I assumed ( in correctly ) that V7 meant "V-"700"" cc engine.
But seems that's not true.

Then what does "V7" mean, if it does not mean V-Twin having "700" cc engine ?

Just a name to designate a model line.  Started in '09 in the states for a model that resembles the original V7 from the 1960s.  From '09.  V7, then V7II, then V7III, then back to V7 with the newer 850cc engine.

[Huzo]

Yes, that is so lame.
Triumph did the same stupid thing with the T595 which was actually a 955 cc.
It’s a guy thing, no one wants a smaller number than what they’re actually packing. They should have called it the V8.
I said it four years ago in “Why won’t they do it…”
I mean bugger it all, there’s a V7 and a V9. Just throw the V85 donk in the new thing and there’s your V8.

I would have opted for the V9 motor in my V85 if it was available, more “Guzzi like” by all accounts.

[Kev m]

I would say it ORIGINALLY (in 1967) meant displacement (703cc).

And that worked through the 70's.

And that worked again in 2007 when the V7 Classic debuted as an homage to the original, though you could argue it then ALSO meant the homage or tribute to the bike that inspired the look/style.

And that worked until the 850s. So if they still use it, then I think we can safely say it NOW means the homage.

Bottom line, it's just a name.

[Dirk_S]

(Disclaimer, not an expert)

Just to clarify upon what the previous peeps already said:

The original 60s V7 was indeed 700cc.

Then came the V7 Special, and then Sport, both bumped to 750cc.

In the late 2000s, Guzzi decided to throw back to these models (moreso the Sport version with its tank), added that tank to their small blocks, and made the V7 Classic--also a 750cc.

Every V7 since then has been a 750cc until 2021, when it bumped up to 850cc.

And yes, the naming convention has now shown itself to be donky, but there are other examples that are as bad if not worse culprits-- let me point you to the BMW F650 GS and F750 GS.

[Guzzistajohn]

People see my CX100 and ask if it's 100CC's. I smile and say "YES"

[Tusayan]

The CX100 name was seemingly made up by Berliner to align with Honda’s contemporary naming convention for their longitudinal crank twins.  It’d be interesting if somebody is still with us who remembers.

The backwards looking reuse of old names and naming conventions that are now inappropriate and/or misused seems to me pathetic. BMW is probably worst with both cars and bikes, but Piaggio didn’t exactly distinguish itself by reusing the V7 name for a small block econobike.

[Kev m]

I get more and more amused by the fervor that's caused by the almost religious use of a name, brand, image etc.

You can't really misuse a name can you really? And I mean if you are, doesn't it have to ride to something more than the minutia to which is objected in this thread and ones like them?

It mostly cracks me up ...

[kingoffleece]

Good bourbon and cigar talk topic, I think.

[mechanicsavant]

Any “branding”guru’s out there ? Where’s Donny what’s his name ? 

[Huzo]

Where’s Donny what’s his name ? 

Trump or Osmond…?

[twowheeladdict]

Trump or Osmond…?

Ho.

[Guzzistajohn]

Donnie, you're out of your element!     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks072waMayk   

[DesertPilot]

I always thought the V7 was a successor of the famous V2 TT Adventure.



i

[bad Chad]

Get ready to add to your stress as the coming new Mandelo is a 1000cc, but it’s called a v100.

[JJ]

Whenever someone says "V7"...this is what I generally think of...

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The original (and best  )

[rocker59]

Triumph did the same stupid thing with the T595 which was actually a 955 cc.
It’s a guy thing, no one wants a smaller number than what they’re actually packing. They should have called it the V8.
 

I worked at a Triumph/Ducati/Moto Guzzi dealer back at that time.  The 1994-1998 were "T-300 series", though none wore that in their name.  Tiger, Sprint, Daytona, Thunderbird, Thunderbird Sport, etc.

The new replacement line of bikes was in the "T-500 series".  Unfortunately, the 955 Daytona was boldly emblazoned with the "T-595 Daytona" decals.  No one knew what "T-595" meant, so everyone assumed displacement.  It was a marketing nightmare and the bike was subsequently re-dubbed "955 Daytona".

[PJPR01]

Get ready to add to your stress as the coming new Mandelo is a 1000cc, but it’s called a v100.

Maybe something to do with the 100th anniversary, rather than the engine size.   

 

[rocker59]

Maybe something to do with the 100th anniversary, rather than the engine size.   

 

Double entendre for 100th anniversary and the displacement. 

V100 sorta reminds one of K100 or R100.

[PJPR01]

Double entendre for 100th anniversary and the displacement. 

V100 sorta reminds one of K100 or R100.

For sure...of course, by the time it's available to buy, it will be re-badged V103 or V104 perhaps?

 

[JJ]

The original (and best  )

YES!!  Golden Anniversary time!!

https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-italian-motorcycles/1967-moto-guzzi-v7-zmwz17ndzhur/?utm_source=wcemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MCC%2007-21-22&wc_totalkey=bjLag_duAKY4nx3BOHnt5YzULCJEghSkuZScN4WHDOLiNNNfqEyWiXHXC0TO-4j_M35qbB3YU42ui2ED_3bXqg

[centauro]

I was 10 years old when I saw a V7 (Ambassador) back in 1967 in Italy, and I thought:
Wow, a 7-cylinder motorcycle!? I couldn't help yelling at everyone I saw about that bike!!!

[EldoEVert]

The original (and best  )

+1

[MotoGuzzi750]

The original (and best  )

Beautiful!

Thanks for sharing, now I know how the original V7 looks likes.

[MotoGuzzi750]

Double entendre for 100th anniversary and the displacement. 

V100 sorta reminds one of K100 or R100.

I have always thought of naming a 1000cc bike with xx100, as just dropping a '0', just for convenience.