New V7 Sport

[blu guzz]

I am excited to see that MG has added cruise control to the whole V7 lineup.  Since I have had bikes with CC since 2012, I would be hard pressed to live without it now.  And since age will eventually force me to a smaller bike, I will be much happier having CC on my eventual V7.

[Kev m]

Unlikey I would make a bike like the new V7 Sport to be an 'anywhere' bike, but the V7 is a perfect blank slate to do what you want, and many have.

That's exactly what I decided to do. Now part of it was where I am in life and how I find myself taking fewer and fewer long trips (without a Jeep filled with kids and soccer gear). But part of it was going back to basics. Finding the joy in doing more with less.

Honestly I proved to myself that my 40 rwhp 2013 Stone is ALL I "need" to do what I want with bikes. I've had it on a track, I've traveled with it for a week, I've pounded the highway miles when needed. It does it all just fine. Could be a little more comfortable on the long haul, could have better wind protection, could make more power, etc. But I don't NEED any of that.

I also have a ~50 rwhp 2018 V7III Carbon Dark which does that all too - maybe a tad better with the highway part. Plus ABS isn't a bad thing to have. Somehow it magically makes more power AND somehow regularly gets 5-8 mpg better. Go figure. And if I let go of just plain feel, it technically does most things a little better than the Stone.

But back on Point, this new V7 Sport is likely the BEST of the new V7 line yet. I still think it is dumb to piss on what Guzzi is doing with the V7 line, especially with the latest updates, AND that they took it to a new level with the V7 Sport.

The ONE thing that I'VE honestly wanted from both bikes and asked MG of this board time and again was for a better front end/brakes. USD forks and dual discs!!! YES PLEASE.

Do I NEED THEM - see above - obviously not. But bikes aren't always about need.

And yeah the other changes, a little more power, cruise control, etc. REALLY should make this a great all around bike for people with similar wants.

I get that others want more. Then buy something else Guzzi or BMW or Ducati or Triumph or JAPanInc, hell even Harley.

That's cool. I constantly look at a bikes from most/all manufacturers. I could enjoy just about any bike. There's a lot that appeal to me one way or another.

But again and again over the last decade or so I've come to the same conclusion. It took me a decade or two in order to figure it out. But the RIGHT bike(s) for me, they are much fewer and relatively far between.

The Guzzi smallblock has my number and I may well wind up with a small collection. Works for me.

[kingoffleece]

Couldn't agree more with the above

[ScepticalScotty]

I'm pretty much on the same wavelength as Kev. Love the new forks, twin disks, and the cruise control. 6 gears!!! 39rwhp that I have now, verses the new V7 Sport 850, I'm sure to notice a difference. Looking forwards to a test ride next year. If I like it, I'll buy one and start rigging it out with HB hard bags and rack, centrestand and a little screen. That's me done! Is it likely to be perfect in all respects? Probably not, but I might be one of those blokes that has one bike, keeps its a really long time, and can easily put up with a few foibles.

[Moparnut72]

I have a 2019 V7lll Special. It is a great bike which I mainly ride around town but at some point will probably become my main ride after the Mandello gets to be too much for me. I am not getting any younger. The main thing I will do at that point will be rear suspension. Currently the stock tires are just terrible but I just got new Avons today. I will mount them tomorrow but probably won't be able to try them out for quite a few days due to the atmospheric river flowing through. I hope the low speed turn in improves with the Sport Demons it wants to fall into the turns at low speeds. The low speed handling on the Mandello is so superb that it is hard to go back and forth.
kk

[s1120]

Kinda a tough crowd here. I like it. All the time they came out with these new V7 models everyone was bitching about the single disk, and the same cheap suspension, etc..  Here we get one..  duel disc, USD forks, hopefully good shocks, a few more HP ticks, cool vintage paint color. OK, they take the old "Sport" name.. But really the Sport back in the day was pretty much a basic bike, with some mods to make it a little more suited for blasting some corners. This is a basic V7 with some mods to do the same. A few more HP, a little better corning, and braking.. It fits. Frankly I would rather see this then the Sport [or LeMans] name put on some cookie cutter sportbike that has no link to the Guzzis we love.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

OK, they take the old "Sport" name.. But really the Sport back in the day was pretty much a basic bike, with some mods to make it a little more suited for blasting some corners.

You might want to read "Moto Guzzi Big Twins" by Greg Field. The original V7 Sport was not based on anything before it "with some mods". It was the first of a new line of bikes, almost completely different than any Guzzi before it. Yes, the drivetrain was much the same, but it had a completely new chassis.

What you wrote would be accurate if the 850-T had come first, then Guzzi changed the bodywork to build the V7 Sport, but that is not the way it happened!

The new V7 Sport is merely a "trim level" of an existing platform. This is not to say it isn't a nice step forward - I feel it is. But, it is not nearly as significant to Guzzis product range as the original was in it's time.

[twowheeladdict]

i wonder how many Verde Legnano will be coming to the states. 

It is the paint and cruise control that attracts me the most.  My V7III has full cartridge front suspension, and Bitubo rear shocks so while the upgrades to the front are nice, not enough to peel me away from my Carbon Dark. 

I really wanted a Kawasaki Z650RS when it came out with the retro green and gold wheels but no dealer near me got that color.  The other offering was bland at best. 

[cliffrod]

In terms of modern (v-twin era) Moto Guzzis, it’s probably valid to claim the original V7 Sport as the origin & inspiration of more subsequent models than any other bike. Tonti frame & crank-mounted alternator became the standard for how many years?, The bodywork (at least the gas tank design) was used with little change for LeMans 1, 2 and CX100 before being revived for the new V7 series (think the V7 Classic was the first?).  That tank & general profile is how a performance Guzzi was supposed to look.  it was only a matter of time before the name was recycled as well.

After reorganization, The V7 Sport was the bike that took MG into the future.   not sure how Guzzi could have been as innovative and creative with a modern bike as they were when the V7 Sport was released.

An original V7 Sport isn’t a perfect bike, but I’ve found no bike that I like or enjoy more.  I’m a little taller than Cam and, as mentioned, it’s easy to be cramped if you ride on the front pegs.  It’s not the rocket-fast acceleration that people expect nowadays and the properly set-up 4 shoe brake isn’t a 2-finger pull.  No matter, it’s an awesome bike.  Super smooth at speed, good power, comfortable suspension and a very pleasing visceral experience to ride in general.

Most people now expect a much less analog experience while riding.  Read about all the tweaks, nuances and gotta-have details mentioned in this thread.  None of those things exist on an original V7 Sport….  That’s why I enjoy mine so much and still have it after all these years.  I doubt anyone will be turning in their old V7 Sport in trade on a new V7 Sport. 

Keep the big picture in mind.  The new V7 Sport, whatever it is or isn’t, is simply part of the continuing effort to keep Moto Guzzi in business.  Hopefully, it works.

[faffi]

In terms of modern (v-twin era) Moto Guzzis, it’s probably valid to claim the original V7 Sport as the origin & inspiration of more subsequent models than any other bike. Tonti frame & crank-mounted alternator became the standard for how many years?, The bodywork (at least the gas tank design) was used with little change for LeMans 1, 2 and CX100 before being revived for the new V7 series (think the V7 Classic was the first?). 

The 1000S got it first.

[moto]

...

An original V7 Sport isn’t a perfect bike, but I’ve found no bike that I like or enjoy more....  Super smooth at speed, good power, comfortable suspension and a very pleasing visceral experience to ride in general....

I doubt anyone will be turning in their old V7 Sport in trade on a new V7 Sport. 

I agree with all that, as applied to my low-barred T3.

But I just got back from a thousand-mile fast tour of Sicily's back roads on a V7 850 Stone. (This in the Moto Guzzi Experience.)

That bike was perfect for me for that adventure. Its cable operated throttle was great fun, making it easy to dominate the ride-by-wire bikes (Stelvios and a Mandello) in the right places. I think introducing
ride-by-wire on the new generation might be a step back.

I came close to buying a V7 850 three days ago. I stopped when it became clear that I really needed to be in Sicily to enjoy it so much and that I am not ready to sell my T3 just yet.

The V7 850 may be irresistible to me as I age further. (I'm 74.)

[twowheeladdict]

I agree with all that, as applied to my low-barred T3.

But I just got back from a thousand-mile fast tour of Sicily's back roads on a V7 850 Stone. (This in the Moto Guzzi Experience.)

That bike was perfect for me for that adventure. Its cable operated throttle was great fun, making it easy to dominate the ride-by-wire bikes (Stelvios and a Mandello) in the right places. I think introducing
ride-by-wire on the new generation might be a step back.

I came close to buying a V7 850 three days ago. I stopped when it became clear that I really needed to be in Sicily to enjoy it so much and that I am not ready to sell my T3 just yet.

The V7 850 may be irresistible to me as I age further. (I'm 74.)

What makes Sicily different than say eastern TN / western NC / northwestern GA?  Heck, the V7 is perfect for everywhere I have ridden mine. 

[moto]

What makes Sicily different than say eastern TN / western NC / northwestern GA?  Heck, the V7 is perfect for everywhere I have ridden mine.

No police enforcement, no self-appointed police in cars using cell phones to squeal, dry and sunny weather, low brush instead of trees around corners, no deer, for starters. Better food.

My T3 is better for transcontinental trips. I just took one.

[cliffrod]

The 1000S got it first.

Yup- forgot about the 1000S.  The first one I saw in person was at a party in Knoxville in summer/fall of 95.  The owner (who had a bad leg/limp so used a cane with a sword in it….) rode his 1000S up from the Athens (TN, I think) area.  Don’t remember his name, but iirc he looked somewhat like the genius scientist who cloned the dinosaurs on Jurassic Park.

We had a great time comparing and discussing the two bikes.   As the evening progressed and the inhibitions were increasingly subdued, his sword became an ever-greater means of expressing himself.  It got kinda nuts.  FarmerFred finally stepped in and put an end to the swordplay before somebody lost an eye or something else in his driveway..  fun night.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

Its cable operated throttle was great fun, making it easy to dominate the ride-by-wire bikes (Stelvios and a Mandello) in the right places. I think introducing
ride-by-wire on the new generation might be a step back.

Do you really attribute that to the difference between a cable operated throttle and ride-by-wire?

[blackcat]

"FarmerFred finally stepped in and put an end to the swordplay before somebody lost an eye or something else in his driveway..  fun night."

How is Fred? Haven't heard about him in quite some time, last time was a post on ADV Rider some years ago, but I'm not on that site too often. I assume he still has his 1000S.

[PeteS]

Six pages and still going. I think if Guzzi had not named this bike V7 Sport it would have ended after a few posts.
How ‘bout V8 Bandit or V8 Pebble?

Pete

[cliffrod]

"FarmerFred finally stepped in and put an end to the swordplay before somebody lost an eye or something else in his driveway..  fun night."

How is Fred? Haven't heard about him in quite some time, last time was a post on ADV Rider some years ago, but I'm not on that site too often. I assume he still has his 1000S.

Fred & Kim are both doing great.   We swap emails and keep in touch.  He retired earlier this year, then apparently walked straight to the parking lot, got on his bike and rode it cross country & back to celebrate.  They still have a garage full of good bikes & cars, all pristine Fred-quality stuff..

Last communications I had with him were about helping source some parts for a friend in a distant land to keep a loop Guzzi running, like Fred likes to do.

[moto]

Do you really attribute that to the difference between a cable operated throttle and ride-by-wire?

Yes. But I am no expert. The Mandello I rode on the same trip took forever to respond to the handgrip. Wrong mode probably, but I am now suspicious. I wouldn't want to lose quick response so someone else won't scare himself. I know a cable responds immediately and think a computer between the grip and throttle can't do better.

[Kev m]

Yes. But I am no expert. The Mandello I rode on the same trip took forever to respond to the handgrip. Wrong mode probably, but I am now suspicious. I wouldn't want to lose quick response so someone else won't scare himself. I know a cable responds immediately and think a computer between the grip and throttle can't do better.

I think you're falling victim to bad assumptions.

A computer can outbreak a professional driver.

A computer can pulse a fuel injector in terms of milliseconds.

And the cable on the grip you twisted was moving mechanical linkage that a computer monitors to determine how far you moved it and then calculates how many additional injector pulses equals the right amount of fuel.

Nope I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it was in a less responsive map and/or had too high a reaction control setting for your liking.

I bet if I put someone on the RBW bike I owned last and asked them whether or not there was a cable there was no way they would know without physically looking for it.

[twowheeladdict]

No police enforcement, no self-appointed police in cars using cell phones to squeal, dry and sunny weather, low brush instead of trees around corners, no deer, for starters. Better food.

My T3 is better for transcontinental trips. I just took one.

Where I ride there are no police. 

[twowheeladdict]

Yes. But I am no expert. The Mandello I rode on the same trip took forever to respond to the handgrip. Wrong mode probably, but I am now suspicious. I wouldn't want to lose quick response so someone else won't scare himself. I know a cable responds immediately and think a computer between the grip and throttle can't do better.

Probably in Rain mode.

[moto]

I was told it was in touring mode. But my main point is I don't want electronics that I don't need.

I found the Mandello just horrible compared to the Stone.

[twowheeladdict]

I was told it was in touring mode. But my main point is I don't want electronics that I don't need.

I found the Mandello just horrible compared to the Stone.

You should have put it in sport mode. 

There are so many factors to consider.  How much throttle rotation is full throttle on each bike?  What is the gearing?  Where is the power band?  Can't just say throttle by wire bad. 

Well, if you have a fuel injected bike there will be electronics you need.

Even if you have a carburetor bike from the 1970s and beyond there will be electronics you need. 

If you want a bike with cruise control there will be electronics you need. 

[Walton]

Six pages and still going. I think if Guzzi had not named this bike V7 Sport it would have ended after a few posts.
How ‘bout V8 Bandit or V8 Pebble?

Pete

True.. any name besides Sport, Lemans or Daytona.

Judging from what the overweight oldtimers want in here, Old Faithful would fit in just fine.

[Moparnut72]

It was probably in tour or rain. In rain the throttle has to be turned a bit before anything happens. Tour is not as bad. I ride mine in road most of the time, it isn't as aggressive as sport. I use sport when I need instant throttle response but it is a little twitchy in town etc. I really like my Mandello, it did need some miles to come into its own. Mine has just over 6k miles so, I expect it to get better with some more miles.
kk

[Huzo]

True.. any name besides Sport, Lemans or Daytona.

Judging from what the overweight oldtimers want in here, Old Faithful would fit in just fine.

Well as a tip of the hat..
The 750 was a V7
The 850 thing was a V9
Put this in the middle and call it the V8

[Kev m]

I can't wait to buy one and tell everyone I meet that it's a "Dr. John Edition V7 Sport LeMans" and watch to see if their brain short circuits. 

[blu guzz]

I didn't come to Guzzi ownership until 2017, so I am a pretty new guy.  I like the long history, but I don't get my panties in a bunch over it.  I remember reading an article long ago about the Hesketh attempt to bring a bike to market.  There was a quote I am sure to mangle, but it goes like this.  When asked why he spent enormous amounts of his personal fortune, the lord said:  I just wanted to make a crackin good motorbike.  That's what this bike looks like to me and I am as excited to see it as I was to see the V85s when they were announced.  Also, look at the number of posts so far.  I don't think any bike MG has introduced since the V85 has stirred this much chatter, so my opinion is job well done Guzzi. 

[Dirk_S]

I can't wait to buy one and tell everyone I meet that it's a "Dr. John Edition V7 Sport LeMans" and watch to see if their brain short circuits. 

I just puked in my mouth.

Lucky we don’t have a DISLIKE button.