New Moto Guzzi Door Mats Available Now
FWIW, the III 17-20 is much more comfortable than the II or I.The 16II has ABS but I don't think it got the traction control. If it does there is no way to set it like on the III and I've never had it kick in on the II.Also, the III is a lot easier to work on than the I or II.The III is a lot more stable on the highway at 75+ than the earlier ones, and supposedly the newer 850's are better yet.
The addition of ABS and traction control is a logical and evolutionary step for any Piaggio Group model, given the great competence the company has in electronics. Continental provides the two-channel ABS, while the TC is a simplified version of that found on the Moto Guzzi California, with no selectable functions. The six-speed gearbox is long overdue, and it alone justifies the "II" being added to the original Moto Guzzi V7 name. It's a compact and modern box that shifts with a smoothness and speed that the old five-speed could never match.
When're you putting yer deposit on the V7 MkV
Kev, the V7 serries shimmy crap is very confusing. My 15 was rock stable at an honest 80-100 (GPS) so is my 17 III. Either with three bags and a windshield or stripped. But the 16 II weaves so badly I won't hit 80. Especially with three bags. I've played with the steering head bearings, I've raised the forks 20MM and put in a Matris F15 (I think) kit. About $500. The raised forks seemed to make the biggest difference.As to working on them the 15 and 17 you can raise the forks in minutes. On the 16 the whole gauge assembly needs to come off and most likely you will break the wires on the ABS or caution yellow lights. The 16II uses the old head gaskets that like to leak and they are far from simple to change because you can't get to the screws holding the intakes on very easy as I recall. Overall, it just seems that everything I want to touch on the 16 is a PITA! JMHO!On the 17 III the pegs are different, as are the shifter and rear brake lever also. The seating is far better because of that and the vibration is much less than the 15. Also, the clutch pull is much lighter on the 17 but nowhere near as light as on the v85's.
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Kev, the V7 serries shimmy crap is very confusing. My 15 was rock stable at an honest 80-100 (GPS) so is my 17 III. Either with three bags and a windshield or stripped. But the 16 II weaves so badly I won't hit 80. Especially with three bags. I've played with the steering head bearings, I've raised the forks 20MM and put in a Matris F15 (I think) kit. About $500. The raised forks seemed to make the biggest difference.As to working on them the 15 and 17 you can raise the forks in minutes. On the 16 the whole gauge assembly needs to come off and most likely you will break the wires on the ABS or caution yellow lights. The 16II uses the old head gaskets that like to leak and they are far from simple to change because you can't get to the screws holding the intakes on very easy as I recall. Overall, it just seems that everything I want to touch on the 16 is a PITA! JMHO!On the 17 III the pegs are different, as are the shifter and rear brake lever also. The seating is far better because of that and the vibration is much less than the 15. Also, the clutch pull is much lighter on the 17 but nowhere near as light as on the v85's. As to the TC I just ssumed with no adjustment it didn't have it. But, it has never been an issue.
Didn’t the V7-850 get some additional gusseting on the frame near the headstock, as well as a stiffer swingarm?If memory serves…and perhaps that had something to do with wobble/weave?
Another useful comparison for some people may be the ability to reset the "maintenance" wrench icon, MkIV and likely MkV require expensive specialty equipment OR dealer service for that, but it's my understanding that on prior models with it the owner was able to reset this themselves. Not just an OCD annoyance, but a feeling that Moto Guzzi don't want or trust you to own and work on the motorcycle that you purchased.
Related but on a slightly different subject area..Earlier, I noticed my back wheel rotating when my V7III is in neutral on the centre stand. It can be stopped (carefully but firmly) by hand or the back brake. Do they all do this? Related to how closely meshed the 6-speed box is? Perhaps it's not truly/fully in neutral - I'll double check.Tomorrow, I'll check if the 5-speed 750 Breva also does this.
My 16 is a stone with the twin gauges like my 15 had. I could be wrong (it's been a lot of years ago) on the 15 but I think I could raise the forks easily because the fork pinch bolts were right there. But on the 16 they are buried behind the gauges meaning everything has to come off to get at them. On the 17 III, they moved the top pinch bolts where you can get right to them.The 16 has a weave, not a head shimmy. When you hit an honest 70-75 on a good pavement or interstate it starts. Leaning forward on the tank helps. With a 47L Givi top box and two 21L saddle bags and a small windshield, it is horrible. Removing the top box improves it, removing the windshield helps more. The side bags make little difference. Raising the forks 10MM helped a tiny bit going to 20MM is much improved. I'm on the third front and rear tire combo as of a month ago. These are both A41 90/10. Fortunatly I keep this one in S. Az. and rarely hit 70 and haven't used a top box in a year. Wilbers rear shocks, and the F15 front as stated.This is the same basic set up as on my 17III and it's fine at any speed or load.
The hemis received a secondary air intake at the heads. (which I still need to learn about). If this is the same thing as the previous Heron head’s blow-by pipe, then it’s at least an updated design.
I'm recently on my 2nd Mk3. Both of mine started with the OEM Pirelli Diablos which I found nervous and skiddish. Can't say for sure but it there might have been some head shaking. Switching to higher grade radial tires with careful balancing was transformative, with the front feeling both smoother and more planted. Proper weight springs at both ends (with 10mm longer shocks) also improved stability while improving ride harshness.
Want Carbs? Go for a Classic.
