Help - V7 850 front-end is a pogo stick

[RamJag]

OK, here is what is going on. I am here because the dealer is being rather stupid and unhelpful and I need some guidance.

In April 2025 I bought a brand new MG V7 850 Stone "Special Edition" (with the red shock springs and Arrow exhaust).  I have been dreaming of this bike for 5 years.

For the first 200 km - perfect.  Then, after that, I started to notice a bounce in the front-end (clearly coming from front-end), which slowly got worse, but wasn't horrible.  I chalked it up to the bike still being new and maybe "rigid" and thought it might work itself out.  Well, it didn't.  When I took the bike in for first service, I mentioned the bounce.  They said it was likely the back shocks being too soft - they adjusted them and told me to come back in a few weeks if it still happens.  Well, their back shock adjustment didn't work.  So, I brought it back.  They checked it out and said that there was no defect.  Here is where it gets crazy.  The dealer said that they have another identical bike as mine (same "Special Edition" black and red) and it also bounces like mine, therefore the bouncing is normal.  I told them that I knew all V7 Stones (special edition or not) use the same front shocks, same wheel, same tire, so then why don't all of the V7 Stones "bounce".  They didn't answer - just shrugged me off and said I need new springs and would need to pay for them.

Now, let me describe the bouncing:

It is rhythmic and regular:  when going 50kph, it bounces maybe at a frequency of 6 bounes per second, then up to 9 bounces at 80, then 10 at 100, and so on.  At 120kph, the bouncing is almost a vibration rather than a bounce.  At all speeds, the bouncing is worse when cruising or coasting or light braking.  If I accelerate, it almost goes away until I release the throttle.  Also, it feels the worst on silky smooth roads, like newly paved tarmac.  I feel nothing weird or abnormal when going over bumps - the suspension feels fine when doing what suspensions are meant to do.

I even took the bike to another local mechanic and had him test the bike and balance the wheel.  He said the wheel was almost perfectly balanced, but he added a teeny tiny amount of weight to one area but this did nothing to alleviate the bounce.  He asked me what year the bike was.  I said it was a 2024 model that I bought in April 0f 2025.  He said "Aha.  It sat on their showroom floor for a year and has a flat spot on the tire." But he couldn't see one.  The dealer denies there being a flat spot.

I am convinced that the problem seems to be coming from a rotational source because of the bouncing frequency being closely related to the number of rotations of the wheel.  If it was suspension, would it behave that way?   I am going back to the dealer tomorrow and want to suggest that they swap the entire wheel with another Stone (but not the other one that bounces) and test the bike.  If it doesn't bounce any more, then it was either the wheel or the tire, right?  And if it still bounces, then it must be the suspension, yes?

If it is a bad tire (regardless of whether manufacturing issue or sitting on the show-room floor), somebody owes me a new tire!

What would you do?  What should I do?

Thanks, in case you read this far and still have enough patience to respond!

[Dirk_S]

Does the pogo’ing/turbulence fade away and return rhythmically while riding? Or is it pogo’ing/turbulent constantly?

[YellowDuck]

Everything you said makes sense, and I think you are on the right track.  It is mysterious though how you would experience that when the wheel seems to be in balance.  Love your idea of just swapping out the whole wheel and tire as a test.

It occurs to me that a wheel could be perfectly balanced but also out of round, or have significant lateral run out.  Those would be the next things I would check.  Never done it but presumably you need a dial gauge and a way to spin the wheel with no tire on it.  That would actually square with the fact that this problem appeared only after a period of time.  Do you remember a particularly hard hit that might have tweaked the rim?

[rocker59]

It is mysterious though how you would experience that when the wheel seems to be in balance.   

balanced, but out of round.  It's likely that either the wheel or the tire is out of round.

[Vagrant]

Bad tires aren't all that uncommon. The fact it was good for 200K should mean it is seated in the rim OK, but it would be wise to check. I press the issue of switching with a different front.

[RamJag]

Does the pogo’ing/turbulence fade away and return rhythmically while riding? Or is it pogo’ing/turbulent constantly?

It doesn't fade away, really. It is quite constant.  If I rode on the same smooth road at 65 kph for two hours, it would remain constant in severity and frequency for the entire two hours. 

[RamJag]

Thanks for all the speedy replies and help.  It seems I am on the right track thinking that a balanced wheel that pogos means something isn't round.  The tire touches the road, so if the rim is out of round, that forces the tire out of round, as it sits between the rim and the road. 

What perplexes me is the attitude (and apparently the aptitude) of the garage.  "You need new springs" just blows my mind.  I think they are afraid of owing me a new tire.  If the rim is out of round, then the dealer is not put out, because Moto Guzzi would pay, right?  But if the tire is the issue because of sitting on the showroom floor for a year, then the dealer is responsible.

But, as one of you pointed out, "a bad tire from the factory" is not uncommon - I suppose this is also Moto Guzzi to pay for, then try to get reimbursed from their tire supplier.  I just can't seem to get the dealer to be helpful.  But I will push for them to swap out the front wheel and tire assembly with another one and see what happens.  Sheesh, this has been such a hassle so far.  I should just be able to drop the bike off and get them to fix it without complaint.

[rocker59]

I just can't seem to get the dealer to be helpful.  But I will push for them to swap out the front wheel and tire assembly with another one and see what happens.  Sheesh, this has been such a hassle so far.  I should just be able to drop the bike off and get them to fix it without complaint.

unfortunately, incompetence is common at "dealerships".  Be prepared to address this problem yourself.

it's not a Guzzi-specific dealership problem.  It permeates the industry.  It's an enthusiast business and the best "shops" are enthusiastic riders who understand.  Few and far between really.

[bronzestar1]

I think you're on the right track with having the dealer swap a different front wheel/tire then test it.  One additional piece of advice I would suggest.  Find the date code for the front tire that's on the bike now, and make sure the tire on the "test" wheel has a newer date code.  Your bike is a '24, you bought it in '25, there's no telling how old that front tire is.  Knowing the date codes will help in your quest.

Good luck! 

[Tom H]

I find it odd that 2 bikes of the same model have this issue. Maybe a bad run of wheels.

If you can get the front wheel off the ground safely, you can use a rod (pencil, stick or the like) laid on a bucket, stool or the like then hold the rod next to the lip of the rim. Rotate the wheel and see if the lip stays lined up with the rod or not. If it stays lined up, the wheel should be good, if not it's likely out of round.

Also, another thing to check. See if you can wiggle the wheel. Grab the wheel at lets say 3 and 9 o'clock, then try to rock it by pulling with one hand and pushing with the other. Could?? be a bearing issue, though not likely.

hope this helps,
Tom

[RamJag]

I find it odd that 2 bikes of the same model have this issue. Maybe a bad run of wheels.

If you can get the front wheel off the ground safely, you can use a rod (pencil, stick or the like) laid on a bucket, stool or the like then hold the rod next to the lip of the rim. Rotate the wheel and see if the lip stays lined up with the rod or not. If it stays lined up, the wheel should be good, if not it's likely out of round.

Also, another thing to check. See if you can wiggle the wheel. Grab the wheel at lets say 3 and 9 o'clock, then try to rock it by pulling with one hand and pushing with the other. Could?? be a bearing issue, though not likely.

hope this helps,
Tom

Oh, I also find it odd that two bikes of same model have the issue.  However, the "Special Edition" was a limited run.  Also, we know that all Moto Guzzi V7's originate from the same factory in Mandello del Lario.  Given these two pieces of info, it is certainly not far-fetched to think that a bad run of tires or rims would affect a few of these bikes.  It does seem quite a coincidence that two of them happen to be at the same dealer here in Switzerland, though.

[RamJag]

*** Update ***

Not all good news below, but maybe progress?

The dealer called me yesterday and said they adjusted the front forks (the dampening, I guess) and now the problem (actually, they refuse to call it a problem - they call it a "phenomenon") is "much better".  I said "Not buying it.  You are telling me that you've tried to mask the problem with dampening and you are admitting that the, er, phenomenon is still there, just not as severe.  Your adjustment of the dampening is going to affect the performance of the front end, which on normal bumps and road imperfections was perfectly acceptable before.  I do not accept your 'solution'." 

I hope you guys are proud of me - it was your support here that gave me the courage to confront these absolute jokers.  I told them that I want them to swap the front end with another bike and I would gladly test that.  They immediately said that I should ride it like it is (with the fork dampening adjustment) and if it is not acceptable (it won't be, I'm sure), they will replace both tires at their cost (because Moto Guzzi "will do nothing", in their words. 

This seems to me to be almost an admission that the tire is the problem and if Moto Guzzi is refusing to do anything, then it is likely due to the dealer's improper storage of the bike (which flattened the tire). 

So, I will provide an update here after I go to the dealer and ride the bike.  I've been without the bike for two weeks now and the riding weather here is PERFECT. The bike is a dream to ride (except for the bouncing) and I am itching beyond belief to get her up into the twisties, which are absolutely everywhere here!

Thanks again for all your sage advice.  This forum is amazing!

[blu guzz]

I bought one of the first V85s off the assembly line in the summer of 2019.  I had the bouncing that you are describing.  I put up with it for a 2,000 miles but it did not improve.  I told my dealer (they are all different in how they approach these matters).  Dealer told me that Metzler had admitted that they shipped a "bad batch" of out of round tires and it was replaced for free.  Metzler had the dealer return the tire to them for study, or more likely, so that they could be sure it was out of circulation because it still had nearly all of its tread. 
Out of round is a bad situation because visually, the tire appeared to be perfect and it balanced correctly.
You will enjoy the bike only when you get a new tire on the front either by warranty or if you have to buy it.
Let us know how it works out.

[Kev m]

*** Update ***

Not all good news below, but maybe progress?

The dealer called me yesterday and said they adjusted the front forks (the dampening, I guess) and now the problem (actually, they refuse to call it a problem - they call it a "phenomenon") is "much better".  I said "Not buying it.  You are telling me that you've tried to mask the problem with dampening and you are admitting that the, er, phenomenon is still there, just not as severe.  Your adjustment of the dampening is going to affect the performance of the front end, which on normal bumps and road imperfections was perfectly acceptable before.  I do not accept your 'solution'." 

Wait WTF?

This is the Black (and Red stripe) Special Edition model right?

IIRC there are no fork adjustments on that.

So how in God's name did they "adjust" dampening?

[Vagrant]

The only thing they could have done is change the quantity of fork oil or the weight of it. Pay them a bit extra and put radials on it. 

[RamJag]

Wait WTF?

This is the Black (and Red stripe) Special Edition model right?

IIRC there are no fork adjustments on that.

So how in God's name did they "adjust" dampening?

See?  This is why I am here. Yes, the "Special Edition" is the black with red stripe and red springs in the rear. 

I am not a motorcycle mechanic or even that knowledgeable about them, and I am starting to think the garage is really taking advantage of that.  But with your help, I've got some ammunition to fight back.

I literally head to the dealer/garage in about 40 minutes.  The first thing I will do is ask them EXACTLY what they did to (according to them) lessen the bouncing.

[Kev m]

The only thing they could have done is change the quantity of fork oil or the weight of it. Pay them a bit extra and put radials on it.

Yeah, but IF THAT'S THE CASE shouldn't they have explained that to the customer. It effects him in future services there or elsewhere.

Besides, if this is truly a factory defect, then they are just masking it.

I say if only because we're not there in the ground and, nothing personal OP, some people are friggin weird and over sensitive so who knows.

[Moparnut72]

I had been without a bike for a number of years. To get back in I bought a used Sportster from a used bike dealer. After riding it for a bit I decided the steering was not right, it tended to wander and not run straight. I reset the tension on the steering stem bearings as per Harley's service manual, it was tight as found. Then I wound up with a vibration very much like you are describing but more side to side. I checked run out both radially and laterally and found nothing out of the ordinary. After further inspection I found a very small "dent" in the rim. It was enough to cause the vibration which the dealership covered up by tightening up the steering. If it were me I would just replace the front tire. Did you mention which tires are on the bike? I may have missed it but my V7lll came with Sport Demons which are terrible tires which were probably chosen to meet a certain price point. My Triumph T120 also came with Sport Demons which weren't any better.  If this were me with the experience you have with your current dealer I would just replace the front tire with a quality one from somewhere else. Not a major expense considering the price of the new bike. Good luck, hang in there these are great bikes.
kk

[RamJag]

Yeah, but IF THAT'S THE CASE shouldn't they have explained that to the customer. It effects him in future services there or elsewhere.

Besides, if this is truly a factory defect, then they are just masking it.

I say if only because we're not there in the ground and, nothing personal OP, some people are friggin weird and over sensitive so who knows.

No offense taken at all, and I get that some people are over sensitive.  The bouncing on my bike is (was severe) and everyone who road it (5 riders, including a motorbike mechanic) said that it is DEFINITELY not normal and should be a warranty service repair.  One guy said he was afraid to ride it after feeling the bounce.  I think he was being a bit oversensitive, but seriously - it's not something ANY new bike should do.

Now, I just got back from the dealer, and I think we have a solution, but in the most roundabout way I could ever imagine.

I confirmed what they did to "dampen" the shocks, and I was misinformed during the first call.  They didn't adjust the front suspension, they stiffened the BACK suspension.  I road the bike and, sure enough, it lessens the bouncing, but doesn't eliminate it.  It also felt hard as a rock when going over any bumps (I only weight 160 lb/72kg, so...).

They also have (just in today to the dealer) another 2024 V7 Special Edition, identical to mine that doesn't bounce at all.  So, I rode it.  Perfect!  No bounce, smooth as silk.  But it has Dunlop tires (forget which model) instead of the Michelin on mine.  After I told them that I do NOT consider my bike fixed, they offered to buy me two new Dunlop tires (same as the bike I tested that rode fine) and install them.  I said something along the lines of "Why don't you first just swap the wheels on both bikes so you can CONFIRM that it is indeed wheel/tire related".  They thought I was being silly, I think.  Anyway, I told them that if they buy me new tires and there is still bouncing, I'll be back and it will still be their issue.

However, I am pretty sure (or at least hopeful) that new tires will fix the issue.

Again, thanks everyone for your guidance!!

[Dave Swanson]

I'll bet you a new pair of red suspenders that you will be a happy Guzzi guy after tire swap.  And after you back off the preload on that rear shock!

[Tkelly]

Make them mount the new tires.

[ridingron]

Make them mount the new tires.

And check the wheel for roundness and side to side run out before mounting the tire.

Good luck!