V7 or V85

[dte8dom]

Thinking of possibly adding one and subtracting one. As I get older I’m strongly considering moving on from my Cali 1400. As much as I love this bike, it is heavy and not so good at commuting. I’d like to replace it with something lighter in weight, V7 or V85 are both lighter, frankly a small car is probably lighter than a 1400. My question is then anybody that has rode or owned both, if you could only recommend one, which one would it be and why?

[Kev m]

There's only one choice for me: V7

That's based on looks, feel, ergos.

But there's no question the V85 probably has a more capable suspension, and makes more power, and has more features. Of course the V85 is taller and weighs more, especially since it carries it higher.

[Clifton]

I had a V7II, then California 1400 (both sold) and still have my 2021 V85TT. For me the V85TT hits the sweet spot of not too heavy, powerful enough, good suspension for all types of road surfaces, comfortable, good wind protection, lots of luggage options, tubeless wheels, cruise, in short a do everything type of motorcycle.
If you don't anticipate riding some poorly paved or gravel roads the new V7 850 (which now has cruise) with a windshield could offer almost the same other than a more budget suspension and probably just a little less power.

[inditx]

I’ve had both but as I age, the V7 is just plain friendlier to; mount, maneuver around garages and parking lots and ride
I have had several V7’s including the V7-850 and a 2023 V85TT for reference
Ride both, for awhile, and then decide
inditx

[blu guzz]

Last week, I test rode the newest V85 at the Ohio Guzzi Rally. In that 20 minutes, it reminded me why I loved the bike when I got one in 2019 and at the same time, why I had to trade it 4 years later, my legs have not grown longer in the intervening years.  My choice now will be the V7 when I finally decide on a new bike. 

[PeteS]

You really have to sit on both. Your height and inseam make a difference. For some six footers the V7 is too cramped.

Pete

[twowheeladdict]

Thinking of possibly adding one and subtracting one. As I get older I’m strongly considering moving on from my Cali 1400. As much as I love this bike, it is heavy and not so good at commuting. I’d like to replace it with something lighter in weight, V7 or V85 are both lighter, frankly a small car is probably lighter than a 1400. My question is then anybody that has rode or owned both, if you could only recommend one, which one would it be and why?

I have both. 

You mentioned commuting.  When I was commuting I would rather be in an SUV or truck than in a car.  The V85TT is the SUV and the V7 the car. 

[Vagrant]

If your inseam is 30+" then buy the one that looks best to you. If under 30" and you are over 70 the V7 is the safest choice.

[kingoffleece]

At 5'11" the V7 as delivered was too tight.  A custom seat 1 1/2" taller solved it very easily.

[PeteS]

At 5'11" the V7 as delivered was too tight.  A custom seat 1 1/2" taller solved it vary easily.

A good friend about 6’1” just bought a new V7 and he is sending his seat out. Too bad Guzzi doesn’t offer a flat seat the height of the passenger section.

Pete

[Clifton]

.....Too bad Guzzi doesn’t offer a flat seat the height of the passenger section.

Too bad almost none of them seem to anymore! The rider typically sits wedged in a dip between the tank and elevated passenger portion.

[mhershon]

I bought my '14 V7 with lowered foot pegs, so I've never felt legroom was a problem. I'm 5' 91/2" after having shrunk a couple of inches in my upper body. My legs are still pretty long. My bike has almost reached 57,000 miles, both highway (probably 70-75) and local miles. I had a final drive leak, so I shipped the unit to Jim Hamlin in CT, but the bike as a whole has never been in a shop. Just runs, with owner maintenance. Rear wheel removal/replacement is a struggle but everything else is easy. I've never ridden a V85 but my bike was sold so the previous owner could buy one. Perhaps he'll add his comments below...

[dte8dom]

Thank you for all of the replies. I got some time and I’m sure I’ll change my mind several times until I just pull the trigger. It honestly sounds like I couldn’t go wrong with either. I got some time in that I haven’t been serious in moving on from the Cali yet. But I know it’s coming. If I had the garage space and money I’d already have both.

[egschade]

You really have to sit on both. Your height and inseam make a difference. For some six footers the V7 is too cramped.

Pete

Exactly my thoughts. I moved on from my beloved V85 because it became too tall/heavy for my 29" inseam. Traded for a V7 (plus cash) and regretted the cramped seating and antiquated suspension. I'm now on a Triumph 400X because Guzzi doesn't sell anything between the V7 and V85. For longer rides and commuting you'll appreciate the suspension of the V85 too.

[blu guzz]

I really wish the wheelbase on the V7 was 60 inches instead of 58.  Doesn't sound like much, but it makes a huge difference.  I have resisted the move because on my v85, I was really comfortable and on the 1400 with its 67 inch wheelbase, you can just stretch out.  The V85 and old Beemers had 60 inch wheelbases and they worked splendidly with handling that was good but not quite sport bike sharp, stability on highways and room for good luggage.  If MG offered that, I'd be at the dealer tomorrow. (I know the V100 is supposed to fill that role, but its not for me. 

[Kildareman]

I really wish the wheelbase on the V7 was 60 inches instead of 58.  Doesn't sound like much, but it makes a huge difference.  I have resisted the move because on my v85, I was really comfortable and on the 1400 with its 67 inch wheelbase, you can just stretch out.  The V85 and old Beemers had 60 inch wheelbases and they worked splendidly with handling that was good but not quite sport bike sharp, stability on highways and room for good luggage.  If MG offered that, I'd be at the dealer tomorrow. (I know the V100 is supposed to fill that role, but its not for me.

I'd no issue with stability on my V7 850 Centenario when I had it. I did modify the ergos somewhat with LSL flat bar and Babyface rearsets for a much more "sporty" feeling ride. It was well able to keep up time wise on my Wicklow mountains route compared to my previous Tiger 800.
The V85 Strada is another level of happyness though. Currently the tyres are wearing sidewall to sidewall. I don't really feel any difference in the overall handling. The sum of the parts though is just better.

[JJ]

At the tender age of 71, I recently SOLD my 2014 Victory Vision Tour (871lbs.) and my 1998 Moto Guzzi Centauro GT (525lbs.) for a 2025 Moto Morini Calibro 700 (443 lbs.).





I have a 30-inch inseam so I always opted for having BOTH feet flat on the ground.

I would say the V7 is probably just fine, depending on what kind of riding you do.  In ones twilight years, I believe "lighter is better" overall.

My long distance marathon days are long over, but I did recently ride my bike successfully 684 miles round trip to the Guzzi Rally in Datil, NM. 

[Cam3512]

I bought my '14 V7 with lowered foot pegs, so I've never felt legroom was a problem. I'm 5' 91/2" after having shrunk a couple of inches in my upper body. My legs are still pretty long. My bike has almost reached 57,000 miles, both highway (probably 70-75) and local miles. I had a final drive leak, so I shipped the unit to Jim Hamlin in CT, but the bike as a whole has never been in a shop. Just runs, with owner maintenance. Rear wheel removal/replacement is a struggle but everything else is easy. I've never ridden a V85 but my bike was sold so the previous owner could buy one. Perhaps he'll add his comments below...

I sold my ‘14 V7 Special to Maynard then bought an early ‘20 V85TT.  I needed something more stable on the slab just to get out of NJ.  Had it lowered an inch (upgraded shock) shortly after.  It’s pack mule.  Very planted and nimble.  If you’re looking for a “do everything” mount, it’s it.  First new bike I’ve kept over 5 years.  Now if I had mountain roads outside my driveway, I might feel different. 

[Vagrant]

No, you wouldn't! You'd just buy more tires.

[Cam3512]

No, you wouldn't! You'd just buy more tires.

Good point!

[TimmyTheHog]

Guess me adding more of inseam/height stats.

I am 5-9 w/ 29.5" inseam

V7 fits well for my legs but I needed a 1" raiser or I would hunch over

V85 fits well for my upper body but I had to slight tippy toe with one foot down when stop. I tried with OEM lower seat and I was more on the ball of my feet after that but still not flat foot.

Again, echoing the other's, you really need to sit on them and see.

[Perazzimx14]

I'd not consider the V7 bases on suspension travel alone. After years of ring bikes with LT suspension I ain't going back.

If the V85 is too tall lower it 

[Bulldog9]

Looks aside (I don't like the V85 front end) the V85 is the better all around bike if you can handle the height, or don't mind getting lowered as Cam, Bill and others have done. Many of my Guzzi friends say their V85 is one of their favorite Guzzi's ever. I just can't get over the look, and wish they did a standard front end (headlight/fender) version.

I think given you are coming from a 1400, that the V7850 would be best. VERY adaptable, tons of accessories, mods suspension options (some very reasonable) and a classic look.

The V7ii had a TERRIBLE stock suspension, the V7iii and 850 are much better. Not fantastic but tolerable. A good set of shocks and matris inserts in the fork, and they are stellar.