First ride on new 26 V7 Sport

[Rons]

I picked up my ‘26 V7 sport this past Saturday.
50 miles to home on backroads. Initial impressions:
Love the feel of the engine, typical Guzzi character and charm.
Limited to 4500rpm, but seems to make plenty of power. Not like my Griso 1200SE but feels strong.
Handling is intuitive and excellent, probably the best surprise. I wasn’t sure how it would turn in with the 18” front tire. The suspension feels firm, but not too stiff. Dealer set up sag for me, and I might just leave it alone, as it feels great even over the rough New England roads.

Disappointed in the brakes- they slow the bike down on initial pressure to the lever, but squeezing more does not provide more braking. I didn’t want to try a panic stop since the pads/rotors are still breaking in. I expected the brakes to be better.
The Sport doesn’t have the grunt that my ‘22 Speed Twin 1200 has, but that is to be expected. The ST is a bigger engine and liquid cooled. ST also has “sportbike” brakes. Two fingers and you can lift the rear wheel if you want to. Might be better than my single front disc ‘14 Bonneville, however that is faint praise. I may try some different pads next Spring.

I’m hoping to find more power from both the engine and the brakes as the motorcycle breaks in.

Sounds great at idle with the stock exhaust. Exhaust is quiet at speed, and the engine makes a delightful whining sound. Feels like being on a locomotive, chugging away. First bike I’ve had with cruise control. Not sure how much I’ll use it, but we will find out.

I like the dash even though I prefer the two gauge set up. Nice to find there is an adjustable shift light, and it’s much more visible than the small light on my Griso. Used to hit the rev limiter regularly on that bike since it never stopped pulling.

The green looks really good in the sunlight. It has a subtle metallic in it, as does the black rear fender. Really gives the bike a premium look.

Looking forward to getting the break in miles on, hopefully berfore the snow flies.

[jrt]

First bike I’ve had with cruise control. Not sure how much I’ll use it, but we will find out.

If you are like me, more than you initially think.  I have to admit that it is a nice feature (and I used to hate the idea!)

Hopefully, the other areas- brakes- will improve as they bed in.  Thank you for your feedback on the bike- it is nice to have the types of comparisons you put in.

[faffi]

Congrats on the new bike

Brakes often take some time to break in, especially if the discs were not properly cleaned in case some grease or wax landed on them during final assembly at the dealer.

[Vagrant]

Scrub them with brake cleaner. Separating the pads and spray in there too.

[MikeP996]

I think the single front disc on my 71 V7 Special is excellent - can't think how a dual disc could be less than superb - broken in or not.  But could be some sort of contamination on the pads/discs OR air in the system...

More power from the engine is easy - just ignore the break-in limitations - 4500 RPM!!  The longest I ever adhered to break-in recommendations on any motorcycle was however long it took to get out of the dealer's parking lot!! ;)

[Rons]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll take the pads off and hit the rotors with brakecleen. Scuff up the pads with sandpaper and see what that does.

Additional thoughts on the riding position- a tad more upright than the speed twin. If I straighten my elbows ( I am pretty short 5’5”) I am sitting almost exactly upright. So with normal riding position, a slight lean forward, elbows bent a little.
Foot pegs are more forward than the street twin, or any sportbike ever. The footpegs are still higher than a “standard” bike, so my knees get pushed up a bit. Riders with long legs should test ride to see how they like it
Overall comfortable. Seat feels good initially, will report back after a longer ride to see how the seat holds up. I have to say my Griso had the best stock seat ever. ( out of the ten bikes I’ve owned anyway).

Preaching to the choir, Guzzis have a mechanical presence not found in any other modern motorcycle. That may be the attraction.

[Bulldog9]

I picked up my ‘26 V7 sport this past Saturday.
50 miles to home on backroads. Initial impressions:
Love the feel of the engine, typical Guzzi character and charm.
Limited to 4500rpm, but seems to make plenty of power. Not like my Griso 1200SE but feels strong.
Handling is intuitive and excellent, probably the best surprise. I wasn’t sure how it would turn in with the 18” front tire. The suspension feels firm, but not too stiff. Dealer set up sag for me, and I might just leave it alone, as it feels great even over the rough New England roads.

Disappointed in the brakes- they slow the bike down on initial pressure to the lever, but squeezing more does not provide more braking. I didn’t want to try a panic stop since the pads/rotors are still breaking in. I expected the brakes to be better.
The Sport doesn’t have the grunt that my ‘22 Speed Twin 1200 has, but that is to be expected. The ST is a bigger engine and liquid cooled. ST also has “sportbike” brakes. Two fingers and you can lift the rear wheel if you want to. Might be better than my single front disc ‘14 Bonneville, however that is faint praise. I may try some different pads next Spring.

I’m hoping to find more power from both the engine and the brakes as the motorcycle breaks in.

Sounds great at idle with the stock exhaust. Exhaust is quiet at speed, and the engine makes a delightful whining sound. Feels like being on a locomotive, chugging away. First bike I’ve had with cruise control. Not sure how much I’ll use it, but we will find out.

I like the dash even though I prefer the two gauge set up. Nice to find there is an adjustable shift light, and it’s much more visible than the small light on my Griso. Used to hit the rev limiter regularly on that bike since it never stopped pulling.

The green looks really good in the sunlight. It has a subtle metallic in it, as does the black rear fender. Really gives the bike a premium look.

Looking forward to getting the break in miles on, hopefully berfore the snow flies.

Congrats, thanks for the update, look forward to hearing how things sort out.

On the brakes, you probably need to 'bed' (breakin) the pads and rotors. Several HARD braking cycles and cool down and they should be fine. But Do what makes you feel comfortable.  The V7 is a fine platform.

[YellowDuck]

Does anyone know if the brakes on the V7 Sport are the same as on the new V85 bikes?  Because I found the brakes on the latter to be superb, certainly compared to either of my two single disc bikes (23 Stone, and RE 650).  I have a hard time imaging how anyone could be disappointed in them, if they are working properly.

[PeteS]

The new V7 Sport has the same disks and calipers as the V85 and V100. 320mm disks, 4 pot Brembos.
Grabbing a handful of front brake should catapult you over the bars.

Pete

[kingoffleece]

No matter the bike-new, old, used........I've always thought one needs several thousand miles to REALLY know what is what with that machine.

[faffi]

Foot pegs are more forward than the street twin, or any sportbike ever. The footpegs are still higher than a “standard” bike, so my knees get pushed up a bit.

That used to be the norm on most bikes, and USA-market bikes retained this feature much longer than the rest of the world, especially on sporty standards like the Honda F-models, the KZ standard versions, the Suzuki E models and the sportier Yamahas, with pegs often 4-6 inches further forward. Personally, I find this tiring, especially as the speed creep up and/or facing a gale, and double so if the pegs are placed a bit high. The pegs on my V9 is much too far forward, guaranteed far, far more so than on your V7, but are also low, so OK until you want support from your feet.

I found the CB400SF to have an almost perfect riding position for me ar 5'11" with a 32" inseam. Picture not of me, but same bike.

[Rons]

That used to be the norm on most bikes, and USA-market bikes retained this feature much longer than the rest of the world, especially on sporty standards like the Honda F-models, the KZ standard versions, the Suzuki E models and the sportier Yamahas, with pegs often 4-6 inches further forward. Personally, I find this tiring, especially as the speed creep up and/or facing a gale, and double so if the pegs are placed a bit high. The pegs on my V9 is much too far forward, guaranteed far, far more so than on your V7, but are also low, so OK until you want support from your feet.

I found the CB400SF to have an almost perfect riding position for me ar 5'11" with a 32" inseam. Picture not of me, but same bike.

Yes, the knee bend in the picture you provided is what I’m used to. Today when I went for a ride, I actually put my feet up and onto the exhaust. By reflex, I lifted my feet up and back. Had to adjust and bring them forward. Not like a cruiser, but more forward than my Griso or my Speed Twin. Once moving, it’s not uncomfortable. I can move my foot position on the peg as needed.

I may try putting the passenger pegs down and changing position just so my knees are not locked in a 90 degree bend for the whole ride.

The seat is supportive. A bit tough to readjust position due to the “grabby” suede like covering. I took to standing on the pegs to reposition my butt.

[Rons]

The new V7 Sport has the same disks and calipers as the V85 and V100. 320mm disks, 4 pot Brembos.
Grabbing a handful of front brake should catapult you over the bars.

Pete

Not as powerful as other 320mm disc setups I’ve had on other bikes. I googled this and found a write up where the reviewer said the master cylinder may be to blame. I’m not saying the brakes are not sufficient, just not as powerful as sportier bikes.

[Rons]

A couple of pics

[kingoffleece]

Using passenger pegs on a standard style motorbike is a very old time trick.  Still works a treat.
Used on both my Bonnievilles and V7 many times.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

A couple of pics

I spy a 2024 Honda Trail 125. Excellent taste in motos!

[Vagrant]

Slap a set of GL1800 foot pegs. About 1/2” lower just as good ground clearance.

[red stripeguz]

Slap a set of GL1800 foot pegs. About 1/2” lower just as good ground clearance.

Honda CBR pegs work great, I have a pair on my '23 V7

[DoubleGuzzi]

'Glad' to see that it's not just me that reckons V7 pegs are too far forward.: a V7III in my case. Why they switched to those plates, making the whole thing wider, beats me. I keep whacking my shin when using a centre stand - very annoying. For moving the bike around in the garage, they just get in the way of my natural foot position. I wish they had stuck with the earlier V7/Breva slim setup, though it was likely a bodge to fit in with the addition of ABS.
[Edit: the V7II with ABS looks less cumbersome with regards to footpegs etc.]
Not being able to justify/afford a set of aftermarket 'rearsets', I have wondered about getting secondhand footpeg plates and removing the cast in spacers on the inside of them. That would help a little, if not ideal.
Vario footpegs are not really an option for me, as they would make the pegs even wider, due to the rotation mechanics. Also, they surely leave the gear & brake lever tips in awkward positions/less positive in action.

[Rons]

Honda CBR pegs work great, I have a pair on my '23 V7

What year and model CBR?
Thanks

[Rons]

I spy a 2024 Honda Trail 125. Excellent taste in motos!

That 125 is so much fun!

[faffi]

Out of curiosity, how easily do the peg feelers touch down on the V7 models? On my V9, they go down just beyond vertical. There is barely enough clearance to get rid of the chicken strips on the rear tire, and that is only achieved when the pegs are folded up noticeably during cornering. I do my very best to avoid scraping, because for once I want to keep the mufflers free from scrape marks, but ever so often I'm taken by surprise how soon the peg feelers scrape.

[Rons]

Got another 100 miles on today.  Having the large gas tank is a benefit. My Speed Twin only gets around 100 miles on a tank ( 48 mpg). The Griso was about that same range at approx 35 MPG.

The V7 Sport got 50mpg on today’s ride.went 150 miles and still had just under a half tank. ( took 3 gallons to fill).

Average MPG is still going up. Also-  Best intake honk at full throttle since my Ducati 900cr. Still keeping rpm’s under 4500-5000, but plenty of grunt. Feels way faster than my 2014 Bonneville, even though, on paper, they have close to the same HP.
Are Italian horses stronger than British ones?

This V7 Sport is so charismatic- you feel the engine working, but it’s never intrusive.

Still a bit disappointed by the brakes, but everything else is superb.  This may be my keeper MC as long as I don’t have any major reliability issues.

[Moparnut72]

I agree with your amount of power observation. I had a '22 T120 which I traded for my Mandello two years ago so my memory may have faded. I bought a new '26 V 850 a month ago. It seems to me that the power level on the V7 is comparable to the Bonneville even though I have not had a chance to test passing power at higher speeds due to lack of highways in my area and that I am still respecting break in protocols. There is no comparison between it and the V7lll it replaced.
kk

[rocker59]

I want to love the new V7 Sport.  Unfortunately, after owning two V7s, I just can't.

The seat to peg distance is just too tight for me.  The seat needs to be a little higher and a little flatter.  The pegs need to be a little lower.

Back in the spring I had a revelation when I test rode a few Triumph Bonneville variants.  The T100 and T120 are "just right" for me.  Much more seat to peg distance.  I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable the Bonneville is.  So much so, that I bought a used T100 Bonneville as my local all-arounder machine.

Even in cars (my old Alfa Romeo, my old Sport 1100), the Italians tend to set things up for long arms and short legs.  I guess as I have grown older, the acute knee bend just doesn't work for me.

I do commend Guzzi for upgrading the suspension and brakes on the new V7 Sport.  Those upgrades have been needed for some time, now.

For me, I just wish it sat more like a Bonneville with flatter seat and lower pegs.

[Kev m]

I want to love the new V7 Sport.  Unfortunately, after owning two V7s, I just can't.

The seat to peg distance is just too tight for me.  The seat needs to be a little higher and a little flatter.  The pegs need to be a little lower.

Back in the spring I had a revelation when I test rode a few Triumph Bonneville variants.  The T100 and T120 are "just right" for me.  Much more seat to peg distance.  I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable the Bonneville is.  So much so, that I bought a used T100 Bonneville as my local all-arounder machine.

Even in cars (my old Alfa Romeo, my old Sport 1100), the Italians tend to set things up for long arms and short legs.  I guess as I have grown older, the acute knee bend just doesn't work for me.

I do commend Guzzi for upgrading the suspension and brakes on the new V7 Sport.  Those upgrades have been needed for some time, now.

For me, I just wish it sat more like a Bonneville with flatter seat and lower pegs.

What you mention are agonizingly easy modifications.... Just saying.

[kingoffleece]

Agreed.  I raised the seat an inch and a half on my V7, adding much more comfort in addition to knee room, and as many know, manufactured a very easy to install lowering kit for the toe pieces so they matched up with the Knight Design lowering pegs.  kev, I know you have a set and I believe you're totality satisfied.  They were a bolt on and go mod and I was very fortunate to have over 100 sets delivered to happy riders.

Seats, screens, and pegs.  I've paid no attention to them on any bike as most likely they need to be changed anyway for each individual.  Adjustable from the factory would be nice indeed.

[Motormike]

If you are like me, more than you initially think.  I have to admit that it is a nice feature (and I used to hate the idea!)

Yesterday's luxury is today's necessity.