The Guzzi That Started It All For Me

[Dave Swanson]

My Guzzi obsession started around the year 2000 when I bought a copy of Greg Fields Guzzi book - Moto Guzzi Big Twins.  It had a black V7 Sport on the cover that I thought (still do) was the most beautiful motorcycle ever built.   Within a year I had found my V7 Sport.  It is a 1973 and only had 900 miles, but it had been stored in damp environs so there was no avoiding a full restoration.

The purchase of this V7 Sport was also the impetus for joining WG back then. 

Today the Sport finally shoved its way onto the lift.  A Gregory Bender wiring harness is going in with the Relay Solution.  The old harness is in great shape, but I am quite interested in upgrading the electrical safety of the bike.  Those original pillbox switches are getting scarce and this upgrade will help them keep working without a smoke test. 

The bike will also be re-shod with a set of Avon RoadRiders. 

[DoubleGuzzi]

Gorgeous and a real credit to you: I daren't think about the expense of the restoration though.
 
Apart from the 1000S/750S Top Trumps game cards, that 1100 Sport (but a red one) is what truly drew me to MG when I saw one in the flesh but quickly realised it was too tall and looong for me.  I can still see it, more than 25 years on, sitting outside an Edinburgh dealer's showroom.

[wirespokes]

Oh boy, can I relate to that! I think the V7S is one of the coolest bikes ever. Thirty years ago before I knew much about Guzzis, I thought the 77 LeMans was 'my' item. But, it didn't really ring my chimes. When I saw the V7S - I knew - THAT's the one! Lino was an artist, and when he designed that bike, I know it was the exact one that he himself wanted. It's so perfect in so many ways. We're very fortunate he was allowed to create what HE wanted.

[Kev m]

Look, I'm here for you brother.

I say you keep the V100...









... And I'll help you out by buying the V7 Sport from you to make room.












You KNOW it would be going to a good home.






Like temperature controlled garage shit....











...... Just saying.

[cliffrod]

Imho, the V7 Sport is the definitive bike from Moto Guzzi.  The model’s influence on subsequent product line continues to this day.

I became an owner by casual opportunity and am very lucky to still have mine.  It is my singular favorite bike. 

[Dave Swanson]

Look, I'm here for you brother.

I say you keep the V100...

... And I'll help you out by buying the V7 Sport from you to make room.

You KNOW it would be going to a good home.

Like temperature controlled garage shit....

...... Just saying.

Do you want me to install the Bender harness and new tires first?   

[PeteS]

Imho, the V7 Sport is the definitive bike from Moto Guzzi.  The model’s influence on subsequent product line continues to this day.

I became an owner by casual opportunity and am very lucky to still have mine.  It is my singular favorite bike.

I have to agree. My first sighting was in the mid ‘70s at a motocross, the Norton-Guzzi dealer from Buffalo rode in on his maroon V7 Sport. It was like getting hit with a lightning bolt.
Never owned one but a few years later I found a my ‘76 LeMans. Might have an edge in performance but the Sport has first place in looks.

Pete

[Tkelly]

I saw one for sale in spring 77 in Lyons IL.It was sitting outside in the rain and didn’t look as nice as Dave’s looks now.I had a 750 Honda at the time and not much space so I passed.I have a nice t3 that reminds me of what I missed.

[Clifton]

Beautiful Sport Dave, does it still have the chrome lined bores in good shape?

Back in 1975 when I saw a new 1973 V7 Sport in a Honda showroom I fell in love. Turned out the Guzzi/Suzuki dealer had defaulted on his floor plan and the Honda dealer picked it up through the bank. I had just moved up from my first bike, Honda XL250, to a slightly used CB750 K4 and really didn't like it because it felt too wide and rode rough.

I went home and told my girl friend about the beautiful Moto Guzzi V7 Sport I'd seen and I was going to try to work out a deal to trade my CB750. The dealer and I haggled for a few days, all the while I was explaining to my girl friend why I needed that bike because it was simply so special, European, and gorgeous.

We finally agreed on a deal with me giving them my CB750 and likely way too much money. First thing I did was take it and proudly show it off to her.

"What do you think?"
Long pause.... "Is that it?"
"Yes!"
"Oh......"
"Why what's wrong don't you like it?"
"I can't believe you traded your beautiful Honda for that, when I saw you pull in I thought they must have given you a loaner while they got it ready."

LOL to say I was deflated was an understatement!

A poor image of me in 1975. I can't believe I was riding my beautiful new red motorcycle with an orange jacket, low shoes, no gloves, and an open helmet!

[Tkelly]

I’m guessing you and the GF went your separate ways.Great picture!

[Dave Swanson]

Beautiful Sport Dave, does it still have the chrome lined bores in good shape?

Love your V7 Sport story!

Back when I bought the Sport and broke the bank to get it I was a fresh face on WG.  Pete Roper immediately pinned my ears back telling me to buy a set of Gilardonis for it post haste!  Since my checking account was on life support I was very reluctant to spend the $$$.  I pulled the head to give the barrels a look and thought they looked pristine.  I had already begun to realize Roper's stature in the world of Guzzi and knew that he was not just yanking my chain.  I quickly, but reluctantly came around to realizing a new set of barrels was the right thing to do for such a special bike. 

When I pulled the barrels and inspected the chrome under magnification I could see lots of micro pitting in the surface.  Thank goodness the bike only had 900 miles because it was on its way to rack and ruin.   Since that day I have subscribed to the old adage for old chrome bores - its not if they will fail, but when. 

[Cam3512]

Love my ‘74.  I first saw it in freshly restored pieces on the floor of Charlie Mullendore’s shop while he was working on my Eldo.  I remarked on how beautiful it will be when finished (nut and bolt resto).  The fickle owner at the time loved buying and selling bikes, not riding them.  He bought it from Charlie in very original, low mile condition.  So shortly after it was finished I made him an offer and he accepted.  That was 12+ years ago now.  Loved the red frame, even though not stock I would’ve done the same thing.  Makes that Tonti pop! Left side shift in ‘74.

[Clifton]

I’m guessing you and the GF went your separate ways.Great picture!

LOL no Tom I later married her.

On another occasion I pulled up beside another bike at a stop light. The rider was looking my bike over and asked "did you make that"?
"No Moto Guzzi made it". 
"Who?"
I pointed to the tank.
"OK never heard of them."

I actually got a lot of questions about the brand back in the 1970's.

[Vagrant]

That was great safety gear at the time.
Did you trade off the girlfriend too?

[Clifton]

Nah kept her even though she didn't have good taste in motorcycles.

[DoubleGuzzi]

Is that double-sided twin leading shoe front brakes that I spotted? 

[Clifton]

Is that double-sided twin leading shoe front brakes that I spotted? 

4 leading shoe front brake I believe.

[DoubleGuzzi]

4 leading shoe front brake I believe.

That'll be a yes, then.

[Dave Swanson]

4 leading shoe front brake I believe.

The 4LS front was standard equipment on all early V7 Sports. 

[DoubleGuzzi]

In the UK (if not other places), two brake shoes with a hard link are/were termed 'twin' due to one actuating device (cable/rod) affecting both equally. My Z250 had a single-sided twin LS setup. The individual cables that actuate each side of V7S gives rise to me saying double-sided (alternatively dual) rather than four independently actuated shoes.

/end of Kev_M pedantry -joking, Kev!

 

[cliffrod]

The problem now with bikes like the V7 Sport is that they have become “special” in a way that interferes with how they are experienced.  Now they’re valuable, iconic, recognized, coveted, often restored and then kept upon a pedestal (actual or proverbial).  When they’re ridden now, it’s an intentional ride on a V7 Sport.  It’s probably not the only bike you have, ridden to do everything and whatever you do.  Now, you worry about the bike more than just the ride.

As the years passed and this happened, I came to understand how lucky I was to have mine when it was just a bike to ride.  At the time most people had no idea what it was and didn’t really care.  Getting to ride my bike with anonymity and impunity- no peanut gallery of folks offering insight (polite way of saying it)- as a plain bike is why I came to enjoy it so much.  It’s a great looking bike, but it’s more fulfilling to ride.  That’s what makes it such a great bike to me.  That’s one reason why I have no intentions to ever cosmetically restore mine.   It was customized during the 70’s as part of the Clemson Cafe Racer club scene, literally ridden hard and put away wet like many of the bikes in that group.  Now It is a time capsule of how such bikes were actually done when they were just a bike to ride. 

[guzzisteve]

I had the chance to tune & work on 3 in a row for a friend that was restoring them, what fun. Checking your work, I thought how much it cost as I hammered on the bike. For that much cash it has to perform, period.

[Dalini]

I would suggest the newer black '25 V7850 STONE SPECIAL does an admiral job of resembling the earlier V7's. White is nice also. For those entering the world of Guzzi now they afford them the ability to have a classic looking Guzzi at an affordable price. I've ridden the earlier V7's and yes they are timeless & feel good.
YES, I HAVE A '25 black SPECIAL and I thoroughly enjoy the increased power & the way it pulls on the leash.
Both are great examples of the Art of the Motorcycle IMO

[JoeW]

This is the Guzzi that started it for me. It was 1977, I was a wee lad of 22. My previous and first motorcycle was a '72 Norton Combat Commando. This 73 Sport was at the local non dealer motorcycle shop that I hung out at, on consignment. I was a broke college student so I managed to work out an even trade. I know I came out the winner in that deal!

[kidsmoke]

The problem now with bikes like the V7 Sport is that they have become “special” in a way that interferes with how they are experienced.  Now they’re valuable, iconic, recognized, coveted, often restored and then kept upon a pedestal (actual or proverbial).  When they’re ridden now, it’s an intentional ride on a V7 Sport.  It’s probably not the only bike you have, ridden to do everything and whatever you do.  Now, you worry about the bike more than just the ride.

As the years passed and this happened, I came to understand how lucky I was to have mine when it was just a bike to ride.  At the time most people had no idea what it was and didn’t really care.  Getting to ride my bike with anonymity and impunity- no peanut gallery of folks offering insight (polite way of saying it)- as a plain bike is why I came to enjoy it so much.  It’s a great looking bike, but it’s more fulfilling to ride.  That’s what makes it such a great bike to me.  That’s one reason why I have no intentions to ever cosmetically restore mine.   It was customized during the 70’s as part of the Clemson Cafe Racer club scene, literally ridden hard and put away wet like many of the bikes in that group.  Now It is a time capsule of how such bikes were actually done when they were just a bike to ride. 

I've determined that these 'things' must be used as intended, or released. At least as it pertains to me. I have a couple of things that more or less meet this criteria. Not like a 59 Les Paul and or a 50's Vincent, perhaps then I'd eat crow, but to the degree that other fans will say, 'you mean you just ride it/play it?" Yes. HELL yes. Life is short. I went to the trouble to obtain because it had earned the right to be considered extraordinary, and I want to live the extraordinary in the days I have, which may be many, or may be few.

Love what you do, Dave. The time and effort shows and reflects well on you and the brand. Enjoy!

[Huzo]

The problem now with bikes like the V7 Sport is that they have become “special” in a way that interferes with how they are experienced.  Now they’re valuable, iconic, recognized, coveted, often restored and then kept upon a pedestal (actual or proverbial).  When they’re ridden now, it’s an intentional ride on a V7 Sport.  It’s probably not the only bike you have, ridden to do everything and whatever you do.  Now, you worry about the bike more than just the ride.

As the years passed and this happened, I came to understand how lucky I was to have mine when it was just a bike to ride.  At the time most people had no idea what it was and didn’t really care.  Getting to ride my bike with anonymity and impunity- no peanut gallery of folks offering insight (polite way of saying it)- as a plain bike is why I came to enjoy it so much.  It’s a great looking bike, but it’s more fulfilling to ride.  That’s what makes it such a great bike to me.  That’s one reason why I have no intentions to ever cosmetically restore mine.   It was customized during the 70’s as part of the Clemson Cafe Racer club scene, literally ridden hard and put away wet like many of the bikes in that group.  Now It is a time capsule of how such bikes were actually done when they were just a bike to ride. 

Touche’ Sir.
No bike is better or worse than it was 40-50 years ago.
 I can recall a guy who rode a Ducati 900/750 SS years ago in the early ‘80s and he drew no more glances than his contemporaries on Suzuki GT750’s Yamaha XS650’s or the like. It’s the old farts just wishing things were the way they used to be and whitewashing away any bad memories that do not sit comfortably with their perceptions.
Case in point here.
A 2007 Moto Guzzi Norge is an entirely ordinary bike by most metrics today, but I’ll bet if someone enearthed one still brand new in a crate 40 years from now, it’d fetch a big price. Value is a function of desireability and desireability is a function of fashion.
Tell me why a stinking old relic like a Brough Superior or Vincent Black (something) is “worth” a fortune, if there were 10,000 of them strewn across the countryside, they’d not draw a second look. It’s cashed up fat old bastards that want to win a peeing contest at cafe’ stops, using their bikes as ego extensions.

At least that’s why I had an MV Agusta F4 for a couple of years…
Our bikes tell our contemporaries what our opinions of ourselves are that we are too modest or embarrrassed to say out loud.

[Dave Swanson]

All my bikes are to be ridden.  My problem is having too many bikes, so they must wait their turn to be cycled through.  If I had a nice pole barn to line them all up on the ready that would be a dream. 

The V7 Sport has sat in the "collection" just waiting for the day one of the other bikes gets pickled and put in its place.   

I really need to sell a few off.  My motorcycle life would seem ridiculously simple with only 20 bikes!  Which is half of what I have currently. 

That's why I am going to put the V100S up for sale.  On the one hand it is the finest motorcycle I have ever ridden, but I am so preoccupied with the older machines I hardly have a chance to take it out.

[Clifton]

Dave I'm sure you enjoy them all as you should because every one that I've seen posted is in beautiful condition, and all are bikes that appeal to me as well. I'm struggling justifying my 8 because having more motorcycles take more of our time, almost like we belong to them rather than the other way around. I think I can get to 5 pretty easily but my ultimate goal is 3.

[YellowDuck]

All my bikes are to be ridden.  My problem is having too many bikes, so they must wait their turn to be cycled through.  If I had a nice pole barn to line them all up on the ready that would be a dream. 

The V7 Sport has sat in the "collection" just waiting for the day one of the other bikes gets pickled and put in its place.   

I really need to sell a few off.  My motorcycle life would seem ridiculously simple with only 20 bikes!  Which is half of what I have currently. 

That's why I am going to put the V100S up for sale.  On the one hand it is the finest motorcycle I have ever ridden, but I am so preoccupied with the older machines I hardly have a chance to take it out.

Where do you live that that is even possible?  Here in Ontario Can-o-duh, it costs about $1000 to ensure a motorcycle, just for mandatory coverage, even for a very experienced rider with a good record.  If you ensure more than one you get maybe a 10% discount.  So ensuring your fleet where I live would cost in the neighbourhood of $35k per year... Those are Canuckistan dollars, but still... 

[Dave Swanson]

Where do you live that that is even possible?  Here in Ontario Can-o-duh, it costs about $1000 to ensure a motorcycle, just for mandatory coverage, even for a very experienced rider with a good record.  If you ensure more than one you get maybe a 10% discount.  So ensuring your fleet where I live would cost in the neighbourhood of $35k per year... Those are Canuckistan dollars, but still...

I have all the new bikes insured with State Farm.  It is very reasonable with the multi vehicle discount.   I use Hagerty for all the classics.  Again quite reasonable.  This poor pensioner can afford it easily.