2012 Moto Guzzi V7, what to look for

[sdcr]

Interested in a black, 2012 V7. Realizing that these small blocks have evolved over the last 14 years, please share your experience, issues etc.
This is a low mileage example. Anything to look out for?

[Dirk_S]

Look out for a 6th gear, traction control, and ABS light indicators ;)

[DoubleGuzzi]

Look out for a 6th gear, traction control, and ABS light indicators ;)

On a 2012? It may be a Mark I, with none of the above.

Check the rear of the engine, to see if anyone has been paying attention there - is it clean or covered in crud? Does the clutch operate smoothly and the bike move in and out of neutral easily, with engine running? When was the last time the air filter was changed? Did the last oil change include gearbox and rear drive? Does the bike idle consistently and rev cleanly from idle?

[kingoffleece]

I guess once again I'll be "that" guy.
2012?  All rubber needs to be inspected and/or replaced.  All fluids.  While the forks ore off I'd install Gold Valves.  Inexpensive and SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better than as delivered.  I'd expect to need new rear shocks.  Stock were pretty bad and they are old now anyway.  Full fuel system clean and expectation.

[DoubleGuzzi]

..it was still only good for ~ 3hours before my a$$ was hurting.

I'd be delighted to get 2 hours without feeling some pain. 

[Dirk_S]

On a 2012? It may be a Mark I, with none of the above.

That was the point—it wouldn’t be a 2012 if it had that stuff. I’ve / we’ve seen enough folks here and elsewhere who swear they have a certain model year when it turns out to not be the case based off simple canceling factors. I once tried to give a friendly clarification to a seller on the model he was selling, and the person got mad at me, swearing up and down he knew what he had (spoiler: he didn’t). So, buyer beware :)

[DoubleGuzzi]

I guess once again I'll be "that" guy.

That's 'cos you're rich and don't mind throwing money at things. 
Alternatively, just bung a seat cover on it and ride. 

That was the point..

That was too subtle for me - maybe it's the flu that I've got, that prevents me reading between the lines or appreciate satire. 

[Perazzimx14]

What to look for.

- Clean/clear title in the seller name.
- Priced right
- Look for any excessive damage like is the left side ground off from sliding down the highway or are the fork folded back because the seler ran into a brick wall. Scuff and scrapes are going to happen if you want a bike without them buy new.
- Turn the key to on stab the starter and if the motor roars to life, idles decently and is not puking oil out on the ground
- Go for a short ride and if the wheels don't fall off or the engine seized hne you get back pay the seller and load tth ebike up.

Probably the last 15 to 20 bikes I have bought I haven't even test rode. Just hit the starter listen to the engine for 20 seconds and then move onto the financial aspect of the deal. I have not been surprised or disappointed with any of them once I got them home and went through them. As much as we want to believe our motorcycles are delicate little flowers that need constant excessive care, they are not.

Buy, ride, enjoy!

[kingoffleece]

No.  Not rich.  I just like my stuff to work, and work correctly.  There's nothing noble about getting 150 out on something you just got and waiting 5 hours to !0 get home 2) get truck and trailer 3) go retrieve.

No thanks.  I'll stick with what I know over the past 60 years of owning motorcycles.  Maintenance matters.  I'll use the professional SCUBA mixed gas instructor card I have to say that preventative maintenance matters a LOT.

[Cam3512]

That was a transition year.  I believe first year with a metal tank (good).  Might still have dual throttle bodies, went to single in ‘13.  I’m sure Kev will be along shortly with more deets.

[Anomaly]

That was a transition year.  I believe first year with a metal tank (good).  Might still have dual throttle bodies,  Went to single in ‘13.  I’m sure Kev will be along shortly with more deets.

Correct, on both counts. I had one (2012, black!). Loved it, sold it for funds to buy a T3 California...

[Kev m]

What Cam said!

A 2012 in North America should be a DUAL THROTTLE BODY model, but it at least should have the larger metal tank of the MKI Single Throttle Body which didn't arrive here except as a 2013 model (even though mine arrived in Nov of 2012).

I'm NOT positive if the dual throttle body models had the overcharging regulator problem of the MKI Singles of 2013-14. But it isn't a bad idea to check that the charging voltage is below 15V when running.

and KOF is of course correct about at least inspecting anything rubber and expecting some decay. Especially in a low mileage version which means things like seals didn't get splashed with fresh oil on one side as often as might be nice.

Other than that I'm not as familiar with any pattern problems on the late dual throttle body V7C bikes. Service is a little more fiddly and they hadn't made whatever changes to piston and crankcase vent design that seems to have solved the sudden and unexplained oil consumption issues. Those changes occurred with the MKI Singles.

Personally the improvements were enough for me to delay my purchase back in the day for the 2013 I wound up with an still enjoy to this day.

So maybe the BIGGEST thing to look out for is a ROCK BOTTOM price.

[Perazzimx14]

Interested in a black, 2012 V7. Realizing that these small blocks have evolved ov the last 14 years, please share your experience, issues etc.
This is a low mileage example. Anything to look out for?

The small block has been evolving for 48 years since they were released in 1978 as the V35/V50

[sdcr]

I haven’t seen it in person, as I am out of state now. Seller says he has clean title, and says never dropped. 6000 miles, and new tire(s).
These pics are from the ad.

[mhershon]

Listen to Cam and listen to Kev. Cam owned my V7 for 15,000 miles and sold it to me with all the imperfections perfected. Kev is his friend. Betw them, there is almost nothing they do not know about those bikes. My bike is a '14, so it has just one throttle body, no mystery. It needed and got an improved voltage regulator. It got a long-term reliable fuel filter. If you have seen your prospective bike in the flesh, and it appears to have been stored indoors and not crashed, if the owner seems at all mechanically aware and owns his/her own metric tools, and you would not mind spending a few winter evenings in your garage bringing your V7 up to snuff, you could have a fine mount by spring...and for many springs in the future.
If it is NOT a nice, clean, cared-for motorcycle, as Kev suggests: Look for a later model. PS Just saw the photos! Nice bike!

[Cam3512]

Listen to Cam and listen to Kev. Cam owned my V7 for 15,000 miles and sold it to me with all the imperfections perfected. Kev is his friend. Betw them, there is almost nothing they do not know about those bikes. My bike is a '14, so it has just one throttle body, no mystery. It needed and got an improved voltage regulator. It got a long-term reliable fuel filter. If you have seen your prospective bike in the flesh, and it appears to have been stored indoors and not crashed, if the owner seems at all mechanically aware and owns his/her own metric tools, and you would not mind spending a few winter evenings in your garage bringing your V7 up to snuff, you could have a fine mount by spring...and for many springs in the future.
If it is NOT a nice, clean, cared-for motorcycle, as Kev suggests: Look for a later model. PS Just saw the photos! Nice bike!

I'd be remiss if I didn't add you did a fly and ride, and rode it all the way back to Denver from NJ!  Hard core.

[DoubleGuzzi]

That's my favourite paint scheme for the V7 Classic and that one looks to be in considerably better condition than the one I bought, for just over the equivalent of $2200.
Metal tank will be a bonus as well as the previously mentioned (internal) fuel filter check//change.
Carefully check wheel and steering bearings for play (you'll need assistance to balance on the side stand), as grease is not overly applied in the factory.
Be aware of any paint flaking on wheel hubs and rear drive, plus rusty spoke nipples and chrome rims.
The extensive blueing of the header pipes might suggest a tune up/Guzzdiag check is advisable, though many people actually like the colour change. Nothing that a bit of Yoshimura Stain Magic won't wipe off, should you wish.
Front indicators should be chrome backed like the rear; why were they changed?
 
Personally, if price is sensible then I'd have put down a deposit already!!! 

[Perazzimx14]

I haven’t seen it in person, as I am out of state now. Seller says he has clean title, and says never dropped. 6000 miles, and new tire(s).
These pics are from the ad.

Please do not take this as anything more than a question but are you panic buying an Guzzi......any Guzzi. 2 weeks ago it was the Norge this week iths the V7.  Do you want a V7 or a Norge or do you really want something else but out of convenience these bikes are potential purchases.

I've found buying out of convenience leads to selling quicklys as it not what I really wanted. Its a buyers market if there is a specific bike that really gets your heart pounding, look for it not something/anything else just because it close or priced right.

[DoubleGuzzi]

^ Makes a good point. Considerably different bikes, especially if you are in the region of 6' tall. The V7 Classic is light and low, compared to a Norge.

[sdcr]

“…. but are you panic buying an Guzzi.….”

That’s funny. I’ve bought lots of motorbikes, but don’t recall buying in a panic.

But, to answer your question, the Norge is about 7 miles from my house, so I was wondering whether it was actually a good bike. What I found, was a bike that too  heavy, and as far as condition, see my write up in the 800 mile Norge thread.

I have always liked the V7 series, and this black one appears to be in very good shape. The members here have been more than helpful, in educating me on some of the nuances with the 2012 iteration.

I hope that this answers your questions…