2015 Moto Guzzi V7 II merged threadfest

[Chuck in Indiana]

Oh yeah, then there are those pesky valve adjustments, and ohh, then there are the timing belts to replace biennially.

Valve adjustments on a 2 valve is no big deal. Maybe an hour.. *if* you have access to the shims. The belt change on a Duck is a no brainer. That said, gimme a Guzzi.. ;D

[Kev m]

Valve adjustments on a 2 valve is no big deal. Maybe an hour.. *if* you have access to the shims. The belt change on a Duck is a no brainer. That said, gimme a Guzzi.. ;D

Both are significantly more involved than our Guzzis.

[Dogwalker]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDz--z1IXkQ

Andrea Maria Benedetto  (product development manager of Piaggo Group) tells about Moto Guzzi V7 II (in Italian)

Gearbox with an internal oil pump, gear oil change every 50.000 km. Seat lowered of 15mm, pegs lowered of 25mm (so 10mm respect to the seat). The rotation of the engine give 30mm more room for the knees.

DogW

[Kev m]

Andrea Maria Benedetto  (product development manager of Piaggo Group) tells about Moto Guzzi V7 II (in Italian)

Gearbox with an internal oil pump, gear oil change every 50.000 km. Seat lowered of 15mm, pegs lowered of 25mm (so 10mm respect to the seat). The rotation of the engine give 30mm more room for the knees.

DogW

So the answer is BOTH...

[john fish]

Probably a dumb question. Will changing the engine position allow for greater rear suspension travel?  Ala Scrambler?

[mtiberio]

Gearbox comparison. Above the old one, in the middle the new one, below that of the California 1400.

cal 14 photo is deceptive as they left off the starter

[raul]

Probably a dumb question. Will changing the engine position allow for greater rear suspension travel?  Ala Scrambler?

I'm thinking the raising of the engine and gearing changes would make this a great scrambler.

[roadscum]

Don't forget that chain/sprocket stuff.  My Multi and ST2 would eat a set at about 15K ($300), and the dry clutches were another $500 at about the same time.  People don't factor this in when making the buying decision so Ducati has great sales numbers.  Resale, that's another issue.  Of course our Guzzi resale value is not so hot either but I suspect that's because the marque is so obscure.  It does not take too long for the normal service bill on a Ducati to equal 25% of the value of the entire bike.  Been there and done that.

Peter Y.

And on the other side of the coin there's about +25hp, and in my area a far stronger dealer network.....  that I know to be true!  :(
As for resale, seems you can always sell a Ducati in my part of the world, but you can't give away a Guzzi.... that I know to be true!   :(

I'm thinking the suspension and fuelling on the Duc. will be better then the V7...

jas67, what say you about fuelling and suspension on your Monster vs the V7??


Paul

[Kev m]

jas67, what say you about fuelling and suspension on your Monster vs the V7??

There's no comparison in the stock chassis of Jenn's 696 vs. my V7.

Her Duc has a better suspension front and back (USD, monoshock, compression and damping rear adjustment), and better brakes (dual brembos up front with ABS).

Her bike also makes more power - about 60 hp at the rear wheel vs. about 40 hp at the rear wheel on the V7.

Fueling is ALMOST flawless on the Duc, I saw ALMOST because we've occasionally had it flood and no-start. It's rare and I don't know why it happens but when it does the answer is to let it sit 10-20 minutes.

It does use a fast idle lever, which I've never investigated to see if it is mechanical or electrical, though the dealer suggested it was electrical.

That said, the fueling on my V7 has been excellent, with the exception of the cranky warm-up on cold starts, and possibly some low speed surging that has never bothered me (nor did I notice except by accident 7k miles into owning it).

That said, 9 out of 10 times, I still prefer to ride the V7.

[Bill Hagan]

****

That said, 9 out of 10 times, I still prefer to ride the V7.

Inquiring minds -- and even duller ones such as mine  :D -- wonder why, especially after that interesting Monster v. V7 compo.

Seriously, as a Guzzi Kool-Aid drunkard, I think I understand, but do wonder if there is actually something "real rather than romantic" that I might be missing.

Perhaps my involuntary benching has me thinking thoughts I shouldn't, but, always intrigued, I am becoming sorely tempted by the latest 7's.

Bill

[roadscum]

There's no comparison........
......
...
..

That said, 9 out of 10 times, I still prefer to ride the V7.

Thanks Kev for your insightful comments. ;-T ;-T

I totally understand your "9 out of 10" comment, sometime we're at a loss to explain those factors that bring a big grin!

We're damn lucky to have sooooo many great choices.

Paul

[jas67]

And on the other side of the coin there's about +25hp, and in my area a far stronger dealer network.....  that I know to be true!  :(
As for resale, seems you can always sell a Ducati in my part of the world, but you can't give away a Guzzi.... that I know to be true!   :(

I'm thinking the suspension and fuelling on the Duc. will be better then the V7...

jas67, what say you about fuelling and suspension on your Monster vs the V7??


Paul

Kev M. summed it up pretty well.  My 796, either by virtual of being two model years newer, or, because it has a different engine and controls, doesn't have the high-idle lever.

Fueling has been 100% perfect, period.   That said, the cold-start issue on my V7R has become less of a problem for me, as I've likely trained myself to automatically let it warm up for a minute before trying to go, and, knowing just how to handle the throttle and clutch on that first launch after a cold start.

As for brakes, chassis, handling, etc, the Monster would absolutely kill the V7 on the track.   On public roads, the limitations are less pronounced when trying to ride at reasonable speeds.     I do prefer the Monster for the really twisty mountain roads, esp. those with steep climbs, as, I can enjoy the full throttle power of the Monster (around 70 rwhp, vs. about 40 for the V7).    

Getting on the V7 after riding the Monster, it feels a bit primitive.   I can still hustle it a long quite well though.    It is well balanced.    If they put an 87 HP engine in it w/o changing anything else, I'd call it over powered.    The HP, chassis, and brakes, are all on the same level, IMHO.

All that said, I still enjoy my V7.  Though, I also enjoy riding my R75/5, drum brakes and all.

If you're looking for all-out performance, the V7 isn't the right bike for the job.   Of course, these things are relative.   The same thing could be said about the Monster (696 or 796) as compared to something like a 1199 Panigale, or BMW S1000RR.

I'm less irritated when I get stuck behind slower traffic when riding it, because it is more enjoyable to ride at a more relaxed pace.

Because of the simpler maintenance of the V7 (much simpler valve adjustment, no chain, ....  :beat_horse), I much prefer to use it for commuting than the Monster.

The V7 is definitely much more unique.    There are scads of other bikes that comparable in style and performance to the Monster.     There are few that can match the style of the V7.    The V7 is also unique in being the only (currently being made and sold) shaft-drive motorcycle under 500 lbs (and well under at that), and under 1200cc.   It is truly the closest thing, by a long shot, to a BMW airhead made today (see the V7/airhead thread).

Almost any time I stop for fuel or any other reason on the V7R, people stop to talk about it, riders and non-riders alike.    With the Monster, this only happens occasionally.

I enjoy both bikes for different reasons.

We're damn lucky to have sooooo many great choices.

Paul

So true.     Some mornings it is hard to decide which one to ride -- that is a good problem to have.   ;D

[CND]

 Some mornings it is hard to decide which one to ride -- that is a good problem to have.   ;D

Amen  ;-T

Guzzi. Benedict: "The V7 is our 747"

http://www.motociclismo.it/guzzi-benedetto-la-v7-e-il-nostro-747--moto-59831

[Demar]

V7 Scrambler... will it happen? Probably.




http://www.motociclismo.it/moto-guzzi-ldquobene-la-california-1400-ma-poirdquo-moto-57457?fb_action_ids=10203636772112818&fb_action_types=og.comments&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

[kevdog3019]

I think I can help sum up the difference between a bike with "true performance artistry" vs. "road worthiness artistry".  In order to get the most enjoyment out of a bike with higher performance attributes, you need to ride it in a sporting manner.  If you can get out and push it, it is in its glory (and likely so are you!).  If you are out for a Sunday ride, the engine isn't doing what it does best and loses its panache and visceral quality, ergos may be harder to deal with, and the entire tight qualities you enjoyed while sporting on it are now simply more of a negative in the "I'm trying to relax now" experience.  Guzzi's don't give that incredible rush in the "true performance artistry" but the "road worthiness artistry" is easy to relate to, relaxing, and potent enough when asked to make it visceral.  So... when we saddle up on a bike, we need to decide what our goal is, and most often it is a ride where we aren't pushing the limits and where we simply want the bike to satisfy our basic desires.  This is a hard balance to strike and Guzzi has this down!  Numbers don't tell the story.
-Kevin    

[Penderic]

Another factor to consider in a purchase is the social support factor - while the number of dealers and paid "trained" service personnel are not as numerous as the other brands.....

The support of the other riders, the clubs and online advice - the compassion and respect of most of the people who ride Guzzii, the willingness to help each other and share interesting life experiences, these are factors that many new to the brand that are often overlooked or undervalued!

I like to think of our brand as a mature, yet evolving brand, ridden by mature, respectable people!  :-*
 

[Loftness]

And on the other side of the coin there's about +25hp, and in my area a far stronger dealer network.....  that I know to be true!  :(

I probably live in the only major area of the country where the Guzzi dealer network is stronger than the Ducati network.

[Kev m]

Inquiring minds -- and even duller ones such as mine  :D -- wonder why, especially after that interesting Monster v. V7 compo.

Seriously, as a Guzzi Kool-Aid drunkard, I think I understand, but do wonder if there is actually something "real rather than romantic" that I might be missing.

Perhaps my involuntary benching has me thinking thoughts I shouldn't, but, always intrigued, I am becoming sorely tempted by the latest 7's.

I think Jay, and surprisingly enough KevD, probably answered it for me. I say surprisingly because KevD seems to still constantly lament the "does the V7 make enough power" issue.

But as they both pointed out the Guzzi is just plain fun, roadworthy, makes you smile even at legal speeds.

I hate to say it because many will jump to their preconceived negative notions, but it's similar to why a Harley is fun at 55-60 mph and a CBR can be boring at 80 mph.

I recently moved to the land of long, flat, and straight. I go out on the V7 and enjoy those roads as much as I can. Sure I miss the twisties from time-to-time as the V7 did shine there as well, but unlike the Duc, it shines on the flat forest roads as well.

On the Duc I wasn't here a week before I was like, hmmm, faster, hmmm faster, hmmm faster, hmmmm so the readout will SAY 120, I shoulda checked that with the GPS...

...seriously, I don't need that in my life.

Like Jay say, maybe the Duc would murder the V7 on a track, but I don't live on a track, I don't ride on a track. And in the real world, though I can tell what a fantastic chassis the Duc has, I don't really care as I can pretty much do anything that I would dare do (or SHOULD dare do) on the Duc with the V7 (except that I have no desire to find out if I could see 120 indicated on the V7, and that's fine with me).

I still say it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow.

[bad Chad]

I pretty sure I have broke the ton on my v65sp, not sure as the speedo if of course off by about 6 mph, and it only reads to 80 anyway!  But it pulled long past 80, and maybe I was only going 95, but she felt more like 145!

I'm sure the new v7s, have far superior suspension then the weirdo stuff running on the 30 year old v65, but I get what Kev means.

[Kev m]

I pretty sure I have broke the ton on my v65sp, not sure as the speedo if of course off by about 6 mph, and it only reads to 80 anyway!  But it pulled long past 80, and maybe I was only going 95, but she felt more like 145!

I'm sure the new v7s, have far superior suspension then the weirdo stuff running on the 30 year old v65, but I get what Kev means.

And I've broken the ton on the V7, and the suspension is NOT BAD for what it is, but it's not on the level of the Duc, but that doesn't matter... It doesn't make me WANT to break the ton just to have fun.

[jas67]

And I've broken the ton on the V7, and the suspension is NOT BAD for what it is, but it's not on the level of the Duc, but that doesn't matter... It doesn't make me WANT to break the ton just to have fun.

At least the wind blast on the Monster lets you know your doing the ton, and at 113 indicated (or so I'm told  ~;) it is real strong.   By comparison, 125 MPH (indicated) on the VFR800 doesn't feel as fast, because the air is smooth, and mostly going over your head (or, so I'm told  ~;).

And, yes, the V7 doesn't beg to do the ton like these other two bikes do.
Funny all three have similar displacements, 749cc/50HP, 803cc/87HP, and 782cc/106HP.   

[bad Chad]

Interesting, we are all three about the same age, though you and your dick head brother seem to have a bit wider experience on two wheels than I.  I let you two figure out who is the dick! :D :D ;)

[Loftness]

But as they both pointed out the Guzzi is just plain fun, roadworthy, makes you smile even at legal speeds.

I hate to say it because many will jump to their preconceived negative notions, but it's similar to why a Harley is fun at 55-60 mph and a CBR can be boring at 80 mph.

I recently moved to the land of long, flat, and straight. I go out on the V7 and enjoy those roads as much as I can. Sure I miss the twisties from time-to-time as the V7 did shine there as well, but unlike the Duc, it shines on the flat forest roads as well.

On the Duc I wasn't here a week before I was like, hmmm, faster, hmmm faster, hmmm faster, hmmmm so the readout will SAY 120, I shoulda checked that with the GPS...

...seriously, I don't need that in my life.

Like Jay say, maybe the Duc would murder the V7 on a track, but I don't live on a track, I don't ride on a track. And in the real world, though I can tell what a fantastic chassis the Duc has, I don't really care as I can pretty much do anything that I would dare do (or SHOULD dare do) on the Duc with the V7 (except that I have no desire to find out if I could see 120 indicated on the V7, and that's fine with me).

I still say it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow.

 :+1 :+1 :+1
Amen.  If I'm on a Griso and I get stuck behind a slow driver I go crazy.  When this happens on my V7 it doesn't bother me.  I'm good at slower speeds and I'm good at faster speeds and I'm good on straights and I'm good on twists...I'm good no matter what I'm doing. 

[Kev m]

Interesting, we are all three about the same age, though you and your dick head brother seem to have a bit wider experience on two wheels than I.  I let you two figure out who is the dick! :D :D ;)

:D both :-*

[CND]

I spend the majority of my motorcycle time on freeways. And as much as I enjoy my V7 (its my miles eater) if I am put in a situation where I "need the speed" is sure is nice to be sitting on the Ducati.

When commuting on the V7 I try to find the least obtrusive point on the slab and stay out of peoples way.  But my Streetfighter is a scalpel. And riding with that comes a sweet peace of mind  :)

[kevdog3019]

I think Jay, and surprisingly enough KevD, probably answered it for me. I say surprisingly because KevD seems to still constantly lament the "does the V7 make enough power" issue.

It's not "Does it make enough power", it's "Guzzi would sell a boat load" if it did make more power.  30hp gets the job done just fine, so no worries on "does it" with 38hp.  There's more to it than hp for me though as I've stated.  It needs to retain it's general character like the big blocks did, so... an upgrade to the same engine with a new head design is what I'd personally like.  If they took it from 38 to around 50 RWHP that is a huge change and would separate it from say the Bonneville.  We know that this can already be achieved today with the bikes you own, so it's not a big deal from stock set-up.  It's fine as is of course.  I've owned two of them (B750's) with more than 60k miles between them so I'm not trying to knock what's out there.  Just a wish-list thing.  It will happen as Pete seems to suggest in past history.
-Kevin  

[Kev m]

It's not "Does it make enough power", it's "Guzzi would sell a boat load" if it did make more power.  30hp gets the job done just fine, so no worries on "does it" with 38hp.  There's more to it than hp for me though as I've stated.  It needs to retain it's general character like the big blocks did, so... an upgrade to the same engine with a new head design is what I'd personally like.  If they took it from 38 to around 50 RWHP that is a huge change and would separate it from say the Bonneville.  We know that this can already be achieved today with the bikes you own, so it's not a big deal from stock set-up.  It's fine as is of course.  I've owned two of them (B750's) with more than 60k miles between them so I'm not trying to knock what's out there.  Just a wish-list thing.  It will happen as Pete seems to suggest in past history.
-Kevin  

Thanks for taking the time on that explanation. In that perspective I do not disagree (sales would increase).

I hope it happens, but I equally hope it doesn't have any negative unintended consequences with regards to general character and user friendliness.

[bpreynolds]

Sometimes I find it interesting to step outside the kool-aid - and some damn fine juice it is! - and peek at what non-Guzzisti think of the bikes and/or new releases.  Over at Rideapart they posted the new V7 info and these are the comments thus far.  In no way, shape, or form am I saying their comments are remotely valid, just interesting to sometimes see what folks have to say.

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Jack Meoph • 2 days ago
Guzzi has some style, but then....... Not only are their bikes underwhelming and somewhat overpriced (it must be a Piaggio group thing, my Vespa was a bit steep), but find a dealer, and then parts, and you end up with too many negatives over the one positive that they don't look complete cr@p. I suppose if you're in to uniqueness, yeah, but only other people who ride motorcycles "might" know what your bike is.
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Stephen Shuman • 2 days ago
"however is the now 6-speed transmission instead of-speed gear box"

I'm sorry, what?
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Scott Otte • 2 days ago
I love the way some of the Moto Guzzi look, I just can't get excited about how heavy and relatively under powered they are. A 750, that makes the same power as my 10 year old 620... =/
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Beju  Scott Otte • 2 days ago
Man, it makes the same power as my 36 year old 550! I-4 vs V-Twin, I know, but that's still ridiculous!
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Richard Gozinya  Beju • 2 days ago
The V7's engine is also not built for power. It's built to be a very easy going, relatively high fuel economy engine. It'd be extremely easy to take a 750 twin, and get way, way, way more power out of it. The Ducati 749 is proof of that.
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Beju  Richard Gozinya • a day ago
So... the Honda Shadow of retro bikes, minus the Honda reliability and dealer network.

I really like the looks of the V7 and the 5.8 gallon tank would give awesome range for long trips, but it's a tough sell over one of the Triumph "modern classic" line. From comparisons and reviews I've seen, the V7 gets about the same or marginally better fuel economy over a Triumph Thruxton, in spite of the lighter weight and serious power deficit. I'd have to really like the ride of the V7 to pick it over a Thruxton/Bonneville. That's not to say that irrationality couldn't win out, I mean, we are talking about an Italian machine here. ;)
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MotoJedeye • a day ago
Will this bike even stand a chance with the new Ducati Scrambler out? I doubt it.
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Toly • 2 days ago
Moto Guzzi & Triumph didn't do jack this year, while Ducati kicked butt! Maybe it'll teach 'em
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Jack Meoph  Toly • 2 days ago
I was thinking Triumph kinda went the Japanese route with the Bold New Graphics approach, but now I'm thinking that maybe Triumph let the others have a year, and they're going to break out some goodies at some other show down the road, or next year for sure.
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TheBoatDude  Jack Meoph • 9 hours ago
I should hope so. I love my Bonneville and Triumph in general, but with the Classics line, I fear that they're focusing too much on lifestyle (a la H-D) and superficial changes. The last big change was the new mag wheel Bonnie and that was what? 3 years ago? I'd like to see a new lightweight bike (Tiger?) or some substantial changes to the classics (mainly in the realm of suspension and a tweak on the braking).
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Sentinel • 2 days ago
Since they didn't see fit to give it the proper deeper oil-sump it needs and a higher performing four-valve head for the engine I'm just still not interested.
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Speedo007 • 2 days ago
The Griso looks great, but the ergos are just so strange for me. I have long legs and arms, and even for me the handlebars feel miles away.
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William Connor  Speedo007 • a day ago
Interesting. I have not ridden this one yet so I look forward to checking it out.

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Nick Napoda • 2 days ago
I am really into the Griso but not it's 550lb curb weight! That is the one point that keeps me away. I had the V7 and it was cool but just didn't offer enough performance to keep me engaged. Sold it for a Ducati Monster. Right now really looking forward to the Ducati Scrambler.
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Beale  Nick Napoda • 2 days ago
Guzzi's are remarkably easy to toss around from corner to corner for how much they weigh, especially the Griso. They only feel piggy in town.

[rocker59]

Sometimes I find it interesting to step outside the kool-aid - and some damn fine juice it is! - and peek at what non-Guzzisti think of the bikes and/or new releases.  Over at Rideapart they posted the new V7 info and these are the comments thus far.  In no way, shape, or form am I saying their comments are remotely valid, just interesting to sometimes see what folks have to say.

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Nick Napoda • 2 days ago
I am really into the Griso but not it's 550lb curb weight! That is the one point that keeps me away. I had the V7 and it was cool but just didn't offer enough performance to keep me engaged. Sold it for a Ducati Monster. Right now really looking forward to the Ducati Scrambler.
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The next to the last comment is the most applicable.  The V7 Classic line is not a lot heavier than the Ducatis, but is way down on power.  I know for a fact that the 2v Ducati engines are very entertaining.  Guzzi needs to upgrade the smallblock and add some power. 

Guzzi V7 is curretly rated at @ 50 bhp.  Scrambler at 70 bhp.  Guzzi needs to step it up a bit.

[Travman]

Ugh! Why did I read that. I had trained myself not to read the comments section of on-line motorcycle articles.  I am just so much further along in knowing what I want in a motorcycle than 98% of the people that bother to post in a comments section.