2015 Moto Guzzi V7 II merged threadfest

[bpreynolds]

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.

 :+1 But unfortunately, Guzzi must sell bikes to folks who don't understand or know the brand or know the motorcycles per se.

I can laugh at them because I know/love the brand and the bikes.  I don't know if MG can afford to do the same.  Even still, man, that one comment - nowhere near the truth - still stings a little, "The Honda Shadow of retro bikes."  Fighting words, sir. ;D  :D

[M0T0Geezer]

Less performance ?   6-speeds is the current standard in motorcycling.  Every high-end sportsbike is running 6-speeds. How do you think the extra gear will hurt performance?

IF on the 6-speed one has to shift an extra time in a timed 1/4 mile run, then ...

Again, the 6-speed box will be "worth it" if the overall 6th gear ration is a bit taller than 5th on the 5-speed.

[rocker59]

 that one comment - nowhere near the truth - still stings a little, "The Honda Shadow of retro bikes."  Fighting words, sir. ;D  :D

that d00d was eiter trolling, or is a complete dumba$$...

[rocker59]

IF on the 6-speed one has to shift an extra time in a timed 1/4 mile run, then ...

Again, the 6-speed box will be "worth it" if the overall 6th gear ration is a bit taller than 5th on the 5-speed.

With an 8,000 rpm redline, you'll only be using the first three gears in a 1/4 mile run.  Maybe 4th, but I'd have to crunch some numbers...

And even if it did cause one extra shift, you're talking hundredths of a second to make a quick shift...

[jas67]

With an 8,000 rpm redline, you'll only be using the first three gears in a 1/4 mile run.  Maybe 4th, but I'd have to crunch some numbers...

And even if it did cause one extra shift, you're talking hundredths of a second to make a quick shift...

If you care about 1/4 mile time, this is the wrong bike.    :beat_horse

[Travman]

I love motorcycles, but the faster they are the less you can relax and enjoy the scenery. On the other hand they have to feel good when you twist the throttle and have a nice cruising RPM that you can feel good at and not be hunting all up and down trying to find it. The current V7 range can do all of that. 

[rocker59]

If you care about 1/4 mile time, this is the wrong bike.    :beat_horse

Most are. 

For drag racing, the hyper-sports are pretty much where the action is...

Everything else is just slow...

[Chuck in Indiana]

Most are. 

For drag racing, the hyper-sports are pretty much where the action is...

Everything else is just slow...

I have a friend who's main business is building extended swing arms for those suckers. Uh, yeah. The light goes off, and they disappear.  ;D

[Kentktk]

That's awesome. Really dig the silver finished mags as per Guzzis of old.

 :+1Black wheels have always looked like crap. Glad silver is returning.

[dpg]

It is like Guzzi called me up and asked what changes would you make. I understand that opinions differ but for me... I wanted abs, I love that the jugs are moved forward, that the seat is lower and the pegs even lower, that is has a slicker gearbox and possibly less force to disengage clutch. Traction control?? but whatever, I'll take it. Been riding for almost 30yrs and never had abs but I just don't think it hurts. I will finally have a Guzzi. Buddy of mine had a v7 café and Griso so I'm familiar with them. Griso was awesome but honestly more than I need or want.

[sib]

It is like Guzzi called me up and asked what changes would you make. I understand that opinions differ but for me... I wanted abs, I love that the jugs are moved forward, that the seat is lower and the pegs even lower, that is has a slicker gearbox and possibly less force to disengage clutch. Traction control?? but whatever, I'll take it. Been riding for almost 30yrs and never had abs but I just don't think it hurts. I will finally have a Guzzi. Buddy of mine had a v7 café and Griso so I'm familiar with them. Griso was awesome but honestly more than I need or want.

I totally agree.  I like my '13 Stone very much, but these are exactly the changes I would ask for.  I'm on the opposite end of the riding experience spectrum from you (only 1.5 years), although I'm on the upper end of the aging experience (72+ years).

[dpg]

Good for you SIB. Better late than never. I started riding 30 years ago but I have had too many extended breaks between bikes. Never again. This is now truly my dream bike. Ok, 20 more hp..... doh, why did I have to go there, lol. I would have bought it in 2009 if it had ABS etc. Truly, it is plenty power for my style of riding. Considering I have had a ruckus Vespa 200, Honda Cbr 250 and currently a Honda Grom it will feel like a rocket.

[dave1068]

Not sure if these have been posted but great looking bikes with upgrades. The blue looks sharp! If only I was shorter... :BEER:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2015/2015-Moto-Guzzi-V7II-Special.htm

[rocker59]

Not sure if these have been posted but great looking bikes with upgrades. The blue looks sharp! If only I was shorter... :BEER:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2015/2015-Moto-Guzzi-V7II-Special.htm

We have a whole threadfest for it...   

[roadscum]

I love motorcycles, but the faster they are the less you can relax and enjoy the scenery. On the other hand they have to feel good when you twist the throttle and have a nice cruising RPM that you can feel good at and not be hunting all up and down trying to find it. The current V7 range can do all of that. 

I can ride any motor cycle as slow as a V7.... and most they can also be ridden faster, much faster!   :beat_horse

Paul

[Kev m]

I can ride any motor cycle as slow as a V7.... and most they can also be ridden faster, much faster!   :beat_horse

Paul

Oh brother... Here we go again.

You CAN, but it might suck.

Like one day I was riding a 180+ HP bike wishing it was a Thruxton instead.

[Tazturtle]

I can ride any motor cycle as slow as a V7.... and most they can also be ridden faster, much faster!   :beat_horse

Paul

You really need to move somewhere with more corners then!

Kurt

[DaSwami]

"All you have to do is squeeze the clutch and engage the gear to appreciate a soft and quiet action which was unheard of on the previous five speed gearbox."

You don't say?   ::)

[jas67]

"All you have to do is squeeze the clutch and engage the gear to appreciate a soft and quiet action which was unheard of on the previous five speed gearbox."

You don't say?   ::)

I never found the gearbox in either my 2009 V7C or 2013 V7R to be anywhere near as clunky and "agricultural" as people make them out to be.
The 6 speed Breva 1100 is smoother though.   Both were way smoother, and either to shift than the 2000 Jackal that I rode one time.

[roadscum]

You really need to move somewhere with more corners then!

Kurt

I've been in Florida for 11 years, and haven't seen one snow flake but ride up go Ga., Tn, NC. a few time each year. I bought my 1200 Sport in Dahlonega Ga.  Before Florida it was 38 years in the Catskill mountains and I do miss the roads there. Now I spend 6-8 each summer playing in the Alps ....... it keeps my riding skills sharp, get out of the Florida heat, and play in the corners on the side of the mountains!  ;-T

Retirement is a good thing, a very good thing!

I own a Vespa 300 .... it was purchased in Vegas, rode the Cali coast to Yosemite then home to Florida, 30 days 5K miles. I know S L O W!

My point still stands.... you can ride S L O W on any bike if you want to kick back and enjoy the show.

Paul
 


Paul

[dpg]

Paul, you are assuming everyone has the will power to drive slow on a  fast bike. If I have a fast bike, I tend to ride fast and push my limits. I guess it is the rush of adrenaline. I have a hard time not riding faster. When I am done riding, I think to myself that it wasn't really worth the risks that I took. Kind of like drinking 18 beers is fun while your drinking them but the next day you wonder what the hell you pushed it that far for. As you can see from my previous post I tend to buy slower bikes on purpose. It just takes the decision on how far to push my limits out of the equation. It makes sense to me and I never feel like I'm missing out by not going faster if that option isn't immediately present. In my opinion, many of the slower bikes have more character as well due to the engine design, gearing and ergonomics that usually come in that package.

[Tazturtle]

Yeah that's true. I can ride my 848 slow. Only problem is it hates it - and isn't comfortable or very enjoyable when you do.

I loved my old V7R because you could hustle it as hard as anything through corners - yet it wasn't constantly wanting to then blast away down the next straight.

It's no track bike and I can understand why people with freeways and straight roads want more power - but the V7's a fine road bike wherever there are plenty of corners!

Kurt

[Kev m]

My point still stands.... you can ride S L O W on any bike if you want to kick back and enjoy the show.

And my point still stands too, chances are it's gonna suck if you're using 1/10th of the capability way more than if you're using 8/10ths.

[Kev m]

Yeah that's true. I can ride my 848 slow. Only problem is it hates it - and isn't comfortable or very enjoyable when you do.

I loved my old V7R because you could hustle it as hard as anything through corners - yet it wasn't constantly wanting to then blast away down the next straight.

It's no track bike and I can understand why people with freeways and straight roads want more power - but the V7's a fine road bike wherever there are plenty of corners!

Kurt

+1 Brazilian!

[roadscum]

Paul, you are assuming everyone has the will power to drive slow on a  fast bike. If I have a fast bike, I tend to ride fast and push my limits. I guess it is the rush of adrenaline. I have a hard time not riding faster. When I am done riding, I think to myself that it wasn't really worth the risks that I took. Kind of like drinking 18 beers is fun while your drinking them but the next day you wonder what the hell you pushed it that far for. As you can see from my previous post I tend to buy slower bikes on purpose. It just takes the decision on how far to push my limits out of the equation. It makes sense to me and I never feel like I'm missing out by not going faster if that option isn't immediately present. In my opinion, many of the slower bikes have more character as well due to the engine design, gearing and ergonomics that usually come in that package.

You are indeed correct... I do assume we are each in control of our actions.  ;)

There are many things to like about the V7, HP is not one of them.  To use it's  performance as a substitute for self control is doesn't compute in my aged mental calculator.

You guys want to jump to the extreme....I'm not suggesting the V7 become a super bike with 180hp, a narrow power band at 12K RPM, and cramped ergos, but 60HP at the rear wheel would make it much more engaging for me. What's wrong with giving it the same power as the new Duc Scrambler?

Paul

[Tazturtle]

HP wars are ultimately utterly pointless and ridiculous.

On the Ducati 1199 forums they commonly refer to the 150 HP 899s as "girl's bikes".

On the road I'll take pleasant torque and a characterful purring engine over eyeball squishing top end every day!

Kurt

[Kev m]

You guys want to jump to the extreme....I'm not suggesting the V7 become a super bike with 180hp, a narrow power band at 12K RPM, and cramped ergos, but 60HP at the rear wheel would make it much more engaging for me. What's wrong with giving it the same power as the new Duc Scrambler?

Paul

I understand what you're saying, but the extreme example is meant to illustrate the downside and there is a sliding scale between the two where you lose the desirable characteristics of one when you go toward the other.

And as I've already said. I will ride the V7 in my garage 9 out of 10 times over the Duc 696.

[Tazturtle]

I'm with you Kev.

I've spent time on a 696 and a Triumph Thruxton. Neither actuly feel faster or more satisfying on the road.

I'd take a V7 in preference too!

[Kev m]

To be clear I'm NOT saying to leave it alone and not pursue a newer model with more power.

I'm suggesting Piaggio proceed with caution and we be careful for what we wish.

[Tazturtle]

Absolutely - evolution not revolution.

Low rpm torque unmatchd by its competitors is a key small block strength. You hardly ever need anything below 4th once rolling.

I still think a heron headed 2 valve 850 would be my perfect bike!