2015 Moto Guzzi V7 II merged threadfest

[sib]

Article says it will arrive in US late next spring. Isn't that much earlier than previous info?
Paul Emerson

That's what the article indicates, but is it true?  My Guzzi dealer spoke with the US importer shortly after the initial announcement of the V7 II series back in September, and was told not to expect them to come to the US until November 2015.  Hopefully, that information was incorrect or has been changed.  Maybe MG USA has been reading this web site, sees the enthusiasm expressed here, and has changed the import schedule.  Or, maybe they're not selling as well as expected in Europe, so there are more available to export to the US.

[Penderic]

I find it interesting how Moto Guzzi is really pushing (promoting) the V7 product and accessories!

The marketing to new younger riders is very important and this story on a Italian Industrial Design School project involving the Moto Guzzi V7 is fitting.

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&rurl=translate.google.com&tl=en&u=http://www.moto.it/news/moto-it-porta-moto-guzzi-v7-allo-ied-per-le-tesi-di-laurea-2015.html&usg=ALkJrhj1beNbGx19LuG0wmQPJ1dCpWn-bw

From the translated link:

"The graduating students will be free to interpret as they see fit V7. They will be able to customize the bike or bring accessories in style. The approach can be aesthetic, functional or historical. Through their work will be interesting to evaluate trends in youth, that is, close to the experience of the students.
The learning process does not lead only to the creation of a special bike, but will review the project V7 to conduct a full customization or to create a unique accessory. The pupils of the European Institute of Design to decide, followed by Professor Sergio Mori, rapporteur for this initiative."

It will be interesting to see what they come up with.

[sign216]

Actually, there IS one significant mechanical change:  the '15's have wet alternators.  I've compared the parts books for the '15's and '13-'14's and that seems to be the only difference.

I noted the change to a wet alternator too.  Didn't BMW change to a wet alternator a few years ago?  I can't recall all the improvements that was supposed to bring.

I'm sure these improvements are good,  but it seems that every improvement just makes it harder to do service.

[Cam3512]

Are you guys 100% certain that the 2015's HAVE the wet alternator?  I know it's shown in the press photos, but it was also on brochure photos for the '14's.  In reality they were delivered with the same dry one.  The difference is evident by looking at the cover up front.

Someone show me a photo of a '15 on a dealer floor or your garage with the new alternator and I'll send you a cookie.

[sib]

Are you guys 100% certain that the 2015's HAVE the wet alternator?  I know it's shown in the press photos, but it was also on brochure photos for the '14's.  In reality they were delivered with the same dry one.  The difference is evident by looking at the cover up front.

Someone show me a photo of a '15 on a dealer floor or your garage with the new alternator and I'll send you a cookie.

The '15 V7 Special sitting on the showroom floor of my dealer definitely has the wet alternator.  I don't have a pic, but if I really get hungry for the cookie, I'll drive down and snap one.  Part of the confusion arises because of the way the model years are defined.  For example, the V7 II bikes are considered to be 2015 models in Europe but they'll be marketed as 2016 models in the US, when they arrive.  (At least, that was the plan when my dealer was told by the importer that they'd arrive in November 2015; if they do arrive earlier, they might well be marketed as 2015 models instead.)

[Joliet Jim]

in the more things change the more they stay the same

I bought my 02 white stone in Sept of 2001 and i think it had been at the dealers since early august that year.

[youcanrunnaked]

More hp!  Seriously, just ten more ponies.  Please.

[Cam3512]

BESIDES putting the rear wheel in gear and turning it to find TDC (next to impossible by yourself),  how will that be done with a "wet" alternator?  

I've always just popped off the cover and used a wrench to slowly turn the engine and find TDC to adjust the valves.

[rocker59]

BESIDES putting the rear wheel in gear and turning it to find TDC (next to impossible by yourself)

Um.  That's the way I do it on all my bikes...  By myself...

[jas67]

Um.  That's the way I do it on all my bikes...  By myself...

 :+1

I do remove the spark plugs, which makes it easier.

[kirkemon]

More hp!  Seriously, just ten more ponies.  Please.

If that's a really big deal;
http://www.guzzipower.com/store/V7bigbore.html

[Penderic]

Mellow music is required when making mechanical operations during tuning!

Somewhere in the manual, I think.  ;)

http://www.motoguzzioriginals.com/moto-guzzi-x-warner-bros-records-playlist-december-5-2012/

[sib]

BESIDES putting the rear wheel in gear and turning it to find TDC (next to impossible by yourself),  how will that be done with a "wet" alternator?  

I've always just popped off the cover and used a wrench to slowly turn the engine and find TDC to adjust the valves.

With the wet alternator, it will be necessary to get the rear wheel off the ground to adjust the valves (with spark plugs removed, of course).  If you don't want to install a center stand (expensive and extra weight to haul around wherever you ride), you'll need a rear paddock stand or a jack, together with a front wheel chock to keep the bike upright.  I opted for the latter route.  A decent, inexpensive jack can be found at:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/130972659945?item=130972659945&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

[Cam3512]

Um.  That's the way I do it on all my bikes...  By myself...

You must have long orangutan arms!  That explains the comfort on your 1100 Sport!

[jas67]

You must have long orangutan arms!  That explains the comfort on your 1100 Sport!

 :D

[Penderic]

Ha Ha! Thats a hairy red neck!  ;-T

[Cam3512]

Ha Ha! Thats a hairy red neck!  ;-T

Penderic, looks like Jay beat you to the punch (finger).  You're slippin' man!

[Penderic]

Ha Ha! Yes, but I was using my thumb!  :D

[Kev m]

:+1

I do remove the spark plugs, which makes it easier.

Which way? Rear wheel?

Seriously?

On your Breva there's an access cover that pops off, you'll find tdc marks on the but and motor there in sharpie.

On the SB I just pull the 4 bolts on that front cover.

I hate using the rear wheel, too clumsy.

[Kev m]

With the wet alternator, it will be necessary to get the rear wheel off the ground to adjust the valves (with spark plugs removed, of course).  If you don't want to install a center stand (expensive and extra weight to haul around wherever you ride)

I LOVE having a centerstand. I don't get that objection.

It weighs what, 5#? The unladen V7 weighs in the 440# range. Another 5# is almost meaningless.

[Vasco DG]

Which way? Rear wheel?

Seriously?

On your Breva there's an access cover that pops off, you'll find tdc marks on the but and motor there in sharpie.

On the SB I just pull the 4 bolts on that front cover.

I hate using the rear wheel, too clumsy.

Yes the point is Kev you can't do that with the wet alternator models.

Really though if it's enough of an issue to put you off buying the bike the answer is simple. Don't buy one! Problem solved.

The wet alternator models are already here in Oz. I sold one last week and while it hasn't arrived yet I'm sure it will be a wet alt vehicle. I can take pics as I PD it if people want?

Pete

[Kev m]

Yes the point is Kev you can't do that with the wet alternator models.

Really though if it's enough of an issue to put you off buying the bike the answer is simple. Don't buy one! Problem solved.

The wet alternator models are already here in Oz. I sold one last week and while it hasn't arrived yet I'm sure it will be a wet alt vehicle. I can take pics as I PD it if people want?

Pete

No I was literally just talking to my little bro about his two current Guzzis and my current.

Obviously if I get a wet alternator in the future I'll have to adapt. No big deal, I'll get over most anything, IF I HAVE TO. ;D

[jas67]

Which way? Rear wheel?

I hate using the rear wheel, too clumsy.

It's a universal method.   I've got many different bikes, several of which you'd have to pull covers that contain oil.

It's not too bad to do if you put it in high gear.

I used to do this with BMW cars back when I had them with solid valve trains.     I'd just push the car to turn the engine (again, in high gear).
Some of them, it was tough to get a wrench on the crank w/o removing the fan.

[Cam3512]

I know it's a solid way to do it, had to on my Stornello.  I prefer not to if I can get a wrench on the crank.

Guess I got my answer, looks like the only option on the new wet alternators.

[jas67]

I'll get over most anything, IF I HAVE TO. ;D

 :D :D :D :D

 :BEER:

[Kev m]

I know it's a solid way to do it, had to on my Stornello.  I prefer not to if I can get a wrench on the crank.

Exactly... Not a big deal, just a preference. Like I'll take Chorizo over Pepperoni, but Pepperoni will do in a pinch.

Oh yeah, I'm hungry....

[Kev m]

It's a universal method.   I've got many different bikes, several of which you'd have to pull covers that contain oil.

I know this, I'm just saying it couldn't be easier on the Breva 1100 to just pop the cover off that snaps in place and, like I said, I even made timing marks for you.

[jas67]

Exactly... Not a big deal, just a preference. Like I'll take Chorizo over Pepperoni, but Pepperoni will do in a pinch.

Oh yeah, I'm hungry....

 :food

I know this, I'm just saying it couldn't be easier on the Breva 1100 to just pop the cover off that snaps in place and, like I said, I even made timing marks for you.

OK, OK, I'll use them next time.    ;-T

[redge]

I plan to buy a new bike, and ABS is one of my requirements.

I'll be going to the New York Motorcycle Show on 12 December where I'll be able to check out, and indeed order, either of two of the three bikes that I'm considering (the Triumph Street Triple and the new Ducati Scrambler).

I won't be able to even see the third bike in which I'm interested. Neither Moto Guzzi nor any of its dealers will be at the show, and there is no information on when the V7 II with ABS will be available in the U.S. and/or Canada.

It would be very helpful if Moto Guzzi would say something before 12 December about when its V7 II bikes will be available in the US and Canada and at what prices.

If they don't, I think that there's a pretty good likelihood that Ducati will take most of Moto Guzzi's potential 2015 V7 sales, and that this could continue, and indeed escalate, into 2016.

[redge]

Yeah , well , we wouldn't want Guzzi to get overwhelmed with orders  ::) :D

  Dusty

The Manhattan Ducati/Triumph dealer expects to have the Ducati Scrambler in the shop the night before the show, and it increasingly looks like Ducati has an international home run on its hands.

Moto Guzzi (including its New York dealer) is not only not at the show, but it has said nothing about when its ABS bikes will be available in North America.