Need your help convincing myself! PLEASE HELP!

[Kev m]

I'm on board with everything you're taking about except the K&N, and you probably don't "need" a reflash, but if you want it you will have to remove your entire throttle body and ECM (it's one piece) and send it to CA for Todd to reflash.

I've got the centerstand and the Euro side stand and love them. You don't "need" the EU side stand but it's nice.

[Kev m]

PS, I don't think the K&N does anything you WANT for the V7 since you're not really gonna make any more appreciable power with this mill, the heads being the limiting factor. All it will do is potentially let more damaging contaminants into the cylinders.

As for the reflash the ECM will self adjust, seemingly from reports better than many. If you only change pipes I think it won't wind up any leaner in closed-loop operation. And, I'm of the opinion most people make to much of the epa lean tuning as it's clean and efficient and doesn't harm the motor. And again, on this motor it's not like running pig rich is gonna get you down the road measurably quicker.

I love getting 50-55 MPG on my V7 Stone while enjoying the hell out of the ride.

[JProdun]

Thank you Kev!

Not looking for extra power. Better sound (of course a subjective thing for everybody) - yes. I'm relatively new to motorcycling and as far as my understanding goes, if you're running too lean, it could cause some type of engine damage down the road? Same goes for running too rich. Was asking about reflash, so the bike would run the way it's suppose to with aftermarket pipes and filter. I would probably agree on the filter with you. If i gain nothing and could only be doing bad - then it's a no go.

I understand euro side stand is shorter? Would center stand work with the stock side stand?

About self adjusting ECUs, my previous bike had one supposedly, but after i was done with mechanicals, it was running extremely lean and no amount of miles helped it. So PCV came to the rescue. That's why i'm a bit worried. I want only pleasant experience with V7.

Thanks again!

[Kev m]

Well yes, "too" lean or rich can damage a motor. But some people start with the premise the OEM mapping is too lean and I don't necessarily share that view.

Guzzi states, and the experience of some members here seems to verify, that the new V7 can self adjust to reasonable changes in the exhaust.

There are only a limited number of common accessory exhausts and, assuming they run baffles and aren't too far from stock diameter and length, you'll likely be fine running them with no other changes.

Open the airbox ALSO and you might be doing too far. So, do what others here have done (add pipes like the Mistrals and  you should be fine).

You CAN use the stock US side stand with the centerstand, BUT you must always deploy first, whichever stand you deployed last. So if you collapse the side stand, then take it off the centerstand you won't be able to deploy the side stand again until you put it on the centerstand. Make sense? The US side stand is too long and fouls the centerstand. I ran mine that way only until I could get the shorter EU side stand.

[JProdun]

Understood. Thank you again Kev!

Now a bit about the cosmetics. I love the bike overall, but was never a big fan of the stock rear fenders. They seem to be too long. At least in my opinion.

I know there are a few companies/shops/people, or at least a couple that i've seen, that sell fender eliminator kit. Anyone has any experience with these? I would assume riding over puddles without a fender is not much fun though, so did anyone just cut their fenders to their liking?

And last, but not least - what's the best service manual for the V7s?


Thanks a lot!

[Kev m]

There are some good looking fender eliminator/tail tidy kits available. Go for it.

I haven't used them, but yes, expect to get wetter from a puddle. Of course, if it's raining you probably have water coming from above too.

Best service manual, LOL, you're speaking my language since I write service manuals for a living. It's a real easy question with the V7, there's only the OEM available. It consists of multiple editions that can be downloaded from Guzzitech.

[JProdun]

Lol, got it. Thanks a lot!

[Kev m]

Holy crap, my little bro (Jas67) sent me this link this morning.

Not too far away, only 500 miles, and a KILLER price. Would save you enough money for ALL the modifications you're talking about (assuming you like the color). Hell, you'd have enough left over to buy the Stone cast wheels:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/4790797117.html

[jas67]

Holy crap, my little bro (Jas67) sent me this link this morning.

Not too far away, only 500 miles, and a KILLER price. Would save you enough money for ALL the modifications you're talking about (assuming you like the color). Hell, you'd have enough left over to buy the Stone cast wheels:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/4790797117.html

For that matter, at this price, you'd have enough left over to fix the color too.

[youcanrunnaked]

I would not buy a Moto Guzzi from a place called "Motorcycle Mall" for the same reason I would not buy fine art from a place called "Paintings R Us," (with the "R" facing backwards; you get the idea).

[Cam3512]

For that matter, at this price, you'd have enough left over to fix the color too.

I noticed this ad while cruising Craig's last night too.  That is a "new" bike with a super low price.  Run, don't walk!

[JProdun]

I've seen a fee with good prices, but since i don't want another project - i'll skip. Id rather just get what i want and leave it at that. Knowing myself - i just won't be able to stop with wheels and paint (paint would be expensive too!).

I'm waiting for the show next weekend to make my final decision, but as of now, V7 is on top of my list.

[JProdun]

Another question i had come up was about the dry clutch. I've only owned bike with wet clutches and they were bulletproof. What do i need to know about the dry clutch on the V7 not mess it up? Is it a single plate? How's the service if i do mess it up?

Thanks!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Another question i had come up was about the dry clutch. I've only owned bike with wet clutches and they were bulletproof. What do i need to know about the dry clutch on the V7 not mess it up? Is it a single plate? How's the service if i do mess it up?

Thanks!

Bullet proof. Single plate. Easy Peasey. If you wade through the Aero engine thread, there's pix of it disassembled.

[Kev m]

I'm waiting for the show next weekend to make my final decision, but as of now, V7 is on top of my list.

What else are you looking at because I'm under the impression MG (and the whole Piaggio line) will not be at the show (as usual).

[JProdun]

Thanks!

A whole list of potentials. Different brands and riding styles. No sports though.

Piaggio group won't be at the show, but i've visited the dealer a couple of times in the last two months. Local dealership told me a couple of weeks ago that they might come through, but weren't sure. So i'm going there just to get a feel of the other bikes i'm "kinda" interested in.

[oldbike54]

Interesting , that $6K V7 is in "sellersville" , guess they mean it  ;D

  Dusty

[Kev m]

Thanks!

A whole list of potentials. Different brands and riding styles. No sports though.

Piaggio group won't be at the show, but i've visited the dealer a couple of times in the last two months. Local dealership told me a couple of weeks ago that they might come through, but weren't sure. So i'm going there just to get a feel of the other bikes i'm "kinda" interested in.

Have fun whatever you decide!

RIDE SAFE,

Kev

[JProdun]

Thank you!

I'll report after the show.

I'll probably post more questions before then though.

[JProdun]

The list would something like this:

1. V7 Stone.
2. Bonneville T100.
3. W650 (wish W800 was available). I know i won't get to see it at the show, but i'm still including it as an option.
4. SR400.
5. Bolt Spec C or R.
6. Sportster 883.
7. Scout.
8. Scrambler.

It's not that i'm seriously considering every bike from the list. It's more like just attending the show to see those bikes.

Top contenders are the first three on the list. They're the ones i'm serious about.

[Kev m]

I totally get most if not all of that list as I've owned, own, or have ridden them.

I'll probably still buy a Bonnie eventually, though I'd never get rid of most of what I have for one.

I was riding my bud's W650 a lot this past summer and I really want one, though I'd not trade my V7 for one.

I want to add a Scout to the fleet. I might trade my Buell  for one.

The fit and finish on the Bolt is nice, but I love Sportsters and would not trade mine for a Bolt.

[JProdun]

Glad to hear!

I was somewhat embarrassed to post the list of "prospective" future machines, but seems like we have similar tastes. At least with you :)

I would love a cruiser/bobber as a second bike, but unfortunately,  living in Nee York, it's pointless at this time. I also have two little kids, day job and a business to run, so am very limited on the riding time. So having two bikes, while barely having time even for one, is a waste. At least of my money. Also have only one spot in my friends garage. Living in an apartment myself.

I would have kept my previous bike if I could. A lot of time (and some money) was put into that little thing. Loved it, but had to go.

And that's why i'm looking for a do-it-all bike that I won't want to sell after a year of ownership (read: won't get bored with it) and keep it for as long as it lasts.

In regards to the Guzzi, it is kind of a love from the first sight. I remember seeing a V7 in Lower East Side even before I seriously started riding and it just stuck in my head. I still remember the exact location and the color of the bike. Didn't know the make and model back then, but now i do and seriously thinking it will become my next, and hopefully long lasting, machine.

[Kev m]

This past summer my wife and I went through some large life changes that involved her finishing fellowship, getting a job in another state, selling our old house and moving in with some friends for a few months while giving birth to our son and then eventually moving to a new state, starting said job and buying a new house.

In that time frame I had to move and store MOST of our bikes, with only room to hang onto one for the summer.

The choice was easy and I stored everything but the V7, which solidified my own feelings that if I had to have just one, that would be it.

[JProdun]

Went to IMS today. Guzzi wasn't present.

Out of everything I went to check out, Indian Scout really surprised me. It doesn't feel heavy at all and build quality seems to be top notch. Unfortunately i'm not a cruiser guy and can't have two bikes, so i'll have to pass at this time.

Fz-07 feels really nice, but just not my type.

Now, what i didn't intend to see was Polaris's Slingshot and man I love the think. It is all plastic fantastic with a GM engine, but I just love the idea and really want one, but again, not a bike in my eyes and don't have room for it. Maybe one day when they'll be dirt cheap.

Overall show is really weak and sales people weren't all very friendly, but whatever. I did get what I want out of it, so no regret there.

Now i'll be searching for a well priced V8. First in my area, and If I won't get the price i want, then Tri-State and nationwide search. No rush, so got some time on my hands.

[jas67]

Now i'll be searching for a well priced V8. First in my area, and If I won't get the price i want, then Tri-State and nationwide search. No rush, so got some time on my hands.

I assume you meant "V7", and not "V8".

That low-miles V7 Special for $6k is still listed on the Philly Craigslist.    It might still be available.   That is definitely a deal.
There was recently a 2009 V7 Classic with very low miles listed on eBay for $4,200, but, that might have been Left-Coast, I can't remember.

[Greenman]

well,
life is certainly far more interesting when you own a guzzi.

and secondly, ride it like you stole it because it's certainly not all about the numbers on the paper.

[JProdun]

Yeah, that was meant to be a V7.

I've put together a list of great and good deals all around the country. I know i'm probably wrong about this, but I just prefer buying bikes new. Also prefer the updated version, '13 and up.

So the first thing i'm going to try to do is to have my local dealer come down on the price and fees. And if that doesn't work out, then i'll be looking elsewhere.

The sales person told me that whatever i have in mind - we could always work out a deal. So let's see.

[Kev m]

I'm not sure if we posted this already in this thread, but there is very little margin in a V7 Stone, and probably not much more in a Special.

[jas67]

Yeah, that was meant to be a V7.

I've put together a list of great and good deals all around the country. I know i'm probably wrong about this, but I just prefer buying bikes new. Also prefer the updated version, '13 and up.

So the first thing i'm going to try to do is to have my local dealer come down on the price and fees. And if that doesn't work out, then i'll be looking elsewhere.

The sales person told me that whatever i have in mind - we could always work out a deal. So let's see.

I understand preferring new.     As for preferring the updated version, that $6k one in Philly is a '13, with quite low miles.      If you think you want a V7II, then it might be worthwhile to buy the $6k '13 to ride until the V7II are available, and then trade up.

[JProdun]

I apologize for not updating my thread and keeping you guys posted...

Unfortunately it isn't due to a lot of riding on a new bike...

First, thank you all again for your help and advice!

Now, unfortunately, my financial situation has taken a turn for the worse and I haven't been able to justify a large purchase like that of a new bike or another loan.

I'm still visiting the forum and read on all the vast information it contains!

I'll keep you all posted when things change and I'll get a new machine.

Thanks again!