2012 V7R thoughts...in contrast

[lucydad]

All,

Took two pretty long rides this weekend (4 day, took some time off).  Friday Little Goose and I went and did the Galveston-Freeport loop:  about 170 miles and very nice and one of my favorites. 



The V7R can be very accurately described as extremely rider friendly.  A hallmark, to me:  civil and predictable and capable in a huge variety of riding environments. We encountered high speed runs (highway 6 and 59 the dreaded SW freeway--80 to 85 mph),  choked traffic stop and go in Galveston, and also windy and a heavy rain event.  Never did I feel frustrated, or out of control or that the bike had the better of me.  The Guzzi just plowed on.  We got dirty and wet and blown around and such:  but not an issue, or close to one.

Today I took the new STRX Trumpet out for a 100 miler.  Windy as hell, I mean gusts over 30 mph.  Rode to the dealer to pick up tank side grips, and then back home for lunch.  Then we went outbound towards Brazos Bend park, and looped 36.  The Triumph blows around more in high winds, no doubt:  more twitchy than the better tracking Guzzi (wheelbase?)
.
Much better brakes though, and the previously tracks on rails cornering encouraging higher cornering speeds.  We had some warp 5 runs, and what a hoot and hang on and crouch and she goes like a bat out of hell---, yet civilized in traffic.  A very fine Mary Anne, yet so different than the Goose.  Riding outbound on 59 from Houston to Sugar Land:  yep that dV/dT is useful, dealing with the trucks, cagers and general freeway situation.  Speed and accelleration have value, Triumph wins there if a burst of power is needed.  Sometimes on the Guzzi I have to be more patient dealing with boxes and such, and maybe that's not bad.

Just cleaned both bikes up in the garage.  Wow the Guzzi is just SO fricking beautiful compared to the Klingon warbird Triumph STR.  Italians do design the best cars, shoes, suits, artwork, food, wine and motorcycles in the world.  No doubt.  It is not a gimmick, the V7R red frame, balanced profile and overall finish is phenomenal.  And I have nearly 12K miles on the bike, never get tired of it.  And that chrome engine with fins:  belissimo...sublime .

What else today?  Two young Hispanic guys at the bike dealer chatted me up about the STRX:  big grin, thumbs up, questions and por favor would you start it so we can hear it?  Oh yeah, well yes it has a roar, no doubt.  But, the Guzzi, my friends:  actually louder even with stock cans, and a particular rasp of a twin.  Both bikes sound wonderful to my ears, but the Guzzi is unique especially that quirky idle chunka chunka...skip a beat...chunka chunka...

Probably a washout rain wise Sunday.  But I love both these bikes.  I asked Gaston, our mini poodle (he was helping me clean bikes in the garage)..who's idea was it to get this Triumph?  He said he didn't know, but if made me happy, then is ok with it, as long as he gets a chewy treat tonight.

[Lannis]

Very descriptive.  SO descriptive that it reminds me how bad I hate riding in heavy winds.   White-knuckling all the time no matter how much I try to "relax" - when I "relax", the wind blows the bike off the road before I can un-relax and catch it.   I'd rather ride in the rain any day!

Lannis

[Muzz]

Very descriptive.  SO descriptive that it reminds me how bad I hate riding in heavy winds.   White-knuckling all the time no matter how much I try to "relax" - when I "relax", the wind blows the bike off the road before I can un-relax and catch it.   I'd rather ride in the rain any day!

Lannis

Too true dat!

[RinkRat II]

 My God Man, can't you see the mini is just playing you??  Nice write up and Happy Easter!

     Paul :BEER:

[lucydad]

Lannis,

Wind and rain riding around the Gulf Coast of TEXAS are a given.  This spring seems a bit more vigorous: the huge battle between Gulf of Mexico air masses and the blue northers.  That was case today.  Something about the Guzzi makes it more linear in high winds.  My old Kawasaki EX500 had similarities to the Trumpet:  pretty twitchy and the Ninja had big fairings.  Perhaps the big radiator on the Trumpet? I am used to riding in high winds and very good at the relax game.  The Dart screen on the V7R seems just perfect for my short build:  result is a very smooth ride.

Thinking of experimenting with windscreens on Trumpet, might help a bit.  The bike is not built to be a cruiser, and I knew that when I bought it.  Triumph calls it a "roadster"--basically a two wheeled true sports car.

The Trumpet can be ridden in a very relaxed style, but requires keeping RPM below 6000 and using the big gears.  Its a unique experience to me except maybe for my old 84 Corvette with the 4 speed manual and V8:  could really rip the tires if desired. 

I think one of the differences most noticeable:  the braking on the Trumpet:  love the dual front disks:  nice bite that is linear.  The Guzzi takes a lot more heft to haul it down.  The bike would benefit from a dual disc system I think, and yes ABS.  Might change out brake fluid and suggest better brake pads?  Any suggestions--better than stock?  The current pads are not worn down, but could be working a bit less than ideal due to dirt/grime?  It was very wet/dirty on Friday.

[johnr]

Too true dat!

Not me. While high winds are a pain, I prefer them to things falling out of the sky, be they droplets, ice chunks, airplanes or space rocks.

[Muzz]

Not me. While high winds are a pain, I prefer them to things falling out of the sky, be they droplets, ice chunks, airplanes or space rocks.

I did have a large industrial bale of Batts come off a truck right in front of me.  Smell it?  I was sitting in it! :o :o

[Waterbottle]

I did have a large industrial bale of Batts come off a truck right in front of me.  Smell it?  I was sitting in it! :o :o

Hahaha, we've all had one or two of those moments Muzz.

LucyDad , very nice write up, thanks for that. I'm inspired now to finish cleaning the road grime from Black Betty
( Griso ) and open the tap up tomorrow  ;-T :bike

[boatdetective]

I did an interesting informal comparo the other year between my 1200S and a friend's Ducati Multi 1000. The 1200S felt like a pig around the driveway- but out on the road is was settled and planted. Certainly more relaxed on the slab. It's taken me a while to realize that while my body may be buffeted, the bike under me is fine.

[oldbike54]

I've not looked at the specs, but is the steering head angle more aggressive on the Triumph?

Personally I too hard riding in high winds, on some of our bikes, like the Goose and Duc.

In contrast the longer wheelbase, less aggressive steering head angle, lower, and heavier bikes like my old Jackal or the Harley are fine in it.

I snuck out yesterday for my first ride since that minor elective surgery a week ago and it was hella windy. I was bummed when I realized the now eight year old battery on the Harley had finally let me down, but I struggled through on the V7.

 Bet the rake on the STR is set at 24 degrees +- , the V7 at 27 degrees +- .

  Dusty

[kingoffleece]

I had a Street 3 for 3 years.  Fantastic machine but it made me ride at 100mph all the time.  It was great in the mountains in WV though.
Sold it.

[tiger_one]

Bet the rake on the STR is set at 24 degrees +- , the V7 at 27 degrees +- .

  Dusty

Yep, even the 1050 Tiger is 24 degrees. 

Nice comparison of the two bikes.

[bpreynolds]

Nice write up, Gregory.  For so long I was in search of the great single bike but I've found that bike riches - for me at least - seem to greatly reside more in diversity; it being the spice of life, you know.  It's incredibly rewarding for me to have both my older STR and the Guzzi in the garage when I go to ride.  Completely different bikes.  Spur of the moment makes the choice most of the time but there are some determining factors.  The Striple gets chosen more often but the Guzzi whenever the call is for me and the wife, weather is bad, or when I'm needing a pack mule, or when I just want to take a very nice and leisurely ride that can still be fun if I want.  It doesn't hurt that I still think my Cali Stone is flat out gorgeous as well  ;-T  Also, the choice of the Guzzi for bad weather mainly pertains to just the feeling of solidity that the bike lends to me.  A Cali Guzzi has always inspired a kind of comfort and sense of (maybe false?) security in me, that me and the bike could take on whatever and in a number of instances, actually have.  For me, the Guzzi will always be the bike I choose when there is any kind of level of doubt involved in the ride.  Doubts about the weather, doubts about the roads, whatever.  

I haven't really found my older Striple to be very much more prone to wind than my Stone.  Or at least greatly.  The Striple can throttle through wind easier which I've found is sometimes what you just have to do when getting battered about.  Also, there may be some wheelbase differences, not sure, between my older Striple and the newer ones.  I too removed my fly screen as I found it more annoying than helfpull; yet, I now have a giant Madstad shield that I whole heartedly recommend for highway applications.  Sure, it ain't exactly good looking on my bike but looks is not a remote priority on my Striple - and good thing too as only a mamma would send her cards on February 14th.  I've tried pinstripes, custom red/black seat, done everything I can think to try and make it "prettier" but it's not happening.  I'd do the single headlight conversion but it sorta takes away the bike's essentially Triumph character and too it's expensive like a real cosmetic surgeon as well.  Good thing most of those thoughts are obliterated the minute I twist the throttle into that upper, howl producing area.

As per comfort, the Striple for me has been a huge, pleasant surprise.  Me personally, the more time I spend with the bike, the more I adapt to it whereas with most other bikes I just keep trying to "adapt" them to me.  I have a 32" inseam but I've found the ergos and even, surprisingly, legroom to be fine on the STR.  If I'm riding on the highway in the 70-80mph range, the Stone is a perfect bike, but I'm more likely to ride solo on the big roads in the 80-90 range as I like to stay away and/or ahead of traffic.  In that range the Striple has higher revs but is mainly just purring whereas I will start to feel some intruding vibration through the pegs, seat, and bars as I approach 85 on the Stone - not greatly annoying but it makes me want to back off the throttle on the Stone to that wonderfully comfy 70/80 speed range.  And too, I have to plan a good bit more on the Stone on the highway whereas on Striple it's look, throttle, there.  

Again, I can't recommend the Madstad enough for the STR.  Rake and height adjustable, snaps on and off in minutes flat as well.  It turns highway blasts into sport touring outings rather than something I just merely endure.

[oldbike54]

Bet the rake on the STR is set at 24 degrees +- , the V7 at 27 degrees +- .

  Dusty

 Hey , not bad from memory , the STR is set at 26.9 degrees , the V7 at 27.8 .

 

[kern16]

Just got back from a 320 mile ride yesterday on the V7R and couldn't agree with you more! On the backroads the ltl bike that could never wants for more power and handles beautifuilly! I did have my first problem yesterday as I type this. Pulled over for gas and the kickstand would not go down? First time that has ever happened? Cleaned it up this morning and lubricated has this ever happened to you?
Regards/phillip

[lucydad]

Pokey,

Uh well....there was this one stretch on 36 north yesterday.  After the stop at the Valero station...mmm...we got to 90 in 4th gear, very, very fast.
Then backed down since the bike has only about 400 miles on it.  First service will be in a week or so, if rains let up.  Yeah I know.

Contrasts are very interesting to me.  I tend to be very observant and analytical, thanks for your comments and opinions.

Rake is probably the difference, and also why the STR needs only intuitive input to dodge oncoming trucks, tire debris, potholes, dead skunks and such.  Like that a lot, but not for the inexperienced.  Guzzi takes a bit more input, but surprising how deep it can corner even with the existing tires (but don't do it in slick conditions).

Ms LD and I may start hunting for a house with a 3 car garage.  Dunno if it will happen or not, but as empty nesters this house is a non-fit.  The bigger garage would be just right...to add a more suitable touring bike.  Something not too heavy though, but a genuine cruiser.  Yep, always looking around the next bend.
Youngest daughter graduates from college end of May.  Big change there. Dunno how long it will take her to launch though.

If the Indian Scout had been available, and I checked: "order now and maybe you get one before end of 2015"--I might have bought one instead of the Triumph.  As is, the STR is a hoot and extinguished my lust for a triple, and is a lot cheaper than a Porsche.  

Happy Easter everyone.  Go out and live life to the fullest. I am extremely grateful.

[lucydad]

Philip,

Take a close look at my V7R picture, and the kickstand.  See the little chrome thingy?  The deal is-- the design cooks grease out of the joint and heat swells. Then the stand becomes stuck, and I mean really stuck.

 About 18 months ago I was rain riding, on newly tarred roads, and the goo slimed my bike:  stand and boots.  I could not get the stand down and I had dismounted and was walking bike into garage.  Wife was gone.  Tried and tried and it was hot and humid.  Ended up trying to mount bike, and fell on me and pinned me.  Called cops and they lifted it off me and fortunately no harm to me, bike busted mirror.  Good thing I had my phone and it worked otherwise...very bad day.

My advice:  before your next ride:  add a knob to make the small rounded slippery V7 side stand more grabby by your boot.  Trust me, it only gets worse.  Various riders have various solutions.

Guzzi needs to fix this problem.  It is a nasty safety issue.

[DaGoose]

Having the two bikes. I am not sure weather you are sharing or bragging. LOL

Willie

[leafman60]

Yesterday, I led a group of 35 bikes on a tour through central Alabama. The group included several brands of bikes including several Guzzis among which was a V7 Racer.

At lunch, we stopped in a small town and quickly drew several young local men to look at our bikes.  We had some high-powered crotch rockets and big dual sports with us.  The single bike that drew most of their attention was the V7 Racer. They asked how we ran through the curvy road that approached their town and they kept coming back to the V7.  "That thing looks BAD! I bet he leaves everything else for dead, don't he." "Is that a real race bike? How can he run that thing on the highway? "

At first I tried to hedge and, without distracting from the V7,  point out the many higher performance bikes in the group but my efforts went nowhere. They were totally captivated by the looks of the V7 and they assumed it ran as fast as it looks.

[kern16]

Could U send me a pic of your fix? Not sure I understand the fix? So cleaning out the joint (which I did) and spraying some lube is not the FIX and will happen again? YES this needs to be addressed as I put a good deal of HEFT into trying to lower it?

[lucydad]

Kern,

If you do a search you will find several threads on the fix.  If you can't find it, let me know and I will repost the pictures.
Basically I bolted on a little L shaped aluminum piece.  Bolt goes thru the side stand U-loop with a washer.  Others have invented other fixes.

Trust me, you want to do this! 

[lucydad]

Leaf,

I bet I have been stopped, asked about, had pictures taken, chatted up and otherwise singled out for the V7R a dozen or more times since I bought it.

Harley "mama" went nuts over the bike and her guy loved it when I said it was a air cooled V-twin, just like his HD 1200, but smaller and slower.

Definitely beautiful bikes, and eye grabbers.  One guy about 2 months ago really got interested.  I have pointed many a guy to MPH for a look see for a small block. I think the black tank is gorgeous.

[kern16]

Many THx I will modify my search and try again.

[Lannis]

Leaf,


Harley "mama" went nuts over the bike and her guy loved it when I said it was a air cooled V-twin, just like his HD 1200, but smaller and slower.

It might not be "slower".   I'll bet there are lots of roads that the same guy could transit faster on the Guzzi ....

Lannis

[ponti_33609]

Super quick thought on my maiden ride.

I expected it to feel much "slower".  Despite the HP being nearly 1/2 that of my old V11 Sport it seemed quite similar.  Feels very much the same except for the weight which is much nicer for me around town and maybe feel just slightly more upright but haven't done the ergobike site comparison yet.

[malik]

Could U send me a pic of your fix? Not sure I understand the fix? So cleaning out the joint (which I did) and spraying some lube is not the FIX and will happen again? YES this needs to be addressed as I put a good deal of HEFT into trying to lower it?

This works for me

[lucydad]

Malik,

Elegant solution, I like it better than mine and will change.

Ponti...the V7 small blocks "punch above their weight"--once they are broken in.  Great machines!

[tiger_one]

Hey , not bad from memory , the STR is set at 26.9 degrees , the V7 at 27.8 .

According to wiki, 2013- 2015 STR the rake is 24.1 degrees.  Just saying incase some readers are looking for the info.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Street_Triple

[oldbike54]

According to wiki, 2013- 2015 STR the rake is 24.1 degrees.  Just saying incase some readers are looking for the info.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Street_Triple

 Oh hell , typo on my part . The info I read stated 23.9 degrees , not 26.9 , oops . Probably a 2013 model and they have relaxed the rake a bit for 2015 . Thanks for the correction .

  Dusty

[leafman60]

I wonder how a retro-racer mock-up using the larger 8V motor and CARC gear would go over in the market, a V12 racer just like the V7.  I dunno.