Hi there, a lengthy intro with questions.

[NCAmother]

I really just wanted to say  "Welcome Ahoy Aspie!"   Some of the posts can get rough with different personalities, but we are all in it for the Guzzi.  Have you tried the V7's on a ride yet?  They have a low center of gravity which is great for slightly smaller people.

[lucydad]

Laura,

First, welcome here!  If you are interested in a Moto Guzzi, this is the right place to come, ask questions and get real answers.  Several years ago I did the same thing, and bought my V7R.  No regrets.

As to your questions, surely they have been answered.  Not much to add.

I think the Stone would be a perfect fit for your needs, as long as you either have a good dealer for initial set up, or are pretty good at mechanics yourself. 

The bikes are wonderfully fun, adaptable for many uses, and just well built. 

My only thought--why buy new?  There are a lot of good used ones out there. 



Go for it!  If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.

[HardAspie]

Wow! More replies to reply to!

I've not ridden a V7. I am about 120 miles from a Guzzi dealer and currently commute on a bicycle! There is time to come to a decision. I think I will love the log CG and the light weight. Still, there is no way to be certain before trying one on. Motorcycles. like bicycles are part machine and part clothing; they must fit.

I have had Hondas. I find them too complex and too distant. I don't want plastic bodywork, radiators, DOHC, shim adjusted valves...actually I think I have not only logical reasons for my prejudices but also just do not like the gestalt of modern machines. They seem hugely capable but cold. Cylinder find and pushrods and 400 pounds, I can hug that thang!

I would figure that it would have to have the tube type cylinder guards, just in case; and a rack, and possibly a very tiny windscreen being just enough to keep some of the rush of air off me while not being a great handle for the cross winds to yank me all over the place. Probably tour old style with leather throw overs and a couple of waterproof (yeh, I kno) duffels - one duffel just behind me as a backrest. Primal.

Gah.  my age is showing!

[rodekyll]

The myth of the large windscreen pulling you around in a crosswind isn't really true.  The wind is going to pull on whatever stick up.  If not the windscreen, then you.

[HardAspie]

I am not sure of that. My Mold Wing was yanked all over by a fork mounted Plexifairing. And my most recent bike - oh do I have to admit that I had a bloody scooter, yes I must - a 400 lb Honda Reflex had a big fairing / screen and was dangerous  in cross winds. I think I will take a small one. Been wailing in boats and on two wheels. Boats are fun.

[rodekyll]

I understand that.  But did you make the same run in the same wind with the windscreen removed?  I'm not trying to talk you out of the windscreen of your choice.  I'm just saying that in a wind, if you remove the screen, you become the screen.  The net effect is about the same, but much less comfortable.  Add some rain, bugs, cold, or hail and you have a miserable ride.

[HardAspie]

From my experience there is a huge difference between frame and fork mount. But also a large matter of surface area to bike weight. Yeah, I know of the wind forcee with no screen. I hope to find a happy place.

[lucydad]

I have the Dart flyscreen on my V7R:  extremely effective at 80 mph.  Bike tracks wonderfully in high winds, and we have a lot of that here on the Gulf Coast.  Not twitchy at all,  bike of choice for crummy weather over the new Triumph STRX.  Little Goose just plows ahead no matter what the weather.  Do wish it had ABS brakes though.

If you buy a small block, be careful about the notorious kick stack sticky issue.  Add a knob or something.  Also I think the extra oil capacity is a good thing for very hot climates. 

I am outta here on a long ride.

Veloce!