V7 Owners

[Wild Bill Guzzi]

I want to add a V7 to the herd.  What is the difference between the 2014 vs 2015 models?  Will the V7 run 80 mph and do 500 mile rides per day?  I would greatly appreciate your comments and pics of your V7's.

WBG

[Bob Wegman]

I have ridden my 2010 V7C numerous times of about 350 miles in a day, and last year to the VA Rally from Rochester, NY to Warm Springs VA. with the wrong turns it was around 525 miles.  I don't think I went over maybe 70 mph and the 70 was on route 220 to try and make up for the wrong turns I made. 

[Gliderjohn]

Although I have always ridden big blocks in the Guzzi world I cannot imagine that the V7 would not be able to do what you are asking 90+% of the time. I base this on eleven years of riding a 77 Suzuki 400GS for 11 years. You may want to upgrade the saddle. The only times my little GS could not run 75-80 mph all day long was with stiff headwinds and hills combined. If I remember correctly the GS was rated at 27 hp.
GliderJohn

[Cam3512]

AFAIK, the only difference between '14 and '15 is they went to the wet alternator in '15 in the US.  Everything else will be the same.  And yes, it will do 500 mile days and 80 mph. Personally, doing 80 mph on the slab is my least favorite way to ride these bikes.  Sometimes necessary for me just to get OUT of NJ.

[MariusD]

I would think the long distance comfort would depend on personal hight and weight. This bike isnt tiny, but I dont see tall people being comfortable for long either.

OP: You might want to list your measurements so that people can give u a better idea.

And even then, it gets subjective.

[stonelover86]

Mine is my first bike ever, so I don't have a great basis of comparison, but I'm very happy with it. I will say that due to the lightness of the bike, you really start to feel the wind around 65-70 mph, but I don't have any fairing or windshield on my bike, so YMMV. I also have some problems with city driving because I have trouble switching into neutral when I'm holding still, especially if I've been shifting between first and second and neutral a lot - the transmission tends to get sticky.

But I love it. It's comfortable, it's very nimble, and it handles very well even at high speeds. Amazing bike in all regards.

[roam]

Things get real after 75mph out on the super slab. Maybe it was just a windy day but it felt like I was in a tornado running at 80. Things smoothed out nicely once on a smaller highway and speed dropped to 70. Much more enjoyable. I have the small dart flyscreen btw.

[lucydad]

My 2012 V7R loves 80 mph, 5000 rpm, in fifth gear.  Piece of cake and what helps is a Dart fly screen.

No problem 300 miles, but I have the low gel saddle and ditched the cafe seat. 

Great bikes, and they punch above their weight.  Newer ones likely have a bit more grunt than my 2 TB version, but mine is fully broken in at over 13K miles and tuned by MPH here in Houston.

[rocker59]

I want to add a V7 to the herd.  What is the difference between the 2014 vs 2015 models?  Will the V7 run 80 mph and do 500 mile rides per day?  I would greatly appreciate your comments and pics of your V7's.

WBG

As mentioned, in The USA the only difference is the wet alternator on the 2015.

The bikes turn about 5,000 rpm at about 80 mph, but yes they will get in that groove and just roll along.

500 miles per day is going to depend on you and how you make the bike fit your needs.  Lots of people have put lots of miles on the Breva 750s, Nevada 750s, and the V7s.  The bike can do it, if you can.

A custom seat and some suspension work will probably be needed.  Also different handlebars and a windscreen of some kind.

Oil sump extender would be a good idea, adding a quart to the oil capacity.  If you're going to be knocking out those big miles, it will be a little added insurance.

Lots of options out there for the V7 line now, so you should be able to make it work for you.

[lucydad]

I have the sump extender on mine.  The bike does not burn oil despite lots of high speed, high temperature miles....

[kingoffleece]

I have a 425 and 500 miler in so far this year.  Not too hard-an AirHawk helps halfway thru.  70-75 and the bike is smooth as glass.

[SmithSwede]

Can't help much about different model years.

As to your other questions-- yes, easily.  I routinely cruise long distance rides at indicated 85-90 on my 13 V7 Stone.  Smooth as can be.   I've done many 500 mile days.  Recently did an 800 mile day.  Will probably do a 1,000 mile IBA saddle sore when Texas weather cools off a bit.   

All it really needs is a better rear shock and lower bars.  I like a bikini fairing to cut wind a little, but not too much. 

I think it boils down to this.  Can a BMW airhead run 80 mph and do 500 mile days?   Obviously yes.  Well, a V7 is basically a BMW airhead --- except even better. 

[Wild Bill Guzzi]

My weight is around 200 and my son's weight 260

[Kev m]

I have the sump extender on mine.  The bike does not burn oil despite lots of high speed, high temperature miles....

Same here, but the extender still makes me feel warm and fuzzy...

My weight is around 200 and my son's weight 260

I hope you're not planning 2-up much at those sizes.

FWIW, I only took my teenage daughter 2-up on my Stone once then decided I've got better tools for the job. Of course, I have upgraded the rear shock since then, and maybe I could try it again (but I've still got a better tool for the job).

[greer]

I have wondered time and again how much the V7 would remind me of the R65 and R80 airheads I owned back in the day.

Sarah

Can't help much about different model years.

As to your other questions-- yes, easily.  I routinely cruise long distance rides at indicated 85-90 on my 13 V7 Stone.  Smooth as can be.   I've done many 500 mile days.  Recently did an 800 mile day.  Will probably do a 1,000 mile IBA saddle sore when Texas weather cools off a bit.   

All it really needs is a better rear shock and lower bars.  I like a bikini fairing to cut wind a little, but not too much. 

I think it boils down to this.  Can a BMW airhead run 80 mph and do 500 mile days?   Obviously yes.  Well, a V7 is basically a BMW airhead --- except even better.

[Kev m]

I have wondered time and again how much the V7 would remind me of the R65 and R80 airheads I owned back in the day.

Sarah

That was a big motivating factor for me to buy one.

In my opinion the V7 is the closest thing on the market to what the airhead might have become if BMW had simply continued it's production with only minor evolution to the chassis and simply putting EFI on the motor.

Of course, I do believe the motor has a bit more character then my airheads did, which is not a bad bonus either.

[Perazzimx14]

If your riding habitually consists of constant 80mph and 500 mile days get a Goldwing or ride any of the other bikes you have listed in your profile. The V7 can do it but why would you want too.

[rocker59]

If your riding habitually consists of constant 80mph and 500 mile days get a Goldwing or ride any of the other bikes you have listed in your profile. The V7 can do it but why would you want too.

Why?  For the fun of it.

Nothing screams "no fun" to me like a Goldwing.  Sure, it's one of the top mile-munchers out there, but so is a Lincoln Towncar. 

[Perazzimx14]

Why?  For the fun of it.

Nothing screams "no fun" to me like a Goldwing.  Sure, it's one of the top mile-munchers out there, but so is a Lincoln Towncar.

.....and fun would be hopping on your V7, getting on the interstate, locking the throttle at 80mph and grinding out 500 miies day after day??

Just because it can doesn't mean it should.

[twowheeladdict]

Any bike will do 500 mile days.  Not every rider can do 500 mile days on every bike.

My V7 Café Classic can do the Ton.

My KLX250S will do an honest 70 if I tuck in, and I have done 500 miles of all day riding on two lane country roads.  Alternating standing and sitting on a custom Sargent seat.

[rocker59]

.....and fun would be hopping on your V7, getting on the interstate, locking the throttle at 80mph and grinding out 500 miies day after day??

Just because it can doesn't mean it should.

 
 

[sib]

....What is the difference between the 2014 vs 2015 models?....

I carefully compared the parts manuals for the '14 and '15 USA (non-ABS) models, and I found a total of 56 part number differences.  The main difference, of course, is the wet vs dry alternator.  Interestingly, the wet alternator is rated at LESS output (270W) than the dry one (350W) it replaced.  Also, by 2015, only Kaifa forks were used, no more Marzocchi.  And, I believe all the 2015 rear shocks were Olle, no more Sachs.  Not sure about 2014 and 2015 tires, in 2013 they could be either Pirelli or Metzler, and by 2016 only Pirelli's were supplied.  Components such as handlebars, left hand light switch, and EFI units also have different part numbers in 2014 vs 2015, as well as a few sundry nuts, bolts and washers.  What I am sure of is that both bikes are equally enjoyable to ride.

[Texas Turnip]

If your riding habitually consists of constant 80mph and 500 mile days get a Goldwing or ride any of the other bikes you have listed in your profile. The V7 can do it but why would you want too.

Beaver puts on many 500+ days and not on the Interstate. She chose the V7 to go to Canada and to the National in NH. Oh, and she had a choice of two Jackals or a B1100.

Tex

[gerryp]

Beaver puts on many 500+ days and not on the Interstate. She chose the V7 to go to Canada and to the National in NH. Oh, and she had a choice of two Jackals or a B1100.

Tex

I think I may have met her at the National in New Hampshire as I tried to meet all the V7 owners I came accross.

I've done some 350 mile days and the bike loves to run at 4.5 - 5 k rpm on the interstate.

Gerry

[Perazzimx14]

Beaver puts on many 500+ days and not on the Interstate. She chose the V7 to go to Canada and to the National in NH. Oh, and she had a choice of two Jackals or a B1100.

Tex

Yes the V7 can handle doing 500, 1000 or 2000 miles a day. Heck you could ride a 50cc scooter or a bicycle 500 miles in a day if that what you were determined to do.

[SmithSwede]

Well, to each his own.

I'm not knocking folks who like a Gold Wing or similar big bike.  Just not my cup of tea.  I'm perfectly happy logging the big miles on a "little" bike.

Why?   Because if I'm riding a motorcycle, I want to have fun riding a motorcycle, and for me that means relatively light weight with good handling.  Not a Gold Wing.   

Besides, at least for me, there's not that much difference in absolute comfort, assuming we are talking a solo rider without a ridiculous amount of luggage.  Even on a Gold Wing, I'm going to be all geared-up, will get hot, or cold, or rained on--am still exposed to danger, wind blast, wasps, etc.  If I want pure comfort, I figure I need a nice car with radio and A/C, not a bigger motorcycle. 

Even if the Gold Wing were marginally more comfortable on the interstates over long distances, what about when I arrive at the "good stuff"?   I rather be on the bike I prefer when I finally "get there," as opposed to feeling like I'm on the wrong bike just when I've finally arrived at fun part of the trip.   

My last long trip on the V7 was Dallas to North Georgia mountains for the good twisty roads.  Then through NC, TN and Arkansas for more of the same.

But maybe I'm just crazy.   I employ the exact same logic when I take long trips on my Ninja 250.  To me the Guzzi V7 is the "bigger bike."    :)

[jackson]

I have owned two V7 Guzzis (Breva 750 and currently a V7 Classic).  Although these bikes can attain a long ride at 80mph, IMO............I don't enjoy riding them that fast.  What makes them so enjoyable in the twisties and at lower speeds is the light weight; and to me, that works against you at speeds over 70mph.  When I'm going 80mph, I want a larger engine (and heavier frame) so the bike will be more stable for riding on an Interstate Hwy and the extra wind.......plus the wind blasts from large trucks.  I'm 6'1"/205 lbs. and I rarely ride the V7 on an Interstate Hwy but the few times that I have, I really notice the extra wind & wind blast from trucks much more than larger displacement bikes that I've owned over the years.
I'm a huge fan of the V7 series from Moto Guzzi but IMO, the bike is not well suited for a LOT of 80mph long rides. 
*BTW: I have noticed that when riding at 70mph on an Interstate, the effects from headwinds are noticeably less than speeds above 70mph with the problems that I mentioned above, rising proportionally at all speeds above that threshold.   Just my two cents.

[pyoungbl]

You folks have me re-thining an upcoming trip.  The Ohio rally is about 600 miles from my house.  My Stelvio would take me there in stride, did so last year.  I don't need to schlep a bunch of camping stuff, just the normal deal-with-the-weather gear.  Maybe I should try the trusty V7 Special this time.  Hummmm.

Back in the day (in the '70s) I thought nothing of riding my Norton to Maine or just about anywhere.  The V7 has about the same weight, horsepower, and ergos.  70 mph is actually a pleasant state for the V7 so......

Peter Y.

[rocker59]

You folks have me re-thining an upcoming trip.  The Ohio rally is about 600 miles from my house.  My Stelvio would take me there in stride, did so last year.  I don't need to schlep a bunch of camping stuff, just the normal deal-with-the-weather gear.  Maybe I should try the trusty V7 Special this time.  Hummmm.

Back in the day (in the '70s) I thought nothing of riding my Norton to Maine or just about anywhere.  The V7 has about the same weight, horsepower, and ergos.  70 mph is actually a pleasant state for the V7 so......

Peter Y.

Three tanks of gas, and you're there...

[kevdog3019]

I have owned two V7 Guzzis (Breva 750 and currently a V7 Classic).  Although these bikes can attain a long ride at 80mph, IMO............I don't enjoy riding them that fast.  What makes them so enjoyable in the twisties and at lower speeds is the light weight; and to me, that works against you at speeds over 70mph.  When I'm going 80mph, I want a larger engine (and heavier frame) so the bike will be more stable for riding on an Interstate Hwy and the extra wind.......plus the wind blasts from large trucks.  I'm 6'1"/205 lbs. and I rarely ride the V7 on an Interstate Hwy but the few times that I have, I really notice the extra wind & wind blast from trucks much more than larger displacement bikes that I've owned over the years.
I'm a huge fan of the V7 series from Moto Guzzi but IMO, the bike is not well suited for a LOT of 80mph long rides. 
*BTW: I have noticed that when riding at 70mph on an Interstate, the effects from headwinds are noticeably less than speeds above 70mph with the problems that I mentioned above, rising proportionally at all speeds above that threshold.   Just my two cents.

I agree that 70 is a good speed to hone in on for a long haul on the sb's.  Anything greater for me and it seems to feel small for the job.  Give me my V11 Lemans at that point.