Reality check before I jump

[BoatDoc]

I'm just looking for informal feedback on the idea of buying my first Guzzi. Is it a good or bad decision and what haven't I thought of?

Background: I've been riding for about 30 years; perhaps 300K miles, five bikes, and just finished a trip around the world on a 12GS. My favorite bike was a 1986 R80 (R, not GS). Its only drawbacks I thought were its flexible frame, its low clearance and incompatibility with forest roads. I only used its full power once or twice. I realized (finally) that the GS is bigger, heavier and has more power than I want or need. Additionally, I'm not happy with BMW due to the low reliability of my 12GS and my wife's G650 (23 warranty items in 18K miles) and the styling of their new bikes leaves me cold.

The Plan: What I'm looking for is a bike that will take me and some gear on the highway for business trips, will commute well, will tour long distance at moderate speeds, will handle forest roads, will be basically reliable if well cared for, has reasonable mpg, looks good, and most importantly, is fun! Too much to ask for? I don't mind modifying/improving bikes. After looking at dozens of bikes, the one that catches my eye is the 2016 V7 II Scrambler. A good choice? What mods would be suggested to fit "The Plan"?

My thanks in advance to all who reply! If we meet in the future I'll buy you a beer (or do Guzzi riders prefer wine?)!

Cheers,
Paul

[bad Chad]

V7. Sounds like a perfect fit.  beer!

[kirkemon]

I don't own a V7, but I have ridden a couple, and they weren't scramblers. I think the V7II could fit your bill, but your really asking quite a bit of a bike to be really be that diversified, tour long distances at moderate speeds, and handle forest roads? Humm.. what kind of tires are you planning to use?
Have you tried an F800GS? Just a thought.
Now for that beer!

[BRIO]

I'm just looking for informal feedback on the idea of buying my first Guzzi. Is it a good or bad decision and what haven't I thought of?

Background: I've been riding for about 30 years; perhaps 300K miles, five bikes, and just finished a trip around the world on a 12GS. My favorite bike was a 1986 R80 (R, not GS). Its only drawbacks I thought were its flexible frame, its low clearance and incompatibility with forest roads. I only used its full power once or twice. I realized (finally) that the GS is bigger, heavier and has more power than I want or need. Additionally, I'm not happy with BMW due to the low reliability of my 12GS and my wife's G650 (23 warranty items in 18K miles) and the styling of their new bikes leaves me cold.

The Plan: What I'm looking for is a bike that will take me and some gear on the highway for business trips, will commute well, will tour long distance at moderate speeds, will handle forest roads, will be basically reliable if well cared for, has reasonable mpg, looks good, and most importantly, is fun! Too much to ask for? I don't mind modifying/improving bikes. After looking at dozens of bikes, the one that catches my eye is the 2016 V7 II Scrambler. A good choice? What mods would be suggested to fit "The Plan"?

My thanks in advance to all who reply! If we meet in the future I'll buy you a beer (or do Guzzi riders prefer wine?)!

Cheers,
Paul

I'd say Norge or Stelvio.

[Matt]

V7. Sounds like a perfect fit.  beer!

Agreed, throw some Shinko 705s on it and roost away.

It's not a fast bike as you obviously know but it sounds about perfect for your needs 

[Kev m]

The V7 is the closest thing that exists in this world to what an Airhead might have become if it was given EFI and minimal other changes (though with an arguably more visceral engine).

As such it's not a highway done like any "modern" bike, but is a fantastic all around mount, light, nimble, simple, with excellent mileage.

I'm not sure I see the downside for your purpose, UNLESS your wanted to drone on the highway for hours at 80+ mph, then there are better tools for the job.

Me, I'm still pissed at myself for not buying a new Airhead when I had the chance, and I absolutely LOVE my V7.

[fotoguzzi]

Personally I think you need a KLR or DR 650.

[bad Chad]

Brio, he said he already had a GS, and found it two big, and two powerful, so a Stelvio or Norge won't work for him.

Photo, OP said one of the requirements is that the bike "looks good", that leaves the KLR and DR out the picture.

Kirpkemon, he said he doesn't want another BMW.

Don't you guys read the OP before posting???

[rboe]

My over inflated opinion; the KLR is too heavy and tall, the Honda XR650L (my bike) is much lighter and taller, given a do over I'd pick the DR. But.
I just spent some time on dirt (some gravel - not recommended) roads on the Griso and she did just fine thank you.

For well maintained roads you don't need the suspension travel of a dirt bike and having a lower bike will help a lot when it comes time to pick it up. A tall dirt bike, especially with a full tank of gas, is a son-of-gun to lift back up.

Another bike to consider, the Suzuiki V-Strom. Not really a dirt bike, kinda tall, but with lot's of farkles. More than the V7. Very good motor and a worthy option. I have a tall inseam so I'd probably gravitate to the V-Strom since the V7 is a tad small for me - but I'm still looking at it. It has a huge grin factor.

Kinda depends on just how much dirt you plan on riding. If it gets wet; choice of tire becomes critical.

[oldbike54]

Brio, he said he already had a GS, and found it two big, and two powerful, so a Stelvio or Norge won't work for him.

Photo, OP said one of the requirements is that the bike "looks good", that leaves the KLR and DR out the picture.

Kirpkemon, he said he doesn't want another BMW.

Don't you guys read the OP before posting???

  Heck Chad , are ya new here ?

  Dusty

[balvenie]

Whatever you get, be it Guzzi or otherwise, the Quality of the dealer is paramount.

[johnr]

I was going to wax wise about all bikes having their pros and cons and buying the one that sings to you and so on, but when I re-read your OP it sounds like you are looking for the universal road bike.

That role used to be filled quite well by the ubiquitous 650 vertical twin.

So why not a 750 V twin Hmmm? The V7 II sounds like just the thing to me. Big enough to tour, small enough to handle a forest road. Not to shabby round town either if I'm hearing right.

[lucydad]

Clearly I am no expert, but my first choice would be the V-strom if you want a lot of off road miles.  If off road is minimal, go for the very charming small block Guzzi and you will have a silly grin on your face much of the time. 

Why not a Triumph Bonneville?

[Kev m]

Seriously, did anyone READ THIS:

The Plan: What I'm looking for is a bike that will take me and some gear on the highway for business trips, will commute well, will tour long distance at moderate speeds, will handle forest roads, will be basically reliable if well cared for, has reasonable mpg, looks good, and most importantly, is fun!

The only question mark in my mind is what modifications would need to be made for forest roads (and it only says handle them, not go around the world on them, so what percentages of the above is he talking - highway, commuting, forest etc.)

But maybe most importantly:

My favorite bike was a 1986 R80 (R, not GS).

There is only one bike in the market that is anything like an R80... it's the V7.

[BRIO]

My over inflated opinion; the KLR is too heavy and tall, the Honda XR650L (my bike) is much lighter and taller, given a do over I'd pick the DR. But.
I just spent some time on dirt (some gravel - not recommended) roads on the Griso and she did just fine thank you.

For well maintained roads you don't need the suspension travel of a dirt bike and having a lower bike will help a lot when it comes time to pick it up. A tall dirt bike, especially with a full tank of gas, is a son-of-gun to lift back up.

Another bike to consider, the Suzuiki V-Strom. Not really a dirt bike, kinda tall, but with lot's of farkles. More than the V7. Very good motor and a worthy option. I have a tall inseam so I'd probably gravitate to the V-Strom since the V7 is a tad small for me - but I'm still looking at it. It has a huge grin factor.
U
Kinda depends on just how much dirt you plan on riding. If it gets wet; choice of tire becomes critical.

Agreed,

A KLR is tall and handles heavy for its weight. It's called "the pig" for a reason. Additionally, I don't think a KLR650 will fit the bill unless you like to go less than the speed limit. They start to scream around 70mph. A Kawasaki Versys, Honda NC700, or V-strom may be worth a look.

[Chuck in Indiana]

The Plan: What I'm looking for is a bike that will take me and some gear on the highway for business trips,
check
 will commute well,
check
 will tour long distance at moderate speeds,
check
will handle forest roads,
check
 will be basically reliable if well cared for,
check
has reasonable mpg,
check
looks good,
check
and most importantly, is fun!
check

Looks as if you have done your homework. 
Welcome to WG, Paul.

[BRIO]

Quick question:

How good is the Quota? There is one for sale in beautiful condition nearby

[BoatDoc]

Wow, what a nice surprise to see so many good comments! I'll take another look at the Versys and WeeStrom. The first time I looked at them I thought their styling was more angular than I'm thinking of. To answer some of your questions:
- I have a KLR in the barn (a friend's). A bit too tall and the mileage is terrible. It is also quite warm.
- Good question on the Bonnie Scrambler. It is a contender and I test rode one. The V7 is lighter however and said by the majority of reviewers to be more fun.
- My GS has about 80K on it, with about 1/4 of that off pavement. Most of that was forest roads and jeep trails. I rarely needed, or in hindsight, wanted a bike with the weight of the GS, although the suspension travel was nice. Alas, I can't pick it up by myself when it goes over. I would be happy to dial it back a bit in the future.

I've sent a note to Speed's requesting a test ride of the V7II.

Anyone looking for a "broken in" 12GS that was only used by a middle-aged dude to ride to the market (via the TransSiberian)?

My thanks to all!

Cheers,
Paul

[MotoGuzzi]

The Plan: What I'm looking for is a bike that will take me and some gear on the highway for business trips, will commute well, will tour long distance at moderate speeds, will handle forest roads, will be basically reliable if well cared for, has reasonable mpg, looks good, and most importantly, is fun!

Any Loop frame Moto Guzzi.

[mjptexas]

The Plan: What I'm looking for is a bike that will take me and some gear on the highway for business trips, will commute well, will tour long distance at moderate speeds, will handle forest roads, will be basically reliable if well cared for, has reasonable mpg, looks good, and most importantly, is fun! Too much to ask for? I don't mind modifying/improving bikes. After looking at dozens of bikes, the one that catches my eye is the 2016 V7 II Scrambler. A good choice? What mods would be suggested to fit "The Plan"?

I'd support the comments made about the V7.  As Kev mentioned, as long as you aren't looking to run 80 all day on the InterSlab it would be a solid all around bike.

You may want to look at one of the Triumph Bonneville variants.  These are great bikes and absolutely bulletproof.  There is a bewildering array of aftermarket stuff too.  I had one for several years, and will be probably get another one sometime.  However, they lack the character of a Guzzi.

[Chuck in Indiana]

However, they lack the character of a Guzzi.

this.. to me, motorcycles are all about the.. uh.. motor. 

Speeds? Don't I remember issues with Speeds, or was it another east coast dealer.. my memory *is* suspect, and I'll happily be straightened out.

[Loftness]

You may want to look at one of the Triumph Bonneville variants.  These are great bikes and absolutely bulletproof.  There is a bewildering array of aftermarket stuff too.  I had one for several years, and will be probably get another one sometime.  However, they lack the character of a Guzzi.

They're also heavier, and *feel* much heavier than a V7.  I'd also much rather have a V7 for roadside type repairs than a Triumph.

Anyway, to the OP, yes the V7 would handle all the things you're talking about and handle them well.  I have a few customers that use their V7s as mini-touring bikes and they seem to fit the bill.

[rocker59]

Quick question:

How good is the Quota? There is one for sale in beautiful condition nearby

How good?

A good 150 lbs heavier than a V7.

A good 15 years older than a V7 II.

[rocker59]

The only problem with using a V7 II Special Scrambler for touring is the Arrow high-mount scrambler exhaust.

That exhaust will limit you on luggage options.  If you're only planning on a luggage rack and duffle bag, then it won't be a problem.

I like Hepco + Becker luggage, so the high pipe wouldn't work for me.  YMMV.

The Stone, Special, and Scrambler are all the same under the skin.  Suspension, brakes, driveline.  So, any of the V7s could fill your bill.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Quick question:

How good is the Quota? There is one for sale in beautiful condition nearby

It's a very comfortable touring bike. Lots of wind blast from the fairing, though. Handles much better than you would think from looking at it. Like all Guzzis of that era, needs sorting. Dr. John's dirt bike..

[segesta]

Triumph Tiger 800.

[Dilliw]

After riding "dual sports" for a while I believe you might be asking for too much.  There are a lot of compromises that you have to make but the big two are tires and weight.  Any tire that works well off road is going to be chewed up by the asphalt, and any tire that is good on the road is not going be good enough on the trails.  IMO any bike over 300lbs should be relegated to dirt roads and not on the OHVs.

That said I've got a DR 350 with a 4gal tank and it is pretty decent for street duty using the a Kenda Trackmaster II rear tire .  My friend has a Gas Gas FSE 450 and while it's an obscure bike here in the U.S. I think it hits the mark better than anything I've seen: FI, electric or kick start, good suspension, plenty of power and a 6spd trans. 

[rboe]

The Quota; Tupperware is impossible to get, the EFI is finicky, the mpg suck and seem impossible to fix. It's tall and heavy, not really a good off-roader unless your skill set is very high. Stock seat is terrible (your mileage may vary :) ). Aerodynamics are poor. Has many well know niggles that need attending. They are old now.

The good: Handles well above it's weight limit. Geared high so it makes for great touring - if you can manage the wind and the seat and the poor mileage. It does have a certain panache and the tires are narrow enough to handle gravel roads nicely.

I gave mine up when an unexpected offer came through. Some days I think it would be nice to have another. On the other hand, it's nice not to have to worry about the niggles.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Darth Quota ran beautifully, but it was the Guzzitech commuter before I got it. Mileage was really good, to boot. I know it *can* be done.

[Penderic]

Buy two. Buy two. Buy two.