Can you guys help me pick a new bike

[boatdetective]

No. Make that hell, no. 
Can you pick out a bike that "I" would like?

Chuck, I'm not sure there are any new bikes that have that certain Frankenstein je nes se qua that would suit your aesthetic sensibilities 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Chuck, I'm not sure there are any new bikes that have that certain Frankenstein je nes se qua that would suit your aesthetic sensibilities 

Probably true.. 

[oldbike54]

Chuck, I'm not sure there are any new bikes that have that certain Frankenstein je nes se qua that would suit your aesthetic sensibilities 

 I don't know 

   Dusty

[bad Chad]

Ok Dimond, what do you think?

[jas67]

1. I've found my V7 to be essentially flawless (as long as I let it warm up a minute or two after a cold start). In contrast my two previous Guzzis were a little more needy. I suspect more than not a new V7 will be a completely trouble-free experience, but there's always a possibility of some niggle that needs to be worked out. Of course the OP said he's got a dealer nearby. If they're any good, he should have no worries.

I bought a 2009 V7 Classic used in Sept 2011.   It had 1,800 miles.    I owned it for two trouble free years.   It had 10k miles on it when I sold it to get my 2013 V7 Racer, which I had for two trouble free years, currently at 8,400 miles.    You have to keep after the fasteners on these though.    I've had a few things vibrate off each bike; an exhaust header nut on each bike, the side stand bolt on the 2009 (fortunately fell off in the garage), and the dip stick on the 2013 V7R.    The dip stick was likely due to the O-ring not being seated in the grove of the cap.   Frequent checking of fasteners could likely have prevented all.    Otherwise, they've been completely reliable and enjoyable to own; so much so that I'm buying a 2014 V7 Special soon (and will be keeping the Racer).

Peraz also makes a good point - what are/were the problems? Can you handle the minor things that may creep up with any bike?

Here's my observation over 20+ years of riding and working in the repair industry. Modern bikes are pretty damn reliable, BUT some moreso than others, and EVEN THE BEST don't hold a candle to the reliability of a modern automobile. If I had to rely on my bike for commuting again I'D DEFINITELY OWN 2... and if it had to be just ONE bike without a backup of a car or even public trans, then I don't think it would be a Guzzi.

I have to concur with this comment.     I've had to wait as long as 6 weeks for a Guzzi part.    I'm too addicted to riding to not have  a back up bike.

[jas67]

The OP said "commute" which is different than a run into town now & then. Some Guzzis have oil coolers but no thermostat.  For those don't expect oil temps to get hot enough to start evaporating condensation in cool ambient conditions.  I'd guess the V7 is better in this regard, maybe an owner will remark.

Oil coolers can be blocked off (or even partially blocked off) with a simple cover.
Last winter, I covered the oil cooler on the BMW R100R that I was commuting on to help it warm up more quickly in cold temps.
It has an oil cooler without a thermostat.

If you intend to make short trips in cold weather, a water cooled bike does better  in this regard.

I intend on doing my winter commuting on my BMW F800GT for this reason, it is water cooled.    It also has good wind protection and heated grips.

I'll still ride my V7's in cold weather, but, don't like riding (or any cooled bike) them only the 15 miles to work and shutting them off.    It was obvious that both the V7's that I've had and the Breva 1100 were likely not getting up to full temperature (or at least took along time to get there) as the fuel economy was shite in cold weather.   The Breva would fall off from 44 to 35 MPG in cold weather.    The V7 Classic from 45 to 40, or even a little less.   The V7 Racer 48 to 43.

[ponti_33609]

I went from A 2000 v11 sport to a 2014 v7.  My reasons were primarily the v11 was too large for city driving (weight thread here somewhere :>).  The v7 is great for my purpose.  Although it is not a major concern to me, I notice in comparison, the v7 seems to have a bit less leg-room.  I am 5'10" 155.  My wife and I went for a 50 mile ride to the beach last weekend.  I do not notice a real difference in power/performance in dropping to a 744 cc bike.  It certainly isn't a comfy 2-up bike unless the pair were on the lighter side for sure.

So, do you need nimbleness on your commute, lights etc then the V7 might be perfect.....if strictly highway speeds I would lean toward a larger bike FWIW.

[redrider90]

If the V7 is a bit small then my guess is you are 6' or maybe a bit more. At 6'5" I would be miserable on a V7. I am like a giant praying mantis folded up on many a motorcycles. 

[canuguzzi]

If you can't choose a motorcycle for yourself, no one else can either. If you visit a Honda forum, think they will suggest you get a Moto Guzzi?