V7 vs V7II ergonomics

[DaSwami]

Folks,

I searched the board with no answer.  Can anyone here who is familiar with both motorcycles comment if Guzzi's changes (lowered seat, pegs, and engine tilted forward) in the V7 II make a noticeable change in the riding position and/or comfort vs the V7?   I appreciate the feedback.

[Bradkap]

The ergonomic changes made the difference for me.  I could not get comfortable on the V7, bought a V7ii and have no regrets.

[sib]

It made a difference to me, too.  I had a '13 Stone for 2 years before I sold it and got a '16 Stone, mainly for the ABS.  But once I started riding it, I realized that the small ergo differences made for a lot more comfort.  I have to point out that my 73-year-old joints probably have something to do with it, and for a younger, more flexible rider, there might not be a noticeable difference.

[kingoffleece]

I rebuilt my seat and added 1" of height to my V7 to get a bit more leg room.

[DaSwami]

Thanks guys, this is actually interesting news.  Had a 2013 Stone, loved it, but over longer trips it just didn't fit me.  Opted for the Triumph Scrambler instead, which fits me well, but doesn't have the same chutzpah as the V7.  Was just checking out the V9 Bobber with interest where I read about the subtle design and ergonomic changes that MG did with the V7 II.  Not crazy about the traction control or ABS but I hear the 6-speed gearbox is a huge upgrade so maybe it's time to check out the '16 V7 II.   

[rocker59]

Thanks guys, this is actually interesting news.  Had a 2013 Stone, loved it, but over longer trips it just didn't fit me.  Opted for the Triumph Scrambler instead, which fits me well, but doesn't have the same chutzpah as the V7.  Was just checking out the V9 Bobber with interest where I read about the subtle design and ergonomic changes that MG did with the V7 II.  Not crazy about the traction control or ABS but I hear the 6-speed gearbox is a huge upgrade so maybe it's time to check out the '16 V7 II.   

Based on photos I've compared, it appears that the V9 will have even more legroom than the V7-II.

The V7-II definitely has a little more than the standard V7.  I own a 2014 V7 Special, and have sat on a couple V7-II bikes.

As I've ridden my V7 Special more, the peg position makes my legs feel kind of cramped.  Funny, since I love the peg position on my spine frame bikes, which is tight.  Amazing what small differences in angles can do for comfort on a long ride.

I'm really looking forward to sampling the V9's ergos.

[malik]

As I've ridden my V7 Special more, the peg position makes my legs feel kind of cramped.  Funny, since I love the peg position on my spine frame bikes, which is tight.  Amazing what small differences in angles can do for comfort on a long ride.

I found that putting the rear sets on the V7 (and later, dropped bars) improved the riding position for me - not as comfortable as the Sport, where most of my weight is on the legs & diaphragm (& very little at all on the wrists), but getting there - the slight forward lean from the V7 rear sets results in less strain on the neck & upper back from the wind, and there is more weight on the legs & less on the seat, which for me means more comfort.

Mal

[DavidB]

While my V7 Stone 2013 was in service, I went for test ride on new V7 II. I couldn't believe how small changes could improved riding experience. I had good 3 hours ride on the new V7 II and I wanted to take it home instead my old V7. I didn't feel tired at all and I could be riding it all day long. The gear box is smooth, pegs are dropped by 1" (2.5cm) and engine sits lower too, so taking corners was easier with confidence. If you are about to buy one, get V7 II. I didn't want to lose $$ so I have ordered lower pegs for my V7 instead and I hope it will do the trick.

[Kev m]

If such small differences add up, then wouldn't a 0.5-1.0" peg drop and similar seat expansion potentially yield great results on any of the bikes we're discussing here?

Me? I find it on the small side, but no less comfortable than say my B11. That limitation might come from my knee position on both though. Honestly knee bend seems to be the most limiting factor. Really the only bikes that solve that have highway pegs or floorboards so I can change leg positioning often after the first couple hundred miles that day.

[kingoffleece]

It's easy to raise the seat.  The bonus is that it's actually usable for the entire day.  Just finishing up on a Norge seat for a customer-new internals and raised up 1" for that rider.  Then doing a V7 seat for a west coast owner with a few custom touches.

[DaSwami]

I appreciate the suggestions on how to better live with the V7, but, for me, it's water under the bridge as I sold the bike a year ago.  LOVED the bike except it just didn't quite fit me. 

But the feedback received has compelled me to visit the dealer in Spokane and check out the V7 II!!   The cycle ergos website also shows a relaxed rider triangle for the V7 II vs the V7.  I did put in a request to him to publish his data for the V9.

[kingoffleece]

Seats, pegs, and screens are easy to do any often necessary.  None of these are deal breakers.

[Kev m]

I appreciate the suggestions on how to better live with the V7, but, for me, it's water under the bridge as I sold the bike a year ago.  LOVED the bike except it just didn't quite fit me. 

But the feedback received has compelled me to visit the dealer in Spokane and check out the V7 II!!   The cycle ergos website also shows a relaxed rider triangle for the V7 II vs the V7.  I did put in a request to him to publish his data for the V9.

I think the more applicable point is to keep in mind on the next bike too that you can make those changes if you need/want.

[DaSwami]

I think the more applicable point is to keep in mind on the next bike too that you can make those changes if you need/want.

True, but other than maybe seats, I like to keep my bikes stock.  I don't mess with pegs, bars, etc.