New to moto guzzis, possibly buying one

[blackthorne]

Hi there!

I'm new to the site and only found it because I might be buying my first moto guzzi tomorrow.

I have some experience with other bikes but since every company has its own quirks, I thought I should check with those that know about these ones.

Tomorrow I'll be checking out a 2014 v7 stone with about 11k miles on it and some aftermarket parts (handlebars, exhaust, etc). He's asking for $5k for it, which seems like a good deal to me. Knowing more about guzzis, does this seem like a good deal or is there something I should be wary about or be sure to check?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Welcome to WG. I'm not a modern small block guy, but I don't know of any issues. (Well there is that gotta have more than one disease..) 

[Kev m]

My 13 Stone has been fantastic.

No issues other than minor things.

* It likes/needs to warm up for a minute or two after a cold start (worse in warm temps go figure).

* clutch cable came poorly routed (lying on cylinder head and could melt insulation even possibly with the thick rubber boot they added mid production).

* mine (this might be isolated) had an oil hose clamp rubbing the tank right over one valve cover.

* some say the fuel tank mount bolts can loosen and damage tank, easy fix with loctite.

That's all that comes to mind.

It's a fantastic bike.

[guzzisteve]

Sounds good, bout 1/2 price of new.

[jumpmaster]

If you test ride it and have never ridden a shaft-drive bike before, you might notice the dreaded (at least to magazine test riders) torque effect that can make the bike tilt to one side a detectable amount when you rev the motor.  Don't let that concern you; you get used to it quickly & don't even notice it after a very short while.

[thepittsburghguzzi]

I just picked up my V7 Classic yesterday, and am in love :) The V7 range embodies everything I love about motorcycling. It's more than quick enough (for me), is superbly maneuverable, gets bangin' gas milage (averaged 51 on my first half-tank), and is handsome to boot. On day one, I got a thumbs-up, two waves, and a "nice bike!" from strangers.

Just enough refinement, yet enough thumping vibes and character to make me grin. I love vintage bikes, and this bike has an old school soul.

Everyone wants something different out of their motorbike, but if you're somewhere along the lines of "it's the journey, not the destination", then you'll enjoy a V7 every bit as much as the rest of us do :)

[blackthorne]

Thanks for the replies!

I went out and checked it out, took it for a test ride... Man is that a fun bike! The pull of the shaft drive as you rev it is really interesting and I think it'll be fun to get used to.

It was in pretty solid shape and the ride was just too fun so I'm gonna go back and buy it in a week or so!

[Muzz]

If you test ride it and have never ridden a shaft-drive bike before, you might notice the dreaded (at least to magazine test riders) torque effect that can make the bike tilt to one side a detectable amount when you rev the motor.  Don't let that concern you; you get used to it quickly & don't even notice it after a very short while.

 :1: on that. I truly do not notice it at all. probably more pronounced on the big blocks but even those owners tend to roll their eyes if someone mentions it.

[malik]

You are going to wait a week? How can you do that?

[Lcarlson]

If you test ride it and have never ridden a shaft-drive bike before, you might notice the dreaded (at least to magazine test riders) torque effect that can make the bike tilt to one side a detectable amount when you rev the motor.  Don't let that concern you; you get used to it quickly & don't even notice it after a very short while.

Not to be picky, but it isn't the shaft drive that causes the torque effect of rocking to the right when you blip the throttle while stationary; it's the longitudinal crankshaft. Shaft-drive bikes with transverse cranks don't exhibit this effect.

[Triple Jim]

I never noticed the torque effect when I bought my big block Guzzi unless I was purposely trying to feel it by revving the engine a little.  Whenever I need to remember the direction of engine rotation, I just think about the fact that revving it makes the bike tilt slightly to the bike's right, so the engine must be going the opposite way.  This means it's a benefit, not a liability.   

[jumpmaster]

Not to be picky, but it isn't the shaft drive that causes the torque effect of rocking to the right when you blip the throttle while stationary; it's the longitudinal crankshaft. Shaft-drive bikes with transverse cranks don't exhibit this effect.

    Be that as it may, most magazine tests I've read attributed it, wrongly or rightly, to the "shaft drive" design.  The bottom line is that the sensation transmitted to the newby rider can be notable, and in conversations over the years more than a couple of people I talked to specifically mentioned it as something that concerned them.  Obviously, it doesn't concern the typical MG or BMW rider because we quickly adapted to it or never noticed it in the first place.

 

[LowRyter]

most of us like the feel of the Guzzi. Sure handling and braking with modest power in a comfy package.  Enough character and uniqueness to make it that much more than the sum of the parts. 

[drlapo]

Check the charging voltage at the battery before you buy as some V7s have voltage regulators that charge above 14 volts: not good

[JeffOlson]

OP, you can buy a brand new V7 Stone or V7 Special for $5,990 (plus freight and set up).

https://www.motointernational.com/catalog/moto-guzzi

[blackthorne]

OP, you can buy a brand new V7 Stone or V7 Special for $5,990 (plus freight and set up).

https://www.motointernational.com/catalog/moto-guzzi

Oh dang, good to know! If this doesn't work out (it's looking complicated because apparently it's registered in Canada  ) I'll have to look into those. Thanks for the heads up!

That's also why I'm waiting a week, gotta figure out the importing stuff (luckily he's taking care of doing that and the fees involved).

[Guzzistajohn]

Welcome to he wild world of Wild Guzzi! Enjoy your new ride!

[fotoguzzi]

OP, you can buy a brand new V7 Stone or V7 Special for $5,990 (plus freight and set up).

https://www.motointernational.com/catalog/moto-guzzi

it will then have a full warranty, something I'd want if it were a $900 difference..

[Trogladyte]

The V7 Stone is a charming and capable machine. It's not what you'd call fast, by any means, but if you're not a sport or muscle-bike lover, it's almost certainly fast enough. A real gentleman's mount, and full of character.

Don't take too much notice of this talk of torque reaction. This has nothing to do with shaft drive - it is caused because the crank spins along the axis of the bike. But I ride big block Guzzis, where the effect is more pronounced, and I only ever notice it at a standstill, if I rev the engine deliberately to make it happen. Seriously - forget it.

The shaft drive is just a bonus - clean and maintenance free. 

[blackthorne]

it will then have a full warranty, something I'd want if it were a $900 difference..

He said his is under warranty until April but does that transfer over to a new owner?

[giusto]

:1: on that. I truly do not notice it at all. probably more pronounced on the big blocks but even those owners tend to roll their eyes if someone mentions it.

huh....why rev your engine? Always thought was goofy.

[guzziownr]

Four thousand miles!  Six thousand dollars!

https://www.motointernational.com/catalog/hot-deals/used-2007-moto-guzzi-griso-1100

Oh, wait.  Small blocks, yes, excellent bikes.  Excellent...

[guzzi4me]

Don't know where you are located in California but Elk Grove motorsports has a 2015 V7 Special for $6990.

They had a V7 stone for $5990 but seems like it is gone from the website.

Elk grove is just south of Sacramento.

Welcome to the madness that is Guzzi!!

Jeff
http://www.egpowersports.com/custompage.asp?pg=motorcyclespecials



ps If you are close to Lathrop maybe we can get together for a ride!!

[keener]

Four thousand miles!  Six thousand dollars!



https://www.motointernational.com/catalog/hot-deals/used-2007-moto-guzzi-griso-1100

Oh, wait.  Small blocks, yes, excellent bikes.  Excellent...

buy this 1100 Griso instead.......you wont be sorry 
the only thing it isnt is black

[Kev m]

buy this bike instead.......you wont be sorry 

I'm curious what makes some of my fellow Guzzi riders ignore someone's seeming desire to buy a V7 and suggest a CARC?

There was a lot to like about my CARC (B11).

And I've ridden a Griso and owned a Buell that was shockingly similar in power/ergos/handling.

And both my B11 and Buell are gone.

There's something about the V7 that really speaks to me and there's nothing about a Griso that's "better" for me.

Size, weight, ergonomics, tank capacity, hell even aesthetics (even enough the Griso is a nice looking bike) all go to the V7 in my book.

I'll have to assume the same for the OP or he would have been considering the Griso, no?

[keener]

I'm curious what makes some of my fellow Guzzi riders ignore someone's seeming desire to buy a V7 and suggest a CARC?

There was a lot to like about my CARC (B11).

And I've ridden a Griso and owned a Buell that was shockingly similar in power/ergos/handling.

And both my B11 and Buell are gone.

There's something about the V7 that really speaks to me and there's nothing about a Griso that's "better" for me.

Size, weight, ergonomics, tank capacity, hell even aesthetics (even enough the Griso is a nice looking bike) all go to the V7 in my book.

I'll have to assume the same for the OP or he would have been considering the Griso, no?

well Kev..  its appears to be a good deal for one , and two maybe he is not familiar with a Griso being that he is new to Guzzi
and Three its a very nice motorcycle 

no slight against a V7 intended on my part ...they are a lovely little bike 

[blackthorne]

Don't know where you are located in California but Elk Grove motorsports has a 2015 V7 Special for $6990.

They had a V7 stone for $5990 but seems like it is gone from the website.

Elk grove is just south of Sacramento.

Welcome to the madness that is Guzzi!!

Jeff
http://www.egpowersports.com/custompage.asp?pg=motorcyclespecials



ps If you are close to Lathrop maybe we can get together for a ride!!

Thanks for the tip! It looks like I might actually be getting that instead -- the importation of this one I was trying to buy is just too impossible. So depending on how it goes when I talk to them tomorrow I might go get a new bike this weekend!

Now I just have to do something about that ugly cherry red tank 

In regards to getting something other than a v7, they're really not for me. I'm not a big guy so I much prefer smaller, lighter bikes...plus I love that cafe look!

[smdl]

Welcome to WG. I'm not a modern small block guy, but I don't know of any issues. (Well there is that gotta have more than one disease..) 

I've never heard of that sickness.  Thanks for the warning, Chuck!!   

Shaun

[BugSpatteredJacket]

Hi,

Did you buy the V7, either the Canadian or a new American one? Just curious, why was importation so rough and were you being charged Canadian or American money for the bike? The US dollar is killing the Canadian dollar so the savings would be rather nice, even after the importation costs, taxes, etc. I know a thing or two about importing bikes into Canada and if not for our craptastic Canadian dollar value I would have happily imported my V7 into the country. In any case, no matter what, I hope you manage to get yourself the right bike for you!

Enjoy and ride safe!

[blackthorne]

I ended up buying the American one from the dealer.

From what I can tell importing it isn't too bad (you just need the EPA sticker and/or a note saying it passes both EPA and NHSTA standards in the US). The biggest problem was that the bike was already in the country. He had brought it in and rode it around before his visa expired and he had to go back. He left the bike here and that was the main issue -- in order for me to be able to buy it, he would have to take it out of the country and bring it back in.

He was charging USD. Aside from the high-ish number of miles, it was a good deal given all the extra stuff he had put on (wrapped mistrals, clubmans, bar end mirrors, etc).