V7-II review vs Triumph/Ducati/BMW

[Beerman]

This month's Bike magazine (bizarrely, Dec 2016 - how does that happen in October?) pitches the Moto Guzzi V7 Stornello against the BMW R Nine T, Triumph Street Twin and Ducati Scrambler.

The Guzzi emerges as the unanimous 'winner' for soul, authenticity and fun. As ever, the review compares bikes that are not necessarily comparable - but I support the conclusion. The review also refers the Stone vs Stornello on the grounds of value.

I'm unsure as to whether or not Bike magazine manages to sail from the UK to the US, but it's a great review.

Beerman

[adventurelounger]

Would love to see it. I considered waiting for the Beemer but the Storny had me at hello. And I LOVE mine. Did a little visual comparo myself on the RNineT scrambled thread...

[bpreynolds]

This month's Bike magazine (bizarrely, Dec 2016 - how does that happen in October?) pitches the Moto Guzzi V7 Stornello against the BMW R Nine T, Triumph Street Twin and Ducati Scrambler.

The Guzzi emerges as the unanimous 'winner' for soul, authenticity and fun. As ever, the review compares bikes that are not necessarily comparable - but I support the conclusion. The review also refers the Stone vs Stornello on the grounds of value.

I'm unsure as to whether or not Bike magazine manages to sail from the UK to the US, but it's a great review.

Beerman

I'd love to read this.

[lucydad2]

You know, the Stornello does turn my gaze.  Saw one at our new Houston MG dealer a few weeks back.  Sharp lines. 

What do people like about the Stornello?  Would like to read that review.

[kingoffleece]

I get both BIKE and MSL (Motorcycle Sport and Leisure) from the UK.
The US agent is in the midwest.  Mid $60.00 range each if I recall correct.
Puts the US based mags to shame IMO.  Great writing and always most entertaining.

[leafman60]

I like the Stornello but comparing it against the BMW R9T (dumb name) is a bit unfair.  The BMW is almost twice the horsepower of the poor little Guzzi.

[Aaron D.]

I get BIKE online, and use my iPad to read it, it is actually a nice way to read it. I saw the new issue come in, haven't read it yet.

[bpreynolds]

I get BIKE online, and use my iPad to read it, it is actually a nice way to read it. I saw the new issue come in, haven't read it yet.

Any way to capture the text and post here???? 

[Beerman]

I haven't been able to copy the link or text. It's a very good write up of the Stornello. The reviewers loved the finish & styling of the Stornello (see adventureloungers visuals above) in comparison to the others, noting that it captures the spirit of what this bike is designed to be. The horsepower difference between the bikes wasn't felt to affect perceived performance in any negative way, and although there is an evident power differential between the R9T and the Stornello in a straight drag test the Stornello matched the Street Twin. It's a lighter bike. By contrast, the BMW was felt to have much more power than actually needed on this kind of bike (that's obviously in the eye of the beholder). As the four reviewers noted, the bike they all talked about whenever they stopped was the Stornello.

It's always good to read a nice review of a bike you own! (Even if mine is actually the Special...)

[Cam3512]

Not surprising.  Anyone that owns and has ridden a modern V7 knows they don't "feel" like they lack the necessary power. 

[Aaron D.]

Any way to capture the text and post here???? 

Well, when I read it I will decide if it is ethical to post it publicly, but yes,, there is a way

[oldlegs]

Not surprising.  Anyone that owns and has ridden a modern V7 knows they don't "feel" like they lack the necessary power.

Yes only 47bhp, they must be big horse's, and now with 10,000 miles on mine I think they are still growing, really enjoying my V7 Stone. Steve.

[Air-Cooled]

I own a V7II Stornello and it is the most fun to ride of any bike I've owned. You have to ride it to appreciate it.

[mermoto]

Having owned a long line of BMW flat twins I was left very pleased with my V7II Stone after having a back to back ride on the R9T and R9T scrambler.  Both engines feel under geared and produce a high frequency vibration compared to the V7.  The R9T is uncomfortable after 20 min's leaving me with painful hands from the vibration and pressure.  The Scrambler had trail tyres and the handling was the worst I had experienced since the 80s on my CX500.  So I am not sure who is paying some of the press road testers but don't trust everything you read.

[unclepete]

It's got to be tough to be a moto-journalist ; to come up with something that is at least mildly interesting , yet not offensive to potential advertisers .
When they talk about a bike having a soul , or refer to a bike as a " she " , they appeal to the young and inexperienced .
I do not think it is possible for a publication to write an unbiased review while accepting advertising money from same manufacturer . Infomercial .

[ScepticalScotty]

Read the same review myself today and was surprised at the result - but it made sense. BIKE and MSL have always "got" Guzzis, and they are a bit deeper in the tastes and testing than the birdcage paper that MCN can be.

Infomercials?? Ive seen quite a few critical reviews in both of them over the years, despite them taking advertising. British magazines these days take little on trust, and many times do not backoff from a controversial opinion.

[bpreynolds]

I certainly miss my little 2015 V7.  In a momentary fit of lust last year a trade deal for an 8V Griso came up locally and I had little choice but to finally capitalize on my G fascination over these years.  Alas, it was not a bike for me and I still say that the little V7 was the best Guzzi FOR ME of all the ones I've ever owned (Griso, Stelvio, 4 1100 Calis).  Made several wonderful trips on it and it just plain fit me compared to other Geese I'd sometimes had which required a good bit of personal modification of some kind or another and always some compromise in some manner.  Perhaps I'll own another one day but the KTM for now is doing everything and more I've ever wanted in a bike.  Except be pretty. 

Visordown - also a UK production - tested a V7 Special against the Yammer MT-07 (FZ7 in US), new Triumph twin, and Scrambler.  Main test guy came away basically saying yeah the Guzzi has less power and other small niggles against it compared to the others but it's the one he'd park in his garage at the end of the day as this class of bikes is more than about performance.

[ebnelson]

Here's link to the video that accompanies the Bike article  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0CFTReM9dI   

[WitchCityGuzzi]

My wife and I battle over who gets to ride the Stornello. It's a great bike. It's impossible to ride it and not grin.

[Beerman]

That's a good video link ebnelson. I find that as time passes I like the V7 more and more. When I bought it I thought I'd swap it for a Street Twin as they became available (there was a long waiting list in the UK), but now? No chance.

Beerman