Finally rode a V9, and actually bought one!

[Steph]

Oops, was looking at the late export Capri. Your analogy still doesn't hold.

Yes the smallblock has humble origins, but it has certainly developed well.

One might look at the original V7 and say it was much more basic than what it became in the Cal-Vin but no one argues against the DNA because of a note obvious/direct lineage.

Hey, you'll find that the original V7 was a pretty expensive high quality motorcycle in the late 60s competing against BMW best. Some would say on par with the Calvin status.

[Kev m]

Hey, you'll find that the original V7 was a pretty expensive high quality motorcycle in the late 60s competing against BMW best. Some would say on par with the Calvin status.

And I would argue even today's budget machines are better then the premium machines of so many decades ago.

[emoji56]

[LowRyter]

youse guyz....got the cabin fever.



look back at this again, and "really ?  ??? ?"

[Kev m]

youse guyz....got the cabin fever.



look back at this again, and "really ?  ??? ?"

AND IN OTHER BREAKING NEWS THE POPE... [emoji13] [emoji12] [emoji13]   [emoji56]

[Devildog]

Can someone give us a comparison of riding characteristics, a '70's V7 and a modern V7? My son has a '12 V7 Classic, when he rides my V65 he says they are not similar in any way, his bike feeling modern, comfortable and confidence inspiring.

[kevdog3019]

Can someone give us a comparison of riding characteristics, a '70's V7 and a modern V7? My son has a '12 V7 Classic, when he rides my V65 he says they are not similar in any way, his bike feeling modern, comfortable and confidence inspiring.

Night and day I guarantee you!  The name is the only similarity. Forget the DNA hogwash... that's Kool-Aide inspired speak.

[Kev m]

Can someone give us a comparison of riding characteristics, a '70's V7 and a modern V7? My son has a '12 V7 Classic, when he rides my V65 he says they are not similar in any way, his bike feeling modern, comfortable and confidence inspiring.

I've only spent a little bit of time on Cam's gorgeous 74 V7 Sport and it was a number of years back.

IIRC it felt heavier (which probably translates to more firmly planted and slower feeling in steering), and the brakes felt more like mere suggestions.

Those two differences alone would feel significant to someone used to a modern V7C or my V7 Stone. In contrast my V7 felt lighter, more flickable, and the brakes feel substantially stronger.

The reversed shift pattern kept me on my toes as well.

A nice bike, especially to look at. And I wouldn't actually mind something the felt a little bigger like that but not as big as a Cali 1400.

But that's probably why I have my Sportster too.

[Kev m]

Night and day I guarantee you!  The name is the only similarity. Forget the DNA hogwash... that's Kool-Aide talking.

OK, then tell us what you felt...

[kevdog3019]

Truth be told, the DNA of the current V7 comes from the first 750 FI 2004 Breva and Nevada. It has been a wolf in sheeps clothing ever since for the past 13 years. THIS is where the engine, frame, brakes, et al were born from. Yes, they tilted the engine, added a new 6-speed gearbox, and a single throttle body, but comparing it to a 70's big block is laughable, not to mention there's NOTHING comparable to the rest of the original except a tank shape.

[Kev m]

Truth be told, the DNA of the current V7 comes from the first 750 FI 2004 Breva and Nevada. It has been a wolf in sheeps clothing ever since for the past 13 years. THIS is where the engine, frame, brakes, et al were born from. Yes, they tilted the engine, added a new 6-speed gearbox, and a single throttle body, but comparing it to a 70's big block is laughable, not to mention there's NOTHING comparable to the rest of the original except a tank shape.

That's not answering the question...[emoji11]

[oldbike54]

 Not sure "Wolf" is an accurate description , more like a cuddly Golden Retriever 

 Dusty

[Kev m]

Not sure "Wolf" is an accurate description , more like a cuddly Golden Retriever  [emoji23]

 Dusty

Hey that beats a labradoodle! [emoji23]

[oldbike54]

Hey that beats a labradoodle! [emoji23]

 I've started calling the terrier we took in a Dorkskire terrier , or Dorkie for short .  Of course at times he is more like the Tri-Terrier of Doom , or Tri-Terrierist .

 Dusty

[steffen]

Truth be told, the DNA of the current V7 comes from the first 750 FI 2004 Breva and Nevada. It has been a wolf in sheeps clothing ever since for the past 13 years. THIS is where the engine, frame, brakes, et al were born from. Yes, they tilted the engine, added a new 6-speed gearbox, and a single throttle body, but comparing it to a 70's big block is laughable, not to mention there's NOTHING comparable to the rest of the original except a tank shape.

You mean 'sheep in wolf's clothing', I guess 

[Kev m]

You mean 'sheep in wolf's clothing', I guess 

I think you guys are a little too obsessed with sheep.     

[kevdog3019]

You mean 'sheep in wolf's clothing', I guess 

Yes.... I got it backwards, thanks. Especially the "Racer". 

[Kev m]

Nah, mine's definitely a Golden Retriever.... warm and fuzzy, friendly, loyal.... 

[kevdog3019]

Any throwback vehicle from 20 or more years back is an excercise in design. It's not a replica. Cars are no different. I own a Tacoma pickup (or might I say FJ Cruiser), not an "FJ Cruiser replica". There is ONLY a design feature that might make one say "hey... that's cool how they have a grill and headlights like the original."  Beyond that look to the Tacoma for reliability, etc.
the Honda CB is a cool retro, but I won't compare it to the original. I simply like the look. So... asking how a current V7 compares to the original is only worth looking at design elements. I owned 2 Breva 750 '04's and that is worth comparing to the V7 for handling, braking, engine dynamics, and general reliability. To even think along the lines of original...

[LowRyter]

youse guyz need to go outside and play now. 

The sun is shining. 

[Kev m]

Any throwback vehicle from 20 or more years back is an excercise in design. It's not a replica.

<snip>

the Honda CB is a cool retro, but I won't compare it to the original. I simply like the look. So... asking how a current V7 compares to the original is only worth looking at design elements. I owned 2 Breva 750 '04's and that is worth comparing to the V7 for handling, braking, engine dynamics, and general reliability. To even think along the lines of original...

I think the first half has crossed over into straw man territory. Seriously, I don't think anyone on this discussion has suggested anything is a REPLICA.

As I've referenced even Guzzi considers it an homage.

As for the second part - that just opinion. YOU won't compare, but plenty will. And why not. You can compare anything you want. Why not compare/contrast a V7 and Breva 1100, or a Griso and a Cali 1400. Just because they are different chassis/motors in each case doesn't mean you can't compare them.

This whole discussion from DNA to sheep is just silly. Fun at times, but silly nonetheless.

You're taking it WAY too seriously.

That said, I'm still waiting to hear your thoughts on a 70's era V7 you've ridden?

[kevdog3019]

Someone wanted a compare between an original and a modern (seriously I might add). I don't think it's silly to give conjecture to someone who may think they are similar, hence the dialogue. You summed it up pretty good Kev as to the difference. I've ridden big blocks from the 70's yes, and apples/oranges to a SB of today. I wanted him to know this is essentially a SB bike from '04 with little changes and nothing that harks back to the 70's. I will leave it at that as I've made my point 10 times now. Horse to water.

[Devildog]

It would be an interesting test of the two bikes, does anyone want to loan me a V7 Sport for a few days?

[Kev m]

It would be an interesting test of the two bikes, does anyone want to loan me a V7 Sport for a few days?

If you want to hear about a back-to-back ride PM Cam since he owns both the 74 V7 Sport and a 14 V7 Special (and a couple of more).

[Adan]

In an effort to consolidate V9 threads, I'll use this one to report that I bought a Bobber today.  Been thinking about it for quite awhile.  Today I sold my MV Agusta Turismo Veloce and went straight to the dealer and got a black Bobber.  100 miles on it today, and so far I'm really jazzed about it. 

First of all, it's just great to be back on a Guzzi.  It's been about 3 years without one.

The Turismo Veloce is an incredible bike, but wasn't working out for me.  Got small children so can't do much touring, and taking it out for a short spin was just an exercise in futility.  I want to ride 500 miles every time I get on it, but if I can only go 50, there's not much satisfaction in that.  Ergo Guzzi!  I was fortunate in my buying and selling of the MV, so not much loss in turning it over.

Early impressions of the Bobber are very good.  The engine is of course the highlight, and it's a peach.  So amiable and torquey.  The V9 feels quite a bit faster than the V7.  It's still not a fast bike by today's standards, but if you're coming off a V7 the difference is quite noticeable.  Like the V7, the V9 feels chassis-limited more so than HP-limited, so it's a comparison between two retro bikes that just aren't designed to go fast.

The real surprise to me is the handling.  For a cruiser-ish bike, it's very nimble.  it loves to lean and turn, while the fat front wheel keeps it planted.  I think most people see the front wheel and think it's all a styling exercise, but I'd submit there's a good chemistry between the chassis and the oversized front wheel.  It works much better than one would expect.

Ground clearance is limited, but not as much as I was led to believe in some of the reviews I read.  It's not like you're scraping everywhere you go.  I was on some tight twisties today and no scraping even at a moderately fast pace.  If your goal is to tear up twisty roads, you probably should be on a different bike in the first place.

I test rode a Roamer several months ago.  Given the time separation and the fact that the test didn't include curvy roads, I can't really make a comparison. 

I very much like the ergonomics, even the peg position.  I would not move them back.  It's relaxed and comfortable, which is what I was looking for. 

The brakes on the Bobber work quite well, both front and rear.  Not a huge amount of bite, but effective with good feel.  The rear suspension is rather "dry," you definitely feel the road and sharp bumps will get you.  But with the Bobber at least, you can think of it as part of the macho image, along with the hard seat.  I think the suspension is quite tolerable, and I'd rate it better than the V7, but I'm going to upgrade for sure.

I was either going to get a V9 or wait for the V7III.  Of course we don't have reports on the V7III yet, but comparing the V9 to the V7, is it better?  I'm not sure that it is.  I prefer the V9 engine, but it's not revvy.  A revvier engine and more ground clearance is what lots of folks will want, and they should be on the V7, not the V9.  Even though the V9 is not quite a full blown cruiser, I think it makes sense to approach it as one.

First up on mods is the OEM flyscreen, which is all that should be needed to comfortable at 70 mph.  Then a rear rack and new shocks.  Mistrals or Agostini maybe, but truly the stock exhaust sounds wonderful.

[Zoom Zoom]

Congrats on the new bike Adan. Agostini actually makes a set of pipes for your bike. Black and all. They do sound very nice, I have heard them. It's good to see some of the newer offerings from Guzzi are finally starting to move, or at least we're hearing of them on the board.

John Henry

[Kev m]

Great report Adan.

Congrats!

One thought on the front tire, seems to me that Jenn has a fatter front tire on her Duc then I do on my V7. I'd say the Duc handles better then the V7, but also feels more planted. I'm guessing that the tire size, profile, compound contribute to that but there is more to the story.

Sounds like I'd like a V9 also.

[greer]

Congrats, Adan!  Another picture or two as you are out and about, please.

Sarah

[Adan]

One thing I forgot to mention is that it's an excellent city bike.  The light clutch lever, the low end torque, the low speed maneuverability, wide steering lock, and a tall first gear that much of the time gets you from stoplight to stoplight without shifting.  All these things make for a great urban cruiser.

[jcctx]

Why not consider them DISTANT relatives~~and let it go at that!!!!

:>)

[Adan]

Why not consider them DISTANT relatives~~and let it go at that!!!!

:>)

The V7 and V9 are more similar than they are different.  There are differences that would steer a buyer one way or another, but it's not a fundamentally different riding experience.  Unlike, say, the Griso. 
 
So I think people looking for a new Guzzi to buy will naturally be comparing the two in their minds, as they should.  I could make good arguments either way and I think it comes just comes down to where and how you'll be riding.

They are close relatives.  The V9 is the younger but heftier sibling with a stronger right hook.  Both are quite amiable, but the Bobber looks a little more like the guy you'd want by your side in a bar fight.