Buying a modern V7 soon. Which is your preferred year if any?

[shangiskhan]

I've narrowed down my upcoming bike purchase to a V7 and am looking at the differences between the years. It seems the 2013-14 have the best power to weight ratio (the most common complaint about this bike) but the 2015s and on have a nice, smooth 6 speed. Are there any other significant changes I should consider?

For the time being Im leaning towards the lighter years.

[ponti_33609]

I have a 14 V7R and love it.  I find the gears right and not sure there is a need for a 6 but have read the 6 is indeed smoother.  Do you want/need ABS.  Again, others swear by this.....I didn't care.  I know I wanted a 1 TB motor so the 14 worked out great for me.

[JJ]

Are you buying a new or used V7?   

If new, don't forget to check out the new V9 Roamer / Bobber / Stornello for comparison. 

[Kev m]

I haven't ridden the 2015-16 models, but I doubt there's any real perceivable difference in power-to-weight ratio on any of them.

I love my 13 and have no reason to get rid of it anytime in the foreseeable future.

If I were shopping today I'd be motivated mostly by whatever particular bike/color got my eye.

The Stornello is gorgeous, and I'd probably consider one then make some radical road-oriented changes (cast wheels, road priority tires etc.).

If power was really an issue to me, I might consider a V7III (in that gorgeous Blue) or POSSIBLY even the V9 despite the tank (I could always install a V7 tank if I really wanted).

The only thing I would avoid for personal reasons would be the earlier 2 throttle body and especially the plastic fuel tank models. But that's me.

But no I think it's really all down to what YOU want.

[shangiskhan]

The 13' or 14' sound like the best option for me. With a few changes I feel like I could get them to the weight I want, sub-400lb curb weight.

I should also add that I dont have a preference as to it being new or used as long as its clean. I like tinkering on my toys.

[Kev m]

The 13' or 14' sound like the best option for me. With a few changes I feel like I could get them to the weight I want, sub-400lb curb weight.

Unless you're talking about ditching the fuel tank (and MAYBE saving 20# just from fuel alone) I'm not sure that's a realistic figure, and even then.

MCN listed the 13 Racer at about 443#. Anyone know if that means FULLY fueled or partially fueled?

With a 5.8 gallon tank you see a 35# swing from full to empty, plus the battery, oil etc.

The bike already has plastic bodywork (other than the tank), and there's not a lot to replace. So even dropping the fuel tank to something much smaller and switching to shorai battery isn't going to get you sub 400#.

More importantly, it FEELS pretty damn light to begin with, like lighter than our Duc 696 (which IS supposedly only 408# wet anyway) so I'm not sure it's worth the trouble.

<shrugs>

[pete roper]

The weight differences between any of them are insignificant, I really wouldn't base your choice on that. For comfort and everyday ride ability and convenience I'd suggest one of the 'Stone's as they have low maintenance cast wheels and a more comfortable, (For most people.) upright riding position.

I currently own a 2013 'Racer' and while many people really like the looks it is for me pretty uncomfortable. The clip-on bars give me terrible 'Wankers wrist' after about fifteen minutes and the rear sets cramp my calves up. I am old, fat and arthritic though and when I ride it I look like a circus bear on a tricycle! I much prefer Craig's, (Posts here as 'Clancy') V7-II Stone.

With any of them if you're going to 'Fiddle' with anything fiddle, or preferably completely replace or gut the internals of the suspension as the one thing that really lets them down is the suspension.

Pete

[rocker59]

I chose a 2014 as a leftover because it was the last of the five-speed bikes, I liked the silver/grey two-tone paint, and it had a nice incentive.  It's a nice machine. 

The V7-II got the six-speed box, and a little more leg room from a revised lower frame rail.  The extra bit of leg room was welcomed by some who found legroom lacking in the orignal V7s.

[shangiskhan]

Sub 400lb curb weight may be a little unrealistic granted but I figured starting at 395 dry and replacing the battery and getting a lighter exhaust system would shed enough to get me close. We'll see. I know this model isn't gonna win any races but I'd like to know there's a bit of room for improvement.

As for the model years, it seems the best bet is to go sit on a few and try the fit as that seems to be the main difference. Im 6'00" but dont know my in-seam at the moment.

A nice 2013-14 Special is looking real nice right about now : )

[Calculon]

I was just at a dealer Monday looking at a 2016 Stone.  Right now Guzzi is offering large rebates on the 2016 V7 until the end of March.  As a result, the 2016 Stone was $6900, while the older one they had in stock $7700.

[Kev m]

At 5' 10" / ~32" inseam I'm comfortable on my V7, but I'm old enough that my knees start to cramp by the 150-200 mile mark so.

I've seen some people (like Jay and Ralph) put on lowering pegs and I might do that at some point.

But if the 2015 or 16 changed that (I forget, someone mentioned it, was it when they went to the 6-speed) I could see that being attractive.

Then again lowering pegs look like they are only $150-300 depending on the source, so it wouldn't be a deal breaker.

[darkstar1269]

Not sure where you are located, but I got my 2015 here as a leftover last year and they have decent inventory. Plus, they are super good people there, at least that was my experience.

http://www.gpmotorcycles.com/bikes/motoguzzi.php

[ponti_33609]

Not sure where you are located, but I got my 2015 here as a leftover last year and they have decent inventory. Plus, they are super good people there, at least that was my experience.

http://www.gpmotorcycles.com/bikes/motoguzzi.php

New 2014 and 2015's for $6500 look pretty good for those in the market.

[Air-Cooled]

I personally would not get a V7III simply because the new side covers look bad. A 2016 V7II would be my choice.

[Kev m]

I personally would not get a V7III simply because the new side covers look bad. A 2016 V7II would be my choice.

It's all about personal taste, me I think they look great. <shrugs>

[Lannis]

Sub 400lb curb weight may be a little unrealistic granted but I figured starting at 395 dry and replacing the battery and getting a lighter exhaust system would shed enough to get me close. We'll see. I know this model isn't gonna win any races but I'd like to know there's a bit of room for improvement.

As for the model years, it seems the best bet is to go sit on a few and try the fit as that seems to be the main difference. Im 6'00" but dont know my in-seam at the moment.

A nice 2013-14 Special is looking real nice right about now : )

There's some nice ones for sale by the denizens of this list right at the moment.

The benefit of buying a known good and sorted bike from an enthusiast who others can vouch for will far outweigh any minor differences between year models and trim levels ....!

Lannis

[kingoffleece]

Small point:I have a 2015 Stone and it's a 5 speed.

There's no question I'd buy new right now if I needed a bike.  The leftovers are priced way down.  Just look at the post from Cleveland Moto and/or Moto International.  Hamlin in CT has some good deals, too.

[Frulk]

2014 V7R owner here and will echo what KevM and Ponti and a couple of others stated. The 5 speed gearbox is near perfect and I have never felt the need for an additional gear.

[DaSwami]

I owned a 2013 Stone and I loved everything about the bike except the ergos and the "agricultural" shifting tranny.  Sold that to a chap in Spokane and got a 2016 V7II.  The 6-speed transmission is indeed so much nicer to this left foot, once you get one you won't go back.  I had Sargent rework my seat into a flat "ironing board" shape with lots of padding and a couple more inches in height and voila my dream motorcycle was born. 

One thing I did like about the 2013 Stone was the chrome handlebars, mirrors, grab bar, and side cover accents.  The newer model "flat black" treatment leaves me......flat.

[Kev m]

One thing I did like about the 2013 Stone was the chrome handlebars, mirrors, grab bar, and side cover accents.  The newer model "flat black" treatment leaves me......flat.

Funny you should say that, we should swap parts cause I hate the chrome.

[sign216]

The only thing I would avoid for personal reasons would be the earlier 2 throttle body and especially the plastic fuel tank models. But that's me.

I've got an early 2 throttle body model with a plastic tank, and it's good on all counts.  The tank has slightly swollen due to the dam ethanol, but it's hardly noticable.  No problem, expect removing/installing the tank is a pain.

The dual throttle bodies (TBs) do take balancing every couple of years, but that's easy too.  I use a homemade manometer, and it's no chore, especially if you enjoy mechanics.  Separate TBs for each cylinder are considered an upgrade on performance cars, ex. BMW has them on their higher models, as oppposed the lower versions which have cylinders sharing TBs.

[Kev m]

I've got an early 2 throttle body model with a plastic tank, and it's good on all counts.  The tank has slightly swollen due to the dam ethanol, but it's hardly noticable.  No problem, expect removing/installing the tank is a pain.

The dual throttle bodies (TBs) do take balancing every couple of years, but that's easy too.  I use a homemade manometer, and it's no chore, especially if you enjoy mechanics.  Separate TBs for each cylinder are considered an upgrade on performance cars, ex. BMW has them on their higher models, as oppposed the lower versions which have cylinders sharing TBs.

Yup, I said personal reasons/that's me for a reason.

Hell look at the post before you, that's a 2 TB model (though with the larger metal tank).

But since you brought it up.

Separate TBs were once the norm, they are not anymore and that's across the board. High end (like at least double the price of this bike) outboards have pretty much all gone to one TB (just a decade ago they had complicated multiple throttle bodies which require synchronization).

And citing it is for performance reasons is just silly on these bikes, I mean, it means just about nothing perceptible to the owner in terms of performance except that you have to synchronize the throttle bodies occasionally, and that you have more parts, the throttle bodies, linkage, fast idle lever and cable etc.

I prefer the metal tank for 2 reasons:

1. The swelling you refer to (I saw dimples forming on the Breva tank at one point), that's a specter I didn't want over my head.
2. CAPACITY - the metal tank gets you 5.8g instead of what, 4ish? I like that, a LOT.

So no there's nothing wrong with the 2TB models, I just don't want one.

[Perazzimx14]

I'd say the 2012"s are the preferred year and it just so happens I have one f/s.

[circlip]

I'm sure this info is somewhere on Wild Guzzi, but which years have one throttle body and which years have metal gas tanks?

[Adan]

I would except we'll see the launch of the V7 III within a couple months.  Will be interesting to hear impressions of the new engine.  Until that happens, it's hard to know what trade off you're making by buying a leftover '16.  On the other hand, at the current prices, I don't think it's possible to make a mistake with a leftover.

I have to admit I've been thinking more about a Stornello lately, swapping in cast wheels and street tires like Kev said.  Only remaining problem would be not being able to mount a starboard side bag.

[Kev m]

I'm sure this info is somewhere on Wild Guzzi, but which years have one throttle body and which years have metal gas tanks?

It's a little complicated depending upon whether your in the US or the rest of the world.

Generally speaking

< 2012 = 2TB and plastic tank
2012 = metal tank for all, 2TB in US and 1TB rest of world
2013+ = metal tank and 1TB for everyone

Same sort of thing happens if we discuss dry alternator vs. wet alternator, 5-sp vs 6-sp, etc.