The V7, thoughts

[Lee Davis]

I just posted a thread about my trip to Dildo, Newfoundland, where I rode a V7. I guess I have to say something about that bike. What is it about Moto Guzzis that gets me so overwhelmed? I am not sure. My first bike was a 1970 BSA 441 Victor Special. I lusted after that bike in the spring (there was one always parked at the donut shop), and after a summer of work, I had the money ($1049) to buy the BSA. I truly loved that bike, and rode it just for the pleasure of riding. As Jay Leno says, "I don't like any bike I can't see through". If I had to do it all over, I should have bought a 1970 Ambassador ($1,250).  Well, anyway, I rode that BSA till it blew up, under 8,000 miles. So, I have a soft spot (after 22 bikes) for the old, traditional British design.
    That is how the V7 struck me... like an old British design. I found it snappy and easy to ride. It seemed to be just right under the saddle. Now, I have ridden many bikes. But the V7 is one of the most effortless bikes I have ever experienced. On the 4 day trip I took, I had jury rigged some bags, but that had nothing to do with the ride. The ride was ideal. But, is that because I have a British butt under me? No... the bike takes roads very nicely. It stops when you want it to. It is snappy and responsive, as well as being lightweight (I also have a Harley Softail). I am tempted to buy a V7, but I also got to ride my buddys Triumph T100 in Newfoundland, which is just too British for me to resist. Damn, so many choices

[malik]

Now you've an idea why some of us are keen on them.

[Kev m]

Yeah if it wasn't for the limits of:

1. Space
2. Money
3. Time to ride and care for them all....


... I'd have even more.

But my personal limit is 3 and I'm cheating the number with my wife's bike.

[MotoBug]

I went for a ride down to Port Albert today on my V7II S. The other riders were on big sports/touring bikes and the bulk power they had on tap in speeds over 120kmh was obvious but I kept up no problem and had a great time. It's an excellent bike.

I was looking at Trumpy options myself before the V7 but I was put off by the chatter online about them being various things, among them dull and heavy. I was already biased towards Italian bikes though having owned them in the past. I really like the nimbleness and ease of the V7. Can ride it fast or cruise along and the motor purrs.

Sounds like you better get out and try another V7 before deciding on the T100.

[M0T0Geezer]

Lotally love my 2004 Breva 750, with 50,293 miles.  Sure, it's not a V7 but it has the same heart.

Taking it in this morning for it's 7th set of new tires.  Always used Pirelli Sport Demon's and they average 7,000 miles a pair.

'Geezer

[Cadyfatcat]

I also looked at the Bonneville before I went with the V7II. I actually rented a T100 and put ~400 miles on it. It was a great ride but felt a lot larger, not nearly as quick through the turns. The wheelbase is about 2 inches longer. As you mentioned the weight difference is also a big factor, I think the Bonne is like 80-100 lbs heavier. Put this all together with parallel twin and the bike just seemed a lot more grown up (which is not what I was really looking for) - lacking the character the Guzzi had in spades.

The shaft drive is also convenient if you put on a lot of miles, never really have to worry about it. I've put about 6k miles on in a year on the V7ii saddle and am very happy I made the decision I did. One leg up the Triumph has though is aftermarket accessory options and pricing. Since the Bonne is so popular, there is a ton more available for a lot less $. Add ons for the V7 lineup are are a lot more expensive.

[SmithSwede]

Lee:

Well said!  My V7 Stone is my all time favorite bike, and I've had many bikes over my 35 year riding career.

I find it just brilliant in its own right.  Snappy, well proportioned, great handling, easy usable power and enough to get the job done, but not so much that you are tempted into stupidity.   Hits that golden mean on so many qualities.

And it's just a beautiful design.

It's not just "pretty good" for a smaller bike.  It's not merely "ok" compared to something bigger and more powerful.  I affirmatively prefer it over so many of those bigger/faster/better bikes. 

[Guzzistajohn]

Never ridden a V7 but I feel the same way about both my CX100 and LeMans III. Light, nimble, GREAT brakes and I'm pretty sure I could leave a small block in the dust.

[malik]

Never ridden a V7 but I feel the same way about both my CX100 and LeMans III. Light, nimble, GREAT brakes and I'm pretty sure I could leave a small block in the dust.

I'm pretty sure you could too, but that's not the point, nor the most significant criteria. I lucked out on finding my first V7 - any more fun would just be embarrassing.

Mal

[Guzzistajohn]

I'm pretty sure you could too, but that's not the point, nor the most significant criteria. I lucked out on finding my first V7 - any more fun would just be embarrassing.

Mal

Actually the point is all the criteria you guys are talking about is pretty much how a Guzzi IS. You just took my comment as the point and the most significant criteria. But that's easy to do being a small block rider unable to even go fast enough to squish a bug Glad you're having fun!

[roadscum]

Actually the point is all the criteria you guys are talking about is pretty much how a Guzzi IS. You just took my comment as the point and the most significant criteria. But that's easy to do being a small block rider unable to even go fast enough to squish a bug Glad you're having fun!

So ya get your kicks squishing bugs o ya........ hmmmmm. 

Paul

[Guzzistajohn]

Someday maybe you can move up to a big boy motorbike.

[bpreynolds]

Of course, my new V9 may ultimately do good battle with this statement, just don't have enough miles on it yet to say, but of all the Guzzis I've owned (four 1100 Calis, Stelvio, 8V Griso, V7 Stone), the little V7 was not only my favorite MG but is one of the best bikes I've ever owned or driven period.  I once had a thread on here saying it "is" my favorite bike of all time.  I still stand pretty close to that now.  Just a phenomenal do it all bike.   

[roadscum]

Someday maybe you can move up to a big boy motorbike.

I'm a lucky guy I can have any motorbike I want.

My GSA takes me long and in comfort, my R1200R is a great day toy, my Honda lets me get dirty, and my Vespa is an urban delight. Now a v7 is just what I need to complement the others... Zoom Zoom!   

Paul

[Texas Turnip]

Beaver rode her V-7 to the National in NH, Canada and we took the long way via ND, MT and WA to get to John Day Oregon. I was on the B1100 and she had no problem keeping up.

Congrats to Beaver for getting 48 states on her Guzzi. She is still working on the monumental task of getting the 256 counties in Texas.

[Arizona Wayne]

If we're moteling Judy & I have ridden long distances on our `04 Breva 750 in the past w/tank bag, 40L hard bags & topcase doing 500 mile days comfortably on the stock seat getting 50 mpg w/87 gas.  Of course that's with a Rifle sport fairing. 

[Zoom Zoom]

Of course, my new V9 may ultimately do good battle with this statement, just don't have enough miles on it yet to say, but of all the Guzzis I've owned (four 1100 Calis, Stelvio, 8V Griso, V7 Stone), the little V7 was not only my favorite MG but is one of the best bikes I've ever owned or driven period.  I once had a thread on here saying it "is" my favorite bike of all time.  I still stand pretty close to that now.  Just a phenomenal do it all bike.

Having said that, we will be particularly interested in your comparo with the V9 once you have had a chance to "ring it out". 

John henry