Newb Coveted V7 III Anniversario & Bought one. Ownership Data Appreciated!

[Guzzi Gal]

Hello,

I'm a newb, whose just gotten her M endorsement (via MSF course), and I wondered into the local RideNow store to dream a bit.  After parking my kids at a table near the service center (instructions; behave well, or suffer), I started with the Hondas (bomb proof CTX's & NC's), moved to BMW (G 310, R9T), checked Ducati (ok but...), crossed the isle to for the Triumphs (kind of liked), drooled at some Vespas (rode an old clutched Lambretta as a teen, and own 2 Honda Metropolitans), then I spied the Moto Guzzi line-up.  That was it, now I'm making room for "Anni" in the garage. 

I've found excuses (kids dentist, Odyssey service, grocery shopping, gas...) to drive a half an hour out of my way, just to sit for an hour on the Special/Stone.  Yes, I'm infected with the MG virus, and me thinks ownership is the only treatment (notice, I didn't say cure). 

So I've scrounged up some courage to ask, possibly stupid, questions of the more knowledgeable here.  I'm an info junky, but please use lamen's terms (last thing I assisted wrenching on was our 69 convertable bug, well over a decade ago).  Please be gentle. 

1. At 5"6', they are a touch tall (tippy-toe barefoot, riding boots will give another inch), but not as bad as the NC, & the G 310.  Is this ok for a motivated beginner with good balance, but little upper body strength?

2. Whilst trying to respect Lannis' wishes to not repost the same topics over, and over, I came across this http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=88760.0 .  Which in turn lead me to Moto International in Seattle, where I might consider buying a discounted demo, and have it shipped.  Is it a bad idea to purchase a new, warranted bike unseen?

3. For current, or past owners/dealers of the V7 III line, how have they performed for you/your customers, since release?  I get they can be a little quirky, but I really need a reliable machine.  Examples of first service, and basic maintenance fees would be very helpful.  I may be able to afford to buy it, but can I afford to take care of it (think stay-at-home mom budget, not trophy wife budget)?  I'm also a big fan of service manuals, do you have a source recomendation?

4. I live in Phoenix, and it gets mighty hot (high this week is only 106).  Is this an uncomfortable bike to ride, with regards to engine heat at stops, and low speeds?  Does it regulate heat well, from a performance standpoint, in urban settings (where I will be riding most often)?  Also, if you live, have lived, have friends/family in my area, can you recommend a mechanic/shop?

I have ZERO riding friends to ask for help, so I look to the WG community for assistance.  If I forgot something that would be useful for newbs like me, please feel free to educate.  I can't be the only one out there with silly questions.

[fotoguzzi]

you want to be sure a NEW bike is set up properly ESPECIALLY THE V7.. so Moto International would be a good start, they have the best of reputations.. And Dave Richardson of MI wrote the Bible "Guzziology" ! it's not a service manual per say but if you like books, it's like a bible.
Please get good protective gear, Helmet, boots GLOVES armored suit and always wear ! even if it's hot.
I'm not into small blocks but it's just your size.. Have FUN!

[mojohand]

While you might be tempted to order from MI, you might also consider establishing a relationship with the local folks. Do they "know" Guzzis? How's their shop experience? Will they "show ya the love"?

Make sure you are comfortable with the bike. Wear the boots you'll ride in and then try to bike--don't just assume it'll fit. Imagine you're riding up to Jerome and traffic comes to a standstill halfway up. Now you've got to hold the bike with one foot on the ground, the other foot on the rear brake, and your hands covering throttle & clutch. You want to make sure you can hold it up on a hill.

Finally, make sure you bond with it before you buy. I love my current bikes, and except for one Guzzi, I loved all my Guzzis. The V7 III is a great ride!

[Guzzi Gal]

you want to be sure a NEW bike is set up properly ESPECIALLY THE V7.. so Moto International would be a good start, they have the best of reputations.. And Dave Richardson of MI wrote the Bible "Guzziology" ! it's not a service manual per say but if you like books, it's like a bible.
Please get good protective gear, Helmet, boots GLOVES armored suit and always wear ! even if it's hot.
I'm not into small blocks but it's just your size.. Have FUN!

The fact that it's with Moto International, and in a round about way, Mr. Richardson, is the only reason I would consider a long distance transaction.  What constitutes "proper set-up"?  If I go through with this purchase, I need to know what to ask/request.   
Also, thank you for your concern about my safety.  I'm a big believer in ATGATT, and ride my little scooter fully decked out, regardless of how hot it gets.

Many thanks for your quick response, Fotoguzzi!   

[rodekyll]

Welcome!

I am not a smallblock owner, so I can't speak to the bike.  But I do live near Moto International.  If there is something there you want scouted, I can do that.

Seattle is a hilly town.  If you do a test ride in traffic, you'll have a good idea of what to expect with perceived weight, balance, reach, etc.  Like the others are saying, don't get a bike that doesn't fit, or if you do, have a clear sense of what it will take (lower seat, short shocks, etc) to make it fit. 

I live just north of Seattle on Whidbey Island, which has about everything you'll encounter in terrain, and very light traffic.  If you need a few days to get used to the bike, you, as all WG members, are welcome to HQ here with my sister and me as you do your shakedown.

[pyoungbl]

G Gal, I have two female friends who have V7s.  Each has had a few other bikes and each loves the V7.  One recently married a guy who is really into bikes so he bought her a Triumph, then (I think) a Ducati.  In the past month she bought an Anniversario because she missed the V7 more than she liked all the other new bikes.  I never asked but suspect these two women are about your height, just normal ladies.  The V7 is a really nice standard motorcycle with modest power.  I find mine to be very predictable and easy to live with.  Maintenance is a snap, what little there is.  You could go to just about any shop and have them adjust the valves or change the fluids.  You do not need special tools or electronics.  I'm probably going to upgrade to the V7 II just to get ABS.  Other than lacking ABS I cannot see any other bike on the market that would be as simple to own, light enough to move without worry, and generally fun than my V7.

 If you would like to contact one of my lady friends I think I can arrange that.

Peter Y.

[Guzzi Gal]

Finally, make sure you bond with it before you buy. I love my current bikes, and except for one Guzzi, I loved all my Guzzis. The V7 III is a great ride!

Oh, I've bonded, and become a touch obsessed!  I've sat on the Stone, and the Special (Anni isn't available here), and "petted" them for an hour or two each. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Ok, if you have to buy a new one, the V7 is as good as it gets for a beginner. They aren't very powerful, but they have a lot of torque to keep you out of trouble at slow speeds.
You know you'll drop it, don't you? Almost every one does, when they are starting to ride. Nothing serious, maybe a too hard of a pull on the front brake lever while turning coming to a stop. Bike falls over, operator isn't hurt.. except pride.. and new bike gets scratched up.
That's why I always recommend a used $500-1000 Japanese motorcycle to ride while practicing. Even a dirt bike. Sell it for what you have in it, and then buy that V7 after you get some experience.
Just MHO. 

[Zoom Zoom]

While you might be tempted to order from MI, you might also consider establishing a relationship with the local folks. Do they "know" Guzzis? How's their shop experience? Will they "show ya the love"?

I have to agree with that. I have nothing but praise for MI. but if your local dealer has a good reputation, supporting them would be good

ZZ

[alanp]

I have a V7 II Stone.  The V7 III's are pretty new, and I haven't seen/heard that much about them specifically, but there are not that different.  My thoughts:

I think a V7 is a good beginner bike.  It is really pretty small and low, but large enough that it can be your long term ride.  It carries its weight low.  I am very surprised at how light and easy to ride it is.  Since you ride scooters you should be OK.  I would recommend an inexpensive set of engine guards just in case though. 

Ditto what others have said about maintenance.  They are simple and easy.  It is a proven platform, and there is not Much that might give you trouble.  That said, it is not a Honda and thus there are not many dealers and some dealers aren't very knowledgeable.  I don't know about Arizona. 
You asked about maintenance specifics.  There is a lot of info on here, and this board is amazing.  You can get just about any question answered quickly, and there are many threads and videos regarding things like valve adjustments, oil filter changes etc.  when you are ready to dive in, just ask. 

It is not a hot bike.  Very little engine heat at all.

I have had only one issue with my bike, and it is a fairly common complaint.  Mine did not run smoothly at 4000 rpm, but hesitated and "stumbled".  I fixed this by installing a new "map", which is a program for the electronic engine control.  Installation was not hard, but a tad confusing.  I don't know if this is an issue for the V7III?  Another common issue is cheap spark plug caps which are poorly insulated.  I have not had this issue yet, and again, don't know if it applies to the III, but also easily fixed.  Other than that, I am not aware of common/recurring issues with these bikes.   

[elvisboy77]

I bought an Anniversario in May, and absolutely love it!  I have owned 7 or 8 different Guzzis over the years and they have all been great bikes.  They just keep getting better and this one is an example of that.  The fit, finish, design and performance is wonderful.

As far as AGATT you should check out worsewear.com which is worse for wear, a riding gear shop which is woman oriented and owned.  Great stuff.

I vote for buying local, too.  And I have read here that the improvements of the mark iii over prior versions makes it good to try to get a mark iii.  I am of course partial to the Anniversario, it is really unique looking- but mechanically they are all the same.  And I am sure if you want the Anniversario the dealer will get one for you.

Good luck and please post pictures!

[Utrider]

I can't speak to the small block either.  However, I did do a fly-n-ride with the folks at Ride Now, 2 years ago today (Happy Anniversary to me and my Stelvio!).  I found the service department there to be very helpful.  I purchased my bike on a Sunday, rode around (Devil's Highway, Overgaard, Salt River canyon) for a couple of days and brought it in and had the break in service done.

I will say that I had better luck with their service dept., than the sales dept. if that's of any consequence to you. 

I too have been bitten by the Guzzi bug and have 2 now, be careful............ ...or don't.   

[tasdisr]

I have a 2016 V7 II Stone. It is my first bike in over 20 years and love it. Even my wife likes the looks of it but wants no part of riding with me!

I am the same height and at 64 my upper body strength is not what it used to be. That being said I do have the lower comfort gel saddle which gets me about another inch closer to the ground. Overall I find it an easy bike to ride and it is a lot of fun to ride. Good luck with your decision and as others have said you can count on some great advice here.

[fotoguzzi]

.  What constitutes "proper set-up"?  If I go through with this purchase, I need to know what to ask/request.   
 

View from afar.. I'd ask them to be sure the clutch is tested and adjusted right.. maybe get the plug caps replaced if they are still the troublesome ones. and has the latest map installed in the CPU. have them do a test ride on it so anything else is set right on the spot.

[Guzzi Gal]

Maintenance is a snap, what little there is.  You could go to just about any shop and have them adjust the valves or change the fluids.  You do not need special tools or electronics.  I'm probably going to upgrade to the V7 II just to get ABS.  Other than lacking ABS I cannot see any other bike on the market that would be as simple to own, light enough to move without worry, and generally fun than my V7.

 If you would like to contact one of my lady friends I think I can arrange that.

Peter Y.

Peter, you're very kind to offer to connect me with another Guzzi Gal.  I can't think of a bike, in this price range, with ABS, traction control, and direct drive.  This is one of the reasons I've zeroed in on this bike, along with it's tame power delivery.  I love a good downshift before a turn, just to power out of it, but not so much on a bike.  I speed like a bat outa hell on 4 wheels, but on two, I become much more sane.   

[decotriumph]

Buy locally. I'd bet your local dealer can match any long-distance dealer on the equivalent bike (and you won't pay to have it shipped 1400 miles) and you'll be much better appreciated at your local dealer's service department if you bought the bike from them, too. A dealer relationship is extremely important in my opinion.

[lorazepam]

I have a 2014 V7. I wouldn't call the bike under powered for anything you would want to do with it. Mine has no issues maintaining 75 on the highway if that is your thing, and will haul 2 people and gear to a rally with ease. Handles great, simple to work on, and nothing in it's class even comes close regarding "soul" and character.
Guess you know how I feel about them now.  Been riding over 40 years, and it is one of my best bike purchases ever.

[Guzzi Gal]

You know you'll drop it, don't you? Almost every one does, when they are starting to ride. 
Just MHO. 

Yeah, I know she'll be dropped (it's wishful thinking to assume I'd gotten that out of my system on the afore mentioned Lambretta scoot).  Engine guards are on my "don't ride without" list.  A dirt bike would be a blast (I've researched dirt bike school, but none are in my state) if I had a place to ride, and a trailer.  There is a Suzuki Tu 250X on Craig's List, for $2000 with 3000 miles on it, I've been trying to sell my hubby on (for the exact reasons you've mentioned, but he's not very interested).  I can't seem to find anything decent for less in my area, nor do I have an experienced biker friend to drag along for evaluation assistance.  I'm hesitant to get stuck with a piece of crap I can't fix, or unload later.

The MG won't be garage candy, but as a mom of three, she'll be lucky to get 200 miles a month during the "cool" season (Nov-May).

[Guzzi Gal]

To all that have responded, and have yet to respond.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Lorazapam (love the name).  Thank you, that's good to hear.  I've taken complaints on it's power output with a grain of salt, as I'm only marginally interested in hitting a ton (just to say I have), after many, many hours in the saddle.

Decotriumph, I will contact the kind gentleman who's kept me company whilst I sat, and petted, and ask if they'll consider competitive pricing.  The bike I'm looking at only has 5 miles on it, and would be delivered to my door for $10,700, I doubt they'll be to receptive, but it's worth the ask.

Fotoguzzi, would a set-up be extra, or gratis?

Tasdisr, I've looked into that very same saddle.  It isn't as pretty, but I think it might be prudent. 

Utrider, nice area to tool around.  Scott, the sales guy at the Chandler Ride Now, seems like he's not the type to take advantage (yet), but I know nothing about the service department, other than they charge $125 an hour.  Most of the reviews only give it 2.5 to 3 stars out of 5.  Not so hot.

Elvisboy77, congrats!  I read your post (been trolling WG for a while), and I'm glad you're happy.  I hope to be just as happy soon.

Alanp, thank you for your info, it's just what I was looking for.  I've watched vid's on Guzzi valve adjustments, and they seem easier than our bug.  I like it!  I'm glad to hear that heat delivered to the rider isn't much of a problem.  I've read about the map issue, and I'm cool with computers (20 yr Circuit City ex-service associate).

Mojohand, will do an ATGATT sitting soon.  Adjustable leavers are on my to do list also.  Good advice.

[tasdisr]

To all that have responded, and have yet to respond.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Lorazapam (love the name).  Thank you, that's good to hear.  I've taken complaints on it's power output with a grain of salt, as I'm only marginally interested in hitting a ton (just to say I have), after many, many hours in the saddle.

Decotriumph, I will contact the kind gentleman who's kept me company whilst I sat, and petted, and ask if they'll consider competitive pricing.  The bike I'm looking at only has 5 miles on it, and would be delivered to my door for $10,700, I doubt they'll be to receptive, but it's worth the ask.

Fotoguzzi, would a set-up be extra, or gratis?

Tasdisr, I've looked into that very same saddle.  It isn't as pretty, but I think it might be prudent. 

Utrider, nice area to tool around.  Scott, the sales guy at the Chandler Ride Now, seems like he's not the type to take advantage (yet), but I know nothing about the service department, other than they charge $125 an hour.  Most of the reviews only give it 2.5 to 3 stars out of 5.  Not so hot.

Elvisboy77, congrats!  I read your post (been trolling WG for a while), and I'm glad you're happy.  I hope to be just as happy soon.

Alanp, thank you for your info, it's just what I was looking for.  I've watched vid's on Guzzi valve adjustments, and they seem easier than our bug.  I like it!  I'm glad to hear that heat delivered to the rider isn't much of a problem.  I've read about the map issue, and I'm cool with computers (20 yr Circuit City ex-service associate).

Mojohand, will do an ATGATT sitting soon.  Adjustable leavers are on my to do list also.  Good advice.

Here is a picture of my Stone with the seat, engine guards, bags and flyscreen. The seat does not look that bad.


img photos

[Guzzi Gal]

The seat does not look that bad.

I don't think it looks bad in any way, I was just diggin' on the leather.  I have quite the bony butt, so I may just spend the coin, and tuck the stock one safely away. 

I also like your fly screen (wish list item), chrome pipes, and the standard Stone wheels.  Something about the wheels just fits the bike's "attitude".  Does that make any sense? 

[Calculon]

There is a Suzuki Tu 250X on Craig's List, for $2000 with 3000 miles on it, I've been trying to sell my hubby on (for the exact reasons you've mentioned, but he's not very interested).

I had a TU250x as my first bike and it was great.  It's not very fast, but a lot of fun to ride.  It's not intimidating at all and very easy to learn on if that's what you're after.  I had zero experience when I started too, other than the class.  It's a solid, simple, easy to service bike.  The downside of the TUX is with 15HP it'll hum along at 70MPH all day, but doesn't have much passing power at those speeds.

$2,000 isn't a great price, but reasonable.  You should be able most of your money back when you sell it for the V7.  Maybe if you offered cash you can get a better deal.  Plus, if you drop a used bike, it'll take a much smaller hit in value than a new one.

[Guzzi Gal]

The downside of the TUX is with 15HP it'll hum along at 70MPH all day, but doesn't have much passing power at those speeds.

Ha, if I had the TUX, it'd probably never hit 70!  Remember, I ride a 50cc scooter that'll max out at 42 (downhill, with a stiff tailwind, piloted by an anorexic toddler).  It was sold yesterday (he actually wanted $2350), but of the 2 sellers offering low milage 2011's, it was cheaper by $650.  I think because Phoenix is year round (kind of) riding town, the prices are higher. 

[Guzzi Gal]

Thanks to ITSec for posting this earlier today.  I reposted it here, because this was exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread.  May it come in handy for other newbs like me. 

Welcome to one of the best sources for motorcycle knowledge, particularly about our particularly odd breed.

A couple of basics...

The basic service cycle for almost any Moto Guzzi is roughly every 6000 miles or 10,000 km. At that point, you change the fluids in the engine, gearbox, and final drive, and change the filter in the sump. You also, especially during the early period (first 18,000 miles) need to adjust the valve clearances. The fluid changes are absolutely simple for anyone; the valve adjustment is the simplest in the industry but may be a challenge for someone who has never done anything mechanical. It's not hard to learn how, and it doesn't take much in terms of tools. There are some good 'how-to' threads on this forum and on some other sites for how to do the valve adjustments. BTW the oil filter in the sump isn't the 'spin-on' cartridge like you see on cars and many modern motorcycles; it's a cartridge that sits inside the sump of the engine, and is accessed using a circular port on the bottom of the sump while the oil is being changed.

The next thing that must be done from time to time, and that's a bit more complex, is to balance the throttle bodies and reset the throttle position sensor (TPS). Again, there are some threads here and elsewhere that describe how to do this. To balance the throttle bodies requires a manometer - a device that measures the vacuum in the airflow into each cylinder. You can buy one of these, make one, or borrow one - it's used widely in the industry and any decent shop will have one or more. They may use gauges, and electronic display, or might look like a barometer married an octopus. The idea is to make sure the flow of fuel and air to each cylinder is the same. The reason for resetting the TPS is to provide a clean, consistent baseline for the computer than runs the fuel injection system.

The air filter also has to be serviced from time to time. In general, it's best to just replace it rather than attempt to clean it unless it's a fabric type designed to be cleaned (such as a K&N). There are a lot of discussions over whether cleanable filters are wonderful or awful and I won't go into that here, but if it's paper replace it and if it's fabric, take it out and clean it and re-oil it before reinstalling it.

Specs for oils, valve clearances, etc. are all discussed in the threads here and elsewhere; for a small block 2012, the engine oil is a 10w60 synthetic. This is not always easy to find in smaller towns, but can be ordered and shipped. One alternative available through NAPA outlets is the LiquiMoly 10w60; there's a NAPA store in San Angelo from what I can see. Buy the 5 liter jug using the 'reserve online' feature of NAPA's website and save some money. The gearbox oil (middle) is a 80w90 (I suggest 75w90 synthetic gear oil, such as Valvoline or Mobil1). The final drive specifies a 85w140 synthetic gear oil (also the brands suggested). Other brands may be available at dealers or other sources, but the Valvoline products are good and are easily bought at most auto parts stores. Of course, other products and brands such as Amsoil, etc. are also good choices.

Edited to add:

Owner's manual, service manual, and parts manuals for your bike are available in PDF on the web, though I don't have the links at hand. The parts manuals are also available online at a number of sites at any time, such as AF1 Racing and Harper's Moto Guzzi, for easy reference. Other sources also provide such assistance; these are mentioned because they are in your region.

[Kev m]

Thanks to ITSec for posting this earlier today.  I reposted it here, because this was exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread.  May it come in handy for other newbs like me.

Just a head's up that post was on a 2012 or earlier dual-throttle body V7 and one major piece of maintenance he mentions (setting the TPS and balancing the throttle bodies) doesn't apply to the 2013 or later V7 models (including the V7II, or V7III) which have only one throttle body and a non-physically adjustable TPS.


As for the rest of the original questions they are all too subjective but here are some thoughts:

Ride height - depends on your comfort. I really think that a new rider is more comfortable if they can flat foot a bike. You should be able to lower a V7 slightly with some suspension changes.

Reliability - my V7 has been the more reliable Guzzi I've owned in the short decade and a half I've been riding them. It's been virtually trouble free. But I'd never own JUST ONE GUZZI if I needed it to be say commuter bike reliable. Then again 200 miles/month is far from commuter duty and you'd probably be fine.

Just know the Guzzis are not JAPanInc. bikes (soulless appliances) and they occasionally need an owner to fix or alter something.

Then again Guzzis do offer some wonderful conveniences (shaft, easy valve adjustment, 1TB motors) that are nice to live with.

[mojohand]

I can vouch for Worse for Wear: owners are friends of mine. Great gear. Get the armor, too.

https://shop.worsewear.com/

[Guzzi Gal]

I can vouch for Worse for Wear: owners are friends of mine. Great gear. Get the armor, too.

https://shop.worsewear.com/

I checked out their site earlier today, and was very impressed with the offerings.  When I'm in the market for some new gear, they will be first on my list. 

[Huzo]

Ok, if you have to buy a new one, the V7 is as good as it gets for a beginner. They aren't very powerful, but they have a lot of torque to keep you out of trouble at slow speeds.
You know you'll drop it, don't you? Almost every one does, when they are starting to ride. Nothing serious, maybe a too hard of a pull on the front brake lever while turning coming to a stop. Bike falls over, operator isn't hurt.. except pride.. and new bike gets scratched up.
That's why I always recommend a used $500-1000 Japanese motorcycle to ride while practicing. Even a dirt bike. Sell it for what you have in it, and then buy that V7 after you get some experience.
Just MHO. 

Chuck's absolutely correct in what he says GG, if you think with your head then it's the best advice you could get..BUT! If you are prepared that you MIGHT put a mark or two on your new Guzzi and can live with that, (they will become food for memories later!) then think with your heart and go for the new one, just say "bugger it", 'cos part of the reason you want it (if you're like most of us), is to go out in the garage after the kids have been " dealt with" and have a nice little drink with her...You sound head over heels and that's always been, and still is , the best reason. Don't worry about the prospect of a little scratch if it happens, just learn why it did happen, then carry on.
 My Norge just got a scratch on the front fender on the ferry from Bodo to Lofoten, and I'm thinking I won't even get it fixed back in Australia, it will match the other little ones that I look at back home that happened in Germany, Italy etc... Just love it first, buy it second and learn about it third. And there are NO STUPID QUESTIONS !!! If someone needs to repeat themselves and doesn't want to, they should remember how they felt when they were in love, and generating the guts that it takes to pull the trigger. Go for it and kick some ass !!!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Bunch of enablers here..  but what did you expect? 

[Guzzi Gal]

Bunch of enablers here..  but what did you expect?

Yup, I'm ga-ga for the bike, and fast becoming ga-ga for WG's community.  Everyone has been so welcoming, and kind!  I feel scratches are like wrinkles, an outer manifestation of life being lived, not observed. 

Kev m, thanks to the heads up.  I'm not the most observant of creatures, so I'll take all the help I can get.