It's Official, My Anniversario Is Coming!

[Guzzi Gal]

Well, I've made the decision to purchase the V7 III "Anni", and I would like an opinion from the more seasoned bike owners.  As a rider with very little saddle time, I don't know what farkle, or adjustment might make the experience of riding my first bike better.    What do you wish someone had shared with you, when you got your first bike?

I know I want the H&B center stand, but are there any other items you would consider "don't ride without" (other than ATGATT)?  I'm considering stuff like leavers for small hands, and an unobtrusive windscreen (Dart Marlin?).  Please include the brand/model you've had the most pleasure using, and also things that can be done on the cheap, like adjustments, or hacks.

Thank you, once again, for all your help!

[fotoguzzi]

an inexpensive throttle lock to give your go hand relief.

[Lannis]

The "What do you wish YOU had done?" question is a good one, but as I think about it, my advice would be to ride it for a bit and see what you think.

Customizing it to YOU with levers that fit your hands, with pegs that are in exactly the right place for you, with a seat that fits you just the way you want, and a windshield (or not) that manages the air to make it more comfortable for you are the most important things.

I've learned over the years NOT to just "accept", even on the nicest motorcycle, the ergonomics that were developed by a test rider that is not me nor anything like me, and so I ride it a few hundred then a few thousand miles to see what the sore places are, and I do what's necessary with grips, levers, footpegs, handlebars, and seats to make it fit.   

You'll figure out about storage (panniers?  tank bag? tail bag?  top box?) after you see how you'll be using the bike.

But ride it a bit and get the ergos sorted first!

Good decision on the bike, I think!

Lannis

[davedude]

I vote for a windshield. Ride it for a while without one to see what that's all about (if you don't already know), then add the windshield, and extend the riding radius x (2) or (3) or more.

[kingoffleece]

I'm quite pleased with my Dart Marlin screen

[Guzzi Gal]

Thank you for the insight.   

The throttle lock would be perfect for long rides, something I hadn't thought to do yet, but will start researching how to size/use.  I'd considered a low gel seat, or lower suspension, and screen, and figured those were a "ride n see" kinda thing, but wanted a more knowledgable view.   

[bettythebear]

Luggage! Hepco Becker racks and hard cases. How else will you go camping with it?!

[pyoungbl]

Congratulations!  You will figure this out all too soon.  Within the first 500 miles you will know if the seat works, if you really need levers, and if you enjoy wind in your face.  It's tempting to immediately modify the bike but, as Lannis said, "ride it a bit".  One good test is to try riding the machine for 100 miles without getting off.  My 2013 V7 failed that test!  The new ones have been modified by the factory so please don't take my experience as a guide for your V7 III.

[jas67]

Must have's on my V7:

• Hepco & Becker Luggage
  Dart Marlin windscreen
  Bikemaster Heated Grips ($59 at Revzilla)
  Kaoko throttle locker/cruiser control -- WAY better and easier to use than that clamp-on contraption.
  

OP:  you said that you have very little seat time -- maybe skip the throttle locker.
If you do use one, when adjusted correctly the Kaoko doesn't prevent you from rolling the throttle forward, and is very safe to use.   It is really nice to have on long rides to give your right hand/wrist a break, esp. an the straight and level, when you might not have the occasional downhill to give your hand a break while costing.

Great choice on bike, the Anni is beautiful!

[twowings]

small tubless tire repair kit
small air pump
hydration pack ("camelback")

[Guzzi Gal]

small tubless tire repair kit
small air pump
hydration pack ("camelback")

I live in the desert, Camelbacks are almost required equipment!  However, you reminded of other questions I wanted to ask you Masters of Motto. 

What should I include in my on-bike basic tool kit?  (metric? crescent/socket wrench, pliers, phillips/flat head screwdriver, duct tape, knife, etc...)
Would you suggest a ready made tool kit, or buy a tool roll, and customize? 
What kind/brand of tire repair kit, and pump has worked for you in the past?   

[Bonaventure]

Count mine as another vote for don't add anything yet.  Ride it in original condition first and become accustom to it.  You're a low time rider, I would recommend staying away from the throttle lock.  You need to log time with throttle control even on long rides, and flicking the friction lock on and off is an unnecessary distraction.  So is listening to music on helmet bluetooth, trying to manage a bar mounted gps unit, etc.  My opinion is that the best thing to do with the new V7 is just ride it stock form and build familiarity both with the bike and with riding in general.

[Bonaventure]

I live in the desert, Camelbacks are almost required equipment!  However, you reminded of other questions I wanted to ask you Masters of Motto. 

What should I include in my on-bike basic tool kit?  (metric? crescent/socket wrench, pliers, phillips/flat head screwdriver, duct tape, knife, etc...)
Would you suggest a ready made tool kit, or buy a tool roll, and customize? 
What kind/brand of tire repair kit, and pump has worked for you in the past?

Aerostich sells a bike pump for about $50 that is very compact and very capable.  I forget what brand of sticky ropes I carried (tire plugs).  My repair kit kept under the seat of my Ducati disappeared after the accident.  Officer didn't see it, tow yard claimed not to have it, a friend searched the crash site and no luck.  I had about a hundred bucks tied up in it.  Aerostich pump, sticky ropes, one of those LED light headlamps (elastic band holds it on your forehead, that kind).  I'd carefully selected each item for compactness to fit in the tight environs under the multistrada's pillion seat and now I've completely forgotten which brands and types I had except for the Aerostich air pump.  I blame it on the concussion (yes, helmet worn and it saved my life).

[Bonaventure]

http://www.aerostich.com/tools/tire-repair/pumps-air-compressors/aerostich-mini-compressor.html

this is the air compressor I had.  Comes in a zip pouch nice and compact.  A word on tire repair.  Try to get a worn out motorcycle tire or two from a shop and take home.  Puncture it and practice using your repair kit to ream the puncture and put in a plug... practice a couple times.  Sticky ropes work pretty good.  Some people like the mushroom plug types and some don't.  All I remember about the ropes I had was they were black instead of reddish brown and came with a special insertion tool that you twisted one turn or so after insertion and it formed a [sticky] knot that got adhered really well to the inside of the tire carcass.  Dam I can't remember the brand but it wasn't one of the popular bike sticky rope brands, was kind of a small operation.  Just remember to get one of those small compact LED headlamps in case you need both hands free to do a tire repair at night.  Also need pliers or similar to pull out whatever piece of road sharf punctures your tire, they don't always come out easily.

[Socalrob]

I installed a Hepco Becker centerstand on my Anniversario over the weekend.  It was actually a bit more involved than I would have hoped.  The end product is good.  My suggestion is to grease the long bolt that goes through the frame/centerstand.  Or run a round file through the centerstand.  The springs are not easy to get hooked up, and it would be next to impossible without a cheap spring puller tool.

As a newer rider, I suggest (and am doing the same, even though I am not a new rider) putting the Agostini crash bars on for $200.  Protect that engine from a drop.

I am enjoying the clean air without a screen. 

I bought a Fuzeblock to put under a side panel so that I can wire up various addons, such as GPS, driving lights, heated gear, heated grips.

Good luck with the bike.  Mine is about my favorite bike I have owned to date.

[chuck peterson]

riding lessons...

[Guzzi Gal]

Bonaventure,
I'm very glad you survived that crash, and are here to tell the tale, and share your wisdom.  That pump is pretty nifty.  I'll track down an old tire, and start playing! 

Socalrob,
The dealer will install the stand before I take possession.   The Fuzeblock sounds like a good idea, especially if I get Bonaventure's suggested pump. 

Chuck,
Been there, done that.  Once I have the bike, I will return to my BRC location for their monthly skill night sessions.  Thanks for looking out for my safety! 

[jbell]

Congrats on new bike. 
 :1: on what Lannis said.
Tool kit?.....Check what you need to tighten/adjust levers, pegs, mirrors, remove wheel and change/repair tire and that's what you carry.  Elect. tape, zip ties, elect. wire, spare bulbs & fuses and if room, duct tape. 
Phoenix was a heckuva place 50 years ago, but I don't recognize it now.

[pyoungbl]

Bonaventure, although an air pump might be handy the Anniversario has tube type tires so fixing a flat is more complex than sticky rope and the pump.

Guzzi Gal, Unless Guzzi has made a change you will find that the tool kit under the seat is pretty poor.  In particular, it is lacking the metric allen key needed to remove the gas tank.  When you get the bike home just go around the machine and see what it takes to do stuff like adjust the mirrors (19mm?), tighten the brake and shift levers, remove the side covers, or secure the license plate fasteners.  Those little niggling adjustments are things that usually happen on the road when you are stuck with what's on the bike.  This is not to say a whole took kit, just a few chosen tools in your magnetic tank bag.

[chuck peterson]

For the Guzzi, spare caps and plugs. Can get you moving after a simple tip over that can break them..yeah, that feels good.

[WHY]

Does those tire repair kit works on our spoke wheel with tube tires?

[Bonaventure]

Does those tire repair kit works on our spoke wheel with tube tires?

No.  Didn't know the V7 had inner tubes. 

[lorazepam]

No.  Didn't know the V7 had inner tubes.

If it has spoke wheels, it has tubes on the V7.

[blackcat]

No.  Didn't know the V7 had inner tubes.

Install Slime in the tires, especially the rear tire.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Install Slime in the tires, especially the rear tire.

This. I have a friend that slimes his tires and has never had a flat, even though there were nails in them. Your tire change guy will not like you, but it's a really good idea for spoked rims.
Slime also makes a kit with a small compressor, patches, etc. Occasionally the typical AutoZone, etc. will have it on sale for around 20 bux. HF sells a small compressor that works, too. Take the plastic stuff off of it and it's really small.
Let's face it. You are not going to do a major overhaul on the side of the road. The most likely breakdown is a flat tire.

[Guzzi Gal]

The most likely breakdown is a flat tire.

From your lips (keyboard), to God's ear!

[bad Chad]

Welcome!  Your excited, who wouldn't be, you are taking ownership of a kick ass motorcycle!  But aside from the Slime idea, I would suggest you wait a bit, ride it a bit, and then start your trek.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Wat Chad sez..
Actually, I'm excited for you. 

[Guzzi Gal]

So I went, and bought the bike.   The only change made was the leavers, but I will retain the originals, just in case.  Dave, with Moto International, wasn't happy with how the H&B center stand fits on the V7 III's, so I deferred to Mr. Guzziology's wisdom.  Shoot, I should have asked him to include a signed copy of his book, even if it doesn't cover the III's. 

Thanks for all your help!!!

   

[Rhodan]

Congrats!  And happy riding. 

Does Moto Guzzi still give you the free 2-year tow #?   If yes, make sure you keep that number in your phone or on the bike.  Peace of mind if nothing else.  Also some insurance companies provide the same service.

Slime is a great idea.  Don't have it in my tires right now (also tubed) but I should.  Changing bicycle tubes on-the-fly is enough of a pain; I think motorcycle tires would be a lot harder.