I'd Like Some Basic V7 Advice Please

[Hawker]

Hi guys,
I've been around the fringes for a while but pretty sure I'm ready to pull the trigger on a 2016 or 2017 V7III.

I've been riding for about 18 years and have only had V Twins...of the Honda and Suzuki variety.  Specifically, a Honda Hawk GT 650, two Sv650s and then I bought back my original Hawk three years ago and have been loving it ever since.  However, I'm ready for something different...but not getting rid of the Hawk.  It turns too many heads.  :) 

Most of my riding is of the shorter, curvier variety and mostly in the mountains of N. GA.  Hardly ever do more than 150 miles in a day.
I was seriously considering the new Triumph Street Twin but I think I'm going to go with my emotions ....and get a V7 instead.  My big concern is the spotty dealer network (even in the Atlanta area) and the infamous Italian mechanical issues.  I know it's risky asking the inmates...but have the real issues been sorted out since '16 so that I don't have to worry too much about breaking down or spending lots on major problems?
I change my own oil...but my mechanical talents don't go too much beyond that.  If I buy used, are there some specifics I should be concerned about?   Two other questions if I may;

I'm short on the inseam side of things.  The V7 is still a tad high for me.  Has anyone had any luck having the front of the seat narrowed a bit to allow my legs to go straight down, instead of splayed out to the side?  Or is the body and frame still too wide to make that very effective.  On a stock bike, I'm barely on my tip toes.

What's the best way to buy a "Special" model but change the wheels from wire to alloy?   I prefer the looks and paint options of the "Special" and really like to have a tach.   

OK, hope that isn't too much.  If anyone has any other V7 advice...I'm happy to hear it.   Thanks!

[elvisboy77]

You won't be disappointed if you buy any of the lll series.  Get the one with the wheels and tach you want.  A wise woman (wise because she broke up with me LOL) once said- if you buy what you really want, you only cringe once.

I don't worry about the fact that my dealer is 125 miles away.  This is not my only mode of transportation, and any mechanical thing can break, even new ones (my sister's Subaru for example)  I think you will love the V twin even more than those others.  The power and torque are intoxicating the way they are delivered.

Good luck, and let us know which lll you get!

[twowheeladdict]

Let's get this straight.  You are buying the V.7 because it moves your soul, not because it is a lightweight comfortable performance machine.  If you want a lightweight comfortable performance machine there are better ones out there.

FZ-07, XSR700, the new SV650, Z650, etc.

If you want the looks, the easy maintenance of a shaft drive, the classic ride feel and the fact that it takes more skill to go fast through the curves on the V7, then it is the bike for you.

If you want to have every other rider converse with you when you come to a stop, it is the bike for you. 

The other bikes I mentioned above are more practical.  I have a FZ-07 and it is a very capable motorcycle that looks great in pictures but is a totally plastic covered motorcycle to save money.

Which would you rather be seen on?

[Demar]

I believe the V7III has a lower seat height than the V7II. I'm not sure about that, others will confirm. It looks like the V7II seat height is 31.5/31.6" and the V7III is 30.5".

[Hawker]

Let's get this straight.  You are buying the V.7 because it moves your soul, not because it is a lightweight comfortable performance machine.  If you want a lightweight comfortable performance machine there are better ones out there.

FZ-07, XSR700, the new SV650, Z650, etc.

If you want the looks, the easy maintenance of a shaft drive, the classic ride feel and the fact that it takes more skill to go fast through the curves on the V7, then it is the bike for you.

If you want to have every other rider converse with you when you come to a stop, it is the bike for you. 

The other bikes I mentioned above are more practical.  I have a FZ-07 and it is a very capable motorcycle that looks great in pictures but is a totally plastic covered motorcycle to save money.

Which would you rather be seen on?

You've got it correct sir.  I'm over 60 and trying to ride a bit slower than I used to on the SVs.  Plus, I like a bike that makes me look back at it as I walk away...the V7 does that.  Yours is gorgeous by the way.  I have ridden the FZ07 and found it a fantastic bike.  However, I'm trying to get back to more of a Standard rather than a sport or naked sport.

But, my biggest concern is reliability.  I don't own a pick-up and having to transport a broken bike to wherever the nearest MG dealer is located is not an easy thing for me.  With Rider's Hill in Dahlonega, GA now closed, I'll have to see if there is a good option now in the Atlanta area.  There used to be a mechanic named "Steve" that apparently was an expert in all things Guzzi in the Atlanta area...perhaps I can track him down. 

Thanks for your input. 

Thanks for your input. 

[MMRanch]

I've got a 2016 V-7II ,   Can't help but like it !   I've also got a 2007 rubber mount , fuel injected Sportster , and my favorite of the bunch a highly modified Suzuki LS-650 (The V-7 runs a close second , its jus so smooth  ).

Have you looked at the V-9 , it might sit a little lower and only weight 10 more pounds ... 

[Kev m]

With Rider's Hill in Dahlonega, GA now closed, I'll have to see if there is a good option now in the Atlanta area.  There used to be a mechanic named "Steve" that apparently was an expert in all things Guzzi in the Atlanta area...perhaps I can track him down. 

His user name on the board here is GuzziSteve.

Generally speaking I think the new V7s from my Stone on are very reliable.

Mine was never in for any warranty service, and I think that's probably true of MOST of them (judging from what we hear and don't hear).

But, then you hear about the run the had bad motors and literally needed them replaced, and the occasional one with a bad fuel filter, or whose cat-con got cooked due to raw fuel from shorting spark plug caps.

So you can never say for sure. And it's better to know that it's at least a possibility going in.

[guzzisteve]

   You sound like me, always telling the bikes problems & faults to a prospect.  I got in trouble for doing that, said I was downgrading the brand. I saw it as being honest about what you might find.
You weed out the real interested ones from the lookers.   I'm not really a smallblock lover though.
The quality, finish and reliability have gotten real good.
I still work on a few, there are others in the area too that are really great techs.
I never worried about the dealer network, had Club guys around. Simpler bikes .
I'd buy the V9, go over to Marietta and ride them. Then come to the campout at TWO and talk to the owners & riders

[pyoungbl]

I have a V7, pretty much the same lump as the V7 II and darn close to the V7 III.  You really cannot get much simpler or more reliable than the V7 series.  That's the tradeoff, not the most hp for cc, not the lightest, not the most dealers....just a simple bike you can work on yourself.  Oh, and it's a lot of fun.  Guzzisteve is still alive and well so you actually have one of the best tech guys not that far away.

[SportsterDoc]

Based upon my experience with a V7 II, it handles well in the curves.
Not only is it light, but the weight feels down lower.
The V7 III may have better fuel management off the showroom floor.
Valve adjustments are a breeze, unless the dealer mechanic neglects to use a torque wrench on the first service.
The clutch area noise (dry clutch) was annoying, at least to me.

As for slowing down, last Wed I cruised an Interstate at 85 MPH + for almost 100 miles.
When passed by a fast truck, curious as to his speed, it rolled on in 6th gear from 85 to 100 moderately quick...but its top end is not much over 100...110 under  ideal conditions.

At higher speeds, MPG can be as low as 48, but typical is about 52...with a 5.8 gallon tank.
- Riding on the street since 1963, age 70.

[Huzo]

Granted you are very keen on a V7, not trying to sway you, but having trouble reaching the ground can be a pain that is hard to remedy.
Before you spend any ( more) money, have you sat on a Bellagio ?

[pete roper]

He's in the US Peter, no Bellagios in the US.

Pete.

[fossil]

There are (at least in Europe) 8 (eight!) different saddles on offer for the V7 III. All original Moto Guzzi. Smaller ones, more beautiful ones, and, most importantly, B063598, the lower Comfort Gel saddle. I ride the V7, model year 2013 (Europe), the first stb - model. And I love it! However I have ridden the V7 III. And it is significantly better! The road holding (even with the not so good Pirellis), even the suspension, the torque, the gearbox. All is improved. But it is still the V7 we love.

[Huzo]

He's in the US Peter, no Bellagios in the US.

Pete.

Oh dear...

[malik]

Definitely get the height bit sorted first. The V7III and then, if needed, one of the low factory seats. But try before you buy, if possible.

Reliability? Well my 2014 Special now has 93,000km on it and the only problem I've had is a front wheel bearing collapsed. This problem appears to be uncommon. But I had roadside assit & a visit to a bearing shop & it was back on the road quickly. Most of the V7s I know & come across seem to have had no mechanical issues, just keep on going.

[malik]

Oh, sorry. Forgot a failed front brake light switch.

[Kev m]

   You sound like me, always telling the bikes problems & faults to a prospect.  I got in trouble for doing that, said I was downgrading the brand. I saw it as being honest about what you might find.
You weed out the real interested ones from the lookers.   I'm not really a smallblock lover though.
The quality, finish and reliability have gotten real good.
I still work on a few, there are others in the area too that are really great techs.
I never worried about the dealer network, had Club guys around. Simpler bikes .
I'd buy the V9, go over to Marietta and ride them. Then come to the campout at TWO and talk to the owners & riders

 

If I hadn't just bought a second Harley for the fleet, I could be tempted by a V9 (plus a V7 fuel tank).

But there's nothing wrong with my current V7 and I have no plans to get rid of it, so until I expand the garage and fill the bike expense coffer again that idea will just have to wait.

OP - hopefully telling it like it is helps with your decision. I will say that I have zero regrets about mine.

[greer]

Hawker,

I'd be willing to bet the stock V7 seat can be made more comfortable and nearer to suit with some trimming and shaping of the foam, I've done that very thing on numerous bikes.

You might check the distance to Sloan's in Murfreesboro TN, I've heard good things about their Guzzi dept.  And thanks for posting your questions, those are the very things I'd want to ask.

guzzisteve,

Can you tell us why you might prefer the V9 over the V7III?

Sarah

[roadscum]

I went with a V7 III Special about a month ago. The inaugural ride was 2 weeks and about 2800 mile, now it's got 3200 miles on the odometer. The III's have been updated to improve steering geometry, stiffen the frame, and many motor upgrades includeding a new head design and a few more ponies. It was the right choice for me.

BEWARE..... the OEM fuel filters used by Guzzi on many, maybe all, models is a POS and prome to failure. I  strongly recommend having the dealer replace it with an all metal unit before it leaves the shop. I was left stranded at roadside with only 1200 miles on the V7. It was not the kind of adventure I was hoping for.

I to was worried about lack of dealer support but with all the improvements made to the III I'm betting on having a good experience.

Paul

[O]

Here's a link to the aforementioned lower seat:  https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=51984

Good luck with your decision.  If it comes down to a choice between V7II and V7III, I'd personally opt for the III.  I keep telling myself that I don't need to upgrade my 2014 V7, but that III Special in blue is calling me.

[Kev m]

but that III Special in blue is calling me.

OMG - despite owning a fleet of white bikes right now my preferred color is actually BLUE and that COLOR IS PERFECT ON THAT BIKE.

Of course, I'm annoyed that they can't seem to paint the rest of the bodywork (fenders) it too! So that tempers my lust.

But still.

[rocker59]

  My big concern is the...  infamous Italian mechanical issues. 

What infamous Italian mechanical issues ?

[stonelover]

What infamous Italian mechanical issues ?

I've been told that the name "Stone" was given because of the bike's "rock solid" capabilities.  Mechanical issues have not been seen with my 2016 Stone II.  Countryside here in Eastern WV is similar to yours in N. GA.  Gas and go!  You'll love the ride.

[Billy]

Has anyone had any luck having the front of the seat narrowed a bit to allow my legs to go straight down, instead of splayed out to the side?  Or is the body and frame still too wide to make that very effective.  On a stock bike, I'm barely on my tip toes

You can get an OEM seat with a moto guzzi logo on it. Gets your feet about 1 inch closer to the ground. I have one on mine, and its a way better seat (narrower at the front) imho. Got mine on ebay from some guy in the netherlands, but A1 also sell them.
I got the 1 1/2 seat version (fits a passenger) - no regrets.

[Yukonica]

What infamous Italian mechanical issues ?

Well, umm.... my shift lever fell clean off the bike within the first 1000 km. The solder on my ignition switch vibrated apart, the OEM spark plug caps failed... you know, that stuff that needs to be sorted out as part of a long term relationship. I would not give up this bike, or these quirks, for any seamless/soulless perfectly functioning dye-stamped production run.

Or were you being flippant?
 

[twowheeladdict]

You can get an OEM seat with a moto guzzi logo on it. Gets your feet about 1 inch closer to the ground. I have one on mine, and its a way better seat (narrower at the front) imho. Got mine on ebay from some guy in the netherlands, but A1 also sell them.
I got the 1 1/2 seat version (fits a passenger) - no regrets.

Don't the IIIs already have a little lower seat height?

[rocker59]

Well, umm.... my shift lever fell clean off the bike within the first 1000 km. The solder on my ignition switch vibrated apart, the OEM spark plug caps failed... you know, that stuff that needs to be sorted out as part of a long term relationship. I would not give up this bike, or these quirks, for any seamless/soulless perfectly functioning dye-stamped production run.

Or were you being flippant?
 

Maybe I'm just lucky.

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[Kev m]

Maybe I'm just lucky.

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Me too, since NONE of those things have happened to mine.

Then again my Jackal was a PIA and others report theirs being perfect.

So what the difference, luck of the draw? Differences in usage (certainly not with me and how I used my Jackal vs. my V7)?

But I took your original comment to be more of a "the big mechanical things are solid" or "there's no single trend toward poor mechanical in Guzzis" or something more like that.

[grinmaul]

Maybe I'm just lucky.

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My wife also must be lucky, the first 2 problems i have never heard about before, the plug caps i have had ngk spares in my toolbox for 2 years waiting for that problem, still waiting.

If any other problems happen i will fix them and ride on:) but it had been like a rock reliable.

[rocker59]

Me too, since NONE of those things have happened to mine.

 I took your original comment to be more of a "the big mechanical things are solid" or "there's no single trend toward poor mechanical in Guzzis" or something more like that.

Yeah. Seven Guzzis for me, with no indication of inherent "Italian Problems".

Only a few issues over the past 20 years, which could've happened with any brand's product.



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