V7 III tachometer or no tachometer?

[Numbercruncher]

I really like to have a tachometer on a bike but unfortunately the V7III Stone and Carbon Dark do not have one.  Given this bikes modest output I am torn between thinking I won't worry about high revs as it isn't a sport bike.  But given it's modest output I may find myself up in the rev range anyway.

I have heard there is a shift light but my only experience with those has been with cars.  On vehicles, the shift light is for max fuel economy and will always light up at 3,000 rpm if not lower.  I like the think the tach light turns yellow at say 5,500 rpm and then red once at redline.

So do those of you who don't have a tach on the bike miss it on this one or do you not even know it isn't there.  Maybe the tach light works like I want it to.

NC

[Rich A]

I think the shift indicator light is programmable.

Rich A

[Diploman]

On a bike like the V7 whose power curve is oriented to mid-range torque rather than high-end HP, my experience is that a tachometer is just redundant ornamentation (and heavy, considering clock, cable, cable drive and sheath) that doesn't contribute much to the riding experience.  It's easy for the rider to learn to identify by ear with sufficient accuracy just about where on the RPM range the engine is spinning.  What is the need for more exact info than that? When I remade the heavy, cable-laden two-clock dash on my V50, I replaced it with a featherweight, cable-free SpeedHut GPS speedo and no tach.  Later, I began to wonder whether a tach might be useful, so I fitted one of these.  Simple and light. 

https://www.amazon.com/Resettable-Inductive-Tachometer-Motorcycle-Snowmobile/dp/B01CR2IC2Q/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1523711623&sr=8-7&keywords=digital+tachometer

After riding with this tach for a few months, I think it's not really very useful or necessary.  Probably I will remove it soon.  I think you should get the V7III with no tach, try it, and then if you really miss having an RPM readout, you can easily fit one of these digital units.

[Diploman]

The voltmeter, IMO, is far more useful than the tach.

[pyoungbl]

On my Stelvio the tach was a useful reminder that I was doing 70mph in 4th gear....or 5th and really ought to shift to 6th.  The bike had so much torque and was so smooth that it was easy to forget what gear was being used.  The V7 lacks that torque.  The tach on my V7 is nice to have but certainly not as useful as on the Stelvio. 

Peter Y.

[JACoH]

I rarely look at the tach on my v7 III Special, usually only when it hits the rev limiter, and I look to see what's wrong. And I don't think it has a shift light, what it has is capability of setting your own rev limit.

[Numbercruncher]

Anyone know at what rpm the light illuminates?  I hear it can be re programmed but it would be nice if it turned yellow at say 6,000 rpm and red at 6,500. 

With a sweep needle you can clearly see yourself approaching red line.  But with a light that suddenly turns on it would be nice to have 500 rpm to react to.  Yeah it is easy enough to figure out when to shift gears by feel but having the shift light can be beneficial, as long as it activates before actual red line.

I'll see what google can turn up.

NC

[rider33]

I would agree with that,  a tac is nice to have but not really necessary on a V7.  The engines power band is wide, starts low, and is pretty much topped out at 6-7,000 RPM.  For that, you don't need a tac to know what is happening.   Should you decide that you do,  there are OEM and aftermarket options that shouldn't be that hard to retrofit.

[Numbercruncher]

I'll mod a Japanese bike but want to keep my cool Italian bikes stock.  I know a tachometer is not a big deal to add; especially if it can be removed.

Is the one you recommended basically a pulse type of tach it is place on or near the engine and can somehow determine rpm?  Don't need a technical answer but I wonder how accurate it will be and how much bouncing around it does.

NC

On a bike like the V7 whose power curve is oriented to mid-range torque rather than high-end HP, my experience is that a tachometer is just redundant ornamentation (and heavy, considering clock, cable, cable drive and sheath) that doesn't contribute much to the riding experience.  It's easy for the rider to learn to identify by ear with sufficient accuracy just about where on the RPM range the engine is spinning.  What is the need for more exact info than that? When I remade the heavy, cable-laden two-clock dash on my V50, I replaced it with a featherweight, cable-free SpeedHut GPS speedo and no tach.  Later, I began to wonder whether a tach might be useful, so I fitted one of these.  Simple and light. 

https://www.amazon.com/Resettable-Inductive-Tachometer-Motorcycle-Snowmobile/dp/B01CR2IC2Q/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1523711623&sr=8-7&keywords=digital+tachometer

After riding with this tach for a few months, I think it's not really very useful or necessary.  Probably I will remove it soon.  I think you should get the V7III with no tach, try it, and then if you really miss having an RPM readout, you can easily fit one of these digital units.

[rider33]

here would be the manual page from a '17 V7/50 (w/tac).  No idea if it is the same one a '18 Stone but I would expect it is similar:

[img width= height= alt=9ehZNQ.jpg]https://vgy.me/9ehZNQ.jpg[/img]

[Numbercruncher]

Thanks for posting that shot from the manual.

Did I read that correctly at 8,000 rpm?  This is a pushrod engine and the photos of the tach on the Special and Anniversary bikes clearly show a redline at 6,500.  There is no way there can be a 1,500 rpm discrepancy.  With peak hp at 6,200 a redline at 6,500 does make sense.  I'll re-read that page in the manual again.

Edit:  The manual does state 8,000 rpm but maybe that is just the highest number you can enter.  I like that the light comes on at 4,500 rpm and stay on at the high limit.  I can set mine to 5,500 (once broken in) for the low level and then 6,200 for the high level.  While I would still love to have a sweep needle for nostalgia's sake, at least I have an indicator of where the revs actually are.  The special version in the metallic blue looks too much like a Japanese bike (footpegs backward) for my tastes so it will either be a Carbon Dark or Stone in blue.  I love the looks of the Carbon but you pay a premium for red valve covers and carbon components that add cool factor but aren't really all that useful.

The lack of a tach never bothered me on a dirt bike so I don' really need one here but this is still great information.

NC

[Guzzistajohn]

Haven't missed the tack on my LMIII one bit. I see no need for them. You'd have to be paralyzed to not know when a Guzzi motor is happy. 

[twowings]

^^THIS

[Diploman]

To respond to your questions, NC:

The digital tach that I fitted is ultra-simple to install.  No cable.  Instead, you simply branch into a powered wire (Posi-Tap), then wrap a lead around a spark plug wire - this is how the tach picks up its RPM signal.  It does bounce around a bit, but it still gives you a pretty good indication of RPM, if you need that.

[pete roper]

The engine has a very conservative rev limiter in the map. Hold the throttle open and when it goes ‘Blurp-Blurp-Blurp’ that’s your red line. You can probably set the idiot light anywhere you like above 5,000 but I haven’t seen one of the new dashes so I’m not sure.

My guess is that the limiter will be set at 7,800-8,000.

Pete

[Numbercruncher]

http://www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/moto/standard/V7-III/V7-III-Special/

If you click on the link above and go to the picture of the instrument cluster the tachometer indicates a max engine speed of 6,500 rpm.  In addition, the technical description indicates peak power at 6,200 rpm  I have now watched two youtube videos where guys are test riding V7 III bikes that don't have the tachometer and you can clearly see the person getting instructed that the redline is about 8,500 rpm.  I like to think most MG dealers are knowledgeable enthusiasts but I don't believe a mass production push rod engine on a consumer motorcycle will redline at over 8,000. 

Anyone with a technical background who can tell me that 8,000+ is accurate and can back that up with something official will win . . .absolutely nothing.  But it will ease my OCD mind.

NC

[egschade]

Anyone know at what rpm the light illuminates?  I hear it can be re programmed but it would be nice if it turned yellow at say 6,000 rpm and red at 6,500. 

Shift light is programmable in 250 RPM increments. Is set at 4500 new for break in then you can reset it for a normal red line. Only red - no yellow.

Having ridden my Stone sans tach I've quickly become accustom to it not being there. The bike let's you know when to shift and it's usually before the indicator lights up. Not having one for a while, I realize just how little I miss it.

[Numbercruncher]

My V-Strom 650 is up for sale and once it is gone it is Guzzi time. 

The lack of a color change is fine as it changes from solid to blinking.  Once broken in I'll leave the high level at 6,500 rpm like the analog tach and the low level one at 5,750.  That'll keep the low level light from coming on too often and will help as a reminder that I am approaching redline.

This bike will be the least powerful I have owned, not counting a DR-650.  It will be fun to have a bike that is easier to wring out when I ride it.  A 200 hp bike is no fun below 100 mph.

NC

Shift light is programmable in 250 RPM increments. Is set at 4500 new for break in then you can reset it for a normal red line. Only red - no yellow.

Having ridden my Stone sans tach I've quickly become accustom to it not being there. The bike let's you know when to shift and it's usually before the indicator lights up. Not having one for a while, I realize just how little I miss it.

[Socalrob]

here would be the manual page from a '17 V7/50 (w/tac).  No idea if it is the same one a '18 Stone but I would expect it is similar:

[img width= height= alt=9ehZNQ.jpg]https://vgy.me/9ehZNQ.jpg[/img]

Thanks, the last two lines of the manual you posted say the ECU restricts the engine to 7,200 RPMs, which is what my experience is.  The 8,000 is a misprint or fantasy.

[kirkemon]

I think the new V7III Milano has 2 dials!
http://www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/moto/standard/V7-III/V7-III-Milano/

[Diploman]

If you check the technical data, the single-clock V7 models (Stone, Carbon Dark) weigh in at 189 kg "kerb weight", while all the two-clock models are listed at 193 kg.   That's a 4 kg difference, not insignificant.  Tach is not only useless, but heavy as well.

[egschade]

If you check the technical data, the single-clock V7 models (Stone, Carbon Dark) weigh in at 189 kg "kerb weight", while all the two-clock models are listed at 193 kg.   That's a 4 kg difference, not insignificant.  Tach is not only useless, but heavy as well.

Suspect the extra weight is from other things like wire wheels, seat grab bar and/or metal fenders. A 4kg tach would literally be something to (be)hold.

[rider33]

Suspect the extra weight is from other things like wire wheels, seat grab bar and/or metal fenders. A 4kg tach would literally be something to (be)hold.

'correct, the wheels alone are likely a fair amount of that.  It all depends on your set point I guess.   Compared to the Bonnie I use to ride, the V7 seems quite a bit lighter (under 500 vs north of 550 I believe), it's one of the things I really like about this bike.  Lighter weight, shaft, 5.5 gallons.  On the V7/50 you then add tac, spoked wheels, chrome tank & fenders, & leather seat.  Not a lot of competition for that feature set among current bikes.  These things deserve to sell in much larger numbers IMHO, Guzzi nailed it with the iii's I think.

[Numbercruncher]

'correct, the wheels alone are likely a fair amount of that.  It all depends on your set point I guess.   Compared to the Bonnie I use to ride, the V7 seems quite a bit lighter (under 500 vs north of 550 I believe), it's one of the things I really like about this bike.  Lighter weight, shaft, 5.5 gallons.  On the V7/50 you then add tac, spoked wheels, chrome tank & fenders, & leather seat.  Not a lot of competition for that feature set among current bikes.  These things deserve to sell in much larger numbers IMHO, Guzzi nailed it with the iii's I think.

So what type of MPG might I see if I am lazily cruising about the country at an average of 60 mph?  I am planning on 45 mpg but 50 would be fantastic.  I am planning on a 200 mile range with this bike and if it could be pushed to 250 that is even better.  Yeah I know you rarely have to go even 100 miles between gas stations but there are times I decide to skip one if there is a line and then 20 miles later  I hear about a cool road that is an out-and-back 20 miles one way which adds 40 miles to my ride and suddenly I can't make that extra loop.

As I research, I have read a lot of criticism about the V7's looks.  This is from user posts at the bottom of a press release/fake magazine review.  While looks are subjective anyway, the bike has a very historical look to it and much more character than a cookie cutter Japanese bike.  Some don't like the matte finish but I think the Stone in matte blue looks great.  I kind of like the Carbon for the red valve covers but that is a lot of extra change for just that feature.  Yeah you also get the carbon parts but they don't add much for me.

NC

[wittangamo]

The Stone dash works like my V9. There is an indicator to tell you which gear you’re in, and you can set the shift light to come on at any rpm you choose.

After break-in I set mine at 6200 rpm, but as others have said you quickly learn by ear and feel where the engine is most comfortable.

Your range and mileage guesstimates are in the ballpark, but I’ll leave it to V7 owners to be more specific.

[malik]

So what type of MPG might I see if I am lazily cruising about the country at an average of 60 mph?  I am planning on 45 mpg but 50 would be fantastic.  I am planning on a 200 mile range with this bike and if it could be pushed to 250 that is even better.  Yeah I know you rarely have to go even 100 miles between gas stations but there are times I decide to skip one if there is a line and then 20 miles later  I hear about a cool road that is an out-and-back 20 miles one way which adds 40 miles to my ride and suddenly I can't make that extra loop.

NC

I don't know about the III's & the new motor, but with the earlier versions it is more like 50 than 45mpg. The III's are supposed to be more fuel efficient. There should be almost 2 gallons left in the tank after the low fuel warning light first comes on, so conservatively budget for 85 miles, though you may get 100. Being caught out in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank is not a good look. Keep your own notes -at least until you are confident of your range.

[rider33]

I haven’t really paid that much attention to it but I think 45-50 MPG depending upon conditions is likely a fair bet.  With 5.5 gallons you’d get to 200 miles even at 36 MPH.   Basically, it has more range than you are likely to ever need unless you are in the habit of going cross country on two lane out west.  Some bikes require you to be thinking about fuel levels fairly often,  this isn’t one of them.  I really like that, at you option,  not  because if you don’t you may have to push it.

[pyoungbl]

My '13 with Heron head and stock exhaust is pretty consistent, 195 miles before the low fuel light comes on and I put in 4~4.2 gallons.  That tells me that I have about 1.5 gallons left.  I'll take that to mean a 250 mile range with a sniff of safety.  The V7 III should be more efficient than my old slug.

Peter Y.

[JJ]

I like having a tach on my motorcycles.  This might be cool, as an after-market tach for <$140...

[Muzz]

Give me the tacho every day.

My speedo is so busy with miles on the outside and km on the inside that it is impossible to read at a glance. We drive on the LH side of the road, the tacho is on the RH side of the dash. I know what speed I am doing per engine revs which means I can see oncoming traffic and my speed at the same time.

I also find the Breva loves to rev. I have hit the limiter once by mistake but knowing what revs the donk is pulling any any given time suits me just fine.

It also does close to 54mp(US)gal.