Potential Moto Guzzi owner questions

[Ncdan]

I'll ponder that, but my intended response might be beyond the scope of this forum.
Anyway, I sense massive thread drift about to occur.
If Gene wants a mid sized bike and it needs to be a Guzzi
And he doesn't want to wait for the V85
And he doesn't overload it with luggage
And he doesn't go up massive hills into strong headwinds
And he doesn't want "buffeting"
Then one of those lovely little V7 Stone jiggers may well suffice for a few weeks 'till he gets the bug and becomes serious...!

I hear ya buddy, what my intended point was that from my experience the size of the bike was never much of an issue with long distance ridding, safety or much of anything except and individuals  preference. So I pretty much agree with everyone's opinions and advice.

[pete roper]

I've toured most of Europe, east and west before the collapse of the CCCP on machines as diverse and 'Underpowered' as 500cc Triumph twins, Guzzi V50's and SP1000's which make a whopping 50HP and weigh a whole lot more than a modern V7.

It's not about power and weight. If you choose your route to fit your mount then you can tour on anything!

MalG whoposts here travels the length and breadth of Oz on his selection of shitty V7's! Problems encountered? Few! Would they be my choice? No, but not due to lack of performance but because I can't stand the fact the chassis is such an outdated and challenged piece of shit! For other people this isn't a problem. For me it is.

If you are after a 'Modern' 1970's motorbike you won't find a better one than a V7. If you want a modern motorbike? Look elsewhere.

[Texas Turnip]

Gene,
Welcome. I seldom get into this discussion as I can't tell you WHAT you would like. I've put over 200K on a 750 Ambassador with a lot of miles pulling a trailer. My all time favorite chick has been to NH, SD and Oregon on her 750.

I got tired of getting the 254 counties in Texas so did the Wisconsin Rustic Road Tour. NICE. Was impressed with the Packer Stadium, like to froze on Washington Island in July.

Just because I tell you that armadillo on a half shell is a must doesn't mean you'll like it. Or put tarter sauce on armadillo and it will taste like fish.

Good luck in your choice.Tex

[twowheeladdict]

I've toured most of Europe, east and west before the collapse of the CCCP on machines as diverse and 'Underpowered' as 500cc Triumph twins, Guzzi V50's and SP1000's which make a whopping 50HP and weigh a whole lot more than a modern V7.

It's not about power and weight. If you choose your route to fit your mount then you can tour on anything!

MalG whoposts here travels the length and breadth of Oz on his selection of shitty V7's! Problems encountered? Few! Would they be my choice? No, but not due to lack of performance but because I can't stand the fact the chassis is such an outdated and challenged piece of shit! For other people this isn't a problem. For me it is.

If you are after a 'Modern' 1970's motorbike you won't find a better one than a V7. If you want a modern motorbike? Look elsewhere.

Pete, I now have 900 miles on my V7III and in the handling department it compares favorably with the "modern" Yamaha FZ-07 crossplane motorcycle.  Sure, it doesn't wheelie like the FZ-07 and has a narrower rear tire, but I have no complaints and the V7 is almost all metal whereas the "modern" FZ-07 is all plastic. 

I am comparing bikes with similar displacements and similar cost points.

Sure I could spend double to get the latest technology and deal with the issues that come with pushing the edge of technology, but why?  Enjoying the ride the why I ride.

[rider33]

the changes across the i, ii, and iii are evolutionary, not revolutionary.  Coming from old bikes any of them is apt to feel pretty good.  In my case the revised frame and forward engine shift on the iii made it a bit more comfortable for me which was a big deal but depending on your height, it may not matter.
Some get very excited about cast wheels (which are tubeless) vs spoked (which are not) so you might want to factor that in if you plan to do much touring on it.  In my stable is serves as the classic roadster, not the touring bike so I like the spokes.  An yes, the tanks (all 5.5 gallons of them) are steel,  unless you get a V7/50 or a racer, then we are talking chrome
[img width= height= alt=IQykg9.jpg]https://vgy.me/IQykg9.jpg[/img]
I'm on the west coast of WI not the east so the Twin Cities are closer,  Leo's is the dealer in these parts and solid.

Net, net: shaft, air cooled twin, 5.5 gallon, classic bike styling, stone simple, under stressed; that's the math that turned me from a Bonnie to a V7 owner.  That it's a bike that's been made forever  & still built in the north of Italy and thus not trying to be anything but what it really is sort of sealed the deal.
'Great bike.   

[mjptexas]

I'll ponder that, but my intended response might be beyond the scope of this forum.
Anyway, I sense massive thread drift about to occur.
If Gene wants a mid sized bike and it needs to be a Guzzi
And he doesn't want to wait for the V85
And he doesn't overload it with luggage
And he doesn't go up massive hills into strong headwinds
And he doesn't want "buffeting"
Then one of those lovely little V7 Stone jiggers may well suffice for a few weeks 'till he gets the bug and becomes serious...!

Sounds like he really needs a Griso!

[Huzo]

Huzo! you are having too much fun winding these guys up, why don't you behave and go for a wee ride or something.

You're right.
I shouldn't do it, it's like shooting a caged lion on safari..

[Huzo]

Fixored

I must be getting old Kev.
I don't remember writing that, but if someone is going to mis quote me, you're just the bloke..

[Huzo]

If you choose your route to fit your mount then you can tour on anything!

As usual well put, but I'm buggered if I'm going to choose where I go based on the limitations of my bike.
Granted the Himalayas may be an issue on a Norge on a Melbourne/London jaunt, so I'll have a V85 please..

[twowheeladdict]

Well, that'd be a good start.
He'd have something to cook his toast with in the morning..!

Since I don't see anything in your signature, what is it exactly that you ride Huzu, and how many miles do you have behind you?

[Muzz]

MalG whoposts here travels the length and breadth of Oz on his selection of shitty V7's! Problems encountered? Few! Would they be my choice? No, but not due to lack of performance but because I can't stand the fact the chassis is such an outdated and challenged piece of shit! For other people this isn't a problem. For me it is.

After that disparaging comment Mr Roper I insist you wash your mouth out doing a double penance at your local watering hole.

All joking aside Gene, I have found that the Breva does get a slight weave at about 90mph in the fast sweepers. Having said that, in the tighter corners it leaves my sons slightly modded 1200 Sporty and his mate's Triumph Speedmaster for absolute dead in the tighter stuff..

As far as Pete going touring on underpowered bikes, for years I rode up and down NZ putting on over 200,000 miles on a 1948 12hp 350 Matchless. It might have had a couple more by the time I upped the compression and put a bigger carb on, but with the slightly higher gearing it would cruise all day at 65mph, and with the 32 lit tank I fitted it would do about 650-700miles without stopping.

Ya don't needed vast gobs of horsepower to tour, which is why I like my smallblock.  Can easily putter around town and it still tours just fine.  You have to remember that New Zealand roads have corners in them, which really suit the smallblocks.

[pete roper]

Pete, I now have 900 miles on my V7III and in the handling department it compares favorably with the "modern" Yamaha FZ-07 crossplane motorcycle.  Sure, it doesn't wheelie like the FZ-07 and has a narrower rear tire, but I have no complaints and the V7 is almost all metal whereas the "modern" FZ-07 is all plastic. 

I am comparing bikes with similar displacements and similar cost points.

Sure I could spend double to get the latest technology and deal with the issues that come with pushing the edge of technology, but why?  Enjoying the ride the why I ride.

As I said, if you're happy with 1960's frame and suspension? That's fine! No skin off my nose. Thing is things have improved a LOT in the last forty/fifty years and the suspension on the smallblocks is excreble! I won't have a bar of it. At least the V85 has a modern fork!

I also cannot understand why people get hung up on plastic? It's a fantastic material. Light, durable and easily formed into shapes that would be outlandishly expensive if manufactured in sheet steel.

Pete

[Huzo]

Since I don't see anything in your signature, what is it exactly that you ride Huzu, and how many miles do you have behind you?

Currently a worn out old Norge.
Looks like this one.
155,000 k
Resolve to have 200,000 k by Mandello 2021













And I've never really added up the distances on the others.
75,000 on the Triumph Sprint
20,000 ish on the MV
Goodness only knows on the others.
There's a guy on this forum who's done about that on his '08 Norge
I think I T Sec...Fantastic..!
 I do get out a bit on the Norge but don't ride the Mk 2 Le Mans at all.
There's a lot of well informed opinion contrary to my stance.
Clearly a lot of guys do quite well on smaller bikes, so that is all that matters.
They just wouldn't suit what I do..
I fully accept that if you have operated a "smaller" bike long enough to have an informed opinion then my rationale means absolutely nothing.
But..
I think there is trouble ahead for anyone who makes a decision based on what someone else has managed to succeed with.
Anyway, so bloody what I guess..
I've had forty Road registered bikes since I started, so clearly I didn't think it out too well either.
Will never sell the Norge and would replace it with an identical one if I had to for some unforeseen reason.

[twowheeladdict]

As I said, if you're happy with 1960's frame and suspension? That's fine! No skin off my nose. Thing is things have improved a LOT in the last forty/fifty years and the suspension on the smallblocks is excreble! I won't have a bar of it. At least the V85 has a modern fork!

I also cannot understand why people get hung up on plastic? It's a fantastic material. Light, durable and easily formed into shapes that would be outlandishly expensive if manufactured in sheet steel.

Pete

So what bike out there in the $9000 and below price point has a modern frame and suspension?

I am getting cartridges and adjustable rear shocks next month because suspension is easy to upgrade. 

I haven't noticed any issues with the frame at all.  I have ridden bikes that feel hinged in the middle and bikes that aren't neutral when leaned over and this V7 III doesn't exhibit any of those problems. 

[jas67]

So what bike out there in the $9000 and below price point has a modern frame and suspension?

Many.   
To name a few:
Yamaha FZ09/MT09 and FZ07/MT07
Ducati Monster 797 (slightly more than $9k @ $9,295)
Suzuki SV650

Yes, these come with cheaper suspension components, but, they're modern mono-shock suspensions with five inches or more of travel,  and some of them have inverted forks and dual disc brakes.

That said, while I enjoy the handling of my Monster 796 and R1200RS, the V7 III's stock suspension is adequate for street riding at reasonable speeds.   Though, yes, I need to get out of the saddle for some sections of PA's awful roads.

[twowheeladdict]

Many.   
To name a few:
Yamaha FZ09/MT09 and FZ07/MT07
Ducati Monster 797 (slightly more than $9k @ $9,295)
Suzuki SV650

Yes, these come with cheaper suspension components, but, they're modern mono-shock suspensions with five inches or more of travel,  and some of them have inverted forks and dual disc brakes.

That said, while I enjoy the handling of my Monster 796 and R1200RS, the V7 III's stock suspension is adequate for street riding at reasonable speeds.   Though, yes, I need to get out of the saddle for some sections of PA's awful roads.

I went from an FZ07 to the V7 III.  Don't feel that the FZ07 handled any better than the V7 III.  The only reason I bought the FZ-07 was because it was at my weight limit of 400 lbs that I set for loading in my pickup truck to take along on work trips.

[oldbike54]

 Seems you guys have lost the OP 

 Dusty

[Rich A]

So what bike out there in the $9000 and below price point has a modern frame and suspension?

… and shaft drive?

Rich A

[twowheeladdict]

… and shaft drive?

Rich A

Very good point!

[GeneW]

Oh no, I’m still here. Just trying to process all the well reasoned and insightful input.

You are going to fit in really well here 

After looking through recent posts this statement has caused me to really look at my life and wonder "what have I become"? Is this forum membershp the type of people I would like to camp with at a rally? A guess the answer is yes as I made a donation to the forum.

If you are after a 'Modern' 1970's motorbike you won't find a better one than a V7. If you want a modern motorbike? Look elsewhere.

Peter pretty much hits the nail on the head. My riding is mostly country roads in a Wisconsin county where there are more cows -many more cows - than people. Biggest obstacle here is dodging tractors pulling manure spreaders so I don't need a lot of horsepower or handling to get past those honey wagons. Longest trip I've ever taken was on the Norton Atlas to California for a Norton rally. I plan on attending some of the closer Guzzi rallies but that is a once a summer trip for me. If I did touring like Huzo or Tex I'd be looking a something like a Norge. Nice way to go but I don't tour enough for it to be practical for me

Nice to hear that all the V7's I'm interested in are steel tanks. Thanks for the confirmation.
 
There are a couple new V7 II and III models in the Wisconsin area. One poster mentioned used V7’s which is a good suggestion as there seem to be quite a few reasonably priced options out there. Not sure I want to go used as I’ve never had a showroom new model and, as my wife says, “at the rate you buy motorcycles (every 40 years) this might be your last cycle purchase.” She’s always trying to cheer me up. I’m leaning toward the V7 II series as I like the looks better than the III series. There, you now know what a shallow person I really am, putting visuals before technological advances.

Again, thanks for all the thoughts on the subject. I think I will quite enjoy the Moto Guzzi experience.

[Huzo]

Well mate at least you've had a good think about it. What you say makes good sense in reality, but then again..
What's a motorbicycle got to do with good sense...?
Stay in touch...
Huzo.

[pete roper]

V7-II was the first of the six speeds and the box is certainly an improvement on the old five speeder, although the last ones of those had some improvements to the shift mechanism that made them tolerable.

Do be aware if buying a left over II that there was a run of them that were sent out from the factory without the crank thrust faces installed leading to early failure.

Pete

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

This is a no-brainer.  All vehicles that stick around for multiple model years have incremental improvement over the life of the model...

I don't discount that the III has some nice improvements over the II but realistically, from your current bikes, the V7II will be like a spaceship by comparison. If you were considering a Cafe Classic or the 2010 V& against a III, i might feel differently..  But one model year change, it's much cheaper, and you like the looks of the II better? Go for it!

If you're coming off carbed, choke bikes...  letting it idle for a minute on cold starts before you drive away will not be any hassle.

[JohninVT]

The V7 is the only Guzzi that I can, in good conscience, suggest to someone who doesn't feel like working on a bike.  The V7III is the only "modern" bike in the line up in terms of not being required to submit to unintended Beta testing by Guzzi.  As usual, I'll get jumped on for saying that but it's what I believe after having owned 5 Guzzi's with build dates from 1973 to 2015. 

The V7III is a jewel of a bike.  It's finished well, it has no pretensions of being what it isn't and it is honest.  It is also(again...just my opinion) the most reliable bike Guzzi has ever made.  The fuel filter will probably still swell and the oil pressure sensor will still crap the bed in 10k miles but besides the one year(I think) clutch issue they're bulletproof.  Stones are out there new in the $6,000 range.  I lust after a blue Special and they're significantly more.  Get whatever you want.  It might be the last motorcycle you ever buy.   

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Seems you guys have lost the OP 

 Dusty

frackin crazy, they guy comes in here saying he likes old small standards and has been doing tons of day touring on them....  He wants help choosing between two specific guzzi models that fit his needs/wants perfectly... He get three pages of people telling him its not the right bike for the type of riding he is already doing on the exact same type of bike!   

[jas67]

frackin crazy, they guy comes in here saying he likes old small standards and has been doing tons of day touring on them....  He wants help choosing between two specific guzzi models that fit his needs/wants perfectly... He get three pages of people telling him its not the right bike for the type of riding he is already doing on the exact same type of bike!   

That's the nature of thread drift.
For the record, my previous post on this thread was answering a question from another post in this thread.

Back to the OP, as a few others have said, any of the V7's will be a great bike for you, given your current bikes, and expectations in a bike.

As for the differences between the II and III, I've not ridden the II, but, had the Classic, and the I, and now have a III.    I think the III is worth it, but, it is an evolution of the II, and not a revolutionary change.

Ride both, and buy the one you like more, simple as that!

[oldbike54]

frackin crazy, they guy comes in here saying he likes old small standards and has been doing tons of day touring on them....  He wants help choosing between two specific guzzi models that fit his needs/wants perfectly... He get three pages of people telling him its not the right bike for the type of riding he is already doing on the exact same type of bike!   

 It isn't like I am new to this, and even I am confused after reading the thread

 Dusty

[TimmyTheHog]

It isn't like I am new to this, and even I am confused after reading the thread

 Dusty

WG at its best...sure entertaining nonetheless...

*I am also part of the "party* 

[kingoffleece]

Well, ask any of us who own and ride V7 bikes.  I can't remember any post about the owner saying they didn't like the bike.  I may be mistaken, but not one comes to mind.  On the other hand, it seems all owners at the very least like and some love their V7.
My 2015 Stone is my favorite bike ever.  Sure, I've had many others-all kinds-4 bikes in the stable as of right now-but nothing beats my V7.

I just returned from 2 days of MUCH too fast road riding in SE OH.  My 7 kept up with every other bike in those ridiculous twisties for as long as I wanted it to.  It also was a blast to ride at 7/10's and enjoy a bit of the landscape as opposed to having it all blur by!  Wisconsin?  Get a 1, 11, or 111, doesn't matter.  You'll love it.  It's a MOTORCYCLE.  It's supposed to be fun.  V7's are FUN.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Gene sez:
Peter pretty much hits the nail on the head. My riding is mostly country roads in a Wisconsin county where there are more cows -many more cows - than people. Biggest obstacle here is dodging tractors pulling manure spreaders so I don't need a lot of horsepower or handling to get past those honey wagons.

I have many miles doing just that on antique small blocks. "Rustic roads?" Wisconsin has em. If you are looking for a new smaller bike, any V7 will do the job.
Welcome to WG, and we'll see you at the Wisconsin rally next year.