Potential Moto Guzzi owner questions

[GeneW]

First post so please be gentle. For some ungodly reason -probably due to posts I've read on this forum - I have the desire to own a Guzzi.

Some history: I do light touring (250 to 300 miles/day) with no passenger. Live in Wisconsin so have many nice roads with curves to travel. Not much need for big horsepower as the last motorcycle I bought (in 1978) was a 1974 Ducati 750GT which along with a 1968 Norton Atlas are my touring cycles. As you can see I am used to low/medium horsepower rides and like it that way. Enjoy doing my own maintenance so I would like to continue with that practice. Not sure if that is still possible with the newer cycles but I'm willing to learn.

Need to get something that has electric start (kick starting is less fun after you reach your 60th birthday). Directional signals will also be nice. I can live with carburetors but it looks like I may have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the fuel injection and computer world. Also will have to learn to shift using my left foot and brake with my right. So be it

The Moto Guzzi that appeals to me visually is the V7 II Special models. Several dealers have 2016 V7 II models left over available for around $7,700. The newer V7 III Special models are more money and appear to have upgrades over the V7 II series but I'm not sure the upgrades would mean much for me. Is there are reason the V7 II models are still available other than a dealer overstocked?  If the consensus is that the additional money is well spent for the upgrades I wouldn't have a problem spending the extra $ for the V7 III and living with the visuals of the newer model.

So, would you go with the V7 II or V7 III if you were in my situation? Reliability is a big issue for me but I haven't seen much bad press for either model.

Appreciate any input and dealer recommendations in Wisconsin/Illinois. Live near Green Bay but know I will have to travel to find a dealer. Really like the forum. Lots of good information and likeable characters.

Gene

[wirespokes]

Welcome to the forum, Gene! I think you'll fit right in.

Like you, I've been into the older bikes, but mine have shifted and braked on the correct sides - and they've had the magic button. They're not much newer than yours.

A couple of years ago I had to scratch the Guzzi itch and here I still am. I think you'll like them, but unlike you, I opted for an older Guzzi from the 70s and then promptly got an 87 as well. I'm hooked.

I can't answer your question, however, since I've got absolutely no experience with the small block Guzzis, much less the newer FI ones. I prefer the simplicity of carbs, though electronic ignition is nice.

[fotoguzzi]

or you could get a Big Twin..
something like this one in Wi.
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/d/2002-moto-guzzi-lemans/6698723273.html

[Beowulf]

Hi,  i have a v7ii. Absolutely love it.  25000 miles nothing but a little maitenance(tires, valve adjustments, oil). Its been a very reliable bike. Not a ton of miles but the difference between this bike and my kawasaki i had and the harley i had are night and day. I highly recommend the v7ii. The v7iii is great but i like the v7ii had the tach. Very solid machine i ride every day rain or shine.  Usually 50 miles one way.  I think you'll be happy either one.  I have to say i love any road with curves with the v7.

[guzzi4me]

Greetings Gene and welcome to the forum!

I bought my V7II last August and have been extremely happy. Just completed a camping trip to Dayton NV and she never missed a beat even with being loaded with gear.

The handling is great. Yes the suspension could be better but I do 250-350 mile days with no problem. I rode both the V7II and the III and really didn't feel that much different. Besides I like the look of the V7II over the III. Just a personal choice.

I thought I would miss the power difference from my V11 Stone but has not been the case. The V7II just "does it" for me.

Ride both, buy what feels good. Yes the II's aren't being made anymore so if you find one you like for a good price I wouldn't wait.

This forum (as you found out) is a GREAT resource for info. Some of it even useful!

Hint...don't bring up oils...you will be here for days!!!





Ride safe and often,

Jeff

[kingoffleece]

I've had motorcycles from 9 hp to 135.  Two of them have been RIDER mag Bike of the Year.  My 2015 V7 is the most favorite bike I've ever had.  I'll never sell it.  Sounds like you live in perfect V7 territory.  V711 or 111 you can't lose.  Buy the bike and start riding.  You have 2 months left, give or take.  Tomorrow is NOT guaranteed.   Go ride.

[kingoffleece]

I should add it's been 100% reliable, but I do use one of the world's great dealers who knows his stuff forward and backwards.

[Bulldog9]

I think the V7 is largely a solid reliable ride.  I'm more of a 'big block' fan, but do have a V7ii Stornello that I love.

It really is about what you want from the bike. The tech advances and refinements of the V7iii are largely seen as improvements, from instruments, to controls and of course the modern hemi head vs the classic heron head. IMO it would be impossible to test ride a new bike and really get a sense of the motors, unless you blow the breakin recommendations, and I think thats uncool to do to the bikes future owner.  But that said, the differences are marked, but not critical, It is an issue of refinement, a bit more linear power delivery and smoother. I think the V7iii also has modified suspension geometry and other chassis upgrades.

I like the look of the V7iii engine (HATE the ii valve covers and plastic cap) and some of the tech and electronics upgrades, but wanted the Scrambler/enduro of the V7ii and love the idea of a classic V heron head.  Ultimately, the Stornello was what I wanted and I got one for a killer deal.

Things to consider with both. Do you want a Tach? Not all models have them. You may also want to look at the gas cap. I think Guzzi missed the mark on the iii gas cap, much prefer the ii. Little things matter. The V7iii has a lighter clutch pull, and nicer ratios in the gearbox, but for me that takes some of the character away... Still a joy to ride, but IMO the iii is a bit blander (conventional) by comparison, at least by my feel.

Both suspension need some dialing in and the V7ii can be a bit harsh on the big bumps and the iii is supposed to be a bit better, but thats also subjective. I think you'd be totally happy with a V7ii special.


Whats a 'kickstart?"  lol.  Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[Kev m]

The answer is simply YES








And that Foto literally can't read.

[Rainrider]

Hey Gene, welcome to the group!

I was trying to make a similar decision a couple years ago: buy a marked-down V7ii or a brand-new V7iii. I liked the improved hp and most of the design changes in the iii, except the lack of a tachometer (I was looking at a Stone; the Special iii may still have a tach), but I liked the lower cost of the ii, and the horsepower/weight numbers were similar to my F650 (and at lower rpms) so I knew it wouldn't be completely anemic.

I am very happy with my V7ii. It is my daily commuter, and I do 400-500 mile weekends once or twice a month. I've added Hepco-Becker racks and bags, Agostini crash bars, Oxford heated grips, a Denali SoundBomb horn, and a medium Puig universal windscreen.

Either way, I think you'll be happy. Enjoy!

[BRG-BIRD]

For what it’s worth I think they are a strange machine but I totally love the machines. Having ridden a V7 they are a very nice bike and believe you would love it. As far as a dealer goes depending on where you live in Wisconsin I recommend Leo’s South in Lakeville, MN. They have treated me very well and been fair on pricing and labor, good people. Good luck!

[inditx]

Welcome!

For the money, V7II, that is all

over and out
inditx

[ARGuz]

I too have the V7II Stornello.  I absolutely love the bike and has been the best and most fun bike I have ever owned.  I am now a Guzzi guy for life. You will love the V7II!  Good luck with your decision.

[Shorty]

Welcome!

[twowheeladdict]

I had a '10 V7 and skipped the V7II and went with the V7III because of the geometry tweaks that make it a better curvy road bike and the 60 mpg I have been getting.   

[usedtobefast]

I test drove both and ended up with a iii.  I really like the extra power, a bit more refined (but still plenty of shake and chug), the idea of improved engine oiling, and bottom line I just found it more fun to ride than a ii.

If you don't want to learn about mapping fuel systems (laptop, software, cables, running a few programs to interact with your bike's ECU), then something to consider ... a iii is very well sorted, fueling wise, they run excellent stock ... a ii is not so great.  With a ii, cold start running is pretty rough ... you can start it, let it warm up a couple of minutes, then take off, and that is a big part of the fueling issue (cold start) ... but they also benefit significantly from remapping.  Again, with a iii, no need to remap.

I find all the remapping stuff fun.  A Windows laptop is needed.  The cables are around $50.  Software is free (but they take donations).  Maps are available from Beetle for $100.  The software is easy to use.  You don't have to edit fuel tables and guess what to make leaner/richer, just get the Beetle map (he has done all that hard work).  Really the hardest part is sorting out the Windows drivers for the cables to connect to the ECU. 

Anyway, my vote is a iii.   

[Calculon]

The Moto Guzzi that appeals to me visually is the V7 II Special models. Several dealers have 2016 V7 II models left over available for around $7,700. The newer V7 III Special models are more money and appear to have upgrades over the V7 II series but I'm not sure the upgrades would mean much for me.

I'd agree the 2016 V7 Specials, particularly the red one for me, were the best looking V7s with the original V7 Classic being a close second.

I don't know where you are in Wisconsin, but Metro Motorcycles, which is located in Neenah and a Guzzi dealer, has a left over 2017 V7III Stone selling for $5,995, plus a $450 destination and $75 document fees, which seems like a heck of deal.  I spoke with them about trading in my Nevada on it.  It was complicated, but I decided to pass.  Had I just gotten my license and wanted a bike, I would have been all over this.

I don't know anything about dealers except Caswell in Mora, which might work if you're in NW Wisconsin.  They were OK.

[OlofE]

I've had a few V7ii, now on a V7iii. I agree with all of the above. While the V7iii runs great out of the box (the ii:s not so good, they really need Beetle maps) I've just installed the new Beetle V7iii map for stock exhaust and it really makes a difference. I've probably had some 40 bikes and this V7iii may very well be my all time favourite.

[Huzo]

If you could possibly wait, how about the new V85...??
I would be reticent to enter the caper on a V7, should be fine most of the time but as a returned tourer you may have lost some skills regarding packing for a trip and take too much stuff..
Only to find your 750 won't pull the skin off a rice pudding into a strong wind up a long hill.
I have a 2 VPC Norge and they are an absolute known quantity. In the interim, I'd ride every damn one I could for a long way each, you won't know where it "bights" under 500 miles.
Did you mention your height and physical capability with a taller seat ?
In any case, ride lots of them as I say, and know what you're buying, there are so damn many fully farkled Guzzies on this forum with bugger all miles 'cos the owner has discovered something he did not find out prior to purchase.
'Were it me...?
I'd get a Beetled 2VPC Norge and take it away for a week.
Do the startus mod
Grease the swingarm and suspension pivots
Install a metal fuel filter
And bugger off..
Oh and BTW most importantly
Welcome to the Fun House and work out who knows what they're talking about... (Won't take long)
Less time if you're an Aussie.
Love, Huzo...

[Paul Brooking]

Be very very careful of Huzo. He sometimes knows what he is talking about[emoji3][emoji3][emoji3]

Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about the V7 ii or iii dilemma. In my experience the little b@stards breed like wildfire once you get them in the garage. You will most likely end up owning more than one [emoji106]


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[Huzo]

Be very very careful of Huzo. He sometimes knows what he is talking about[emoji3][emoji3][emoji3]

Anyway, I wouldn�t worry about the V7 ii or iii dilemma. In my experience the little b@stards breed like wildfire once you get them in the garage. You will most likely end up owning more than one [emoji106]


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Yes Paul.
But it only happened twice and it meant nothing both times.
At least that's what I told my ex wife...

[Kev m]

PS you don't "NEED" to remap any of the V7's.

Yes the MKI and MKII models can be cold blooded on initial starts. You wait a minute or so and they're fine.

It's odd for an EFI bike, and arguably annoying when your wife waits 30 seconds to start her Ducati and then gives you a WTF look as if she's saying why aren't you ready to pull away. But then the rest of the day you pull away before she's finished putting on her gear and make smart ass comments through the Bluetooth communicators as she rolls her eyes.

[emoji56]

[Huzo]

Jeez Kev.
Good on you for having a wife that gets out with you, ( what I wouldn't give...)
My partner rides an SV 650S Suzuki about twice a year..
I love it when your wife or your girlfriend goes with you...
(But hopefully not both at the same time.. )

[Muzz]

I own the predecessor to the V7 range, a 2003 Breva which I have owned from new.

Love the bike. Motor anvil reliable. Had/have gearbox problems but to my knowledge mine is the only one on this site who has had actual gearbox problems not caused by stupidity. In fact, I was talking yesterday to the owner of a bike shop has is touted as one of the best Guzzi mechanics in New Zealand, and he said that he has never yet to fix one of these later iteration smallblock boxes. Reliability is not an issue.

I do everything on this one bike, from putting around town to long trips. On one 390 mile day trip I did not have to stand on the pegs once. Very flickable and a barrel of laughs in the twisties. Face ache guaranteed. Very easy to maintain.

Most comfortable bike I have ever owned.

[Muzz]

(But hopefully not both at the same time.. )

  Jeez Peter, you do like living dangerously!

[Huzo]

Jeez Peter, you do like living dangerously!

For a while after that, I wouldn't have called it "living" mate !
I wonder if I was subconsciously  hoping they might become "friends"....(they didn't..)
Damn..!

[kingoffleece]

So, there you have it.  You've asked about V7 bikes, and had plenty of comments on those and several others you haven't asked about.
You'll be new to Guzzi, correct?  No need to contemplate remaps, pulling the bike apart to grease it, or other such items.  A V7 will be fine right out of the box.  At most, you'll need to wait (gasp) an entire 1/2 minute while it warms up from cold.  You'll be rewarded with a wonderful small, light motorcycle perfect for the long(ish) day riding you asked about.  A big bonus is you'll be able to maintain the machine at home for the fast majority of items.

All the best.

[OlofE]

Most here mention only cold start improvement in relation to mapping. There is more to it than that in my experience. The cold start is only part of it. The main improvement is better rideability in terms of smoother engine with better throttle response, less vibration and more linear power curve. As mentioned above, you don't NEED to remap but I'd say it is well worth it. Including the V7iii.

[Cam3512]

Look  at these deals! I bought my 2014 V7 Special from  them.

http://www.eurosports.net/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5977377&p=1&s=Year&d=D&sq=m00080&fr=xfeaturedinventory

http://www.eurosports.net/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=5977368&p=1&s=Year&d=D&sq=m00112&fr=xfeaturedinventory

[Huzo]

So, there you have it.  You've asked about V7 bikes, and had plenty of comments on those and several others you haven't asked about.
You'll be new to Guzzi, correct?  No need to contemplate remaps, pulling the bike apart to grease it, or other such items.  A V7 will be fine right out of the box.  At most, you'll need to wait (gasp) an entire 1/2 minute while it warms up from cold.  You'll be rewarded with a wonderful small, light motorcycle perfect for the long(ish) day riding you asked about.  A big bonus is you'll be able to maintain the machine at home for the fast majority of items.

All the best.

It'll be the majority but not the fast majority..