Le Mans styled V7 III is the basis for a new endurance race series

[rocker59]

  the weird design guys down the hallway haven't had much to do lately.

Remember these wild designs?? 

Those were penned by Pierre Terblanche.  He was released from Guzzi not long after they were shown, back in 2009.

[Guzzistajohn]

Those were penned by Pierre Terblanche.  He was released from Guzzi not long after they were shown, back in 2009.

Excellent decision

[jas67]

EDIT:  I created a new thread for discussion on the race series: https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=98617.0

http://press.piaggiogroup.com/en_EN/post/show/153638/eicma-2018-moto-guzzi-fast-end.html

This bike is built for a new race series.


EICMA 2018 - MOTO GUZZI FAST ENDURANCE TROPHY 2019
THE EAGLE RETURNS TO THE TRACK WITH A TROPHY ORGANISED TOGETHER WITH THE ITALIAN FMI AND DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO SEE RACING AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FRIENDSHIP, PASSION AND FUN
FIVE 60-MINUTE “FAST ENDURANCE” RACES, ON V7 III BIKES, WITH TWO-RIDER TEAMS AND A LE MANS-STYLE START
THE THRILLING ATMOSPHERE OF CLASSIC COMPETITIONS RETURNS IN A TROPHY OPEN TO ALL, INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE YET TO DISCOVER THE MEANING OF RACING



The Moto Guzzi Eagle returns to the racetrack

2019 will bring the new Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance trophy, a new single manufacturer series, organised together with the Italian Motorcycling Federation and dedicated to those who want to test themselves on track and inhale the legendary atmosphere of classic racing but with a youthful, fun-loving twist.
The Trophy will involve two-rider teams on Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone bikes fitted with a specific kit, the same for everyone of course, to ensure maximum equilibrium and enjoyment.
A very young bike that is already a true 'Made in Italy' symbol, the V7 III has won praise from a diverse and heterogeneous public thanks to its handling and riding ease, as well as its unique, inimitable style.



Friendship, passion, fun: racing according to Moto Guzzi

The new Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy aims to offer a new interpretation of track racing, thanks also to the decision to use a bike as easy and intuitive as the V7 III and to slot the racing activity into an action-packed weekend of events and collateral activities.
Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance is not only aimed at gentlemen riders of varying ability, but also and particularly at young motorcyclists who want to test themselves on track for the first time. A unique experience in which to enjoy that great sense of Moto Guzzi belonging and appreciate the racing world in a fun way.
The format of each event involves a 60-minute “fast endThe format of each event involves a 60-minute “fast endurance” race, with an evocative “Le Mans-style” start - with the bikes lined up on one side of the track and the riders having to run from the other side before jumping on board - and a mid-race rider changeover.
The Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance trophy is open to all riders in possession of a racing licence issued by the Italian Motorcycling Federation. Taking part is simple, as the Moto Guzzi sales network takes care of fitting the dedicated Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone kit required for participation, the kit developed by Guareschi Moto, a respected Moto Guzzi tuner also in the racing world.



A container for passion

The Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy will run during Italian Motorcycling Federation Vintage Speed Meets: five big events, held at five of the main Italian racetracks, which are becoming increasingly successful year on year in terms of their participant and spectator numbers. A format that will appeal to groups of friends, families and all those enthusiasts who like to come together and share their passion for engines, in true Guzzista style.
During each of the five events, Moto Guzzi will involve both the Guzzisti, with dedicated initiatives for The Clan official community, now more than 30,000 strong, as well as the general motorcycling public with a series of activities inside the paddock and on nearby roads.

For the latest news and details on how to participate in the new 2019 Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance trophy, refer to the Moto Guzzi website, www.motoguzzi.com, and the "Epoca Sport" section of the Italian Motorcycling Federation site, www.federmoto.it.

[jas67]

http://press.piaggiogroup.com/en_EN/post/show/153638/eicma-2018-moto-guzzi-fast-end.html

This bike is built for a new race series.


EICMA 2018 - MOTO GUZZI FAST ENDURANCE TROPHY 2019
THE EAGLE RETURNS TO THE TRACK WITH A TROPHY ORGANISED TOGETHER WITH THE ITALIAN FMI AND DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO SEE RACING AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FRIENDSHIP, PASSION AND FUN
FIVE 60-MINUTE “FAST ENDURANCE” RACES, ON V7 III BIKES, WITH TWO-RIDER TEAMS AND A LE MANS-STYLE START
THE THRILLING ATMOSPHERE OF CLASSIC COMPETITIONS RETURNS IN A TROPHY OPEN TO ALL, INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE YET TO DISCOVER THE MEANING OF RACING



The Moto Guzzi Eagle returns to the racetrack

2019 will bring the new Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance trophy, a new single manufacturer series, organised together with the Italian Motorcycling Federation and dedicated to those who want to test themselves on track and inhale the legendary atmosphere of classic racing but with a youthful, fun-loving twist.
The Trophy will involve two-rider teams on Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone bikes fitted with a specific kit, the same for everyone of course, to ensure maximum equilibrium and enjoyment.
A very young bike that is already a true 'Made in Italy' symbol, the V7 III has won praise from a diverse and heterogeneous public thanks to its handling and riding ease, as well as its unique, inimitable style.



Friendship, passion, fun: racing according to Moto Guzzi

The new Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy aims to offer a new interpretation of track racing, thanks also to the decision to use a bike as easy and intuitive as the V7 III and to slot the racing activity into an action-packed weekend of events and collateral activities.
Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance is not only aimed at gentlemen riders of varying ability, but also and particularly at young motorcyclists who want to test themselves on track for the first time. A unique experience in which to enjoy that great sense of Moto Guzzi belonging and appreciate the racing world in a fun way.
The format of each event involves a 60-minute “fast endThe format of each event involves a 60-minute “fast endurance” race, with an evocative “Le Mans-style” start - with the bikes lined up on one side of the track and the riders having to run from the other side before jumping on board - and a mid-race rider changeover.
The Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance trophy is open to all riders in possession of a racing licence issued by the Italian Motorcycling Federation. Taking part is simple, as the Moto Guzzi sales network takes care of fitting the dedicated Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone kit required for participation, the kit developed by Guareschi Moto, a respected Moto Guzzi tuner also in the racing world.



A container for passion

The Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy will run during Italian Motorcycling Federation Vintage Speed Meets: five big events, held at five of the main Italian racetracks, which are becoming increasingly successful year on year in terms of their participant and spectator numbers. A format that will appeal to groups of friends, families and all those enthusiasts who like to come together and share their passion for engines, in true Guzzista style.
During each of the five events, Moto Guzzi will involve both the Guzzisti, with dedicated initiatives for The Clan official community, now more than 30,000 strong, as well as the general motorcycling public with a series of activities inside the paddock and on nearby roads.

For the latest news and details on how to participate in the new 2019 Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance trophy, refer to the Moto Guzzi website, www.motoguzzi.com, and the "Epoca Sport" section of the Italian Motorcycling Federation site, www.federmoto.it.

[Moto]

Let me be the first to say:

Bravo!

Perfect.

Moto

[fotoguzzi]

If you can't beat the competition then just race against yourself?

[Diploman]

I think this is a creative marketing idea on Guzzi's part.  KTM did something similar by establishing a very successful racing series with the RC 390 - sold a lot of bikes, initiated many riders to racing.

The bike clearly is not a LeMans replica, but a sort of LeMans tribute, meant to be reminiscent, not similar.  The special kit (including Öhlins suspension) excepted, the bike looks like a standard V7 Stone.

I expect that within the next year or two, once the V85 is developed and marketed, Guzzi will turn its attention to a street-going version that likely will look something like the Endurance Racer pictured here, but equipped with the new V85 motor.  I think that bike will have a significantly better power-to-weight ratio than the original LeMans, and should have demonstrably higher performance.  There have already been explicit hints from Piaggio management regarding plans for this new street version.  The small block is indisputably Guzzi's new standard power plant, and as Pete observes, the big block is squarely on the road to extinction.

[pete roper]

Good lord! How embarrassing.

[rdbandkab]

Excellent decision

So that position is still open?                                           ~ zing

[Tusayan]

My guess is that Piaggio is trying to publicize this spec race series by showing a bike dressed up to look like an 850 LeMans, but that the kit will include only the functional parts, not the cosmetics.

I would agree that Piaggio has for decades displayed a cartoonish lack of class in their management of every brand they’ve taken over.  I think it comes from being a scooter manufacturer with a culture that sees two wheelers principally as rolling teenage fashion accessories.

[LowRyter]

it's crazy to market a smallblock "sports bike" and not use the new V85 engine.   Even the V9 would seem to make more sense. 

man, I don't get it.

[Diploman]

The V85 engine is not yet available for applications beyond the just-released V85 TT.  Once production ramps up and the new motors are available, certainly one of the first additional uses for this engine will be a street version.  Reportedly, Piaggio/Guzzi have plans to develop a whole family of bikes based on this motor.

[TimmyTheHog]

The new LeMan look fairing is a win, and I do like it A LOT.

However, that is all it is...a look.

Throw the V85 engine in (after it has been tested), then we will have a "proper" mini LeMan....until then, this is just a look

[Kristian]

*No.*

[Huzo]

Ok, the tarted up V7 has been described as a "wolf in sheep's clothing" among other derogatory references.
It's pretty easy to stand back and shit can the thing, confident in the knowlege that you won't be torn to shreds by anyone who holds informed opinion.
But it's just that...opinion.
Can I hear a solid set of arguments as to why it's "sad" or "embarrassing" instead of saying it then shutting off the computer ?
There'd be a couple of lazy Australian dollars wagered on which of the two (V7 or Mk 1 or 2), would come out on top in a head to head thrash on a suitable twisty road in the hands of skilled riders.
The tears flow thick and fast when lamenting the fact that Guzzi only produce poxy cruisers and the like and when something like this appears, it's the target of wholesale derision for the most part.
Personally, I wouldn't piss on it if it was on fire, I don't even like my Mk 2 all that much, but I'd sooner see those things running around than some of the other crap frequenting or motorways...
May as well forget your stinking old Le Mans things, as Pete says, most of the changes foisted on us have ultimately improved things.

[Turin]

HELL no.

[Huzo]

*No.*

Why ?

[Guzzistajohn]

Ok, the tarted up V7 has been described as a "wolf in sheep's clothing" among other derogatory references.
It's pretty easy to stand back and shit can the thing, confident in the knowlege that you won't be torn to shreds by anyone who holds informed opinion.
But it's just that...opinion.
Can I hear a solid set of arguments as to why it's "sad" or "embarrassing" instead of saying it then shutting off the computer ?
There'd be a couple of lazy Australian dollars wagered on which of the two (V7 or Mk 1 or 2), would come out on top in a head to head thrash on a suitable twisty road in the hands of skilled riders.
The tears flow thick and fast when lamenting the fact that Guzzi only produce poxy cruisers and the like and when something like this appears, it's the target of wholesale derision for the most part.
Personally, I wouldn't piss on it if it was on fire, I don't even like my Mk 2 all that much, but I'd sooner see those things running around than some of the other crap frequenting or motorways...
May as well forget your stinking old Le Mans things, as Pete says, most of the changes foisted on us have ultimately improved things.

Sure didn't expect this level of negativity out of this group  Soooooo unusual.

[Huzo]

If you can't beat the competition then just race against yourself?

The Yamaha RD 250/350 LC series was HUGE in Australia among many other one make series'.

[Huzo]

HELL no.

HELL why ?

[Huzo]

Sure didn't expect this level of negativity out of this group  Soooooo unusual.

I thought (and still do), that my comments were positive in nature in support of something constructive being vomited forth from Guzzi.
I don't give a rats personally, but I've seen a lot worse from Mandello recently.
V9 for example..?

[rocker59]

Ok, the tarted up V7 has been described as a "wolf in sheep's clothing" among other derogatory references.
 

Quite the opopsite...  A "Sheep in Wolf's Clothing".   

An entry level retro standard tarted up to emulate the mighty 850 LeMans.

My biggest complaint here is the total lack of nice suspension and brakes available on the small block line.

I'm all for tributing the past high points of Guzzi's stable, but please please please if you're going to dress up a V7 as a LeMans, why can't we also have some modern USD forks, long-travel premium rear shocks (or maybe a cantilevered monoshock?), and dual disk brakes?

Every small block comes with the same bargain basement forks and shocks.  And, out of the box, the suspension simply sucks...

The "Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy"?  This was their opportunity to provide the riding public with a "V7 FE", equipped with USD Ohlins forks matched to the Ohlins rear shocks.  17-inch front wheel.  Dual disk brakes.

Alas, they seem to have missed the opportunity...

[pete roper]

The Yamaha LC series used bikes that at least had a lot in common with Yamaha's racing TZ series. The only thing the V7-III has anything in common with is a small, ineffective air compressor.

Pete

[Guzzistajohn]

Don't forget BMW's boxer cup series

[Guzzistajohn]

I thought (and still do), that my comments were positive in nature in support of something constructive being vomited forth from Guzzi.
I don't give a rats personally, but I've seen a lot worse from Mandello recently.
V9 for example..?

Not necessarily referring to you Huzo, and I'm NEVER serious here. I knew when I posted this it would stir up some s**t with the "gang" and I'd sooner ride that LeMans than that hideous V9 roamer. 

[Furbo]

I find it hard to believe that Piaggio/Guzzi have enough Euro to produce a genuine race series of any type....

Si vedra'.

[JohninVT]

Quite the opopsite...  A "Sheep in Wolf's Clothing".   

An entry level retro standard tarted up to emulate the mighty 850 LeMans.

My biggest complaint here is the total lack of nice suspension and brakes available on the small block line.

I'm all for tributing the past high points of Guzzi's stable, but please please please if you're going to dress up a V7 as a LeMans, why can't we also have some modern USD forks, long-travel premium rear shocks (or maybe a cantilevered monoshock?), and dual disk brakes?

Every small block comes with the same bargain basement forks and shocks.  And, out of the box, the suspension simply sucks...

The "Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy"?  This was their opportunity to provide the riding public with a "V7 FE", equipped with USD Ohlins forks matched to the Ohlins rear shocks.  17-inch front wheel.  Dual disk brakes.

Alas, they seem to have missed the opportunity...

It has Ohlins.  I suspect the rear shocks on that thing cost a quarter of what a new Stone sells for.  What the hell would a 50hp bike need Ohlins forks for?  LOL.  You're talking about putting $3,000 suspension on a $6,000 bike.  Adding a dual disc setup, plus the suspension would probably put the MSRP at 11-12k.  There are about a hundred other bikes I'd rather buy at that price.  Who would buy one?  Talk about trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.....

   

[pressureangle]

Well, to all you nay-sayers;

I roadraced one thing or another for 20 years. The most fun I've ever had, pound for dollar, was endurance racing. The most fun class racing I ever had was the H-D 883 series; if anything is heavier and slower than a V7 it's a 1990's 883 Sportster.
Racing an 883 Sportster in enduros was heavenly, particularly when everyone started the betting pool on what hour of the 24 the Harley would fail. They never did.

So talk it up as you wish, but if you have never raced an enduro or a slow single-bike class, don't count this series out as foolishness or assume it won't be huge.

[jas67]

So talk it up as you wish, but if you have never raced an enduro or a slow single-bike class, don't count this series out as foolishness or assume it won't be huge.

It won't be huge, but, I'll bet it is fun for those that participate.  Plus, depending on class rules, it'll be some of the cheapest racing you can do and still be competitive.

The best thing they can do is make everyone keep the bikes completely as delivered, and use spec tires, brake pads, etc.    That makes the competition all about rider skill.

[Aaron D.]

So it is actually a race kit. That means it has track heritage pending. That means it is a genuine sport bike.