A Fine Modern Classic Motorcycle. Moto Guzzi V7 Review. Italian Passion and Character. 

Have to say, that silver edition looks far better in real life footage than it does in the computer graphic images on Guzzi's (very annoying) website and it's the one I'd buy on looks over the one Darcy reviewed. It's a great looking bike and definitely one I would consider buying as a back road explorer. Guzzi would do well to put more of their bikes your way because they deserve a much higher profile. Guzzis fly under the radar and more people should try one. I wish they still made the 1400 California Custom. If you can't afford a Bonneville and aren't keen on the Enfields these little Guzzis are in a class of one for quality and value. So nice to see them getting a boost. Get your money out Darcy.

I bought the 850 stone about one month ago, and while I agree about the dials, I got used to the digital gauge. Ideally I would love the stone with that headlight and darker scheme but with the twin clocks. Oh well! Having owned both a Bonneville (865 air cooled) and recently RE Continental GT 650, I’d have to say Guzzi takes the crown!

Splendid review, of course analog dials for me too! I had a V7 Stone Special Edition for three days and fell in love with it. I was looking for excuse to take it out for a spin. It really feels great riding this beauty. I would buy the Special or retro fit the analog dials on a plain V7 Stone if it would be possible.

You are right: stunning machine, indeed. I prefer it to the V7 Special. Put a flap on the front mudguard. Offset single dial: perfect. I like the wheels. Who wants a clonky gearbox? 21-litre tank. Wow. I have never sat on a horse. Will a donkey do? Your enthusiasm for this bike shines through. Nick J

Your definition of character in a motorcycle was the best one I heard yet. Great review. As an owner of a V7 Stone in the Centenario color scheme, I agree with everything you said. Only thing is, being 193 cm tall, I find the riding position a bit to be like an origami. Folded, for lack of a better description. But I am getting my seat modified to be almost a bench. Looking forward to that.

I agree with you totally. This is really a great classic bike. Looks beautiful and every ride is n enjoyment. The best version is the V7 Special. I prefer it, because of the analogue instruments, the colour and the chrome all over the bike. Luckily I could get a 2022 bike - colour scheme is nicer than the 2023. It is a comfortable bike, even for a man with 1,89m.

If manufacturers made perfect bikes (impossible), what would you have to say and what would we have to work on 'adding/removing' and 'personalizing?' Love your videos and perspectives. Keep up the great work.

Totally agree about the instruments- I'm definitely going to try a Special, couldn't stomach the offset digital gauge!

I wish they come back to Analog Design.Its simply destroying itd Character as a Classic Motorcycle.I wish to buy a Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Special Edition.Cheers!

3:28 Cost reduction. It's hard to make this trend disappear.

The thing with Guzzis is the engine, tested to their limits before they leave the factory on lake Como,like no other brand,that's what I love about them,the history still made in the same factory for over 100 years,so much character,I have two Guzzis,and never had any negative comments about them like you get with other brands, because they respect the history and most of all the engineering,says it all

Like Triumph and Harley Davidson, there's a lot to love about a legendary motorcycle manufacturer that continues to make character a priority. Bravo Motto Guzzi.

Incredible review. Best motorcycle channel on the platform. Going to give the v7 a test drive. Thanks.

The cheap, plastic digital dial is truly an own goal by Guzzi - a decision that could only have ever been made with profit margins in mind. The special variant is the bike they should have solely produced in 2-3 different colouring options. I appreciate the back to back videos on the v7s lads, great content.

The thing about all Guzzi models is once you start revving them out, you can certainly feel the racing heritage built into each one. Guzzis love to be revved and love to be driven spiritedly. Definitely don’t need to baby these bikes and they reward you for having some fun. Gorgeous bikes and gorgeous exhaust notes, especially with a set of Lafranconi or Mistral pipes. Guzzi’s here in the States have often been ridden by older people (respectfully) or connoisseur types, but I think the brand is getting more attention by younger riders and becoming more popular. I have a V7 Classic and one part of me loves having Guzzi to myself with never seeing another on the road. Another part of me loves they’re growing and being enjoyed by more people. Great review and fantastic footage!

I own a V100S Mandello, and missed the basic mechanics of my 1992 R100RT I sold to get the Mandello that I bought a V7 STONE 850 TEN. To say that MG should just make "one" classic version is nonesense. The offset digital dash is fine and gives you everything you really need. Want GPS? Add it to the right on the handlbars and it doesn't block the dash. That's smart, not dumb. Gas gauge? 52 MPG so fill up around 180-200 miles. My 1979 CB750F had loads of plastic on it. No one complained about that did they? Why, just because it says Moto Guzze we pan plastics? ALL new bikes are loaded with the stuff. Enough on plastics (the TEN model has metal on the intake runners, that were plastic). Does this bike work, though? Outside of, to me, drop dead gorgeous lines, it is a joy to ride. A proper compromise on the suspension for 98% of the road except those back-shot potholes. The V7's new suspension rides BETTER than my V100S on tour mode with $$$ Ohlins! OK, the V100S can take the big PUNCH from a big pot-hole better but the real world balance is worse. The seating position for my 5'10" 140 pound frame is perfect. Yes, perfect. No changes to anything. Your feet are slightly farther forward to uncramp the knees. The V100S puts you feet more under you, and knees bent so you need to stand and unwind every hour or so. I also had to add bar risers to the V100S, too low and forward for long rides for me. Not so on the V7, just keep motoring along. Fantastic range comfort. The V7's seat is better too, it allows more movement where the V100S locks you in place. The claim about classic style MG seats is true, they are far better than most. I wish it had a cruise, as it has the anti-lock brake circuits that cruise uses but, the throttle is nice and light. Gentle pressure from your hand holds you steady at 4K RPM and each gear is hitting the sweet spot for speed and low vibration. I've gone three hours on it no problem. The engine is plenty powerful for sane stuff on the street. 52-54 MPG and a wonderful rumble at stops. When running at speed you hear a turbine like smoothness that is atypical for a twin. The rumble seems to be reserved for lower RPM with the ARROW exhausts. power if really flexible with the two-valve hemi-head. 1,2 or 3rd through ninety degree commuter corners. Take your pick. All that changes is exit speed drive. The engine never complains or knocks. Handling is more steady, and not hyper sensitive like the V100S that has a always want to be moving given the chance. The V7 holds a line, but takes more thought to change it. It isn't stuck there, it just isn't obnoxiously twitchy. The shaft drive is back there, it never rears it's head or the rear suspenson under throttle like the R100RT's did, locking it near solid under acceleration. The V7 allows a compliance over bumps under throttle that is nice. The transmission is odd for an Italian big twin. It is a shorter throw shift drum than you expect, by a LOT. It needs the dry clutch adjusted right (maybe 80-mils so at the pivot point) to shift smoothly but once that's done, it shifts real nice and has a great pull through the gears that is real work enjoyable. New it is tight, though. But this is a big twin, not a race bike. The transmission works perfectly fine to the bikes mission. I never missed a shift. Shifts to first are QUIET from neutral and neutral is easy to find with touring boots. OK, the brake front brake. It is currently designed to give a sopow real progressive brake feel. But, I don't like that, I want 80% of the brakes at 20% of the lever pressure. The problem isn't the disc or calipers...they can lock-up the wheel fine and anti-lock kicks in. More rotors and calipers won't help after the wheel is at the traction limits. What works, is to chnge the pads the EBC FA244HH sintered copper versions. Now the initial bite is much stronger sooner. Forty-five bucks is all you need to fix the brakes. To me this is one of the last great standard out there. Before all liquid cooling and such are endemic to the breed and erase the brands true character, I grabbed one. I have a V100S for starship level motorcycles.

I went for the special for the very same reasons, spoke wheels analog clocks and chrome exhaust. I’ve had mine since 2022 but only started riding it this year after a knee replacement. Can’t wait for the summer 👍🏻

Very nice review, maybe I'm the odd one out but i like the digital single clock over the twin dials, being offset it leaves room for my tom tom without blocking any view. The flat spot will disappear after the run-in service, there was also a software update for dealers to install. Stick a pair of the mistral short slip ons and it sounds as it should, ive also put mg bar end mirrors on mine, much better rear view from them. Added a dart marlin short screen, which works well and looks good. For anyone wondering about its capabilities they are excellent, we toured france two up with luggage last year and it never missed a beat, the 21lt fuel tank is great, i just fill up about the 180 mile mark, thats only my ocd though 😅.

As a biker who also used to ride horses for a living, many years ago, I entirely agree with you about the character and the sole of the V7. It's a real motorcycle that I never tire of looking at and gliding around country lanes on. I agree with you about the clocks but didn't want chrome and spokes. Spent enough time polishing brass and cleaning tack.😊

I support the mission you are on wholeheartedly. Mudguards that don't stop mud getting on your bike...they must be in a continuous state of existential doubt. And why would anyone opt for such a digital clock on such a mechanical beauty. It makes no sense. If one opts to put a clock in an offset position, for Pete's sake, don't put it in a SLIGHTLY offset position, it just looks weird.

Both criticisms are valid. Silly short front mudguard and dials that don't respect the heritage of the bike. I'm spoilt for choice and hadn't thought of the V7, until now. A job well done 'old 'un'.

For me, I'm looking for a simple, practical and comfortable bike that I can ride all day without breaking my back or the bank. As *beautiful* as the V7 Special is, I don't particularly want a "retro" bike so I prefer the modern touches on the Stone, including the digital speedometer. 😊

Great review. Yes the silly front guard & horrible digital gauge is a put-off. Otherwise a winner for me.

tHE FACT THAT dARCY LIKES CLASSIC BIKES, ID BECAUSE HE IS YOUR SON AND YOU RAISED HIM.......LOL

After 5 years of owning the V7iii, this little bike was a real trouble free. Used it daily like a Honda cup and took 1600 km 2 days trip easily. I was so proud of owning my V7iii.

I would take the Stone every day of the week personally. I'm OK with the LCD and don't like wire wheels much. I can see the attraction with the special though so let's agree it's great to have the choice

Gorgeous bike, but I agree: it would be much nicer with classic dials and headlight, and with proper mudguards. I am also not a huge fan of the cam covers. I wonder if a polish would improve that. They look almost plastic, and the shape is rather bland, nothing like the classic ones. Other than that, stunning bike.

hot damn! I'm in the market for a new bike and no joke....never heard of Moto guzzi. a bike dealer down the road from me has a bunch of these in stock and my goodness am I tempted. I'm trading in a Yamaha 450fx and putting that money towards a new bike. this may be the one!! great video!

I really like the look of the dark blue 2021 v7Special. And yes the dual gauges. I think that is becoming my dream bike.

Nice review. I agree regarding the awful dial but if you opt for the Special, you have to put up with tubed tyres! I don't know why MG doesn't just leave the twin dials on both models.

nice but ugly clock, what's wrong with companies these days...

I find your priorities in bikes so refreshing. Very similar to mine. I rode a BMW R100RS for 100k miles in the 80's and think this V7 might be the closest thing I'll ever find to matching it in the way it made me feel. Great review!

I must say mostly agree with all of your thoughts on the Guzzi V7. It looks great, sounds great and is wonderful to ride. Agree that the Special is so much nicer with the twin clocks. I only disagree on the mud guard. I think the shorter front guard looks wonderful and leaving in Australia, road muck and mud is really such an issue. Only other thing I’d add if I bought one is either a set of Agostini’s or Mistrel pipes. Love the fact it’s shaft drive also, very much my kind to of drive train as I own an R18 and and old BMW R65, custom cafe racer with a short front mud guard, you’d hate it😂😂😂. Nice review, keep it up

I've a 2019 V7III Stone. I has an analog speedo, no tach. I owned a 1974? LAPD 1000 convert, and a 1982? Ambassador. It is impressive what steady improvement, a refinement process for 67years of continuous manufacturing of the same model has yeilded. The last of the 750 V7's are amazing. I love mine.

Lovely bike but would never buy with that display.

It’s the first bike I’ve ever bought without seeing it in person, or test riding. My heart just told me it was the perfect bike for me at this stage in my life. Thankfully, I was right. Three months in, and I love it. Added some Agostini pipes, and I love it even more! My last bike was a Triumph T120, I don’t miss the extra hp, and I just adore the character of the Guzzi!

My last 4 bikes have been guzzis, and I still hold 2. First was a v9 Roamer along with a 1400 California Eldorado. Sold them and moved to the first v7 850 special. Initially had some fueling issues, but subsequent updates from Guzzi sorted it, although upmap product also addresses. Dropped a set of mistral longs along with a dna filter and the bike certainly feels livelier. Very much a keeper. Also running a 22 v85TT travel, and also love rid8ng that. I read somewhere that 10 mins on a Guzzi you will hate it, 10 hours and you won’t want another bike. That is very true.

I own a v7iii (750cc model), for much of the reasons you've mentioned in your review. I have to say, allot of reviews seem to apply some sort of unconscious bias against the Moto Guzzi's, but yours and Darcy's are refreshing and reflect my views on owning the bike. I really like the white/red/chrome version of the special that Darcy rode. Fair play lads, keep it up!

Love watching your videos. And the sound quality is amazing. 7:56 how do you record the sound? Especially I wonder how to you block the wind sound?

Analog Clocks Moto Guzzi!!!!!

Thank you for an excellent review! I'd be very interested in knowing if you felt any "shaft jacking" as you accelerated or down-shifted. I've had a shaft bike in the distant past that almost put me off owning another. And my understanding is that Moto Guzzi did have a "CARC" system some time ago that albeit eliminated this characteristic but which is not longer utilized. Cheers

I would take the Stone every day of the week personally. I'm OK with the LCD and don't like wire wheels much. I can see the attraction with the special though so let's agree it's great to have the choice

I prefer the special for the spoked wheels and the real gauges. But I also have an R18 and a 1972 R75/5 with spoked wheels and real gauges. Digital gauges are fine for sport bikes, but keep real gauges on the classic looking bikes.

Analogue all day long. Don't see the benefits, functional or stylistic wise, to the current trend of retro LCDs

While I like the look of spokes, I hate cleaning them! I don't like the dull paintwork either, I think it will become dated quickly. Can take or leave the clocks, but prefer the twin clocks. With you all the way on mudguards, they have a function to perform, not a cat walk item. So my ideal Guzzi would be gloss paint, alloy wheels and a proper mudguard

I have seen the bike in my local shop and I agree that it is a very nice looking bike. I took one for a test ride too. It was a nice bike to ride. I was put off by the fenders. Why did they even bother having them? Instrumenation didn't bother me, I didn't even notice the single dial vs dual dials. It was an enjoyable bike to ride except I wouldn't want to ride the rain and have to spend time afterwards cleaning the bike up.

Hello,i have also to say that the new clocks are horrible .I love the Moto Guzzi V7 Special and i m gonna pick one up as soon as i can.

Loving my 2022 850 V7 Special in Blue. Your review is right on target. The bike really comes alive over 3K RPM. It feels great in the city and hitting the sweeping curves on the Toll Road at 75 MPH/120 KPH. One feature I wish Guzzi would add is cruise control for long Texas road trips, also heated grips. I ride more in the winter here.

I’ve owned 5 Guzzis in the past (not all at the same time😂) . 2 Monza’s, a Lario, a Le Mans , and a Breva. Lovely bikes, often misunderstood. They are full of character, make excellent tourers and sound great with race pipes. Love them and miss mine.

As far as Italian bikes, I have owned a ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes--meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. Owned several Suzuki's to include 2-stroke models and the Wankel rotary 750. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there--but if you love just being connected to machinery and sound--Moto Guzzi!--mike battle

I love the starting music🎶 It is a stunner!

Nice Review Thank You . The modern motorcycle industry has sadly gone for plastic fantastic 😢there are only a few bikes that has beauty and character to day, and the V7 special are also my favorite but even the new V100 Mandello and Stelvio has this character i watched videos from the Milano exhibition and Moto Guzzi are one of the few bikes that has real character❤

Guzzi's are some of the last bikes that you can easily maintain yourself.I'd happily ride mine all day every day if work and other kack didn't get in the way.They get under your skin with their sound and feel.

Love to hear one with a nice pipe on it. Looks very like my retirement bike.. Unless they bring out a new grisso

I do like the twin dials of the Special better but I prefer Alloy wheels for ease of maintenance & if you get a flat can fix it with a Rechargeable mini air compressor & tyre repair tool & be on your way in 5-10mins.So I could live with the single dial for alloy wheels but a model that has twin dials & alloys be the one.

So glad you finally got to review the V7, and understood the Guzzi experience. When you mention character, people automatically think it's an excuse for clunky gearbox and vibrating engine, this couldn't be further from the truth, what it actually is is a bike that makes you feel alive. Like you said it's talking to you, giving you feedback, basically it has a sole, something sadly missing from most modern motorcycles. I love Moto Guzzi, I've owned a Bellagio for the past 16 years and genuinely will never sell it, I've put a V7 tank and seat on it so it looks similar to the V7 special as it has spoked wheels. It also has a bit more BHP at 75 which is something I feel Moto Guzzi failed on with the current V7 850. Why did they give the V85TT 80bhp and the V7 only got 65? I think if they had given it a bit more horse power it would of been an even bigger seller for them. Even if they offered it in both 65 and 80bhp and let the customer decide, I'm sure the majority would go for the 80bhp version if the price wasn't too much more expensive. Anyone who has ever owned a Guzzi will always want to come and look and have a chat about your Guzzi, they are the friendliest people you could ever meet, and everyone else will just come over because your bike just looks beautiful. Who wouldn't want to own a Moto Guzzi?

Love the bike. My current bike is Beautiful HD 1974 XLH Have a blessed week my friend

Personally, I would love it if more manufacturers allowed you to mix and match more when you order a bike... much like the car industry does with almost every model from every manufacturer.... I'm 100% with you on the guages... it's twin clocks all the way for a retro machine and spoked wheels, oh how lovely it would be to be able to order the colour palate of the bike you were riding, but with the clocks and wheels of the special.... not sure I'd give up my Speed Twin 1200 for it, but, maybe I'd work harder on the wife in the pitch for a second bike if factory customisation was more of a thing.

Very good review and I agree. I want twin analogue clocks on any bike I’m considering. Also I want a centre stand which is becoming a rarity these unfortunately. Beautiful looking bike and the startup shake reminds me a bit of my former “ poor man’s “ Guzzi, that being the CX500. That comparison often will piss off Guzzi owners. LOL. Cheers and keep up the good reviews. Dan ✌️🏍🇨🇦

Something special about a guzzi...

Moto guzzi problem is the retail network … and reliability

Moto Guzzi very nice.

Well Done😊 I absolutey agree with you both. If this Stone version had the standard clocks, then I would buy it no question, due to it also having tubeless tyres. Unfortunately only the special has so I'ma bit torn over this bike......Going to Milan tomorrow from Dublin for Eicma. Will have a closer look there. Great stuff guys 👍👏

Great review! I personally prefer the special but can also appreciate the more modern, darker, appearance of the stone. I also prefer dual clocks but would have had easier to accept the single one if it had not been mounted offset. And the front mud "guard"... It must be possible to design a functional one matching the rest of the bike 😊

I test rode this bike and I completely agree about the front mudguard. A really bad one. Otherwise a great looking machine that offers a very different ride. Well worth trying one. I recommend. Thanks for this great insight. Appreciate it. Those interested can drop by to check my Guzzis and other rides. :) Cheers.

Ewan MacGregor rides Moto Guzzi bikes.I’ve seen him doing advertising for them as well.

Do you have heat problems on the knees from the cylinders while driving ?? Greetings from Greece ❤❤

I could test this bike in May. And I felt in love with it. I really prefer it to the Interceptor (not for my morphology) and the T120 (too intimidating) This bike is alive! It shakes a bit, vibrates smoothly, sounds good, looks great. Really pleasant in the city. I’m 5.5 and I can nearly flat foot on both sides. Thanks, I discovered Josef Suk 😊

Front mudguard is as you say "useless". If you get up a petition to send to Moto Guzzi I will sign it. For my sins I have both the '22 850 Special and the '22 Stone. I have a satnav on the centre right side of the handlebar and so the off set display is a massive bonus. On my Special I have the two dials but the engine vibration shakes their needle so much they are not as accurate as the single unit on the Stone. The Stone's display shows everything I need to know all in one place. I do not have any inclinations to OCD and offset displays do not upset me in the slightest. I do however empathise with those who are cursed with OCD and feel the need to everything in order and symetric. Keep up the excellant reviews.

I have a soft spot for all the modern classics. There really is something about the Guzzi that just feels right. Looks so good, a bit brutish, but refined. Like a fighter jet in an armani suit. My only reserve is being in the States, the need for a vehicle to comfortably maintain speeds in excess of 65/70 mph (105kph+). Would need to get my hands on a test ride and see how it feels. Love this bike.

Great review, I have just taken delivery of the Stone Corsa which has the same clock. I must admit it nearly put me off but actually looks ok behind the fairing! Great bike😊

Filler cap and off-set clock are real spoilers on this bike. I’ve previously had a 750 V7 mk1 Special which looked much better. Currently on an older 2009 750 V7 Classic which handles like it’s on rails and is a great bike for long or short bikes. Cosmetics on Guzzi’s need ongoing care - flaky black engine paint over time and poorly chromed wheels spring to mind (which may explain the switch to black powder coated rims on spoked wheels nowadays). V7’s are based on late 70’s V50 which itself was a great little bike. Can’t go wrong on a Guzzi provided you are willing to take the time to care for it cosmetically. Mechanically they are very strong and robust.

I have the exact same bike as a first and only bike and done about 10000km. I have only my Kawasaki learning bike to compare it with and I have no regrets buying the V7 stone 850 and can’t imagine ever swapping this bike! I got used to the digital dial, it shows me clear info on a glance. There are brackets available to mount it in the middle at ‘Reverso Moto’.

I´m trying to decide between the Triumph Street Scrambler and the V7 850. One thing that holds me back from the Guzzi is that high pitched sound from the engine. I guess it´s the shaftdrive? Thats why i´m looking for a street scrambler even if the guzzi was cheaper in price, has a bigger tank and the low maintenance with a shaft drive.

Forgot to add in my earlier comment that the V7 gets a lot smoother after about 1k and the first service. Also a couple of aftermarket companies make a bracket to center the clock on the Stone.

So - I've usually been a twin dials, wire wheels, chrome exhausts man etc. However I purchased my Guzzi Yellow Stone exactly 1 year ago. Even before it was delivered, i agonised over had i done the right thing- should i have gone for the special _ 2 rides later I was utterly smitten with the black look and yellow tanks - FAB - U - LAS ! and being colour blind - I can find it any time in a crowed at bike meets! So the dials or rther the digital dial. Hmmm - honestly I love up - never though I would but simply do. the advantage of the big speedo is great. The offset dial thou did mess with me benal anal about symmetry and balance. However I have soprted this out by adding a matching looking Analog Oxford clock in the space to to speak and with the Guzzi Screen or the Dart screen which use fix for the summer (yep - I have both - don't ask me why !) makes for a great look. yes the clock on the digital dial is a little weeding and not to mention the gear position indicator - mind you I ride by feels so don't care. One wish - a fuel gauge. This bike sits beautifully with my Redditch Blue Enfield Bullet Classic C5 and my Red BSA Spitfire Mk2 which i have owned since I was 19 (add 49 for todays age). Bright Red, Blue and Yellow - a colour blind delight!. Love the honest review. I would like to know what Darcy thinks of the stock tyres in the wet!

When I checked a few years ago the retail price, on the road, was €11,000. Then I hear you guys saying it's £8,000. That's what we get for living on an island I suppose.

One of my favorite presenters up on in Northumberland likened that speedo to Salvador Dalí's mustache .Sorry once youve seen it you cant unsee it :) I too like the spiecial ...Thanks for the great review ..Yours from New England , Guy ...

This millennial greatly prefers the gauges on the special as well as the spoke wheels. The stone does have a feel all it's own that I also really like. I think a V7 might be a part of my life in the coming years.

love the music and scenery in this video. Both perfect! I own a 2018 Guzzi V7iii Milano. Love Guzzis.. My Milano has the twin dials. I agree that the single, digital dial off-center is aesthetically annoying. Classic bikes should have classic dials. And the fender.. absolutely unacceptable. The fender is for function, not to look "cool". My Milano has a longer fender, but they then screwed it up by making it narrower (?). I'd like to meet the guy or gal who made this design decision...

Many people compare bikes to the BMW R18, when the more direct comparison should be the R1250R. The R18 has dimensions exaggerated for style, while the R1250R is a much more practical bike.

I’m rather indifferent on the digital display; but I really like the wheels…..so it would be this bike for me……

I traded my V7III Special for a new CB1100EX back in 2019. Although the Honda is better in almost every aspect, I still miss the V7. No idea what it is… thinking of getting a V7 850 as a second bike.

Man, Guzzis are awesome lookers in my opinion.. But why does Guzzi not make V7 Sport with the looks of the V7, but the engine, brakes and suspension of the V85TT? It would be the coolest cafe racer in town.

So happy you finally reviewedthis bike: I bought a 23 special earlier this year. Love the bike and for the money the quality is fantastic. I already have a Harley Breakout and looked at buying a V7, Triumph, HD Sportster and Ducati Monster/Scramblers also. V7 to me is the best bike for the money and will be a great bike to own longterm. Add some nice lightweight pipes and a small screen and its perfect.

As a long time V7 owner, I'd say you got it bang on 👍 Mine's a 2015 750 special and I'm told the new 850 is even better, although my 2015 does have proper mudguards! For some misguided reason Guzzi think the shortened front & rear guards on the 850 look "better", but I don't think they suit the classic lines of this bike. Plus they don't work as mudguards... I agree about the seat, I've changed mine to a flat saddle for the reason you mentioned. PS. I hope you get a chance to review the updated V85 sometime soon? The engine mods sound promising...

I would pay the premium for the Special so I wouldn't have to look at that off-center gauge.

Here in Oz, the Guzzi website shows a photo two V7 Specials (one in black, the other with the white/red stripe tank) with twin gauges and chrome pipes, but no link for further info. Confusingly, they also show a V7 Special Edition with a link, but this one only has the hideous offset single gauge. Personally, even though an upgrade would be very nice, I'll stick with my '05 Breva 750; it has twin gauges, beautiful cast wheels and a front mudguard that actually works... Moto Guzzi needs to rediscover its design flair - and function.

Bought mine this past July. I gotta say the offset digital display is my only complain. Problem is: it's not offset enough to look unique and it's too offset to be in harmony with the rest of the bike. Since it's not offset enough, your eyes can be confused as to where's the center of the bike. Other problem it creates for a tall and skinny dude like me: a funky whirlwind. It seems like it hits you harder from the right than on the left and it's really perceptible when you hit 105 km/h or more. Of course, I could simply add a windscreen, I know...but it'd mess the bike's look. Easily solved by just centering the digital clauster. Plus, it would be in harmony with the rest of the bike. That's it, that's my only complain. That aside, you put Agostini slip-ons on this bad girl, you take off the dB killers and you got a badass rig. OH!, one more thing: the god damn mirrors. They look like an afterthought and they are so...f'n...flimsy. Man, did I always ajust and screw them back until I got my bar-ends. Yes, bar-end mirrors highly recommended, whiches are already there with the Special Edition (which is a silly name since you already have the V7 Special). Otherwise, what a brillant, brillant, brillant bike (i'm saying it with the same allure than Alec Baldwin impersonating Tony Bennett). P.S.: My hommage to your helmet, sir. Awesome looking.

Ah Josef Suk, a wonderful choice for a very classy bike. Starting to lean towards this as my first ride, over the T100. Price is a factor, as is character. Great review!

I bought the centenario livery V7 this year. LOVE IT!!! #motoguzziforever

Its all very well the dealership delivering countywide ..But, what happens when you need the bike serviced or repaired....l considered buying a 2nd hand MV Brutalle..it was absolutely immaculate. When l got home ....Alicante..l found.the nearest official dealer was either Barcelona or Madrid...!!

I totally agree about the cheap looking offset clock. It just looks wrong on this classic looking bike. Asymmetrical design is tricky to pull off. It worked on the BMW R1100S in my opinion because there was a theme running through the bike. Short mudguards in the UK are pointless…as your mud splattered engine photograph showed. Keep up the crusade against them.

They're nice but rather save my money until a nice California ev1100 comes up on ebay - they do have lovely clocks, big mudguards and spoked (tubeless) wheels plus more power and torque - of course they do weigh a tonne though! Still, you pays your money and makes your choice. 😊

All these digital displays will be dead waaaaaaay before the bike wearing it quits. Same for the current crop of cars and trucks. And with it A LOT of convenient functions built into it (A/C, radio, heated seats, et al) will stop too. That's a real shame ! I have seen bikes my age or older with twin analog gauges still going strong. And as a selfish note: l wish Guzzi would build another big engine again. Their last one at 1400cc was used on the last California model which has been discontinued for a while now.

Unfortunate raindrop over the speedo. Still, these things happen ; )

I looked at the stone this year and was put off by the black paint(?) flaking off the silencers on two 2nd hand bikes at my local dealer, one was their ex demo the other was current year with approx 1500miles, both were suffering in the same places on both sides and because it exposed the metal it was really obvious and shabby looking. I was so close... The V7 special looks better but I dislike tubed tyres, oh well...

Yes, I agree, a nice bike but it's a pity about that instrument layout, and positioning. Offset!!!! Why would they have manufactured it that way?

As I commented on your son's review: "can't wait to see what your dad thinks about Guzzi's" and here you are Sir! I remember you doing a video about a year ago where you said it was extremely difficult to get one of these bikes and to do a decent review, so glad you found someone who could provide you the experience. You definitly have a point about the dial and the mudguard. I had the V7 Stone (2017 model) and switched to the V85 TT for more comfort on longer rides. For me there's no turning back, Guzzista per sempre! (Guzzi rider till' I die) Thanks for the excellent reviews and I hope one of you 2 buys the Special ;-) grtz from Belgium

Thank you for the review , I have been always drawn to the looks of this bike. Shape of the tank , analog gauges (sad only on the special) ,traditional round headlight ..I need to get a test ride . Stay safe ..