Chooch Rides - Episode 5 - 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 II Special 

That he doesn't like it has to be a positive

lol

Just bought a 2016. I like the flat torque that starts at 2800 rpm.

Matt S. Thanks boss!

Having been on both, the new model has got a fair bit heavier, the fit and finish on a few things not as well done, the power band is shorter, power doesn't come on as early, and it doesn't handle any better. As far as I can work out it has the same forks but they've moved the rear shocks. So I got a used V7ii. The stock Pirelli tyres are diabolical, swapping them out for Avon transformed the feel of the bike.

Hey mate how are you enjoying it so far ? I'm tempted in buying a v7III myself, but I live in a very remote area that has a lot of large trucks and road trains. I'm worried I'll get stuck in bad positions with the power, have you encountered any issues in that regard?

@@blacksunrise6116 My V7ii is far from slow, in fact it has the same acceleration figures as an 1800 Goldwing, lorries are just mobile chicanes. We're looking at 0-60mph on either the V7ii or V7iii somewhere in the 5's. It is not a crotch rocket but its top speed is illegal in most countries. The V7iii has a couple more ponies but it is heavier and maximum torque is higher up the revs. There is little point revving the motor out because you will have gone way past peak power - better to use the torque from 2800 on the V7ii. Don't treat it like a UJM and buzz the motor, it doesn't work like that, long power band, change up then open the throttle. If the suspension feels harsh, the rear shocks have not been set properly. I'm about 100kg but have the shocks set soft. Very comfortable and relaxed ride. The foot pegs don't normally vibrate at all, I'm wondering if that 2-into-1 exhaust might be causing that as it is not mounted like the twin pipes are. The traction control (MGCT) can be turned off if you're an idiot. The ABS cannot be turned off, the front is not any old 'single' but Brembo's finest asymmetric 4-pot on a large platter, better than most twin platters, and the rear is a 2-pot. A single disc saves on unsprung weight. The road holding is one of its key points, I ran a Tiger 800 down the same road (twisty) and it got out of shape on rough bends that the Guzzi totally ignored the broken surface on.

What do you guys think if you have to compare this bike with the Honda rebel 500 . Your honest comparisons would be highly appreciated. Thanks

It's certainly not slow if you don't keep it on the red line, it's got nowhere to go up there. Peak torque is way down at 2800. Peak power is 6250, there's a few more revs left but the power is dropping off then. Seems to be happiest 3000-6000rpm. Performance is comparable to the heavier Street Twin.

I want the stornello so hard to get one now

I was 270-lb when I rode the V7 III, I've since lost 50-lb. I actually preferred the feel of the V7 II, so I got a used one. I cannot bottom-out the rear V7 II suspension even on the lowest setting. With the ring raised more than halfway it does feel harsh, and right at the bottom it feels soggy - in-between is just-right. It's not a sports bike, it should soak up limps and bumps in a comfortable manner without wallowing off line. The front forks can feel crashy. there is no adjustment but the oil can be changed. It is probably worth changing the fork oil every three years anyway. Guzzi suspension is not sophisticated but something they always get right out of the box is the handling. Their geometry and weight distribution is spot-on and doesn't need fancy suspension to compensate for bad design. Not a sports bike but very easy and enjoyable to ride. Not a beginner's bike. It has over 35kW which requires a full "A" bike licence in the UK and Europe. One cannot graduate straight onto an "A" licence, one has to go through "A2" passing four tests roughly equivalent to advanced driving for a car. Only a complete idiot would leap straight onto a "full" motorcycle with no experience. Most of the problem for a beginner is the weight and stopping the thing, nevermind the other traffic driven by homicidal psychopaths, going too fast in a straight line is easy. It's not much over the 35kW limit, and there is a restricted "A2" version, but something you notice immediately between an "A2" and an "A" bike is the "A" has a lot more, 80mph can come up fast, and it keeps going.

@@jeffslade1892You don’t need to go through A2 to get to A in the UK; if you are old enough; the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) means you can go straight to full A licence. Source: that’s what I did.

@@siwynjones I passed bike test in 1971, since then I have car and lorry licences. Rule of thumb 34hp can reach 100mph, 48hp will go over the ton easily. And it can. I can neither confirm nor deny the V7ii can go indicated 126 two-up. It is certainly not what I would call a beginner's bike.

Chooch, shame you are not a fan of the Guzzi. Like all bike they are an acquired taste that some love and some hate. Having ridden many bikes over the years and coming from the BMW R1200GS WC I found the V7 a cracking bike to ride and own. Put a set of open pipes on it, get it mapped and it makes a fantastic bike. The torque is wonderful and the vibes exactly how I like them. The exhaust sound is wonderful up and down the box. DIY servicing is a doddle and there is plenty of kit to custom set up. Some great deals out there too. In comparison I rode an MT10 Yammy the other day and took it back in half an hour, yes its bloody fast but has no soul. facebook.com/groups/904754693002512/?ref=group_header

You went into this ride with no knowledge of the bike or Moto Guzzi. You compared this bike to more powerful, more modern bikes and were disappointed. You missed the whole point of this bike. I see this same thing in car journalists. Not a fan. Do your homework before reviewing a bike

They're much more comfortable with the rear shocks wound down. It can get to the point where it feels too soft, but still won't bottom out with my 18-stone (252-lb)

If it's an older bike the forks probably just want some new fork oil, that sorts the damping out. Replacement shocks are usually more 'sporty' and harsher than the ones on it. Wound down to about 3/4-in from the bottom, it still doesn't bottom out two-up.

Handicapped parking sign in the U.S. . It's a little beat up.

That probably shouldn’t happen.

I hear it's normal. Still waiting for my paperwork so I can go for a ride on my 2016, then ill know for sure.

Uno Qualsiasi I'm getting that request a lot. I have another vid ready for next week but I will request the Street twin!

Thanks man!

Having ridden both I actually preferred the V7ii and bought a used one. The V7iii may have a little more power (3 or 4 hp) but it doesn't pull from as low down, and the output from the V7iii falls off sharply after peak power where the V7ii keeps going to over 7300. And the V7iii has gained a fair bit more weight which negates the extra power, from 417-lb to 470-lb. The trick to making a V7ii go is not to rev it up like a crotch rocket but to use the torque and extremely long power band from below 3000 to over 7000. It's got six gears but can feel like it's got too many, 6th/top is effectively an overdrive.

It will lean over until your toes scrape the road. Less heat comes off those pots than you might expect, good airflow with them stuck out there. Lower CofG than a BMW, which makes the bike feel lighter than it is.

Its air cooled so engine need get air somewhere that's why sticking little bit out better this one than any other water cooled bike

That means I'm 60 lbs too light!

I am 6.6" and it fits well. Been riding it for a year and would buy it again. Just test it. It's larger than you expect when seeing it in photo or video. Happened the same to me.

vonwaxenstein my source is incorrect then. My apologies. www.bikez.com/motorcycles/moto_guzzi_v7_ii_special_2016.php

Also, TC can be switched off by holding starter button when the engine is running.

ABS has a fuse.

Oh, and we're the same size. That's one of the reasons I love your vids. Knowing if you can flat-foot the bike, etc. Keep up the good work.

Holy crap. I completely forgot! Thanks for calling it out!

What is the point?

Pure talent 😜