Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special - First Impressions 

I have had a grey one of these Guzzi’s for about 15 months now and converted about 9,000 miles. Apart from an ECU update all it has needed is routine services and some fresh tyres. My dealership, Teasedale in Thirsk, has been brilliant. I ride all year round and have fitted heated grips (from Ultimateaddons - no bulky separate heat controler like Oxford Product’s) and a front mudguard extender (from Pyramid Plastics). I also have Hepco and Becker C-bow panniers and rear rack, which give me plenty of luggage space for touring. I get 250 miles to a tank of fuel at over 60 miles per gallon, can ride for hours in comfort without needing a chiropractor and can get both feet flat on the ground which, at 5 ft 8 inches, I cannot do on many modern bikes these days. I find there is more than enough power and torque for real-world riding where you might want to keep your licence. It handles beautifully with the original Dunlop tyres and gives a great deal of confidence. The weight is carried low down which makes slow speed manoeuvring and manual handling easy. If you haven’t guessed, I absolutely love this bike!

This is certainly one of the best looking bikes around today. In my opinion, the best of all the retro styled bikes.

Ive got a V7 850 Stone which I got in June last year. Ive done over 15K miles on it now. I totally agree with what you have said about the gear box being cold. At about 13K I had the CEL come on and yes it was the Oxygen sensor, giving a error. It was reset by the dealer and so far hasnt returned. The headlight on the Stone is amazing at night one of the best of any bike I have had. I put a Givi A140 screen on the bike and it made a huge difference if you are doing longs hauls. I did over 500 miles from Scotland to Wales in one go and felt mainly fine after I got off the bike. My bum was complaining a little bit. I love it

Felt like I was talking to myself listening to you, summed up everything I think and feel about my Stone Centenario. A year on and I still love every time I get on it.

One of my favorite reviews of the V7! Lots of useful observations that paint a realistic picture of this bike I hope to get. Thanks!

I owned a RE Int for 18 months and enjoyed it very much. Sold it after my shoulder injury healed and I was able to reach the bars on my larger 1100 cc bikes.

I'm planning to buy a 2022 Special next week. From all of the reviews on the bike it seems a perfect choice for this time in my life. Subscribed

I have my V7 for just over a month now and I like the simplicity and it just works very well. The engine is the stand out feature for me, it adds so much character.

I had a slight Electrical Problem on my 2021 V85tt. In the first 900 miles I had a Warning Light pop up telling me that my Brakes were Locked on when they weren’t. It happened 3x and I would clear the message by tapping either the Front or Rear Brakes. Dealership said when I bring it in for my First Oil Change they have to do a Computer Update on it. So they did and 4K later I haven’t seen a Warning Light since. Nice bike, decent acceleration, quick and nimble handling, good braking. Enjoyed the video

I bought the V7 Racer III 10th anniversary for my 50th birthday. I also looked at the Royal Enfields. Nice bikes, but when I saw Bella Francesca it was love at first sight.

A very good and honest review! My story was very similar. I sold my GSXR1000 for my first Moto Guzzi (after doing less track days I was going quicker and quicker on the road long story short I had a court case and I almost lost my license) so after a test ride of a Moto Guzzi Audace 1400. What a bike fun to ride full of character . Plenty of ground clearance in the Twisties on a back road I can easily keep up with big nakeds and big ADV bikes brakes are superb for something that is 300kg ready to go (320mm radial brebos from first gen Tuono V4 ) and is is all day comfortable. The Guzzi is fun from 20-110mph GSXR needed 50-150mph to give me the same smiles per miles. I put mistral exhaust on it and it is perfect not much louder then stock but more deep in the sound it makes . Guzzis are running very lean from factory so a ECU remap is the best way forward with and aftermarket exhaust. BSD performance are a good place to go and do it . With an more open exhaust and a ECU remap one will be looking at about 65-68 bhp at the back wheel which is a 25% gain on stock number cause Guzzi always give the power figures at the crank so one need to deduct 25% for gearbox and shaft losses.

Beautiful proper bike. Hope Guzzi put tubeless rims on it like other models or at least offer them as an option.

Most dealers don't care anymore after they received your £££. I had my first service done and payed £120 to discover that they didn't even bother to check the tension in my chain. I had to do it myself.

I'm 71. I've been where you are. I have a 2018 Milano. Hepco Becker soft ovals and tank bag. Of all my bikes I smile more per mile. Yes this includes weekends away. Hang with your first impression. 😉

You really are Dangerous Dave. You had more overtakes in one video than me with 10 videos. Best you did ditch the Blade. I can only imagine what you were like on that. 😜 Cant wait for more content. Make sure it's in full gear on the 40C day. Then you will know what it's like in Australia to ride.

With the gears, I find you only get the reassuring 'Goose Cluck' on 1-3. I agree about the handling (even with pillion - I can't get my wife off the bike at weekends) which is superb. No warning lights for me, but good info, and something to look out for - thanks.

I have a '18 V7III, and recently added a '22 V85TT. Love my Moto Guzzis!

This Bike Is Wonderful!!🤩👍

Beautifull bike. Had a V7 III carbon that gave me many problems since new. Engine pinging when hot, replaced left cilinder, rear wheel seal leak, hard to engage from 1st to 2nd gear when cold, burned stator. To add up the bad representation (motospazio Porto), just had to let her go. Good luck with yours, beautifull.

You sound a ''Happy Bunny'' with you're new purchase. I would say with age comes a different style of 'Biking'... Teenage, early twenties ... rebellious. Middle age.. been there ,got the t-shirt. Bit older... lets 'Go for a Ride'. Assuming one survives the 'Rebellious period'' the 'Go for a Ride' stage is most satisfying. I just love that lazy beat of the Guzzi engine, the way it nudges your leg when one blips the throttle.... Like you I've owned a few bikes in my lifetime. One I remember most was...in my middle years...a Moto Guzzi Lemans 850, the first incarnation..I don't really remember any major problems with the bike apart from the carburettor accelerator pumps freezing up in cold weather. I sat and looked at it for ages, the lines of that Italian Stallion....

Nice bike, I normally let a new engine warm up, then ride it normal, ride it up and down the rev range I find that the engine will run better, when run in.

Cracking bike. Want one.

Although the dual clocks and overall look of the bike is appealing, the chrome, tube tires, and halogen front light were enough to push me to the standard version. Beautiful bike regardless.

Bro that is a good looking bike, damn! I don't blame u for walking away with her! I've seen the 750's but this thing.... wow! Just perfect.

I’ve watched this review probably 5 or so times now. I’m showing restraint and waiting until the spring to get an 850 special. My reasons are similar to your departure from the fireblade…bonsai runs everywhere get old, and it would be nice to have something to just cruise on.

I found on any bike that the stock mufflers get louder after 8 to 10,000 miles and are quite good after that!

Loving the blue paintwork, but why is the rear mudguard black? It just doesn't fit in with the rest of the bike.

South Chard looks beautiful .. Is that Dorset ? Hardy country ? Most of my friends who have Guzzi s have a sense of humor about the warning lights. Italy and electronics have always been an interesting marriage . They seem to keep everyone awake at any rate (And no mater what the bikes seem to keep going ) .. It is a beautiful bike . The closest thing to the old R 80 on the market today and the R 80 was my favorite BMW in the late 70's .Thanks for the great review ... Yours from New England , Guy

Beautiful bike but can't justify myself into buying one since I have the V85TT. I think that the engine light going turning on is usual on the E5 models.

They take about 20000 klm to free up and then all works well, gearbox is slick, engines rev out more easily. I love mine, but some of the sensors have loosened and the connections lost , they need regular checking, particularly the flat connectors.

Small M/G screen, heated grips, roll bag on the back. taken me from Scottieland to France several times. No problem.

I got a Royal Enfield Classic 500 2 years ago. Love it but it's my only bike and 20 odd HP isn't the best. I always wanted a V7 but they are almost double the price of the RE but I am tempted to swap. Although the 500's are not made anymore so might be worth holding on to!

Thank you for a good video. Its hard to find a decent review of the V7. Just hope to find a demo soon. Peter

I have a new Enfield, previously I had a new Honda for a year, both had engine management light constantly on and off , I ignored them both as they are pointless. If it starts and stops , runs right and maintains same mpg it's fine 👍👍😎

Thanks for the vid, enjoyed it. I love the overall look over the Stone but not the decals. How have you found it since the initial gremlins?

Very beautifuly designed Moto gazi bike.

The Enfield finish is a bit rougher, very much in tune with '70s finish which I guess gives it authenticity. However it is a brand new engine and motorcycle. But I would have to say the Guzzi is the more refined one and the actually more authentic one if you look past modern amenities. Pushrods on the same old Vtwin setup of old. Generally better quality, especially if you see them together. Congrats!

I’ve never even ridden a Guzzi but I do have a soft spot for them. Always strike me as a less needy GS (nice boxer motor & shaft drive) 👍🏻

My brother has the same bike and he loves it. He said; the bike drives much better and smoother after the break-in period is over, also for a smoother ride engine has to warm up properly. It's a nice looking bike however the only downside is the modern looking front mudguard that doesn't match the rest of this retro looking bike, it should have been chrome.

I’ve been riding a 125 for a couple of months and have my full license booked in for September. Considering both the V7 (850) and the V85 as good candidates for my first “proper” bike. I love that transverse V-twin and the shaft drive, but I don’t think an R Ninet or 1200GS would be sensible choices 🤣

I've got a v85tt as well, ans have looked at this one as a second bike. How does it stack up performance wise ? Small question..I do love the v85 on smaller roads and soaking up the scenery. Did you think the v85 was lacking in that regard ?

yep, my engine light just popped on at around 1,500 miles. O2 sensor you say, is annoying. Seems to be running fine at the moment

I'm more intrigued how you filmed the ride. What is your camera set up?

Get a set of lafranconi pipes, look stock but sound lovely

I was not aware of the V7 Special. The twin round dials really do it for me over the V7 Stone. I own an Interceptor and it has all the power that I need, so I think that I would be very happy with a Moto Guzzi V7 Special.

I think the v7 3 doesn’t have those engine problems 😊

Great video, thanks. I've had this bike for a few months now, done about 1800m. In many ways I love it, and there is something quite addictive about it, but I must admit I'm struggling to love the gearbox. I too have had many bikes but never such a noisy gearchange as this, particularly up an down between 2nd and 3rd. In fact quite often it sticks in 3rd when shifting down to 2nd and needs 2 or 3 attempts. When it does go it sounds like taking a swing at a sack of ball bearings with a length of scaffold tube! Is this normal for a Guzzi? I've heard they take a while to bed in, but any idea how long? Oddly, I find the gearchange is sweet when just setting off from cold, then gets worse as things warm up... I agree about the handling, very sweet, but I find the brakes are barely adequate once you're travelling at any real speed and I have to allow much more stopping distance than on previous bikes. Still, all these things come under the heading of 'character' I suppose...

Egg smell is from running so lean. Gearbox gets better, engine light will flash when you rev past certain rpm, until first service and they unlock the rev limiter. It is a “gentleman’s motorcycle”. I would suggest Hepco and Becker crash bars to protect the engine.

Sad that shaft drives are few and far between. A V7 is as close to a modern modern CX500 as one could get without the water cooling. For people who appriciate torque over excess revs.

The check engine light is most likely from a wet or damp o2 censor. The light goes out when the sensor heats up and dries

It's a beautiful bike. Are those spoke wheels tubeless?

I love the look of these. Considered it when I was going for a retro but in the end it’s 60% more expensive than an Interceptor 650 and not 60% more desirable to me. Also I like the 750 v7 size and weight, unfortunately the 850 is much heavier

As a tall man, would I hit my knees in the cylinders?

I have a 2020 Tiger 1200 Desert edition. It's too fast - I can't ride down straight roads without speeding. I'm in the market for a sedate second bike - the 1200 for blasting and touring, and a 2nd bike for chill rides to town etc. Love the looks of V7 850 special, and the price is right.

I'm interested but I'm not going to get one because of non existent aftersale service and unobtainable spares. Or so I've been told.

That is a very sexy bike.

I've got one of these only 6oo miles on clock .only problem has been left hand down pipe tarnished very quickly had new one on warranty and same happened again dealership reckon guzzi uk say its normal . Has anyone had same problem the right down pipe is still nice chrome

Hi from New Zealand. Have the same bike with Mistrals and Dart screen, fantastic, my 5th Guzzi. As to being a retro bike, my riding buddy would point out that it is a continuation of the V7 from 1971? He has 72 model (and a 2017 V7 750). My only criticism is rear shocks not so good on our twisty, bumpy B roads. Riding buddy has ordered YSS shocks for his, waiting to see what he thinks. Think I have had more favourable comments on SE than any bike i've owned, am 66 like the lightness of it, oh and the looks, and the handling.....

"Maneuver, signal and then thinks about using the mirror" ( mirror to see if those cut off are properly pissed) 😂 sad BUT true

Great choice. Let's be honest The Interceptor sells because its a cheap bike. Beyond the initial looks (appeal) it is just another retro stye bike. Comparing Moto Guzzi & Royal Enfield is like comparing chalk and cheese.

Inline 4 Japanese engines can have high frequency buzz at certain RPMs. For me that is more bothersome than low frequency power pulses.

Is it top heavy?

Which dealer? I am in the market for a V7 so have an interest……

I just don't get - it is not a cheap bike ( for its' performance ).... Fun to ride, great sound, but why, why SO shitty shock absorbers ?!?!? I've tried the Interceptor 650 - Royal Enfield.... Also very nice to ride, and the shocks are x10 times better than Guzzies' ! I do own the V85TT and don't expect same shocks on the V7, but at least as good as on the Interceptor ( really nice shocks ) they SHOULD be ! + W T F is with the fuel gauge !?!? Again - it is not a cheap bike, and things like this MUST be there.....

A quick update on my previous comment after two months of ownership. The rear wheel has corroded badly, the paint on the engine casing is blistering and rusty. Worst yet was the seal on the shaft drive blowing dumping oil onto the rear wheel at motorway speed giving me the fright of my life.

I've had 3 Guzzi's. All have been great fun, all have been unreliable.

Soon you will have 4 guzzis...

If your smelling rotten eggs that usually means your cat is kaput . Usually caused by poor quality or incorrect fuel ?

I like Guzzi’s, but no new bike should be flashing ecu or any other lights. Look elsewhere.

Ok for shorter folk. Crippling for me only 6’1

Die Warnleuchte zeigt an das du schalten sollst wenn die Drehzahl zu hoch ist ..... Nach 1500 Km wird die Drehzahl hochgenommen..... Vorher schlau machen bevor man so einen Mist erzählt.....

Great review, curious… if you had to pick one for your everyday ride, which one V7 or 85tt?