I have a V7 Stornello and broadly agree with your review. The Guzzi is much more old school than the Triumph and is the nearest thing to a traditional motorcycle you can buy this side of a Royal Enfield Classic. It’s still air cooled and that shows it’s head when the weather is really cold or hot - it effects the feel of the motor and gearbox. Triumphs are modern bikes fitted with retro parts, the V7 is a retro bike fitted with modern parts.
Totally agree with your assessment. There are many excellent bikes out there now but what turns me off are all the bells and whistles, select this/select that, all kinds of crap that should not be on a motorcycle--I have been riding for over 50 years so I am biased. Mike
I have a V7III. I had trouble finding neutral when the bike was new. Several thousand miles later, no trouble at all. I’m an experienced rider (over 50 years) and the Guzzi was the best all around bike for me. I’m planning a 50-state tour next year and this may be my “last” bike.
I’ve added a windscreen, centerstand, and Hepco Becker panniers and top case. I bought the bike for its low seat height (I’m 5’2” with short legs), long range, ease of maintenance and shaft drive.
I have a 2016 MG V7II Stone. I added numerous items to the bike since I bought it. It was the first bike I owned since the mid 1970s. Bought it from a female that was originally talked into buying it by her boyfriend. It was not her mug of Beer, motorcyling that is. So when I bought it from her in 2016 it had less then 500 miles on the odometer. Since then I have bought and still own a 2015 Harley Super Low 1200T, a 2020 KTM 790 S Adventure and a 2020 Harley Low Rider S. To be honest the MG is now quite a but boring to me. I plan on maybe seeling it or simply de-tagging it (and storing it) and purchasing either the "New" 2023 Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon (in black) or a 2022 Triumph T-120 (in red silver). My favorite bike in my stable is the KTM followed by the Harley Low Rider S. And yes neutral is a bitch to find when stopped at a light or such. And its performance has lot to be desired and its general ride is the closet to an actual 1970s/1960s motorcyle.It is a nice looking bike, IMO. I particular think the "New" MG Special in blue is beautiful. But I will not buy another one. It will either be the "New" Ducati Srambler 800 Icon or the Triumph T120. The only other bike in my line of sight would be the "New" 2022 Yamaha XSR 800. Would I tour/cross country on my MG ? (I live in Washington D.C. but thinking of relocating to a milder climate, Charleston SC maybe) Maybe if I owned it back in the Mid 1970/late 1960s. Don't get me wrong, the MG V7II would easily make cross country but not really the bike for me to do so. Anyway, remember what the Doormouse said ... My MG V7 II Stone: lather2002.livejournal.com/5441241.html
Hi, Bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Special in January '23, added screen, main stand and heated grips...hey this is Scotland. 2000 mile round Trip to France. It never put a foot wrong and managed three hundred miles in pouring down rain. An absolute dream. Ignore all the what's a touring bike bollox. Get out there and enjoy life. Iain.
Congrats on the V7, Iain. I just rode across Italy and met a couple riding across the country, from France, two up on an older Moto Guzzi Breva 750! Very cool.
Fair enough review. I have never been or ever likely to be 5.11" so that may well be a factor for your choice. Guzzis are quite compact which for me at 5.8" is a good thing. The gearbox issues are nothing that I have noticed, but I have heard it said before, it's possibly in need of some adjustment, but if any motorcycle clutch is out of adjustment then you would have the same issue, so really I think you need to see beyond that. I am based in Europe, so there's plenty of aftermarket kit available, but other than silencers and maybe a fairing what else do you need? A couple of things in the Guzzi's favour which weren't mentioned are 1. Handling and balance of the Guzzi is amazing, I don't know if you have tight twisting roads at your disposal, but if you do then this is really where the Guzzi shines. 2. Probably the last bike built that you can maintain yourself, and by doing this bonds you with the bike, but if you are the type that just wants to take your bike into a dealer for a service or minor repair then I get that. 3. The Guzzi is built in Italy by an enthusiastic workforce who care about their products. I have visited the factory and the workers were proud of what they did, it was very traditional, not just a load of robots. I think that the Triumph is built in a modern factory in Thailand. Statistically there has always been better bikes than a Guzzi, but a Guzzi is just a bit more than the sum of the parts.
Your views are from an experienced user. I would say the same about my V7 as you, only increasing Guzzi's most outstanding detail: his shaft drive. Every premium bike has this.
Thanks for feedback as I am considering the V7 Racer edition. I've had a lot of bikes and have wanted a Guzzi for a long time. A simple retro bike with modern parts sounds perfect for a change. 👍
"Probably the last bike built that you can maintain yourself, and by doing this bonds you with the bike" - I like what you said here. I think I would buy it with this in mind. I'd like to learn how bikes work and be able to do simple maintance myself, so it sounds like a good bike to learn on, in more ways than one.
My wife has over 8,000 miles on her Stornello, I have about the same on my Bonneville T100. Her Guzzi has more character and is more flickable, the T100 is smoother and more refined. We’ve had 300 mile days on each of them. Any time we’re parked hers is the bike that gets all the attention and questions, and if my T100 was stolen I’d probably replace it with the latest 850cc V7.
Great feedback, thanks for sharing this. Very cool to hear from someone who has the chance to ride both. I'm hoping to give the new V7 a chance now that the dealership that I used to work for is now a dealer. If they get a demo model I should be able to get some time on it :)
So your Triumph is black. It's the only way a Guzzi would get more attention. Look at any classic bike collection, you wont see much black. If you can't make the engine bay classy make it black
I've had one of the new 850 V7s since July. It's taller, heavier and more powerful than the 750 iii, and has a stepped passenger seat. Whether it's changed enough to overcome your concerns I can't say!
@YouMotorcycle I have the same Guzzi in Switzerland. When it’s cold, sometimes you need to let the clutch slipping just a little bit, while pressing towards first. This way it works even in very cold termperatures. And when you come to a stop, you should start to shift to first or neutral while rolling the last few meters. I do this automatically now and everything works fine. It‘s a Guzzi, sometimes you should treat her like she wants to be treated ;)
My 2021 shifts into first without issue. The issue I had was finding neutral. After a clutch adjustment the issue went away. Awesome bike with lots of character. The exhaust sound is very good even with stock pipes.
@@YouMotorcycle air cooled engines will always take time to get the gear box and oil to temp. Once there it seems (on my v85tt) to shift much smoother.
Yes same here! I just (yesterday!) bought a 2016 with about 3K miles on it. When I got home riding it back from the dealer I could NOT get it to neutral and I suspect it will take some practice. It passes through from 1 to 2 and all I see is that little green light for a nanosecond 😆
Best motorcycle review I ever watched. To the point. Short, precise and concise. That's it. Love it! Not the usual BS from guys who love to listen to themselves. Thanks!!!!
Good job, I agree about the passenger. I bought it to please me. 2018 on models are a improvement. N. England is great place to ride a Guzzi. Much like Italy?.I'm 70 and remember Triumphs. I'm sure they have come a long ways from back in the day. This new model is a world ahead now in comparison of the older Triumphs. Fair and honest review.
Thanks Flying Fish. Glad you're still on two wheels and enjoying the Guzzi, that's awesome! I'm hoping to go to the factory in Mandello del Lario next year, fingers crossed!
Bittersweet… I just sold my gorgeous Moto Guzzi v9 Bobber. Man did I fall in love with the motor, the look, the sound and coming off an air cooled triumph scrambler the sixth gear, the gear indicator and the emergency flashers. You may be asking yourself, “why did he sell it then?” I could never get comfortable on it for more than an hour or two. The seat was too small, and the rider triangle was unforgiving when doing more than 60 mph for any length of time. In comparison my Triumph Scrambler was downright luxurious. Now I’m without a bike and thinking of buying a 2014 bmw g650gs but in the back of my mind wonder if the new Moto Guzzi v7 would have more room. The Moto Guzi really got into my blood. Ugh!
I love the G650GS, although it will definitely be slower in top speed, and a touch slower in acceleration. I'm sure you know that already. I also enjoy stopping every hour or two anyway, so going any longer than that isn't really something I can comment on unfortunately. What kind of riding do you want to be doing? Would you consider another Triumph? I will ask again the dealer I used to work for (now a Guzzi dealer), if the V7s have grown any. I know the swing arm is bigger to accomodate a larger rear tire, but that's all I know so far.
@@YouMotorcycle I loved my Scrambler but live in the Northwest and looking for a bit more travel suspension, heated grips and luggage for my young son and I so am going to the 650gs.
I have both a Moto Guzzi V7 II and a Triumph Bonneville 790, I love them both. However if I were forced to make a choice, then I would keep the Guzzi. In my opinion the Guzzi is a more enjoyable ride, handles better, is faster, has better brakes, sounds better (both bikes having after-market silencers), and is more comfortable.
I think the 865 Bonneville is the more direct comparison in terms of what each manufacture was putting out during the same year. The 865 is a nice upgrade from the 790.
I have an 2013 model which I love it’s my only modern Road bike didn’t notice when solo I ride high dirt bikes and low Trials bikes but if you couple the side torque and the high seat it is pretty hard to ride 2 up in town I’m 5’10” getting neutral better than my wife’s Ducati don’t have a problem with the 1 st gear just slip the clutch a bit don’t even think of it
Hey Robert, I just put out a video today about the stolen 2013 V7 I bought, it might interest you: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HNmJ6IjQkHI.html
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 500. 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
V7 iii rider here, good review. The Moto Guzzi is as about near as possible to buying a 50’s bike you can get now. I’m lucky enough to have a few different bikes and every time I jump on the V7 I have to “re-learn” how to ride if that makes sense. The SV650 that I use for the commute is a far better bike in every way except one, it doesn’t pull at the heart strings. I don’t walk away from it and look back a think “wow that looks cool, it’s great to ride a bike” For that reason it will probably be the last bike that leaves my garage, for all its faults.
Great review, very accurate. Why not trying a new V/, with the 850 cc engine? It is faster and improved and, what's more important for you, a bigger seat, much more comfortable for the passenger (I have a new V7 Centenario and my wife is very happy about it)
Yes I very much want to try one. Right now our closest Moto Guzzi dealer doesn't yet have any 2022 models so I can't even sit on one :( I could see myself owning the new V7 in a few years if the frame size is right.
@Roberto Mordacci come e' la moto? Ho un honda cb650 stavo pensando di cambiarla con v7 stone la nuova il motore raffredato ad aria non riscalda? Mi piace il fatto del cardano cosi non devi pulire catena....
@@themarvelousvintage76 La moto è veramente ben riuscita: il nuovo motore ha molta coppia e la cavalleria sufficiente a tirarti fuori dai sorpassi, oltre che scattare ai semafori. La moto è agile e bilanciata, molto facile da portare, ma con una grinta sconosciuta alle V7 precedenti. Il motore scalda il giusto, anche in estate non dà troppa noia. Il cardano è una pacchia: guido Guzzi dal 1997, con vari modelli, e la manutenzione è irrisoria. Soprattutto, è una moto immensamente divertente e versatile: chiedi a un concessionario di provarla, ne vale la pena.
I have a V7 and liked your review. The only thing I would disagree with is, its not a great long distance bike, one hour on the bike and I need to get off. The rear suspension is awfull, even though the bike handles well. Secondly, my bike finds all gears perfectly, I would add however that it was stiff when I first got it and needed the break in service which includes the gear oil change. After that all gears from cold no problem, all in all a cracking bike and I will leave it to my kids when Im gone.
at 2:55 I also mention "Touring can be done, even though that is not the designed purpose of the bike" - definitely not calling it a great long distance bike lol. A friend of mine did a 6,000 km trip (almost 4,000 mile trip), on her V7. Personally, I wouldn't, but she did it just fine, so it can be done. Doesn't mean I'm recommending it!
I've been riding for 55 years and have owned almost every bike made and for street riding it's one of my favorites. When I raced the GSXR was my favorite . Nice review.
Hey Adrian. This is Vito. You towed my CBR last night. Just got around to watching your stuff. Great video content. The quality in your videos are so high. Great work and keep it up. 😎
It is just simply too expensive for what you get in my opinion! Italians are good in marketing and this kind of crap but at the end you don't ride on marketing bu.. but on motorcycle and if you buy it the last thing you want is to sell it after a few months...
I'm always suspicious of any (Italian) advertising that tries to sell machinery by constantly using buzz words like "Passion!", "Heritage!", " Legendary!", "Iconic!", etc., over and over again. A motorcycle is a machine, advertising is just words. When I'm riding my bike it really means nothing to me that the company founder's brother won some race in Portugal in 1921. If Moto Guzzi would license the design to Yamaha and have it built in Japan I'd be more likely to buy it.
Putting aside the original 1967-70s V7 and V7 Sport, the modern V7 first appeared 2008 and was upgraded 2012, boosted from 48hp to 50hp, before being superseded 2014/15 by the V7ii, for which MG never published figures but no less than previously. The V7ii can be identified by its ABS and traction control lamps next to the ignition. What you have there is the second series of the V7 mark 1. 1st gear - I suspect the clutch is not adjusted correctly, particularly the push rod. The little return spring on the clutch arm makes it difficult to assess how much free play there is on the cable, often too much. The lever mechanism at the back of the motor likes to be kept spotlessly clean and well oiled (spray gun lube/cleaner). Yes, they do take a minute to warm up, the time it takes to put helmet and gloves on. Reach - it is quite long and lean but whilst you're 5'11" and I'm only 5'9", I have short legs, long back and 6'3" wing span. I had to fit other bars to move the grips further away. I find this a bit of a problem on any bike, I need low seat and long reach. Dual seat - I do find it adequate two-up but I do have to sit further forwards. I'm 100kg. Not suitable for longer journeys two-up. Solo it can be ridden all day, it provides good support and room to move around. (unlike say the Tigger 800 where you're wedged in). Not intended for touring but they do get toured around Europe. Off the motorways and euro-routes the roads are windy where a lighter comfortable bike is ideal. Motorways are boring. Flyscreen - I fitted after-market Dart Marlin. I found it makes no difference except perhaps a little at motorway speeds. Moto Guzzi are built lighter, where they will use an 8mm fastener, Triumph will use a 10mm. Italian finesse vs solid Anglo-Thai engineering. 0-60 mph is about the same as a Bonneville T100, in the 5 seconds, top speed about the same too. The bad thing about it is it is not a Bonneville. The good thing about it is is not a Bonneville.
Fantastic comment👌 yes it's a V7 I. Clutch seemed ok during the summer, but not in the cold, but was installed by the owner, not a shop, so you may be right
@@YouMotorcycle I had fun with my V7ii when I changed the clutch cable and had to re-do the lot. So I had to find out how the thing was supposed to work. I had to make a spanner to fit the pushrod peg. It needs about 3mm free play on the cable from where the pushrod touches the clutch. You can feel it better without the little cable return spring, it can be put back in after setting. With it all cleaned and oiled it is very much lighter. Advise owner. :-) I was finding the clutch would not disengage enough to find neutral when the engine got hot. And it was heavy. So I changed the cable. It was not the cable.
2021 & later redesigned V7 853cc bikes compared to similar Triumphs... -4 piston Brembo 320mm -Better saddle & riding position -5.5 US Gal fuel tank -6 speed gear box -Shaft drive -Better headlamp on the LED equipped models The new V7s are really good in the areas that matter to a rider - don't overlook these. Ultra tight canyon carving, sweepers, city, interstates, lane splitting, accessorizing to make a classic sport touring machine - two thumbs up! This RU-vidr is riding & reviewing an older gen V7 + mixing in stock photos of the new gens. Kinda misleading. 6"1" & riding since age 12.
If you think the V7 gearbox is odd then try a mk1 Le Mans ..you never worry about finding neutral as there’s 3 of them. And the the box is reversed so new riders do a lot of open throttle changes from 2nd to 1st
I remember when I bought a '69 Norton many many years ago (another right hand down-for-up gear change) I was so enthralled with the power delivery compared to my Honda 750-4 that when I got to a corner after a long straight section on the test ride, I stomped on the brake & changed up a gear... Surprising the heck out of me & horrifying the guy selling the Norton, who was following on my Honda. Never made that mistake again & never quite lived it down either!
Don't spend 30 seconds telling me how good the bike sounds then not let me hear it :P rev the arse off it! great review though, thanks for putting this together.
Hahaha. Thanks. Unfortunately I had already given the bike back to it's owner by the time I was doing this review, so I had to do the best I could with what I had.
V7II Special owner here with 40 plus years riding experience. I bought mine with only 7500 on the clock & have found the gearbox gets better with age. I looked into buying a Triumph & found them to be a thoroughly modern bike in every way except for looks, something I found terribly disappointing. To be honest, I found them kind of bland. Sure, there are lots of bolt-on goodies to be found on the internet but at the end of the day, that isn't why I ride. The Guzzi is not retro, it is a genuine survivor from a different era. It has a character & charm that very few motorcycles can claim. Admittedly, they are not for everyone but if you do buy one, I'll bet you never want to sell it. I have a mate who has owned & loved & ridden the same Moto Guzzi for over 30 years. How many manufacturers can claim that kind of loyalty & reliability? Ride one. If you "get" what they are about you will fall in love, just like I have... Thanks for an honest, interesting & informative video.
That's a totally fair assessment, I agree. It really comes down to what you prefer. Modern-in-old-clothes with more thingamajigs you can bolt on, or more authentic with some rougher-around-the-edges character.
What makes you say accessories are not available for the V7?? GIVI, Hepco Becker, Agostini, etc cover it pretty well, as does Guzzi. Was there something else?
Woah, rewind, I never said accessories aren't available for the Guzzi. What I said was the aftermarket wasn't as big for the V7 as it is for the Bonneville, which is true, the depth and breadth between the offerings for each are very different. You have many more options for the exact same upgrade with the Bonneville as you do with the V7, which makes sense given the sheer volume of Bonnevilles being sold compared to the more rare V7s.
@@YouMotorcycle The Guzzi "customization" really happens with home or special made upgrades not bolt-on parts. I don't do machining of parts or teardown/rebuilds/rebores. You are right about the relatively minimal selection of aftermarket accessories, but the real customizations for Guzzi are not packaged purchases, but shop made custom work. There are lots of spectacular Guzzi customs to see online. Great review- thanks.
🙋♀️ does the pillion seat feel different from the rider’s in terms of bike suspension ? I have a 125cc where the rider seat suspension is mediocre, but when I sat in the pillion seat I could feel the force of every road bump and texture going straight to my brain …
I can' t comment specifically about the Moto Guzzi V7 I, but... On some bikes, the suspension always feels a little rougher for the passenger. The rider is in between the front suspension and the back suspension, so the rider is pretty cushioned, but the passenger is far back so the ride for them is always a little less comfortable
Never heard any issues of first gear, i live in Sweden and we have cold climate as well. Have two Guzzis and none have any issues to get in first gear. Check the bike……..
It's air cooled that why take time to warning up the transmission and engine its doesnt have radiator with thermostat but I prefer in that way remind to me old carburetor motorcycke where you need pull the choke to warming up the bike something similar
The first gear comments sound like one of two things, neither related to temperature. Guzzi gear boxes need multiple thousand kilometers to settle in. And, unfortunately, V7 are known to have really poor cable routing that will cause the clutch to bind at low rpm. Both are easy fixes; ride more and tie the cable away from the cylinders. I agree the bike sucks two up. Not sure where I fall with respect to accessories. I have Sato rear sets, Laverda clip-on, Mupo race suspension front and rear, aftermarket seat, signals, hepco/becker panniers, half fairing from Italy, Halcyon bar-end mirrors from Britain, Mistral exhausts, etc. Loads of add-on parts are out there... they just aren't warehoused at one retailer. It is a small, underpowered, bike. It doesn't need a factory certified mechanic because of elemental engineering. Annual changing the fluids and setting the valve lash is a 45 minute job. The engine will run well over 150, 000 km. The reason most Guzzi owners are so passionate is because the bike brings us the essence of motorcycling. Simple and pure. Enjoyed your review.
Thank you and thanks for your input. Didn't mean to come across as if saying there isn't an aftermarket for the V7, just that the Bonneville's aftermarket is bigger. Agree with your evaluation of the v7. Fun machine. Not the most sophisticated, and that's part of its charm.
Later 850 has nearly 20bhp more and a more comfy stepped seat gearbox is better than my old 750 as well but individual bikes may vary!. They get smoother with mileage as well. The new ones are better finished as well my old 750 was very poorly finished and had paint lifting probs but may just have been a rough example. Just be aware if you have cosmetic problems guzzi will not want to know!!!.
Hey Steve, thanks for your comments. What year was your V7? Have you checked out my Best Mid-Size Retro Motorcycle (for me) series? It's seven episodes in and it compares the V7 750 vs the Triumph Bonneville 865, and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The playlist is here if you're interested: ru-vid.com/group/PLDu73pf3mUGB8VNJ5WEXOOc4k3RPpAsen - Bringing it up as, on the V7 I actually stripped the tank down to the bare metal, and I found that the Guzzi paint on the tank was very hardy compared to the Triumph tank I stripped the year before. My Guzzi V7 is a 2013.
@YouMotorcycle thanks for the reply!. My v750 special was a 2018 model in black. The paint lifted down to the bare alloy on the shaft drive unit and also in the wheel hub where it attached to the shaft drive. Apart from that I loved the bike but Colchester Kawasaki sent pics of the problem to moto guzzi but they didn't want to help in anyway. As an owner of 3 previous guzzi bikes you can imagine how disappointed I was. In fairness to Colchester kawasaki they gave me a good deal on an Aprilia Tuono. I love the look of the new 850 guzzi but once burned twice shy lol. I have ridden Triumph bonnevilles and had 2 test rides on 650 Enfields but am now running around on an old 1585cc Harley softail on open pipes lol. Do miss the guzzi but they don't deserve my money.
The Guzzi might be perfect for you then, but this is an older review, you might want to check out my review of the 2023 Moto Guzzi V7 if you're shopping for something made in the last handful of years: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-17Eeco3AQ8c.html
Haha, fair enough! I'll try to speak a little slower next time, you can try to listen a little faster, and we'll find some middle ground on the next one. Cheers brother, ride safe :)
@@autonomousindividual7780 yes. Five minutes of warm up time will definitely do it lol. I give my fuel injected bikes about 5 seconds. 15 if it's cold.
@@YouMotorcycle I know. It's kind of excessive. I just feel like Im doing it a favor. I start it and then get my stuff on. Either way I love the Guzzi. Cliche but they do have something special about them.
The shifting difficulty is a bit of a red herring. Like you, I came from slick-as-melted-butter Japanese shifters and found the MG clunky. After a few thousand miles, I can find any gear, including neutral, without any difficulty whatsoever. Same with the kickstand. Some people complain that it's hard to find but I don't see it. Like any other machine, you quickly get used to the position of the controls.
Whereabouts are you located? How's that first shift into neutral on a cold day? I recently ran into a V7 owner here in Canada who said he bought the bike after watching this video, but he also agrees, on our cold mornings, finding Neutral won't happen until the bike is well and truly warmed up. Glad you're enjoying your V7 though. What year is it?
@@YouMotorcycle I'm also Canadian (rural Quebec) but currently live in northern Greece. I actually have a 2019 V9 Bobber Sport not a V7, but I suspect it's the same six speed transmission. Although it never gets as cold as Canada, the winter is similar to Vancouver's (with less rain). Yes, I would agree that it takes a minute or two for the gearbox to warm up but I enjoy it for the same reason that I enjoy shaving with a traditional safety razor rather than a disposable one. What I like most about Guzzis is that you really feel like you're riding a hunk of hot steel full of spinning blades and shafts. It's not boring, it doesn't feel like it was designed by committee, or down to a price point. Great video, by the way, I'm glad to see reviewers interested in these unique machines -- although I have to admit that I really enjoy the relative exclusivity of driving a Guzzi :)
Good review , yes it is not very comfortable for the passenger (according to my wife), especially if you don’t adjust the springs and if it’s a countryside bumping road. On the other hand did 1000 miles few days going to Italy on smooths road and my back did not hurt at all. It was hard to find the neutral before the first mantainance. The new 2021 clutch and gear is completely different... maybe more Japanese ...but I have not experience with those.
Test rode one last year when shopping for a new bike. I was disappointed with the choppyness of the front suspension when I took it on the freeway just outside of Vancouver as part of the test ride. The handlebars were vibrating terribly. I wound up buying a Bonneville and am pretty happy with it.
Love my Bonneville. I went with a used SE for the 17" front tire. I would still consider a Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 SE though, but I haven't test rode one yet so we'll see...
I am a 77 yo , Dutch male. I bought my first V7 in 1970. At 10000 km the cranckshaft broke. In the Netherlands eight V7 's did so, I was told. In 1972 I bought my V7 850 GT. They all jumped out of 5th gear. We drove to Mandello del Lario (700 miles) and the factory repaired it. I sold the 850 in 2012!! after 130000 km. New in 1972, it cost 7250 guilders, that makes € 3295. I sold it for €2700 in 2012. I had to wipe away a tear.
I've had a few bikes. To sum up the range Honda 1100 CB ex --Like a swiss watch, Guzzi V9 Roamer 850--- like a cement mixer. I prefer the cement mixer.
lmao, I have to be honest... As a Kawasaki Z900RS owner, I know all the advantages of the big japanese in-line fours, but, I kind of have to agree with you... the V7, even though it's pretty weak in comparison, is probably more fun at most of the speeds I ride at.
Minor correction for the sake of accuracy; Triumph's are not made in Taiwan. Around 20% of Triumph's are assembled in the UK, 71% are assembled in Thailand and 9% are assembled in Brazil.
@@chrisweeks6973 My understanding is the twin cylinder Triumphs are ALL made in Taiwan. The other models may be built elsewhere but the parallel twins are made in Taiwan.
Fun video I like to the points that your address! I looked at both Triumph T 100 and the Moto Guzzi The motor Guzzi is very comfortable but for the reasons you addressed I went with the Bonneville
I might have ended up with a V7 if there was a dealer here in Ottawa but Montreal and Toronto are the closest dealers. I ended up buying a 2022 Kawasaki W800 and I have been very happy with it. It has great low down torque and enough power for freeway runs. No regrets so far. It's a great basic motorcycle that has all the character of the 60s and 70s British bikes without the draw backs. 360 degree crank shaft, long stroke engine that pulls right from idle. It can due touring duty but it is not a Goldwing. Suits my local area riding to a "T". Still might consider a Guzzi in the future as I am a big fan of shaft drive.
Agreed. I have not seen a W650 or a W800 in the wild in the two years I've owned mine. I think they are a misunderstood machine, are a little on the expensive side and most people don't know or appreciated the quality they are getting for the price. It is nice to be a novelty on the roads however. Always a conversation starter.@@YouMotorcycle
Just like a Harley and most other bikes, just modify the seat, or buy a new one. It made a huge difference on my Griso. Two up touring no problem. And only a couple of hundred dollars to do the seat
You should check out the more recent ones. I reviewed a 2023 last year and they've gotten SO. MUCH. BETTER. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-17Eeco3AQ8c.html
I don't know if I'm the most qualified for that but thank you haha. For now the best I can offer is my review of the 2023 V7, which they've improved a lot over the 2014 I reviewed in the video above. Here's the 2023: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-17Eeco3AQ8c.html Thanks and ride safe!
Honestly I wish I could help you but price really depends on whereabouts you're located. In some areas these bikes are hot in demand, in other areas people could not care less about them, so as much as I'd like to help I probably can't. I would find a motorcycle group for where you're located, and ask the people there what they think. If there's a Moto Guzzi group for your state or province, they probably would know exactly how best to help you. Facebook and Google are google places to look for such groups. Best of luck.
@@YouMotorcycle I’m not quite sure, I guess it’s the character and the lower center of weight, it just seems to give me a little more grin factor. I don’t miss the extra hp of the T120 either.
I've been thinking about buying a Moto Guzzi V7 for years, just never did it because I'm not particularly enamored of Italian vehicles. As a retired auto tech I've seen way too many old, rusty and unreliable Italian cars to believe in the "Italian Quality" myth. And back in the 60s and 70s I owned a Benelli, an Aermacchi and a Ducati, none of which were reassuring from a quality or reliability standpoint. Having said that, it seems that my choices for a simple, retro styled bike have dwindled to a very small number today, and the Guzzi is the only one that's both affordable and has shaft drive. Ever since owning a Yamaha Seca 750 years ago I've grown to despise chain drive. I mean, 100+ years ago there were chain drive cars too, but I don't want one today. You can always bolt on aftermarket parts to "upgrade" your bike in many ways, but if you really like shaft drive you have to buy a bike that has it. I might love a new Triumph, but every time I had to clean, lube and adjust that chain I'd be wishing I'd bought the Moto Guzzi. As for carrying a passenger, I think it's been about 40 years since I've done that.
@@YouMotorcycle Probably would be. I do like the bike, it's just that "Made In Italy" is more of a "con" than a "pro" to me. But the perfect bike doesn't exist.
@@barryervin8536 I'm going to the factory in June. I'll let you know if it's a circus. Personally I think you're doing yourself a disservice by letting opinions formed over half a century impact your decision making today. 5 of the 6 bikes in my garage right now and European, two are Italian, two are German, one is British. None give me any trouble. They also aren't 50 to 60 year old vehicles.
@@alanlake5220 I really think it was just the weather, as I never adjusted it, but I just remembered that when it was warm out the bike was much better.
I really loved the grunt of the T120, it's such a fun bike but I'll take the handling and the shaft drive of the V7 every time. No more chain BS. My knees are thanking me. BTW at six-four and 70 years of age I find the V7 very comfortable for longer rides. If I get on an SV 650, THAT's cramped. The comfy seat and good ergos of the Guzzi were blissful on a 320km ride. To all the short assed folks who are complaining, I just don't get it.
Don't they have low budget brakes and low budget shocks on both the Bonnie and the Guzzi? So near perfect pavement and no panic stops are generally called for.
I owned a V7 Stone for 10 years. I toured it all over the great wide state of Western Australia. I tour with whatever I own. I maintained it myself and took it to the dealer every second service to go on the computer. WA has the legendary Mario Poggioli at Thunderbikes to help here. He sold me some Mistral mufflers which were the best sounding pipes on any bike ever. They unlocked a heap of mid range. I never got comfy with the throttle, too twitchy, responsive according to my Millennial Nephew. Sold it to him for a family discount. The natural environment for it was scratching through the hills. Loved it. Great bike. Great value and sexy AF.
I own a 2020 Moto Guzzi V7IIIS model. What is distinctive is the feel of the engine. The transverse V twin has a thrumming pulse at all speeds- but especially when cruising at 40mph in 4th gear- that is the root of its mechanical character that is visceral and addictive. As most know, it has great Italian heritage- 100 years in the same (about to be architecturally updated) factory on lake Como. No, it is not a sport bike or a touring bike. It is a curvy backroad ride for enjoyment at a relaxed pace on a day ride in the country. It is a true icon of timeless motorcycle ingredients, with just enough updates to make it contemporary where needed- antilock/traction/Brembo brakes/acceptable electronics. This review is accurate and good advice. However, I have never had difficulty with finding first gear.
I had the chance to test ride a V7 a couple weeks ago. They are definitely much smoother than the V7 I, or at least, than the V7 I that I was borrowing.
On any modern motorcycle reliability really shouldn't be a concern so much as parts availability and dealer support. I've owned dozens of motorcycles over the past 15 years and spent most of that time working in the motorcycle industry. Some bikes are worse than others, GSXRs love to go through regulators for example, but mostly today's motorcycles are all fairly reliable
@@jithel7948 I wouldn't say "now excludes" - I would say RE are trying to be amongthe reliable bikes now and have been on the outside of that groupfor decades
My air cooled Ducati Monster needed nowhere near as much time to warm up as this bike, neither did my air cooled Vespa. I'm Italian, and just got back from 25 days riding across Italy (stay tuned for that upcoming series once I'm done my current V7 vs Bonneville vs Interceptor series) so, I'm a little aware of the climate and other air cooled Italian motorcycles. The v7 is in a league of its own for warm up time.
That is how you pronounce it. Gootz-zee. Italian was my first language. I used to have a thick Italian accent as a kid growing up. Some people pronounce it guzzy, like fuzzy, out of ignorance. When you have a double consonant in Italian it means the letter must be pronounced twice across two seperate syllables.
@@YouMotorcycle I pronounce it like the same way i pronounce pizza. Yes, it's with a T but the way i heard you initially say it didnt hear the 'T'. But the last few times i did hear the T ever so slightly. Anyhow it's a comment that still boosts the youtube algorithm nonetheless :)
Ok, I’m watching this in 2023 hearing you say the bonneville is more powerful and I realize you’re riding the previous v7 and not the current 850 v7. Cause they’ve updated the engine (slightly) from a 750 to an 850 giving it basically the same power numbers as a T100 Bonny. So with that in mind….I’m going MG all the way! Mostly because there’s actually a MG dealer in town but not a Triumph. But I definitely prefer the styling of the V7 over the T100 also. By quite a bit.
Yes, that's why the title of the video says V7 I :) enjoy the Guzzi. If you have a dealer in your town and not a Triumph dealer that's a good motivation, especially if you won't be doing a lot of two up riding
Excellent review. I bought my V7, also my first Guzzi last year, I've been through sports and adventure bikes over the years and even a few retros, but I wanted something fun and light for everyday. Its a brilliant piece of kit, but I can sympathise with your gripes. That first gear is a pain, as is neutral on mine. Keep up the good work.
Thanks very much! And congrats on the V7. If you liked this review, I got to borrow a 2023 V7 and did a review here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-17Eeco3AQ8c.html It's a much newer and much better video than this one in my opinion. PS: Glad to hear I'm not alone in the hunt for neutral and 1st gear lol, thanks!
The 2021 v7 w/850 engine is awesome, No issues with bike, but parts and accessories are very limited, 2 up riding is a little cramped and there isn't a sissy bar for the passenger to lean back on, At least I could not find one. So I am looking into the New Bonneville T 120 and see if that one is more accommodating. Thanks for the review.
T120 is fantastic but depending on what kind of riding you do the 900 cc or even the 865cc Bonneville aren't bad at all and may or may not do the trick for you. Just food for thought. Cheers :)
I always enjoy pulling out of a corner on any v-twin, V7 or otherwise. What I lack in natural ability I can make up for in low end torque. The short wheelbase of the V7 paired with the low end torque do fine, but most riders will probably be using this as a commuter, I think, rather than canyon carving. Given the right suspension upgrades it might be a lot of fun for that too though!
I realize this is an old review, but let's be clear about one important point . . . the Moto Guzzi V7 is NOT a "retro" bike. It's an original classic that has been updated to 21st century specs. It provides a riding experience that is unique because of its air-cooled, transverse V-Twin and shaft drive. It also requires some breaking in. The shifting actually becomes smoother over time. This Guzzi is clearly not for everyone, and they do offer larger, more powerful bikes if that's your preference. But if you want an authentic "old school" motorbike that is brand new from the factory at an affordable price, the V7 series is it.
I googled the definition of retro for you. Retro: imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past. Having seen a lot of the original V7s while I was in the Moto Guzzi museum in Mandello del Lario this summer, I can tell you that the current V7s are definitely imitative of the style, fashion, and design, of their predecessors. They are definitely retro styled motorcycles.
This was my friend's V7 and he said he didn't know what it came with. Have you checked out my Best Mid-Size Retro Motorcycle (for me) series? It's seven episodes in and it compares the V7 750 vs the Triumph Bonneville 865, and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The playlist is here if you're interested: ru-vid.com/group/PLDu73pf3mUGB8VNJ5WEXOOc4k3RPpAsen
Here it is, it's a little less organized and longer, but hopefully it will help you in your search: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iyUP1Rj3hV8.html
Have you ever had vanilla pudding, and then had a dessert rich in flavours like a tiramisu? One simply is, and could be substituted for any other generic dessert, but the tiramisu, it's rich, it's full of gusto, you know you're having something different, something special. That's character. You could jump on any mid size Japanese cruiser, like a Boulevard M50, or a Vulcan 900, and motors feel the same, they're generic, they're bland, you could swap the motor from one to the other and never know. They're vanilla. Then you jump on a Sportster, a bike with infinite flaws, but you get on it, twist the throttle, and you know right away this is something different. You don't have to look down to know the motor isn't like the rest, it's not vanilla, it's different. It has character. Same thing with the V7. You get on it right away you think, wow, this is something else, this thing has its own unique personality. It has character. The Bonneville doesn't. It's plain Jane vanilla. It doesn't have personality like the V7 does. It's boring in comparison. That said, I own a Bonneville. It is still a fine bike and it fits me better.
@@YouMotorcycle I’ve had several issues like that and I noticed that every time I “sub’ed” through Instagram it didn’t stick. (Despite showing on Instagram that I was subscribed) Since them I look people up on RU-vid directly to subscribe. Don’t trust IG because I don’t believe those platforms like each other. Loved your channel and content buddy, cheers ! Eddie
