I do not think an 80hp engine would be ok without many more changes to the bike ,which would put up the price. The V7 (I own a 750 stone III ,2020) at 80 hp would need another disc up front and more suspension mods ,41mm basic forks and simple rear suspension are at the end of the road at about 65 hp. Probably need the bigger final drive from the V85 too. I agree that a roadster styled V85 would be fantastic , but it`s going to come in at V85 prices not V7. I would like the choice though and can`t see why Guzzi haven`t offered this option for the V85 .Not everyone lives the "Adventure Bike " delusion that they are going to do any serious off road work.
I totally agree about the choice... You are also right about the brakes and suspension although I think 80HP would still work well enough on the old one, eventually slightly tweaked. Talking about v85 and all that ADV thing. I guess there's plenty of people who think that those bikes are better for the potholes and sometimes gravel - which is true in fact. What I would personally prefer though - a decent classic scrambler. But not the hipster sort of scrambler, or super tall one like new triumph 1200xc. Just something which is classic enough with a bit longer suspension travel to make the potholes less painful. And honestly V85 is the closest bike to that. However still not perfect ;) I think that would be interesting: www.cartoq.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/royal-enfield-scrambler-650-render-feature.jpg
Beauty is in the high of the beholder . If the blue one looks half as good in the flesh I think my Interceptors days might be numbered . Agree it looks more 80's than classic but that's fine by me .
It is quite interesting bike indeed if you enjoy 80's styling. I wouldn't mind at all if they would introduce this new model as another variation but the pain is in fact that there is no 850 in old styling if you prefer that. Cheers
@@UncleLongbeard Hi Uncle Longbeard, please see my post above. Would it be possible to switch the 80's style seat for a bench seat? I am hoping that the changes do not prevent this swap from being possible.
I like the new seat. In fact I made seat that looks almost identical fo my old Guzzi special, in brown too. I think this a well balanced design and the beginning of something new and really good. There is hope with this engine of higher horsepower and tunability, which simply wasn't possible with the older engine design.
The new taillight is a modern take on the classic light Moto Guzzi used from the 60s and 70s. I always found the previous versions of the taillight cheap looking. I like the new one.
New guzzi looks nice to me as well if only I wouldn't see the 750 I would think it's OK (ish) ... And in terms of HP it's even far from 75-80 which is satisfactory for me as well. So, that's why I made that video ;)
V7 850 Special would be my choice, however Do like: Twin analogue clocks Upswept exhaust. Wire wheels Chromed parts Available colours (Blue and Silver/Grey) Don't like: Brown seat (Yuk!) Short front mudguard (Extender needed on day one) Black engine Black rear mudguard Round tail light (It's not a scrambler) 850 decal on petrol tank (The stripe, yes. The number, no) No center stand as standard (What! :/ )
brown seat is great... but only with chromed tank and some leather addons. But generally I don't like it either. And after all what's most important - you need to like it, not some internet idiot spreading nonsense :D
I agree with your argument, your shapes are better. I still like the line of Bellagio from a few years ago and even the Nevada has a better shape than their new V7s.
@@UncleLongbeard I have a bench seat on my Thruxton. I don't so much have a problem with the flat seat as I do with the slammed rear end. I like bikes that have a little rear end travel. I also think the stepped seat on the new V7 is very subtle and elegant. I get that you're used to looking at them as they've been. I'm not. Until this new one and the V85, none of them except the California ever piqued my interest. Now I want one of each of the new ones!
@@UncleLongbeard you do know that Moto Guzzi Quota is considered a classic for those into the older adventure bikes. The V85 takes some of the styling cues from that bike btw.
Great video. To the point with illustrations. You are right they could have just given us the bigger engine and we would have been happy. I own the 2020 V7 lll special and agree it’s better looking than the V7 850.
The v9 may be a really clever move by Guzzi if the rumours are true that H-D is about to drop the Sportster even if they only drop it in Europe then the V9 looks like a realistic alternative for those who want a v-twin cruiser but don't want a softail or a street bob. I agree the styling of the V7 isn't the best but tbh I don't find the new one that offensive.
@@UncleLongbeard Of all the adventure bikes I think the v85 is one of the best but it's not a class of bike I'm really interested in. If I was going to tour I'd prefer a touring bik and if I was going off-road I'd prefer a lightweight off-road bike but hey it's subjective and one man's meat is another man's poison I guess.
Maybe I’m getting old, but I no longer feel the need for 80+ Hp bikes. I enjoy riding my V9 Roamer as it is, for what it is. I don’t consider it a wannabe, in fact I wouldn’t know what to compare it with. All though it is not perfect, none of my bikes ever were, including a sportster. They were perfect for me and I enjoyed all of them anyway 😊
The black 2021 V7 looks very good. I think I will probably get it. I was going for the Honda 1100, but it looks like it is too small of a bike for me. So now I lean towards the MG V7. Problem is the dealer isn't in a hurry to order the 2021 models due to unsold stock of the 2020' MGs. They can't even quote it ffs. The new bobber looks ugly to me btw.
It’s a seat rear fender and pipes you can customize these to your liking and personally I feel that a bike should reflect the owner’s personality even if it’s stock and to their liking. As the saying goes there’s an ass for every seat.
It's always better to tailor the bike to your personality, however the v7 iii was almost perfect (visually) as is and the new one is a mixed bag as we can see ;)
Hello longbeard , I enjoyed your ‘rant’ 😊 I can’t say too much because I’ve just ordered V7 centennial edition. I really like the styling,color combination plus the brown seat and of course the engine sound. I agree with you regarding the performance .Surely 80 hp is not too much to ask for. Saying that I’m buying the Guzzi for its ‘character’ not so much for performance. Incidentally I live in Johannesburg. Delivery only expected end of September 🥸
Very good eye for detail! But overall, when I look at the bike as a whole, it's still good looking and the rear end would not put me off as much as the lack of power.
I too, like the look of the lower rear fender of the old V7's but things must change over time or their sales will drop to nothing and then there would be no more new V7's. The 85 horsepower thing, is only available at maximum rpm which is 6800. I rarely keep a bike tached out to the max. Torque is what gets you going and I can be happy with 65 HP as long as it has a good amount of torque.
Can an owner buy a bench seat to fit the new model 850 V7 Special? Presumably, the subframe would permit such a swap? Please let me know if I am right or wrong. The 850 v7 Special looks a bit UJM with that seat; twin alloy wheels would put the tin hat on it. Cheers
Both models are beautiful, in fact the more i look at the new design the more i like it. No one is right or wrong in this instance it's all personal preference.
But if the big increase in torque of the new engine kicks in at lower rpms it could make for an improved more flexible ride, 65hp is ok for old farts like me! I just hope that Guzzi have bothered to sort the fuel map out this time.
@Peter C If you're that old you may remember the BMW R90s my old boss used to own one, the 'spec sheet' I've seen says it's 67 bhp Even two up, that was plenty quick enough for me on normal roads, and doubt much would have come passed us...whatever it says on paper.
@@UncleLongbeard Max torque on the T3... 5800 rpm . Max torque on the V9 3K rpm including all the new emissions shizzle. I wonder where most MG buyers want their power? Fully respect your opinion, and it was a great video! I loved the look of the W800 then sat on one, and knew I'd never buy one. If we all had the same taste there would only be one bike manufacturer! :-) I've always liked MG's but the reliability issues dating from back in the '70s have always put me off... have you ever owned one?
@@paullee6663 no, I ridden a few though and liked it. I'd like to have both, w800 and mg to be honest ;) talking about torque on low revs - it's more about the curve rather than peak at certain rpm but yes, true. Some may prefer it lower
The new Moto Guzzi 850 with the blue tank is the most beautiful motorcycle I have ever seen. I've watched every video on it and it just makes me drool. 65 hp is fine by me especially with the improved low end torque. I did own a 1972 Guzzi Ambasador and it was alse beautiful.
I think it looks quite nice bike but I agree stylistically your suggestions would look better, btw what is your opinion of the Kawasaki Z900RS? my pardon if you've already given a view in a previous video :))
z900rs... I hate the sound of 4 cylinder engine to that extend that I consider buying myself one as that would be my only bike capable of travelling to Tyrol in Austria (the only one I wouldn't change the pipes...) and I mean it. When it comes to which 4cyl bikes I think are cool - it's CB1100RS or EX and Z900RS but I hate how tall the rear end of that bike is. I mean that gap between the wheel and the passenger seat. When someone seats on the bike it looks way better. Answering you - I like it but I would have to permanently attach the panniers to it to cover that hole... Or eventually there is enough empty space for some birdhouse or a small shed possibly ... :D
@@UncleLongbeard I just saw that the Z650rs was unveiled today with same parrellel twin engine they use in their other 650s ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZDDi52wKkuA.html immediate thought is the exhaust looks terrible for the look of the bike.
@@soaringcrow5077 indeed the pipes are ugly and there's the same gap as in z900rs. I mean look at the old Z in the back where the fender is 10cm above the rear tyre... Anyways I would rather take z900rs than 650. At least it's fast
@@UncleLongbeard I have been using that parallel 650 engine for 4 years so although its a decent engine I deffinatelly want a different engine next, so the 650rs wouldnt even be consideration for me not to mention you would have to get aftermarket exhaust as soon as you bought it ,but yes 900rs I wouldn't say no to if only I could afford one hehe
I own a V9 Bobber, I like the way it looks, my only gripes are it is a bit under powered/the tailight is ugly as hell/and the suspension is not the greatest, I put pipes on it, and a performance air filter, had it tuned and it freed it up a little. I would like them to be at least 90hp, the rear end is a pain when installing/removing the rim(Lots of rubber pieces that have to be just right to get the diff fingers lined up.)
to be honest it's a nice bike. A bit too similar to sportster for me, but I just took the piss out of it as there is not much of a bad things to say ;) Well, except what you mentioned here ;) cheers
i agree with you totally. but... for the v9 part. yes it is a bobber, the tank is not the classic moto guzzi shape. i really like more the v7 tank (750) but, it is much better than the v7 850 because it take the brand to a different and new place. and give them the opportunity to give their onw take on it. the v7 850 is just take a good design and screw it up. the v9 is not perfect. but at least it is a new blood in the guzzi brand.
The Moto Guzzi Le Mans from the late 70's early 80's (when I was 19) had an 850 cc engine and put out a lot more power (over 8- HP). I recall the first V50's that had around 50 HP. I love the look of the Guzzi's - I still think they are nice looking bikes but agree with you - the engine should put out around 85 HP
V7s, or indeed most of the retro bikes are bought mostly for the looks, Guzzi forgot that, yes hp is nice, but looks is more importantly for these bikes. Looks like whoever designed the v7s left the company years ago, thats why v7 ii and v7 iii looks almost the same, in a good way, but now they decided to change the styling for whatever reason. A different, lesser designer that does not understand aesthetics, or a corporate/marketing guy had too much input into creating this mess.
Hahahaha, love it. I think the new V7 Special looks lovely, but it is def more 80's than 60's/70's. Awesome photoshops there UL. It does seem odd that they have reinvented the wheel, when they could have just kept it simple and bunged the 850 engine in the V7iii chassis.
Why are you so upset with Moto-Guzzi? They sell over 10,000 bikes a year and most people are very happy with them. Why are you bad mouthing a company that has been around for 100 years? Clearly, 1/3 of your audience disagrees with you.
and 2/3rd agrees... but how the hell did you came to the conclusion that I'm bad mouthing the guzzi? I'm a big fan of v7 but I'm not blind and see that it can be better. Unfortunately they failed with making the new model better, so I'm just showing the disappointment. If you can't see the difference between constructive criticism and bad mouthing then there's not much I can say...
V9 = wannabe? Hm, only thing that is wannabe here is your so-called expertism. If you don't agree with me that's not my fault. I like the V9 a lot, for the past years it has been the stronger small block and has created a beautiful driving experience. I don't know a single rider who didn't enjoy the V9 ride.Maybe you are judging by pictures only, I don't know, but I would not be astonished if I were right regarding your idea about V9.
I'm always stunned how some fanboys could be obsessed with their toys. Now grow up and figure out that some people are not that deadly serious. There's no bike I really dislike, and v9 is definitely not an exception.
I agree about the power, a 80hp V7 would appeal. Interestingly I've got a V7 in (same rear lights as shown in your comparison) and I actually prefer the new design (although think the ii is the prettiest of the V7s thus far).
I am kind of hoping the V7 Racer, and remember it hasn't been announced yet, will use the full powerful motor to make it a real hero bike of the range and finally give it a real tangible difference from the std bikes.
I'm confused about the criticism of the rear shocks. They improved the suspension in this years iteration. It cannot be form over function everywhere, not that I think the new rear shocks look bad.
Agree with the look point of view. I think 60hp and 60nm of torque has offered me everything I need (Honda Revere/NTV 650). A Stornello V7 is my ideal, but i would settle for a Classic. I understand the V7111 has better gearing? so, maybe a V7111 Rough....... What is odd, they seem to still be quite thirsty, despite injection and EU emissions.
Yo Uncle LB-your 60s vs 80s was spot on. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I'm pretty sure Cyndi Lauper would be the only one to disagree. I'm interested in the VIII model and am wondering if being 6ft (183cm)tall, the bike might feel cramped or be too small? I have not had a chance to ride or sit on one yet.
I was glad to find your video, and totally agree. Although the new engine is definitely a great addition, the rear end (especially the curved seat) looks really strange to me, and looks out of place.
I had a Le Mans mk1 and mk3. Looked good and performed well. Was a big fan of Guzzi but 40 years later and they've gone backwards. Sorry but I would not buy a new one with the exception of the 1100 Griso, a nice bike.
I enjoyed that! And, I have to agree that the your restyling looks better 👍 though my ideally styled Guzzi would be a Mk1 or Mk 2 Le Mans (I liked the 70’s!). It’s all academic to me though, I’m not in the market for a new bike cos I’ve already got three that I can’t ride at the moment 😂.
I've got three as well, but I can always sell one if I would fall in love. But it won't happen this time ;) MK1 is brilliant indeed, MK2 not as much but defo still good. My perfect one is the last in my examples ;) Cheers
Motorcycles are impractical already. Your only excuse for making them more dangerous is vanity? If you want things to look more attractive I suggest you shave off that weird beard 🤣@@UncleLongbeard
each to their own my friend. Just to add a bit of humour I will mention that there were some people who enjoyed the design of Fiat Multipla. At the end of the day - famous Italian style ;)
I agree about engine… I find 80hp will make driving and experience a bit more… maybe 🤔 sparkling? (Cool 😂?) … but about style I like lastest more then firstly (Ok …. I’s born in 80’ 🤣)
65 horse, why, probably because the bottom end can’t cope with more. Any sane manufacturer would push the big block bikes, Breva rules - but needs proper promoting. The small bones have tried and failed. Give us touring load lugging long distance bikes . Big block 1100 rules. ( with 2 valve heads. )
Well, you've got right to disagree. Each one have got different taste. There are even people who enjoy versys 650 design ;) The new 850 design is far from versys though but not classic anymore... and heavy
A Le Mans V85 Bike at least or a V100 why not in red or white or light blue and yes 2 front discs please and +-90HP a real “Bella macchina”modern café racer to join the speed twins , NineTs come on can’t be that difficult 🤞
Spot on. But have you noticed its increase in weight and moving the torque so far up the revs puts it's performance back down with the V7 III and V7ii. Its power delivery was 'long power band' but now it's all crammed up the top. 80% of its peak torque at 3000rpm is only 56Nm, so that gas gone down.
when I was recording that video no dyno charts were available but that is really interesting what you said. I need to take a look at some charts and check it. Cheers
@@UncleLongbeard yeah but dyno is not the whole answer. Dyno doesn't care about bike weight and air resistance. A slight oddity, bhp means crank hp, whp mean wheel hp, but sometimes Guzzi give drive shaft hp (which by rights is shp), if they give it at all. So the V7ii is assumed to be the same 48bhp as the V7(1), but some refs give 55bhp. Most refs say 9.8 compression, a few say 10.5, my handbook says 10.4. It's a bit of a game.
Sure the dyno is just a number but knowing the weight and seeing the full chart it could give some indication of what to expect. However there is 0 charts for the new 850 anyway ;) As there were some speculations that it is detuned v85 engine in fact, I suspect that you might be right about that. I think when it comes to v7ii it is 48bhp indeed and 55 is for the v7iii as they increased the numbers there and I saw the charts for those models proving that right. If I would be buying any of those now I guess I would just buy the cheapest used v7ii or iii and at some point go for the big bore kit.
@@UncleLongbeard Moto Guzzi give 52 hp for the V7 III but cunningly failed to publish figures for the V7ii. Some things are not making sense - the V7(1) was rated at 37kW, 51hp with 9.6 compression but was A2 licence 35kW. The V7ii was given as 'more' but still that A2 licence even though 10.4 compression, and not a sausage in the handbook regarding power and torque. I cannot explain what is going on other that my test ride of the V7 III concluded that the V7ii was more lively, possibly because it had been run-in better, there is that little between them.
@@jeffslade1892 It's all about the regulations and restrictions. W800 I got has 48bhp but w650 had 52 with similar torque but tiny bit higher in the rev range. However the Japanese version of W800 have 51bhp. So here we are... they just have to balance the power with emissions to fit into that euro4/5 nonsense.
Opinions are like assholes :) I much prefer the look of the newer bike, and love that blue colour. But I don't want spokes and inner tubes, and I would ideally like a 1000cc engine. So I'll keep waiting.
Moto Guzzi have made a lot of ugly bikes. It was a mistake to name the he plastic V7 series after the real steel deal of the late 60's and early 70's. It was Never good enough to be considered a "tribute" clone. A couple on a new V7 stopped alongside me in traffic and said ooh! that's a fantastic bike - what is it? I told them I was riding a V7 Ambassador. They had no idea. Your clothing comparison is spot on. Yeah, this job lot has improved over the years but (yawn) so?
True, they made a lot of ugly bikes but I don't think that the 2010 v7 are ugly. Especially if you compare them to the other modern bikes they are actually quite a good looking machines. But when you compare them to the proper round barrel v7... then yes. They are nowhere near unfortunately. And that's a bummer and I can't understand it - they could easily make the new one look like that.
your comment indicate that you can possibly suffer partial or complete visual impairment mate or at least you are a bit disoriented in the motorcycle design in the 60s
@@UncleLongbeard My last eye test shows I have 20/20 vision....plus, I was actually around in the 60s, and I'm very familiar with bike styles of that era, plus the decades since! If you think the new model Guzzi looks more "80s" than the old one, you need to do more research into motorcycle styles of different eras!
I doubt you can just change the seat as it looks to me that they bent the subframe a bit... But hopefully I'm wrong. Anyways... 100% agree on the tail light ;)
Oh no, after too much time debating with myself I had finally settled on the orange 850 Stone over a used III Night Pack....but now what do I do, I’m back to square uno!
Get the new Stone . 65bhp and that torque jump outweighs small ,fixable styling details and not many Guzzis last long without some customisation. I have a V7 III Stone .I love it .I do not like the stupid headlamp on the new model ,or see the need for that digital gauge. But making my V7 an 850 or getting more power out of it would cost much more money than changing a few styling details. It would literally cost you thousands to enlarge the engine or tune more power and torque out of it. I`m getting a new Stone as soon as I can.
@@billycaspersghost7528 sure, that's another option, but it won't be cheaper IMO. I guess the new 850 will be more expensive than 750 in the first place and for sure loads more than used one. Other option is to wait and hope for another model
@@UncleLongbeard That`s my point. more power and spec from a V7 type bike costs money. nor is it viable to tune a V7III to the new V7 850. The price has been announced for the new V7 850. It`s the same as the old V7III but obviously the last ones (including mine) had a large discount. I do not see any more power out of this old motor at this price point and for the bike it is in. Full V85 roadster would be £10500 plus I would imagine.
@@billycaspersghost7528 If the price is indeed the same then it is really fair. And you are right that it will be easier to customize it then tune an old one and match the price. However my point is to buy low mileage older bike which will be £3000 less and then use this gtmotocycles.com/products/gt-big-bore-820-4v-pistons with power commander and better pipes and you should be somewhere around 65HP still with some money in your pocket
@@UncleLongbeard I might buy a slightly used V7 iii “special” this Spring. Honestly the lower horse power doesn’t bother me and I think there will be good deals on old stock
I don't mind the back as the reinforced head stock and the new rear suspension geometry is for higher speed stability along with 150 rear tire vs the 130 of the old... The stone styling is the highlight of styling gone wrong!
Perhaps... All I have owned is retro bikes.. two Triumphs and now my W800 Cafe. But back on point I disagree with your opinion on the rear to some degree.
Same as all manufacturers!!!!! Sell it with 60 odd hp as a new model!?! Next year 70 hp!?! Next year again the new super model with 75hp and so on....... ripping off the customer!?!?!? BRAND NEW MODEL....BAH!
True, but that's what the corporations are doing. And they are quite successful with that. It's not about small family owned manufacturers who are really inventive anymore... :(
@@UncleLongbeard we'll aggree to disagree then, if you fall in love what can you do? Anyway I appreciate your videos and looking forward to more in the future. It helps me with my motorcycle abstinence waiting for next season. Got 1 meter of snow outside right now
@@mollymusik I've got 5cm of snow so you won 👍 I'm glad you enjoy the videos and hope to see more of your comments. I promise not to take the piss out of v9 anymore 😎
The problem with Guzzi is that they jumped on the bandwagon and you can see that with those hideous new wheels and low seats. I mean are those wheels made for sports bikes or a retro bike? BTW you forgot to change the front wheel.
I agree 100%, I don't like the new V7 either. If it had 80hp and the design of the old V7 - I would immediately switch from my Royal Enfield Conti GT to Moto Guzzi V7.
@@UncleLongbeard Agreed nothing at all like the gorgeous V7 Sport from the 60's. You nailed it with the girls example by the way. What in tarnation has happened to us?
Moto Guzzi never built bikes with customer feedback. Most Italian companies in the past were notorious for that. They just built what they liked, sales success wasn't their priority. This is the reason why so many went bankrupt, sold to others many times over and some disappeared forever. If you want reliable and perfect in every way, Japanese and German bikes are the answer. Italian bikes are different, don't try to understand their thinking. The Italians are the reason why oddballs, oddities and weird but very innovative machines exist. It's in their DNA, this is how the Italians roll.
