2023 Moto Guzzi V7 Review - BIG Improvements, BUT...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- This week I'll be doing a review of the 2023 Moto Guzzi V7. The last Moto Guzzi V7 I tested was a 2014 model and I didn't really like it, so I'm excited to answering some questions:
1) Does the V7 stay true to its roots as a classic motorcycle?
2) If it does, can it actually still keep up with modern motorycles?
3) Has Moto Guzzi improved the V7 enough to make me into a fan this time?
I'm Adrian from YouMotorcycle, I videos that help motorcyclists, including some pretty in-depth reviews like the one you're about to watch. In this Moto Guzzi V7 I'll be covering:
0:00 Intro
1:10 Design & Styling
3:53 Engine & Performance
7:06 Handling & Ride Quality
9:03 Technology & Features
9:49 Ergonomics & Comfort
11:22 Fuel Economy & Range
11:56 Maintenance & Reliability
14:03 Price & Value
Big thank you to Studio Cycle for making this review happen. Check them out at StudioCycle.ca
#motoguzziv7 - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
V7 vs T100. 1) Seat comfort, the most comfortable OE seat I've ever experienced. 2) Range, 5.5 USG or 21 litre actual fuel economy is >50 mpg. 3) 6 speed gearbox allows for a relaxed engine at high cruise speed. 4) 4-piston Brembo 320mm (not 2 piston) front, Brembo rear. 5) Shaft drive . 6) Beefy fork brace adds stability. 7) Exceptionally big LED headlight beam on the Stone models 8) Fueling is on point. 9) Grin factor, the more you push the funner it becomes.
I may have to do a comparison of my own but I think you bring up a lot of good points ^
Good post. Indeed the Guzzi is a lot more bike than a T100.
What a lot of young people and crotch rocket riders don't understand is that this is a REAL, no BS motorcycle! You can maintain it yourself, it gets good mileage, and with some sticky tires, you can play Ricky Racer with it. My 2022 V7 has 38,000 miles on it , is totally trouble free, makes no exhaust noise, and I did 1,000 miles on it in 20 hours pain free!! If you have nothing to prove, get a "Goose". It's a Vee twin done right!!
Nice review, but the great thing about the valve check is that it is easy to access without removing body parts and can be adjusted using simple tools unlike other bikes that require shims and removing camshafts etc.
Fair point. There's an advantage to ease of service. My z900rs might have 4x the intervals, but if you keep the bike that long it has 4x the valves lol
Absolutely. Very easy and accessable. It's the electrics that have been the main problem
Interesting. What kind of issues have you faced?
That certainly happened in the past, as with more Italian machines, not starting due to bad contacts, etc. A few years ago I repaired a burned contact at the main fuse of a Guzzi 1000 Sport from the early 2000, a Kawa dealer in his neighborhood did not want to work on it, it is difficult to lose that reputation among a certain public, I think now this is a thing of the past...
@@dirktyncke1740 But we speak about 2023....
- The audible wrrrrr sound is not electronics it's the cut on the teeth in the gearbox, it's normal & not a foretelling of any issue, in fact the gearbox is exceptionally robust. The gearbox is a separate unit from the engine that uses its own gear oil. It costs more to mfr this way but it keeps with Guzzi tradition.
- The valve checks are SUPER easy !! It's NOT like the Triumph or your Kwaker. No pulling a gas tank or anything like that. No adding or subtracting shims. Anyone who knows how to check a gap on a spark plug can check the gap between the rocker arm & the valve. Anyone with a screwdriver & a wrench can adjust the clearance in seconds.
Good to know. Just bought an older V7 as a winter project. It came with Mystrals, no whirring sound. It sounds amazing. I'm very happy with that.
Great and fair review of the new V7! I took possession of my 2022 Centenario one year ago yesterday and I do love this bike. I moved up from a Vespa GTS250. Things I like about the V7: Just a cool and unusual motorcycle. No one has a V7 in my northern California community. Very comfortable for me neutral riding position (I'm 5'11".) The bike feels nibble around town and solid at 80MPH. I like the mat finish. Living near the ocean I think the black mechanics and wheels will hold up to the salt air better than chrome. I like that the bike isn't loud (I'm not going to mess with the pipes.) I installed a small/medium Dart flyscreen and that helped with the chest buffeting over 60MPH. I added Givi small crash bars to protect those heads and Givi side case mounts for a couple of sets of cases (Dolomiti cases were great for a 1,000 mile trip last month.) I average about 46MPH and have traveled 230 miles of mixed riding on a single tank. I guess I could go on but I'll list a few things I'm not wild about the V7: First off my dealer is about four hours away. This was a big concern for me but I was informed by that dealer that other than the first "wear in" service I could do services and maintenance myself or at a local shop as long as everything was well documented during the warranty period. I did have to tighten a loose clamp on the exhaust pipe right when I got it and a few weeks ago at about 5,000 miles I had to tighten some bolts at the bottom of the crank case where some oil was seeping out. The engine oil sight window is helpful but it appears that everyone recommends keeping the level near the "Minimum" line. I was running the bike with the level at the middle or higher and I think I was throwing too much oil into the the air filter box. Shifting from 1st to 2nd is stiff until the bike warms up. I add a little pressure to the shifter before I pull in the clutch and this helps till the bike warms up. Yes, sometimes 1st is hard to get into but nudging the bike forward or back a smidge resolves this issue. I kinda wasn't wild about the "eagle" in the headlight but I'm used to it now and it is different. Anyway... sorry for this long winded comment but I think you've got the most helpful V7 review and I was excited to pass on my thoughts about this bike after one year of ownership. Overall I think it is so cool that these Guzzis have been made in the same factory for over 100 years! They are quirky bikes. For folks who know that they aren't perfect they appreciate that they are unique, fun and reliable. And.... yeah, you may need to tinker with them a bit but I think that is part of what makes them interesting and keeps you in touch with your bike! Cheers!
I enjoy reading your comment, thinking about a v7 here in south Texas
Hey, thanks so much for the detailed comment! I'm glad the V7 sounds like it's a perfect fit for you. Also glad to hear the little fly screen does in fact make a difference (I was wondering how big I should go). I bought a V7 now myself after this test ride, although mine's an older one (2014) and nowhere near as good as your 2022. It's still quirky and fun.
I'm doing a series comparing my V7 with my Triumph Bonneville and my Royal Enfield Interceptor. If you're interested in checking that out, it starts here: th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again for sharing your experience with your V7! It's nice to hear I'm not the only one who thinks the gearbox can be a little... peculiar lol
Cool! Yeah, I think the fly screen really helped me. I don't think it kills the look of the bike too much. The Dart model is the Marlin. I got the smoke grey. Cheers!@@YouMotorcycle
The valve lash adjustment was/is a selling point for me. Every 6000 miles? Big deal, it takes 20 minutes with 4 simple tools you'll find in any toolbox. No parts removal other than the rocker cover and I sit comfortably in a chair while doing it. I'll take that ANY day over a shim under bucket dual cam engine, even if the frequency is twice as often.
The review is otherwise accurate and fair IMO. Love the bike BTW, I have a 2022 Special.
Hey Kevin, glad to hear you can get it done to a 20 minute job. Good to know!
Exactly! My Concours can go many multiples longer between valve adjustments, but my god what a job when they do need it! Doing them on my '22 Stone compared to the Connie is like fixing a PB&J vs. a 7 course meal!
Most often it's just a check once you get past the first 6k miles or so. Probably won't actually need adjusted again for 10k or more, which is like 2 years of riding for most
The reason it doesn't shift at idle is the dry clutch, the gears aren't moving, so it won't shift, just like older BMW's. You just learn to let the clutch out a little while putting low pressure on the shift lever and it'll go right into gear. It's the same with shifting in general, apply pressure in the direction you want while releasing the clutch, it's a little slow until you learn the bike, and though it'll never be as quick as a wet clutch bike, it'll work fine. Just a matter of learning the bike.
Great to know it. Rode this bike and I always had a feeling that I was doing something wrong. :)
You weren't doing anything wrong, you just need to learn how the bike wants to work. Most vehicles in general are that way, and especially motorcycles. But once you learn how each kind works well, especially in odd bikes like Guzzi's and BMW's, you find out they're a real pleasure to ride and pretty comfortable. I've found that if you have to get used to a motorcycle, they're often far nicer bikes for the long term than a bike you get on and love right off. Maybe it's the learning how to use it.@@RRRRefuelRideRace
Awesome review. Very well organized and timed, and your honesty made me not lose 1 second of attention. Thank you!
Thanks so much for your kind words, I appreciate that. I'm currently doing a series comparing an earlier version of the Moto Guzzi V7 with an earlier Triumph Bonneville and the current spec Royal Enfield Interceptor. If you're into that you can check it out here: th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html
I bought a Guzzi Griso 1100 about ten years ago. It has become my favorite in the stable.
Great review! I have the 2020 V7III version and love it. You are spot on about all your notes in the video....until the very end. The V7 does not show that you the gear you are in until you release the clutch. I know that is a bit odd, but they do things a little differently at Moto Guzzi. And your comments on the valve adjustment frequency are correct, but valve adjustments are super easy to do, probably easier than any other engine. BTW, at 6'1" with long legs, I lowered the pegs on mine by 1" and it is a huge improvement in comfort, though they do drag more easily, of course.
Thanks very much. What did you use to lower the pegs?
PS: I ended up buying a used V7, and I'm doing a series comparing it to my Interceptor 650 and my Bonneville. If you're interested the first video of the series is here: th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html
Very,very good review. So helpful and intersting. Thanks so much...
Thanks very much for the encouragement. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Another great video...continued success with them.
Thanks so much, I appreciate the support!
Yes, really cool. Enjoyed it too. :)
I bought my V7 in 2021. And it came down to the V7 and the T100. The deciding factor was that gas tank. I put on about 10k miles a year. And that tank gets me further than my buddies Road Glide on a single fuel up.
Yep - the mileage and range are awesome! I squeezed 290 miles out of a tank on my '22 Stone. It's got a longer range than my Kawi Concours.
The interesting thing is, at a glance, it doesn't *LOOK* big. It wasn't until I took the tank off of my V7 (I have one now), to strip the paint off of it, that I realized, the tank comes in really close to the frame, relative to a lot of other motorcycles, so there isn't a lot of wasted space under there. It's well designed.
I'm doing a series comparing my V7 (2013) vs my Bonneville (2009) and my Interceptor 650 (2018) that might interest you. First video in the series is here: th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html
I enjoyed the video. I'm glad for the updates, i liked the v7 Racer 5-6 years ago, but after checking out reviews at the time, it was lacking for me. If i was in the market now, i'd consider one.
Thank you. I think 5-6 years ago was probably a V7 III, I never rode one of those, but Moto Guzzi definitely believe in continuous improvement on this model. The new V7 is the best ever.
Thanks for this review. Back in 1986 I was debating about buying the BMW K75s or the Moto Guzzi Lemans, but with the devaluation of the dollar the Lemans price increased $1K faster than the Beemer so I got the K75s. Since those days I've owned many different bikes and ended up on cruisers. Now being in my 70's I'm looking to get rid of the heavy cruiser and get something a lot lighter, so thinking of the V7. The only downside is the location of the dealer since there aren't any in my state. It may be worth to travel and buy it and have a local motorcycle mechanic service it. Your honest review of this bike has helped a lot....thanks.
Happy to help. I think this is a great mid size bike. if you haven't already made a purchase, you might be interested in my series I'm doing comparing the V7 with the Triumph Bonneville and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html - if you did already make a purchase, please let me know what you decided on and how you're liking it!
@@YouMotorcycle Thanks. Yes I had viewed the initial video you did on the 3 bikes earlier. (also had commented reminding you about the valve adjustment is due on the V7) No I haven't decided yet. May wait until Spring to finally decide since riding season is over here in New England.
As the very happy owner of a '22 Stone model, I'd say your review is very spot-on. The V7 850s are the best value in their class IMO, especially when you consider they're still hand made in Mandello del Lario. While I like the Classic model, I got the Stone because it's much easier to clean, has a really bright LED headlight, and has the awesomely cool rubber fork boots.
I ended up buying a Stone! But mine is an older one. Love having these wheels and tubeless tires instead of spokes. I'm working on a new series where I will be doing ongoing comparisons between the V7, the Triumph Bonneville, and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, stay tuned for that and thank you for the kind words!
This is one of the few bikes that you can get today that looks and rdes like a retro/classic should. Rode it and I was quite surpise. I enjoyed it. It has many strong points in my opinion. You can check my test ride video. Cheers. Take care.
My wife and I enjoy 3-4 hour rides, she shares that its the most comfortable motorcycle she has been on. Here are a few bikes we have ridden together on. Yamaha VMax, XT 250, Honda 919, Valkyrie, CRF250L, CTX 700. Suzuki VStrom, Boulevard, Kawasaki KLR 650.I am 5'10 180 lbs she is 5'2" 165 lbs. The V7 fits us both like a glove, freeway, city streets, country roads, mountain highways, fire roads. Do your due diligence and discover if this bike is for you.
Well said. I'm 1" taller than you, and the missus is about 4" taller than yours, so it's a terrible fit for us.
Good point about the headlight blight, excessive branding. Why have they changed the welding on the tanks? I don’t like the look of visible seams.
I'll have to look side by side with my older one and see what you mean.
What you mentioned about the overall size of the bike is something I wish they would address. I feel like they should have a 'fuller' sized bike that seems more fitting of the V7 of the 70s. I always thought the front suspension at certain angles looked flimsy compared to Triumph's Bonneville. That said, I have a hard time ignoring the charm of Moto Guzzi and it's history. Nice review!
Thanks very much! For what it's worth, the V7s I saw at Mandello del Lario all seemed even smaller! lol. I was hoping when they bumped up the bike to the new 850cc motor that the frame would grow a little as well... unfortunately, not really :(
I bought a used 2019 V7 iii and love it, so much so I sold my Yamaha XVS1300. I put Mistrals on which made a big difference. I've seen the new 850, my friend has one and I had a go, love the extra power the fatter back wheel and longer swing arm, all of which gives it a completely different feel. However, I hate the new lights and the clocks which look like a cheap casio watch to me, not as clear as my 2019 model. Also they still haven't put a centre stand on as standard. Apart from that it does everything I want it to. Great review, thanks
Hey Dale, thanks very much! I'm with you on the headlight and dual gages are still my preference as well.
If you opt for the slightly more expensive V7 850 Classic, it has the traditional twin analog gauges and a traditional headlight instead of the 'eagle' led thing. And spoke wheels. Much better looking. It also has more chrome bits - a really classy looking bike. In fact you can see pictures of the 850 Classic on this very video (the blue one).
Yes. I dislike spokes though. Nightmare to keep clean. But the rest sounds good!
Great video! About to head out to do a test ride of a V7 Special that’s being offered at a STEEP discount in a color I LOVE. Looking forward to it, honestly.
Did you end up buying it? What did you think of it?
@@YouMotorcycle I would have purchased it if they gave me a bit more for my trade-in. Unfortunately, will need to wait. Now I'm eyeing a V9!
That being said, the test ride was short was comfortable. Love the noise, love the look, enjoyed how intuitive the controls are and the riding position is indeed something I can do for miles. The V7 is a motorcycle I can live with for a long time, barring any negative maintenance-related ownership experiences!
Great video
Thank you!
Gearbox. If it won't go in first try, let out the clutch and it spins the lay shaft to a new position. You'll find it will go in then...Old school
You're 100% right, but I wanted to demonstrate two points:
1) This happens way more often on the V7 than on any of the other bikes I've had over the last 17 years (and there have been many lol)
2) Usually on other bikes, a second tap will do, on the V7, it doesn't matter, gotta do like you said.
Just one of this bike's little character quirks.
Please don’t stamp on the gear lever with your heel. I know you were highlighting and demonstrating a frustrating issue but better to act professionally and show how to simply solve it by letting out the clutch and retrying rather than dumbing down. There are real idiots out there who would use force - don’t encourage them. Good video review overall, keep up the good work.
@@mariog4707 just bought a used V7... guess what I'm gonna do in my next video? 🤣
The sound you‘re talking about is not electronic, but from the drivetrain. So actually it perfectly fits the classic retro feel, when bikes weren’t perfect and still made some noises, that weren’t specifically engineered to be made..
Yup, you're right. Still though, I don't recall hearing it in the 2014 V7 that I was riding for a month... I wonder what changed 🤔
I've got a mistral exhaust on mine so ive forgotten all about that 😂
Getting a 2010 v7 cafe classic tomorrow. Any good mods to start? I definitely want a different gas cap, not a fan of it.
I believe most people looking into Moto Guzzi should be able to preform valve adjustments, super easy versus my Ducati 900ss, as for the Kawasaki if it's shims under buckets those are a treat to do.
I regret not looking into this more, but given that this was Studio Cycle's demo bike that they were letting me borrow, I wasn't about to open up the motor and start peaking around inside lol
I am a huge MG fanboy. That said, the V7 has never reached out to me. At 6'4", it just isn't big enough for me. This is a very fair comprehensive review. If you get a chance, take a long ride on a Griso. Fantastic bike! If I ever purchase another, it will be the El Dorado.
Thank you! You have 5" on me and even I wish the V7 was bigger so I can only imagine you on one lol. Great taste btw - I've flirted with the idea of a Griso a lot over the last couple years. It's very much on my radar, but I want one fewer bike in the fleet before I add any more lol
Fair enough, I’m 5’6 and it’s just my size. Upgraded the suspension and I’m in heaven. Had other brands, but this is the one for me.
@@akiuliano sounds perfect 😃👌 some things, like suspension or seat can really make all the difference and are so worth it if you're keeping the bike for a while. Enjoy the V7!
@@akiuliano It's a beautiful bike you have. I hope it serves you well.
Youre a giant my G 😁
Love my 2018 V7. They've really perfected this engine I think. Its the only Guzzi I've rode, but it feels every but as modern as any Kawaskai. Great mix of torque and rev range, somewhere between a sportbike and cruiser. 55mpg on the highway and it'll do 110 mph, which is all you really need. The gearing is really good I think, it could be a little taller for fast highways but its not bad. It feels perfect at 70-80, but past 80 the revs are a little higher than I want to run for a long periods. But still plenty of passing power. The 80-100mph sprint for passing is quick. Best part of the bike is the looks. When you go out and ride it, it's one of the most eye catching bikes you can ride. It probably has some of the most curb appeal of any motorcycle.
Hey Paul, thanks for the insights on your V7!
RE: "They've really perfected this engine" - I think you're right, and I love that Moto Guzzi frequently makes changes over the years so the bike is always improving.
After reviewing this one that Studio Cycle let me borrow, I wanted one. I ended up buying a 2014 V7 that was stolen (theft recovery) for $2,000 USD. It was in really rough shape though. Today I published a video on what I tried to do to improve the aesthetics, what was needed to fix mechanical issues, and how much I've now spent in total on it and whether or not it was worth it. I hope that you might find it interesting. The video is here: th-cam.com/video/HNmJ6IjQkHI/w-d-xo.html
Hi Adrian. G650GS John in Colorado. Thanks for this review. When last I commented, on your Europe-prep video, I recommended a visit to Mandello. Now we’ve a tease the you did! If your standard is just not doing the maintenance, then I guess I can see your POV about valves. To me, the screw and locknut is better, not worse… no cams, no shims. One thing, from a broader perspective, to keep in mind: the era of air-cooled MGs is likely coming to a close. The V85TT - same engine - is almost certainly going to be replaced by the whole liquid cooled V100 platform. Maybe RE can and will stay air-cooled in their home market - I don’t follow domestic Indian emissions regs - but in Europe, it is definitely change or die. J
Hey John, thanks for the comment. Guess what man? I've joined the multiple G650GS owners club! lol. I saw one come up for sale that looked exactly like the one you've seen in previous videos on my channels, the price was right, the seller actually knew me from my videos, and I had to buy it! Now I'm slowly setting it up like my old one.
I think at @8:14 you nailed the essence of this bike… it’s so agile, I currently ride a Honda scooter and I test drove the V7, you can do exactly the same things, the alternative is the Ducati scrambler. Another easy, fun little bike
Coincidentally, I'm going to look at a Scrambler tomorrow!
I'm not fan of sideways motor, that aside, their fit & finish is absolutely on point.
I have seen one recently used for sale, and I thought it was well kept, until I noticed toce exhaust tips, & dealer was leaving it outside. It does stay pretty clean considering.
My main complaint about it, really is I felt too tall on it tbh. But that's for me
Also, given how awesome reviews ya do, consider trying Janus? Just wondering what your take on it would be.
Thanks man. I really appreciate that. Just rode a Zero for the first time, I'll be sharing my thoughts on that at some point. I don't know where I would even get my hands on a Janus though 😔
I have a 2022 V7 Special. When I'm out on the bike, I'm the coolest guy around. Love it! :)
Feels good to feel good doesn't it?
certainly does. perfect bike for me at this point in my life.@@YouMotorcycle
Good review as for the bike not sure if it is my style and would be concerned about the sound of the bike when gearing down. Cheers and looking forward to your Triumph review.
Thanks very much Dave!
Great review thanks! I'm seeing some brand new 2020 models for under 9k$ Can...I'll try to demo one...
Dang, those are good prices. Where are you finding that? I'm surprised they're still brand new given how motorcycles were selling out left and right during the pandemic.
Nice video first time I’ve watched any of your work currently I may be shopping for a second bike I’m a retro guy I have a 21 BMW 90 currently the BMW dealer in Colorado Springs Colorado also sells motor Guzzi how convenient is that he looks like about my size of 58 and 140 pounds retros are really the way to go in my opinion and again good job on your presentation
Thanks very much! Have you had a chance to sit on one yet? How tall are you?
Great review. I love my Harley but the V7 would be a great alternative for that retro/classic look. Thanks.
Thank you. Yes. And honestly, you're still getting a v-twin'ish character, but with arguably better ergonomics, ground clearance, etc. Exhaust pipes are definitely a must though. I just got a V7 with Mystrals as a winter project and it sounds amazing.
@YouMotorcycle when the weight of the Harley gets too much the V7 is in my top three, along with the T100 and BMW R9. Enjoy your new pipes.
Yeah but the shim under bucket lifters, combined with four valves per cylinder make for taking the cams out of the other bikes and half a day of labor. The Guzzi V7 is two valves and screw type adjusters, plus the miracle of easy access to the adjusters, since the valve covers are sticking out. LOL (Same reason some BMW Boxers are easy maintenance)
I know how to adjust old school screw type adjusters and a person with a little practice, can probably do the valve adjustment on the V7 in less than an hour.
P.S. everybody that owns one for awhile, says that the transmissions loosen up a lot after breaking in.
All fair points, thank you Mr. Eric
I have the 2022 V7 Special and you don't get that horrible LED headlight, but classic headlight and classic dials. Absolutely no problem with 1st, only issue owners like me in the UK are finding is neutral is a bit hit and miss. I traded a 2019 ZZR1400 for one and don't regret my decision a year on.
Wow, one heck of a step down from the zzr1400 to the v7, so the fact you don't regret the decision at all really speaks volumes. Rock on.
Glad it's not just me struggling to find neutral. Only ever find it when I don't need it any longer and time to go 😂.
Great video, thanks. But 48mpg? My v7 Special does 62mpg consistently, and I'm not gentle with it.
Lovely bike, despite the clunky gearshift. I think you're right, if you keep one past the initial 'this feels slightly odd' phase, you'll grow to love it. I've had dozens of bikes over the years, most of them faster than the Guzzi, but none of them have engendered quite such a bond. It's a strange thing, I go for a ride, I come back and I can't wait to go out on it again. Hard to explain for sure...
I think the feeling you're describing is called happiness. I get that a lot on two wheels, when I'm on the right bike for me :) Enjoy!
Mine doesn't get 62 MPG or anywhere near that. Oh, that's what the display will tell you, but the gas pump meter and trip odometer will show right about 48-50.
@@kevinconville9258 good point. Always trust your own measurements over what the vehicle tells you
I don't use the display, never have. I fill up and zero the trip each time, so it is pretty accurate...@@kevinconville9258
Agreed, that thing across the headlight does not help,the aesthetics at all. Neither does the over-stylized speedo case. Other than that it’s done up very well.
I do think that the V7 should be awarded with the extra power that the 850TT makes.
Yup! Agreed. Too many manufacturers are guilty of holding their smaller bikes back to try to drive more people to the bigger / more expensive ones. Triumph is really bad at depriving their 900cc Bonneville of extra goodies to try to drive customers to buy the T120 instead.
I’d like to see your review of the Z900. Can you please post up a link?
Z900RS. Will do it, one day. Got a back log of things to get through first haha. Stay tuned!
First Gear Problem: Test rode a V7 Special 850 yesterday - happy to see I am not alone having problems getting into first gear from N. After the first 20 minutes of riding the problem disappeared and it started to audibly clunk into first gear as expected. If that is something I had to deal with everyday riding to work, it would annoy me. Maybe an owner can shed some light on this? Thanks
Would love to hear from more riders on this as well. You typically just need to roll it forward and backward and keep trying, not keep trying in the same position like I did (that was just for comedic/dramatic effect), but yeah, it feels different on this bike.
On my Stelvio, I just let the clutch touch a bit. Goes in first right away.
More info about the Stage One Kit you mentioned would be good.
There's no "one" kit. A stage 1 kit job is when you get a more free flowing air filter, exhaust, and some sort of fuel processor (or carburetor jet kit) to help sort out the air:fuel ratio. You could run a custom map on your ECU, or something like that. Essentially you want to let your motorcycle breathe better, but also set it up to get more fuel as well, so that you aren't making the air:fuel mixture ratio too lean (too much air). If done right you'll get better performance out of your bike, without hurting it.
@@YouMotorcycle Ah, my bad - I thought you had installed such a kit for the mentioned customer.
@@gregorymyles6241 that customer did it on his own, I've done my own other bikes, but there's just no set "this is the kit" kind of thing, you pick out the components yourself:)
Yes, understood as I too have done such mods to my bikes. What I was interested in were the specific components, used on that particular bike. As the customer did it themselves I won't press you further for details. Thanks.
I get 55 mpg mixed use with mine. Made it just shy of 300 miles once. Tires have lasted 8k miles. Comfort seat was a must for me. Standard seat is too low and wide. Stock suspension isn't adequate for 2up riding for a combined weight of over 300 lbs.
That's really good insight from an owner, thank you!
great review in my opinion. I would like to add after getting the special edition that the rear suspensions are kind of rough for my 60+ years back and as far as going in the 1st gear you just need to start moving it will "klonk" in like butter. I actually have more difficulties getting the Neutral. Bottom line it's an Italian lady with a lot of charm and some character so nothing unexpected 😎
Glad you're (mostly) enjoying it. I'm assuming you already set the suspension to a soft setting?
As a 2022 owner, having done 13000km on mine, i would call this a fair and balanced review
Thank you!
I used to own a 2001 Kawasaki Concours. I now have a Royal Enfield Meteor 350. I just got done with the cleaning and lubing the chain. Sure miss that shaft drive. 🙁
lol I bet. How bout the power?
@@YouMotorcycle went from 90hp to 20hp. 😝
@@kristophertrout7328 big step down lol
I recently purchased a 2014 V7 with 10k miles - wish me luck!
Enjoy it! How are you liking it now that it's been a couple weeks? What did you have before this?
I've had one since 2006 and had next to NO issues.
90,000kms.
90k km (56k miles) is relatively trouble free is fantastic. Glad to hear it's working so well for you.
I'm currently doing a series comparing a 2014 V7 vs a 2009 Bonneville vs a 2018 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The series might be of interest to you. The first video if it is here: th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html
Really enjoyed the video the v7 special edition in the uk is about £9000. Pounds nice to hear you say ZED and not ZEE.😅😅
Hahah. Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a very good running 1200 sportster roadster and my V7 850 Special is every bit as fast as the sportster!
Thanks for sharing. Which bike do you prefer and how do you find their characters?
Enjoyed the V7 review, really like the bike. It would be great to see you review a v85 strada. It seems to address many of the v7's short comings. ThE BMW R90S was a pivotal product for there motorcycle division and it' popularity is credited for saving it.
The Strada has the goods to be one of the better value proposition with regard to owning, maintaining and operating a single street/tour motorcycle.
As the world continues in the path de consumption and sustainable operations, products that provide versatility become more desirable.
Review it and let us know what you think, we are looking forward to it.
Hey Marc, thanks for a comment. I just reached out to my dealer because they don't have the V85 Strada listed on their website yet, but they have confirmed that it's coming here, so I'll try to get on it in the spring if I can!
I know this is unlikely to be answered, but I'm looking at getting a V7 as my first bike sometime soon here. Im 6'3" with relatively normal proportions (im not all legs or something weird). You mentioned that its a little small for two people, but does that translate to being almost too small even for a single rider?
A bit. However, for your first bike there's an argument that you're almost better off on something a little more smaller and easier to manage than something big enough for you. You could look at handlebar risers as a way of making it a little roomier for the top half of your body. Either way I would only buy my first bike used.... But then again I could be on my hundredth bike and would only buy used lol
@YouMotorcycle Ok, thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the balanced review. I did find it a little hard to follow in places because you talk rapidly with little spacing between the words, butperhapsthatsjustme.
Lol thanks for the balance feedback. I put closed captioning on all of my videos manually, word by word. It takes some time but it means anyone can read along. Unless I intentionally sped up the video. Then what I'm saying doesn't matter lol.
I owned a 2010 V7 Cafe Classic, and now own a 2018 V7III Carbon Dark. The 2018 is a huge improvement over the 2010. I have also test ridden the new V7 850 and would not part with my 2018 for one. Not that much of an improvement and the stepped seat doesn’t work for me.
Hey Dave. Thanks for the input. I love that Moto Guzzi continually improves this bike. Glad you're enjoying your V7 iii. I take it you like the flat bench seat better?
@@YouMotorcycle , yes, it is nice to be able to slide around to change pressure points and slide back to lean more into the wind. I also have a racer seat I use when not taking long rides. I recently put LSL aluminum clubman bars that position the grips similar to the racer, and Sato Racing rear sets to complete the sportier riding position.
I like how it looks, but seems a bit small for me.They are not cheap in my country. Would like to hire and ride for few days.
How tall are you?
I would like a comparison with the royal enfield twins… I know those are in a totally different bracket, but I already saved enough for the continental gt and a few days ago I found a moto guzzi dealer in my town and just looked, felt and heard the v7 centenario and now Im wondering if its really worth it the extra money.
I’m new and this will be my first bike
Easy answer: neither. Never buy new for a first bike friend. Buy used. You'll make mistakes. It won't hurt so bad if the bike wasn't perfect to begin with.
You don't know what kind of riding you'll enjoy yet. Save your money for after you get your feet wet, get some experience, and know exactly what would suit you best.
Look for a good used deal. That's my advice.
My series on my Interceptor 650 vs my V7 750 vs my Bonneville 865 might be of interest to you by the way! th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html
I love my v7 850 Special, only disappointed that there are no 4 way flashers !
Yeah that's a great point! The V85T has it but not the V7.
If it really bothers you, there's a company called Custom Dynamics that makes a 4 way flasher kit, however it is universal, so you will have to figure out how to make it fit your V7 best.
I genuinely believe that the V7 is the most beautiful vintage bike available
Give it a round headlight, speedo, and tacho, and I'll agree with you :)
It’s a beautiful machine when nobody is commenting on that gorgeous woman riding it! Thank you.
So your comment means it's not beautiful then :(
@@YouMotorcycle it’s beautiful!
Nice video, can anyone tell me that the Motot Guzzi cardan is better than the Triumph one with chain? and is this classicer comparable to Triumph speed twin 900? which one is better for daily commuting use?
Thanks, Be safe & God bless
What do you mean cardan?
mean cardan shaft drive just like BMW
@@petroosabdollahian1648 What's your definition of better? Chain and shaft each have advantages and disadvantages. That could be a whole video of its own.
Very curious to hear if anyone has overheating problems? I have heard this about Guzzi.
Well,you wont take it to the center of the town at 30°celsious just like any air cooled motorcycle
You could take it downtown in the dead of summer. Let's not forget that Italy gets very hot and they sell a lot of units domestically. With air cooled motorcycles, as long as you have air passing over the motor, you're okay. It's only if you're stuck in not-moving traffic that you might get a problem. See here: th-cam.com/video/l5VgisJBW0w/w-d-xo.html
Adjusting valves is fun.
"Fun" eh? lol I ended up buying a 2014 V7 (more on that coming soon)! When the time comes, I'll ride it to your place and you can have fun haha
Ok while I'm doing that you can get my diesel sailboat engine running.@@YouMotorcycle
I hired one for a week to ride on the island of Tenerife. Loved the looks and individuality of the bike. Bliping the motor with the torque rock, I liked it.
Now I'm 6ft 3 and honestly it's a little small for me.
Still enjoyed the ride, powerful enough for me one up.
Here in England, these bikes are very competitively priced.
I would buy one if the bike was a little larger.
Agreed. I was hoping when they put the new motor in they would make it a little bigger, but, no luck 😞
Agreed. I'm 5'10" and I think that's close to the upper limit in size for this motorbike. I'm guessing it's designed for Italian-sized people, but clearly not for American-sized behemoths. There are enough Americans my size or smaller to soak up the handful of bikes that Moto Guzzi imports in to this country.
@@patrickfitzgerald2861who are these "Italian sized people" ? I'm an Italian citizen, both parents Italian, and 5'11" 😂
@@YouMotorcycle Well, I tried to answer your question with the relevant stats, but my answer kept getting deleted. If you're actually interested in learning the answer you can find it at World Population Review, and from many other reliable sources as well.
@@patrickfitzgerald2861 I kept getting notifications and not finding the comment anywhere 🤣 I thought I was going crazy. Maybe TH-cam automatically filtered it as racism or something. I'll check the filter when I'm at my desk
if you have difficulty to engage a first gear on anye motocycle, do not need to force on it ! that will not help, that will damage it. Just release a little the cluch lever to rotate a little the primary gear.. and it will engage smothly. This is true fort all king of gear box.
It was for dramatic effect 😉
please let me know what bike you use for two up riding Thank You.
We do two up touring on a BMW g650gs
Around town the Vespa GTS250 is good too, we just use a special foot peg part so it's more comfortable for my passenger
Thank you
About the valve clearance check...
Sure, it needs to be done more often, butnits so simple and easy, that I do mine (Stelvio NTX 2017) in less than 1 hour, while sipping a nice scotch, for 0$.
My buddy just paid $1200CDN to get his Triumph Tiger done.
In my eyes, I win on this deal.
Man that's a lot of $$$$ on a valve check!
I’d call it a standard, more then retro. Personally, I think the Mandello eagle on the headlight is pretty cool, and unique. I bought one a few weeks ago, and I’m in love with it. I’m 6’, and I’m thinking about lowering pegs. I love the simplicity and uniqueness. I used to have a Triumph T120, and I think I prefer the Guzzi.
What year T120 did you have?
@@meshplates 2016
Standard typically refers more to ergonomics, whereas retro more to aesthetic styling. Definition of retro is "imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past", so having seen plenty of the original V7s up close at the Moto Guzzi factory, this bike is definitely retro, and has standard ergonomics.
I dig the lit eagle head light as well.
I’m situated with in 30 miles of two Guzzi dealers so it’s not unheard of to actually see one on the road around here. When I started looking to get back into motorcycling the retros appealed more to me then anything else. The V7 really kind of pulled at me. Last time I considered getting back in the MG Breva was a thing and that’s what I wanted. So, I kind of began looking where I had last let off. Once I started recognizing that eagle coming at me on a few occasions, I got super excited to try and catch a glimpse as it went by. Almost made me not want to consider the Special because of the feeling I got when I saw the headlight.
I'd call it a modern classic, like some Triumphs. No spoke wheels, not a classic... imo
Shift issue, it’s a dry clutch not sure it if makes the difference, but the solution is u rock it with clutch out first, then it will shift no issue
Just wanted to demonstrate two points:
1) This happens way more often on the V7 than on any of the other bikes I've had over the last 17 years (and there have been many lol)
2) Usually on other bikes, a second tap will do, on the V7, it doesn't matter, gotta do like you said.
Just one of this bike's little character quirks.
@@YouMotorcyclehow many have you had with a dry clutch?
@@NakaNakaDerkaDerka out of six motorcycles in the garage right now, four of them are dry clutch. In the last 15 years I couldn't tell you how many. It's not a dry clutch issue. It's the v7 in particular.
@@YouMotorcycleI have 4 guzzis inc the current v7, and I don’t even notice your issue. It’s a non issue.
@@NakaNakaDerkaDerka if it's a non-issue why does every V7 on my channel do it and none of the other bikes in the other 170+ videos do? 😂
Valve checks have you done a Triumph Bonneville or Thruxton valve clearance???? It is a cam out affair and getting new shims (I have done two.....) don't know what is involved with the Z900rs (the w800 isn't bad but you have downtime via buying the shims). Moto Guzzi valve checks are simple with very little down time and zero parts ordering.
From my understanding it's a 20 minute job. I'll try it for myself one day and see lol
@@YouMotorcycle In checking out the water cooled triumph line, I see that they changed the design (much easier). My comment was for the older air cooled 900s (865cc).... They were terrible to work on for the adjustment, the newer water cooled still need some disassembly but noting like having a gear hold device (the gears were spring loaded!!) and cam out to get to the shims etc. Good luck!
i think the headlight looks great
Enjoy it then my friend :) I was happy to find out they still make the simple round headlight on other models.
Thank you. Finally a review that doesen't just talk about "that's so characterful, I love it" . I really hope though that they change the instruments back to analog for the 5th version. That's what keeps me from buying it so far. I am sorry but I really don't like it😅
Agreed. Best to play it safe and check them anyway though.
Well done . . . thanks! Like you, I would never have considered this bike prior to the engine upgrade. However, unlike you I ride one up, so it will likely be my choice when I get a new bike next year. This isn't a "retro" machine. It's a vintage model with modern updates . . . and it's Italian, just like my Jeep Renegade! ❤😊❤
Thanks very much. I googled the definition. 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 motorcycles. But honestly, you can call it (or not call it) whatever you want, as long as you enjoy it.
Triumph t100 is a nice bike, but in my opinion it cant beat a Guzzi v7.
All depends on what you're looking for! :)
If you feather the clutch and creep forward youll find first gear. The way you did isnt a deal breaker, because many bikes will do this.
Yup, I agree, but while this can happen now and then on any bike, especially when they're overdue on an oil change, it happens much more often on the V7.
I tested the t100 and later the v7, the v7 felt superior to the Bonneville for me in every way.
The two best bikes I ever had were Guzzi's- a '75 850t and an '82 V50 Monza. They were like big and little twins of each other, and I loved every mile. When the 750 Breva came out in 2004 I bought one without riding it, thinking 'Guzzi was Guzzi'.....and it SUCKED. Whatever Aprilia had done to the basic drivetrain and chassis had turned it into just another buzzy, shite handling commuter bike. I'd need a gold plated guarantee from whoever owns them now before I'd even think of buying one. 😠
Sorry to hear about your experience. Take one of the newer ones out for a test ride if you can ever get yourself on one. They've improved so much from 2014 until now, I can only imagine how much better it would feel compared to your old 2004. Test ride recommended!
I've heard about lots of quality issues with Moto Guzzi, any truth to that?
I'm pretty happy with mine. What specifically are you concerned with or heard about?
@@YouMotorcycle I've heard about clutch issues, for instance, on the V7.
I'm familiar with fuel pump failures but that's about it. I'm not super well versed on these though.
"Whatever" to Ohlins😂 Putting Ohlins on a bike, any bike, transforms the handling for the better (everytime) MG V7 are really improved by decent shocks, and Ohlins are the best.
Nicely dialed in suspension goes a long way on any bike 👌🏻
The 10.000km valve check just preventive maintenace im pretty sure you can reach 20.000km and valve are still in specs......
Sure but, personally if I was spending all that money on a new motorcycle, I'd rather just take the time and play it safe.
No comment on vibration thru the seat, bars, pegs? Some say yes, some say no, others say minimal.
what say you?
No more or less than I would expect from a V-Twin, albeit a transverse v-twin. I could see if you came from other smoother engine types you might find it different though. I think it's fine.
A bit of vibration helps tone the body , shake the fat off a bit and keeps you awake ! So long as nought falls of the bike due to vibration , it is a good thing .
Informative review.👍Had to watch in 0.75 speed because you talk so fast
lmao, thank you and sorry
@@YouMotorcycle no worries, it's generally a sign of intelligence anyway.
@@getheroutofthetruck I'm gonna tell myself that when I'm feeling down 😆 lol
If i hadnt heard so much bad reports on guzzi electrical problems id get one.
Were any of these reports from the ones made in the last 10 years? I don't think those have been much of an issue in a long time?
V7 special har a normal headlight and dual clocks and more crome and spoken wheel..
Yep! Thanks :)
Ciao dall'Italia... 🦅 Top...✌️...
I got a test ride on a 850 cc bobber which is the same drive train as the V7. The dry sump clutch gave the transmission a horribly vague sensation! It reminded me of and old tractor. Seriously. The lack of a fuel gauge on that terrible dash was the coup de gras for me along with the messy arrangement of wires and hoses on the engine. I wanted to like it but I'm sticking with my Bonneville t120
The T120 is the better machine in a whole other league.... V7 vs T100 could be a different story though. Might have to compare them some day.
Call me an old fuddy-duddy, but this is not a "retro" bike. Its an ongoing development of a range that has just not changed much, and in my old fuddy-duddy opinion, is far better than many new bikes. Shaft drive and valves that can be adjusted at home, without spending half a day or more dismantling plastics in order to remove shims and then have to order correct ones if out of service values. It was from a time that people rode bikes everyday, as cars were expensive. Today, 17 year old kids buy new cars on the never-never that cost more than my house, and they complain they have no money. Motorcycles have unfortunately become toys in the whole.
I have know idea what "fuddy-duddy" meanss, but I do know the definition of retro. It's anything "imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past." This bike was most definitely imitative of the V7s of yesteryears, so by definition, it is exactly retro. Google it, you'll see :)
@@YouMotorcycle "retro".....like in "retrograde", or to go backwards. My point being, they have not gone back to an old design, its an old design that has just been continually developed. "fuddy-duddy" means i was around when these bikes of the 70s were new. To new kids on the block, they are "retro". The bike is great.
@@skaraborgcraft I just go by what Merriam Webster tells me 🤷🏻♂️
ihad a1979; bonnevillwhat junknit was
The Japanese were putting out way better stuff compared to the British by '79.
Mine had cylinders that were not parallel to each other ! I could not balance the tuning between the cylinders and swapped the bike for an SF2 Laverda . The shop I dealt with eventually found the problem and I was told about it as I knew the owner . Unbelievable , but true . Shame Laverda is no more .
Rosey toes
That's the spot!
slow down please
My riding or my speaking?
Speaking, too much info in a very short time was quite off putting
@@AndyPat239 thanks for the feedback. You can always change the playback speed on TH-cam. I watch most content at 1.25x-1.5x speed. Just my taste :)
PS: I write captions for all my videos so you can turn those on as well. Hope that helps.
"The suspension is fine for 90% of buyers" tells us nothing....was it compliant? ...plush ride? hard ride?...c'mon man.
Do you think 90% of riders buying this bike want a hard ride, or a plush ride?
Calm down a bit mate, you gabble on so quickly that you just end up mumbling. Breathe occasionally and your presentation will improve.
Thanks very much for the tip. You're welcome to hit the little gear icon and set the playback to slower if you can't keep up, but I appreciate the feedback.
Good review. (Disingenuous btw) 😊
🤔
The dash is one of the worst bits
Yeah... I should have mentioned this in the video, but there are different trims in the V7 family, and some of them will have more traditional looks like spoked wheels, round headlights (no LED eagle), and a more traditional dash I think.
I wish Guzzi would put dual clocks on the Stone . Is there a way to do this ?
Oh man, the engine is installed longitudinally and not transverse. It stretches its cylinders in the same direction as the V8 of a Ford Mustang and, as we all know, that one is installed longitudinally.
Not quite the same situation. Here's a source to explain it:
CITATION
Carpenter, Susan (2007-07-25), "Chaps aren't de rigueur, but a helmet, yes", ASK THROTTLE JOCKEY, archived from the original on 2013-12-21, According to my source at Moto Guzzi Technical Services, "The Guzzi engine is a 90-degree 'L' twin, actually, because the cylinders are oriented at 90 degrees, instead of a typical V twin that has a smaller angle ( 60-degree, 77-degree, etc.). It is called 'transverse' because the engine is mounted with the crankshaft oriented front to back instead of left to right. Because of this you cannot run a chain or belt drive directly to the rear wheel like in most motorcycles. This is why you have a separate gearbox that bolts to the engine and transfers the power to the rear wheel via the drive shaft. This is how it is done on the Moto Guzzi and a BMW.
Here's another one if you're looking for something you can check out the web page of yourself, that will explain that this is transverse mounted, like I said: www.motorcycle.com/ask-mo-anything/transverse-longitudinal-crankshafts.html
I don't know anything about the Mustang you're talking about. I'm a bike guy. Not a car guy. But hopefully this clarifies for you why it's transverse mounted.
@@YouMotorcycle The Carpenter, Susan text basically says in other words:
An engine is called transverse because its crankshaft is mounted longitudinally.
Utter BS.
@@thestonegateroadrunner7305 If a citation, along with an article, still aren't enough for you, please check out the V7 page from Moto Guzzi's official website: www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/models/v7/
See where they say: "The transverse 90-degree V engine has long been the hallmark of Moto Guzzi and this V7 is no exception." ?
Now call them up, and tell them that you're the expert, not them, and that they've been calling their motor the wrong thing for decades. Because you know best.
Let us know how it goes.
I guess this all depends if one considers the bikes engine orientation to its body or it’s wheel rotation. As a matter of convention it seems transverse is appropriate for the Guzzis since the cylinders are transverse to the wheel rotation and the body compared to nearly all bikes except any boxers and a few older odd balls.
4mins in and seeing more of your face and hands talking than the actual bike
🤣🤣🤣 thank you for the feedback. There's no substitute for going to your local dealer and sitting on one yourself. This is a video for people who want the thoughts of someone who's ridden a V7 old and new, not for showing what they look like
❤guzzi😊
Clock on the stone is ugly rest of bike is brilliant!
Classic is the most beautiful bike on the planet. Period!
Just wish guzzi would fit it with wire spoked tubeless rims and tubeless tyres as standard! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Might need to go aftermarket for that! FYI I'm currently doing a series where I compare my Interceptor 650 vs my Moto Guzzi V7 (just bought one) vs my Triumph Bonneville as I now own all three. If you'd like to check it out the first video in the series is here: th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html