funny part is the thruxton has only slightly more power 68BHP/51ft lbs than the v7 at 50+bhp/42.7ft lbs with a smaller engine. the Thruxton also weighs more at 506lbs vs the v7's 395lbs. So really if you think about it, either the power to weight is about equal or slightly in the Guzzi's favor
I'd like to weigh in on this if I may. First off I am a brand-new rider so I admit that I know less about bikes than probably anyone here but I compared these two bikes prior to my purchase and would like to make one correction regarding the 2013 V7 Racer because I just bought it. The reviewer mentioned that a negative to the bike is that it just has the single saddle but he did not mention that for a few hundred dollars extra you can buy the two-seater. I'm sure it was an honest mistake/omission and that he simply wasn't aware, but you can easily see it under the accessories on their website. I purchased it. You do however lose the "V7" rear panel on the back if you swap the seat but if you have a nice baby doll cuddling up against your back it's worth the temporary loss of the aesthetic, but the good thing though is that the seats can be exchanged from one to the other in literally 30 seconds. It's a snap. I never test rode the Thruxton because, to be honest, just sitting on it was a bit uncomfortable on the wrists, but that was my personal experience. Yours may vary. After looking around and considering many options the V7 was the only bike that inspired me so I went for it. What he said about every time you park the bike you get one or more onlookers it's totally true!!! I have noticed that this bike seems to cross ALL lines of enthusiasts; I get compliments from everyone from way old-school badass Harley riders, Rice rocketers, Ducati racers, police, cafe purists, scooter dudes and everyone in between. I sort of feel as my first bike I didn't deserve such a wonderful piece of art it but what the hell I went for it anyway. In addition, I had read that the V7 was a "wolf in sheep's clothing" as far as performance but it was not important to me because even at a 750cc, 50 hp bike it's still powerful enough for me as a new rider. I also like the throat-iness of the motor and exhaust, the chrome gas tank, the leather strap on the tank, the V7 placards, the subtle red stitching on the suedeish seat and just the all-around general style. Points for style, baby! Points for style...
Thanks for the info. I like how comfortable the guzzi is. I've never got a chance to ride one, I just sat on it. 50hp is enough for everyone, you never really need more, but it can be fun to have extra power. But it will cost you money and fuel.
Firtsly; Congratulations on picking an awesome first bike. Secondly; Some people - those with iddy biddy penises - fall into the horsepower war, and cannot accept a bike unless it has triple horsepower figures and is capable of speeds that would get you locked up with a considerable ban when you get out. Speed is fun, don't get me wrong, but it's not imperative to enjoying biking. A bike with character and personality is equally as enjoyable, arguably more so, and you're less likely to end up parked in a tree or with a big butch bloke, calling you baby doll, cuddled up against your backside, in a cell. 47-50bhp is enough to annihilate all speed limits in the UK, and getting there is barrels of fun. Then there's the noise... Oh the noise. Bollocks to your IL4's, with a set of real pipes on this is what explosions sound like.
Greg Hamilton Hey Greg sorry for the long delay. I literally just saw this right now in September 2020!. Yes I still have the bike although I am ashamed to say I only ride it about once a month.
I was a fixture at the Rock Store in the 1970's and knew the owner very well. Used to go to their horse ranch many times and wipe down the horses. On my travels around the world I brought spoons to Gene many times. She would bring me breakfast on the upper level when people were waiting down below. I was great leaning up against the oak tree getting blasted. Then the yuppies started to arrive and did not go back. Met their son who was the XE officer for the Thunder Birds demonstration team. Many memories and good times. The Sevokoes , hope I spelled that right, they were fine people and they would save me Klondike bars for when I was not flying (as a crew chief on C-130'E with the USAF. I rode either my XLCH Sportster or my SP 1000 Guzzi. up there rain or shin, They always had pan cakes and bacon, and once in a while would get a feed for free. Loved them very much.
I think this was a good review. Having owned a customized Thruxton and also having owned a custom V-11 I think the guys were spot on. of the popped out plastic things that so often happen. The Thruxton has about 20 more horsepower give or take a few, so it would have more power. As far as handling my V11 had better cornering and wind protection than my current FZ1. I really am glad that Triumph is so good and that 3 cylinder is awesome. But where my heart lies is Moto Guzzi!
On paper the 2013 Thruxton 865cc is 68bhp and the V7(1) some 48bhp, but the Thruxton's peak 69Nm torque is way up at 5800 whereas the V7's 60Nm is down at 2800. Similar weight too, so the Thruxton should have more go, and it does, but to me it feels a fair bit bigger and heavier. With the 3-cyl, the Tigger 800 I had all day certainly didn't do as well around bends as my V7ii, and didn't brake as well. Yes 95bhp is pretty quick but it's all up the top end and has to work for it; consequently on the same fast twisty B-roads the Guzzi was actually best overall, ride and pace and comfort. Anyway, it's more about how much you enjoy the ride than how fast the trees fly past you.
Both are awesome looking bikes with added "cool" factor! Triumph has more power but I like to look and feel of V7 better. I rode both (2014 models), I did't find Thruxton any more comfortable than the V7 Racer. Ergos were also very comparable. The vibe from the V7 line is much more fun to me, granted they were 10 minute short rides.
I recently picked up a V7 Guzzi because of this comparison. I wasn't really feeling the style of the Racer so I went with the stripped-down Stone version (has the same engine) and did my own café-style upgrades to it. So far, I love it. Enough power to put a smile on your face. A bit quirky with the fuel delivery and requires a longer warm-up period but once under way, it's a great handling fun ride with long legs because of its 5.8 gallon tank. Please see my videos for the exhaust note and ride-along.
CORRECTION to this very well done video: I JUST looked at the Moto Guzzi literally a few hours ago at the Sherman Oaks Vespa/Guzzi showroom and it DOES have a 2nd rider/seat cushion UNDERNEATH that #7cover. I repeat their is an EXISTING cushion that's already there. Confirm it with your salesperson but I had 2 separate dealers tell me this. The beginning of the video was done at Deus ex Machina at Venice/Lincoln in Venice. I go into that store all the time. Great place!
Back in the 60's I ran both my Triumph and my Norton on reverse cone megaphones. God i miss that sound. However the best has to be a DBD34 Goldie on an open track mega. Glorious!
My issue with the triumph is that it is an oversquare engine (90mm bore and 68 mm stroke), and with a size of 865cc it only makes 67 bhp and it is a heavy bike (225kg curb weight). The V7 has just 51 bhp but it is a 744cc with a longer stroke (80mm x 74 mm). So it is a low reving engine but the weight of the V7 at 179 kg it is 46 kg lighter..
If you're getting a tingle through the V7 bars, either it's not fully run in as it should rev freely and smoothly to the limiter somewhere around 7500, or - oh dear you bought the Racer with clip-ons instead of the Special/Stone with the rubber mounted conventional bars.
Bought the Guzzi... As it's my 3rd bike, I went for the look rather than a bike I would use for the majority of my rides. Looking forward to canyon riding on this bike!
Cool comparison. I love Triumph's bikes but after sitting on them and looking at them so often at the dealer, there is somehow this feeling, or aura of cheap, that I can't shake off, for a premium bike anyway. The V7 racer is a ton of bling--I'd definitely go for the blacked out v7 Stone instead. The build quality of the Guzzis are miles ahead in look and feel compared to Triumph.
Nice Review. Just tried these two bikes yesterday. Have to agree that the Thruxton had a better motor and better feeling. The V7 racer is clearly better looking. Liked both but if I have to choose I'd go for Thruxton.
As someone who test rode both and ended up buying the Moto Guzzi, I can tell you the Triumph feels like a modern motorcycle with the look of a classic. The Moto Guzzi feels like a real classic, lots of character, great sound and amazing handling. The Triumph is heavy also compared to the Guzzi.
I have been on both bikes and I drove the guzzi all the way out to alberta and I was perfectly fine!! and on the way back to Toronto I use that same triumph and my gears wouldn't change smoothly and I had a lot of trouble with my acceleration!! if your getting a bike out there and its a choice out of those two I really consider the guzzi!!
that's less the bike and more the rider. There's an old saying about Guzzis "ride one for ten minutes and you never will again, ride one for two hours and you will never want to be without" they take time to get used to. They have never been a bike for the masses it takes a special weirdo to like them, they have a lot of idiosyncrasies being a transverse v twin that really take some getting used to.
I had a V7. I did a lot of upgrades and then just got rid of it and bought a Thruxton 900. What a difference! The Triumph is like a real motorcycle in comparison. The MG looked good but the lack of power and the seating position were annoying.
I disagree. My V7 is my daily (and now only) bike, and it's great. Loads of fun, very comfy, plenty of power, and man does it get plenty of stares and thumbs up.
is that a question? i believe after 08 or o9 they are made in thailand. i have heard both but have no idea exactly. all i know is i love the before 09 model But think the new model looks alot cheaper. stand em side by side and they look cheaper now . do you go to any meets in midlands? just got an 05 t100 and i love it..had sportbikes before but trying to slow down.and the t100 is perfect for that ,especially in half face helmet 50 feels fast!!! what ya got mate?
Though being a Triumph fan, would be really hard to choose in this case, both are beautifully finished, and as they say the devil stays in details which especially valid for the Guzzi this time. However the sitting position on both look like a classic superbike like position which is contradictory for a cafe racer conception. With some minor changes these bikes could be turned in more compact curve hunting beasts meant to leave massive wounds on a modern superbike owner's ego.
That is dropping the clutch out on the down-shift, the longitudinal crank will tip the bike. Down-shift like in a car, do not blip the throttle. You get used to it. The brakes are Bremo's finest, very powerful but smooth and progressive.
I really like the Triumph. It has good looks and moderne techniques. I wonder if you can fix luggage in the back like a roll or something like that...?
The V7 is micro in size and weight. The Thrux is slightly taller (by a hair) than the standard Bonnie. The old bars on the Thrux hurt to hold, the new ones look more comfy. Love the looks of the V7 engine but would take a V7 Stone. Love the chrome tank though.
CORRECTION to that correction. I think there may be a kit for a few hundred bucks extra that enables or switches out that seat for the 2nd rider. I need to double check that but they DID tell me it could be/is a 2 rider bike.
I do like this review, as I was considering both, but eventually bought a 2014 V7 Racer (same specs as the 2013 one). I have owned it for two years now, did some 12.000km, one day even managed to do a 610km trip, and I have to say that the comfort of the bike is really good. As the comment about the Thruxton being better for daily use - I have to disagree. The V7 is light and very nimble so is easy to use in all traffic situations. A bit more power couldn't hurt, but to be honest I never had the feeling it was lacking any power. If I go driving with some friends who have much faster bikes, and we stay on country roads, I really have no problem keeping up at all. They were even suprised my Guzzi only had some 50 hp 😂
Robert Brandywine Well spotted sir! I guess the fact that Brooklands is a famous British motor racing circuit and Brooklyn is a borough of NYC, or a child of David Beckham should have made that obvious to me! :-)
The main difference they forgot to say is that the Guzzi V7 has a cardan shaft instead of a chain system... which is not bad at all from a maintenance perspective and mechanical point of view.
The guzzi is a peace of art. Okay the engine is not fast, but the look and the sound is amazing. This bike as a soul. Just need to pill of the number stickers...
I'd tend to agree... until I saw one completely black in the underground car park the other day. It oozes cool. When choosing between these bikes, imho, there is no wrong choice.
I'll take the Guzzi anytime as far as appearance goes. With todays metallurgy and manufacturing processes, I can't understand why both of these bikes can't be made to kick out another 15-20% in hp/trq The Triumph motor has a bullet proof rep and could handle the extra power easily. I know they're not sport bikes, but because these machines are so heavy for air cooled twins, their performance is somewhat lackluster. I'd like twin discs up front also. Both nice bikes though.
After owning both a Triumph Bonnie and a v7, the Guzzi wins hands down. The old school Triumphs are brilliant I have to say but maintaining it is another story. The fun one gets riding a Guzzi is akin to the Triumphs of the eighties or seventies. The modern Triumphs are refined but shite. Btw, I am English and will go for the Italian (Made in Italy) v7 anyday mate. I'm never going back to the Triumph unless they make a shaft drive. Which, if the co. had common sense, they would make one considering our rubbish rainy weather.
HAHA a a Cafe Racer was NEVER designed to be comfortable... they were to go fast 'ton up boys. Hell im 34 and know this. Take Guzzi up to 6000rpm then on over run at 5k it pops then 4k it scares old ladys haha. In reality the 900cc triumph is around 8mph faster top end and has better suspension but is just another t100 trumpet. Yes i own a Guzzi v7 and mates have the triumphs and w800 kawasaki... ridden em all and still love my Guzzi.
I only sit on a thruxton and drove a bonneville, because the thruxton isn't available for testdrives. It felt great on the bonneville and for the thruxton it was 6 months ago...
They dont hurt when you get the speed up and the wind gets under your chest and supports your weight. All you have to do is to fit proper clip ons and screw that throttle open.
Thruxton is more powerful but he forgot to say that it is 25kgs heavier than the Guzzi. Europe review shows that performance are almost the same between these 2 bikes.
MMhh interesating comment about "unbecoming" low bars. Obviously he has never ridden a real Brit 60's cafe racer, where low set ace bars were de rigeur. What annoyed me most was how the presenters rabbited (talked) over the lovely "tink,tink" sound of an air cooled motor cooling down, this is a sound that requires reverential silence, and needs to be enjoyed not talked over, philistines. :/
Less weight on your wrists? The faster you go the more weight you want to put onto the bars to reduce high speed instability, especially through bends. Both of these bikes have the lean-forwards position for this reason. You don't need to apply a lot of weight but you cannot pull on them. Leaning back and pulling on the bars seems to be a merikan idea, you'll get yourself into a right pickle with real bends.
I own a Bonny which is a great bike. I would however prefer a cardan or belt above a chain. For the rest, if you can live with a dirty chain, go Triumph. Go for the Thunderbird if you have the money.
True. I photographed a Guzzi for my blog but unless I'm rich I have to say no.... because you can't put your bird on the pillon every now and then so you need a second bike (or first bike) for that. Here's the pic: 29 SEPTEMBER 2012 KingCast says: "Hey... buy a Moto Guzzi V7 Cafe Racer from Kevin at Seacoast Sport Cycle!"
All Guzzi have a dual seat for your best girl, and a comfy one too. All proper caff racers have a back seat, or should have; that was really the point of them back in the day. Not sure what they were thinking when the made the Racer, it's like the one with the funny trim they got wrong; some markets like it. Dual seat on the Racer is an option. Changing the seat over takes about two seconds. You will need rear foot rests too.
gotta be the triumph BUT gotta be before o8 model with metal badges ,embosed seat logo quality parts AND "made in england" who wants a made in thailand bonny [or thruxton] with fuel injection?? bonnies have gotta be old skool with carbs .i think 08 onwards just look cheap n nasty and before 08 look quality ,to me!.getting one soon ,
Guzzi is one of the prettiest bikes out there. But the performance is just sooo poor. The Triumph is nearly as pretty and almost looks like a proper Cafe racer in a very diluted form. Which obviously makes it more comfortable to tide. Probably the nicer one to own.
In my comment I left out Ed, her husband. Remember when she had to pull their Corvette over to the side when he had his heart attack. He survived. He tore up the parking tickets the dick head CHP would issue on his private property and go to court and get all of them dissmisst ( getting old and can not spell worth a damn ) After a time in Korea went back in the 1990's but it was just not the same. The memories are still there , hate getting old and loosing them. Ride on!
I disagree. I know so many people that would love a chrome tank, red factory painted frame, small wind guard, fatter tires, red stitching on seat. The 3 "7's" is probably going a bit too far. I would been ok with none, 1, or 2 max. :)
Both neat bikes. But that poor guy has got to relax, take a breath, get some confidence, and stop nervously swaying back and forth so much. Unsettling to watch and very distracting.
funny part is the thruxton has only slightly more power 68BHP/51ft lbs than the v7 at 50+bhp/42.7ft lbs with a smaller engine. the Thruxton also weighs more at 506lbs vs the v7's 395lbs. So really if you think about it, either the power to weight is about equal or slightly in the Guzzi's favor
I'd like to weigh in on this if I may. First off I am a brand-new rider so I admit that I know less about bikes than probably anyone here but I compared these two bikes prior to my purchase and would like to make one correction regarding the 2013 V7 Racer because I just bought it. The reviewer mentioned that a negative to the bike is that it just has the single saddle but he did not mention that for a few hundred dollars extra you can buy the two-seater. I'm sure it was an honest mistake/omission and that he simply wasn't aware, but you can easily see it under the accessories on their website. I purchased it. You do however lose the "V7" rear panel on the back if you swap the seat but if you have a nice baby doll cuddling up against your back it's worth the temporary loss of the aesthetic, but the good thing though is that the seats can be exchanged from one to the other in literally 30 seconds. It's a snap. I never test rode the Thruxton because, to be honest, just sitting on it was a bit uncomfortable on the wrists, but that was my personal experience. Yours may vary. After looking around and considering many options the V7 was the only bike that inspired me so I went for it. What he said about every time you park the bike you get one or more onlookers it's totally true!!! I have noticed that this bike seems to cross ALL lines of enthusiasts; I get compliments from everyone from way old-school badass Harley riders, Rice rocketers, Ducati racers, police, cafe purists, scooter dudes and everyone in between. I sort of feel as my first bike I didn't deserve such a wonderful piece of art it but what the hell I went for it anyway. In addition, I had read that the V7 was a "wolf in sheep's clothing" as far as performance but it was not important to me because even at a 750cc, 50 hp bike it's still powerful enough for me as a new rider. I also like the throat-iness of the motor and exhaust, the chrome gas tank, the leather strap on the tank, the V7 placards, the subtle red stitching on the suedeish seat and just the all-around general style. Points for style, baby! Points for style...
Thanks for the info. I like how comfortable the guzzi is. I've never got a chance to ride one, I just sat on it. 50hp is enough for everyone, you never really need more, but it can be fun to have extra power. But it will cost you money and fuel.
Firtsly; Congratulations on picking an awesome first bike.
Secondly; Some people - those with iddy biddy penises - fall into the horsepower war, and cannot accept a bike unless it has triple horsepower figures and is capable of speeds that would get you locked up with a considerable ban when you get out. Speed is fun, don't get me wrong, but it's not imperative to enjoying biking.
A bike with character and personality is equally as enjoyable, arguably more so, and you're less likely to end up parked in a tree or with a big butch bloke, calling you baby doll, cuddled up against your backside, in a cell.
47-50bhp is enough to annihilate all speed limits in the UK, and getting there is barrels of fun. Then there's the noise... Oh the noise. Bollocks to your IL4's, with a set of real pipes on this is what explosions sound like.
Greg Hamilton Hey Greg sorry for the long delay. I literally just saw this right now in September 2020!. Yes I still have the bike although I am ashamed to say I only ride it about once a month.
I was a fixture at the Rock Store in the 1970's and knew the owner very well. Used to go to their horse ranch many times and wipe down the horses. On my travels around the world I brought spoons to Gene many times. She would bring me breakfast on the upper level when people were waiting down below. I was great leaning up against the oak tree getting blasted. Then the yuppies started to arrive and did not go back. Met their son who was the XE officer for the Thunder Birds demonstration team. Many memories and good times. The Sevokoes , hope I spelled that right, they were fine people and they would save me Klondike bars for when I was not flying (as a crew chief on C-130'E with the USAF. I rode either my XLCH Sportster or my SP 1000 Guzzi. up there rain or shin, They always had pan cakes and bacon, and once in a while would get a feed for free. Loved them very much.
I would pick the Guzzi too, because of the details and looks :-)
I think this was a good review. Having owned a customized Thruxton and also having owned a custom V-11 I think the guys were spot on. of the popped out plastic things that so often happen. The Thruxton has about 20 more horsepower give or take a few, so it would have more power. As far as handling my V11 had better cornering and wind protection than my current FZ1. I really am glad that Triumph is so good and that 3 cylinder is awesome. But where my heart lies is Moto Guzzi!
On paper the 2013 Thruxton 865cc is 68bhp and the V7(1) some 48bhp, but the Thruxton's peak 69Nm torque is way up at 5800 whereas the V7's 60Nm is down at 2800. Similar weight too, so the Thruxton should have more go, and it does, but to me it feels a fair bit bigger and heavier.
With the 3-cyl, the Tigger 800 I had all day certainly didn't do as well around bends as my V7ii, and didn't brake as well. Yes 95bhp is pretty quick but it's all up the top end and has to work for it; consequently on the same fast twisty B-roads the Guzzi was actually best overall, ride and pace and comfort. Anyway, it's more about how much you enjoy the ride than how fast the trees fly past you.
Both are awesome looking bikes with added "cool" factor! Triumph has more power but I like to look and feel of V7 better. I rode both (2014 models), I did't find Thruxton any more comfortable than the V7 Racer. Ergos were also very comparable. The vibe from the V7 line is much more fun to me, granted they were 10 minute short rides.
I recently picked up a V7 Guzzi because of this comparison. I wasn't really feeling the style of the Racer so I went with the stripped-down Stone version (has the same engine) and did my own café-style upgrades to it. So far, I love it. Enough power to put a smile on your face. A bit quirky with the fuel delivery and requires a longer warm-up period but once under way, it's a great handling fun ride with long legs because of its 5.8 gallon tank. Please see my videos for the exhaust note and ride-along.
CORRECTION to this very well done video: I JUST looked at the Moto Guzzi literally a few hours ago at the Sherman Oaks Vespa/Guzzi showroom and it DOES have a 2nd rider/seat cushion UNDERNEATH that #7cover. I repeat their is an EXISTING cushion that's already there. Confirm it with your salesperson but I had 2 separate dealers tell me this. The beginning of the video was done at Deus ex Machina at Venice/Lincoln in Venice. I go into that store all the time. Great place!
V7 for the win! Love the Racer
Back in the 60's I ran both my Triumph and my Norton on reverse cone megaphones. God i miss that sound. However the best has to be a DBD34 Goldie on an open track mega. Glorious!
My issue with the triumph is that it is an oversquare engine (90mm bore and 68 mm stroke), and with a size of 865cc it only makes 67 bhp and it is a heavy bike (225kg curb weight). The V7 has just 51 bhp but it is a 744cc with a longer stroke (80mm x 74 mm). So it is a low reving engine but the weight of the V7 at 179 kg it is 46 kg lighter..
If you're getting a tingle through the V7 bars, either it's not fully run in as it should rev freely and smoothly to the limiter somewhere around 7500, or - oh dear you bought the Racer with clip-ons instead of the Special/Stone with the rubber mounted conventional bars.
Bought the Guzzi... As it's my 3rd bike, I went for the look rather than a bike I would use for the majority of my rides. Looking forward to canyon riding on this bike!
Cool comparison. I love Triumph's bikes but after sitting on them and looking at them so often at the dealer, there is somehow this feeling, or aura of cheap, that I can't shake off, for a premium bike anyway. The V7 racer is a ton of bling--I'd definitely go for the blacked out v7 Stone instead. The build quality of the Guzzis are miles ahead in look and feel compared to Triumph.
Nice Review. Just tried these two bikes yesterday. Have to agree that the Thruxton had a better motor and better feeling. The V7 racer is clearly better looking. Liked both but if I have to choose I'd go for Thruxton.
As someone who test rode both and ended up buying the Moto Guzzi, I can tell you the Triumph feels like a modern motorcycle with the look of a classic. The Moto Guzzi feels like a real classic, lots of character, great sound and amazing handling. The Triumph is heavy also compared to the Guzzi.
wow an Kevin an american who knows how to pronounce Guzzi - well done. Plus cool video. Thanks for the entertaining roadshots.
I have been on both bikes and I drove the guzzi all the way out to alberta and I was perfectly fine!! and on the way back to Toronto I use that same triumph and my gears wouldn't change smoothly and I had a lot of trouble with my acceleration!! if your getting a bike out there and its a choice out of those two I really consider the guzzi!!
that's less the bike and more the rider. There's an old saying about Guzzis "ride one for ten minutes and you never will again, ride one for two hours and you will never want to be without" they take time to get used to. They have never been a bike for the masses it takes a special weirdo to like them, they have a lot of idiosyncrasies being a transverse v twin that really take some getting used to.
I had a V7. I did a lot of upgrades and then just got rid of it and bought a Thruxton 900. What a difference! The Triumph is like a real motorcycle in comparison. The MG looked good but the lack of power and the seating position were annoying.
I love the Thruxton but the Guzzi sounds so good. Thanks for putting that segment at the end you should do that every time.
I disagree. My V7 is my daily (and now only) bike, and it's great. Loads of fun, very comfy, plenty of power, and man does it get plenty of stares and thumbs up.
And what about the new RE Continental gt650 ? Thanks
is that a question? i believe after 08 or o9 they are made in thailand. i have heard both but have no idea exactly. all i know is i love the before 09 model But think the new model looks alot cheaper. stand em side by side and they look cheaper now . do you go to any meets in midlands? just got an 05 t100 and i love it..had sportbikes before but trying to slow down.and the t100 is perfect for that ,especially in half face helmet 50 feels fast!!! what ya got mate?
Though being a Triumph fan, would be really hard to choose in this case, both are beautifully finished, and as they say the devil stays in details which especially valid for the Guzzi this time. However the sitting position on both look like a classic superbike like position which is contradictory for a cafe racer conception. With some minor changes these bikes could be turned in more compact curve hunting beasts meant to leave massive wounds on a modern superbike owner's ego.
3:10 gotta love that exhaust sound :D, nice video, saludos from Argentina!
@0:49 the rider on the V7 was too hard on the brakes, he almost lost control of the bike, could be funny in a review ! :-)
MrToonfish too much rear brake. It skidded lol.
That is dropping the clutch out on the down-shift, the longitudinal crank will tip the bike. Down-shift like in a car, do not blip the throttle. You get used to it.
The brakes are Bremo's finest, very powerful but smooth and progressive.
I really like the Triumph. It has good looks and moderne techniques. I wonder if you can fix luggage in the back like a roll or something like that...?
MCN gave the Thruxton a bad review, but that was a few years ago. Does the 2013 have better performance? Thanks.
The V7 is micro in size and weight. The Thrux is slightly taller (by a hair) than the standard Bonnie. The old bars on the Thrux hurt to hold, the new ones look more comfy. Love the looks of the V7 engine but would take a V7 Stone. Love the chrome tank though.
exexpat11, you are in love with a gas tank. Does that even sound off even to you.
I want to get one of these two bikes this year
Anyone know what jacket Kevin Duke is wearing (grey/black with the stripe)?
Good review, again. Keep it up guys.
Hi, love the Thruxton! Where is that old Gas Station that you guys stop at??? It seems familiar from a movie or something. Thanks!
The rock store, jees
triumph chain drive... guzzi shaft drive!
Shaft for me.
CORRECTION to that correction. I think there may be a kit for a few hundred bucks extra that enables or switches out that seat for the 2nd rider. I need to double check that but they DID tell me it could be/is a 2 rider bike.
what brand are those helmets?
You soon learn how to downshift gently with a shaft drive. Riding a M-G teaches you how to ride, I KNOW!
I do like this review, as I was considering both, but eventually bought a 2014 V7 Racer (same specs as the 2013 one). I have owned it for two years now, did some 12.000km, one day even managed to do a 610km trip, and I have to say that the comfort of the bike is really good. As the comment about the Thruxton being better for daily use - I have to disagree. The V7 is light and very nimble so is easy to use in all traffic situations. A bit more power couldn't hurt, but to be honest I never had the feeling it was lacking any power.
If I go driving with some friends who have much faster bikes, and we stay on country roads, I really have no problem keeping up at all. They were even suprised my Guzzi only had some 50 hp 😂
At first I thought the Racer was my old Hodaka ACE 90 coming back.
I'll wait for the new V-9 Roamer coming in spring 2016.
Had a Hodaka with the chrome tank and that two stroke engine. How old are you anyway? That was back in the early 60's.
That's British Racing Green, not "Brooklyn Green".
Perhaps go on Triumph's website? It is Brooklyn Green, not BRG.
afiregoat Oops, but we are both wrong. It's "Brooklands Green". Anyway, thanks for setting me straight.
Robert Brandywine Well spotted sir! I guess the fact that Brooklands is a famous British motor racing circuit and Brooklyn is a borough of NYC, or a child of David Beckham should have made that obvious to me! :-)
It's neither British Racing Green nore Brooklyn.Triumph calles the color "Brooklands Green", after the circuit.
The main difference they forgot to say is that the Guzzi V7 has a cardan shaft instead of a chain system... which is not bad at all from a maintenance perspective and mechanical point of view.
See the path..
Go with Guzzi.
The guzzi is a peace of art. Okay the engine is not fast, but the look and the sound is amazing. This bike as a soul. Just need to pill of the number stickers...
I'd tend to agree... until I saw one completely black in the underground car park the other day. It oozes cool.
When choosing between these bikes, imho, there is no wrong choice.
Well done guys
The best cafe bike out isn't available in US unless you special order one. The Horex vr6 cafe racer!
I'd take a Motto Guzzi V7 Stone or Special over either of those myself.
Triumph does it right again!
that Guzzi looks so sweet
5 years after...still the guzzi. You can’t disregard real authenticity. Mandello del Lario...
I'll take the Guzzi anytime as far as appearance goes. With todays metallurgy and manufacturing processes, I can't understand why both of these bikes can't be made to kick out another 15-20% in hp/trq The Triumph motor has a bullet proof rep and could handle the extra power easily. I know they're not sport bikes, but because these machines are so heavy for air cooled twins, their performance is somewhat lackluster. I'd like twin discs up front also. Both nice bikes though.
Why are the pipes bluing so badly?
Great review lads.. Now where do get a thuxton
i would pick the guzzi
I agree completely. Owned both. Love me a guzzi, but the Triumph is a better bike. I still love the Italian v twin tho
After owning both a Triumph Bonnie and a v7, the Guzzi wins hands down. The old school Triumphs are brilliant I have to say but maintaining it is another story. The fun one gets riding a Guzzi is akin to the Triumphs of the eighties or seventies. The modern Triumphs are refined but shite.
Btw, I am English and will go for the Italian (Made in Italy) v7 anyday mate. I'm never going back to the Triumph unless they make a shaft drive. Which, if the co. had common sense, they would make one considering our rubbish rainy weather.
The V7 sounds so much better.
Sorry, the Guzzi sounds like a bag of nails.
Sorry but the Triumph looks slab sided and dull in comparison with the Guzzi which looks sublime.
Triumph Rulz !!
you know going back to the video your right I have noticed that too.
HAHA a a Cafe Racer was NEVER designed to be comfortable... they were to go fast 'ton up boys. Hell im 34 and know this. Take Guzzi up to 6000rpm then on over run at 5k it pops then 4k it scares old ladys haha. In reality the 900cc triumph is around 8mph faster top end and has better suspension but is just another t100 trumpet. Yes i own a Guzzi v7 and mates have the triumphs and w800 kawasaki... ridden em all and still love my Guzzi.
Please how tall are they ? I'm 1m86, I want a thruxton and I don't know if I'll be ok and not look like a giraffe on a pocket bike
Best thing to do is go and sit on it and see how you feel. Then ride it and do the same. All about how you feel on your beautiful machine
I only sit on a thruxton and drove a bonneville, because the thruxton isn't available for testdrives. It felt great on the bonneville and for the thruxton it was 6 months ago...
Does your triumph shop have mirrors?
I don't know, but it's in France. I'm sure that if you ask a triumph shop for mirrors they will be able to give you some ? Aftermarket parts, etc.
They dont hurt when you get the speed up and the wind gets under your chest and supports your weight. All you have to do is to fit proper clip ons and screw that throttle open.
Think I'd pick the V7 but the Stone version.
what about the suspension
That triumph is just gorgeous.
I was just about to comment about the weight. both are very nice and affordable.
Thruxton is more powerful but he forgot to say that it is 25kgs heavier than the Guzzi. Europe review shows that performance are almost the same between these 2 bikes.
MMhh interesating comment about "unbecoming" low bars. Obviously he has never ridden a real Brit 60's cafe racer, where low set ace bars were de rigeur. What annoyed me most was how the presenters rabbited (talked) over the lovely "tink,tink" sound of an air cooled motor cooling down, this is a sound that requires reverential silence, and needs to be enjoyed not talked over, philistines. :/
The difference between the V7 racer and the V7 special right? The racer is so gaudy, I don't want all that nonsense.
Guzzi is lovely but the Triumph is awesome.
Less weight on your wrists? The faster you go the more weight you want to put onto the bars to reduce high speed instability, especially through bends. Both of these bikes have the lean-forwards position for this reason. You don't need to apply a lot of weight but you cannot pull on them. Leaning back and pulling on the bars seems to be a merikan idea, you'll get yourself into a right pickle with real bends.
neither of them fast but nice weekend short rides for older guys
Lmao he almost lost it
please compare v7 with xsr700
I own a Bonny which is a great bike. I would however prefer a cardan or belt above a chain. For the rest, if you can live with a dirty chain, go Triumph. Go for the Thunderbird if you have the money.
the Guzzi works alone ;)
DEAR GOD I WANT THAT THRUXTON!!! or find a ducati sport classic somewheres
True. I photographed a Guzzi for my blog but unless I'm rich I have to say no.... because you can't put your bird on the pillon every now and then so you need a second bike (or first bike) for that. Here's the pic:
29 SEPTEMBER 2012
KingCast says: "Hey... buy a Moto Guzzi V7 Cafe Racer from Kevin at Seacoast Sport Cycle!"
All Guzzi have a dual seat for your best girl, and a comfy one too. All proper caff racers have a back seat, or should have; that was really the point of them back in the day. Not sure what they were thinking when the made the Racer, it's like the one with the funny trim they got wrong; some markets like it.
Dual seat on the Racer is an option. Changing the seat over takes about two seconds. You will need rear foot rests too.
gotta get a thruxton .gotta be before 08 model tho, carb model with metal badges and better built and made in england. not thailand!!!
all triumphs are made in England including the parts??
No
I want this two bikes sooo bad
FWIW, I wouldn't trade my Thrux for anything!.. Well maybe a Norton,,, Maybe
beauty..
gotta be the triumph BUT gotta be before o8 model with metal badges ,embosed seat logo quality parts AND "made in england" who wants a made in thailand bonny [or thruxton] with fuel injection?? bonnies have gotta be old skool with carbs .i think 08 onwards just look cheap n nasty and before 08 look quality ,to me!.getting one soon ,
Yes, remove the plastic cowl and there's room for a bag. You can also get a luggage rack. I take my Thruxton camping.
Guzzi is one of the prettiest bikes out there. But the performance is just sooo poor. The Triumph is nearly as pretty and almost looks like a proper Cafe racer in a very diluted form. Which obviously makes it more comfortable to tide. Probably the nicer one to own.
Double z is pronounced like 'zt' in Italian (e.g. "pizza"). He is pronouncing it correctly.
Not in Lombardy where Guzzi are made, double-z becomes double-s - G-oo-ss-y = "Goosey"
Goot - see, Peet - sah = Guzzi - Pizza.
Dude at :50 comes close to eating it, not a good rider.
I like the V7 Stone much better.
In my comment I left out Ed, her husband. Remember when she had to pull their Corvette over to the side when he had his heart attack. He survived. He tore up the parking tickets the dick head CHP would issue on his private property and go to court and get all of them dissmisst ( getting old and can not spell worth a damn ) After a time in Korea went back in the 1990's but it was just not the same. The memories are still there , hate getting old and loosing them. Ride on!
Who doesn't want fuel injection? Made in Thailand does not mean it is lower quality. They have standards that must be met regardless of outsourcing.
i've seen that gas station before. it's on hwy1
That is the Rock Store on Mullholand HWY.
I disagree. I know so many people that would love a chrome tank, red factory painted frame, small wind guard, fatter tires, red stitching on seat. The 3 "7's" is probably going a bit too far. I would been ok with none, 1, or 2 max. :)
he says "Motor" the same way Jeremy Clarckson says it when he imitates americans haha.. (ts got a reealy great Mawder) haha
think it comes down to cost
that haircut just gets more and more inappropriate.....
*****
probably looked good on him 30 years ago
for a café racer both bikes are way too fat, but nice
Both neat bikes. But that poor guy has got to relax, take a breath, get some confidence, and stop nervously swaying back and forth so much. Unsettling to watch and very distracting.