Thanks so much to everyone for all your support and interest in this series! Here are the past episodes if you missed them: Ep. 1: I Bought A Bonneville, Interceptor, & V7! Which Is Best? th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html Ep. 2: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - WHAT I GOT WRONG th-cam.com/video/p4MOxzU_mx8/w-d-xo.html Ep. 3: Triumph Bonneville: Let's RUIN Our Exhausts (ON PURPOSE)! th-cam.com/video/dXp2vyvECDw/w-d-xo.html Ep. 4: Moto Guzzi V7: Fixing a STOLEN V7 th-cam.com/video/HNmJ6IjQkHI/w-d-xo.html Ep. 5: Why I SOLD My INTERCEPTOR 650 - Pros & Cons Vs. Bonneville & V7 th-cam.com/video/f3lc6tFAWDM/w-d-xo.html Ep. 6: Triumph BONNEVILLE: BEST HANDLING Used Model (vs. V7, Interceptor) th-cam.com/video/xsnOLvj0V8M/w-d-xo.html Ep. 7: Triumph Bonneville: $100 SUSPENSION Upgrades th-cam.com/video/cz011K-Ixfc/w-d-xo.html Ep. 8: How I Made My Moto Guzzi V7 GREAT Again th-cam.com/video/Tg1AnXvH1j0/w-d-xo.html Ep. 9: Triumph Bonneville 865 vs Moto Guzzi V7 750 - ULTIMATE OWNER'S REVIEW th-cam.com/video/hUj8GxB29O4/w-d-xo.html Ride safe, but have fun! Adrian
Hi. Stuffy, 70 year old British guy here, dipping his cookie in his cuppa tea. Had a V7 Special for two years and run up 10k miles. Several trips Scotland to France (1500 miles round trip), taking in freeway speeds of 70/80 mph, despite andrewbob's negative freeway comment. Small screen, heated grips and roll bag....all you need. More fun than I ever had on my FJR or Pan Euro. Enjoy in all circumstances!
After 4 Triumphs(Bonnevile America,Tiger 800, Speed Triple and Speed Twin1200),I never tought that I'll end up with 2 Moto Guzzi(V85 TT Travel and V7 Special 850 )Just like you said MG are perfect for me.Great content, enjoyed the series.
The V7 has a ton of character, and character might be one of the most important things when it comes to a second bike. I think I would have come to the same decision as you. I love my triumphs to death, but I still daydream about my two days on a rented V7... There's something about that bike...
Excellent content right there! Thanks for this great long term comparison. Cheers from an Italian traitor riding a recently purchased 2010 Bonneville SE (my dad rode MG for 20 years+) :D
Your time and effort making this comparison is appreciated. So detailed. I took a fancy to the V7 when it came out in 2007 but I had just bought a Thruxton so it did not make sense to switch. If I had the chance to see them side by side before purchase, just on looks alone, I would have picked the V7 too. I'm not into speed anymore and bike weight is becoming a factor as I advance in age. I'm also appreciating the merits of continuously variable transmission (CVT) in scooters and that's my weapon of choice when battling city traffic.
Thanks very much for the kind words! As the owner of a Vespa with CVT transmission I totally get what you mean. When I'm going downtown for a quick run, for example an errand or to pick up the missus if the subways aren't running, the scooter is often my go-to option as well.
I picked up a 2013 V7 Stone 5 years ago. Replaced the speed sensor in the 1st year and besides gas,oil and front brake pads I have enjoyed about 25K of trouble free motorcycling. The V7 always gets noticed wherever you go. It’s a great bike !❤
I'm amazed at how few views your videos get especially this one and this series. The content, presentation, production quality is all top notch. This is what we need more of and less of the 20 minutes of riding reviews saying all the same marketing bs.
Thanks so much! Unfortunately most people aren't looking for objective reviews. They just want something that confirms what they want to believe, so that they can feel better about getting the thing (motorcycle, whatever) that they wanted to get anyway. That's why positive reviews that aren't much better than superficial endorsements typically do much better than actual subjective deep-dive reviews. People search for "(product) review" but what the majority of people really mean to search for is "help me feel good about buying (product)". Until human nature changes, those videos will always do better than mine, and that's okay. It is what it is :)
@YouMotorcycle well thanks for making the content and keeping it real and honest. I am torn between getting a Royal Enfield and a Moto Guzzi. The reviews are either old British guys raving about the RE, or they just drivel for 40 minutes with no substance. And the MG reviews and content are almost exclusively all first ride impressions. Hard to find good content of actual ownership and what it entails along the way. I also like the idea of buying a used bike and fixing it up/customizing it. This idea that we have to get them brand new from a dealership is wild. I've been looking on copart and seeing pretty new dropped V7s with easily fixable damage for stupid cheap. I look forward to seeing your new videos and what you got planned
In the UK, have a v7 special, owned it from new in 2019. Actually went into a dealers to buy a Honda NC750 and ended up coming out with the Guzzi. It’s the only one of my bikes that I look at the reflection in shop windows, it’s a wonderful design. My bikes come and go but the v7 will stay for Sunday’s
Cool series mate! Thanks for sharing your experiences and for your honesty. I've had a 1200 Bonneville and a Guzzi 1200 Sport and miss them both. Now in my mid 70's I am looking for a shorter and lighter weight bike than my current GS and your comments and considerations are valuable to me. I was leaning towards the V7 for bombing around town and hope that I can find a nice one for a good price. Cheers...
@@zzzsydneyhom1379 thanks for the kind words! The newer V7s (2021-ish and newer) may be a bit heavier than the one I was on, but not by much. If you don't plan on taking it on the highway too often and you can find one for a good price I think it would be a good pick. Happy hunting! :)
I agree the V7 (850) is the best retro roadster available. It’s the perfect big brother to my Enfield Classic 350. These two will stay with me for a long time.
Great video. I have a motorcycle collection, and the V7 is exactly as you describe. It's not fast, it doesn't like the freeway, but for everything else, it's nearly flawless. It's the easiest and most friendly bike that I own. The shifting is positive, the shaft requires the most simple of maintenance, and it's got that perfect torque for the illusion of speed. Top 5 bike in the collection without a doubt.
What a well balanced, very sensible approach you offered on the three bikes. I have admired and ridden all three brands and like you, , I sided with and own a 2019 V7 Stone - Night Pack 😎
I bought a 2015 Bonneville SE with only 1,650 km a year ago. I am delighted with this bike...although I have drilled several handlebars until I found the right one :-) Your video series has amused me. Luck. Greetings from the Canary Islands (Spain)
Superb series. Loved every episode of it!; Very good to see your honesty on all three bikes. Glad you chose to keep the V7 :) I'm a bit biased, I've got a V7 myself haha!
I just bought a V7 3 edition Racer punched out to 850cc with Agostinis and ecu work with Ohlins on the back--it is characterful and fast and more comfortable than my 2000 sv650s. Character is more important than most people think if you only buy by the spec sheet.
Just finished watching this as I'm considering those 2 bikes. The Guzzi I can get is a 0 mile 2023 V7 Stone 850cc and the price is great while the Bonnie T100 is a 18k miles 2014. I began riding over 45 years ago on that piece of Amalfi Coast you show on your video.
Ciao Ale! I tested the 2023 V7 and liked it, it was much better than the earlier ones. My review of it is here: th-cam.com/video/17Eeco3AQ8c/w-d-xo.html I think you'll like it better than the Bonneville, but the newer Bonneville (2017+) is liquid cooled and also very nice
Nice, clear and honest video. Glad you decided to keep the V7 in the end. Guzzi is a brand that doesn't let you go once you tasted it. Then again, you are very privileged to live so close to a Guzzi dealer. Mine is 9 hours driving, and although I LOVE (!!) my 17-year old Griso, I would therefore not buy a new Guzzi.
I agree, there's something about the Guzzi, but I get that the practicality side is important too. Very lucky to have good Guzzi support close to home. My Vespa is old enough to be able to legally vote. Good old Italian bikes can be bullet proof!
I enjoyed the comparison, I have a GS too for touring, for local (and everything else) I find my 1972 Triumph Bonneville absolutely faultless. Same power and lighter than the V7. Excellent quality and cool as F.
I demo'd a few bikes over the past couple of years, including one Moto Guzzi. I don't know if it would win on specs or whatever other criteria but it was the only one that stuck in my head as I was cruising up and down with a smile on my face. I just bought it.
This is the ultimate guide for the Bonneville and V7. My pick would be the V7 too. I really don't know why a lot of manufacturers complicate things when it comes to servicing. Accessibility and tools problems are something very common these days. Anyways a great video. I enjoyed mate. Keep going. Do you plan to ride in Europe again at some point?
Thanks very much, and yep! Spent almost two months riding there in the last year and a half, and going back next season to focus more on the Alps, including a ride that will take me into France and Switzerland :)
Hi, I do appreciate your review. I live in Italy / Lombardia. Moto Guzzi is in our dna. I appreciate your honesty from the beginning to the end of this review. Next time you are in Italy give a call. Thank you for your job
Grazie tanto! See you in July! My bike is currently in Salerno and I'll be riding up to Monte Bianco. The missus and her father are hiking around Monte Bianco, staying in places like Courmayeur and Chamonix along their hike, and I'll be riding around because I don't believe in walking that much 😂
@@matteobusne6777 hahaha si. i miei genitori sono italiani e parlo italiano abastanza bene per potere parlare con tutti quanti. in 2023 ho lasciato la mia moto (BMW G650GS) con un concessionario di Honda in Calabria, e quest'anno l'ho lasciato con i genitori di un amico a Salerno. Pago 30 euro al mese e loro scaricano la batteria una volta al mese, cosi sono a posto quando ritorno in italia. paese piu bella del mondo :)
Just watched the last of your series of the mid sized retro bikes. Fantastic! Very well done and laid out. Having had two of the three bikes, everything you mentioned was correct. Now you have me rethinking which bike to keep lol. The Triumph is so sweet but there is nothing like the Guzzi for character. Like you said, I already have smooth touring bikes so the Triumph is just an extension of that 🤔. One downfall that my Triumph has over the Bonny you had that is a mark against it is that it has tubed tires 🙈 You gave me lots to think about Well done! Cheers
Thank you thank you thank you! I'm looking at the same three bikes. I also have a Vespa for the city. And I was leaning Bonneville but couldn't shake the voice in my head that says that the Guzzi is just different. Looking for a V7.
Honestly you can't go wrong for either one. If you already have a good inner city bike, maybe look at what would be better for other kind of riding you'd like to do. Happy shopping :)
Thank you for the most interesting evaluation of the three motorcycles that are currently on my radar. I owned a 2005 Bonneville T100 and regret selling it. I have been off two wheels for a while now and am ready to ride again after a health problem and as lot of rehab. I plan to go look at several motorcycles in the next couple of weeks. I'll most likely be buying a used machine. But even new bikes of the three suspects are not all that bad, and I don't give a crap about depreciation.
Probably just some basic maintenance videos for it (and the Interceptor as well). Nothing too crazy. I'm happy just to ride it as a fun little motorcycle I can zip around on through to next season and figure out what to do next from there :)
!! Define worst! LOL I find the Stornello to be among the best of the V7 line with a different tune and the 2-1 Arrow. It is my LEAST performing bike as far as power goes, but like you is one of my favorites...........😆
I understand where 506 is coming from. I recently bought a Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200. It's bad at everything. It's so much fun. It's one of my worst and favorite motorcycles in the garage right now lol. Not to say that the Stornello is bad... Just that I can relate to the sentiment, with my Iron.
@@stephenpratelsr.703 There’s nothing bad about it necessarily, but you can’t just hit the starter and go like you can with my Hondas. You have to learn it’s dance first. It usually stalls at least once when I first start it. It needs to be warmed up with the attention of preparing a baby’s bottle or else it won’t run right for most of the day. The bottom of the sump is always wet even though there’s rarely a drop of oil on the ground. I could go on but I swear to god, get that bike on a back road on a day that it’s running great and there’s absolutely nothing like it.
I know what you mean about the Bonneville. I had a '14 SE that i absolutely loved, smooth ride, excellent build quality, beautiful design. I wish I had seen your video about the starting issue when I still had it. But.... ultimately I sold it and went back to an 80s Honda Magna. Besides tons more power, the uniqueness of the Magna keeps me smiling every ride.
Can't say anything bad about those old V4s! I felt really dumb when the tech came out, pushed the safety switch back in, and it fired back up perfectly ever since lol
Mr. You- That's a spot-on evaluation of two fine bikes! I bought an '06 Triumph Thruxton (Bonneville) with some of my Afghanistan combat pay based on an article in one of the motorcycle magazines I saw overseas, but a subsequent ride on a Guzzi Stornello showed it to be a really fun bike also (due to its lower weight I think). My Triumph came with their "racing" pipes which added a lot of character, along with a couple of carb jet/air filter mods to make me completely pleased with it. And I don't think MotoGuzzi has any dealerships within 500 mile of where I live.
Hi , I've got western high bars on his , no holes just nip off plastic blobs .And replaced shocks 're map and your pipes , hide velocity stack . Gained 9 up . Got a moto Guzzi 1100 griso also tuned . I love both . Have fun and enjoy.
Last of the Made in England 2014 T100 is the gem of the older cafe racer I just fell in love with Bonnie and I notice its lower than later models and has a bigger 15lt tank. But a great watch mate always can use more info. T Rev :)
Nice work! Concise and well explained. Im a rider w/ 55vyrs and Honda, Yamaha, H D. as well as Guzzi experience. m now on my 2nd Guzzi. Love my 2022 v85 tt. Works well in Tx Pangle and in the New Mex trustees. Perfect??? Nope. Really good YEP.. Thanks.
I dumped my Harley and bought 1400 Guzzi cruiser. Then I heard about some issues with the big Guzzi and the possibility of waiting weeks for parts so I got a V7lll as a secong bike. In the meantime the big Guzzi got too heavy and awkward for my aging body. So I replaced it with a 1200 Bonneville. I never bonded with that bike and then Moto Guzzi came out with the V100. I am now again a two Guzzi owner. When I can't handle the Mandello the V7 will be my last bike. I will at that point upgrade the rear suspension because it will then be used for highway as well as the in town duties it is used for now. I don't have a lot of miles on my V7 but it has been bullet proof and I have had no issues with the clutch cable.
Dealer and parts access had a lot to do with why I purchased a Kawasaki W800. It is not a s powerful or a fast as the Triumph but it has plenty of power for me. It has terrific down low torque and is a pleasure to ride in the city and on the highway. I really like the idea of the shaft drive on the Guzzi however. There are no Guzzi dealers near me or I would have given it serious consideration. All in all I have no regrets with the W800 even if it is a little higher priced than some. The Japanese quality is beyond reproach. Hot traffic has me shutting the engine down at long lights due to the air only cooling but the sound of the true 360 degree crank engine is as 1960s authentic as it gets. Cheers Bob in Ottawa
I've heard good things about the W800! I wanted to have one for this series but the seller kept messing with me so I could never make the deal. If you're ever headed to Toronto give me a shout!
I’ve owned both separately for about 2 years. They were both my only bike. I stayed with the Triumph. Because it’s more useful as an only bike. I commute and I just got back from 400 mile road trip. If I had 2 bikes I might think differently.
Well, I have enjoyed your series and was not surprised with the end results. For me, I'll go with the Bonneville as I grew up around British bikes. Enjoy your Guzzi, Cheers Dave
Thanks so much for stopping by Dave. I really wanted more from the Bonneville. It might be time to spend some time on the new 2017+ ones. Heck, maybe it's time for a whole "The Next Generation" series... One thing at a time :)
Excellent series. Depending on the years of the bikes, your results would have changed, since the newer VII Guzzi have 6 speeds now and the newer T100 has water cooled engine, but still only a 5 speed. (I still think I would have picked the same one as you for the type of riding you are using it for.) Thanks again for such an interesting comparison.
Thanks very much for your comments along the way! Hopefully one day I'll be able to do it again with present generations of these motorcycles. No promises... yet :)
Thanks very much! I'm already flirting with the idea of a liquid cooled bonnie vs v7 850cc vs a w800 if i can finally get my hands on one... but I wouldn't be able to get the current generation of those motorcycles for prices anywhere near these so I'm not sure I can justify it.
I really appreciate your detailed reviews. Lots of TH-camrs tell us about bikes just saying - oh, it's such a lovely bike, a bit underpowered, but it looks perfect... bla bla bla
Good suggestion! I had bought some from Amazon, but took them out for the scene because I wanted to really show people some clear examples of the random and unnecessary finicky-ness of this motorcycle.
Thank you for your honest vid. I to like the Moto Guzzi. I have had 45 motorcycles and tend to like the one's with personality.........like my Women.....
The handle bar really isnt an issue. You dont drill holes in the bar, you grind 90% of the locating pins down on the switch gear. Dont over tighten the clamps, and it will hold just fine. Every person is different, so locating pins are a ridiculous idea.. My Ducati had the same thing. Far more comfort rotating all the gears to your liking. Excellent video btw.
Most bikes comes with pinned switchgear, and have for decades, to prevent them from turning. You can remove the tabs on the switchgear and use any old handlebar you care for. Oh! Unless you filled your V7 with helium, it will sit at around 435 lbs wet Still, a good video with valuable info.
We are brothers in arms. I have watched many hundreds of motorcycle review videos, from horrid to excellent. I will gather four to six motorcycles belonging to an imaginary category of my choosing. They will each go to my mechanic to be inspected and repaired from front tire to rear tire and everything in between. I will then ride each of them in my nearby environment which is two lane twisty mountain roads including the Skyline Drive on the Blue ridge mountains in Virginia. I even have a 2-hour test loop including a variety of road types comparing two of the motorcycles back to back and picking one to keep one to sell. I am currently a collector apparent boarding on hoarding with just over two dozen motorcycles having gone through well over 50 motorcycles in the last 3 and 1/2 years! I am a frugal person at heart and tend to stick to bread and butter budget bikes, so the irony is rich and my mental state is questionable. I could go on but I wanted to say that your video neared perfection in the motorcycle comparison review category. You get an A+ from me, a compulsive serial TH-cam motorcycle reviewer viewer. I too have found the Royal Enfield pricey for what they offer although I am a fan. And I do have a Bonneville. But a big thanks to you for reminding me that I almost bought a Moto guzzi breva 750 and this is a great reminder to pick up a V7 750/850 just as soon as I cull the herd down to about a dozen. Keep up the good work.
The difficult screws to release the seat via the hidden allen key is simply Triumph cheaping out. Other than that, it's a Great bike and will always be KING OF COOL 😎
Howdy 🤠 That’s bit surprising review on Bonneville, and only reason it seemed like you’d keep it is for 2 up. But, for like ya said, everything else, the V7 fits what you’re wanting, & you have other bikes to do 2 up & such. Which has me wondering if you’ll make trip down to IN to review Janus 450. I feel you’d give it fair review tbh.
I wouldn’t pick V7 as before mentioned height issue, lol. But, tbh, I’m not huge on the cafe style bikes. I more so like the UJM for coming from across pond kinda classic style, although the Bonnie T120 is blast to ride, as long as you’re comfy with such heavy bike in twisties, lol. Although, I’m considering a Janus for in town, as it’ll get up plenty of speed, & is super light. But, I’m gonna test ride one before I’ll order, just because it may not be something I’ll want. Then again, finding them used is cheaper than a RE, lol.
Hey bud. What are you riding these days and have you ever considered the Z900RS? Given your height and your interest in UJMs, if you're cool with in-line fours, that might be perfect for ya! It's a really sweet machine.
Tec in the UK will sell you some extended bolts so you can remove the seat by hand, for that same magic $20 that the Guzzi tool costs. My heart is trying to decide between these two bikes at the moment...while my head is saying "don't be silly, just get an SV650".
@@sd3457 lmao love the honesty here. Sensibility vs what the heart wants. This is why I have multiple bikes. I would lose my mind trying to have just one. Happy shopping! 😁
Glad you've got something that fits your needs! I know what you mean about the V7s feeling cramped. You might like a V9 or a V85 though. Worth trying out if you ever find one to take for a spin!
here in the UK the cheapest of them all is used Kawasaki W800. It is also most reliable... and it also have it's own issues like a bit boring engine and not many aftermarket parts, but for me still a winner as a bang for your buck
@@YouMotorcycle I know in the US is close to impossible to get one. There were some of the 2019+ cafe racer versions sold cheap brand new there but that's about it
Imagine if you hadn't bought a ratted out bike. There is also a huge difference improvement from the V7i, ii, and iii series, not to mention that the 850 models are light years ahead while retaining ALL the character and benefit of the brand. That said, I have set up my bike (V7ii Stornello) with the intent of being an all road long distance bike. Upgraded fork springs and shocks ADV (Shinko 705) tires, triple HB bags, AUX lights, hand guards and heated grips with a large windscreen adapted from a Norge, it is an all day any road multiday/touring bike, and with bags off or just the top case, a perfect commuter bike. The only thing the V7 i-iii bikes lack IMO is solid long distance highway performance. They are much better suited to back, country and secondary roads, and sub 70mph speeds. Sure they will hold 75-80 all day, but with little left in the tank for passing, etc, but WHAT A DAY! I'm surprised you make little mention of the AVAILABILITY of power and torque on the V7. right where you need and want it and you don't have to bang it off the rev limiter for character and performance, though the sound when doing that is intoxicating. I have several other Guzzi's for when I want to sport/tour or more performance (Griso, Norge 1200 Sport), but it is the V7 that gets the nod most days, and set up as I have mine, it is an ANY road bike. Not a GS off roader perhaps, but close, about equal to the V85 which I find amazing all around, but a bit high strung and fugly..... Just like the GS and other dedicated ADV bikes. Great choice on the Guzzi! (Bulldog9 on Wild Guzzi)
Hey Bulldog! THanks for stopping by. Nice setup on your V7! I think I mentioned in the city commuting section that the V7, despite not 'being' a 'fast bike' feels fast because the torque delivery is so quick. That was my nod to how impactful the torque is on this bike. It doesn't make a ton of power, but it sure does make it quickly if you need it! And as the owner of multiple ugly BMW GS bikes that you called ugly, hey man... The best adventure bikes are always ugly ahah.
It should definitely be a factor to consider in a segment of the market that tries to play to history and heritage. I had no issues at all with the quality of the made in Thailand Bonneville. The Triumph Speed 400 series is made in India and at first glance looks pretty good... But I know some people who thought they were buying into "British Heritage" that might take issue when they discover where their Bonneville is made, and I get it.
I think both Bikes are amazing. but the lack of dealers as well as their concentration of dealers for Moto Guzzi pushed me towards the Bonnie. There are like 60 MG dealers in the US with HUGE amounts of the country hours and hours from a dealer. Triumph has like 180 in all the continental US (I think). I think your final call was correct. The Bonnie is probably the best all around bike on the market. Its an amazing one and done bike. Its a Rolex sub. The MG has flaws, but more character. I think in both cases the updated models solve a lot of the issues you did have with them.
Agree 100%. The dealer situation really should be carefully considered and will be a difference maker for a lot of people. I really want to get my hands on a current generation V7 and Bonneville (and maybe a W800 if I can), but... those are all more expensive than this older gen so... no promises that's going to happen any time soon lol
You know, with the Scrambler having a little more suspension travel, and a little more size, it would have had two more things going for it than my Bonneville did, for me. On the other hand, it would have had the big slow 19" front wheel, compared to the 17" front wheel my Bonneville had so... I'm not sure if the outcome would have changed, or would have been the same.
V7 isn’t the oil plug supposed to be finger tight? Also isn’t the Triumph shim and bucket valve adjustment? The valve adjustment on the Guzzi just needs a feeler gauges and small wrenches
Apparently the last person to work on this thing had a very different idea of "finger tight" lol. Re: valves, truthfully I hadn't done this on a Bonneville 865 in years since a previous Bonneville, but I remember getting the gasket to stay in the perfect position was the tricky part.
Ok Adrian, the more I listen to your review the more I thought you would pick the Moto Guzzi. Then you choose the Bonneville but throughout the video, you describe it as dependable but boring. Then, at the end, what do you do? You announce the Moto Guzzi as the best bike for you. I have to agree the Moto Guzzi I think matched your riding personality. Cheers Dave
Hey Karl! Just come back to this page/video at 11 and it should start playing by itself, if not, refresh it. I've only done a premiere once before so I'm still learning as I go to be honest haha.
I tried getting one for this series but the deal fell through. Moving forward it all depends on if I'm doing another retro bike series or not and if the price is right.
The 2 differences are, the Guzzi touches your soul, the Triumph is for people who are bothered about what everyone's else's soul perceives the bike to be. It's soulless, Triumph is a resurrected company, like many others. Left in a limbo state for years before someone bought the name. Now mostly made in Taiwan. Guzzi, well nothing more to say 😊
The battery in my Ducati monster lives under the fuel tank… so, to access that you have to remove the tank fairing, the tank etc. I don’t think triumph is that bad when considering the difference.
Kinda.... but think about why that is and what Ducati has done for it. It's been a long time since my 620 Monster but from what I remember I could lift the tank with no tools, and the battery was put there to prioritize weight distribution in a more sport oriented design. There's method to the madness and they make it so it's accessible roadside without tools. Triumph could've done so much better
It shifts like a v-twin. Some might call it clunky compared to the other two motorcycles in this series. As someone who spent well over a decade riding cruisers, I totally like the positive engagement feeling you get from it. A buttery smooth transmission is neat, but, it won't change anything in performance. As for feeling, some love it, some don't. Take one for a spin and see how you feel.
@@YouMotorcycle well, at 11:54 you say you're out of clutch cable adjustment. clutch wear of various kinds is the only thing that can really cause that, and a new cable isn't going to fix it.
@@tobinh604 clutch wear is the "only" thing that causes that? So poor cable lubrication does nothing? Rust forming on the cable from the motorcycle being neglected for years while it went through the theft/recovery/insurance/auction process does nothing? Incorrect tension from the clutch being poorly adjusted by a previous owner does nothing? Inferior quality part to begin with does nothing? Come on man. Use your better brain. You're too smart to really think what you said.
@@YouMotorcycle those things cause increased friction/stiction. clutch adjustments change the relationship between the housing and the inner cable. how does friction cause you to run out of adjustment? I'm super excited to hear from your better brain.
I'm thinking about doing a follow up series comparing the next generation of these bikes... but it'll depend on how low prices go during the winter. Probably not low enough haha.
I know your conspiracy theory is that the more complicated you make simple maintenance the more likely they are to take it to a dealer to carry out the maintenance, which makes them more profit than selling the bike but i really think that especially for non japanese manufacturers that ease of maintenance is just an afterthought
Good to know. Have you done any Harleys? I've only changed bars on a couple Harleys over the years and never faced that. I thought Harley was normal but maybe they're the weird ones haha
@ nope no Harley’s maybe they are the weird ones 😂 I’ve never drilled holes in the handlebars either. Usually I just cut or file down the plastic on the controls and use grip tape or something to keep it from sliding around once I put it on and although drilling the handlebars would be more secure I’ve never had it slide around and it’s usually just the turn signal controls and lights and starter button controls so not as big of a deal as the throttle tube if it slips but I haven’t had that problem.
Oil cap in V7 can be just hand tightened. It's utterly unnecessary to use any tool for it. Otherwise, which one of these is the best is mostly question of do you like latinos, gingers or Bollywood. They all are great bikes. I ended in V7.
Fail to see how a bike exactly 1/2 the price of its so called competitors is even included? Here in Australia the interceptor is $10k and the other two $20k. Guzzi wins by default as triumph is just over the top expensive for service parts and price.🤷🏻
@@neildransfield5966 you missed the part of the video where I mentioned that the interceptor was the most expensive of the three motorcycles in the series...
You said that the Triumph was better on the freeway but the Moto Guzzi has a 6 speed transmission compared to to the 5 on the triumph also the tank capacity is 21 litres on the Guzzi compared to 14 litres on the Triumph which is better for long distance trips 😊
@@Mikethebike1959 no it doesn't. Please see title. This is a V7 750, not a V7 II or V7 III. It's a five speed, just like the Bonneville 865 is. And I'll take a smaller tank if it means getting more top end than what the V7 750 puts out.
And the winner is ... a new Interceptor 😂 Seriously you can find one for a little north of $5k. No hassle no bollocks no nothing. Get some aftermarket parts and presto as they like to say in guzzi land 😂
I bought one that was almost brand new for $3,650 and sold it to keep these two instead. Why would I have wanted to sell one of these to get an Interceptor for even more? :\
Thanks so much to everyone for all your support and interest in this series! Here are the past episodes if you missed them:
Ep. 1: I Bought A Bonneville, Interceptor, & V7! Which Is Best?
th-cam.com/video/hHD-uyBBezI/w-d-xo.html
Ep. 2: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 - WHAT I GOT WRONG
th-cam.com/video/p4MOxzU_mx8/w-d-xo.html
Ep. 3: Triumph Bonneville: Let's RUIN Our Exhausts (ON PURPOSE)!
th-cam.com/video/dXp2vyvECDw/w-d-xo.html
Ep. 4: Moto Guzzi V7: Fixing a STOLEN V7
th-cam.com/video/HNmJ6IjQkHI/w-d-xo.html
Ep. 5: Why I SOLD My INTERCEPTOR 650 - Pros & Cons Vs. Bonneville & V7
th-cam.com/video/f3lc6tFAWDM/w-d-xo.html
Ep. 6: Triumph BONNEVILLE: BEST HANDLING Used Model (vs. V7, Interceptor)
th-cam.com/video/xsnOLvj0V8M/w-d-xo.html
Ep. 7: Triumph Bonneville: $100 SUSPENSION Upgrades
th-cam.com/video/cz011K-Ixfc/w-d-xo.html
Ep. 8: How I Made My Moto Guzzi V7 GREAT Again
th-cam.com/video/Tg1AnXvH1j0/w-d-xo.html
Ep. 9: Triumph Bonneville 865 vs Moto Guzzi V7 750 - ULTIMATE OWNER'S REVIEW
th-cam.com/video/hUj8GxB29O4/w-d-xo.html
Ride safe, but have fun!
Adrian
Looking forward to some more content when you have time and energy these must be hard.
I love my V7 850 Special. I got rid of my 2010 Triumph Bonneville after getting the Moto Guzzi. It a much more engaging ride than the Bonnie. Cheers!
@@YouMotorcycle it was really well done. Spaced out differently but not in a bad way. Gongrats Mate. Look forward to some more work from you.
Hi. Stuffy, 70 year old British guy here, dipping his cookie in his cuppa tea. Had a V7 Special for two years and run up 10k miles. Several trips Scotland to France (1500 miles round trip), taking in freeway speeds of 70/80 mph, despite andrewbob's negative freeway comment. Small screen, heated grips and roll bag....all you need. More fun than I ever had on my FJR or Pan Euro. Enjoy in all circumstances!
Awesome, good on ya and thanks for the chuckle 😀
After 4 Triumphs(Bonnevile America,Tiger 800, Speed Triple and Speed Twin1200),I never tought that I'll end up with 2 Moto Guzzi(V85 TT Travel and V7 Special 850 )Just like you said MG are perfect for me.Great content, enjoyed the series.
That's a great set of motorcycles you've been through. V85TT is on my must try motorcycles list. Glad you enjoyed the series!
The V7 has a ton of character, and character might be one of the most important things when it comes to a second bike. I think I would have come to the same decision as you. I love my triumphs to death, but I still daydream about my two days on a rented V7... There's something about that bike...
"character might be one of the most important things when it comes to a second bike."
Excellent content right there! Thanks for this great long term comparison. Cheers from an Italian traitor riding a recently purchased 2010 Bonneville SE (my dad rode MG for 20 years+) :D
Thanks very much! I'll be back in Italy in the summer! :)
Your time and effort making this comparison is appreciated. So detailed. I took a fancy to the V7 when it came out in 2007 but I had just bought a Thruxton so it did not make sense to switch. If I had the chance to see them side by side before purchase, just on looks alone, I would have picked the V7 too. I'm not into speed anymore and bike weight is becoming a factor as I advance in age. I'm also appreciating the merits of continuously variable transmission (CVT) in scooters and that's my weapon of choice when battling city traffic.
Thanks very much for the kind words! As the owner of a Vespa with CVT transmission I totally get what you mean. When I'm going downtown for a quick run, for example an errand or to pick up the missus if the subways aren't running, the scooter is often my go-to option as well.
Ah, beloved hometown of the 6!
Great video. Nice thar you chose the V7. A fave.
Chrawno my home sweet home! haha
@YouMotorcycle I'm afraid I'll have to correct you. It's...Trauauauna...😁🤪😂
I picked up a 2013 V7 Stone 5 years ago. Replaced the speed sensor in the 1st year and besides gas,oil and front brake pads I have enjoyed about 25K of trouble free motorcycling. The V7 always gets noticed wherever you go. It’s a great bike !❤
"Always gets noticed" - so true. Thanks for sharing your experience with your bike. Glad it's working out!
Great wrap-up! Realty really enjoyed the series. Looking forward the the trip across Italy and Guzzi museum visit.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm amazed at how few views your videos get especially this one and this series. The content, presentation, production quality is all top notch. This is what we need more of and less of the 20 minutes of riding reviews saying all the same marketing bs.
Thanks so much! Unfortunately most people aren't looking for objective reviews. They just want something that confirms what they want to believe, so that they can feel better about getting the thing (motorcycle, whatever) that they wanted to get anyway. That's why positive reviews that aren't much better than superficial endorsements typically do much better than actual subjective deep-dive reviews.
People search for "(product) review" but what the majority of people really mean to search for is "help me feel good about buying (product)". Until human nature changes, those videos will always do better than mine, and that's okay. It is what it is :)
@YouMotorcycle well thanks for making the content and keeping it real and honest. I am torn between getting a Royal Enfield and a Moto Guzzi. The reviews are either old British guys raving about the RE, or they just drivel for 40 minutes with no substance. And the MG reviews and content are almost exclusively all first ride impressions. Hard to find good content of actual ownership and what it entails along the way. I also like the idea of buying a used bike and fixing it up/customizing it. This idea that we have to get them brand new from a dealership is wild. I've been looking on copart and seeing pretty new dropped V7s with easily fixable damage for stupid cheap.
I look forward to seeing your new videos and what you got planned
In the UK, have a v7 special, owned it from new in 2019. Actually went into a dealers to buy a Honda NC750 and ended up coming out with the Guzzi. It’s the only one of my bikes that I look at the reflection in shop windows, it’s a wonderful design. My bikes come and go but the v7 will stay for Sunday’s
I'm so happy for you that you didn't end up on the Honda 700s... I know Honda makes a great motorcycle, but ugh... that motor is so dull.
Very nice review, thank you!
Thanks for stopping by!
Cool series mate! Thanks for sharing your experiences and for your honesty.
I've had a 1200 Bonneville and a Guzzi 1200 Sport and miss them both. Now in my mid 70's I am looking for a shorter and lighter weight bike than my current GS and your comments and considerations are valuable to me. I was leaning towards the V7 for bombing around town and hope that I can find a nice one for a good price. Cheers...
@@zzzsydneyhom1379 thanks for the kind words! The newer V7s (2021-ish and newer) may be a bit heavier than the one I was on, but not by much. If you don't plan on taking it on the highway too often and you can find one for a good price I think it would be a good pick. Happy hunting! :)
Guzzi fan here approves!
Happy to hear!
a fellow Guzzista!
I agree the V7 (850) is the best retro roadster available. It’s the perfect big brother to my Enfield Classic 350. These two will stay with me for a long time.
The V7 850 would be a much better option than the little old 750 I'm riding haha
That was a really good well thought out and balanced review, enjoyed every episode and the conclusion was nicely done. Best wishes.
Much appreciated! Thanks!
Great video. I have a motorcycle collection, and the V7 is exactly as you describe. It's not fast, it doesn't like the freeway, but for everything else, it's nearly flawless. It's the easiest and most friendly bike that I own. The shifting is positive, the shaft requires the most simple of maintenance, and it's got that perfect torque for the illusion of speed. Top 5 bike in the collection without a doubt.
Thanks! It's hard to beat the combination of simple mechanics and good character.
What a well balanced, very sensible approach you offered on the three bikes. I have admired and ridden all three brands and like you, , I sided with and own a 2019 V7 Stone - Night Pack 😎
Much appreciated! Thanks very much!
I bought a 2015 Bonneville SE with only 1,650 km a year ago. I am delighted with this bike...although I have drilled several handlebars until I found the right one :-) Your video series has amused me. Luck. Greetings from the Canary Islands (Spain)
Congrats on finding the low mileage SE! They're probably my favorite Bonneville. Thanks for checking out the videos and leaving a comment! :)
Superb series. Loved every episode of it!;
Very good to see your honesty on all three bikes. Glad you chose to keep the V7 :)
I'm a bit biased, I've got a V7 myself haha!
Thanks very much for the kind words!
Moto guzzi for me. ❤❤❤
They're fun :)
I just bought a V7 3 edition Racer punched out to 850cc with Agostinis and ecu work with Ohlins on the back--it is characterful and fast and more comfortable than my 2000 sv650s. Character is more important than most people think if you only buy by the spec sheet.
That's awesome! Is there a big bore kit for it, or did you get the parts machined? Would love to know more about that
Just finished watching this as I'm considering those 2 bikes. The Guzzi I can get is a 0 mile 2023 V7 Stone 850cc and the price is great while the Bonnie T100 is a 18k miles 2014. I began riding over 45 years ago on that piece of Amalfi Coast you show on your video.
Ciao Ale! I tested the 2023 V7 and liked it, it was much better than the earlier ones. My review of it is here: th-cam.com/video/17Eeco3AQ8c/w-d-xo.html I think you'll like it better than the Bonneville, but the newer Bonneville (2017+) is liquid cooled and also very nice
Nice, clear and honest video. Glad you decided to keep the V7 in the end. Guzzi is a brand that doesn't let you go once you tasted it. Then again, you are very privileged to live so close to a Guzzi dealer. Mine is 9 hours driving, and although I LOVE (!!) my 17-year old Griso, I would therefore not buy a new Guzzi.
I agree, there's something about the Guzzi, but I get that the practicality side is important too. Very lucky to have good Guzzi support close to home. My Vespa is old enough to be able to legally vote. Good old Italian bikes can be bullet proof!
I enjoyed the comparison, I have a GS too for touring, for local (and everything else) I find my 1972 Triumph Bonneville absolutely faultless. Same power and lighter than the V7. Excellent quality and cool as F.
Wow. That's a true Bonneville. Very nice :)
Love my V7 special...i feel like a hooligan commuting in the city on this beast!
Such a fun bike to rip around the city on.
@@YouMotorcycle feels almost like a dirt bike, jumping over the big speed bumps lol
Great content man ! Thanks !
@@onuruluyol thanks very much!
Great series of vids thanks for taking the time and doing them I enjoyed them all Cheers.
Thanks so much for checking all of them out and leaving your insights and feedback all along the way Karl. I really appreciate it!
I demo'd a few bikes over the past couple of years, including one Moto Guzzi. I don't know if it would win on specs or whatever other criteria but it was the only one that stuck in my head as I was cruising up and down with a smile on my face. I just bought it.
That's awesome, they have such a unique character!
Just bought used V7III Special in mint condition. The bike literally has a soul and it looks awesome...
Congrats! Love the V7 III!
This is the ultimate guide for the Bonneville and V7. My pick would be the V7 too. I really don't know why a lot of manufacturers complicate things when it comes to servicing. Accessibility and tools problems are something very common these days. Anyways a great video. I enjoyed mate. Keep going. Do you plan to ride in Europe again at some point?
Thanks very much, and yep! Spent almost two months riding there in the last year and a half, and going back next season to focus more on the Alps, including a ride that will take me into France and Switzerland :)
@@YouMotorcycle I see. Have any plans for Slovenia too?
Hi, I do appreciate your review. I live in Italy / Lombardia. Moto Guzzi is in our dna. I appreciate your honesty from the beginning to the end of this review. Next time you are in Italy give a call. Thank you for your job
Grazie tanto! See you in July! My bike is currently in Salerno and I'll be riding up to Monte Bianco. The missus and her father are hiking around Monte Bianco, staying in places like Courmayeur and Chamonix along their hike, and I'll be riding around because I don't believe in walking that much 😂
somethig suggests me you like Italy@@YouMotorcycle
@@matteobusne6777 hahaha si. i miei genitori sono italiani e parlo italiano abastanza bene per potere parlare con tutti quanti. in 2023 ho lasciato la mia moto (BMW G650GS) con un concessionario di Honda in Calabria, e quest'anno l'ho lasciato con i genitori di un amico a Salerno. Pago 30 euro al mese e loro scaricano la batteria una volta al mese, cosi sono a posto quando ritorno in italia. paese piu bella del mondo :)
@@YouMotorcycle sii sempre il benvenuto!
@@matteobusne6777 grazie mille!
Just watched the last of your series of the mid sized retro bikes. Fantastic! Very well done and laid out.
Having had two of the three bikes, everything you mentioned was correct.
Now you have me rethinking which bike to keep lol.
The Triumph is so sweet but there is nothing like the Guzzi for character. Like you said, I already have smooth touring bikes so the Triumph is just an extension of that 🤔.
One downfall that my Triumph has over the Bonny you had that is a mark against it is that it has tubed tires 🙈
You gave me lots to think about
Well done!
Cheers
Thanks so much Gary. Hope to see ya again next season!
Thank you thank you thank you! I'm looking at the same three bikes. I also have a Vespa for the city. And I was leaning Bonneville but couldn't shake the voice in my head that says that the Guzzi is just different. Looking for a V7.
Honestly you can't go wrong for either one. If you already have a good inner city bike, maybe look at what would be better for other kind of riding you'd like to do. Happy shopping :)
Thank you for the most interesting evaluation of the three motorcycles that are currently on my radar. I owned a 2005 Bonneville T100 and regret selling it. I have been off two wheels for a while now and am ready to ride again after a health problem and as lot of rehab. I plan to go look at several motorcycles in the next couple of weeks. I'll most likely be buying a used machine. But even new bikes of the three suspects are not all that bad, and I don't give a crap about depreciation.
They are all great bikes.
I'd definitely choose the Guzzi as i have a triumph 👌🏻
Right on!
Brilliant series of videos Adrian, Loved them all. So, what's the plans with the V7 now? Any mods planned? Cheers, Michael.
Probably just some basic maintenance videos for it (and the Interceptor as well). Nothing too crazy. I'm happy just to ride it as a fun little motorcycle I can zip around on through to next season and figure out what to do next from there :)
My V7ii Stornello is the worst bike I own…….but it’s my favourite. There’s just something intangible in all Moto Guzzi’s.
lmao, great comment
!! Define worst! LOL I find the Stornello to be among the best of the V7 line with a different tune and the 2-1 Arrow. It is my LEAST performing bike as far as power goes, but like you is one of my favorites...........😆
I understand where 506 is coming from. I recently bought a Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200. It's bad at everything. It's so much fun. It's one of my worst and favorite motorcycles in the garage right now lol.
Not to say that the Stornello is bad... Just that I can relate to the sentiment, with my Iron.
@@stephenpratelsr.703 There’s nothing bad about it necessarily, but you can’t just hit the starter and go like you can with my Hondas. You have to learn it’s dance first. It usually stalls at least once when I first start it. It needs to be warmed up with the attention of preparing a baby’s bottle or else it won’t run right for most of the day. The bottom of the sump is always wet even though there’s rarely a drop of oil on the ground.
I could go on but I swear to god, get that bike on a back road on a day that it’s running great and there’s absolutely nothing like it.
Good call. I would go triumph.... but I am in England. Great video series
Fair enough! Thank you! :)
I know what you mean about the Bonneville. I had a '14 SE that i absolutely loved, smooth ride, excellent build quality, beautiful design. I wish I had seen your video about the starting issue when I still had it. But.... ultimately I sold it and went back to an 80s Honda Magna. Besides tons more power, the uniqueness of the Magna keeps me smiling every ride.
Can't say anything bad about those old V4s! I felt really dumb when the tech came out, pushed the safety switch back in, and it fired back up perfectly ever since lol
Mr. You- That's a spot-on evaluation of two fine bikes! I bought an '06 Triumph Thruxton (Bonneville) with some of my Afghanistan combat pay based on an article in one of the motorcycle magazines I saw overseas, but a subsequent ride on a Guzzi Stornello showed it to be a really fun bike also (due to its lower weight I think). My Triumph came with their "racing" pipes which added a lot of character, along with a couple of carb jet/air filter mods to make me completely pleased with it. And I don't think MotoGuzzi has any dealerships within 500 mile of where I live.
Given the lack of nearby Guzzi dealers, I think you made the right choice for you! And thanks btw :)
Hi , I've got western high bars on his , no holes just nip off plastic blobs .And replaced shocks 're map and your pipes , hide velocity stack . Gained 9 up . Got a moto Guzzi 1100 griso also tuned . I love both . Have fun and enjoy.
Very nice!
Last of the Made in England 2014 T100 is the gem of the older cafe racer I just fell in love with Bonnie and I notice its lower than later models and has a bigger 15lt tank. But a great watch mate always can use more info. T Rev :)
Thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it! As far as I know, as of 2006-2008-ish, the Bonneville was manufactured in Thailand.
It's hard to beat shaft drive. When you add character like the V7 offers, it's unbeatable
It's a great machine, so much fun.
Nice work! Concise and well explained. Im a rider w/ 55vyrs and Honda, Yamaha, H D. as well as Guzzi experience. m now on my 2nd Guzzi. Love my 2022 v85 tt. Works well in Tx Pangle and in the New Mex trustees. Perfect??? Nope. Really good YEP.. Thanks.
Thanks so much! Variety is the spice of life, but finding something you love is great. Enjoy the V85!
I dumped my Harley and bought 1400 Guzzi cruiser. Then I heard about some issues with the big Guzzi and the possibility of waiting weeks for parts so I got a V7lll as a secong bike. In the meantime the big Guzzi got too heavy and awkward for my aging body. So I replaced it with a 1200 Bonneville. I never bonded with that bike and then Moto Guzzi came out with the V100. I am now again a two Guzzi owner. When I can't handle the Mandello the V7 will be my last bike. I will at that point upgrade the rear suspension because it will then be used for highway as well as the in town duties it is used for now. I don't have a lot of miles on my V7 but it has been bullet proof and I have had no issues with the clutch cable.
@@karlbishop7481 nice collection over the years! Did you sell the 1200 Bonneville?
@@YouMotorcycle I traded the Bonneville for the V100 Mandello.
For the algorythm.
I sold my RE Interceptor 650, after a big technical issue - and I am already happy to buy the very new V7 Stone next spring.
Thanks for your support! :) Sorry you didn't have much luck with the Interceptor. Hopefully the V7 makes you very happy!
Dealer and parts access had a lot to do with why I purchased a Kawasaki W800. It is not a s powerful or a fast as the Triumph but it has plenty of power for me. It has terrific down low torque and is a pleasure to ride in the city and on the highway. I really like the idea of the shaft drive on the Guzzi however. There are no Guzzi dealers near me or I would have given it serious consideration. All in all I have no regrets with the W800 even if it is a little higher priced than some. The Japanese quality is beyond reproach. Hot traffic has me shutting the engine down at long lights due to the air only cooling but the sound of the true 360 degree crank engine is as 1960s authentic as it gets.
Cheers
Bob in Ottawa
I've heard good things about the W800! I wanted to have one for this series but the seller kept messing with me so I could never make the deal. If you're ever headed to Toronto give me a shout!
I’ve owned both separately for about 2 years. They were both my only bike. I stayed with the Triumph. Because it’s more useful as an only bike. I commute and I just got back from 400 mile road trip. If I had 2 bikes I might think differently.
That's a good way of looking at it, and if I were only to have one of the two, I probably would've gone the same way. I think you made the right call.
I was hoping you would choose the Bonneville so I could make a pitch to buy the Guzzi from you. lol (I live in Toronto). Really enjoyed this series!
LOL, sorry!
Wow. Why didn't I find this video sooner?? I am sold on the V7....which I just learned about today
Well, it only came out a week ago haha. Ride safe :)
Well, I have enjoyed your series and was not surprised with the end results. For me, I'll go with the Bonneville as I grew up around British bikes. Enjoy your Guzzi, Cheers Dave
Thanks so much for stopping by Dave. I really wanted more from the Bonneville. It might be time to spend some time on the new 2017+ ones. Heck, maybe it's time for a whole "The Next Generation" series... One thing at a time :)
Excellent series. Depending on the years of the bikes, your results would have changed, since the newer VII Guzzi have 6 speeds now and the newer T100 has water cooled engine, but still only a 5 speed. (I still think I would have picked the same one as you for the type of riding you are using it for.) Thanks again for such an interesting comparison.
Thanks very much for your comments along the way! Hopefully one day I'll be able to do it again with present generations of these motorcycles. No promises... yet :)
next video,Triumph vs moto guzzi V9 bobber?.Good stuff dude
Thanks very much! I'm already flirting with the idea of a liquid cooled bonnie vs v7 850cc vs a w800 if i can finally get my hands on one... but I wouldn't be able to get the current generation of those motorcycles for prices anywhere near these so I'm not sure I can justify it.
Great stuff!
Thanks so much!
I really appreciate your detailed reviews. Lots of TH-camrs tell us about bikes just saying - oh, it's such a lovely bike, a bit underpowered, but it looks perfect... bla bla bla
Thanks so much for the kind words! I try to make the kind of videos that I want to watch myself.
New Bonneville sells extended bolts for the seat of the Triumph that have a knurled knob making it easy to remove the seat without a tool.
Good suggestion! I had bought some from Amazon, but took them out for the scene because I wanted to really show people some clear examples of the random and unnecessary finicky-ness of this motorcycle.
An enjoyable series. Might consider a V7 as a third bike
Thanks so much!
Thank you for your honest vid. I to like the Moto Guzzi. I have had 45 motorcycles and tend to like the one's with personality.........like my Women.....
Hahaha, amen to that!
Oi, enough! I’m a “stuffy old British man” and I ride a 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 850, it’s bleedin’ lovely! 😂👍🇬🇧
Hahaha. Only took 9,000 views for one unicorn to show up! :)
@@YouMotorcycle Ya gotta kiss a lot of frogs! 😂
@@Planet-Bertie hahaha. Good sense of humour on ya. Thanks for stopping by 😄
Wow you picked my bike and that makes me happy, i actually thought you would of picked the guzzi
I did pick the Guzzi... to keep :)
@@YouMotorcycle yes I know. But the Bonneville is the better overall bike
The handle bar really isnt an issue. You dont drill holes in the bar, you grind 90% of the locating pins down on the switch gear. Dont over tighten the clamps, and it will hold just fine. Every person is different, so locating pins are a ridiculous idea.. My Ducati had the same thing. Far more comfort rotating all the gears to your liking. Excellent video btw.
Wish I had known that sooner! Thanks for the tip and for the kind words :)
Most bikes comes with pinned switchgear, and have for decades, to prevent them from turning. You can remove the tabs on the switchgear and use any old handlebar you care for. Oh! Unless you filled your V7 with helium, it will sit at around 435 lbs wet Still, a good video with valuable info.
Thanks!
We are brothers in arms. I have watched many hundreds of motorcycle review videos, from horrid to excellent. I will gather four to six motorcycles belonging to an imaginary category of my choosing. They will each go to my mechanic to be inspected and repaired from front tire to rear tire and everything in between. I will then ride each of them in my nearby environment which is two lane twisty mountain roads including the Skyline Drive on the Blue ridge mountains in Virginia. I even have a 2-hour test loop including a variety of road types comparing two of the motorcycles back to back and picking one to keep one to sell. I am currently a collector apparent boarding on hoarding with just over two dozen motorcycles having gone through well over 50 motorcycles in the last 3 and 1/2 years! I am a frugal person at heart and tend to stick to bread and butter budget bikes, so the irony is rich and my mental state is questionable. I could go on but I wanted to say that your video neared perfection in the motorcycle comparison review category. You get an A+ from me, a compulsive serial TH-cam motorcycle reviewer viewer. I too have found the Royal Enfield pricey for what they offer although I am a fan. And I do have a Bonneville. But a big thanks to you for reminding me that I almost bought a Moto guzzi breva 750 and this is a great reminder to pick up a V7 750/850 just as soon as I cull the herd down to about a dozen. Keep up the good work.
From one guy with too many motorcycles to another, thanks very much for the kind words :)
The final battle!
"There can only be one!"
Good choice.
Thanksthanksthanks :)
The difficult screws to release the seat via the hidden allen key is simply Triumph cheaping out.
Other than that, it's a Great bike and will always be KING OF COOL 😎
The rear shocks are Triumph cheaping out too, but it's still a great bike :)
@YouMotorcycle the rear shocks are extremely dangerous as are UK 🇬🇧 roads.
Howdy 🤠
That’s bit surprising review on Bonneville, and only reason it seemed like you’d keep it is for 2 up. But, for like ya said, everything else, the V7 fits what you’re wanting, & you have other bikes to do 2 up & such. Which has me wondering if you’ll make trip down to IN to review Janus 450. I feel you’d give it fair review tbh.
I wouldn’t pick V7 as before mentioned height issue, lol. But, tbh, I’m not huge on the cafe style bikes. I more so like the UJM for coming from across pond kinda classic style, although the Bonnie T120 is blast to ride, as long as you’re comfy with such heavy bike in twisties, lol. Although, I’m considering a Janus for in town, as it’ll get up plenty of speed, & is super light. But, I’m gonna test ride one before I’ll order, just because it may not be something I’ll want. Then again, finding them used is cheaper than a RE, lol.
Hey bud. What are you riding these days and have you ever considered the Z900RS? Given your height and your interest in UJMs, if you're cool with in-line fours, that might be perfect for ya! It's a really sweet machine.
@@YouMotorcycle I have, the Z650RS is more in my budget, also bit lighter, but both are good bikes imho.
Don't worry about weight on the z900rs, she's a sweetheart.
Tec in the UK will sell you some extended bolts so you can remove the seat by hand, for that same magic $20 that the Guzzi tool costs. My heart is trying to decide between these two bikes at the moment...while my head is saying "don't be silly, just get an SV650".
@@sd3457 lmao love the honesty here. Sensibility vs what the heart wants. This is why I have multiple bikes. I would lose my mind trying to have just one. Happy shopping! 😁
I'm intrigued.
Hope it lived up to expectations! Thanks again for joining today! I really appreciate it.
My v7 iii has had many issues in 7k miles. Failed o2 sensors, shaft drift, and the tachometer twice now.
Very sorry to hear this! Were any of these issues covered under warranty? That would still be VERY disappointing, but at least less costly.
I have a 865 carb Triumph Speedmaster, 18 years old and a magnificent bike. Guzzi's are way too small for me. Though the factory tour is fantastic!
Glad you've got something that fits your needs! I know what you mean about the V7s feeling cramped. You might like a V9 or a V85 though. Worth trying out if you ever find one to take for a spin!
here in the UK the cheapest of them all is used Kawasaki W800. It is also most reliable... and it also have it's own issues like a bit boring engine and not many aftermarket parts, but for me still a winner as a bang for your buck
@@UncleLongbeard nice. Here they're super hard to find. I couldn't get one for this series despite trying for several months.
@@YouMotorcycle I know in the US is close to impossible to get one. There were some of the 2019+ cafe racer versions sold cheap brand new there but that's about it
I have had a lot of different motorcycles over 50 years. Now I have one. It’s a Moto Guzzi.
Congrats on so much time on two wheels!
Imagine if you hadn't bought a ratted out bike. There is also a huge difference improvement from the V7i, ii, and iii series, not to mention that the 850 models are light years ahead while retaining ALL the character and benefit of the brand. That said, I have set up my bike (V7ii Stornello) with the intent of being an all road long distance bike. Upgraded fork springs and shocks ADV (Shinko 705) tires, triple HB bags, AUX lights, hand guards and heated grips with a large windscreen adapted from a Norge, it is an all day any road multiday/touring bike, and with bags off or just the top case, a perfect commuter bike. The only thing the V7 i-iii bikes lack IMO is solid long distance highway performance. They are much better suited to back, country and secondary roads, and sub 70mph speeds. Sure they will hold 75-80 all day, but with little left in the tank for passing, etc, but WHAT A DAY! I'm surprised you make little mention of the AVAILABILITY of power and torque on the V7. right where you need and want it and you don't have to bang it off the rev limiter for character and performance, though the sound when doing that is intoxicating.
I have several other Guzzi's for when I want to sport/tour or more performance (Griso, Norge 1200 Sport), but it is the V7 that gets the nod most days, and set up as I have mine, it is an ANY road bike. Not a GS off roader perhaps, but close, about equal to the V85 which I find amazing all around, but a bit high strung and fugly..... Just like the GS and other dedicated ADV bikes.
Great choice on the Guzzi! (Bulldog9 on Wild Guzzi)
Hey Bulldog! THanks for stopping by. Nice setup on your V7! I think I mentioned in the city commuting section that the V7, despite not 'being' a 'fast bike' feels fast because the torque delivery is so quick. That was my nod to how impactful the torque is on this bike. It doesn't make a ton of power, but it sure does make it quickly if you need it!
And as the owner of multiple ugly BMW GS bikes that you called ugly, hey man...
The best adventure bikes are always ugly ahah.
:-) looking forward to this vid
Fingers crossed it doesn't disappoint! 😂
I'll take the Made in Italy Moto Guzzi versus the other 2 Asian made bikes
It should definitely be a factor to consider in a segment of the market that tries to play to history and heritage. I had no issues at all with the quality of the made in Thailand Bonneville. The Triumph Speed 400 series is made in India and at first glance looks pretty good... But I know some people who thought they were buying into "British Heritage" that might take issue when they discover where their Bonneville is made, and I get it.
I think both Bikes are amazing. but the lack of dealers as well as their concentration of dealers for Moto Guzzi pushed me towards the Bonnie. There are like 60 MG dealers in the US with HUGE amounts of the country hours and hours from a dealer. Triumph has like 180 in all the continental US (I think). I think your final call was correct. The Bonnie is probably the best all around bike on the market. Its an amazing one and done bike. Its a Rolex sub. The MG has flaws, but more character. I think in both cases the updated models solve a lot of the issues you did have with them.
Agree 100%. The dealer situation really should be carefully considered and will be a difference maker for a lot of people. I really want to get my hands on a current generation V7 and Bonneville (and maybe a W800 if I can), but... those are all more expensive than this older gen so... no promises that's going to happen any time soon lol
Triumph for me please. Scrambler.
You know, with the Scrambler having a little more suspension travel, and a little more size, it would have had two more things going for it than my Bonneville did, for me. On the other hand, it would have had the big slow 19" front wheel, compared to the 17" front wheel my Bonneville had so... I'm not sure if the outcome would have changed, or would have been the same.
V7 isn’t the oil plug supposed to be finger tight? Also isn’t the Triumph shim and bucket valve adjustment? The valve adjustment on the Guzzi just needs a feeler gauges and small wrenches
Apparently the last person to work on this thing had a very different idea of "finger tight" lol. Re: valves, truthfully I hadn't done this on a Bonneville 865 in years since a previous Bonneville, but I remember getting the gasket to stay in the perfect position was the tricky part.
Ok Adrian, the more I listen to your review the more I thought you would pick the Moto Guzzi. Then you choose the Bonneville but throughout the video, you describe it as dependable but boring. Then, at the end, what do you do? You announce the Moto Guzzi as the best bike for you. I have to agree the Moto Guzzi I think matched your riding personality. Cheers Dave
Guzzi: Caffeinated unrefined bubbly Italian
Adrian: Caffeinated unrefined bubbly Italian
The Guzzi definitely matched my personality lol
How do I watch this live at 11 am, sorry usually I just watch the vids?.
Hey Karl! Just come back to this page/video at 11 and it should start playing by itself, if not, refresh it. I've only done a premiere once before so I'm still learning as I go to be honest haha.
It's funny, the peak torque situation is reversed with the newer Bonnies and V7s.
Totally different motor on the Bonneville side haha.
do you plan on getting a W800?
I tried getting one for this series but the deal fell through. Moving forward it all depends on if I'm doing another retro bike series or not and if the price is right.
@@YouMotorcycle I hope you find a good deal !
I had an R9T. To get to the battery on that you had to TAKE THE WHOLE EFFING FUEL TANK OFF THE BIKE!
@@gzk6nk 😂 I had a customer with the Honda cb300 and it was the same thing. Just awful lol
The 2 differences are, the Guzzi touches your soul, the Triumph is for people who are bothered about what everyone's else's soul perceives the bike to be. It's soulless, Triumph is a resurrected company, like many others. Left in a limbo state for years before someone bought the name. Now mostly made in Taiwan. Guzzi, well nothing more to say 😊
There isn't one Triumph model made in Taiwan. Not one, ever. Your geography is extremely poor.
Not sure about the other Triumphs, but the Bonnevilles are made in Thailand :)
The battery in my Ducati monster lives under the fuel tank… so, to access that you have to remove the tank fairing, the tank etc. I don’t think triumph is that bad when considering the difference.
Kinda.... but think about why that is and what Ducati has done for it. It's been a long time since my 620 Monster but from what I remember I could lift the tank with no tools, and the battery was put there to prioritize weight distribution in a more sport oriented design. There's method to the madness and they make it so it's accessible roadside without tools. Triumph could've done so much better
Can anybody tell me how the v7 shifts? I heard it’s not good 🤷🏼♂️
It shifts like a v-twin. Some might call it clunky compared to the other two motorcycles in this series. As someone who spent well over a decade riding cruisers, I totally like the positive engagement feeling you get from it. A buttery smooth transmission is neat, but, it won't change anything in performance. As for feeling, some love it, some don't. Take one for a spin and see how you feel.
@@YouMotorcycle Thank you!
I was prepared for a clonky shift when i test rode my used 13' V7 special..but was shocked at how smooth it actually was!
hmm, not sure how a clutch cable is going to fix your clutch issue on the V7...
@@tobinh604 my V7 has a clutch issue? 🧐
@@YouMotorcycle well, at 11:54 you say you're out of clutch cable adjustment. clutch wear of various kinds is the only thing that can really cause that, and a new cable isn't going to fix it.
@@tobinh604 clutch wear is the "only" thing that causes that? So poor cable lubrication does nothing? Rust forming on the cable from the motorcycle being neglected for years while it went through the theft/recovery/insurance/auction process does nothing? Incorrect tension from the clutch being poorly adjusted by a previous owner does nothing? Inferior quality part to begin with does nothing?
Come on man. Use your better brain. You're too smart to really think what you said.
@@YouMotorcycle those things cause increased friction/stiction. clutch adjustments change the relationship between the housing and the inner cable. how does friction cause you to run out of adjustment? I'm super excited to hear from your better brain.
@@tobinh604 premature wear and weakening of the cable, unrelated to the clutch itself
Damn I bet on the wrong bike. Your choice is too rational :D edit: O had to wait an extra second, I was right.
LOL I'm glad it worked out as expected! Thanks so much for checking out the videos and watching this live with us!
The newer V7s are about 480lbs.
I'm thinking about doing a follow up series comparing the next generation of these bikes... but it'll depend on how low prices go during the winter. Probably not low enough haha.
@@YouMotorcycle That would be very interesting.
Since 2017 the Guzzi V7 has ABS
Correct. This is a 2014.
I know your conspiracy theory is that the more complicated you make simple maintenance the more likely they are to take it to a dealer to carry out the maintenance, which makes them more profit than selling the bike
but i really think that especially for non japanese manufacturers that ease of maintenance is just an afterthought
What you wrote reminds me of that old saying: "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence." haha
I’ve changed handlebars on like 6 different bikes now…. Kawasakis, Suzukis Yamahas….they are all like that and have holes man.
Good to know. Have you done any Harleys? I've only changed bars on a couple Harleys over the years and never faced that.
I thought Harley was normal but maybe they're the weird ones haha
@ nope no Harley’s maybe they are the weird ones 😂 I’ve never drilled holes in the handlebars either. Usually I just cut or file down the plastic on the controls and use grip tape or something to keep it from sliding around once I put it on and although drilling the handlebars would be more secure I’ve never had it slide around and it’s usually just the turn signal controls and lights and starter button controls so not as big of a deal as the throttle tube if it slips but I haven’t had that problem.
Oil cap in V7 can be just hand tightened. It's utterly unnecessary to use any tool for it. Otherwise, which one of these is the best is mostly question of do you like latinos, gingers or Bollywood. They all are great bikes. I ended in V7.
Latinos?
Fail to see how a bike exactly 1/2 the price of its so called competitors is even included? Here in Australia the interceptor is $10k and the other two $20k.
Guzzi wins by default as triumph is just over the top expensive for service parts and price.🤷🏻
@@neildransfield5966 you missed the part of the video where I mentioned that the interceptor was the most expensive of the three motorcycles in the series...
I never knew Toronto is pronounced "SHIMANO". Wow.
May I ask what accent is that?
@@edraith it's not Shimano. It's Chrawno. And when you're born, raised, and never left Chrawno, you know it by no other name :)
Thanks, so that's an actual Canadian accent from Toronto.
@@edraith it's a Chrawno accent I guess 🤷🏻♂️
I wouldn't buy any of those bikes. I had a Triumph in 2014 and it was a 16 hour round trip to have it worked on. Honda shops are everywhere.
@@mr1bienvenu1 buy my neighbor's house and it'll be about a 16 minute round trip :)
You said that the Triumph was better on the freeway but the Moto Guzzi has a 6 speed transmission compared to to the 5 on the triumph also the tank capacity is 21 litres on the Guzzi compared to 14 litres on the Triumph which is better for long distance trips 😊
@@Mikethebike1959 no it doesn't. Please see title. This is a V7 750, not a V7 II or V7 III. It's a five speed, just like the Bonneville 865 is. And I'll take a smaller tank if it means getting more top end than what the V7 750 puts out.
And the winner is ... a new Interceptor 😂
Seriously you can find one for a little north of $5k.
No hassle no bollocks no nothing.
Get some aftermarket parts and presto as they like to say in guzzi land 😂
I bought one that was almost brand new for $3,650 and sold it to keep these two instead. Why would I have wanted to sell one of these to get an Interceptor for even more? :\