I am about to purchase a Kawasaki Z900RS. I am going to go with the Junior 30 side cases with a 40L H & B top box. I think this will meet my needs if I don't get carried away with my gear packing. Also, this will be just for myself - no passenger. I may pack a tent, sleeping bag, etc. for camping when needed, but this will go in a separate duffle and will rest on the pillion and side cases. Good luck with your Guzzi. If I have a last-minute change of heart with the Z900RS, I may decide to get a V85TT with the included luggage set.
Thank you for your feedback! And yup, for solo rides that should be plenty. And the Kawa’s look good with the H&B boxes too. I thought about the Z900RS, but the Cafe version. Great bike and beautiful, but for some reason also classified as a sports bike by insurance. The non-cafe RS wasn’t, but still was also more expensive all around (financing, insurance) than the Guzzi, plus the cost of conversion to Cafe, and I wanted something more basic, so the V7III it was for me in the end. But I think the Z900RS is an awesome choice, if it ticks your checklist items, than go for it! I appreciate you watching my video!
Thank you so very much! This is the exact info/review I've been looking for! So glad to hear about all the workings of this setup, from safety to convenience. And to know someone shares my tastes in the bikes and in the cases, haha. Keep up the good work!
@@TexMexStrada got the 40L side cases and 55L top case! So far so good. Can i ask - I know what the factory specs are from H&B, but what's the max weight you've found is ok to put in the top case?
Thank you for your follow-up! While I've carried quite a bit of weight to test the setup (maybe around 20kg/44#) for a short time, I don't generally recommend that, as that puts a lot of weight behind the rear axle, and therefore hurts the handling. I primarily use the top case to carry spare riding gear and any other bulky-but-light items. I also run the top case with enough space to put my helmet, gloves, and the valuables part of my tankbag inside of it at meal/restroom stops. That way I don't have to run around with my hands full, and I also don't stress about leaving the bike out of sight. To specifically answer your question, I'd say 10kg/22# or less is probably advised. I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada Much overdue update - my gf and I went 2 up from NYC to Nashville in back, in about 16 days roundtrip (13 of that on the road). We loaded the cases just about to max capacity - with our combined weight on the bike, we were *way* over the recommended weight from MG. That said, we had to get our ride in, and we only have the one bike! Tools and camping gear was the major weight addition, but allowed us to stay flexible on our route, and adjust and fix when things got weird. Found that above 70MPH the bike starts to get real real wobbly - and I think it's actually the top case that causes this, having still run into it with the side cases off and the top case empty. That's my only real complaint, as it feels really scary sometimes.
Glad you had a good trip! Coincidentally I started motorcycle camping off of my V7III as well. As to the tendency to develop tankslappers at highway speeds, I've had the same experience, but it has diminished since dropped the triple tree 9mm (or raised the fork legs 9mm, which ever way you look at it), modified my seating position to have more weight on the front wheel, and changed my shocks to the Ohlins. Still there, but now only sometimes when I hit a bump at 85mph+. As to the cause, you are correct, it is weight transfer to the rear axle/the front axle getting light, and making the top box extra heavy is the fastest way to accomplish that. I didn't have any issues on my most recent trip, even with the top box loaded, but I had made the changes mentioned above plus I had moved all my tools to my tankbag, moving a lot of weight to the front.
This is very helpful review. Thank you! Agreed doesn't destroy the look of the bike. Also, hope the tumble didn't hurt too much. Really impressed how well everything held (and didn't crush your leg!).
Thank you for watching and your kind words! Glad to say I fully recovered and back to planning ambitious ventures on the bike! And yes, all things considered the impact of the tumble was minimal and mostly cosmetic. The combination of the engine crash guards and the bags/frames help protect me and the bike very well. I just ordered the optional luggage rack for the topbox to help cary some light weight but bulky camping stuff (ambitious ventures), look forward to finding out how it impacts form & function of the topbox and the stability of the bike.
The 2023 V7 special lights rest on the side rails which causes the lights to vibrate against it. Not great. I might just have to change the indicator lights. Your bike has rounder lights vs. the long lights the 850 versions have. Cheers!
Thanks for this. Much appreciated. I have the same setup on my 2017 Stone. I went with the 40 sidecases and the 55 topcase for a multi-month trip (that has since been postponed!). For everyday, I use the topcase alone and find it to be handy for what I need. Safe travels!
Thank you for your kind words! Glad you found the setup useful as well. As to the trip, hope you get to make it up soon! Do you find the top case upsets your handling? I tried the top case alone at the beginning, I used to run my Multistrada that way, but didn’t like the feel of the bike in that setup, the front of the bike would get light at 75mph+. So I actually ride mostly with just the side cases, and I throw on the top case once I’m on a trip and don’t have enough room for the helmet in the saddlebags.
@@TexMexStrada I've tried running the full setup a few times here, mostly keeping speeds under about 65. I haven't really noticed any adverse handling. I had a 42l topcase on my last two BMW 650 singles, and have gotten used to having that space available. I think the rounded corners help aerodynamically more than the ubiquitous aluminum cases many people have. Having said that, it's about time to head out for some more testing.
@@robertkover706 Thanks for the input - gonna grab this exact arrangement for my 2016 Stornello. I have a modified exhaust so it sits in the lower placement seen on the "normal" V7II (i.e. Stone), so hopefully I'll be able to to put racks on both sides. If you happen to know if the same side racks that work on the V7II will fit onto my Stornello, definitely lmk! :D
They are somewhat in-between, there is enough of a gap to give you room, but definitely not extending out very far. I also like that the cases are a good ways forward, helping the balance a little. Some other brands have their cases way in the back of the bike.
Well, they are a little oversized compared to the size of the bike, but they function great! I just installed the Mistral Short exhaust cans, and the tail end looks "lighter" now and the bags "float" visually. I also added some striping to them to help the looks, still tinkering with it through. If looks are more important than function, go with the 30L sidecases and the 40L topcase, that visually matches the bike better. I hope this helps!
Thank you for watching! From motomachines.com, where I purchased the cases. You can find them from several online outlets around the world as well. Google “round Moto Guzzi logo decal”, and you should find several options that match the size. I hope this helps!
Trying to make my ‘18 V7III special more long haul worthy. Super helpful review. Might have to buy these. Thanks! Have you had a pillion ride with you much with these on? Do the back pad & side handles improve pillion comfort considerably?
Thank you for your kinds words, glad it was helpful! Yes, plenty of miles with a passenger, and yes, the back pad and the ability to hold on to the luggage frames/luggage handles improves the passenger comfort considerably as it allows the passenger to feel safer and be more relaxed. The pillion part of the factory seat is as bad as the rider part, so you may want to replace it or add beads (like I did), an airhawk, sheepskin, or something else. The rear factory shocks do not handle the extra weight very well, you need to add considerable amounts of preload which makes the ride quite harsh. Also, with the topbox, the passenger space is quite limited, so, depending on your size and your passenger's size, it may feel crowded. Possible solutions: Seat comfort: I use a BeadRider, and it transformed the seat from terrible to good enough for 12hr or riding per day. Suspension: I have recently installed a set of Ohlins shocks, huge huge difference in comfort and riding stability. Space: My aftermarket handlebars make me lean forward on the bike, dramatically improving space for the passenger. My rear set pegs, which make the forward riding position very comfortable, do make the foot space quite crowded though, so you may will need to arrange yourself with your passenger if you go that route as well. Overall, the V7III is an ok touring machine, even 2 up, but it isn't optimal. 300 miles per day should be comfortable, 500 miles per day are doable, but going more than 500 miles per day will be more work than fun when 2 up. So, if you are looking to do big big miles on the highway, there are much better bikes for that. If you do reasonable distances on backroads and stop along the way to enjoy sights, food, etc., it is an excellent touring bike. I hope this helps!
The change was HUGE, and hugely positive. It truly transformed the bike. I actually installed the KA 144(0) Ohlins, so a set for an old school Kawasaki ZXR 1100. I posted a writeup on them here, feel free to check it out: www.guzziriders.org/v7-iii-suspension-mods_topic11407.html
Thank you for watching and your kind words! I agree that side loading cases can be a pain, especially without a centerstand. On the other hand, often intended use drives the design. For me, I have one driving factor in my saddlebag/sidecase decision: Can I fit my helmet inside comfortably. So, in most cases side loading win out, as there are few top loaders on the market that allow for a size L modular helmet to fit comfortably. I appreciate you!
Thank you for watching and for your question! Yes, the beads are very very helpful. They distribute your weight, allow for airflow, and also make sure any rainwater drains away from your body. I'm using the BeadRider product, and I'm very satisfied with them. I recommend the "Classic" model (out of wood), it does the job just as well as the "Ultimate" (ceramic), and stays cooler, for about half the price. I've made a quick review of it here: th-cam.com/video/LSxfW57pVH0/w-d-xo.html Congrats on the Busa and the topbox, enjoy your travels!
me me Thank you for your question! The one on the bike is the OEM one, and, well, I don’t care for it. I should have gotten the Hepco one. The OEM one relies on a specific exhaust bracket (so your aftermarket exhaust options shrink down to one, Mistral), it is bulky (cornering and ground clearance severely reduced), and it is hard to operate (my old 700#+ BMW LT was easier to put up on the stand than this bike). So yeah, go Hepco, hands down. The only good thing I can say about the OEM stand is that it is impressively stable.
me me You are most welcome! Don’t hesitate to reach out about other questions you may have, I’ve put about 10k miles touring on the V7III in a few months, learned quite a bit, and modified quite a bit too, so glad to help. Unfortunately can’t shoot more videos at this time.
Just ordered my Mistral exhaust, it will be a little while as it is on backorder from Italy, but that review will be coming up in the future. I also added four more over the weekend, feel free to check them out. Ride safe & enjoy!
Thank you for this review. I think the bike looks great with the H&B boxes and this is the way I'll go with my V7iii. A separate question; what tyres are you using? I'm still on the original tyres and the grip doesn't fill me with confidence, if I'm honest.
Thank you for watching! Boxes: Take a look at the "Flash" version of the Junior cases from H&B, you can paint the insert to match the bike, looks very sharp (I wish I would have done that). If maximum volume isn't a priority for you, the 30L boxes look most proportional with the V7III, the 40L do look big. Tires: You are correct, the OEM tires aren't very good, actually barely any good. I hated them. I've tried two other options: #1: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II. Very good tire, sticky in the dry, confident in the wet. Neutral shape, so it runs well straight and turns well as well. Soft carcass, so dramatically improves comfort. Should last you 8000 miles in the rear, double that in the front. #2: Continental Road Attack 3: Very good tire, extra sticky in the dry, confident in the wet. Sporty shape, a little nervous going straight, but turns like a dream. Medium carcass, so stiffer than the Scorpion Trail II, but softer than the Sport Demon, still comfortable enough. Should last about 8000 miles front & rear. If you are an aggressive rider, and always ride on clean & smooth roads, then the Conti RA3 is awesome, highly recommended. If you ride all year round, in all kinds of weather, and your roads are less than optimal (or you ride on dirt roads every once in a while), then the Scorpion Trail II is the better choice. I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada Thanks; yes I had thought the 30L might look better. And thanks for the tyre advice - I think the scorpion trail 2 might be the way to go.
Thank you for your follow-up! No, the case and the rear rack are separate items. Same thing with the side cases and the side racks. I hope this helps! I appreciate you watching!
Thank you for your question! The cases don’t limit the space on the seat, so if your passenger fit without them, then they will fit with them, plus gain a backrest & some grab handles. The Junior side cases also don’t limit foot/leg space too much, so, unless your passenger has very large feet/calves/boots, that shouldn’t be a problem either. The limiting factor for two up comfort on the V7 is its size, meaning there isn’t much space for two fully grown adults on the bike to begin with, especially for longer rides (500miles+ per day). But, if you are comfortable two up on the stock bike with the stock seat, then the Hepco Junior luggage will actually improve comfort (due to a better feeling of safety) for your passenger rather than reduce it. I hope this helps!
Hi Sam! Thank you for your question! I will measure it out this evening and let you know exactly, but the ballpark is that it is wider than the OEM handlebars, so over 800mm. As to the helmet, yes, my Schuberth C3 Pro, Size L, fits inside no problem, even with the Sena 20S EVO com-system attached. The opening is actually narrower than the inside of the pannier, so you have to be a little careful putting in the helmet or taking it out, but once inside there is plenty of room and then some. I’ll take a some pictures with the helmet inside as well and will share here as well
Ok, so apparently I can't insert pictures into replies on TH-cam, but here is a link to my Facebook page, the post about the bags & topcase has the pictures: facebook.com/pg/texmexstrada/posts/ I measured the bags installed, the whose setup is 37.5" across, so 92.25 cm (a lot wider than the handlebar, see pictures on Facebook). As mentioned above, the Schuberth C3 Pro in size 59 - L - 7 1/8 with a Sena intercom attached fits with lots of room to spare (see pictures on Facebook). I hope this helps!
Check out the discussion boards on wildguzzi.com, guzzitech.com, and the Moto Guzzi V7 Owners Facebook group for lots of good info on these bikes. They are fascinating, but they are also different from what you find on the market today. Definitely more retro than modern, and they tempt you to spend money on refining them to make them suit you better (I stopped counting $$$ months ago), but each modification makes the bike more rewarding, and more endearing. Folks riding Guzzis are definitely a different bread, they look for the essence of motorcycling rather than the substance of a perfect machine (Japanese bikes) or the victory of the man-made machine over physics (BMW is your pick here). A Guzzi makes a Triumph feel refined and a Harley feel over-engineered... but it also makes YOU feel alive!
Thank you for your question! I can make my Schuberth C3 Pro (Size L) and my Held Medalist Jacket (Size 52) fit without a problem. I think most Helmet/Jacket combinations outside of a beaked XXL adventure helmet plus a Rukka Aramos XXL leather jacket should fit quite comfortably. I carry my entire tent setup (2 person tent, camping bed, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, pillow, groundsheet, rope, misc items) in that topbox, it is well designed/laid out. Also very sturdy. I've added the luggage rack on top of the topbox since making the video, also a very well-made product that increases the usefulness of the topbox. I hope this helps!
Thanks for this, Matt. I pick up my new-to-me 2018 V7 III Milano on Tuesday. Started looking at Givi for luggage and found nothing suitable. This H&B stuff looks like a winner. I think I would go with 40s on the sides and a 40 out back, myself. How was the installation? And would you have a parts list handy to facilitate ordering? Thanks again!
You are most welcome, Mark, my pleasure! And congrats on the Milano! Yup, the H&B stuff is great kit, love it! Comments on the 40L sidecases: - They are supremely functional, but, fair warning, will qualify your Milano for a Sir Mix-a-Lot music video. I took some static pictures that show how wide they look on the V7III, you might want to take a look at them before committing. Since they aren't cheap, you want to be sure you are cool with that look. I am, and I love them. Here is the link to a post with the pictures: facebook.com/texmexstrada/posts/2514828808766251 - Since you have a Milano, I recommend taking a look at the "Flash" version of the Junior 40L sidecases as well. I think the silver version of the "Flash" sidecases looks pretty slick on the Milano based upon some pictures I'd seen in the past, and that little panel can be painted to match your tank if you are very picky. At times I think I should have gone that route myself. Comments on installation: - Super straight forward and quite simple. There is a proper order of installing the topcase rack and the sidecase rack, I don't remember it from the top of my head, but it is discussed in the instructions. Also, the topcase rack will replace your grab rail. You may have one tiny hiccup: The additional reflectors on the sides of the license plate frame won't clear the saddlebag frames in their original potion. Since I wanted to keep the reflectors, I simply mounted the license plate one screw higher, problem solved. That leaves the license plate mount secured by one screw only, but that hasn't been an issue over the past 8,000 miles. Part numbers: Assuming that you are getting black racks, and that you are ordering from Moto Machines (I think that is how you found this video, correct?).. Sidecase racks: SKU: 653.550 00 01 Topcase rack: SKU: 654.550 01 01 (this will replace the grab rail on your Milano) Topcase Junior 40L: SKU: 610.040 00 01 Sidecases Junior 40L (not flash): SKU: 610.036 00 01 or Sidecases Junior 40L Flash Silver: SKU: 610.236 00 09 Guzzi logos for the sidecases / topcase: Moto Machines used to carry them, but stopped at some point in time, you may want to check if they do again. If not, three other sources that would carry them back in the day were MG Cycle, Harper's Moto Guzzi (both in the US), and Gutsibits (UK). I hope this helps!
While you are spending money, the H&B engine guards are a winner too, here is a link to my review of those: th-cam.com/video/c5I92aBq6mY/w-d-xo.html Also, since you are getting bags, I'm guessing a centerstand isn't too far behind. For that I also recommend the H&B one. I don't have any experience with it to be honest, but I have the OEM Guzzi centerstand, and it is terrible. The one purchase I really regret on my V7III is that OEM centerstand. I should have gone with my gut and gotten the H&B one, but the dealership offered a very good deal so, in the spur of the moment, I got carried away. I hope this is helpful as well!
Really interesting video! These are the bags that I would like to put on the Guzzi V7. Is it possible to know how far the 40 liter pannier protrudes? Thanks and good way! Greetings from Italy!
Thank you for watching and for your kind words! The total width of the bags installed on the bike is 92.25cm, so very wide. Wider than the handlebar. You can see more details in pictures embedded in the comments of this post: facebook.com/texmexstrada/posts/2514828808766251 Overall, the 40L bags do look a little too big for the V7III, but on the other hand, they are able to fit a large modular helmet (& more) without a problem. If the width / optics matter to you, the 30L bags look much better and stay right around the width of the handlebars. The 30L Junior Flash is the most stylish choice. I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada Thank you so much for your reply, very kind! I'll take a look at the FB page. You have hit the point ... I also imagine that the 30-liter is aesthetically more appropriate, but I would like to be able to stow the full-face helmet and, as you say, I doubt it will fit in the 30-liter ... So I wanted to understand the size of the 40 liters 😉👍🏼
@@Ciuff2007 Good deal. Yeah, I had the same dilemma. I went with 40L, and my modular helmet fits just right, even with the communication system bracket installed.
Thank you for your question! It does quite well. 80mph on the highway is not a problem as long as you aren't going up a hill or into 35mph+ wind, then you will need to downshift. As the bike is compact, it makes it very easy to handle when 2up and with gear, which makes it less straining to manage in town or on winding roads vs a bigger bike. The brakes are surprisingly decent when 2up, as the rear brake, which is quite good, benefits from the extra weight over the rear tire. The front brake is average, but with enough effort at the lever does its job ok. The suspension is mediocre, so 2up and loaded down, don't try to impersonate a MotoGP rider, but for regular traveling, even at a little bit more enthusiastic speeds, it is ok. 1up the bike is actually a blast in the twisties, the old rule of "riding a slow bike fast" totally applies. The worst part of the stock bike is the seat, but either putting something on it (Beadrider, Airhawk, etc.) or replacing the seat altogether should solve that problem quite easily. I hope this helps!
Complimenti,io sulla mia V7 Special ho montato un bauletto con poggia spalle e il bauletto l ho interamente rivestito con moquette sopra e sotto.e inoltre con fascia blù catarifrangente intorno al bauletto...le Hepco Becker per me sono costose...ad esempio i faretti supplementari per quel che sono costano troppo....e con accessori di montaggio ridicoli e allacciamento elettrico troppo disinvolto...look my video....👋👍🤩
Thank you for watching and for your feedback! Your bike looks very nice, and your topcase works well with it. I took the H&B route for several reasons, namely ruggedness, size (and more specifically dimensions), the great backpad, the luggage grid on top, and the ability to use it across a very large swath of motorcycles. But I am glad your solution works well for you!
I am looking for a more capable touring bike without compromising on the retro no nonsense look. Maybe i should visit the Guzzi dealership. Yours look great and the panniers actually look good on the bike instead of destroying the look. Shaft drive would be a big plus too. Thanks for the review!
@Rick: Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate you! A few more insights that may be helpful: - The look: Correct, the bike actually looks ok with all the panniers, maybe little big out back with both the side cases and the top case on. Overall it looks like the cases belong on the bike, with the exception of the view from behind. From behind, 135 liters of luggage capacity surrounding a 130-width rear tire look a little cartoonish. But hey, If you find yourself looking at the rear of your bike while riding, aesthetics are the least of your problems that very moment. - Visit a Guzzi dealership: Definitely. Just for the friendly experience. Guzzi folks are very nice bunch, no nonsense just like the bikes, and very passionate about riding. Plus taking a Guzzi for a spin should be on every riders bucketlist. - Capable touring bike: well... yes & no, depending on your interpretation of that expression. The V7 definitely emphasizes the "vintage" in vintage-style motorcycle, meaning you do get more of a vintage style riding experience & performance. Engine, brakes, suspension, and comfort are all "vintage". It has its charm, and I actually find the challenge of riding 500mile+ days on this bike appealing ('The Man & his Machine vs. the Road'), but it is not nearly as capable on any metric as the proper touring or adventure-touring bikes I had before (K1200LT & MTS1200SGT). Except for the fuel-range, that one is excellent (225 miles or more). And yes, the shaft drive is a huge plus on multi-day trips. Overall, It think it is fair to say that the V7 provides a fantastic canvas to build the bike you want it to be. My goal, for example, was to have a light weight, back-to-basics, make-me-work-for-my-fun sport tourer that would be easy to ride around town, a blast on curvy backroads, decent on the slab, and capable of carrying a passenger, as well as both of our stuff, on a multi-day trip. For that, it turned out to be a great bike, but it took money to get it there, and I have plans for additional thousands of dollars of future improvements. If you are looking for bike that has the vintage look but more modern performance/longer distance comfort, then the BMW RnineT or Kawasaki Z900RS are definitely worth a look as well. They will cost more out of the gate, but you will probably spend less money modifying them (especially the Z900RS in Cafe guise is a fantastic bike, right out of the box). But.... you wont have the satisfaction of A. making the bike uniquely yours and B. having the deep sense of adventure with every mile ridden. I hope this is helpful to you! By the way, if the weather holds up this weekend & next, I plan to shoot more clips that cover additional modifications I've done, so I hope those will be informative for your as well.
TexMexStrada Thanks for the additional information. At the moment my only motorcycle is a Royal Enfield Classic500. Literally every other motorcycle will be a step up in comfort, power, handling and touring capabilities. Yet I managed to make multiple roundtrips including northern Italy and the whole of Ireland. Like you I am looking for a do it all motorcycle with classic styling and back to basic options and accessories. The look of the new V7 Rough appeals to me. Especially with the Givi Dolomiti 30L aluminium panniers. When the weather here in the Netherlands clears I will grab a coffee at the local Guzzi dealer. Thanks again and keep the videos coming!
@Rick: Thank you for your follow-up and your subscription, much appreciated! Yeah, I took a closer look at your profile pic after I replied, and realized you probably know all about the "vintage riding experience". Never had the pleasure to ride an Enfield myself, but I can imagine the V7 would represent a solid step up in capability. The V7 Rough is very nice. With the custom seat, the chunky tires, and the handlebar brace it does look pretty sweet. The spoke wheels also help the look, but keep in mind that the spokes mean tubes = more hassle to fix on the side of the road. The Givi Dolomiti cases are nice, I agree. The Hepco Xplorer aluminum panniers also fit (see here: th-cam.com/video/ahkfe345ZqE/w-d-xo.html), and, if you want to go out all out on the adventure, I believe the Gobi cases (see here: th-cam.com/video/eYyvRB_3O7s/w-d-xo.html) do too. To be honest, if I had to do it all over again, I would probably start with a V7 Racer (with the Ohlins rear shocks) as I found the forward slanted seating position makes highway riding more comfortable (which is the stock setup on the Racer) and the non-Ohlins V7 rear shocks are a little crude. Adding the Ohlins to the Stone/Rough/Milano/Special costs about $1,500... I'd need to win the lottery first before I take that step. On the Racer you'll need to modify the passenger pegs & exhaust cans to be able to mount panniers, but the stock exhaust calls for a change regardless (super heavy and disappointing sound), and mounting the Stone/Rough/Milano/Special passenger pegs is cheaper on the Racer than changing the handlebars & installing rider rear sets on the Stone/Rough/Milano/special to give it Racer ergonomics . Plus, I think the dealer would probably swap the spoked rims on the Racer for the alloys of of a Stone/Milano at no charge (to get tubeless tires), as the spokes are considered an upgrade. I hope to squeeze out more videos this weekend (fingers crossed) before I go on a 3 week work trip overseas. But there are more coming for sure, including a 10,000 mile in-depth owner review & discussion of modifications. Thank you once again for your feedback and the subscription! I appreciate you!
Thank you for your feedback! If you go with the 30L Junior Flash side cases & paint the accent piece in the bike’s color, and the Junior 40L top case, that actually looks excellent on the V7. But since I multi-week motocamp off of the bike, and I don’t have enough experience to avoid overpacking , I needed the extra space. Hence I sacrifice looks for function.
@@TexMexStrada Don’t get me wrong, i also have side bags even i dislike them, there is just no better way to bring stuff. But it always hurts the look of the bike. And that Guzzi is simply gorgeous .
I have the juniors in my vstrom , I got the rei packing cubes . They fit perfect for those cases
Thanks for the effort.I'll admit I speed up the playback to 1.5 which gets through it faster while keeping it still clear.
Thank you for watching and I appreciate your feedback!
After watch this video i bought the top case !! Very good quality.
I am about to purchase a Kawasaki Z900RS. I am going to go with the Junior 30 side cases with a 40L H & B top box. I think this will meet my needs if I don't get carried away with my gear packing. Also, this will be just for myself - no passenger. I may pack a tent, sleeping bag, etc. for camping when needed, but this will go in a separate duffle and will rest on the pillion and side cases.
Good luck with your Guzzi. If I have a last-minute change of heart with the Z900RS, I may decide to get a V85TT with the included luggage set.
Thank you for your feedback! And yup, for solo rides that should be plenty. And the Kawa’s look good with the H&B boxes too. I thought about the Z900RS, but the Cafe version. Great bike and beautiful, but for some reason also classified as a sports bike by insurance. The non-cafe RS wasn’t, but still was also more expensive all around (financing, insurance) than the Guzzi, plus the cost of conversion to Cafe, and I wanted something more basic, so the V7III it was for me in the end. But I think the Z900RS is an awesome choice, if it ticks your checklist items, than go for it! I appreciate you watching my video!
Thank you so very much! This is the exact info/review I've been looking for! So glad to hear about all the workings of this setup, from safety to convenience. And to know someone shares my tastes in the bikes and in the cases, haha. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for the kind words, they are truly appreciated! I am glad to have been helpful, thank you for watching!
@@TexMexStrada got the 40L side cases and 55L top case! So far so good. Can i ask - I know what the factory specs are from H&B, but what's the max weight you've found is ok to put in the top case?
Thank you for your follow-up! While I've carried quite a bit of weight to test the setup (maybe around 20kg/44#) for a short time, I don't generally recommend that, as that puts a lot of weight behind the rear axle, and therefore hurts the handling. I primarily use the top case to carry spare riding gear and any other bulky-but-light items. I also run the top case with enough space to put my helmet, gloves, and the valuables part of my tankbag inside of it at meal/restroom stops. That way I don't have to run around with my hands full, and I also don't stress about leaving the bike out of sight.
To specifically answer your question, I'd say 10kg/22# or less is probably advised. I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada Much overdue update - my gf and I went 2 up from NYC to Nashville in back, in about 16 days roundtrip (13 of that on the road). We loaded the cases just about to max capacity - with our combined weight on the bike, we were *way* over the recommended weight from MG. That said, we had to get our ride in, and we only have the one bike! Tools and camping gear was the major weight addition, but allowed us to stay flexible on our route, and adjust and fix when things got weird. Found that above 70MPH the bike starts to get real real wobbly - and I think it's actually the top case that causes this, having still run into it with the side cases off and the top case empty. That's my only real complaint, as it feels really scary sometimes.
Glad you had a good trip! Coincidentally I started motorcycle camping off of my V7III as well. As to the tendency to develop tankslappers at highway speeds, I've had the same experience, but it has diminished since dropped the triple tree 9mm (or raised the fork legs 9mm, which ever way you look at it), modified my seating position to have more weight on the front wheel, and changed my shocks to the Ohlins. Still there, but now only sometimes when I hit a bump at 85mph+.
As to the cause, you are correct, it is weight transfer to the rear axle/the front axle getting light, and making the top box extra heavy is the fastest way to accomplish that.
I didn't have any issues on my most recent trip, even with the top box loaded, but I had made the changes mentioned above plus I had moved all my tools to my tankbag, moving a lot of weight to the front.
This is very helpful review. Thank you! Agreed doesn't destroy the look of the bike. Also, hope the tumble didn't hurt too much. Really impressed how well everything held (and didn't crush your leg!).
Thank you for watching and your kind words! Glad to say I fully recovered and back to planning ambitious ventures on the bike! And yes, all things considered the impact of the tumble was minimal and mostly cosmetic. The combination of the engine crash guards and the bags/frames help protect me and the bike very well.
I just ordered the optional luggage rack for the topbox to help cary some light weight but bulky camping stuff (ambitious ventures), look forward to finding out how it impacts form & function of the topbox and the stability of the bike.
The 2023 V7 special lights rest on the side rails which causes the lights to vibrate against it. Not great. I might just have to change the indicator lights. Your bike has rounder lights vs. the long lights the 850 versions have. Cheers!
Thanks for the review...Happy trails!
Thanks for this. Much appreciated. I have the same setup on my 2017 Stone. I went with the 40 sidecases and the 55 topcase for a multi-month trip (that has since been postponed!). For everyday, I use the topcase alone and find it to be handy for what I need. Safe travels!
Thank you for your kind words! Glad you found the setup useful as well. As to the trip, hope you get to make it up soon!
Do you find the top case upsets your handling? I tried the top case alone at the beginning, I used to run my Multistrada that way, but didn’t like the feel of the bike in that setup, the front of the bike would get light at 75mph+.
So I actually ride mostly with just the side cases, and I throw on the top case once I’m on a trip and don’t have enough room for the helmet in the saddlebags.
@@TexMexStrada I've tried running the full setup a few times here, mostly keeping speeds under about 65. I haven't really noticed any adverse handling. I had a 42l topcase on my last two BMW 650 singles, and have gotten used to having that space available. I think the rounded corners help aerodynamically more than the ubiquitous aluminum cases many people have. Having said that, it's about time to head out for some more testing.
Thank you for the feedback, I appreciate you!
@@robertkover706 Thanks for the input - gonna grab this exact arrangement for my 2016 Stornello. I have a modified exhaust so it sits in the lower placement seen on the "normal" V7II (i.e. Stone), so hopefully I'll be able to to put racks on both sides. If you happen to know if the same side racks that work on the V7II will fit onto my Stornello, definitely lmk! :D
Those cases seem to hug the bike closely which is a good feature.Some cases seem to waste a few inches or more which adds to the width.Cheers
They are somewhat in-between, there is enough of a gap to give you room, but definitely not extending out very far. I also like that the cases are a good ways forward, helping the balance a little. Some other brands have their cases way in the back of the bike.
looks great on your V7III, like it was made for it :o
Well, they are a little oversized compared to the size of the bike, but they function great! I just installed the Mistral Short exhaust cans, and the tail end looks "lighter" now and the bags "float" visually. I also added some striping to them to help the looks, still tinkering with it through. If looks are more important than function, go with the 30L sidecases and the 40L topcase, that visually matches the bike better. I hope this helps!
Hi, were did you ordered the Moto Guzzi stickers that fit perfectly in the topcase?
Thank you for watching! From motomachines.com, where I purchased the cases. You can find them from several online outlets around the world as well. Google “round Moto Guzzi logo decal”, and you should find several options that match the size. I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada Thanks! :)
Can the pannier rack fit the hepco becker junior 30L panniers?
Thank you for watching! Yup, the Junior 30 uses the same rack. Proportion-wise the 30L look better on the bike than the 40L as well
What are you using for mounting hardware?
Trying to make my ‘18 V7III special more long haul worthy. Super helpful review. Might have to buy these. Thanks!
Have you had a pillion ride with you much with these on? Do the back pad & side handles improve pillion comfort considerably?
Thank you for your kinds words, glad it was helpful! Yes, plenty of miles with a passenger, and yes, the back pad and the ability to hold on to the luggage frames/luggage handles improves the passenger comfort considerably as it allows the passenger to feel safer and be more relaxed. The pillion part of the factory seat is as bad as the rider part, so you may want to replace it or add beads (like I did), an airhawk, sheepskin, or something else. The rear factory shocks do not handle the extra weight very well, you need to add considerable amounts of preload which makes the ride quite harsh. Also, with the topbox, the passenger space is quite limited, so, depending on your size and your passenger's size, it may feel crowded.
Possible solutions:
Seat comfort: I use a BeadRider, and it transformed the seat from terrible to good enough for 12hr or riding per day.
Suspension: I have recently installed a set of Ohlins shocks, huge huge difference in comfort and riding stability.
Space: My aftermarket handlebars make me lean forward on the bike, dramatically improving space for the passenger. My rear set pegs, which make the forward riding position very comfortable, do make the foot space quite crowded though, so you may will need to arrange yourself with your passenger if you go that route as well.
Overall, the V7III is an ok touring machine, even 2 up, but it isn't optimal. 300 miles per day should be comfortable, 500 miles per day are doable, but going more than 500 miles per day will be more work than fun when 2 up. So, if you are looking to do big big miles on the highway, there are much better bikes for that. If you do reasonable distances on backroads and stop along the way to enjoy sights, food, etc., it is an excellent touring bike.
I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada So you got the Ohlin's! The forums are really split on their usefulness. What was the change you felt when you installed them?
The change was HUGE, and hugely positive. It truly transformed the bike. I actually installed the KA 144(0) Ohlins, so a set for an old school Kawasaki ZXR 1100. I posted a writeup on them here, feel free to check it out: www.guzziriders.org/v7-iii-suspension-mods_topic11407.html
Great review. I just can’t stand side loading cases. To me top loading is way more convenient
Thank you for watching and your kind words! I agree that side loading cases can be a pain, especially without a centerstand. On the other hand, often intended use drives the design. For me, I have one driving factor in my saddlebag/sidecase decision: Can I fit my helmet inside comfortably. So, in most cases side loading win out, as there are few top loaders on the market that allow for a size L modular helmet to fit comfortably. I appreciate you!
Thank you so much for your review!!
Thank you for your follow-up! I hope it was helpful!
The seat beads , are they helpful with long journeys?
What’s the brand ?
I just ordered the top box for my Hayabusa 22
Thank you for watching and for your question!
Yes, the beads are very very helpful. They distribute your weight, allow for airflow, and also make sure any rainwater drains away from your body. I'm using the BeadRider product, and I'm very satisfied with them. I recommend the "Classic" model (out of wood), it does the job just as well as the "Ultimate" (ceramic), and stays cooler, for about half the price. I've made a quick review of it here: th-cam.com/video/LSxfW57pVH0/w-d-xo.html
Congrats on the Busa and the topbox, enjoy your travels!
Thanks for your reply 😊
Hi, i just bought a v7 iii....thinking of getting a centre stand fixed. May i know, is that the oem Guzzi centre stand or a Hepco brand one...?
me me Thank you for your question! The one on the bike is the OEM one, and, well, I don’t care for it. I should have gotten the Hepco one.
The OEM one relies on a specific exhaust bracket (so your aftermarket exhaust options shrink down to one, Mistral), it is bulky (cornering and ground clearance severely reduced), and it is hard to operate (my old 700#+ BMW LT was easier to put up on the stand than this bike). So yeah, go Hepco, hands down. The only good thing I can say about the OEM stand is that it is impressively stable.
@@TexMexStrada Thank you for the valuable sharing. I'll take a look at the Hepco & other aftermarket options. The exhausts will come later, haha......
me me You are most welcome! Don’t hesitate to reach out about other questions you may have, I’ve put about 10k miles touring on the V7III in a few months, learned quite a bit, and modified quite a bit too, so glad to help. Unfortunately can’t shoot more videos at this time.
@@TexMexStrada Sure, looking forward for your future vlog updates. Stay safe, ride safe..
Just ordered my Mistral exhaust, it will be a little while as it is on backorder from Italy, but that review will be coming up in the future. I also added four more over the weekend, feel free to check them out. Ride safe & enjoy!
Thank you for this review. I think the bike looks great with the H&B boxes and this is the way I'll go with my V7iii. A separate question; what tyres are you using? I'm still on the original tyres and the grip doesn't fill me with confidence, if I'm honest.
Thank you for watching!
Boxes: Take a look at the "Flash" version of the Junior cases from H&B, you can paint the insert to match the bike, looks very sharp (I wish I would have done that). If maximum volume isn't a priority for you, the 30L boxes look most proportional with the V7III, the 40L do look big.
Tires: You are correct, the OEM tires aren't very good, actually barely any good. I hated them.
I've tried two other options:
#1: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II. Very good tire, sticky in the dry, confident in the wet. Neutral shape, so it runs well straight and turns well as well. Soft carcass, so dramatically improves comfort. Should last you 8000 miles in the rear, double that in the front.
#2: Continental Road Attack 3: Very good tire, extra sticky in the dry, confident in the wet. Sporty shape, a little nervous going straight, but turns like a dream. Medium carcass, so stiffer than the Scorpion Trail II, but softer than the Sport Demon, still comfortable enough. Should last about 8000 miles front & rear.
If you are an aggressive rider, and always ride on clean & smooth roads, then the Conti RA3 is awesome, highly recommended. If you ride all year round, in all kinds of weather, and your roads are less than optimal (or you ride on dirt roads every once in a while), then the Scorpion Trail II is the better choice.
I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada Thanks; yes I had thought the 30L might look better. And thanks for the tyre advice - I think the scorpion trail 2 might be the way to go.
@@motorbikesgary Sounds good! Glad to help!
Did the mounting brackets and hardware come with the top case?
Thank you for your follow-up! No, the case and the rear rack are separate items. Same thing with the side cases and the side racks. I hope this helps! I appreciate you watching!
Hi, is there enough space for the passenger if you have those side cases? Thank you!
Thank you for your question! The cases don’t limit the space on the seat, so if your passenger fit without them, then they will fit with them, plus gain a backrest & some grab handles. The Junior side cases also don’t limit foot/leg space too much, so, unless your passenger has very large feet/calves/boots, that shouldn’t be a problem either.
The limiting factor for two up comfort on the V7 is its size, meaning there isn’t much space for two fully grown adults on the bike to begin with, especially for longer rides (500miles+ per day).
But, if you are comfortable two up on the stock bike with the stock seat, then the Hepco Junior luggage will actually improve comfort (due to a better feeling of safety) for your passenger rather than reduce it.
I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada Thank you for your answer! :)
Thinking of buying a V7 Stone with juniors 40 panniers. What's the overall width with the panniers on? Can put full face or modular helmet?
Hi Sam! Thank you for your question! I will measure it out this evening and let you know exactly, but the ballpark is that it is wider than the OEM handlebars, so over 800mm. As to the helmet, yes, my Schuberth C3 Pro, Size L, fits inside no problem, even with the Sena 20S EVO com-system attached. The opening is actually narrower than the inside of the pannier, so you have to be a little careful putting in the helmet or taking it out, but once inside there is plenty of room and then some. I’ll take a some pictures with the helmet inside as well and will share here as well
Ok, so apparently I can't insert pictures into replies on TH-cam, but here is a link to my Facebook page, the post about the bags & topcase has the pictures: facebook.com/pg/texmexstrada/posts/
I measured the bags installed, the whose setup is 37.5" across, so 92.25 cm (a lot wider than the handlebar, see pictures on Facebook). As mentioned above, the Schuberth C3 Pro in size 59 - L - 7 1/8 with a Sena intercom attached fits with lots of room to spare (see pictures on Facebook). I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada thank you bro! think i should go for it.
Check out the discussion boards on wildguzzi.com, guzzitech.com, and the Moto Guzzi V7 Owners Facebook group for lots of good info on these bikes. They are fascinating, but they are also different from what you find on the market today. Definitely more retro than modern, and they tempt you to spend money on refining them to make them suit you better (I stopped counting $$$ months ago), but each modification makes the bike more rewarding, and more endearing. Folks riding Guzzis are definitely a different bread, they look for the essence of motorcycling rather than the substance of a perfect machine (Japanese bikes) or the victory of the man-made machine over physics (BMW is your pick here). A Guzzi makes a Triumph feel refined and a Harley feel over-engineered... but it also makes YOU feel alive!
Hello. Will a helmet and a leather jacket fit into the top case?
Thank you for your question!
I can make my Schuberth C3 Pro (Size L) and my Held Medalist Jacket (Size 52) fit without a problem.
I think most Helmet/Jacket combinations outside of a beaked XXL adventure helmet plus a Rukka Aramos XXL leather jacket should fit quite comfortably.
I carry my entire tent setup (2 person tent, camping bed, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, pillow, groundsheet, rope, misc items) in that topbox, it is well designed/laid out. Also very sturdy. I've added the luggage rack on top of the topbox since making the video, also a very well-made product that increases the usefulness of the topbox.
I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada sure you helped me;)
Thanks for this, Matt. I pick up my new-to-me 2018 V7 III Milano on Tuesday. Started looking at Givi for luggage and found nothing suitable. This H&B stuff looks like a winner. I think I would go with 40s on the sides and a 40 out back, myself. How was the installation? And would you have a parts list handy to facilitate ordering? Thanks again!
You are most welcome, Mark, my pleasure! And congrats on the Milano!
Yup, the H&B stuff is great kit, love it!
Comments on the 40L sidecases:
- They are supremely functional, but, fair warning, will qualify your Milano for a Sir Mix-a-Lot music video. I took some static pictures that show how wide they look on the V7III, you might want to take a look at them before committing. Since they aren't cheap, you want to be sure you are cool with that look. I am, and I love them. Here is the link to a post with the pictures: facebook.com/texmexstrada/posts/2514828808766251
- Since you have a Milano, I recommend taking a look at the "Flash" version of the Junior 40L sidecases as well. I think the silver version of the "Flash" sidecases looks pretty slick on the Milano based upon some pictures I'd seen in the past, and that little panel can be painted to match your tank if you are very picky. At times I think I should have gone that route myself.
Comments on installation:
- Super straight forward and quite simple. There is a proper order of installing the topcase rack and the sidecase rack, I don't remember it from the top of my head, but it is discussed in the instructions. Also, the topcase rack will replace your grab rail. You may have one tiny hiccup: The additional reflectors on the sides of the license plate frame won't clear the saddlebag frames in their original potion. Since I wanted to keep the reflectors, I simply mounted the license plate one screw higher, problem solved. That leaves the license plate mount secured by one screw only, but that hasn't been an issue over the past 8,000 miles.
Part numbers:
Assuming that you are getting black racks, and that you are ordering from Moto Machines (I think that is how you found this video, correct?)..
Sidecase racks: SKU: 653.550 00 01
Topcase rack: SKU: 654.550 01 01 (this will replace the grab rail on your Milano)
Topcase Junior 40L: SKU: 610.040 00 01
Sidecases Junior 40L (not flash): SKU: 610.036 00 01
or
Sidecases Junior 40L Flash Silver: SKU: 610.236 00 09
Guzzi logos for the sidecases / topcase:
Moto Machines used to carry them, but stopped at some point in time, you may want to check if they do again. If not, three other sources that would carry them back in the day were MG Cycle, Harper's Moto Guzzi (both in the US), and Gutsibits (UK).
I hope this helps!
While you are spending money, the H&B engine guards are a winner too, here is a link to my review of those: th-cam.com/video/c5I92aBq6mY/w-d-xo.html
Also, since you are getting bags, I'm guessing a centerstand isn't too far behind. For that I also recommend the H&B one. I don't have any experience with it to be honest, but I have the OEM Guzzi centerstand, and it is terrible. The one purchase I really regret on my V7III is that OEM centerstand. I should have gone with my gut and gotten the H&B one, but the dealership offered a very good deal so, in the spur of the moment, I got carried away.
I hope this is helpful as well!
Huge help! Thanks so much!!!
My pleasure! Glad to help!
Really interesting video! These are the bags that I would like to put on the Guzzi V7. Is it possible to know how far the 40 liter pannier protrudes? Thanks and good way! Greetings from Italy!
Thank you for watching and for your kind words! The total width of the bags installed on the bike is 92.25cm, so very wide. Wider than the handlebar. You can see more details in pictures embedded in the comments of this post: facebook.com/texmexstrada/posts/2514828808766251
Overall, the 40L bags do look a little too big for the V7III, but on the other hand, they are able to fit a large modular helmet (& more) without a problem. If the width / optics matter to you, the 30L bags look much better and stay right around the width of the handlebars. The 30L Junior Flash is the most stylish choice.
I hope this helps!
@@TexMexStrada Thank you so much for your reply, very kind! I'll take a look at the FB page. You have hit the point ... I also imagine that the 30-liter is aesthetically more appropriate, but I would like to be able to stow the full-face helmet and, as you say, I doubt it will fit in the 30-liter ... So I wanted to understand the size of the 40 liters 😉👍🏼
@@Ciuff2007 Good deal. Yeah, I had the same dilemma. I went with 40L, and my modular helmet fits just right, even with the communication system bracket installed.
How does the bike perform fully loaded with gear and pillion?
Thank you for your question! It does quite well. 80mph on the highway is not a problem as long as you aren't going up a hill or into 35mph+ wind, then you will need to downshift. As the bike is compact, it makes it very easy to handle when 2up and with gear, which makes it less straining to manage in town or on winding roads vs a bigger bike. The brakes are surprisingly decent when 2up, as the rear brake, which is quite good, benefits from the extra weight over the rear tire. The front brake is average, but with enough effort at the lever does its job ok. The suspension is mediocre, so 2up and loaded down, don't try to impersonate a MotoGP rider, but for regular traveling, even at a little bit more enthusiastic speeds, it is ok. 1up the bike is actually a blast in the twisties, the old rule of "riding a slow bike fast" totally applies. The worst part of the stock bike is the seat, but either putting something on it (Beadrider, Airhawk, etc.) or replacing the seat altogether should solve that problem quite easily. I hope this helps!
Complimenti,io sulla mia V7 Special ho montato un bauletto con poggia spalle e il bauletto l ho interamente rivestito con moquette sopra e sotto.e inoltre con fascia blù catarifrangente intorno al bauletto...le Hepco Becker per me sono costose...ad esempio i faretti supplementari per quel che sono costano troppo....e con accessori di montaggio ridicoli e allacciamento elettrico troppo disinvolto...look my video....👋👍🤩
Thank you for watching and for your feedback! Your bike looks very nice, and your topcase works well with it. I took the H&B route for several reasons, namely ruggedness, size (and more specifically dimensions), the great backpad, the luggage grid on top, and the ability to use it across a very large swath of motorcycles. But I am glad your solution works well for you!
The junior 40 top case is more like your side cases as far as texture.
Cool, thank you! I actually didn't really look at that one, as I was looking for a two-helmet+ topcase, but that is good to know. I appreciate you!
I am looking for a more capable touring bike without compromising on the retro no nonsense look. Maybe i should visit the Guzzi dealership. Yours look great and the panniers actually look good on the bike instead of destroying the look. Shaft drive would be a big plus too. Thanks for the review!
@Rick: Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate you! A few more insights that may be helpful:
- The look: Correct, the bike actually looks ok with all the panniers, maybe little big out back with both the side cases and the top case on. Overall it looks like the cases belong on the bike, with the exception of the view from behind. From behind, 135 liters of luggage capacity surrounding a 130-width rear tire look a little cartoonish. But hey, If you find yourself looking at the rear of your bike while riding, aesthetics are the least of your problems that very moment.
- Visit a Guzzi dealership: Definitely. Just for the friendly experience. Guzzi folks are very nice bunch, no nonsense just like the bikes, and very passionate about riding. Plus taking a Guzzi for a spin should be on every riders bucketlist.
- Capable touring bike: well... yes & no, depending on your interpretation of that expression. The V7 definitely emphasizes the "vintage" in vintage-style motorcycle, meaning you do get more of a vintage style riding experience & performance. Engine, brakes, suspension, and comfort are all "vintage". It has its charm, and I actually find the challenge of riding 500mile+ days on this bike appealing ('The Man & his Machine vs. the Road'), but it is not nearly as capable on any metric as the proper touring or adventure-touring bikes I had before (K1200LT & MTS1200SGT). Except for the fuel-range, that one is excellent (225 miles or more). And yes, the shaft drive is a huge plus on multi-day trips.
Overall, It think it is fair to say that the V7 provides a fantastic canvas to build the bike you want it to be. My goal, for example, was to have a light weight, back-to-basics, make-me-work-for-my-fun sport tourer that would be easy to ride around town, a blast on curvy backroads, decent on the slab, and capable of carrying a passenger, as well as both of our stuff, on a multi-day trip. For that, it turned out to be a great bike, but it took money to get it there, and I have plans for additional thousands of dollars of future improvements.
If you are looking for bike that has the vintage look but more modern performance/longer distance comfort, then the BMW RnineT or Kawasaki Z900RS are definitely worth a look as well. They will cost more out of the gate, but you will probably spend less money modifying them (especially the Z900RS in Cafe guise is a fantastic bike, right out of the box). But.... you wont have the satisfaction of A. making the bike uniquely yours and B. having the deep sense of adventure with every mile ridden.
I hope this is helpful to you!
By the way, if the weather holds up this weekend & next, I plan to shoot more clips that cover additional modifications I've done, so I hope those will be informative for your as well.
TexMexStrada Thanks for the additional information. At the moment my only motorcycle is a Royal Enfield Classic500. Literally every other motorcycle will be a step up in comfort, power, handling and touring capabilities. Yet I managed to make multiple roundtrips including northern Italy and the whole of Ireland. Like you I am looking for a do it all motorcycle with classic styling and back to basic options and accessories. The look of the new V7 Rough appeals to me. Especially with the Givi Dolomiti 30L aluminium panniers. When the weather here in the Netherlands clears I will grab a coffee at the local Guzzi dealer. Thanks again and keep the videos coming!
@Rick: Thank you for your follow-up and your subscription, much appreciated! Yeah, I took a closer look at your profile pic after I replied, and realized you probably know all about the "vintage riding experience". Never had the pleasure to ride an Enfield myself, but I can imagine the V7 would represent a solid step up in capability.
The V7 Rough is very nice. With the custom seat, the chunky tires, and the handlebar brace it does look pretty sweet. The spoke wheels also help the look, but keep in mind that the spokes mean tubes = more hassle to fix on the side of the road. The Givi Dolomiti cases are nice, I agree. The Hepco Xplorer aluminum panniers also fit (see here: th-cam.com/video/ahkfe345ZqE/w-d-xo.html), and, if you want to go out all out on the adventure, I believe the Gobi cases (see here: th-cam.com/video/eYyvRB_3O7s/w-d-xo.html) do too.
To be honest, if I had to do it all over again, I would probably start with a V7 Racer (with the Ohlins rear shocks) as I found the forward slanted seating position makes highway riding more comfortable (which is the stock setup on the Racer) and the non-Ohlins V7 rear shocks are a little crude. Adding the Ohlins to the Stone/Rough/Milano/Special costs about $1,500... I'd need to win the lottery first before I take that step.
On the Racer you'll need to modify the passenger pegs & exhaust cans to be able to mount panniers, but the stock exhaust calls for a change regardless (super heavy and disappointing sound), and mounting the Stone/Rough/Milano/Special passenger pegs is cheaper on the Racer than changing the handlebars & installing rider rear sets on the Stone/Rough/Milano/special to give it Racer ergonomics . Plus, I think the dealer would probably swap the spoked rims on the Racer for the alloys of of a Stone/Milano at no charge (to get tubeless tires), as the spokes are considered an upgrade.
I hope to squeeze out more videos this weekend (fingers crossed) before I go on a 3 week work trip overseas. But there are more coming for sure, including a 10,000 mile in-depth owner review & discussion of modifications. Thank you once again for your feedback and the subscription! I appreciate you!
Super practical, but it so ruins the looks of that gorgeous bike.
I couldn't do that.
Thank you for your feedback! If you go with the 30L Junior Flash side cases & paint the accent piece in the bike’s color, and the Junior 40L top case, that actually looks excellent on the V7.
But since I multi-week motocamp off of the bike, and I don’t have enough experience to avoid overpacking , I needed the extra space. Hence I sacrifice looks for function.
@@TexMexStrada Don’t get me wrong, i also have side bags even i dislike them, there is just no better way to bring stuff.
But it always hurts the look of the bike.
And that Guzzi is simply gorgeous .