OM. Look at some of his reviews of cars you admire. Cracking. His review of his two friends experience buying two mclarens is compulsive viewing. You think you have had some raw deals with dealers!
The longitudinal (-crank) V-twin is so characterful, yet sensible to have the cylinders in the airstream for cooling, easy valve access, and a straight shot backward for the shaft drive.
Mine isn’t hot at all. You’d think it would cook ya right behind the cylinders but it really doesn’t throw much heat… it’s a pretty mild motor too with probably has a lot to do with it.
I believe I understood the concept behind "character" for things in general, but I didn't really understand it as it applies to motorcycles until my father bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Special last year. My personal bike is a 2022 GSX-S1000 which is a fantastic bike, however when put up against the Guzzi you really feel that difference in, well, "character". The GSX-S1000 is obviously faster, much smoother gearbox, much better handling, more comfortable - the list really goes on. But hopping off the Guzzi, the Suzuki feels almost sterile. Its like a surgeons scalpel. Its so aggressively good at what it does that it feels wrong to just ride it normally. And in many ways, it is essentially a track bike. The Guzzi on the other hand has those quirks that makes it feel more analogue, more "interesting". I think my favorite thing on that bike by far is the sound. When you just go wide open throttle and hear the roar, you really get to enjoy that soundtrack - because you're not going at warp speed within seconds. But I also love the clunky feeling gearbox, the fact that you gotta fight it a little bit. And we obviously can't forget the style and aesthetic of the bike. I think the most important thing the Guzzi taught me is that when I bought my first bike (the suzuki), I put way, way too much emphasis on horsepower. I mean don't get me wrong, I really love the fact that my bike is fast. And I have fun with it every time I ride. But there are other factors that matters a lot, and even 50hp or whatever the V7 special has is plenty to have fun with.
Currently own a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 cc that I have had for 20 years. Once took me 120 miles on one cylinder at highway speed when one spark plug wire crapped out on a Sunday morning with no shops open. At almost 70 years old it has gotten too heavy to maneuver in and out of situations. Purchased a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone at more than 100 pounds less wet weight. Absolutely love it. Will stay with Moto Guzzi for the rest of my riding life. I have owned BMW, Laverda, Ducati, Moto Morini, Triumph, BSA, Zundapp, Indian, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Cagiva and loved them all for different reasons, but the fact that I can physically handle the weight of a bike that will cruise (illegally) at 85-90 mph for as long as I need, looks good, is reliable and affordable and unique, why shop anywhere else?- -Mike Battle
Much prefer the look of the Guzzi V7 850 Special compared to the V7 Stone (agree that speedo is awful) .....but I wish it came with tubeless tyres on its spoked wheels. Tubes may add 'character' but they're a PITA to sort out at the roadside when punctured.
Character is the reason we love our bikes. As a fellow rider said to me last week, we don’t pick our bikes by our brains, but by our hearts. I love my R18 Classic, as I do many boxer bikes. I’m debating trading in a bike I own with plenty of specs, great handling, but no character, the BMW S1000R for either a Moto Guzzi V7 or a Triumph Bobber. I like the looks of the Bobber a bit more than the V7, but built in Italy vs built in Thailand does lean me toward the MotoGuzzi for the honesty. Too bad Triumph doesn’t build more of their bikes in the UK.
I love my 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Special. Every time I ride it makes feel good, like I'm the coolest guy around. I agree that these bikes appeal to a certain type of rider that 'gets it' because these bikes are not about the spec sheet. Riders who like these bikes tend to be that way in all things, they have restored classic cars, or rare guitars, eclectic music collections or a library of books. People who are more into substance than the latest fads. I wish these bikes were more popular and then again I don't.
Love my Guzzi for the same reason. I think of it as an affordable exotic. Has alot more curb appeal than the average bike, and to think I almost bought a boring Triumph 😂
I agree wholeheartedly with your comments on character. Riding a bike for me is a partnership between you and your bike, you're on the ride together. Having a machine that talks to you is essential to have that strong connection with your machine. I ride a Harley Street Bob with slash cut pipes, it sounds awesome, the huge Vtwin feels alive and just sitting on it is a visceral experience. At every moment on a ride this bike is purring, growling, roaring, wuffling. I'm sure many people find character in many different things, but for me the sound my bike makes is the over-riding way it communicates to me.
As a Harley Davidson and Triumph lover, character is very important to me, the looks the feel, being engaged at one with the machine. Couldn't agree more.
The important thing about any bike is that it puts a smile on your face, and my 1978 Triumph Bonneville does that every time. Forget power and sophistication, it's the raw sound and feel that works for me.
You sir are absolutely right. After a year of owning mine, the only thing I genuinely hate is the digital instrument clauster. Not only does it brake the bike's harmony and style, but it being off-centered (but not an assumed off-center, just a crooked and useless off-center) still bugs me. As a beginner rider (my first bike), the clauster being off-centered is also a minus because I count on it to gauge where my front wheel is...but it doesn't help. Just make it analog and centered to respect and compliment the bike's harmony, Moto Guzzi. Then again, they probably know what they're doing and will happily charge you more to make you pick the Special.
Great video. Character is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a motorcycle. You can buy cars or most other things from the spec sheet, a motorcycle has to be sat on, ridden to get to know her. How it sounds, feels, stops but most importantly how it makes YOU feel!
I used to be a Specsheet nerd, but lately each successive bike I've bought, has been getting slower than my previous. It all peaked in 2019 when I had a Yamaha R1. Since then, I started to explore other bikes from brands I've never heard of. I got a Royal Enfield for the first time in 2022, loved it. Then I got a Moto Guzzi MGX this year and I love it more than anything prior!
l bought a Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans years ago, the first variant ....Bright Red...Dirty great dell'orto carbs, great sounding exhaust...looked like it was travelling at 130mph on the centre stand......thats enough character for any biker...
Couldn't agree more, had my heart set on the T120, but when I took a test ride I was left a little deflated, beautiful bike but!!! Now on the Moto Guzzi v7 special I'm just smiling all the time. Everyone to there own.
This is the only middleweight(ish) motorcycle left on the market with shaft drive. For that alone you've got to love Moto Guzzi. The only middleweight air cooled pushrod engine too, there's one more reason.
yes I totally agree, I love Moto Guzzi and it's a Brand that gives you so much value for money especially if you compare it to something like a Triumph Bonneville. I agree the V7 Special is the model to go for as it looks more traditional with spoked wheels and twin clocks. I'm just waiting for the Moto Guzzi marketing / design department to actually realize they could easily produce a modern desirable retro classic by giving the V7 slightly more BHP (80 like the V85TT) and giving the 60 plus generation like me a modern version of the LeMans MK1, who wouldn't buy that?
Recently, I rode the V85TT and a V7 850 back to back. I was very surprised that the V7 felt more lively and overall nicer (to me at least). The V85TT needed more revs. Maybe it was just that particular bike. I have since bought that V7.
I couldn't agree more! It's the reason I bought a T120. I wanted something that looked cool and was more mechanical and metal than electrical and plastic. It's a connection to the past and my bike never fails to talk to me each and every time I ride it.
Yes, there's far more to owning and choosing a bike than just spec sheet statistics. How it makes you feel can mean so much more to some people than others.
This is why I switched from Honda to Yamaha to Ducati to Aprilia to Moto Guzzi to finish it off and probably will always have a Moto Guzzi. Same with cars. Currently have a supercharged BRZ and may get a Lotus Emira or Evora GT in the future if I can pay off my mortgage quickly.
I would argue that character is something that sets the bike apart. In that sense, the modern gauge and headlight is character as well, as most retro bikes have more retro gauges and headlights. Character isn’t about whether you, me, or anyone else likes it. If anything, it’s a good sign that some people dislike it or even that you don’t like everything about it. A bike where I like everything is perfect in a sense (even if it is imperfections I am liking), which can become boring. Perfect imperfection is also a form of perfection.
For most of my life, I've ridden sportbikes or standard parallel twins -- with an occasional Harley. But I test rode one of these and I was hooked after the first half mile. Bought one that very visit. Gone are my days of being first off the line and being able to just slide through the gears with precision, but that's a fine trade in exchange for how it feels and rides. I find that even when coming home from a late night rainy ride to the city for errands that it still puts a smile on my face. And the sound! I have the factor Arrow pipes on mine and the low rumble is amazing. I've described it to friends as as "it feels like how you imagine a motorcycle to feel like when you're a kid."
Character is vital for a motorcycle because you want to be intune with the machine as you ride. One of my biggest complaints with my old Honda CB1000 was it did not have any character. My Moto Guzzi on the other hand is a riot with tonnes of character.
I have a Bonneville T120, but this one would be good to add to the garage. I’m kind of transitioning from my Goldwing to smaller bikes. Thanks for this review.
I wish I lived in the UK.( I’m in western Canada) . I know from visits ,the country side in many places is absolutely stunning..And the winding country roads just add to the enjoyment! I just picked up my new V7 Stone Special today. It’s last year’s model (23) and I have just ridden it home from the dealer. It feels so much different than my Suzuki M50. I feel sort of perched on the bike instead of down low like the Suzuki…but I did enjoy the ride home….love the look and I think I am going to ‘like’ this bike a lot!
My son has this very bike in black. It is such a simple character filled motorcycle. Simply fun to ride. I have a 1981 Yamaha SR500. Certainly a bike of character. And a 1998 Harley Road King. None of these are the fastest rides but all of them go as fast as I care to ride. Not sure when the standard of measure of a motorcycle became shear power and speed. I would much rather enjoy the ride in a relaxed casual manner. The Moto Guzzi V7 does just that.
I have to agree on character being important. A few years ago I bought a Suzuki bandit 1200. It was fast, smooth, comfortable, practical, handled great, 2up comfort was good, but after one season I wanted something more fun.
Several years ago I purchased a new motorcycle. Guzi's were on my list. I started one up at a dealership and it rocked to the right like that so I got off and wound up purchasing a new Goldwing. One of the best decisions I ever made.
I'm considering a middleweight modern classic in the £7,000 to £9,000 new bracket and the leading contenders are the Royal Enfield Interceptor, the Triumph Speed Twin 900, and the Moto Guzzi V7 Special. The V7 Special is currently in the no.1 spot for a very particular reason: all the other bikes in that bracket, whether modern classic or street/naked except for the Kawasaki Z650 rs, have contracted blacked-out disease. That is to say, the manufacturers have all decided that the way to facelift a bike to make it look "new" is to let some maniac loose on it with a rattle can full of matte black paint. Call me old fashioned but I detest it (and I hate digital instruments too.) Sorry fashionistas but I refuse to ride an eyesore; ugly is not the new beautiful.
Glad you're still on the V7.That clock. You could do what I did and get a flyscreen and beeline to balance it up visually. Then switch to the Special. I see what MG are aiming to do with the Stone and in many ways it's successful. Frustrating that something so stunning falls down on a detail. Yes it is a little horse and I love mine.
I own a V7 850 Special and absolutely adore it, I've owned many bikes and makes over the 30+ years Ive been riding and every ride on the V7 is special and so memorable. Its also a lovely bike to look at in the garage, the engine is beautiful I love mine :) Pete
It's a good gauge in my opinion, I've had a V7 850 Stone for around 18 months now and get on well with it. It gives more information than the clocks on the Special and it's very clear. I don't see my bike as a retro machine, just a basic and fun motorcycle so having digital gauges isn't a concern for me. I don't particularly like the way it makes the front of the bike look but I have fitted a Dart Piranha fly screen which has made all the difference.
Yes well explained. I am finding a lot of motorcycle reviews don’t know how to explain these things so they skip over them. And that MG V7 is a great example.
On paper a Himalayan for someone who never rides off road (it's not legal in Scotland) but does big Euro tours shouldn't work with only 24bhp but I love it and 20k miles in 20 months including trips to the south of France and Norway and Sweden says it's the character I've fallen for.
I agree with you completely about character. I’ve owned a BMW R1200S for almost 12 years. It can be argumentative (you didn’t take the best line through that bend, so I’m running a bit wide), a bit uncomfortable for long tour days, and she grumbles a bit in hot weather. For seven of those years, I also owned a Triumph Tiger 800; a sweet handling, comfortable and utterly reliable, go anywhere anytime steed. But last year, when I decided I couldn’t justify owning 2 bikes (not enough time to ride them both), it was the Tiger 800 I decided to sell. The R1200S just has so much character and grunt and good looks, I couldn’t part with her.
For me, character is essential in a motorcycle, that is why I have a Moto Guzzi California. I've had many bikes in the past, some had character that derived from what they could do, some from how they felt. Some had none at all and didn't get to stick around. One of the more interesting was the Honda Valkyrie (F6C to European types). Mechanically it had no feel, just smooth and effortless, but what it could do was intoxicating. The relentless power in any gear at any speed always elicited a huge grin. The epitome of the iron fist in a velvet glove and the best custom ever. When it comes to character from how it felt: I rank my Harley Electra Glide ahead of my BMW R100GS which beats out the California. Three bikes with an enormous mechanical presence, kind of like a living, breathing, animal. Never intrusive, always reassuring. Riding bikes like this always makes me feel at peace, like all is well in my world. Those who don't feel it cannot be made to understand it, and those who do feel it need no explanation.
I bought a 2006 Suzuki SV1000S. It's a typical sportbike in many ways, and didn't seem to have much character - until I swapped out the exhaust for some Yosh pipes. Jekyll and Hyde, it really came alive. It would go fast, but I didn't need to go fast to enjoy the cannon fire from that 90 degree V-Twin, feeling that big heartbeat through the seat of my pants. I can't imagine myself keeping the stock exhaust on this Guzzi for very long.
I ride a 2003 MG California Special Sport and love the character. Most bikes I have owned were airhead Beemers and I have enjoyed each one. Lots of character.
That's a lovely bike! I have done 4 test rides with both the stone and special, and I find the special better. If they only could put an LED-Headlamp on it.... I believe I will go for the Corsa!
Yes, I agree. And it is the different characteristics of various engine configurations which are an important constituent of character. The now near-universal adoption of the 270-degree crank phasing in modern twins has taken away the traditional purr of a parallel twin (360) and made them lumpy-sounding like a V-twin. People say it's character and I suppose it is, but we've lost one of the distinctive sounds of motorcycling. Unless, that is, you ride an old classic twin. Strangely, I find the much-maligned 'UJM' - the in-line 4, to be a characterful engine in an older machine from the 1970s or 80s.
After several perfectly-good Suzukis, I've got a BMW R1100RS with that characterful sideways kick, and I dunno how I could drive a motorcycle without that! What stunning roads you're riding here-- what is that?
The V7 is really a cool bike. I've had a 350 and a 750 small block Guzzi. There's something special about them. I hope I will have another one some day.
Loved my V7 850 stone, yes the clock is ugly, but it's easy to read and the trade off is tubeless tyres.... Lovely engine... whistles a bit like a triumph triple 🤔
Spot on, I had a BMW K75 and the bike was so smooth it was boring ! No character and nothing wrong with it just like riding an air conditioner..... Sold it...
I owned a Guzzi Monza many years ago, and in many respects it was the best bike I've owned. It was also the most frustrating. The electrics were awful, I always had to have a bag of fuses to hand, I was never confident it would start when I pressed the button, and every week I had to go round it with a spanner tightening up the bolts that had worked themselves loose with the vibration. I never did sort out one of the rear indicators that always managed to point skyward, but I put up with that bike for longer than any other I have owned. It's the only non Japanese bike I've had, and there is a part of me that would love to own a Guzzi again because that engine configuration is a unique experience, but MCN had one on a long term test a few years ago, and the problems the rider had with bolts undoing themselves put a doubt in my mind with regard to owning one again. I think the V7 Special is a stunning looking bike, and I've often thought about buying one, but the fact my nearest dealer is 50 miles away and that MCN long term test has has put me off. I'm sure it's a great bike to ride, but it's not for me.
Character is something that has always been what makes me "sigh" for that particular model/motorbike. I agree that even with the last years revivalist movement, the design departments are naturally being fullfild with young folks, with tech and Euro Compliances books in their shelves, as well as "cutting costs" instructions to follow. The future is uncertain for character and for those who can't live without it. I guess that "don't buy new bikes, fix the old ones" is good starting point 😊
For the clowns that haven't got a clue about "character". I've been building motorcycles and cars since the late 70's, I persist with these older vehicles to this day due to their character, character gives them a "soul" , or personality, something sadly lacking in todays sterile environment.... Great Video mate....
Character is becoming more important to me as I age. Of course motor bikes in general have been losing this in recent years. My brother sent me a cold start up on his air cooled Ducati and all I could say is wow! That was oozing character as it slowly woke up from a slumber and finally settled in to a lovely lop.
A Japanese bike that has some character is the Honda CL500, a wannabe scrambler that evolved from a cruiser and features a single high rise exhaust system with a large sculptured silver muffler. It can be described as quirky, it certainly divides opinion, love it or hate it.
I totally agree with you on every point Ol’ man. Character is so much more worth than numbers and specs imo. The V7 is a dreambike, but the plastic clock is a ’thing’…. I prefer the Special as well due the character and looks. Stunning looking bike indeed👌
I think the Moto Guzzi V7 Special is the best looking retro bike on the market. Very reliable as well. So much character ! I would agree with you on the BMW R-18. I love my FatBoy but feel the R-18 is the best looking cruiser on the market.
The guzzi is a different type off bike I have bought a v7 stone se the black one with arrow exhaust done 900 miles on it before the weather fit us and now it's covered up in the garage until next march hope to have many smiles on my 72 year old face next year
I submit that generally speaking, a motorcycle is not a rational purchase. They aren’t inherently as safe as a car, you can’t carry a sheet of plywood, you are constantly exposed to the elements, they demand a lot more skill, attention and physical involvement than a car. We buy motorcycles because they bring us joy. From that perspective, the joy they give us comes in a thousand flavours, and the only “bad” motorcycle is the one you don’t enjoy. My current bike is an SV1000S - I love the engine for its sound and power, the bike is great fun through twisty roads (which in southern Ontario is a rare thing), and absolute torture for the 95% of the riding I do. We tend to over-emphasize power-to-weight, but to put it in perspective, the V7 creates only a few less horsepower than my old CB750F and weighs quite a bit less. That bike had “enough” power for me and I loved that bike. I’m all in for the Moto Guzzi for its pedigree, rideability and character!
I totally agree about character. I would go for the V7 Special with the twin clocks. It's an awesome bike. Having said that, my current steed is a Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello with a totally digital display. Thankfully Guzzi haven't engineered the character out of their new water-cooled engine, although it is definitely moderated compared to the air-cooled ones.
You nailed it. Riding my Guzzi (a V7 III) feels liking being on a living creature. I bought mine because it reminds me my father's old BMW R25 that I had the chance to ride on small vineyards paths when I was a teenager (without permit of course ;-). Only thing I'm missing is the kick start though.
I’m with you 100% regarding character, feeling, whatever you want to call it. I’ve had a few vehicles in my life that have given me that. A 1974 VW Westfalia, a mini clubman, which I’ve just realised both of them were orange! An Alfa Romeo 156 and the piece de resistance, my 2016 Triumph T120. These vehicles just give you that something, the unexplainable. I’m battling between needs and wants right now as I need a bike that will travel the length of the country,(Edinburgh to Swansea)carry luggage, provide protection from weather, be comfortable, but give me that feeling. Any help welcome!
Agree with you 100%. Many appreciate the science/specs while others look for the art/character as well as the specs. I try to have a somewhat balance of the two, albeit character holds a little more weight for me. Excellent content and channel, appreciate all you do! Happy holidays from New Hampshire (US)
I totally agree, which is why I ride cruisers, which tend to be more characterful. The R18 is an incredible bike. For cars with character, it would have to be either an e-type Jag or a 1961 Facel Vega.
I have 18500km on mine now and agree with your comments. I thought I would get used to the "instrument/s" but nah not really. Gearbox does get smoother and quieter with more KMs and the engine frees up dramatically as you would expect. Only thing I've done is put some mistrals on it so that it sounds like it should. Interestingly fuel consumption improved. So all this quiet "green" stuff makes us burn more gas? How's that a win? It's a forgiving easy bike to ride. Most of my rides are 160 to 400km and it handles that fine. If I could find some gauges off a special I would be even happier
I agree absolutely you want to remember the ride. I own a 06 H D Sportster 883 and a 03 BMW R1150RT I love them to bits. Thank you a wonderful video. 😊
I’ve the older V7 (i) Classic and it may well have even more “character” and I love it, it’s very rewarding to ride. I would hate to commute on it though. Would I trade it in? Yeah, but only for a newer V7 Special!
Character is a good name for it though I like to think of it as the soul of the bike. I love my R18 yes it is not for everyone it is not a cookie cutter bike and the soul of it is that people notice it and how you look on it. The way it acts like a tank when you let it crawl in first gear. The way it sounds vs a Harly the solid build of that machine.
In stock form pretty blah but once you put some "personal" touches on there, it starts to show some of that said character, took me a while to warm up to it but now its part of the family!
I will go out on a limb and defend the display. It's unusual, off center, and seemingly out of place, but all of that fits with the spirit of the bike and MG as a brand if you think about it. A lot of Harley or Royal Enfield guys would say that the V7 engine is in sideways. Relatively speaking, is it not? Maybe it's all just a matter of perspective.
Actually the Guzzi engine is fitted correctly and Harleys are the wrong way. With a Guzzi both cylinders get maximum cooling while Harley owners in Germany always complained about heat issues with the rear cylinder. That was back in the '80s so may be H-D fixed it somehow.
If you buy a bike based off the spec sheet the manufacturers press release the following year will say how to NEW model is 130% improved over the previous model. Now you’re not feeling so chuffed with yourself. I went with a Guzzi V85TT over a GS & KTM Adv and feel it will age well. And I do get people at bike shops check it out as they are a needle in a haystack here in Ontario which is always nice.
BTW I kind of like that clock but you could relocate it centered most likely. If it were a Harley you could, they are the most modified and customized and personalized of any motorcycle in history, I'm sure of it.
Its a lovely bike, we had someone joining us with one at Powers The Pot rally this year (Royal Enfielders Ireland), the bike journalist John Wilson. he wrote a nice article in the December issue of The Classic Motorcycle of that experience. Now granted that the gentlemen is in his 80's, we did make him work keeping up with the Royal Enfield Classic 500's at times, especially on the country roads twisting through the mountains (and yes, maybe some of us were trying to show off 😊) Nevertheless, due to our 2nd man system, you always get to drive behind someone in the group and see how the bike is being handle on the road. The Guzzi seemed well able to tag along on the goat paths that Classic 500 riders dare to call roads 😂 The bike does hit that goldi locks zone on not being too big, but enough oomph to be a good allrounder for a bimble around the mountains and country side whilst not coming short to making miles on the motorway. It's looks are maybe something not suited for everybody, but it does have it's own personality. I personally like it to feel you are dealing with a combustion engine, the way the bike moves and feels when you give it a blip. I think it all comes down to why you love to ride and where you love to ride - the Guzzi V7 does seem to be able to tick a lot of the boxes.
I think you are absolutely right, And it's something you get with age, and riding motorcycles for years, I've been riding motorcycles for 50 years now, owned alsorts of bikes, I currently have an Interceptor 650 and Hunter 350, For me both of them have real character, I'm not bothered so much about power anymore, Mainly practicality and looks, And the Royal Enfields fit the bill, But I do like bike's like the Moto Guzzi, Great video's, Cheers Paul Foster 👍
Character does alot for a bike. The ultimate dyna bro cruiser was made years ago by victory\polaris\indian it was high power, looked good, and ran like a top. The victory octane. Everybody pretty much hated it, and it got cancelled after 2 years in production. Now Indian has done it again, with the sport chief, and of course most people don't like it. What they both lacked? Character. Having said that, the only 3 bikes id take over a new sport chief, is an fxe or a 2014 Dyna Superglide, or of course a FXRT.
I would make the comparison of an air cooled 911 vs the modern water cooled version. The modern design is technically better in every way and yet, people still seek out the older versions. I personally have come to appreciate the value of having to work for my rewards, for some reason the fun seems to be related to effort I put into it. There are certainly times where I prefer effortless power, smoothness, and comfort, long arduous journeys on superhighways, when I need to make time and rider fatigue is a concern. However for me, admittedly an older guy, I much prefer the easier pace of the bikes with character, they are simply more memorable. Guess I am trying to slow down a bit from this ever accelerating word we live in. Great video, thanks for the fun content!
Character is what I love at my old lady BMW GS1150 and hence I'll never give it away. And I'm thinking about getting a V7 as a 2nd bike or maybe the RE classic 350
A chain drive motorcycle will have gone through at least 10 chains and 2 sprocket sets in 100,000 miles. That is close to $1000- in parts alone. Moto Guzzi recommends replacing the $80- +- drive shaft at that interval. Oh yeah, it takes about the same time to change the driveshaft as it does for a single chain sproket replacement. Just saying.
I've ridden the V7 Stone, enjoyed it very much and liked it because it was different to most other bikes. I do have a bit of a problem with this word 'character'. TH-cam journalists use the lack of character term as way to show their dislike of perfectly good bikes. Bikes that do their job well. bikes that are smooth. Bikes that are quick but perhaps not as quick as the exotic machine they last rode that cost twice as much. Bikes that reliably get on with the job the owner wants. Who defines what character is? You could argue all old bikes have character (that V7 motor is out the ark) and most new bikes don't.
I feel the same way about cars - I can lose my licence in a 1.6L Focus so if I have anything more than that it needs to be filled with "character"
Yeah we totally get that 👍🏼
JayEmm ~ I didn't expect to run across you here! Nice to see an old friend looking at cool bikes.
Perhaps you two could combine for a vid….classy.
OM. Look at some of his reviews of cars you admire. Cracking. His review of his two friends experience buying two mclarens is compulsive viewing. You think you have had some raw deals with dealers!
@@andrewmitchell2313 definitely in the works 😁😉
The longitudinal (-crank) V-twin is so characterful, yet sensible to have the cylinders in the airstream for cooling, easy valve access, and a straight shot backward for the shaft drive.
Mine isn’t hot at all. You’d think it would cook ya right behind the cylinders but it really doesn’t throw much heat… it’s a pretty mild motor too with probably has a lot to do with it.
Geez, I wish I had a dollar for every time he said 'character'. What a character. 😂
I believe I understood the concept behind "character" for things in general, but I didn't really understand it as it applies to motorcycles until my father bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Special last year. My personal bike is a 2022 GSX-S1000 which is a fantastic bike, however when put up against the Guzzi you really feel that difference in, well, "character". The GSX-S1000 is obviously faster, much smoother gearbox, much better handling, more comfortable - the list really goes on. But hopping off the Guzzi, the Suzuki feels almost sterile. Its like a surgeons scalpel. Its so aggressively good at what it does that it feels wrong to just ride it normally. And in many ways, it is essentially a track bike.
The Guzzi on the other hand has those quirks that makes it feel more analogue, more "interesting". I think my favorite thing on that bike by far is the sound. When you just go wide open throttle and hear the roar, you really get to enjoy that soundtrack - because you're not going at warp speed within seconds. But I also love the clunky feeling gearbox, the fact that you gotta fight it a little bit. And we obviously can't forget the style and aesthetic of the bike. I think the most important thing the Guzzi taught me is that when I bought my first bike (the suzuki), I put way, way too much emphasis on horsepower. I mean don't get me wrong, I really love the fact that my bike is fast. And I have fun with it every time I ride. But there are other factors that matters a lot, and even 50hp or whatever the V7 special has is plenty to have fun with.
Currently own a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 cc that I have had for 20 years. Once took me 120 miles on one cylinder at highway speed when one spark plug wire crapped out on a Sunday morning with no shops open. At almost 70 years old it has gotten too heavy to maneuver in and out of situations. Purchased a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone at more than 100 pounds less wet weight. Absolutely love it. Will stay with Moto Guzzi for the rest of my riding life. I have owned BMW, Laverda, Ducati, Moto Morini, Triumph, BSA, Zundapp, Indian, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Cagiva and loved them all for different reasons, but the fact that I can physically handle the weight of a bike that will cruise (illegally) at 85-90 mph for as long as I need, looks good, is reliable and affordable and unique, why shop anywhere else?- -Mike Battle
Much prefer the look of the Guzzi V7 850 Special compared to the V7 Stone (agree that speedo is awful) .....but I wish it came with tubeless tyres on its spoked wheels. Tubes may add 'character' but they're a PITA to sort out at the roadside when punctured.
Character is the reason we love our bikes. As a fellow rider said to me last week, we don’t pick our bikes by our brains, but by our hearts. I love my R18 Classic, as I do many boxer bikes. I’m debating trading in a bike I own with plenty of specs, great handling, but no character, the BMW S1000R for either a Moto Guzzi V7 or a Triumph Bobber. I like the looks of the Bobber a bit more than the V7, but built in Italy vs built in Thailand does lean me toward the MotoGuzzi for the honesty. Too bad Triumph doesn’t build more of their bikes in the UK.
I love my 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Special. Every time I ride it makes feel good, like I'm the coolest guy around. I agree that these bikes appeal to a certain type of rider that 'gets it' because these bikes are not about the spec sheet. Riders who like these bikes tend to be that way in all things, they have restored classic cars, or rare guitars, eclectic music collections or a library of books. People who are more into substance than the latest fads. I wish these bikes were more popular and then again I don't.
💯
Love my Guzzi for the same reason. I think of it as an affordable exotic. Has alot more curb appeal than the average bike, and to think I almost bought a boring Triumph 😂
I agree wholeheartedly with your comments on character. Riding a bike for me is a partnership between you and your bike, you're on the ride together. Having a machine that talks to you is essential to have that strong connection with your machine. I ride a Harley Street Bob with slash cut pipes, it sounds awesome, the huge Vtwin feels alive and just sitting on it is a visceral experience. At every moment on a ride this bike is purring, growling, roaring, wuffling. I'm sure many people find character in many different things, but for me the sound my bike makes is the over-riding way it communicates to me.
As a Harley Davidson and Triumph lover, character is very important to me, the looks the feel, being engaged at one with the machine. Couldn't agree more.
The important thing about any bike is that it puts a smile on your face, and my 1978 Triumph Bonneville does that every time. Forget power and sophistication, it's the raw sound and feel that works for me.
You sir are absolutely right. After a year of owning mine, the only thing I genuinely hate is the digital instrument clauster. Not only does it brake the bike's harmony and style, but it being off-centered (but not an assumed off-center, just a crooked and useless off-center) still bugs me. As a beginner rider (my first bike), the clauster being off-centered is also a minus because I count on it to gauge where my front wheel is...but it doesn't help.
Just make it analog and centered to respect and compliment the bike's harmony, Moto Guzzi. Then again, they probably know what they're doing and will happily charge you more to make you pick the Special.
Great video. Character is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a motorcycle. You can buy cars or most other things from the spec sheet, a motorcycle has to be sat on, ridden to get to know her. How it sounds, feels, stops but most importantly how it makes YOU feel!
You're making me wish the winter away so I can get back out on my V7.
Perfectly imperfect, and the ideal bike for me 😁
Yeah my wife ran away with my best friend and I really miss him.
I took a character every time you said drink. Now I’m totally charactered.
@@richardweeds9566 awesome 👍🏼
I used to be a Specsheet nerd, but lately each successive bike I've bought, has been getting slower than my previous. It all peaked in 2019 when I had a Yamaha R1. Since then, I started to explore other bikes from brands I've never heard of. I got a Royal Enfield for the first time in 2022, loved it. Then I got a Moto Guzzi MGX this year and I love it more than anything prior!
Same. I bought a V7 then a Himalayan and I want a Classic 350. Lol
l bought a Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans years ago, the first variant ....Bright Red...Dirty great dell'orto carbs, great sounding exhaust...looked like it was travelling at 130mph on the centre stand......thats enough character for any biker...
Couldn't agree more, had my heart set on the T120, but when I took a test ride I was left a little deflated, beautiful bike but!!!
Now on the Moto Guzzi v7 special I'm just smiling all the time.
Everyone to there own.
This is the only middleweight(ish) motorcycle left on the market with shaft drive. For that alone you've got to love Moto Guzzi. The only middleweight air cooled pushrod engine too, there's one more reason.
💯👍🏼
yes I totally agree, I love Moto Guzzi and it's a Brand that gives you so much value for money especially if you compare it to something like a Triumph Bonneville. I agree the V7 Special is the model to go for as it looks more traditional with spoked wheels and twin clocks. I'm just waiting for the Moto Guzzi marketing / design department to actually realize they could easily produce a modern desirable retro classic by giving the V7 slightly more BHP (80 like the V85TT) and giving the 60 plus generation like me a modern version of the LeMans MK1, who wouldn't buy that?
Recently, I rode the V85TT and a V7 850 back to back. I was very surprised that the V7 felt more lively and overall nicer (to me at least). The V85TT needed more revs. Maybe it was just that particular bike. I have since bought that V7.
I couldn't agree more! It's the reason I bought a T120. I wanted something that looked cool and was more mechanical and metal than electrical and plastic. It's a connection to the past and my bike never fails to talk to me each and every time I ride it.
T120 is quite a lot more money. Here in the states a V7 stone can be had for $8,000 while a T120 will set you back $13,000.
Yes, there's far more to owning and choosing a bike than just spec sheet statistics. How it makes you feel can mean so much more to some people than others.
This is why I switched from Honda to Yamaha to Ducati to Aprilia to Moto Guzzi to finish it off and probably will always have a Moto Guzzi. Same with cars. Currently have a supercharged BRZ and may get a Lotus Emira or Evora GT in the future if I can pay off my mortgage quickly.
I bought one, and I feel like a character!
I would argue that character is something that sets the bike apart. In that sense, the modern gauge and headlight is character as well, as most retro bikes have more retro gauges and headlights.
Character isn’t about whether you, me, or anyone else likes it. If anything, it’s a good sign that some people dislike it or even that you don’t like everything about it. A bike where I like everything is perfect in a sense (even if it is imperfections I am liking), which can become boring. Perfect imperfection is also a form of perfection.
For most of my life, I've ridden sportbikes or standard parallel twins -- with an occasional Harley. But I test rode one of these and I was hooked after the first half mile. Bought one that very visit. Gone are my days of being first off the line and being able to just slide through the gears with precision, but that's a fine trade in exchange for how it feels and rides. I find that even when coming home from a late night rainy ride to the city for errands that it still puts a smile on my face. And the sound! I have the factor Arrow pipes on mine and the low rumble is amazing. I've described it to friends as as "it feels like how you imagine a motorcycle to feel like when you're a kid."
Character is vital for a motorcycle because you want to be intune with the machine as you ride. One of my biggest complaints with my old Honda CB1000 was it did not have any character. My Moto Guzzi on the other hand is a riot with tonnes of character.
I have a Bonneville T120, but this one would be good to add to the garage. I’m kind of transitioning from my Goldwing to smaller bikes. Thanks for this review.
I wish I lived in the UK.( I’m in western Canada) . I know from visits ,the country side in many places is absolutely stunning..And the winding country roads just add to the enjoyment! I just picked up my new V7 Stone Special today. It’s last year’s model (23) and I have just ridden it home from the dealer. It feels so much different than my Suzuki M50. I feel sort of perched on the bike instead of down low like the Suzuki…but I did enjoy the ride home….love the look and I think I am going to ‘like’ this bike a lot!
Awesome enjoy your Guzzi 👍🏼
My son has this very bike in black. It is such a simple character filled motorcycle. Simply fun to ride. I have a 1981 Yamaha SR500. Certainly a bike of character. And a 1998 Harley Road King. None of these are the fastest rides but all of them go as fast as I care to ride. Not sure when the standard of measure of a motorcycle became shear power and speed. I would much rather enjoy the ride in a relaxed casual manner. The Moto Guzzi V7 does just that.
I have to agree on character being important. A few years ago I bought a Suzuki bandit 1200. It was fast, smooth, comfortable, practical, handled great, 2up comfort was good, but after one season I wanted something more fun.
Several years ago I purchased a new motorcycle. Guzi's were on my list. I started one up at a dealership and it rocked to the right like that so I got off and wound up purchasing a new Goldwing. One of the best decisions I ever made.
I'm considering a middleweight modern classic in the £7,000 to £9,000 new bracket and the leading contenders are the Royal Enfield Interceptor, the Triumph Speed Twin 900, and the Moto Guzzi V7 Special. The V7 Special is currently in the no.1 spot for a very particular reason: all the other bikes in that bracket, whether modern classic or street/naked except for the Kawasaki Z650 rs, have contracted blacked-out disease. That is to say, the manufacturers have all decided that the way to facelift a bike to make it look "new" is to let some maniac loose on it with a rattle can full of matte black paint. Call me old fashioned but I detest it (and I hate digital instruments too.) Sorry fashionistas but I refuse to ride an eyesore; ugly is not the new beautiful.
Couldn’t agree more about character. Be it looks, the way it handles, the way it sounds it is all part of why we love bikes👍
Glad you're still on the V7.That clock. You could do what I did and get a flyscreen and beeline to balance it up visually. Then switch to the Special. I see what MG are aiming to do with the Stone and in many ways it's successful. Frustrating that something so stunning falls down on a detail. Yes it is a little horse and I love mine.
I own a V7 850 Special and absolutely adore it, I've owned many bikes and makes over the 30+ years Ive been riding and every ride on the V7 is special and so memorable. Its also a lovely bike to look at in the garage, the engine is beautiful I love mine :) Pete
It's a good gauge in my opinion, I've had a V7 850 Stone for around 18 months now and get on well with it. It gives more information than the clocks on the Special and it's very clear. I don't see my bike as a retro machine, just a basic and fun motorcycle so having digital gauges isn't a concern for me. I don't particularly like the way it makes the front of the bike look but I have fitted a Dart Piranha fly screen which has made all the difference.
I dare you using this video for a drinking game. Each time he says 'character'.... 😅
I shouldn't have fallen for this...now I'm out of single malt :(
Yes well explained. I am finding a lot of motorcycle reviews don’t know how to explain these things so they skip over them. And that MG V7 is a great example.
Every motorcycle has character, it all depends on whether that character suits you. It's like dog breeds, different ones fit different people.
On paper a Himalayan for someone who never rides off road (it's not legal in Scotland) but does big Euro tours shouldn't work with only 24bhp but I love it and 20k miles in 20 months including trips to the south of France and Norway and Sweden says it's the character I've fallen for.
I agree with you completely about character. I’ve owned a BMW R1200S for almost 12 years. It can be argumentative (you didn’t take the best line through that bend, so I’m running a bit wide), a bit uncomfortable for long tour days, and she grumbles a bit in hot weather. For seven of those years, I also owned a Triumph Tiger 800; a sweet handling, comfortable and utterly reliable, go anywhere anytime steed. But last year, when I decided I couldn’t justify owning 2 bikes (not enough time to ride them both), it was the Tiger 800 I decided to sell. The R1200S just has so much character and grunt and good looks, I couldn’t part with her.
For me, character is essential in a motorcycle, that is why I have a Moto Guzzi California. I've had many bikes in the past, some had character that derived from what they could do, some from how they felt. Some had none at all and didn't get to stick around. One of the more interesting was the Honda Valkyrie (F6C to European types). Mechanically it had no feel, just smooth and effortless, but what it could do was intoxicating. The relentless power in any gear at any speed always elicited a huge grin. The epitome of the iron fist in a velvet glove and the best custom ever. When it comes to character from how it felt: I rank my Harley Electra Glide ahead of my BMW R100GS which beats out the California. Three bikes with an enormous mechanical presence, kind of like a living, breathing, animal. Never intrusive, always reassuring. Riding bikes like this always makes me feel at peace, like all is well in my world. Those who don't feel it cannot be made to understand it, and those who do feel it need no explanation.
I bought a 2006 Suzuki SV1000S. It's a typical sportbike in many ways, and didn't seem to have much character - until I swapped out the exhaust for some Yosh pipes. Jekyll and Hyde, it really came alive. It would go fast, but I didn't need to go fast to enjoy the cannon fire from that 90 degree V-Twin, feeling that big heartbeat through the seat of my pants. I can't imagine myself keeping the stock exhaust on this Guzzi for very long.
What an awesome bike with so much character. Awesome video 👍🏼
I ride a 2003 MG California Special Sport and love the character. Most bikes I have owned were airhead Beemers and I have enjoyed each one. Lots of character.
Im hearing word character for sometime now in motorcycles. I get it now completely. Thank you.. amazing review as usual
That's a lovely bike! I have done 4 test rides with both the stone and special, and I find the special better. If they only could put an LED-Headlamp on it.... I believe I will go for the Corsa!
Yes, I agree. And it is the different characteristics of various engine configurations which are an important constituent of character. The now near-universal adoption of the 270-degree crank phasing in modern twins has taken away the traditional purr of a parallel twin (360) and made them lumpy-sounding like a V-twin. People say it's character and I suppose it is, but we've lost one of the distinctive sounds of motorcycling. Unless, that is, you ride an old classic twin. Strangely, I find the much-maligned 'UJM' - the in-line 4, to be a characterful engine in an older machine from the 1970s or 80s.
After several perfectly-good Suzukis, I've got a BMW R1100RS with that characterful sideways kick, and I dunno how I could drive a motorcycle without that!
What stunning roads you're riding here-- what is that?
We are in Wales 🏴
Great bike, I have a 750 Special, it is one I don't think I will ever be able to part with.
The V7 is really a cool bike. I've had a 350 and a 750 small block Guzzi. There's something special about them. I hope I will have another one some day.
Loved my V7 850 stone, yes the clock is ugly, but it's easy to read and the trade off is tubeless tyres....
Lovely engine... whistles a bit like a triumph triple 🤔
Thanks for your explanation. I recently bought the v7 850...Iove it too. It has less of those "racers", but a lot of "feeling good" while cruising!!!
Spot on, I had a BMW K75 and the bike was so smooth it was boring ! No character and nothing wrong with it just like riding an air conditioner..... Sold it...
These V7's with an Agostini exhaust (with and without the dB killer) sound amazing.
Even with db killer.
I owned a Guzzi Monza many years ago, and in many respects it was the best bike I've owned. It was also the most frustrating. The electrics were awful, I always had to have a bag of fuses to hand, I was never confident it would start when I pressed the button, and every week I had to go round it with a spanner tightening up the bolts that had worked themselves loose with the vibration. I never did sort out one of the rear indicators that always managed to point skyward, but I put up with that bike for longer than any other I have owned.
It's the only non Japanese bike I've had, and there is a part of me that would love to own a Guzzi again because that engine configuration is a unique experience, but MCN had one on a long term test a few years ago, and the problems the rider had with bolts undoing themselves put a doubt in my mind with regard to owning one again. I think the V7 Special is a stunning looking bike, and I've often thought about buying one, but the fact my nearest dealer is 50 miles away and that MCN long term test has has put me off. I'm sure it's a great bike to ride, but it's not for me.
MG always had character and will be a great bike in the future as when they all go electric these will be a gem ❤ Cheers from Oz🇦🇺
Character is something that has always been what makes me "sigh" for that particular model/motorbike.
I agree that even with the last years revivalist movement, the design departments are naturally being fullfild with young folks, with tech and Euro Compliances books in their shelves, as well as "cutting costs" instructions to follow.
The future is uncertain for character and for those who can't live without it.
I guess that "don't buy new bikes, fix the old ones" is good starting point 😊
For the clowns that haven't got a clue about "character". I've been building motorcycles and cars since the late 70's, I persist with these older vehicles to this day due to their character, character gives them a "soul" , or personality, something sadly lacking in todays sterile environment.... Great Video mate....
my 2010 z1000 is loaded with character. Also, great video as always boys
Agree about the clocks. Guzzis always used to have lovely, Veglia items.
All the curves and noises are what make riding so much fun . Some bikes just set there, you can’t tell if it’s on .
Character is becoming more important to me as I age. Of course motor bikes in general have been losing this in recent years. My brother sent me a cold start up on his air cooled Ducati and all I could say is wow! That was oozing character as it slowly woke up from a slumber and finally settled in to a lovely lop.
A Japanese bike that has some character is the Honda CL500, a wannabe scrambler that evolved from a cruiser and features a single high rise exhaust system with a large sculptured silver muffler. It can be described as quirky, it certainly divides opinion, love it or hate it.
I totally agree with you on every point Ol’ man. Character is so much more worth than numbers and specs imo. The V7 is a dreambike, but the plastic clock is a ’thing’…. I prefer the Special as well due the character and looks. Stunning looking bike indeed👌
I think the Moto Guzzi V7 Special is the best looking retro bike on the market. Very reliable as well. So much character ! I would agree with you on the BMW R-18. I love my FatBoy but feel the R-18 is the best looking cruiser on the market.
The guzzi is a different type off bike I have bought a v7 stone se the black one with arrow exhaust done 900 miles on it before the weather fit us and now it's covered up in the garage until next march hope to have many smiles on my 72 year old face next year
I submit that generally speaking, a motorcycle is not a rational purchase. They aren’t inherently as safe as a car, you can’t carry a sheet of plywood, you are constantly exposed to the elements, they demand a lot more skill, attention and physical involvement than a car. We buy motorcycles because they bring us joy. From that perspective, the joy they give us comes in a thousand flavours, and the only “bad” motorcycle is the one you don’t enjoy. My current bike is an SV1000S - I love the engine for its sound and power, the bike is great fun through twisty roads (which in southern Ontario is a rare thing), and absolute torture for the 95% of the riding I do. We tend to over-emphasize power-to-weight, but to put it in perspective, the V7 creates only a few less horsepower than my old CB750F and weighs quite a bit less. That bike had “enough” power for me and I loved that bike. I’m all in for the Moto Guzzi for its pedigree, rideability and character!
I totally agree about character. I would go for the V7 Special with the twin clocks. It's an awesome bike. Having said that, my current steed is a Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello with a totally digital display. Thankfully Guzzi haven't engineered the character out of their new water-cooled engine, although it is definitely moderated compared to the air-cooled ones.
You nailed it. Riding my Guzzi (a V7 III) feels liking being on a living creature. I bought mine because it reminds me my father's old BMW R25 that I had the chance to ride on small vineyards paths when I was a teenager (without permit of course ;-). Only thing I'm missing is the kick start though.
I’m with you 100% regarding character, feeling, whatever you want to call it. I’ve had a few vehicles in my life that have given me that. A 1974 VW Westfalia, a mini clubman, which I’ve just realised both of them were orange! An Alfa Romeo 156 and the piece de resistance, my 2016 Triumph T120. These vehicles just give you that something, the unexplainable. I’m battling between needs and wants right now as I need a bike that will travel the length of the country,(Edinburgh to Swansea)carry luggage, provide protection from weather, be comfortable, but give me that feeling. Any help welcome!
Agree with you 100%. Many appreciate the science/specs while others look for the art/character as well as the specs. I try to have a somewhat balance of the two, albeit character holds a little more weight for me. Excellent content and channel, appreciate all you do! Happy holidays from New Hampshire (US)
I'm willing to pay the difference for the Classic version for those analogue gauges, chrome pipes, and spoke wheels.
My last 4 bikes all
Guzzis… currently on v7 850 special and v85 tt travel. I don’t even want to test ride any other bike.
I totally agree, which is why I ride cruisers, which tend to be more characterful. The R18 is an incredible bike. For cars with character, it would have to be either an e-type Jag or a 1961 Facel Vega.
A cruiser? Maybe when I am old and fat.
Oh wait. ...
I have 18500km on mine now and agree with your comments. I thought I would get used to the "instrument/s" but nah not really. Gearbox does get smoother and quieter with more KMs and the engine frees up dramatically as you would expect. Only thing I've done is put some mistrals on it so that it sounds like it should. Interestingly fuel consumption improved. So all this quiet "green" stuff makes us burn more gas? How's that a win?
It's a forgiving easy bike to ride. Most of my rides are 160 to 400km and it handles that fine. If I could find some gauges off a special I would be even happier
We had many motorcycles and still have several motorcycles. The moto guzzi V7 is the one that gives us the most fun.
I agree absolutely you want to remember the ride. I own a 06 H D Sportster 883 and a 03 BMW R1150RT I love them to bits. Thank you a wonderful video. 😊
I’ve the older V7 (i) Classic and it may well have even more “character” and I love it, it’s very rewarding to ride. I would hate to commute on it though.
Would I trade it in? Yeah, but only for a newer V7 Special!
Off centre clock is enough to put me off, the off centre petrol cap stopped me buying a street twin, it would drive me mad
Character is a good name for it though I like to think of it as the soul of the bike. I love my R18 yes it is not for everyone it is not a cookie cutter bike and the soul of it is that people notice it and how you look on it. The way it acts like a tank when you let it crawl in first gear. The way it sounds vs a Harly the solid build of that machine.
I love character, but I also love versatility. that's why I think my next bike might be a scrambler
you should try the modern interpretation ... the v100 mandelo
In stock form pretty blah but once you put some "personal" touches on there, it starts to show some of that said character, took me a while to warm up to it but now its part of the family!
I will go out on a limb and defend the display. It's unusual, off center, and seemingly out of place, but all of that fits with the spirit of the bike and MG as a brand if you think about it. A lot of Harley or Royal Enfield guys would say that the V7 engine is in sideways. Relatively speaking, is it not? Maybe it's all just a matter of perspective.
Actually the Guzzi engine is fitted correctly and Harleys are the wrong way.
With a Guzzi both cylinders get maximum cooling while Harley owners in Germany always complained about heat issues with the rear cylinder.
That was back in the '80s so may be H-D fixed it somehow.
@@gustavmeyrink_2.0 I couldn't agree more.
The motor has exactly the right orientation for a cardan drive.
If you buy a bike based off the spec sheet the manufacturers press release the following year will say how to NEW model is 130% improved over the previous model. Now you’re not feeling so chuffed with yourself. I went with a Guzzi V85TT over a GS & KTM Adv and feel it will age well. And I do get people at bike shops check it out as they are a needle in a haystack here in Ontario which is always nice.
BTW I kind of like that clock but you could relocate it centered most likely. If it were a Harley you could, they are the most modified and customized and personalized of any motorcycle in history, I'm sure of it.
Rode a Lemans in 1976, almost got thrown off at the first roundabout because of the lurch on the throttle
Its a lovely bike, we had someone joining us with one at Powers The Pot rally this year (Royal Enfielders Ireland), the bike journalist John Wilson. he wrote a nice article in the December issue of The Classic Motorcycle of that experience. Now granted that the gentlemen is in his 80's, we did make him work keeping up with the Royal Enfield Classic 500's at times, especially on the country roads twisting through the mountains (and yes, maybe some of us were trying to show off 😊) Nevertheless, due to our 2nd man system, you always get to drive behind someone in the group and see how the bike is being handle on the road. The Guzzi seemed well able to tag along on the goat paths that Classic 500 riders dare to call roads 😂 The bike does hit that goldi locks zone on not being too big, but enough oomph to be a good allrounder for a bimble around the mountains and country side whilst not coming short to making miles on the motorway. It's looks are maybe something not suited for everybody, but it does have it's own personality. I personally like it to feel you are dealing with a combustion engine, the way the bike moves and feels when you give it a blip. I think it all comes down to why you love to ride and where you love to ride - the Guzzi V7 does seem to be able to tick a lot of the boxes.
I think you are absolutely right,
And it's something you get with age, and riding motorcycles for years,
I've been riding motorcycles for 50 years now, owned alsorts of bikes,
I currently have an Interceptor 650 and Hunter 350,
For me both of them have real character, I'm not bothered so much about power anymore,
Mainly practicality and looks,
And the Royal Enfields fit the bill,
But I do like bike's like the Moto Guzzi,
Great video's,
Cheers
Paul Foster 👍
Character does alot for a bike. The ultimate dyna bro cruiser was made years ago by victory\polaris\indian it was high power, looked good, and ran like a top. The victory octane. Everybody pretty much hated it, and it got cancelled after 2 years in production.
Now Indian has done it again, with the sport chief, and of course most people don't like it. What they both lacked? Character.
Having said that, the only 3 bikes id take over a new sport chief, is an fxe or a 2014 Dyna Superglide, or of course a FXRT.
It's why I've sold my R1 and got the Rocket 3 instead. Also, the chickenstrips on it bothered me. Happily scraping pegs with the rocket though.
Make no mistake, a Moto Guzzi is magical. It can't be described, you need to ride one for a day.
Beautiful Video mr Darcy! love your videos and reviews cheers from Switzerland!
1st :o) Edit: You guys have the absolute best backgrounds in your videos.
I would make the comparison of an air cooled 911 vs the modern water cooled version. The modern design is technically better in every way and yet, people still seek out the older versions. I personally have come to appreciate the value of having to work for my rewards, for some reason the fun seems to be related to effort I put into it. There are certainly times where I prefer effortless power, smoothness, and comfort, long arduous journeys on superhighways, when I need to make time and rider fatigue is a concern. However for me, admittedly an older guy, I much prefer the easier pace of the bikes with character, they are simply more memorable. Guess I am trying to slow down a bit from this ever accelerating word we live in. Great video, thanks for the fun content!
Character is what I love at my old lady BMW GS1150 and hence I'll never give it away. And I'm thinking about getting a V7 as a 2nd bike or maybe the RE classic 350
Until 2004 GS's were full of character. Then came the "for everybody" 1200's series etc@@the.communist
Great points man. You did go off the rails at about 4:55 but I understand.
A chain drive motorcycle will have gone through at least 10 chains and 2 sprocket sets in 100,000 miles. That is close to $1000- in parts alone. Moto Guzzi recommends replacing the $80- +- drive shaft at that interval. Oh yeah, it takes about the same time to change the driveshaft as it does for a single chain sproket replacement. Just saying.
I've ridden the V7 Stone, enjoyed it very much and liked it because it was different to most other bikes.
I do have a bit of a problem with this word 'character'. TH-cam journalists use the lack of character term as way to show their dislike of perfectly good bikes. Bikes that do their job well. bikes that are smooth. Bikes that are quick but perhaps not as quick as the exotic machine they last rode that cost twice as much. Bikes that reliably get on with the job the owner wants.
Who defines what character is?
You could argue all old bikes have character (that V7 motor is out the ark) and most new bikes don't.