Moto Guzzi V7 Classic -- Personal Impressions?

Message

C_Rider · #1 Post by **C_Rider** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 3:24 pm

Hello fellow riders, I am a new member to the forum. I have been riding for 20 years and currently have an HD Fat Boy and Honda Magna.

Previously owned bikes:
83 Yamaha Seca 750
89 Kawasaki 900
96 Suzuki GSX-R 750
06 HD Dyna Low Rider

I have been recently laid off as a result of the notorious financial crisis and find myself with a bit more ample time to pursue one of life's passions -- shared by all here

My question is with respect to the new V7 Classic from the Italian builders in Lago di Como. I have not seen any in stock at the local dealers and was hoping someone here is able to provide their objective view(s) -- in contrast to the Bonneville T100, etc.

Thank you so much and ride safely
-Chuck

jstark47 · #2 Post by **jstark47** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 5:29 am

Are you in the USA? I looked at Moto Guzzi's USA website and I didn't see the V7 Classic listed. I also checked the inventory list of my nearest Guzzi dealership, and no V7 Classics there. Is this bike really being sold in the USA now?

C_Rider · #3 Post by **C_Rider** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:04 am

Yes -- I'm in the Northeast and according to the MG representatives at the NYC Motorcycle Show and my local dealer, they are importing it and I'm told is already available in certain U.S. locations.

I've read the reviews online, but was hoping for some practical feedback from the riding community here.

I see you have a Bonneville -- how do you like it -- pros/cons?

I was very close to deciding on a T100, until I came across the V7 Classic.

jstark47 · #4 Post by **jstark47** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:27 am

Thing to remember about a Bonneville is the bike's built to a price point. True of all bikes I suppose, but there are things that make it really obvious with the Bonneville. Mine's a 2005 790cc "basic Bonne", so there's a few differences with a 2009 T100- biggest is carbs vs. EFI. 2005's also still had metal fenders, and speedo only, no tach.

Pro's

Low CoG, mass very centered under the rider (good for beginners in this respect)
Flat torque curve. I mean flat. Very forgiving of gear shifting errors. Great for riding in town traffic.
Appearance. Doesn't look like everyone else's bike

Con's

Budget suspension components. Really need to upgrade these to do any serious twisties
Engine in stock form is strangled. Mine had the AI removed, has TOR pipes and rejetting to match. Sounds much better, and has a bit more oomph too.
Crappy brakes. But EBC pads helped a great deal.
Stock seat. (but lots of bikes have hard stock seats)

Objectively compared to my V-strom, the Bonneville is inferior in every way: acceleration, braking, handling, comfort. But the Bonne has that intangible quality, "soul". The V-strom is an appliance, the Bonne is a motorcycle. It's still my first choice for short-medium runs strafing around back roads in the summer.

What Guzzi dealership has a V7 Classic? I'd like to see one myself...

C_Rider · #5 Post by **C_Rider** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:11 am

Thanks for the details on the Bonneville.

The Brooklyn dealership apparently has one in stock

jstark47 · #6 Post by **jstark47** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:29 am

One more point, Bonneville and derivatives have been around since 2001, and a huge aftermarket has grown up. Check out sites like http://www.bellacorse.com and http://www.newbonneville.com. There wouldn't be that range of parts / accessories for a new bike from a low volume manufacturer like Guzzi.

C_Rider · #7 Post by **C_Rider** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:48 am

You hit the nail on the head. That in itself is my biggest concern. As much as I love the heritage of MG and the character of the bike, the dealer network is atrocious.

I was actually hoping that someone here would have ridden both bikes and have some strong views against the MG -- make the decision easier...

They did a reallllly nice job on the bike right down to the retro look of the instrument faces. I just wanted to walk out of Javits with the show demo model -- that's how much I liked it.

Gummiente · #8 Post by **Gummiente** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:28 am

The Classic is indeed a beautiful bike. If we could keep a friggin' importer/dealer here in Canada for more than a few months at a time, there would be a California Vintage in my garage instead of a Road Glide.

There, I've said it.

jstark47 · #9 Post by **jstark47** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:42 am

Gummiente wrote:The Classic is indeed a beautiful bike. If we could keep a friggin' importer/dealer here in Canada for more than a few months at a time, there would be a California Vintage in my garage instead of a Road Glide.

There, I've said it.

Mike,
..momentarily ignoring the mile-wide opening to bust yer chops about the non-Harley preference.....

...... I know what you mean. We had a Aprilia / Moto Guzzi / Vespa dealership open here last spring. It's where forum member Brackstone bought his Shiver. They lasted less than a year, out of business now. Nearest dealership is now the Ducati / MV Agusta / Moto Guzzi / Vespa places (whatta combo, eh?) over in Pennsylvania. Too far away.

cpirao-
Just to muddy the waters more, Guzzi's, especially the two-valvers, are supposed to be idiotically simple to maintain.

C_Rider · #10 Post by **C_Rider** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:49 pm

Great -- that's good to know

By the way -- I noticed you are in NJ -- you know there is a new dealership in Princeton. They are expecting a couple of classics in two weeks.

-Chuck