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Test: Moto Guzzi V7 Racer

10K views 31 replies 23 participants last post by  echoraven 
#1 ·
No, I did not buy a Guzzi. That would probably make me persona non grata around here ;) especially if it was to replace the Bonnie. No, but I have a Moto Guzzi V7 Racer to try for the weekend!

So here it is together with my Vicky:



Summary:

Gorgeous bike - soooo beautiful.
Intoxicating sound.
Decent handling, up to a certain point.
Underpowered, but still decent torque-curve.



Wow, what a great looking bike! It really is a beauty to look at, with lots of details to enjoy. When I picked it up, I wore my Armani Jeans Leather jacket and black leather trousers to look the part. And that is what it really is about :)

The three really outstanding features with the look of this bike are:
1. Chrome tank. It just screams retro, and sucks attention from passerbyes like no other piece of bling could.
2. RED ! frame. It is a gorgeous complement to the red lettering on the tank (bet you noticed that, huh), and even close up the colour is deep and fabulous. The fact that the frame itself is a good looking frame, is ofcourse a requirement when one puts such a colour on it. Oh, and did I mention that the colour also is used on the shaft-drive and the wheel-hubs?
3. The signature transversally mounted engine, where the cylinder heads poke out at the sides. You can hide the name on the tank, you can disguise a lot of things, but any bike-savvy person will know that this is a piece of Italy.

Just have a look at it:



The details are way to numerous to mention, but here is a short list of things that I noticed:
Black rims (for those of you that like them, atleast they are retro in theme with the bike).
Funky numbered flyscreen, with plexiglass top. It actually works quite well.
Fork gaiters (as standard, no less)
Forkbrace (as standard, no less)
Leather strap for the tank. Very cool!
Lockable tank-cap (as standard, no less)
Suede on the seating area of the seat (me likey)
Only solo seat (no worry about a Pillion needing her chai-latte stop)
Number-plate seat-hump
Bitubo piggy-back rear suspension
Rear brake reservoir visible through side-cover
Easily detachable rear reflector (for those that think the things should just be taken off straight away)
Blinkers have clear glass and coloured bulbs
Proper alu footpegs
The "attachments" where the headers come out from the cylinder-heads don't look like they will rust

Things that I noticed and didn't really like:
Same old-fashioned, and ugly, reg/rec as the Bonnies (why don't they all move to Mosfet units?)
Two big ugly horns (one on each side)
Rust (!?!) on the headlight rim (this on a bike with only 1500 kms on the clock)
Digital displays in both clocks (okay, so the lates Bonnies also has it)
A cluttered area around the triple-trees and clocks.
The tank looks great from the side, but a bit odd from above (not like the beautifully rounded Bonnie-tanks)

So, what about the ergos?
To be honest, it fits me better than the Thrux does. Main reason are the pegs. Although equally "jockey-position", the knees fit towards the tank. But on a Thrux my knees are too low for the tank-pads (so, what is the point of them?).
If you think the handlebars on a Thrux is too low, then it is too low on a V7 also. I think it is pretty decent.
The seat is comfortable, and the hump is good.

What about the handling?
The handling has been a common source of complaint in the reviews that I have read. But to be fair, it also has been a common complaint against the Bonnies. If you don't push it too hard it is quite decent. It corners better than a stock Bonnie (maybe because of the fork-brace?), if you ride it moderately. For most situations the rear suspension gives a comfortable ride, with a decent confidence-level.
It is when you try to push it just that little bit more than "normal", that it shows it's limitations. The front suspension has a lot of dive, and the brakes are just not up to the job. This must be bottom-shelf Brembo - shame on you for putting your name on them!
Not being a fan of transverse cylinders and shaft-drive, I must say I was particularily interested to experience how this would work. Well, as the engine is not exactly a powerhouse, it was not too bad. The engine, if pushed hard - for example while cornering - would make the frame feel like rubber. But not as easily as I had expected. Thus one can easily learn how to moderate throttle-use in corners and thus not experience it as an issue.

Engine:
Clearly the one weak component. If you really hot-rod them they will perform about the same as a stock Scrambler (that is - a Scram with stock everything, including pipes and airbox). So, don't expect too much.
It will pull more than 100 km/h in second gear, and (just) pull you to the Ton on a 7% inclination. If you select the right gear, you have a fair bit of power most of the time.
The good thing about the engine is the sound (and maybe also the "character"). It really sounds intoxicating.
Oh, and then there is the vibration than just takes off from about 6000 rpms, and extends almost through the footpegs, in an almost sexual manner.
And to be honest, the power may be just enough for many, many out there. Is it really neccessary to have a lot of power? How often do you use (or need to use) all the power you have? Many Bonnie-owners say, when confronted with how much so-and-so bike has that "I don't need that much". This is a common comment when discussing the Ducati-retros (that have more power than the Bonnies). To be honest, I believe many will find it to be enough.

Conclusion/ Recommodation:
It is a great bike. It really is. But like with every other bike, it has to fit the intended use. You wouldn't buy a GS for racing, and you wouldn't buy an R1 for city-rush-hour use. The V7 Racer is a very well put together package, for anybody who likes moderately spirited riding at moderate speeds, and hanging out at trendy city-cafés. Some would call them fashion accessories, but that would be cruel and miss the mark. It is an honest homage to what bikes are (and were) all about - fun and style. And let's face it - the engine has lineage back to some great bikes.

Would I exchange my Bonnie for it? No way!
Could I have bought one, instead of my Bonnie back when I bought it? Possibly.
How to decide between it and a Bonnie (or Thrux)? If you like a "finished" package, and prefer the look. If you prefer the transverse cylinders and/or shaft-drive.

So, here it is in it's natural habitat, in front of a chic city-centre Italian caffeteria/gelateria:

 
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#3 ·
Good write up! They had a V7 racer at the local triumph dealer I was drooling over when I got my Thruxton. Have to say I prefer the guzzi look, a lot more detailed. But a lot of the highways here you have to be able to cruise at 80 mph comfortably and the power of the guzzi just isnt enough.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the kind comments chaps. It really is a cool bike. You should try one, if you can.



True, if you need to cruise in traffic at 80, then it might feel a little weak. Although it can do highways, it isn't really made for the Superslab.

Nice review.I fell in love with this bike when I saw pictures of it in the magazines over the last year.I prefer the black tank that comes with the USA version though.Probably the only bike I would get rid of my Bonneville for.But there are no local dealers near me.Already have enough issues with Triumph dealers(waiting for parts+accesories) and I am sure a Motto Guzzi dealer would be just as bad.Awesome bike though!!
I believe the black one is the base model (named Stone), while the Racer is a limited edition (the one I have for the weekend is number 699).

Wow a very beautiful guzzi !
I suppose it is a chrome steel tank?
It brings to mind my fond memories
of a hodaka with the red and the chrome tank!
Thanks for posting that.
Lefty is drooling i bet.
Nope, the tank (and fenders) are not steel, but plastic. It still looks good though.
 
#5 ·
Nice review.I fell in love with this bike when I saw pictures of it in the magazines over the last year.I prefer the black tank that comes with the USA version though.Probably the only bike I would get rid of my Bonneville for.But there are no local dealers near me.Already have enough issues with Triumph dealers(waiting for parts+accesories) and I am sure a Motto Guzzi dealer would be just as bad.Awesome bike though!!
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the thorough write-up. They really are about sight and sound these things, aren't they? I spent about half an hour ogling one at the winter bike show last year and they are just so visually interesting and appealing. Finally had to admit to myself the last thing I need is another slow, pretty bike.
 
#10 ·
You did a great job on the write up man...lot of effort and appreciated.

It may be just me, but honestly? As much as I dig the whole retro thing, and really like the gas tank, the Guzzi engine is just ugly to me. Especially compared to the Triumph twin, and even the Harley V-twin. I understand the "concept" of it, why it sits where it does etc. But the engine compartment to me is too busy and jammed up. I much prefer the look of the Bonneville engine area. It's open and breathes (for lack of a better word), whereas the Guzzi looks like the frame is to small for the engine...

Again, just my personal, a very subjective opinion on just one aspect of the Guzzi.
 
#19 ·
I want to like the V7 Racer so bad but I can't help but be disappointed by its lack of poke. A Bonneville or Thruxton is no rocket ship but both are faster and cheaper. They're also infinitely more modifiable, something the Guzzi isn't.
 
#20 ·
I like the lightness of the Guzzi.

And the looks.
 
#22 ·
Yeah, I love the look, the sound and style of that bike. I guess my only qualm is that I like to do the build not buy it built - lol.

Oh and the power, really Guzzi that engine is a dog. When you are a 750cc motor and the Enfield 500cc single can give you a run for your money....
 
#32 ·
...Oh and the power, really Guzzi that engine is a dog. When you are a 750cc motor and the Enfield 500cc single can give you a run for your money....
THAT is painful! Though the bike is gorgeous and if it wasn't for the Bonneville that would be the bike I would lust for but the Bonneville does too many things right.
 
#23 ·
The ONLY thing that spoils it for me is the fact that that gorgeous tank is plastic.... Shame.
 
#24 ·
A friend who was choosing between a price reduced 2010 Guzzi and a full price 2012 Bonny who was told by the salesman that the latest 2012 Guzzi tanks are metal because some of the early Plasti-Chrome tanks were showing signs of deformity after extended contact with Ethanol laced fuel. I'm still not sure if he was joking or not, but my friend did leave with a metal tanked Bonneville.
 
#25 ·
Great, enjoyable write-up. Thanks for posting.

Love the looks of it, and concur with others that lack of poke would likely be an issue.

I've always had a soft spot for Guzzi's (I used to borrow a friend's 850 Eldorado when visiting So Cal), and one is definitely on my Vehicle Bucket List - just probably one with a bigger bore. :cool:
 
#26 ·
I've said it before and I'll say it again. If we had a dealer here that I was confident would be in business for the long haul, I'd buy one in a heart beat. I like my T100, but that V7 stole my heart the first time I laid eyes on it.
 
#28 ·
I did think about getting a guzzi racer hen buying my thruxton but could not accept the power output and the price asked in Australia $18000!! And thank Christ I didn't as the new model has just been released and yes the new tank is metal and there is about 7-8hp extra if I remember correctly. Few other changes aswell I believe. I would have been as mad as a cut snake if I paid full price for one and then they released an new better in every way update 3 months later
 
#31 · (Edited)
I saw one in person the other day at a dealer. What a beautiful bike!! It screams retro racer more so than a stock Thruxton. It is unfortunate that MG puts a beginner motor in a bike that is sure to attract the attention of seasoned riders.

Though I don't think it needs 100+ HP, I think it would sell better in the marketplace with at least the 70 HP (crank) that the Bonnies and Thruxtons have. Better yet package it with an 80 HP motor and really give the Bonnies a run for their money.

At those higher power levels, it still wouldn't be a handful for newer riders, but it would certainly attract veteran riders who would pass on the meager 45- 50 HP, no matter how sexy the bike looks. You can put me into that category. Give me a bit more power, and it moves up several notches in my "must have bucket list".

Rick G
 
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