Triumphrat

leftarmlogan · 10-25-2012, 08:36 PM

I had shift linkage issues with my V11 Sport. The bolt that goes through the shifter by the footpeg was tightened all the way and when the bike would get hot, the shifter would bind and stay in the up position. I also had issues with it not shifting into fourth and fifth as well as numerous false neutrals.

After a year-and-a-half of ownership, I think I've finally figured out the shifting.

M.G.Vig · 10-26-2012, 05:13 PM

As bad as my Cali was, by contrast my 1200 Griso had a sublime gearchange! My V11 was good, and my LeMans was ok if you took your time. The Cali was so bad that it became embarrassing, because it made it look like I didn't know what I was doing!

leftarmlogan · 10-26-2012, 06:27 PM

I think a lot of the issues I had with my Guzzi's box was me wanting and expecting it to shift like my Bonneville. Once I learned to shift the Guzzi properly, the shifts were sublime.

DeanRider · 10-27-2012, 04:05 PM

relocatedfixer · 10-28-2012, 07:53 AM

I am an ex-Guzzi owner (Breva 1200). I now own a Tiger 800xc. I bought the Guzzi new and developed a Like/Indifference relationship with it (as opposed to Love /Hate). It really did put the 'and?' in bland.
While my Tiger was being serviced, I test rode the new V7 Stone, mainly out of curiosity. I'd read all these glowing test reports that compared it favourably with the Bonneville. Well, I've not ridden a Bonneville but I hope the gear change isn't as sloppy as the V7. I hated the thing! The tyres made it feel like it was running on marbles too. However, it sounded wonderful, even with the standard silencers and I noticed people looking round at it as I passed. Mind you, they do that when I ride the Tiger; perhaps it's me they're looking at ! Nah, the Guzzis are all show and no go IMO. I've seen a Dyno chart for a V7stone in standard trim - 38bhp at the back wheel.
No, if I spend any more hard earned on another bike, the Bonneville will be top of my list for a test ride. This is my third Triumph and I don't plan to deviate from the brand again.
I always referred to my Moto Guzzi as 'Motor Gutless' AND it let me down (starting problems) all over Europe last year. It had to go. I've loved my Tiger from the moment I first rode it. It's quick, light, reliable, and (to me at least) good looking. The Guzzi was slow (for a 1200cc machine), heavy, unreliable and well, 'Mutton dressed as Lamb' as we sometimes say in the UK.
Moto Guzzi's after sales service is pretty rubbish too.
So, to conclude, my advice is - Don't buy a Moto Guzzi. You have been warned!

Sheepdog · 10-28-2012, 02:55 PM

Guzzis are best owned by folks who service their own machines. They are simple, understressed, and will give their owners many happy years of service once the bugs are worked out (IOW, a great deal like a Bonneville). Last year I took mine on a 6000 mile tour and the the only problems I had were some flats (I knew I should have switched out that rear tire in Olympia, Washington). These are some of the last bikes with screw and locknut valve adjustments and when you get the FI adjusted properly, it stays balanced and in tune for a long time. If you are the type that depends on your dealer to keep up your bike and switch to new rides pretty frequently, you won't really enjoy a Moto Guzzi. But if you want a machine that rewards you for your commitment with longevity and pride of ownership, you may wish to check them out. YMMV.

prior · 10-29-2012, 01:23 PM

I had a go on the v7 racer at the ace cafe burn up in Brighton this year. Make no mistake the bike is beautiful. Finish and part wise it is head and shoulders above the bonnie-night and day difference IMO. Also those who complain about it being underpowered haven't felt how light the thing is. Id wager performance wise its near parallel to the triumphs apart from rolling start straight runs.

RumRunner · 11-15-2012, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prior

I had a go on the v7 racer at the ace cafe burn up in Brighton this year. Make no mistake the bike is beautiful. Finish and part wise it is head and shoulders above the bonnie-night and day difference IMO. Also those who complain about it being underpowered haven't felt how light the thing is. Id wager performance wise its near parallel to the triumphs apart from rolling start straight runs.

I guess that's why they say there's a butt for every seat. The V7 Racer is beautiful from about 5' away, but once you get up close and personal the fit and finish appears to be very cheap in certain areas. As far as the performance they are certainly lighter and feel that way in a parking lot, they also accelerate quicker through low gear than my Thruxton, but that's about where the comparison stops. They don't pull or handle the mountain twisty's like the Trumpet and the overall ride just isn't as much fun.

roadscum · 11-15-2012, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RumRunner

I guess that's why they say there's a butt for every seat. The V7 Racer is beautiful from about 5' away, but once you get up close and personal the fit and finish appears to be very cheap in certain areas. As far as the performance they are certainly lighter and feel that way in a parking lot, they also accelerate quicker through low gear than my Thruxton, but that's about where the comparison stops. They don't pull or handle the mountain twisty's like the Trumpet and the overall ride just isn't as much fun.

I was impressed with my the V7 Stone after my test ride, overall a very nice package. To me quality looked to be top notch. Which areas did you find the fin and finish to be "very cheap"?

Riding in an urban environment I was limited to a top speed of 70-75mph, up to that speed the thing seemed to pull like a mule. This was a demo bike with less then 600 miles on the clock, not yet broken in. Remember that most demo bike we ride are not through the break in period so they are not yet at the peak of performance.

I've been thinking about replacing my Scrambler with a T100 but that's now off the table, the V7 Stone is at the top of my list. It's so much fun to ride a 395lb bike and with a few suspention mods it will be a very good bike in the twisties. My corner speed will not be limited the the 50ish HP!

When touring on a V7, with the 5.8gal fuel tank, I'll only need fuel when I make a lunch stop.

Regards, Paul

RumRunner · 11-15-2012, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadscum

I was impressed with my the V7 Stone after my test ride, overall a very nice package. To me quality looked to be top notch. Which areas did you find the fin and finish to be "very cheap"?

Riding in an urban environment I was limited to a top speed of 70-75mph, up to that speed the thing seemed to pull like a mule. This was a demo bike with less then 600 miles on the clock, not yet broken in. Remember that most demo bike we ride are not through the break in period so they are not yet at the peak of performance.

I've been thinking about replacing my Scrambler with a T100 but that's now off the table, the V7 Stone is at the top of my list. It's so much fun to ride a 395lb bike and with a few suspention mods it will be a very good bike in the twisties. My corner speed will not be limited the the 50ish HP!

When touring on a V7, with the 5.8gal fuel tank, I'll only need fuel when I make a lunch stop.

Regards, Paul

Paul,

I don't have the pictures in front of me of the V7 Racer. Looking at the gauges, and other plastic components they're not appealing to me. They have some very nice features, but then others (brake & clutch levers, mirrors, etc.) just look cheap.

As far as the test ride the bike had almost 5K on the clock, but yet still didn't feel nearly as snappy in the power band as my Thruxton. Engine braking not nearly as smooth and just the overall performance not in the same ball park. I'm sure there are plenty of people that will and do love them as the dealer by me sells them hand over fist, just not for me or the type of riding I prefer.

Cheers,

RR