Triumphrat

Moogs

I have an opportunity to get a 2012 Red Thruxton at a pretty good price. Went to my local dealer to sit on one. They only had the green. (I'll keep opinions on that to myself) but it was good enough to sit on.

I am 6'2" 230lbs so fit is important. I haven't test driven the bike yet. I currently have a 2011 Speed Triple and want to add another bike to my garage. So while I was sitting on the Thrux I noticed to my left a Moto Guzzi. I typically never look at em as for some reason I consider them unreliable and over priced plus I am loyal to the Triumph brand, maybe until now.

I saw this exact bike. Pics from the article:

http://dbrentmiller.com/2012/10/1st-...uzzi-v7-stone/










It fit well, better than the Thrux, perhaps more like a Bonnie but I don't like the Bonnies for whatever reason. They just don't do it for me but thie MG does.

Anyone ride the latest V7? I have read a few topics on here and across the interwebs, trying to get some info. They also have a demo black which I think I'll have to test drive. I am concerned to the lack of power over the Thrux but the seating position and the tank size may win me over.

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Whomever said all good things in moderation certainly never rode a bad ass Bonneville

Nickwiz

Personaly I find em a bit too small. I'm 6'3". Be aware they only punt out about 47hp though they are lighter so maybe performance is on par. The Main disadvantage is that Guzzi dealers are harder to find in the UK than Triumph and the supply of aftermarket bits is much smaller. You can modify a Thruxton to your hearts content if you wish, but that Guzzi will remain more or less as the factory intended it unless you are very handy.

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steve betts

The consensus is V7's are pretty. And gutless. Pretty gutless.

Moogs

Like many have said I wish it had around a 70HP power plant. Then I think I'd do it without hesitation.

Dynos even put 40HP at the wheel where the Thrux is over 60. Torque is flatter with the Thrux as well as higher throughout the range. This bike tends to fall off in higher RPMs. :/ Guess I'll have to ride it as power isn't what's important in this bike.

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Whomever said all good things in moderation certainly never rode a bad ass Bonneville

sprouty115

My first thought is that you need to test drive it. This should be an absolute, non-negotiable point. You need to see how you fit, how it handles, how it stops, how it shifts and above all if you can live with the power it has. I'm guessing they are about the same on price point but the Thruxton will be easily at 65/70hp with pipes, airbox mods and a new map. For the same money the Guzzi will be no where near that.

If that all works for you then you could end up with a very versatile platform that can ultimately be turned into one of the most beautiful bikes every made:




http://www.kaffee-maschine.net/html/...machine7_1.php

http://www.bikeexif.com/resto-mod-moto-guzzi-le-mans

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- Stephen

Bron-Yr-Aur

I know nothing about the Guzzi's except what I've read here. I, too, feel a bit of loyalty to the Triumph brand. What was posted about the power would leave me a little flat, but I must say, it is a very cool looking bike. I love the black rims and bigger tank. The handlebars already look good, too. It already has a very cafe'd look to it, which I wouldn't feel much need to mess with.

It looks like it fits you well, also. I can see why it's caught your eye. But, as I stated earlier, I don't think I could deal with the lack of power. Many riders leave their Twins stock, but that's something that I just can't leave alone. Even though I'm at mid 60's rwhp, I'm still going for more. But that's just me.

Edit: I forgot to note that I completely agree with the comment on the beauty of the other bike.

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sonicboom

I love the look of that cafe Guzzi for sure. I don't care for the power being so low. But then maybe it would depend on the type of riding you do and if the ride is more comfortable, seat, legs not cramped. I do have an issue with my legs cramping up on my Thruxton, I now ride a standard Bonneville for that reason. I do miss the front brake on the thrux. I've heard the brakes work better on the Guzzi in some ride report i read a awhile back.

Moogs

I imagine you went with the bonnie as it fit better? The Speed Triple I have has a slightly pitched leg position, which isn't as bad as full sport. Sitting on the Thrux I feel it's even more pitched being smaller, meaning I have even more angle at the knee. I also had knee surgery last year so my left knee can get tight if it's tucked in for too long. I don't do well over the long haul in this position and have some concerns about that. How does your Bonnie feel? What kind of weight are you putting on it?

We share the same issues with the legs. I get enough of the fast and fun riding on my S3. I need another bike when I tinker on it and wouldn't mind something a little different. Power isn't a huge deal for me I think in this decision. Comfort is and the fuel economy looks really good as well. I really love the Thruxton's style and would love another Triumph but I think that might not happen.

I'm surprised the brakes are different. Are the parts easily interchangeable?

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Whomever said all good things in moderation certainly never rode a bad ass Bonneville

67fire

Perhaps this one will be more to your liking.



Eric

larrykahn

Another Guzzi option is to take some time and look for a V-11 Sport-here's a bit on them
http://www.visordown.com/reviews/mot...view/4396.html

More room, more power, less money and most owners get them sorted out (much like we do on the Bonnys). Guzzi's feel very different than anything else and it takes a few hundred/thousand miles to really gel with them. But if you have the Guzzi gene hidden in you it's worth it. In my experience a V-11 would make a nice complement to your Speed 3, both of which I've owned.