NOT Honda related - Moto Guzzi question...

[Mikep328]

HI all, I am looking at a companion for my 400F and am interested in a Moto Guzzi V7.  Does anyone here have experience with the V7?  I realize this is not Honda related but I'd rather ask folks I "know" than watch any more of the endless reviews on line extolling its "character."  I have never ridden one and many of the things lauded as "character" seem to me to be "annoying."  Anyone here with experience?

I can understand if a moderator removes this as not Honda related...

[Athame57]

HI all, I am looking at a companion for my 400F and am interested in a Moto Guzzi V7.

Mind you don't end up with something like these to find homes for!   

[taysidedragon]

There are quite a few Guzzis in my local classic bike club, including V7s.
The owners swear by them, a real brand loyalty. They seem heavy and a bit clunky compared to modern bikes but they must have something that owners love.

[Mikep328]

Thanks!   "heavy and clunky" would make them an absolute "NO WAY!" for me.  I can't think of any phrases that would make a motorcycle less appealing!

[taysidedragon]

I would say the same about a BMW boxer and I see you have 2 of those! 🤣 Don't listen to me, go and have a test ride on one. That's the only way to find out if it's for you.

[Laverda Dave]

Okie Hume of Classic Bike Guide Magazine has one and absolutely loves it calling it the bargain of the century.

[Bryanj]

Some parts are very difficult to get and italian chrome is iffy, they have the torque reaction like the BMW and i found one uncomfortable, but that was in 76

[Laverda Dave]

Some parts are very difficult to get and italian chrome is iffy, they have the torque reaction like the BMW and i found one uncomfortable, but that was in 76

I agree with you there Bryan. I have a Moto Morini and some spares are very difficult to obtain. My Jota is the same, some parts are virtually impossible to get these days and if you can find them especially things like fuel tanks , seats or headlights they cost an arm and a leg. To be fair to Guzzi though the Morini and Laverda factories closed a long long time ago.

[Mikep328]

I don't have the opportunity to ride one anywhere nearby.  I've been offered a '21 V7 Special with 6000 miles that looks nearly new for a decent price.  Definitely a pretty bike.  I guess could buy it and, if I don't care for it, sell it like the 3 previous owners have done!   

All of the (many) videos I have watched show it being shifted rather slowly and deliberately.  If it really requires that, I wouldn't like it.  But the videos may be misleading.  Heck, all the videos of the CB400F show a similar reluctance to push the bike - none of them show a rider winding out the 400F to redline and popping it into the next gear.  I'm not expecting a V7 to act the same way but I don't want to feel like I'm on a tractor.

[Laverda Dave]

I don't have the opportunity to ride one anywhere nearby.  I've been offered a '21 V7 Special with 6000 miles that looks nearly new for a decent price.  Definitely a pretty bike.  I guess could buy it and, if I don't care for it, sell it like the 3 previous owners have done!   

All of the (many) videos I have watched show it being shifted rather slowly and deliberately.  If it really requires that, I wouldn't like it.  But the videos may be misleading.  Heck, all the videos of the CB400F show a similar reluctance to push the bike - none of them show a rider winding out the 400F to redline and popping it into the next gear.  I'm not expecting a V7 to act the same way but I don't want to feel like I'm on a tractor.

A bit left field but have you tried a Royal Enfield Interceptor? Great bikes, as quick as the Guzzi and plenty around. They put a smile on your face when you ride them and you can do an awful lot to them to make it yours. Put a Fuel-X and a pair of TEC pipes on it and they are just fantastic. I wouldn't be without mine now.

[Mikep328]

Thanks Dave, I've ridden an interceptor and really liked it - nice bike!  This Guzzi interest is a personal feeling that "I should own one at least once!"  I did the same with a Harley some years ago; I didn't care for it and sold it less than 6 months later.  This might be the same and, similarly, does not involve any common sense!

Speaking of common sense - I own the two BMWs and don't really like BMWs very much!!! People are strange...

[Laverda Dave]

Oh I like the R9T especially the sport one in the racing colours. Apparently the riding position is a bit radical but luverly looking bike 👍.
I have a mate who have a Guzzi Le Mans MK1 in large bits under his workbench, been there for at least 25 years, I've begged him to sell it to me but nope 🙁.

[Athame57]

If I was going for a Moto Guzzi I think I would have to go for something I had shortlisted in the past. The 1982 V50 Monza.

[Laverda Dave]

If I was going for a Moto Guzzi I think I would have to go for something I had shortlisted in the past. The 1982 V50 Monza.

Good choice George 👍

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I always liked the V50, I suspect like the 400 they are more comfy if you are the height of an average Italian back in the day.