I’m meanIng around 2010ish. Just wonder people’s comments and possibly how they compare to a bonneville of the same years?
I haven't owned one, but I was lent one for the day whilst my Aprilia was in for a service. The dealership were also Guzzi agents. I've owned several big block Guzzis in the past, so I guess I have a soft spot for the marque, but I found the V7 to be a very competent bike, it felt smaller and lighter than my 2011 Thruxton, but I haven't looked at the specs so that might not be true. I've always liked the shaft drive, but I guess it does sap some power compared to chain driven bikes.. Would I buy one? Yes I probably would.
To be honest mate it was a couple of years ago and I only had the bike for about 6 hours. 'Soul' as you put it is a subjective thing. I'd say yes, it does have a lot of soul, added with a lot of character. Querky is another word I might use, but in a good way. The across the frame V twins are quite different to bikes with in line V engines IMHO. As always, blag a ride if you can before purchasing one. They are down on power compared to the Thruxton and even a standard Bonny, but they would make a great commuter bike or a bike for looking at the scenery as you ride along rather than charging from turn to turn. Depends on what you want as always. A Marmite bike perhaps, love iit or hate it.
I have the V7's small-block predecessor, a 1979 500cc V50, and it's great fun: small. light, loud, and corners brilliantly. I've never ridden a V7, but have quite fancied one ever since they came out. Guzzis definitely have soul, and are still made by Italians at the original factory in Italy. (Not like Triumphs - covered with Union Jack logos but made in Thailand.)
I have a 2012 V7, had it from new and it started it's life as a V7 Stone in matte black. I have toured around Europe on it and done a few trackdays on it too. I really love the bike and will never sell mine, but I have customised mine quite a lot over the time I have owned it. Most people who have had a go on it have loved it, but it is quite a dinky bike so if you are tall, it may be a little small for you. They are not fast by any means, but they do handle very well and I have embarrassed a few sportsbikes on track. It has a nice big tank, so fuel stops are not too close together, there are loads of official and non official mods and bolt on parts, and they have quite a following.
My old man has a Bonneville that is a similar age, he prefers that over my V7 to ride, but I very much prefer the character of the transverse V-twin, so much so I have a Moto Guzzi V85 as well
Might have a change from my bonneville as I’ve had it nearly 7years. Either that or I’ll make it ‘mine’.
I like Guzzies but cannot understand why they have so few dealerships in the country, ok if you live near one I suppose.
I am quite lucky, I have 3 dealerships an hour or less away from me, and a Moto Guzzi guru 20 miles away from me too.
