Milan Show: Moto Guzzi V7 Classic launched

Based on Moto Guzzi’s Breva 750, the new V7 Classic should offer an easy ride for inexperienced Guzzi fans, with only 50bhp from the 750cc air-cooled twin.

The engine is the older design with only two-valves per cylinder, but it should mean low and mid-range power is strong enough for most potential V7 Classic owners.

The frame is a simple tubular steel cradle, and suspension is taken care of by simple right-way up forks and retro twin shock absorbers. A single Brembo caliper and disc at the front provides user-friendly stopping, and helps keep costs down too. Wheels are spoked chrome rims with tubed classic-look tyres.

The styling claimed to take inspiration from several variants of the original V7 (which first went into production forty years ago, and was the first Moto Guzzi to use a v-twin engine) – the tank is said to be styled like the V7 Sport, and the chromed parts take their cue from the V7 Special. But the overall result is a bike that bears uncanny similarity to the rival Triumph Bonneville and the more expensive Ducati GT1000 – the view from behind in particular is startlingly close to the Bonneville

Don’t forget there are 28 new motorcycle launches, in MCN, Wednesday, November 7, 2007.