MOTO-GUZZI V7 RACER (2011 - 2016) Review

Year: 2015

'Racer'... a fine, Italian, misnomer. Don't think that you'll be competing with any modern 650/750cc bike. What you'll have is possibly the best, currently available, example of a genuine retro. Shake, rattle, roll and growl it does better than any of the opposition. Fifty + years of riding, endless bike changes ( where did the ££ go ?) and this fits the bill for simple, nostalgic, smile-inducing, posing riding on those calm, dry evenings in order to wind-down after work...or having retired recently, any time I please ! Smile rating 10/10.

Version: Anniversary edition first issue of 1000 bikes

Year: 2011

This is a fabulous bike for tooling about on and taking it easy whilst making a good noise and looking good. A really lovely retro bike, just like those I rode in the 70’s and 8-‘S but it doesn’t leak and it does start and stop properly? I kinda wish it had a kickstart though - just for old times sake!If I only had space for one bike in the garage I’m not sure I could live with it, but I won’t part with it.

Buying experience: Superb small local dealer that has since relinquished their main dealer status due to lack of support I believe. But top guys. I paid under £6.5k which is a steal for a small production number Italian bike.

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £200

I bought mine new in 2013. 5 years on and the love affair has evolved. Want a fast bike with pin sharp handling, rapid acceleration and bragging rights top speed? Don't get one of these. Want an ear-to-ear smile and an itch to ride it as often as possible, this might fit the bill. Certainly does for me. So here's my take on the good, the bad and the ugly: I am 6'3" and I weigh 90kg. It isn't a big bike, but a touring trip to the Isle of Man 2016 TT posed no problems, as long as you haven't a pillion. It's delightfully nimble around town and roundabouts. The stock suspension is a bit crude and hard country road riding requires commitment as the chassis gets a bit out of shape when pushed hard. I have never touched down pegs or exhausts even with spirited cornering. I love the soundtrack from the Mistral exhausts fitted. The practical extras I have fitted include a centre stand, double seat and rear pegs. Performance isn't much affected two-up either, which is surprising given there wasn't much to start with. My bike has been on the dyno, which added a whopping extra 1 horsepower, but more importantly smoothed the running loads and improved the torque which is a big benefit. The bike runs a genuine 55mpg from brisk / frantic riding and although I refuel at around 170 miles it still has quite a lot of reserve left - good enough for another 30 miles maybe. I have heated grips which makes it more comfortable over the winter too. I fitted a tail tidy, which I think improves the looks and still love that polished tank and metallic red frame. One significant area is choice of tubed tyre. There isn't much choice out there but the Pirelli Sport Demons got a bit scary in the wet and when worn, but still did 4K miles. I have swapped to Michelins and have been really impressed with the Michelins, more feel, especially front end, better in the wet, smoother and more compliant and affordable. Complaints? The gearbox requires a firm prod from 1st to 2nd. It's a long throw and I get a fair number of false neutrals, which is irritating at best. Checking the rear link adjusters is key here. Mirrors work but need some fiddling to avoid being filled with elbow and they shake a bit, but don't they all?

Buying experience: Brand new from dealer, happy with the deal and accessories.

sorry for the typo - tank range 200 miles (maybe more)

Just got my hands on my v7 racer. Guys at Corsa Italia are great - recommended. The bike - does everything I wanted - handling, equipment, engine, gearbox, brakes, are all good. Tank range is 300 miles! Moved down from 100bhp+ to this at 50bhp and its just fine up to 90 mph. Got heated grips & double seat. It looks great and the best thing is that its just so much fun who needs more? Great bike. A keeper for sure.

Got mine 2011 just love riding it,puts a smile on my face every time. it's so light and easy to ride. just getting ready to go to oulton BSB and will be at the northwich sprint.

and collecting it this week. Just love it. I've become sick of all the stupid macho willy waving that seems to go with bikes now, mostly from people who would be hard pushed to find the limits of a Puch Maxi. This bike for me, is ther perfect antidote.