New Moto Guzzi V7 Racer takes on Triumph Thruxton

Moto Guzzi’s latest variant of its delectable V7 Classic – the V7 Racer – looks set to be its best yet thanks to a host of cosmetic enhancements and quality detail touches.

But is it good enough to tempt buyers away from the café racer class king – the Triumph Thruxton?

To find out we decided to pit the two bikes against each other in London – home of The Ace Café and all things café racer – and while the Thruxton continues to impress for its manners and sheer rideability, the Guzzi managed to divide our testers’ opinions.

MCN Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin said: “The Racer’s aesthetics and detailing shame even the pretty Thruxton – I’m almost embarrassed to say the Guzzi makes the Triumph look ordinary. The Brit may have a simple but effective white stripe along its length – but that’s about it.”

To find out which came out on top see Trev’s full test in next week’s Motorcycle News.