The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic’s fairly basic chassis manages to be good enough for a retro roadster, too. With no particular sports or performance pretensions, the mix of old school tubular steel frame, relatively light, low weight and adequate suspension and brakes combine to give and honest and effective ride. The single Brembo front disc is more than adequate and the suspension, though slightly basic and harsh, is more than up to the job, too.
The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic’s remapped Nevada 744cc twin may be soft but it’s eager, willing and flexible. On paper, 48bhp seems fairly weedy (and it’s hard to believe that the original V7’s 50bhp was considered ‘superbike performance’ 40 years ago), but the reality is that it’s spread so evenly that it’s actually a fun and fruity, if a bit run of the mill, roadster.
Deliciously executed. The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic’s paint is deep and creamy plus there’s a myriad of details ranging from the chromed brakes and gear pedals and neat twin horns to the understated but classy mirror-finish pillion grab handles under the seat. It all reminds of Ducati’s £1000 pricier GT1000 Sport Classic.
The V7 Classic chimes in £500 more than the base Bonnie although for our money, the closer, more apt rival is the Bonneville T100 with twin clocks and two-tone paint, which is £200 more. As for the Sports Classic Ducatis, OK, they’ve got 92bhp and better chassis, but the GT1000 isn’t really any classier or better specced, and that costs over a grand extra. Find a Moto Guzzi V7 Classic for sale.
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The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic exudes class. The filler-cap is a beautifully crafted aircraft-esque alloy affair, the clocks are all new (by Marelli) twin Veglia-style dials, the headlamp is fully-chromed, there’s quality switchgear and mirrors and a classically-styled seat (with ‘Moto Guzzi’ emblazoned on its rump). A stock Bonnie, by comparison, seems basic and cheesy.