MOTO-GUZZI V7 SPECIAL (2017 - on) Review
At a glance
| Power: | 52 bhp |
|---|---|
| Seat height: | Low (30.3 in / 770 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (461 lbs / 209 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe third generation of V7 is the best yet and manages to effortlessly combine the spirit of a classic Guzzi with modern refinements without losing any of that Mandello del Lario soul. A really beautiful and relaxed retro that will certainly win many fans.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineWhile the Guzzi is a bit stingy in its ground clearance, this is really only highlighted as the chassis is so much better than before. The bounce and jolt from the poor V7 II’s shocks has been replaced by a well damped rear and the V7 III now turns with proper agility into bends. It’s really good fun to ride through 60mph twisties and the ABS and traction control (which has two levels) stay hidden in the background and don’t interfere with this enjoyment.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityOn a retro you always hanker after a bit of spirit and soul and at low revs the V7’s transverse twin delivers exactly that, vibrating pleasingly, twisting due to the torque reaction and thumping its way through the lower rev range as the torque kicks in. But when you get to about 5000rpm it subtly changes character as the motor smoothes off and you are left with an engine that feels refined and plush with virtually no vibrations. It’s not the fastest, but feels fantastic.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe V-twin engine is far from stressed as it only makes a fairly weak 52bhp, so you can’t imagine any horrors there. Some will criticise Guzzi’s build quality, but overall the V7 seems fairly robust and well put together and the V7 doesn’t have a reputation for unreliability.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentOn the face of it £8000 is a lot of money for a fairly basic air-cooled V-twin, and £8702 for the Special or £9002 for the Anniversario is even more for one with a few extras, but the Ducati Scrambler is £8850 for the Full Throttle and Classic and it is an air-cooled V-twin that lacks traction control. Considering Guzzis are still made in Italy in the same factory as they have always been, that’s not a bad price for a slice of motorcycling history.
Equipment
The V7 III comes with two-stage traction control and ABS as standard, which is nice, and the dash can be linked to a smartphone via the accessory MG-AP kit. The dash itself has a gear indicator, which is good, but you don’t want too many accessories on a retro and the Guzzi is refreshingly basic. That said, adjustable suspension would be nice as only the shocks’ preload can be tweaked.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 744cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, air-cooled V-twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 21 litres |
| Seat height | 770mm |
| Bike weight | 209kg |
| Front suspension | 40mm inverted forks, non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Twin shocks, adjustable spring preload. |
| Front brake | 1 x 320mm disc, Brembo four-piston caliper; ABS |
| Rear brake | 260mm disc, two-piston caliper ABS |
| Front tyre size | 100/90X18 |
| Rear tyre size | 130/80x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 60 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | - |
| New price | £8,702 |
| Used price | £6,800 - £8,000 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 52 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 44.2 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 100 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 240 miles |
Model history & versions
Other versions
Other Moto Guzzi V7 reviews on MCN
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