MOTO-GUZZI V7 SPECIAL (2017 - 2021) Review

Excellent all rounder, unlike my old GS which made you feel anything less than 500 miles was hardly worth getting it out for. It's very easy going, the only middleweight shaft drive choice, great for light for touring (600 mile overnight round trip to Scotland last autumn in wind and rain no problem). Steering and throttle both very light (bit too much I think). And it's a Guzzi so it has heritage. What's not to like. Very un-threatening.

Just lovely, surprisingly lively pick up, a pleasure to listen to slow or fast. It will comfortably go from 40 to max speed in 6th gear, or you can wring its neck if you prefer.

Surprisingly good after what I'd read about Italian bikes. No problems.

Very economical to run - getting on for 300 miles per tank easily possible. Servicing at 6K intervals but everything's easy to get at. Insurance moderate, first year sub £100 (but I am 77)

The Gel Seat looks very ordinary but is astonishingly comfy for me - I've never had to stop from discomfort. Small Guzzi screen is very effective. I've ditched the Guzzi luggage rack and their own luggage seems made for the bigger models. Beautifully made but useless. I'm still on the original Pirelli Demons but will probably try an alternative when worn up. OK but I think they make the steering a bit wiggly on overbanding

The suspension is basic, the rear feels a bit harsh but softening the preload helps a lot. The forks are probably the worst feature of the bike, if you plan to keep it long term some improved internals will be money well spent. The brakes are just about up to the job, they are nicely modulated and the ABS is not intrusive .

Owning a V7 is all about the engine, it's noisy and there plenty of vibes but that's the Guzzi charm. 52 bhp is not going to set the world on fire but once above 4000 rpm it feels a lot stronger. It will happily go all day at motorway speeds.

No issues to date and I was pleasantly surprised at he quality of the finish.

Can be expensive to service due to annual valve adjustment and additional oils for the gearbox and final drive. But it's easy to work on and can be easily serviced by any competent owner.

The bike comes with ABS and 2 levels of Traction Control. ABS yes but the Traction Control is pretty pointless on such a mild engine. The Special come with twin clocks and features a clock, gear indicator and mpg readout as well as trip meters. These are accessed by a mode button on the right hand side of the bars. You can also program a red rpm warning light for various levels. All in all it has very little which is how it should be on a bike like this. The only addition would be Mistral short pipes, a lot lighter and sound lovely.

Bike will go for miles, unfortunately age has caught up with me. Seat good for 2-2.5 hours before needing a walk about. Motorway wind speed needs a good hold of the throttle grip which is tiring; a much better A/B road 60mph ride but it’s a bike that encourages gentle riding and allows passers-by to admire the gleaming chrome.

Excellent low down pull. An engine with character.

Ultra close inspection shows paint slightly thin in out of the way areas. A couple of rusty bolt heads. A bit of flaky ‘paint’ on rear wheel where shaft joins.

First service at 900 miles done at main dealer. No issues. I’m not quick so have returned 68mpg average so easy 200 miles to the tank or 230 to empty. Fuel costs only is a little over 8p per mile. Tyres 3000 miles old and have 2.5mm on front and 3mm on rear.

Just above basic- but has essentials like clock, fuel light (which seems accurate enough), thermometer and ABS. More gadgets could be good, but I’m not sure I’d use them that much.