
MOTO-GUZZI V7 (2021 - on) Review

Highlights
- Charismatic retro with largest and most powerful engine yet
- Finely honed balance of tradition and modernity
- Still enough trad’ Guzzi charm for brand aficionados
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Power: | 64 bhp |
Seat height: | Low (30.7 in / 780 mm) |
Weight: | High (514 lbs / 233 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesI’m a sucker for the Moto Guzzi V7. Since its arrival in 2008 the back-to-basics Italian has surely represented what a retro should be: a famous old model reimagined, with plenty of traditional character and old-school charm but served with modern quality, civility and rideability.
Oh, and it’s always had plenty of what all manufacturers strive for with their throwback models. Authenticity.
When you think ‘Guzzi’ it’s an image of a V7 that pops into your bonce. The Italian factory has knocked out bikes with engines of assorted capacity and configuration since it started production in 1921, from dinky two-strokes (their Motoleggera 65 ‘Guzzino’ was Europe’s best-selling motorcycle for over a decade) through eight-valve overhead-cam Ducati challengers to 1400cc behemoths.
But it’s air-cooled 90˚ pushrod V-twins that have been their signature since 1967 when they launched the V7 powered by a V-twin displacing 700cc. Easy to see where the moniker came from...
Later V7s, including the iconic Sport of the early 1970s, grew to 750 and evolved into the legendary Le Mans. The firm’s success was built on the pushrod V-twin and V7, so when Guzzi created a new retro-style bike for 2008 it had to be a seven-fifty and had use the celebrated name.
The softly tuned, back-to-basics naked has been a success, with various updates and technical tweaks keeping it fresh. However, with rivals like Triumph’s Street Twin offering additional oomph and a luxurious feel, from 2021 the V7 is an 850. (Which means it should really be called the V85, but of course that’s something else entirely.)
Earlier 744cc V7s always got the balance of then and now just about spot-on. Some retros, like Royal Enfield’s Bullet and the Benelli Imperiale 400, are just like riding an old bike, while machines like the Triumph Speed Twin and Yamaha XSRs are modern tackle in period costume.
But with traditional feel and sensations mixed with modern quality, manners, ease of use and reliability, the Guzzi has always seemed reassuringly genuine. It’s still the case with the 853cc bike.
It’s still a doddle to ride yet with surprisingly capable handling, still nicely made and still provides rich sensations, only now with a little more meat on its bones. It’s both faster and more flexible, without damaging the character that’s made the V7 popular.
Becoming an 850 doesn’t really change the Moto Guzzi’s positioning, though. The V7 is still classier, nicer made and gruntier than a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor, but three-grand more expensive; and it’s still less punchy than a Triumph Street Twin and way slower than a Yamaha XSR900, yet more authentic and charismatic than both.
As before, the V7’s most direct rival is Kawasaki’s underrated parallel-twin W800, which outclasses the V7 on period detailing but like all other retros falls short in one vital area. It doesn’t say Moto Guzzi on the tank.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineMoto Guzzi’s V7 is simple to ride whether bobbing around town or bend-swinging through open countryside.
Comparatively slim wheels and easy ergonomics give breezy low-speed control and agility, and with an 18in front wheel and weight carried quite low there’s plenty of roadholding on flowing routes.
Suspension is hardly sophisticated, but the Kayaba twin shocks (slightly stiffer and with increased travel for the 850) and 40mm right-way-up forks give decent ride quality and good feedback, and the chassis gives plenty of confidence.
With its Dunlop Arrowmax Streetsmart tyres the V7 giggles as you cheerfully wear away its footpeg blobs on familiar roads. Or unfamiliar ones, actually. Just watch abuse of the left ’peg – once the blob has worn away the stand drags and can lift the rear wheel off the floor.
Just a single disc brake out front (function following form), but the four-piston Brembo caliper is plenty strong enough for typical Guzzi antics. The rear brake gives particularly pleasing control.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityPrevious V7s were ushered along by a 744cc motor, but this has made way for Guzzi’s 853cc unit also used in the V9 and V85 TT. It’s essentially the same air-cooled V-twin as before with two valves per cylinder, pushrods and a single throttle body with Siamesed inlet, but with a larger bore and longer stroke (84 x 77mm, rather than 80 x 74mm).
For the V7 the engine is in identical tune to the V9 Bobber, so has a claimed 53.8 lb.ft of torque at 5000rpm giving maximum power of 64bhp at 6800rpm – that’s a 25% hike over the old engine, though the peaks have snook up the rev range by 750rpm or so.
There’s definitely more wallop: the new 850 pulls harder at around 3000rpm, and when ridden with gusto there’s certainly additional pace. However, low-rev fuelling isn’t perfect (not helped by the feeling that the engine management is over-managing below 3000rpm in first gear), and in ‘normal’ riding you don’t overly notice the 850’s extra meatiness.
The six-speed gearbox is polite, and does the usual Guzzi trick of slipping into first gear to the lightest of touches without any sound or physical restriction. With the V-twin’s longitudinal crank and shaft final drive there’s a hint of torque reaction, but it adds character rather than being annoying.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueQuality is good. Very good. Paint is deep, running gear has a resilient finish, and Guzzi’s laid-back V-twin engine is proven and exceedingly dependable. Buy a V7 and it won’t let you down. Some of the components aren’t the flashiest, but everything about the V7 feels classier than its eight-grand-or-so price tag implies.
Owners of previous versions rave about the reliability and finish of their bikes, the only grumbles being about the rear shocks – which are improved on the 850.
Our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 owners' reviews show two very happy buyers who haven't had any problems whatsoever.
Your V7 will need looking after for year-round use, though. There are several fasteners and smaller parts that will grow fur and try to corrode if they get anywhere near road salt without first being bathed in something protective, and the V7 Special has lots of chrome and alloy finishes that need an eye keeping on them.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe V7 Stone (matt paint, cast wheels) costs £8000 on the road, or £8200 in limited-edition Centenario colours. The V7 Special (gloss paint, chrome and polished parts, spoke wheels, grab rail) is £8600. It’s competitively priced: Triumph’s Street Twin starts at £8200 and a Kawasaki W800 will set you back £8645.
The Guzzi is there or there about if you’re addicted to monthly PCP payments, too. Monthly payments are higher than rivals and it’s guaranteed future value is a little lower, but this means a more affordable optional end payment if you want to keep the bike at the end of the finance – which you will, given how easier the V-twin is to bond with. Over 36 months, 3000 miles a year and a deposit of £860, the more desirable V7 Special is £128.65 a month (8.9% APR) with an end payment of payment of £3578. On the same terms a Street Twin in zingy Cobalt Blue is £101.52 a month (7.9% APR) with a £4398 end payment, while a W800 is £117.16 a month (5.9% APR) with an end payment of £4689.
Running a V7 is a little more expensive, though. Insurance is group 12, which is same as the Triumph rival, and the frugal V-twin does 63mpg in brisk use – with the handy 21-litre tank that’s a range of almost 300 miles. However, the V7 needs servicing every 6200 miles with new spark plugs and valve clearance check every time. At least there’s no drive chain to lubricate…
Equipment
The cheapest V7 model is the Stone, which has a matt paint finish and black exhausts, cast wheels, fork gaiters, and a daytime running light with the profile of the firm’s eagle logo. It costs £8000 in either black, light blue or orangey-yellow. There’s also a limited-edition grey and green Centenario model for 2021 only at £8200. The more appealing version is the V7 Special though, with deep glossy paint, chrome pipes, machined cooling fins, spoke wheels and a grab rail. Choose blue or grey while handing over £8600.
Buying a V7 isn’t about shimmering technology. This is a proper retro, so switchgear is simplistic and electronics are limited to ABS and basic two-level traction control. The Stone has a new round digital display, but the Special retains analogue dials with a basic LCD inlay rather than multi-colour TFT fireworks. You’re paying for high quality and a fine finish instead.
Specs |
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Engine size | 853cc |
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Engine type | air-cooled pushrod 4v V-twin |
Frame type | steel tube open cradle |
Fuel capacity | 21 litres |
Seat height | 780mm |
Bike weight | 233kg |
Front suspension | telescopic fork, no adjustment |
Rear suspension | twin shocks, adjustable preload |
Front brake | 320mm disc with four-piston calipers. ABS |
Rear brake | 260mm disc, two-piston caliper |
Front tyre size | 100/90 R18 |
Rear tyre size | 150/70 R17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 63 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £101 |
Annual service cost | £180 |
New price | £8,000 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
12 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 64 bhp |
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Max torque | 53.8 ft-lb |
Top speed | 110 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 291 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2008: throwback V7 launched with classic spoke-wheel styling, powered by a 744cc air-cooled V-twin with alloy pushrod timing gear with two valves per cylinder and a claimed 48bhp. Five-speed gearbox, shaft final drive.
- 2014: updated to become the V7 II, with a tweaked chassis, a smidge more power, a redesigned gearbox (now six speeds), ABS and traction control. Three versions: matt finish and cast wheel Stone; shiny spoke wheel Specia; and head-down Racer. Later there are versions called the Rough, Milano and Carbon with cosmetic fiddling. There’s also a scrambler-style V7 Stornello offered for 2016 only.
- 2017: out pops the V7 III with the heron cylinder heads from the V9, 10% more power, a slicker gearbox with a lighter clutch, plus a reworked chassis with better rear shocks. Improved riding position and comfier seat, too.
- 2021: Roman numerals dropped from the name, and the 744cc engine replaced by the 853cc unit from the V9, ramping power up to 64bhp. Rear shocks further improved, headstock altered, tweaked styling, LED indicators and cool taillight.
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the MOTO-GUZZI V7 (2021 - on)
5 owners have reviewed their MOTO-GUZZI V7 (2021 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your MOTO-GUZZI V7 (2021 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Version: Stone
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £80
Lovely to ride but not for the feint hearted on maintenance. If you are not hands-on buy a Triumph.
Loves A or B roads, can do anything. 500 mile days are easy. Pillion comfort limited to 100 miles per leg.
Once run in (3000 miles +) is fantastic.
Simple but put together by idiots. Every bolt is threadlocked cheese. No grease is used anywhere. The dealers filled the gearbox with the wrong oil because their Honda tech doesn't know the differences between a 750 and 850. Take it home, take it apart, tidy it up. Just like a 1975 Ural.
Do your own servicing, its very very simple and you will give attention to the detail. Less maintenance than an Enfield, simpler than a Triumph. If you can't you need a dealer that really cares about Guzzi's.
OE Dunaplop tyres are awful Brazilian rubbish, but everyone knows that. Fit Michelins. It's not the sort of bike where you even think about Bluetooth connection to the ashtray or whatever, just ride it.
Buying experience: Dealers can be clueless. Bought new, wish I'd bought from Teasdales but the supply situation means bad dealers are probably the ones with bikes available.
Version: special
Year: 2021
i have had 3 motoguzzis and love them to bits. I am 66 and have ridden continually for 40 years.i love the style and handling. I have short legs so the ride height is so important
after my Susuki V strom the front brake feels a little under powered. You have to use more pressure but seems to stop the bike.
at low revs feels lumpy and when cold, 10 miles , the gearbox is also lumpy. then becomes smooth
to new. But both my other ones had issues, The V50 had electrical issues and the V7 (1) had a porous gearbox and a leaking rear gear seal. Both repaired under warranty. The V7(1)s chrome on the wheels was a rust box.
seems to be very frugal on fuel
needs a fuel gauge
Buying experience: from a dealer, M and P , Cardiff . Was most impressed with them. paid 7000 for a motoguzzi v7 special wih 1000 miles on clock. Paid fullprice
Version: Stone
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £250
A cafe cruiser that out a big smile in my face
Love the ride. Great for trips out but over two hours and you need a short break. It’s a country lane boy, avoid motorways, much more fun.Breaks are ok just not dynamic
Engine picks up over 4000 revs but plodding along slowly in sixth gives a nice low rumble
2000 miles and not one problem
Finding a good local MG dealer is a challenge
Equipment level is basic which suits its retro look. Love the matt black tank, exhaust and wheels. Had to fit a USB Charger (easy) but the manual is awful. Still no idea what most of the wires are in and around the battery. Bought a small disc break lock that just fits under the seat. Still trying to get small discreet side panniers.
Buying experience: Bought from a super friendly dealer in Exeter. Subsequently found another dealer offering a life time warranty and free first service.
Version: Special
Year: 2021
Great fun, a joy to ride, unique eye-catching style, practical and comfortable.
Single front Brembo does the job. Back break good. Suspension basic but very effective (much better the the v7 iii). Low seat height and centre of gravity, and Dunlop tyres inspire confidence.
Good low down torque, great v-twin character and enough power for real-world riding for those keen to hang on to their licences.
Have ridden the bike 2000 miles in the 3 months I’ve had it. All I have had to do it put petrol in it, and that not very often with a 250 mile tank range: it hasn’t missed a beat.
First service cost £110 (my dealer gives good discounts to anyone buying their bike from him), it has averaged 62 mpg over 2000 miles and insurance is very reasonable. Easy access to air cooled engine, shaft drive and minimal electronics (ABS and three levels of traction control) should keep costs down.
Basic electronics are more than adequate for riders not wanting umpteen riding modes they never use. Basic suspension soaks up the bumps and holds the roads without offering adjustments beyond most people’s appreciation. Lacks a fuel gauge but does have an accurate low fuel warning light. Dunlop tyres are good. “Comfort seat” fitted as standard, rather than a rip-off optional extra. I have fitted Halcyon bar end mirrors (look and work better than OEM), Ultimate Add-on heated grips (switch for setting heat levels built into grip rather than needing a separate, ugly unit bolted to the bars), Motone fly-screen (works remarkably well for its size and looks great) and Hepco and Becker c-bow legacy panniers (stylish, well made and useful).
Buying experience: My local dealer - Teasedale’s of Thirsk - gave me a very good trade-in on my old bike. They also discount servicing and, if done in the winter, will collect and return the bike for free. Their service is consistently excellent. This is my third bike from them and I don’t plan on going anywhere else.
Version: Special
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £200
I am nearly at the first service since picking up my bike on 1st March. So far, I have been mightily impressed. The drive from the south cost to Colchester On a very cold morning my trade in 2010 RT1200 was it usual warm and wind free self. The ride back on the V7 was in stark contrast. Cold and windy! So, lack of creature comforts aside what about the bike? It’s a cracker. Superb engine with plenty of character. The fueling is absolutely something that dosent feel quite right. Open the throttle in slightly the wrong gear and it feels a little bogged down. However the general A and B road speed limit riding I do the bike rewards me in spades. Exhaust tone is just about right but I am still thinking after market cans might be on the list. Up to work on the motorway last week was not as bad as I expected. Arms still in sockets and at 80ish @4300rpm. Looks are outstanding and the community sociable and friendly. Take a test if you fancy something different and really quite special.
It’s new to me so I am getting used to it but feels sure footed and brakes fell well matched to performance
Superb so far. (Under 1/- miles)
It’s a new bike. Looks well put together and thought out.
It looks awesome
Buying experience: I bought from a dealer over the phone. Good salesman but less than perfect handover. Covid obviously had an impact but it could have been a much better experience.