Then and Now Moto Guzzi V7
When Moto Guzzi launched the V7 Classic at the end of 2008 it proved no other manufacturer could do retro as well as the firm from Mandello del Lario. The V7 Classic retained many of the design elements of the original V7 launched half a century earlier, albeit using modern materials and technologies. The V7 Classic has spawned a number of new models over the past decade, culminating in the newest V7 III range.
Then – 2008
The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic was launched in Australia in December 2008 for $14,990 and it became an instant hit, with styling truly reminiscent of the original V7 that first saw the light of day back in the late 60s.
At the heart of the V7 Classic was Moto Guzzi’s longitudinally mounted 744cc 90° V-twin OHV engine mated to a five-speed gearbox with a dry clutch, and a shaft final drive.
You’d never pick the plastic bodywork on the V7 Classic bodywork just by looking at it. The tank retained the sculptured shape of the V7 Special that was launched in 1969 and the narrow bike also mimicked the original’s compact dimensions. Initially available in white with black/red decals, there was just the right amount of chrome on the pipes, the rear shocks, over the injectors, lights, gauges and spoke rims.
Despite the fuel injection, the V7’s twin needed a little choke to fire up on a cold morning before settling into a lumpy idle that would make the whole bike vibrate, while a blip of the throttle would cause the bike to roll slightly thanks to the big flywheel effect.
The five-speed gearbox offered positive shifts so long as it wasn’t rushed; if you banged through the ratios too fast the gearbox felt notchy and lethargic – it was real old-school stuff.
The V7 wasn’t a powerful bike but it could be punted along at a fair clip by using the abundance of low to midrange torque. The engine was happiest around the 3000-5000rpm mark, but would rev freely to the 7000rpm redline if desired. Ride quality was a little firm but handling was adequate at most speeds. Push too hard, however, and the basic suspension’s limitations would soon be realised.
The V7’s classic looks were complement by modern touches such as LCD odo, trip clock and ambient-temperature gauges, decent switchgear and good build quality.
The V7 Classic was followed by the Café Classic, that paid homage to the early 1970s V7 Sport, and this was followed by the V7 Racer, which was initially sold in limited numbers with a chrome (over plastic) fuel tank, racing numberplate and red highlights.
The V7 II was launched in 2015 and included a number of significant upgrades, including the adoption of a six-speed gearbox, repositioning of the engine (slightly forward and a little lower), lowering of the footpegs and the addition of ABS and traction control. There were three models offered: Special, Racer and Stone.
Now – 2018
The third incarnation of the reborn-V7 was launched in 2017. Like its predecessor, the V7 III, was offered in three models: Special, Racer and Stone. The V7 III Special ($14,990) most closely resembles the 2009 V7 Classic, the Stone ($12,990) has matte styling and the Racer ($16,790) pays homage to Moto Guzzi’s racing heritage.
This trio has been joined by the limited edition (just 1000 units) V7 III Anniversario ($16,990), which is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the original V7.
With the launch of the V7 III, Moto Guzzi took the opportunity to upgrade the bike’s steel tube frame. Although it retains the same double cradle layout of the previous model, the front section has been reinforced and there’s new steering geometry aimed at providing improved handling and stability. The footpegs have also been lowered and moved forwards for a more relaxed riding position, in addition to lowering of the seat height.
The Moto Guzzi engineers also took the opportunity to upgrade the old 90° V-twin OHV engine, stiffening the aluminium crankcase in key areas, revising the crankshaft for better engine response, improving lubrication and crankcase ventilation, and minimising internal friction for better efficiency. The aluminium heads, pistons and cylinders are also new, as is the exhaust system. As well as slight increases to peak power and torque, the engine is now compliant with Euro 4 emission standards.
The V7 III has twin-channel ABS and is now equipped with an adjustable traction control system with three settings (Level 2, Level 1 and Off), providing rider-selectable levels of intervention.
Despite the many mechanical changes over a decade, the Moto Guzzi V7 III retains all of the retro charm of the original machine, but now combined with an updated mechanical package and a dose of cutting-edge chassis electronics. Moto Guzzi’s optional multi-media platform can even be added to the V7 III, allowing riders to connect a smartphone to the bike to view parameters such as speed, engine revs, power, torque, fuel consumption, lean angle and more.
