Moto Guzzi V7 Stone • First Ride Review
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
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Welcome to another of my First Dates series and today I've taken my first ever Moto Guzzi out for a spin! It's the great looking V7 Stone and I've been looking forward to trying one ever since Frasers Of Gloucester started selling Guzzis earlier this year.
www.motoguzzi.com/gb_EN/model...
www.frasersmotorcycles.co.uk/
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:23 Low seat height
0:46 Are we air-cooled?
1:01 Setting the scene
1:58 My impressions
2:10 More impressions (sorry)
2:40 six (noisy) speed gearbox
3:00 Feels slim
3:15 A bit over-keen on a whiff of the throttle
4:15 Ergos
5:35 Thumpy vibrations and slower speed comments
7:03 Fuel related chat
7:28 Going quicker and trying to understand the handling
9:01 A little comment on the Instruments
10:05 It loves to short shift!
10:36 The bike does have Bluetooth...
11:03 Shaft drive doesn't make its presence felt
11:29 Right...MGCT!
12:20 Back to the handling
14:05 Walkaround
16:50 Decent steering lock
17:11 Levers
17:55 Low speed manners
18:29 In summary... second date? - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Elisa Battle
1 year ago (edited)
As far as Italian bikes, I have owned a ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes--meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. Owned several Suzuki's to include 2-stroke models and the Wankel rotary 750. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there--but if you love just being connected to machinery and sound--Moto Guzzi!--mike battle
This is such a nice contribution to read Mike, thank you. You certainly have a rich history of characterful motorbikes - arguably you'd have a more emotional attachment to these machines than someone with a history of well-behaved and boringly reliable Japanese bikes! I think perhaps I came at the V7 Stone in the wrong way and I think since it was my first Guzzi I have a few things to learn about the marque before my next ride.
I see that you are a lot into Guzzis. So, can check my test ride/opinion of this bike. Drop by bro and have fun. :)
I own an 1800 Goldwing. I rented a Guzzi Grisio one Saturday and rode it all day. It was an eye-opening experience., When I got back on my Wing at the end of the day I felt like I was going from a Ferrari to a Mac truck. And don't get me wrong - I love my Goldwing. But, that Guzzi is what riding is all about. Loved it.
Hopefully you find a home for the Guzzi as well as the 'Wing! They scratch different itches 😊
I have one. Tyre pressures make a big difference to handling. Mine were low out of the dealers and it wagged its head under hard acceleration. Put them up to where they should be and now there is no wagging of the head / steering. Bearing in mind that this bike is a 'sportster' and not a 'racer', I find the handling / cornering to be light and neutral and on par with the Ducati that I had before it. As for the throttle, Guzzi have just issued a new ECU throttle map to hopefully improve its small throttle opening response.
I agree you have to pump the tyres to at least the recommended pressure, it makes big difference on my MG V7III 750 goes from slug to great handling, much more noticeable than other bikes.
One thing not mentioned in reviews is how reliable this bike is, and easy to work on. I’ve had a 2016 v7 for a couple years now and it’s as well made as a 90s Honda. And longer I have it the more I like riding it, and just owning it. It’s not a “high performance” bike but it IS a high quality motorcycle. For everyday street riding of the kind 90% of us do I can’t think of any real faults.
Yes that is a good point - I guess as the bike is not as widely owned as some other marques, general knowledge about the ownership experience seems to be on the low side.
I'm about to purchase one. I've found a perfect example with very low miles but I'm suspicious of the £1000 discount. Should I just buy new? What reliability problems should I expect? Rode one today and it was pure bliss.
@@Victor-vf1fi just go for it. I’ve had my Stone for 3 years and despite the rarity, and the fact that it’s the bike I’ve liked the most from everything between a Honda Forza to a Kwak Z900RS, they don’t hold their value as well as you might expect.
Some dealerships specialising in other marques don’t tend to like them on their forecourts. Think of the £1k saving as a blessing. 👌
@@richwatson28 bought it and I love it. No issues after almost a year. Would love more power when riding with pillion. Fantastic bike. Was considering the V85TT. Ride safe!
Last bike I rode that twitched as the throttle was opened was back in the late sixties. It was an Ex Police LE velocette 200cc side valve. I love my 850 V7 Special.
I've had one for just over a year and took it over 2000 miles this afternoon with a 150 mile ride around North Yorkshire roads from faster single-carriageway A-roads to Yorkshire Dales lanes. Would a sportsbike have been quicker along the A-roads? For sure, although maybe not with me on board! Would a dual-sport or KTM Duke 390 have been quicker around the lanes? Yes, but not by much. It's by no means a perfect bike, but it feels great to me. I love the engine feel, it's flexible (quick enough for me when I wring it out, torquey enough at lower revs around town or the back lanes), looks great, sips fuel and as you note the handling's good if you're not going crazy (Guzzi beefed up the frame and swingarm for 2021 when they pushed the engine out to 850cc from the previous 750cc). That won't be enough for everyone, but it works fine for me.
You cover the important points here Jim, it's what works for you that's important and it sounds like the bike suits you down to the ground! Much like my R1250R works for me but many people would not even consider buying one! The V7 Stone feels like an "old bike done right" which I think should be taken as a compliment. It's about finding the bike that adds joy to your life and if you can do that you're doing well 😊
I love my 2016 750cc V7ii.
The dual analog clocks & chrome exhaust look a lot better to my retro taste.
Also, max torque at 2800 RPM on the older versions is really nice.
@@savage22bolt32 Guzzi also offer the 'Special' version of the 850 with twin dials, spoked wheels, gloss paint and chrome / polished alloy finishes, although I believe the first Stone models came with twin dials
Im about to purchase one. Any reliability issues so far? Thank you for your advice
No reliability issues yet with my 2021 Stone IV 850. MGs are generally pretty strong.
Such a good looking bike!! Nice review.
Thank you! I hope you stick around for some more reviews!
@@RikkyTang 👊👊
Love the giggles with twist of the throttle! Almost 2,ooo miles on my new '22 stone! Loving every minute riding it. I'm in the US (gave that away with the mi) and lucky to have a new authorized dealer near by. Cheers!
Thanks for your message Corey! Yes I was quite surprised by the torque/acceleration on this machine and tugging the throttle did put a smile on my face! I hope you continue to have a great time with your new Stone 😊
Beautiful bike. Any issues with it?
@@Victor-vf1fi 3,300 now. No issues!
Most , if not all , Brit drivers use miles not kilometers ( and definitely pints not litres , lol ) . Strangely though we use CCs not cubic inches . There again in the States you had metric money before us Brits ! Go fathom , eh !
Anyways Guzzi make a machine we all appreciate . I hope the recent flooding Italy suffered left their factory and peps alone .
I think this bike sits in the company of the RE650’s, T100, W800. It’s that type of bike. I own one. I don’t agree on a lot of your criticisms of it, when you own one and learn about how everything works on it it’s effortless. Joyful. If you ride it aggressively then you bought the wrong bike. The handling is lovely. It’s a simple basic bike and all the better for it.
Hi, thanks for your comments, I appreciate it. Hopefully in my video and the comments you find hints that perhaps I had been reviewing this bike with the wrong set of expectations. Hindsight is a wonderful thing of course, but I think if I get to ride another Guzzi I will be in tune with the unique nature of these machines.
@@RikkyTang Morning Rikki, to be fair I think you did, that’s all. They are IMHO bikes where you enjoy the journey more than the actual destination without emphasis on performance. Relax, pick a comfortable speed 55-60 ish (so the wind blast isn’t hard work), chill out, listen to the engine/the whine/the thrum, go up & down the box one at a time, rev match, be involved with the ride, get a 6/10th’s flow on. If you are rushing to get there, riding hard, pushing on you miss out on all this and will get frustrated with it. They are not an MT09.👍
I rode this bike months ago and I have to say that feels a bit different from the others. The shaft was perfect and the seat also... :) Great job Rikky. If have time, drop by for the Tracer or Tmax...as you wish. You got my like here.
Thanks RRR, I will drop by and pay a visit 😊
@@RikkyTang Thanks Rikky. Appreciate it.
The last thing I want while riding is a phone call. The mcgt is the traction control and can be set for level 1,2, and off, by holding the mode button down and then pushing briefly to select. Plenty of lean angle and great fun on tight twisting!
I did have funny conversation with a friend while I was riding the other day... I was able to go through the rev range and he could hear the engine! That made us laugh 😊 The other aspect I never thought I'd like with a headset is listening to music... but if you do like to listen to music, hearing the right song atthe right time while you are enjoying a good piece of road actually feels pretty special! I'm looking forward to riding more Guzzis that's for sure! I do have a V85TT review on the channel now.
I rode my dad's stripped back Honda GL1100, which uses a 4-cyl boxer engine with a shaft drive, and I really enjoyed feeling the engine and shaft bucking under me as I twisted the throttle. I imagine this is much the same, and I am desperate to ride one.
Shaft drive !! huge advantage in my point of view.
Thanks for the review! I want to upgrade from my 300cc Vespa and been eyeballing a Guzzi V85 TT Travel. I know they aren't the same bike, but there are still some points that apply, so super thanks for that.
My pleasure! I'm not sure if Frasers are getting a V85TT in as a demo bike but if they do I'll certainly ask if I can take it for a spin.
Hey ! Loved the video mate :) Quick question: is it the Grey 2022 V7 Stone or the Grey Blue 2021 V7 Stone colori? Cheers
Thank you! This will be the Grey 2022 model
The Special with the blue tank & brown seat almost made me ejaculate when I laid eyes on it.
But I bought an older V7ii & love it just as much!
Hi Rikky, nice review. I'd be interested to hear how you feel this compares to the RE Interceptor. I'm hoping to test ride both, from Frasers....
It's a good point to compare these classically styled bikes.
Now the V7 is both a good bit heavier and more expensive but does have an air of quality. It also has a fair amount more shove coming from the engine, as felt through the seat-of-the-pants! So if it's straight line performance you want then the Guzzi might be the option. However I'd also argue that in the twisties the lighter Interceptor would be more fun! If you aren't going so fast then they both cruise perfectly well and it might be more a case of what they sound like as you wind through the countryside 😊
So - as usual really - it really depends on what you are looking for! It's a great idea to ride both, have fun!
@@RikkyTang Much appreciated. Cheers!
I'm really looking forward to the new V100 when that comes out.
Me too - hopefully I haven't ruined my chances of riding one with this video!
@@RikkyTang Heh.
It's a different market, so I'm sure it's all good.
I like my modern toys so I'm not really into retros anymore.
I've been ruined by quickshifters and fancy suspension.
The same is with me. I hope it will be still this year. Drop by mate.
Nice review. I really like this bike as far as retros go, very stylish & characterful. Without having ridden one I would say that it's probably not a bike you push on with so much as cruise about on & use the grunt now & again to get back up to speed. Hopefully a V7 owner will clarify in due course.
Yeah I'm not going to lie - I think I misread this bike! Cruising it's where this bike will shine... leisurely rides on a sunny day is where it's at! (sorry for the comment edit - the original wasn't very good!)
@@RikkyTang No worries, I edited mine too as it wasn't up to scratch. : ) As for the V7, yes casual speed limit based sunny afternoon cruising is where it's at, which is just fine by me as I'm much less inclined to want to go too banzai on a bike these days.
@@ragerider6283 It is definetely very inviting to cruise on the V7. However, the V7 850 also shines long-distance, luggage or not, as it eats highway miles like cake with a windshield on. On top, if one changes the preload on the rear, slightly rises the pegs and swaps to conical upward pointing exhausts, the engine really becomes a screaming monster at 4500-7500rpm and can be pushed. The entire machine is tuned towards low end torque etc, only going to 65hp and all, but it is the same 850cc motor which sits in the V85TT with slight alterations, it can go, it can be modified, it can become what it once was; a superbike of the past.
It still has a punchy engine, but you are right. This is a stylish bike, to be ridden in style. :) Can check my test ride of it. Drop by.
Editing.
I edited just so I could join in.
Built to a budget, want adjustable forks, buy cartridges, want a fuel gauge, fit one(LSK do senders),I just don't get the 18" front wheel though? Great touring bike for the A-roads,big tank and shaft drive...arrive in style, best looking in class,IMO
Sorry for the late reply - Yes it really was a good ride... it's only in hindsight I realise that rode it with the wrong attitude and expectations. I look forward to riding another similar model and getting into the groove with it 😊
Hi Riccy, I watched this because, as a fellow R1250R owner, you are in a good position to compare the two shaft drive motorcycles. I can’t get a demo near where I live. The dealer only sells without trying first. That Moto G is 20kg lighter than the R1250R. At my age you start counting the KG rather than the BHP. Completely different price range and spec, but if I was starting over, for what I need, I’d be considering the Moto Guzzi.
The engine performs better than the specs would have you believe and I think that's due to the engine being a big old-school 2-valve unit 😊
It doesn't feel as good on the road dynamically as the R1250R but as a machine in it's own right it still works well as an overall package. And it does look good!
Euro emission standards will cast these bikes in the dustbin. Get one now before they're gone.
I'm really sorry I didn't buy up a bunch of 60's & 70's bikes when they were cheap & plentiful.
I have just two days ago traded my BMW R1200R for the v7 850 Special and I am glad that I did. The v7 has more caricature than the BMW R1200R, it's a low frequency vibration that doesn't bother my hands or anything and lots from tourq from the start!
just about to get the V7 stone special edition and my first impression are fun engine thus to ride, massive tank lightweight (comparing to my previous Dyna Super glide Custom) and half the price as the latter, what else :P
More you ride a Guzzi the more it will grow on you. Very fair description of a first ride. Your points you did not like disappear the more you ride one. I have ridden Guzzis for 30 plus years now and love the engine characteristics. Would not look at any other bike now.
Where I have a problem...I've got 2 x Yamaha CP2 engined bikes, would I chop in the standard one(115bhp out of the modded one),can't answer that,in love with the styling though...
a) You said you never rode a bike with a transverse mounted engine & you have a BMW with a shaft drive - BMW boxers ARE transverse mounted / longitudinal crank engines.
b) We don't have the same, sometimes reported snatchiness that comes from fueling here in the US on early bikes afaik - you do have a new fuel map update available at the dealer now.
c) You're obeying the factory preset gear shift indicator which is low for the BREAK-IN period RPM - ignore or reset to the actual redline. Easy to do.
d) If you don't explore the envelope of the V7 you'll miss the most delightful characteristic - it's the shear fun factor on a bendy road with time spent at or near redline. It's a forgiving bike.
e) This V7 weighs 436 lbs or 198 KG dry - it's not heavy, it carries 5.5 Gal or 21 litres which is MORE than the competition so yes, the wet weight will reflect that. Aftermarket exhaust drops the weigh 20 lbs if you're so inclined.
f) A superior choice among other retro standards if you want to be able to snap on a windscreen & bags for LST duty due to its range, excellent seat & rider position, 6 speed gearbox & final drive.
g) Did I mention the 4 pot Brembo 320mm up front? Others may only be a 2 pot.
h) Excellent stability on the highway, cruises at 90mph or 145 kph w/o stressing.
i) low speed handling is very good thanks the aforementioned low weight, judged doing steering lock turns & filtering.
Thank you for your comments and thoughts about the V7 Ricky! However I will say that I reviewed the video and I don't actually say that this bike was the first transverse mounted engine I've ridden; I did say that it was the first transverse V-twin I've ridden, which was accurate.
I certainly did not come to this V7 with the right attitude but I have to say if I rode it again I would generally ride in a calmer manner and enjoy more of the bike's charms 😊
@@RikkyTang How much more calmer could you be? You drove behind traffic afaict maybe 90% of the ride? If you returned with any footpeg feeler remaining it's a commuting review at best.
There's just something wrong with pressing the starter button when the bike is running.
I can't do it!!!
The first bike that I eperienced that twitch when you hit the throttle (throughs the bike to the right) was a BMW R1250RT. It felt so strange to me that I walk away from the deal. I like the V7 but I've never rode one so my opinion could change. I also have to remember that the V7 is about half the price of the BMW R1250RT. Apples and oranges.
Indeed the V7 and RT are designed to scratch different itches 😊 I do look forward to riding another Guzzi and this time approach it with the right mindset!
I'm a brand new rider and bought one of these. The only other bike I've ridden is a Ninja 250. I'm still really green and not comfortable with really anything yet but I never even notice the little twitch. The only time you really feel it is if you whack the throttle much more than you'd ever need to get going. I don't feel any of the centrifugal force while I'm riding at all.
Have you tried the bomber ? Which one is the lowest. I am thinking trade my rebel 500 for a guzzi.
No I'm afraid that I haven't tried other Guzzis yet but I hope to be able to this year. I did enjoy the V7 though but I have to admit that I came to it with the wrong attitude... don't try to rush the bike, settle into the way it likes to do things and you can have a great tie with it. I'm looking forward to riding other Guzzis for sure!
no fuel gauge, but there is a fuel range, you just have to look for it and keep it showing
You could order the see through tank option , or just open the tank filler cap every so often too ! Lol .
A year after buying my V7 850, I still giggle like an idiot every time I make her sing. I usually get tired quickly of my vehicles. Not this one. I might never sell it.
It.s a nice bike kinda not much more to be said really would I buy one probably not but only because I would not be inspired by it but it's all a matter of taste really at the end of the day Rikky cheers good watch good review too👌
Perhaps a bike like this is aimed primarily to folks that have Guzzi's in their blood already. Mind you the new V100 seems to be a bold attempt to cast their net into the wider market and so I hope I hope that is successful 😊
@@RikkyTang Get a go on that one next Rikky I rode a Californian donkeys years ago that was a nice bike . 👍
64 hp and 54 ft. lbs. torque in a 853cc bike is a no-go for me. I get that it’s a heavier retro model that’s not loaded with modern lightweight plastic, but still…the Kawasaki retro 900RS makes 111 hp and 73 ft. lbs., so with its greater power, Japanese reliability, better dealer network (in the States, anyhow), better look IMO, probably better handling, better price (I assume), etc., I can’t figure out who would go for this bike over the RS.
I think big fans of the brand would be going for this bike (stating the obvious probably)... and if you are seriously considering one of these, then the RS is probably not in contention 😊
If you wish to ride an inline 4, the RS is the go-to retro. If you want a V2 air cooled, there s few to pick from, the V7 being unique due to its shaft-drive transverse setup and the "character" and heritage resulting from it.
However, the RS and the V7 are pretty much equally fast / powerful, as they both suffer from the hindrances of classic motorcycle styling: lean angle, ECU Map gentle, braking mediocre at best... if you were to look for a more retro style motorcycle of significantly higher performance, you should consider the BMW r nine T, the triumph speed twin and T120, or even an old widowmaker.
@@benjamin.f.b. Yes, my next/third bike will be a retro, and will definitely be a Triumph, either a Bonneville or T120. I’m tempted by the UJM vibe of the RS, but am too aware of its shortcomings to truly consider it over the Triumph.
@@pbofan testride em all ;) don't forget the speedmaster if you wish to go on holiday weekends two-up and/or like the look.
I understand your point, but if you can, ride one first. I too was focusing a LOT on specs (tiger vs gs vs vstrom etc..vs guzzi v85tt). on specs, the guzzi looses everywhere. In the end, I went for it after testrides. It has character, and may not be the fastest, but it puts a smile to my face. The tiger was a bit of a letdown, and I just couldn't stand the looks of the strom. I do understand the dealer network point though. Here in the EU, it's a lot better.
Fule is indicated by the eagle in the display!
Thank you 😊 I didn't see the Eagle change at all... do you have to press a button to have it show the fuel level?
The Eagle indicate gear shift (at chosen rev count) Low fuel lamp lit whit aprox 4 ltr left and a trip counter begin to run. I am the lucky owner of a V7 850 Centenario and I just love the bike.
@@torehornkjl1452 Thanks for your info Tore 👍
@@torehornkjl1452 it's a fabulous machine, congratulations. Any issues with it?
@@Victor-vf1fi Had one issue. The starter button would not respond. Luckily I was at the dealer when it happened. They opened the unit and got a thingy unstuck with some contacts pray. The bike run great at 10000 km. Just need to be a tad warm before gear shift goes smooth
longitudinal v twin ...
Well sir, it depends on what you refer to. Cylinders are transversal but the cranckshaft is longitudinal.
@@torehornkjl1452 its always the way of the crank that matter
Guzzi refer to their own engines as transverse twins but indeed the crank is longitudinal.
@@RikkyTang i know, iknow, i didint say that to bother you , i guess its my autism kicking in so that the proper term must be used lol