Why The New 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Centenario Is Better Than Ever! First Ride Review
Vložit
- čas přidán 9. 06. 2021
- Places you can also find me:
/ moto.bob
anchor.fm/fulltank
Thanks to BeMoto bike insurance for supporting the channel:
www.bemoto.uk/motorbike-insur...
Quote "MOTOBOB" for free licence defence cover!
Also thanks to Speedo Angels for their support:
speedo-angels.com/
Use "MOTOBOB20" for 20% off anything on the site!
The garage security barrier in my videos is from Image4:
image4security.com/
Use "MB50" for a £50 discount! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I have a v7 850 special, having previously run a v7 lll for three years. The new bike has much better low-down torque, handling (courtesy of much improved suspension, a wider rear tyre and significant changes to the frame and shaft drive) and comfort (the new seat and suspension). I have competed nearly 1500 miles on the new bike in the last 10 weeks, mainly on back roads, and am getting around 60 miles to the gallon. The v7 III is a great bike and I was stunned by how much Guzzi have been able to make the v7 850 so much better.
The new bike is great around town and on B roads and more than holds its own on fast A roads and motorways. With Hepco and Becker now offering c-bow pannier amounts, it will also make a good tourer. It has all the performance needed for real world, legal riding and enough electronics (3 levels of traction control, including “off”, and ABS) leaving plenty of scope for the most important rider aid - the human brain.
It also has a seat height suited to those of more modest height, unlike so many bikes these days. Above all else it is authentic: proudly designed and built in Italy for 100 years and confident enough in its heritage not to be plastered with flag logos. I never end a ride without a silly grin on my face.
If you are looking for a do-everything bike, with style, comfort and practicality, and which offers a genuine, confidence-inspiring riding experience, free from spurious electronics beyond the capability of most, then give the new Guzzi v7 850 a try.
I can only agree with your analysis and good taste 😬. I haven’t seen luggage options so far so will check out the H&Bs🙏 .
What is she like on bad/broken pavement?
@@barrybarnes96 The beefed-up rear shocks and bigger rear tyre help a lot and make it much better on rough roads than the v7 iii. It is also better at not tracking grooves in the road. I find the dunlop tyres much more confidence-inspiring than the v7 iii’s Pirellis. But it can never be as good, of course, as an adventure bike or something with more expensive and more adjustable suspension.
Thanks for the comprehensive review. What about vibrations on the foot pegs and handlebars?
@@uby79 I haven’t really noticed any. At some higher speed/rpm combinations the speedo needle wobbles a bit but that seems to be about all. I’ve done nearly 3,000 miles now, mostly on backroads (60 mph speed limits) and in towns, and I love the bike more and more.
The only issue I have had is with the seat on long rides, with 2-3 hours between breaks. To accommodate the wider rear tyre, the frame is wider than the v7lll. As such, the seat stretched my short (29 inch inseam) legs and the vertical edges dug into my thighs. I thus got someone to re-sculpt the foam, to take off the sharper edges and at the same time reduce the step up to the pillow pad, to give me more scope to move around. This has made the seat perfect for my strange shape of wide shoulders, long arms and stumpy legs!
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
Crazy how much information you can put into an under 6 min video. Just straight to the point. I like!
Right? I might have to watch this guy.
Great review & classic Guzzi MotoBOB! Funny bits at the end! Kudos champ!✅
Nice rolling through the features!! I’ve ridden that bike. It’s comfy and definitely snarls and hisses -it’s a lot of fun.
Cheers mate
USA
I love it, but they should've kept the analog speedo.
@Back2Bay6 I understand, 65hp it's still a noticeable difference from like 50hp. If you wanted an analog dash you would had to buy the 850 special which is even more expensive...
Your reviews are very good - useful detail and thorough. Nice work.
Thanks Paul! Really appreciate the feedback :)
Thanks again for sharing your experiences on this lovely bike. My son Phil, we met you at the NEC bike show, had the previous V7 two years ago. The only problem he’s had is the start button. The cluster was fixed under warranty. I like the latest upgrades and I know Phil misses a rev counter. Thanks again. Regards, Bob M. South Wales
I remember Phil! Glad he got it sorted, but yes a rev counter is always nice to have
A proper update. All the updates work well. All the updates both performance and astetic.
Always liked a Guzzi, great review as well. Cheers! 👍
Beautiful motorcycle, great review!
Motogoooosey. Nice touch at the end. Yes the V8 had a lot of power for the day. I think the retrospective paint looks good. Cheers mate.
I have little experience with motorbike but I have been an owner of V7III since 2019, I drove it around in the countryside as well as short commuting, did not have any problem to go to Italy from center France where I live , it was about + 1000 miles in 4 days. There is enough power to drive continuously more than 85miles an hour on European motorway, even it is not strictly made for it, no shield, just wind and flies. I have also tested the new one, the V7 2021, there are few upgrade that i sudden perceived, light clutch and light gear( i am used to kick the grears and pull very hard the clutch lever), the wider back tyre and probably also the different rear suspension felt different, more glued to the ground, as well as reduced pitch during braking. Also the engine looks more smooth, more progressive and predictable that the V7 III. I am not particularly fun of the new front light and digital screen, but it comes with the rev counter that It was missing.
The 100th color combo is amazing
I must be the only person who thought that the previous version had enough power. 😳 Mine has plenty of go for me.
Power is an addiction…we’d all like a bit more I guess 😬. James Hunt’s favourite drive was a Thames van (remember them?) because he could drive it at the max all the time, maybe you’ve found that sweet spot?
Duncan Hine what other bikes have you ridden to compare it to?
@@jamesclarkson3009 yeah, not that many! I started with an SV650S, then a Triumph America and then the Guzzi. I’ve also done a few thousand miles on hired bikes: a Tiger 800 in Tasmania and a Harley Street Glide in the US. I just think that with more power than the V7 III, I’d be heading into a corner quicker than my ability allows. Few people think that the Royal Enfield Interceptor or GT650 need more speed, they’re just lauded as being fun bikes. For some reason people think the V7 III needs more despite having a little more bhp and torque.
@@duncanhine898 yeah I think Derek made a good point - it's the sort of bike you could full throttle everywhere and still be within your limits and not risk losing your licence. That in itself makes it a fun bike. I just worry that if I got one (even the 850) I'd soon want more.
@@duncanhine898 I have a V7III and love it . I test rode the new version and did not think it gave enough improvement for me to change to the new model.
The weight has gone up , it felt less "Guzzi like" on start up (lighter crank?) and while it revved more easily and had a bit more power ,it`s only 10 bhp .
I think you are right about the RE comparison but perhaps they escape the power criticism since they are so cheap.
A V7 cost 8k against the less than 6k of the RE when I was buying. When Guzzi knocked a thou. off the retail price and the dealer a further £500 I bought at 6.5k .
One of the most enjoyable bikes I have ever owned and a real keeper ... but would I have paid full price?
No.
This bike is near perfect imo. Not fastest but one of most satisying
Got mine today. First impressions: BIG SMILE on my face.
The new V7 has a press-fit crankshaft with one-piece con-rods turning on plain bearings instead of the forged one-piece unit in the V85TT. Too bad Guzzi didn't just drop the proper V85TT engine in the V7.
Was a toss-up but went for the XSR700, 2 years and 10,000 miles in and its been great...but fancy a change and this might be the one. Thanks Bob!
Great review. I wouldn't describe it as a retro though. It's been similar to this since the 1960's...the genuine article 👍
Since the 1960's yes but the fact this is a 2021 model that is like the 60's version is what makes it retro.
I totally agree and it kinda annoys me a bit that people don't get that.
It's a Moto Guzzi, that's how they are, they haven't been built to buy into a certain market unlike the Triumph and various others.
I love the new model and the previous ones. I ended up buying and RnineT/5 and just love the looks and power of my bike especially with the crazy car drivers on these Northern California roads. But in retrospect the current model V7 or the V7 prior has enough power and would be very enjoyable!
But I would still like a V7 someday. I love a V-Twin, having owned a Buell before... And the styling is amazing on this V7. I wish though that Guzzi would make a full cafe racer version with this model, they would hit the nail on the head with this!!! Also they need to rethink their dealer network, which is a big investment for sure.... I think the older V7 is a good bike as well!
Surely they’ll do that for 2022, let’s hope so.
I love this bike. Hopefully I’ll own one someday
Ended up buying a 2020 Street Twin but do love the look of a Guzzi. Good vid as always Bob 👍
Street Twins are lovely bikes.
I did the opposite. I was going to get a 2020 street twin and ended up getting a 2020 V7.
Perfect minimalist bike.
So simply straightforward it’s hard to believe it’s Italian.
😬 Although some aren’t so keen on the eagle DRL and digi instruments… but there is the Special for the ultra purist!
@@Dreddingbath I agree, but this is about as close to “two wheels, motor, seat, bars and frame” as anyone can do at this point.
Which is why I ride old BMW’s
AHAHAHAH
Thoughts of the Special are still topping my wishes
I particularly like the white one 👍
I picked up the previous gen Stone (2017) this year and I absolutely love it. It seems to have plenty of power to me, but I haven't ridden many bikes. All I can say is I don't have any trouble passing on the highway. I would definitely not discourage anyone from getting one as they are very affordable on the slightly used market and you get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of features.
Im a brand new rider and I have only taken mine around neighborhood roads...it feels fast as hell in 2nd and 3rd. I cant imagine wanting something quicker...
I’d have a new V7 Stone tomorrow, but only if I could have the normal looking headlamp off the Special
Also twin front discs would be essential with the extra power as the single front disc always seemed on it’s limit on the previous version
Oh and the twin dials , also off the Special
I’d happily tick those option boxes as everything else is Perfect 🏍🙏🏻
good channel thanks. sure would very much like to see a lot more on the lesser known manufactures. enuf on Honda yamaha Triumph,,, etc,, ,, those neat city bikes you've done a couple more is better thx.
Couldn't agree more. Had been eyeing the V7 as a commuter, but just couldn't accept some of the issues they've addressed for this year. And, this paint scheme...just gorgeous. Should be a very satisfying daily that you can - now - take out for longer rides on the weekend! Just needs a fuel gauge!!! No excuse for that today. So, a 500cc V8?! Bring *that* back!
You wouldn`t be happy with the maintenance costs of the V8.
I agree about the lack of fuel gauge. Come on Guzzi.. it's 2022.
Nice bike👍
Great review as always I know your reviews are centered around your country and what happens around that area. But here in Canada in Ontario there's no test riding motorcycles only dealer days and they rarely come up they also overpriced the royal enfields so they cost more than the 2019 and under Moto Guzzi and the price for the new Moto Guzzi has risen quite a bit even with the RE meteor it's overpriced and now not worth the value. I so wish it was the same as you I would have bought an interceptor instead of my Moto Guzzi but I do love my guzzie. And by the way your insurance is so much better for multiple bikes
I live in the UK and have rarely test ridden a bike before purchase. I know exactly what I'm going to like or not. I've not been disappointed yet.
Ciao la V7 Guzzi Centenario 😉molto bella e dinamica un sogno che si deve avverare a presto 😉
Hi, Will you be able to comparison video between the 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 and the 2021 Triumph T100. Would like to understand the comparison for City vs Long ride, Comfort, Vibrations and Maintenance.. also I am 6 ft tall. What would be your recommendation?
I honestly wish it had the 10 more horsepower.
Great video and i loved the bit at the end.
i am baffled as to why it doesn't have same power as V85...stupid decision.
@@MrKdr500 totally with you on this. Also would have loved to have seen a zoom zoom model for the 100th year anniversary.
...was a problem 10 horses more on the V7.
Please, I need your help and want to know your opinions. I am entry level biker 6ft 2 (ride-only quads for many years) and I've got a dilemma - Moto Guzzi V7 III Centenario 2021 or Triumph Street Twin Iron Stone 2021 ??? I have the option to go test the Triumph, but not Moto Guzzi at the same time. Thanks
Nice review Bob.
What did Derek think of your bike? 😉
I think he enjoyed it actually! Mine has the benefit of some moderately loud pipes which always enhance the experience. I think he's on the cusp of getting some for the V7 but he only just got the bike a couple of weeks back.
@@motobob I certainly did 👍
Great lookIng bike ,all it needs is a set of Agostini
PIpes .Guzzi s have soul.
Yup that's what I have on my V9 Bobber
4 me Mistral is better quality/price 😉
Friend of mines got a v85tt says there’s an issue on some shaft drive seals and fogging indicators
Please stop saying transverse V twin. It's caught on and is wrong. The axis of an engine traditionally is defined by its axis of rotation which makes sense. You wouldn't describe the engine of a rear drive V6 or 8 car as transverse.
That's a beautiful color scheme 👍🏼👍🏼
Nice review it's definitely on my shortlist but it's a shame it doesn't have a fuel gauge. Not a deal breaker though.
An odd omission, I’d like to know why they did that?
Don't really need it, reset the trip when you fill up. My V7ii does between 155-179 miles til the yellow light comes on, you then have 50-70 miles to fill up. Easy.
@@GS-xg4nz no excuse for not including a fuel gauge nowadays. You don't really need one in a car either if you're going to use the trip odometer to keep track. But, it's a convenience item that should be standard on all bikes.
Doesn't have tubeless tyres though. MG updated the V85TT's wheels, but forgot about the new V7!
Not so, the Stone (the Centenario tested is essentially a Stone) with its cast wheels runs tubeless, the Special with its spokes runs tubes ... although the tyres are the same Dunlops on both models.
Wtf is the moustache all about? Would have looked much nicer with old school style light (with LED’s) and twin clocks
Lovely bike but what are sourcing parts like. Does anyone know.
Turn it on man let us hear it
Great review, thank you!! Just love Motoguzzi, as a 50 years old beginner (use to have maxi scooter) will you recommended this beauty as a first bike!? Is this bike good for touring longer distance and duo? Thanx and regards from Serbia ✌️🇷🇸
Did you get one ?
@@neilanderson2374 I didn't, I get the Suzuki SV650 👍
@@svaralen good choice. I am in the same position. Just working to pass my test at 50, really love the moto guzzi v7, but not sure it’s the correct choice for a first bike.
@@neilanderson2374 the SV is a great beginner bike, in my country (Serbia) is cheaper than the V7, that was the only reason. The Guzzi should be also a good beginner bike 👍
I like it
How is the suspension on narrow, bumpy. poorly surfaces B roads?
Steve, no issues at all suspension wise either riding solo or two up, on all types of surface and roads.
I absolutely love the look of this bike in particular the "special" I just wish they'd kept it in the same state of tune as the v85. Can't understand why they didn't. 65hp (although a noticeable improvement) just seems a bit meh.
Reckon that’ll be their 2022 update?
@@Dreddingbath who knows but why not do it from the start? If it had 80hp I'd buy one new no question. As things stand I'll probably get a nice used r nine t.
@@jamesclarkson3009 I think cost would have been a big reason. THe motor from the V85 has some serious component upgrades ,Titanium valves ,better fueling etc. The bike would have needed better brakes and so on .
It would not have been an 8k bike but nearer 11k.
I have a V7III and love it but it needs more power to overtake on the backroads I ride on, where there is not a lot of time to waste creeping past cars.
So I am looking at R9 T like you.
I`d like to keep the Guzzi though .
They'd have to update the swing arm and shaft drive I'd imagine. That would change the back end which would change the whole package.
OK, I know I’m late. Why is none of the ‘reviewers’ mentioning the push rods and dry clutch? I find that important to know as a potential buyer.
Nossa que motor.
PA volume but good video
this or the street twin?
This would look and sound brilliant with some Mistral pipes....
It does. Needs a remap if you take the baffles out and would probably be illegally load. Still sounds good with em in.
@@jamesclarkson3009 Mistral is not illegal.
@@albertopadovani4237 no it's not but if you remove the baffles it might exceed noise regulations (in the uk) and you risk getting pulled over by the police.
@@jamesclarkson3009 if U remove is illegal, Mistral Us certificated.
Great review. Okay no b.s. Would you buy the 2021 v7 or the Street Twin? I have to know. Lol. 😉
I love these retro bikes, I just wish they all had 120hp lol
So, did Guzzi call this and the cruiser they had, the "Stone" as a homage to the 1974 Aussie bike movie or what? I recall their were no Guzzis in that movie....though we had Guzzis here at the time.
How much is it in GB?
Fair point! £8,200 which isn't too bad - on a par with the Triumph/Ducati etc. Will pin this for others to see 👍
I don't like the front Light and the sound. I love my Scrambler 1200 XC :-) But the Engine on this Bike looks great.
Mistral exhaust sorts the noise out.
So for a start you were comparing it to the Interceptor from Royal Enfield and then in the next breath you were saying the V7 was just a little bit lacking in power. This is rubbish of coarse as the V7 III put's out 52 hp where as the Interceptor put out 48 hp, so I don't think their is much lacking there. Triumph although a 900 has very low hp as the power delivery was peaking at 5,800 rpm on the old model. They've altered the flywheel weight on the new model and it now's revs more freely which you'll pay for with economy and you'll also loose some low down torque. Yes the MotoGuzzi 853 cc engine will produce more power and so it should, however the bike also weighs more overall so you don't get something for nothing, there is always a trade off.
I just wish they went the whole hog and kept the extra 10bhp of the other bike and put twin discs up front and then it would be perfect
It’s not just Guzzi either, I wish Triumph would put twin discs on the Street Twin
Or atleast let the customer tick the box for the more powerful engine and discs and they’d make a killing 🏍👍🏻
Have you checked out the Speed Twin?
Love it, but alas a shade too small for over 6 footers. 😢
Can see that, V85TT?
@@Dreddingbath …it’s bigger for sure, but not stunning to look at like the V7 & V9… it’s such a shame that I’m cursed with tallness. Damn you genes!
Like the R nine T there's no fuel gauge. That's a dealbreaker for mate.
I love Italian twins, but Guzzi always seem disappointing spec-wise. I’ve never felt interest, now I’m older I want comfort and performance I’d test the TT and not this model !!
Should check the old models: moto guzzi used to be a sporty brand, much more than ducati, it made some of the fastest bike on the world back in the 70’s.
Check out the v10 centauro or the leMans.
Helluva bikes ❤️
Nice looking bike ….but I don’t know if I’d actually pull the trigger on one , I can dismiss other bikes in this segment with quite definitive points , but not the Guzzi , I can’t find a reason not to own one …but then again I can’t find that spark that excites me to actually own one ..
Guzzis are understated, classy bikes without the hype (or the hyper performance) of some manufacturers. Where can one use hyper performance on camera-infested and pothole-plagued roads in the UK, anyway? Guzzis give you heritage, easy maintenance, usable performance and a bike that’s relatively unique.
@@nigelfisher3756 got to agree with you there, not that I’ve ridden them all but I don’t think the V7 can be said to be better in any dept than the obvious competitors but you’re getting a well rounded package that, to me at least, feels a bit special.
The new rims and headlight, a big nope for me unfortunately
Love the mid size neo retros but find their cheap suspensions and brakes let them down.
KYB shocks ans Brembo 4 piston, cheap? Are you sure?
Has anyone here had actual riding experience with a real-life pillion on the new V7? The rear of the saddle, although quite pretty, seems too short for two adults to ride for any length of time.
This is half a reply. Not tried, but I’ve seen a few people riding pillion in central London on the V7. No obvious signs of pain and anguish.
Yes, I regularly ride two up, no problem at all. I've fitted a rear rack and top box to stow our bits and pieces in. The bike copes easily two up and handles excellently.
I don't like the tank color, would prefer same color green as side covers.
They should have left the engine the same as the V85, why they think it need to be less horsepower is beyond me....it's not like the V85 rips the skin of your arse.....
500cc V8 indeed :-)
I watching this bike classic model on Indian film Radheshyam movie then I search this bike
What no ride?!😢😉👍
@@motobob excellent...thankyou 👍
No effin fuel gauge .. so you sit on it and shake it side to side like a 1970’s lawnmower?
Has a reserve light. With 50 miles range once that comes on. Also twice the range of alot of bikes.
@@davidforsdike4343 Just like we always used to have on bikes! Who needs a fuel gauge, when they're universally inaccurate anyway?
Warning light with nearly 5 litres reserve on a 21 litre tank.
My KTM had a crap gauge ,little reserve and a tiny tank.
Prefer the Guzzi.
It shakes itself side to sides on start uo so you dont have to 😄😄😄
Milo Debruin nice one guys
Have you got an air rifle to shoot those birds?
The engine sounds absolutely awesome Probably
If it wasn’t for the gas bagging and bloody music
Wanna be Top Gear presenter
750 was better
But this 850 is more better...
You are trying to compare a shaft drive with chain drive models. Disgusting! You need a re-education camp. Shaft drive forever.
To all watching this: This is the most utterly piece of garbage you will ever ride (if you decide to do so). The engine shakes in a strange manner which they call "character". You need to rev it up to make it shake less. Next is the power-delivery: TERRIBLE!!! You will be the slowest bike on any street in the entire world (talking 750cc). It does one thing well, but only if you are someone whop pays attention to such: It sounds beautiful, but the sound alone won't make it a desirable bike.
The new version of the bike isn’t the fastest in the world but i wouldn’t describe it as slow. You can get some decent speed out of it. I thought the handling was very nice. It’s a very easy bike to ride, looks lovely, and has great ergonomics. That’s enough for many.
Goes faster than 95% of riders are capable of riding properly. Good riders make any bike fast, bad ones chase horsepower to make up for their faults. As for the shake on start up.... yep, it is character, and smooths out instantly with revs. Funny how you think it's an issue to rev a bike yet complain about horsepower? Do you idle everywhere?
You can go fast enough to get in trouble, that's all I need.