Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special - 2 Year Owner's Review
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- I've had my Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special for two years now, and in this video I share my thoughts on ownership and do a complete review of the bike.
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Nice review on a lovely bike. The V7 makes 73 nm and the V85 makes 80 nm ( that's nowhere near a 100) Greetings from a V7 850 rider.....
Yep, my bad. When I searched it Google said 100. Just goes to show that you can’t trust anything you read on the Internet.
60.4 ft/lb or 82nm according to Guzzi’s website.
Currently own a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 cc that I have had for 20 years. Once took me 120 miles on one cylinder at highway speed when one spark plug wire crapped out on a Sunday morning with no shops open. At almost 70 years old it has gotten too heavy to maneuver in and out of situations. Purchased a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone at more than 100 pounds less wet weight. Absolutely love it. Will stay with Moto Guzzi for the rest of my riding life. I have owned BMW, Laverda, Ducati, Moto Morini, Triumph, BSA, Zundapp, Indian, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Cagiva and loved them all for different reasons, but the fact that I can physically handle the weight of a bike that will cruise (illegally) at 85-90 mph for as long as I need, looks good, is reliable and affordable and unique, why shop anywhere else?- -Mike Battle
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One of the best reviews I`ve seen on this bike (if not the best) I own the same bike v7 850 special in blue and funnily enough, have owned it for the same period of time. It`s my first Moto Guzzi and due to my age (66) may well be my last. I`m not disappointed with my purchase in anyway and have joined the Moto Guzzi owner`s club (which I would highly recommend to any Guzzi owner) I`ve added the clear Moto Guzzi screen to mine and yes, it really does make a difference. I will confess that mine only gets used from spring until early autumn and then it gets put to bed. This is mainly down to keep it salt free! I`m lucky enough to own an Enfield Himalayan which is used for my winter riding. Anyway, thank you for posting the very honest and interesting review. You`ve just gained another subscriber!
Overall a great bike. I rode it. Can check my test ride video of it. Will try to ride also the new Hmalayan these days. Drop by bro. Cheers.
I bought my 2022 850V7 after seeing your warning light video. It didn't put me off. I bought the bike to 'out bling' my mate's Interceptor which is nowhere near the build quality of the Guzzi. If I can intrude on your comments I'll say: I had a Triumph T120 and found it so smooth and perfect that it was tedious and boring to ride. The Guzzi is never those things. The gearbox uses very thick oil and until it has warmed up a bit the hunt for neutral goes on ( and on). The one thing that irks me the most is the absence of rear mudguarding that means the swing arm, the pivot, the clutch arm etc. gets covered in muck, grit and all the filth the road can fling onto it. The bike needs a big old fashioned hugger, so far nobody makes one. Undaunted, a few weeks later, when my local dealer lowered the prices, I went and bought the Stone version in blackest black . Less bling, but with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. I really prefer the Stone's display and being offset allows me to mount a SatNav on the handlebar to the right so that both are clearly visible. It has the same lack of rear mudguarding and that makes me feel that MG just don't care about the bikes. I added a centre stand to both £260 each and added engine bars to both. I am told the bikes need at least 5000 miles to bed down and loose the rough edges. The special has only covered 1500 miles and is still a little rough at times. The Stone has 3000 miles and is begining to smooth out. Grip puppies help with vibes. The seat height is 790 which is low and help with the bany stance I need due to the footrests always in the way when I need to put feet down when stopped. The gear lever is mounted through a slot in the footrest bracket which means the height of the lever cannot be adjusted despite there being a screw adjuster on the linkage. I made the mistake of raising the gear lever slightly and then found out there was not enough throw to allow gear changes. All that said and yet, I do really like my V7s best of all the bikes I have ever had ( 49 to date - I am 76)
@brockett Thanks for your reflections. Anything negative about the shaft drive? I was disappointed with the "jacking" experienced with a shaft drive Honda that I rode for a few years. Cheers
@@tr1umphrider I have no experience of shaft jacking. I had to Google it. Maybe V7 weight and 65 bhp mitigate the effect. Only a test ride will inform you.
I fitted some thick rubber onto the mudguard to protect the clutch mechanism by the swing arm, there was 2 holes already there like it was meant to have something there. However it was an easy fix and didn’t cost much. And it works.
The build quality is there for sure, great styling
Great review. On the fuel, your bike holds 21 litres or 4.6 uk gallons, with your return of 65/gall thats giving you 299 mile range on a tank. I agree on fuel gauges. I've owned two bikes with them. A Benelli Amazonas which read full up to 100 miles and fell ludicrously fast. My present VStrom 650 has a really accurate fuel gauge. On my MG Le Mans 1000, you switch the two fuel taps to reserve when it splutters. Very reliable. I don't understand why the V7 has a single disc up front. The linked system on the Tonti frame guzzies works amazingly well. The perfect bike for me has no rider modes, no TC and no ABS.All unnecessary imo. I've ridden bikes since 1981 and never needed any of them. The Strom is the first to have all that and is possibly the lowest powered machine I've owned since the '78 GS500E Suzuki I owned in 1982. Heaven knows why they think it needs TC. I know ABS is a compliance issue but you really have to be riding like a dork to need it. Guzzis are ultra reliable, go for hundreds of thousands of miles without issues as long as you service them regularly, which you can do at home because unlike parallel twins, triples snd fours everything is accessible. Love the torque reaction when on tickover and when you wind them up.
My GoldStar had the same problem, i was told because it was mapped for a hot Indian climate our crappy weather wasn't doing it any favours. Soon had it remapped now perfectly fine. I just love a bike with twin clock's, wire wheels and a chrome/stainless exhaust so this Guzzi is right up my street. So much character, love it.
I just checked Autotrader to look for your exact bike and colour and found only 1 in the whole country, in Rugby, miles from me.
Very thorough review of the V7 850 Special, they've been on my radar for some time.
Someone needs to tell the Euro to chill out on the emissions for motorcycles, they're out of control.
Very nice review.
I've owned the same motorcycle for a year now and can confirm almost all impressions and opinions. Even my average fuel consumption is pretty much exactly the same as yours (4.45 l/100km).
It might also be worth mentioning that although there is no fuel gauge on the motorcycle, it still offers a useful feature.
From the moment the low fuel warning light comes on, the onboard computer switches to a mode that displays the miles ridden.
This way, you know how many miles you've been in reserve and can estimate very well which gas station to head for.
Safe riding at all times and greetings from southern Germany.
Own a 21 V7 and love it. Upgraded both the front and back suspension and it now hugs the road like no tomorrow. Takes the corners like a champ. I also love the feel of riding a machine and not some over engineered bike that no longer resembles what a motorcycle should be.
you mean scratches the footpegs like a champ...
What did you do for the suspension? I just bought one, it's on the way now.
@@shelbyavant5081 Bitubo shocks on the rear and Bitubo cartridges for the front.
I love how you British speak. Precise and accurate🇺🇸 I have two older Moto Guzzi and both have been excellent! The newer ones seat height is too great for older guy like me. My 2008 Nevada is perfect . My 1983 Cal ll, is becoming too heavy at 538 lbs👨✈️
I cut and shaped some thick rubber to fit in front of the clutch mechanism at the back of the engine from the back mudguard, it also has two holes already there to bolt it onto. I also put on domed nuts on the exhaust studs from the engine to stop corrosion rusting there as the original nuts starting rusting quite soon after getting the same bike, same lovely blue. I also got a Pyramid fender extender for the front mudguard, it helps a bit but still get mud and dirt from wet roads on the front of the engine, however it helps a bit. I have a main stand that makes servicing a breeze, ie doing the valves and turning the engine over, also cleaning and polishing the wheels whilst chilling out listening to some music or a podcast. I also discovered that a V7 750III clutch lever fits after breaking it on a topple over on a rally field through my own stupidity, (not putting the side stand down properly). And the engine bars work protecting the cylinders.
Complimenti per la recensione,la mia V7 Special Blue è full optional come da foto... comunque stiamo parlando della Moto Guzzi...100 anni di fare moto... Completamente fatta in Italia...per me è facile parlare bene della Guzzi...sentendo le tue impressioni rimango ancora più contento!❤🤩🥰👏
Насколько надежен этот мотоцикл?
I’ve had a 2019 V7 iii from new and had similar issues to you, 3 co sensors and a rev counter renewed under warranty. Since then no problems, renewed the suspension, front and back (they obviously fitted the cheapest possible). Really great bike, incredibly easy to look after, robust and stylish. Lucky to have a few bikes but the V7 is sticking around
It is also true that these engines have a legend that they take a lot of miles to “run in” completely. Really a lot of miles, like an old /5 BMW. Like 10k miles. Some disagree of course. Anyway some of the sorts of things like flat throttle response at low rpm you describe post re-map, in my experience, tend to go away unless we are just talking about being shifted up and completely out of the power band. Like a launch in 3rd gear. That won’t ever improve obviously. But noticing the responsiveness subtleties change and improve in these nice, hand made, old school sort of mechanics supported with a little spark and fuel digitization, 750-900 cc style, air-cooled engines requires owning the bike longer than many ever do! A Moto Guzzi can be part of your life for much of your actual life and, um, evolves. As do you. But that durable sort of experience is almost a responsibility and may not be to some folks’ taste. There are options.
Thanks for another very thorough review on this bike - glad your engine light woes have been sorted. I still wish MG would lace those spokes to run tubeless tyres, making a road side plug feasible to get me home in the event of a puncture. Agree with you on the beautiful aesthetics of the bike - blue would be my choice too.
Nice accurate review, test rode a triumph speed twin and a RE interceptor. The v7 was way down the list of potential new bikes but I knew within minutes of the test ride that I had to have it!
Fantastic review, thank you for sharing
Superb owners update 👍
I do strongly recommend fitting the Mistral short pipes. I appreciate the design integrity of the stock bike and I'm not in the 'louder is better' school of thought but, having held off fitting them for a few months, I have to say they enhance the appearance of the bike in the flesh. There is a significant weight saving over stock pipes and with db killers in, bring out the character that you didn't know was stifled by the E5 muffling. The bike also feels more lively lower in the rev range. Great thing is they are legal and no remap needed (with db killers in).
I almost bought the Mistrals last year. They do look and sound good. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻
@@CGRidesMotorcycles Agostinis are available also, I have fitted the long versions with no remapping necessary.
To change the traction con. you press the starter button while the engine is running, which for an old school dude it seems a crazy thing to do but it works.
I can totally hear the grinding noise now thinking about pressing the starter after running 😂
Great review and some really useful comments from other riders also.
I really enjoyed your review, and good to hear the gremlins of the past have been sorted. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to me the V7 Special is one of the best looking bikes on the planet. I'm already a subscriber, so keep up the good work!
Agree on the look. A piece of art. Rode it. Can check it. Just drop by. Cheers.
oh yeh, power wise I think it delivers. I changed from a monster 696 and I feel the V7 850 is fairly close in terms of 0-60 and the top speed is pretty much identical. The v7 is maybe 30Kg heavier than that bike but actually alot easier to move about and the turning circle is great which makes carparks easy compared to the monster i had.
Hi there, a good review. I have the same bike as you a 2022 special so its just over two years old. To answer the quesrtion on fuel I get the fuel light come on after filling the tank at around 180 miles ridden. It does'nt vary that much however I ride it. Like you I had an engine warning light early on. Mandello factory had to look at it remotely and quickly replaced the ECU, it was kaput, but bike ran OK. It's done around 9,000 miles on West Wales roads all year round, so plenty of grit, sand, salt, sheep doings. If you don't extend the front 'mudguard' expect to get the front of the engine resprayed after a while. Swingarm paint is looking suspect too. Having said that I get a lot of fun out of it, and I knew riding it like that, it would get battered. Enjoy your rides.
i had the 21' v7 stone with the 850 engine over 7k miles when i sold it. Shouldnt have sold it but man that bike was special, like seriously unique and worth keeping. Im gonna have to pick me up another one.
On the strength of your review and ownership comments
I have decided to take a test ride at my local dealership Deardens motorcycles in the New forest 😊
And I really love the. Blue special version like yours 😁
I have the v7 850 Special in gray, my speedometer failed at 2700 miles. I have the Moto Guzzi windshield and am happy with it!
lovely review lots of good content .i have a RT 1200 2012 very similar mechanically dry clutch shaft drive twisting motion of the engine very tempted by the guzzi as a second bike ,thanks to your review ,oh and gearbox transmission sounds similar .the dry clutch does make selecting 1st gear a delight no clonk
Lovely review, thanka
Love the look of this bike but I wish they would have an option for the standard V7 with the dual clocks as I like the blacked out look and colour options of the standard V7 (Stone). Fuel consumption - I got very similar fuel consumption from my FJR13000 riding with a pillion and a ton of gear on a trip from Toronto down to the Tail of the Dragon and back last year (~4000 km) albeit mostly cruising gently down the Blue Ridge Parkway, although on the way back we were doing a constant 70-80 mph on the Interstate and it was giving me around 64 Impg. I am considering a Guzzi or a T100/T120/Speed Twin as an additional bike for shorter distance riding. In terms of improvements I think they should make an LED headlight standard - not the same one as on the standard V7 but just the traditional shape. Both my current bikes have LED headlights and they are absolutely amazing in the dark. Insuarance GBP94/year (
Love my Centenario, apart from the LCD clock monstrosity. Post first service remap, found it has really good usable performance in all gears and if you're in the mood handles very predictably.
Very interesting review thanks. I am lucky to have have 2 V7 Specials, one in US and one in Spain, both 2023 models. The one in Spain rides a little better low down. My thoughts are it's due to the better petrol in Spain but there may also be slight mapping differences between countries. In the US there is a company that sells a map that apparently offers an improvement and is needed (for some) free flowing pipes. I am planning to put on different pipes and like you want ones that look very similar to stock but with a less weight and make a bit more noise. Not sure if will also remove the cat too. Moving onto to the power apparently the TT has much larger inlets than the V7 and that is the difference. To my knowledge no one has managed to switch them as the V7 doesn't have the space. Hopefully a solution is found as an extra 5 or 7 ft lbs would be very nice. I'd also quickly mention that I think the bike would benefit with slightly better (stiffer) front springs, rear shocks and tires. I plan to do all 3 at some stage. The V7 is a keeper for me, will age well and is very well put together.
agree 100%. I did put Mistral's on mine but they're actually slightly too loud, Ideally I'd want something sounding halfway between stock and the Mistrals.
Fantastic review of a gorgeous classic bike, can't think of a better looking one. I would love to get one, it would be perfect for touring Europe with a screen and a luggage rack. Oh, and a longer front mudguard to protect the motor from road crud.
Pyramid do an extension which helps a bit.
Morning mate, i got my V7 special for three months now as my main vehicle and i love it! inspired by your reviews. thanks.
I am looking for a windscreen and hopefully we can talk regarding it. unless you have sold it.
Thanks again 👍🏻
Ran
I still have it but I need to check the brackets are actually in the box. Email your mobile to hello@constantgeekery.com and we can talk.
I once upon a time had a California retired Eldorado police model
My father liked motoguzzi I still have respect would a trike be market ble
I like your ad about 2 wheel bike my regards
Marrelli makes better electrics
Spot on, I have the same bike but the white one 2024 model. Done just over 1100 miles in 3 months. My exhaust headers have discoloured but that’s not a problem. I find it collects a load of muck from the road. It would benefit from a longer front mudguard but it’s not a deal breaker. Funnily enough I have an RT1250 too and I think between them they cover everything I want from my biking. Really enjoyed the video well done a good balanced review.
I fitted a Puig fender extender to mine. It definitely improves what's flung onto the engine and looks great. It will still get some dirt still though.
@@mc5869 I have one fitted too but still gets very messy
@@andrewdyson4255 I guess anything bigger might be unsightly. I haven't seen any other types to fit these mudguards.
I think the Guzzi (and W800) is the most authentic of the retros ...no Morris Minor carbuncle of a radiator slab hanging off the front of it.
I love my W800 Cafe Racer, but im starting to think the clubman bars are abit to retro for my back 😅 the Guzzis are beautiful a neighbour has one in blue and its lovely to stare at.
I love my W800, too. They are surely one of the best kept secrets in motorcycles. Mine's a 2015 with the higher bars and is quite comfortable. They're powerful enough for my riding, but if ever I get bored, the V7 would be on my radar, for sure.
I love my '22 Stone! I never tire of the engine's character and it's remarkably comfortable for long distances, which is great since it has a range that exceeds many touring bikes. If you're thinking about test riding one and have never ridden a Guzzi (I was that guy), don't be put off by it's shudder at startup and low speeds. It'll really grow on you and the bike is quite smooth at speed. I think the only thing holding these bikes back sales-wise is the relative scarcity of dealers compared to its competitors. I'm fortunate to live near the 2nd largest Guzzi dealer in the US, AF-1 Racing, which also happens to be a very knowledgeable and friendly shop.
This. I am very interested in getting a V7 Special but in Kansas it’s almost impossible to find one and the nearest dealer is 2 states away
I love this bike, but being in Canada, the nearest dealer is 2000km away. Just too nervous about the the little quirks and niggles left to my own devices.
Many thanks for your feedback.
I tested the V7 last year and I really loved it. This bike is alive!
I'm shorter than you (5.5 / 1m65), and seat height isn't a problem.
I consider buying it if I have to replace my old f650gs (2005).
Just two questions...
What about the quality of the chromes after 2 years?
I mainly ride in the city (Brussels, feeling like hell for the traffic), does the engine heats or is the cooling efficient enough?
My chrome is still perfect. I clean the bike regularly, and wash off any dirt promptly. Some slight discolouration on the headers, but that's pretty normal.
I haven't sat in traffic with mine as I live in a rural area. I've never noticed it getting uncomfortably hot - in fact, I've had bikes with liquid cooling that seem to get much hotter. Of course, it doesn't have a fan, so if it's a hot day and you're sat for a long time, it might not be ideal 🤷🏼♂️
I bought one new in December 2022 and sold it three months later.
Too many issues with build quality such as oil leaking from the shaft drive and both wheels corroding within days of purchase.
The ride quality was awesome though.
Nice set of Mistral or Agostini pipes will give a fuller deeper sound without being obnoxious and will look similar to original
Bought my V7 850 stone last May, have covered over 5000 miles so far although not without some issues early on, have had gearbox replaced, headlamp switch replaced & both exhausts replaced all under warranty but the gearbox issue was very painful & slow to get sorted, bike was stuck at dealer for 2 months, but it got sorted, this was around 2200 mile mark, bike has been wonderful since
Ooof! That must have been frustrating.
Nice to see you riding through West Coker!! Looking to source a V7 Special and feel free to send me info on the screen as I will be sourcing a screen as well. If you fill up, have you got any idea what the range is until the low fuel light comes on? Currently have an LM2 and sold my T4 earlier this year....
A lovely looking motorcycle; not for me quite yet, prefer a little more get up and go and definitely would want twin discs and adjustable suspension but there is always the Mandello to fulfill those requirements. One slightly off topic question...your front gopro handle bar mount? Appeared rock steady but perhaps those UK roads aren't all that bumpy.
The UK roads are definitely bumpy!!! The mount is indeed rock steady. Naturally the GoPro is also doing its stabilisation, but the clamp helps, and it never moves around. I've tried a few different clamps, but the Smallrig model with its metal hardware is easy to tighten up and works well. I've linked to it in the description.
I love the look of the Special but aesthetically I feel it would look better with twin front discs.
Agree completely.
How does the bike behave in the rain? Great video and clear explanations.
Haven’t ridden it through choice in the rain, but on the couple of journeys where I’ve been caught out, it’s performed fine.
Nice review, and the V7 has been on my list, but I don’t want to put up with these issues - it’ll be a Honda for me!
I won't tell you about that time I bought a brand new CB1300SA and it broke down within 500 miles and spent the whole summer at the dealer.... 😁
@@CGRidesMotorcycles 🤣😂😂 oh! I know everything can have the odd issue or 2, but the MGs do seem to be prone to some very common issues, and I’ve not test ridden one yet…. Decisions, decisions eh? 🙏👍
Hello. Big thanks. Would like next upgrade Euro 5 plus with same power as the V85🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌would pay more very happy
A check engine light would result in a 200 mile trailer trip to nearest dealer, once to drop off and then again to go pick up. Guzzi dealership chain is more sparse than ever. I've owned (4) and love them but nothing that requires modern electrical diagnostic repairs for CEL or fuel injection. IMO, it's just not worth the risk.
I bought more or less, "Exactly" the same bike as you are riding, last year having followed the videos you posted at the time. I wasn't put off by the engine light issue as I had an Aprilia Tuareg 660 that eventually got the mapping redone and that cured the widespread problem with that bike. What really sold the Moto Guzzi to me was the build quality, the retro look and the ease of maintenance at home. (There are no dealers where I live, at all!) The riding experience is quite different from a chain driven bike and took a bit of getting used to however, I know this bike for me will be a long term relationship. If it ever stops raining, I'm looking forward to some short distance touring on the continent and hopefully meeting up with some of the French retro touring clubs. I do have a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 to ride and I would say that it is in no way, a competitor to this bike. THE most thrilling thing for me is that "People" do look round when you pass, or do look up when you arrive at a cafe to stop for a break. It really has that "Je ne sais quoi" that draws people to look at the bike. I'm nearly 60 year old, still relatively fit but my days of racing are long behind me. This is perfectly civilised and you can spend a lovely day out on the bike, unhurried and arrive anywhere in style. "It's a winner!"
I love how you British speak. Precise and accurate🇺🇸 I have two older Moto Guzzi and both have been excellent! The newer ones seat height is too great for older guy like me. My 2008 Nevada is perfect . My 1983 Cal ll, is becoming too heavy at 538 lbs👨✈️ what does this bike weigh. I’m guessing 510 lbs?
It’s listed as 223kg wet, so 492lbs.
FYI the V85TT has significantly different engine internals to the V7 e.g.Titanium valve gear and crank I believe, as well as having a larger injector body. About the only, thing they share are the crankcases I understand. This is why you can't do any simple upgrades from one to the other. The question has been asked many times on V7 forums.
That said, I've had my V7 850 Stone for over 2 years and 5k miles now and couldn't be happier. I've been fortunate so far and haven't had any issues whatsoever. It's turned out to be the best all rounder that I've owned in over 40 years of motorcycling. It's not the best at any one aspect, I've had better tourers, sportsbikes and back lane scratchers but this can make a good fist of pretty much all of those. If you can only have one bike (is that even possible?!), then this should be right uo there on your wishlist.
Ah, that explains things. Good to know.
I agree on it being a great all-rounder. It does enough of everything to be engaging.
Hi, did you see me and the mrs 2 up on our silver v7 850 going the other way? Would have been somewhere on the Sturminster Blandford Shaftesbury run. Agree with everything you said, on the screen I have the dart marlin, tried the smaller classic and hated it, this one is OK. Also on the exhaust i am finding as the miles go on the engine sounds are damping down and the exhaust sound is getting louder and deeper. I am keeping the stock cans on.
I don't remember sorry - but I was probably concentrating on chatting for the video! You'd think I would have noticed another V7 🤦♂️
Well done.
Hi great review and totally agree with your comments having just bought one. A really lovely bike ! If you still have the screen you mentioned I may be interested and I live in the same vicinity so collection won’t be a problem. Perhaps you could get back to me ?
Thanks 😁 I still have the screen. Drop me a line at hello@constantgeekery.com
V85's engine has titanium valves and some other extra go parts in the head, not sure if the pistons differ. AFAIK the V9 makes even less peak power.
Yes Moto Guzzi become Honda-Guzzi(CX) with The water cooling 😊
I believe the V85TT has larger throttle body and titanium valves. It's weird that your dealer couldn't tell you the CEL code I have an UpMap and check and clear the CEL myself. Did they end up telling you what the code was?
It was incorrectly detecting a misfire. The dealer gets a basic code and can reset it, but the code would always return. The basic information the dealer has is insufficient to do any real diagnosis. In my case, they had to upload data to MG's technical helpdesk and wait for them to respond, which seems to take anywhere from two days to two weeks.
@@CGRidesMotorcyclesinteresting I have been getting the same error but was just told to make sure I'm using the right fuel. Might have to give the dealer a call.
Has anyone ridden both a V7 850 and a Vulcan 900? I know they're totally different bikes but i'd like to compare the riding experience (not many chances to testride a V7 850 here at the moment)
Very good review by the way, makes me want to go and buy a V7 right away
Thank you 😊
So I did a short testride on the V7 850 Stone today...really different from my Vulcan 900, who just chugs along the secondary roads (I still love that bike though, certainly worth its price for what it's supposed to do).
The Stone feels so alive, flickable and a lot more fun to ride than I expected and i love the sound. Also happy when riding 75mph, so some touring would be no problem for the V7 Stone..only space for luggage could be tight for some people. I also don't know if it would be comfortable on longer rides for me but I think it probably would..I could definitely see myself owning and riding this bike...I could see myself owning a lot of bikes to be honest haha but I can only have 1
Hoping they are going to manufacture the 2025 Nevada with low height seat and light weight 👨✈️
such a pity it hasn`t got fake carbs to mimic the old Le Mans etc. like Triumph have done with the Bonne range.
It sounds like you got a really good deal on the insurance. Who are you with?
That was with Wiser Choice. I always put my details in Compare the Market each year. Just done my BMW1250 RT today for £94!
Thanks
Very kind of you, thank you 😊
A detailed and well done review. In fact I didn't find much of a difference between this and the V85tt engine. Both are great bikes, just made for different purposes and taste. Got my like. Can drop by to check my content and my test rides. Cheers bro.
Subbed and will check out your content 👍🏻 😁
@@CGRidesMotorcycles Thanks bro. Appreciate it. Whenever you can. I am already your sub. :)
I think the Oxford brand are Chinese made using clever marketing and the products dont last very long. Better to buy a more expensive brand for longevity. Lovely looking Guzzi.
Suitable for a mature beginner?
Yes, I'd say so. It's pretty forgiving and easy to ride, but there's enough performance to keep you interested as you progress.
I'm well past the need for speed these days, so I appreciated your very gentlemanly owner review of what I consider to be a proper gentleman's steed. Current color options are decent but I too would go for the classy blue if still available. I've been putting off pulling the trigger by being 160 miles from my nearest dealer (I'm in Alabama, USA) as well as the commonly-reported engine light situation. Thanks for putting the latter to rest. Cheers
@@CGRidesMotorcycles the only thing that worries me is dropping such a heavy bike, but engine guards are available and they seem to suit the bike
@@neilanderson2374 the centre of gravity seems quite low, and it’s easy to manoeuvre. Maybe have a sit on one in a dealer and see how it suits?
@@CGRidesMotorcycles yep. I’m lucky my closest dealership is a Motoguzzi/Kawasaki/Suzuki/RE main dealer.
I need to compare it to the interceptor 650
and z650RS
I love the looks and style however I’ve owned a 2019 v7 stone nightpack and I’ve had it from new it’s done 30000 miles in 4 years and I’ve had the bearings go in the steering column I have had the rectifier go basically corrosion has been its main issues I now have a fuel pump issue I have the bike regularly serviced it’s just not great in uk weather so in my opinion it’s sa summer bike or use it as art work and just look at it 😂
Colchester kawasaki are selling these for £7999 bargain!!
What do you think about that Bike In the STATE'S ??
I did a roadtrip in California last year and frequently wished I was on the bike! I think the V7 is well suited to US roads. Comfortable for long trips, happy to cruise, and enough performance for twisty mountain roads. Just make sure you have a dwaler within a reasonable distance.
your forks still have the plastic cap on top 😉
Free anti-corrosion protection! 😁
Good review! You can de select the traction control, and if you ride on gravel (as I frequently do) you need it off, otherwise the engine has an annoying habit of stumbling during acceleration. To do this, with engine running in neutral, select the mode to MGT display and hold the mode button down. It automatically rearms the traction control when you shut down, so if you still require it, you need to do it again when you re-start.
I bought the Stone Centenario model for two reasons. 1. Because of the amount of gravel riding I do, I wanted the fork gaiters and 2. I am too lazy to polish chrome, so the black exhaust and cast wheels suit my ethos of riding, not cleaning ( I do wash the bike once or twice a year…).
Extras added for touring: Oxford heated grips, Factory windscreen, Barkbusters, Kaoko throttle lock, engine crash bars and rear rack by Hepco & Becker, canvas saddle bags and tyre pressure monitor made by some obscure Chinese company.
Next on list will be better mufflers made here in Tasmania and every bit as good as anything coming out of Italy.
In just over two years I have put over 20,000 km on this bike, plus another 8,000 or thereabouts on one I hired in Europe for a tour from Italy to Nordkapp, which was part of Moto Guzzi’s 100 year celebrations. That bike didn’t have any of the above kit like heated grips, so wasn’t ideal for such a long trip, but handled beautifully right out of the box.
For those who say you don’t need ABS, you really do, and this can not be de selected like the traction control. It is probably a compliance issue. ABS saved me from a potential drop when I was forced to brake hard on wet cobblestones to avoid rear ending someone who decided to stop for an amber traffic light when I wrongly assumed that they would go through, as do most Europeans…
Review with 2years/2000 miles😅.
❤guzzi😊