Is the CB1100 no more?

[Gone in 60]

Ha, Ferret. I rent a GS every opportunity that MotoQuest has a transporter special running from San Francisco to L.A. I’m a short guy and the bike seems huge at first, but you get used to it almost instantly. After three days in that comfy saddle however, I feel like I’m getting on a child’s bicycle when I get back on my own bike.

There were a few very low mile Guzzi V7s in the used area at the dealership when I checked out the Katana on Saturday. Studied the details of them and man, they were pretty, but gotta wonder why they were traded in at a non-Guzzi dealership with barely any miles on them.

[the Ferret]

Ha, Ferret. I rent a GS every opportunity that MotoQuest has a transporter special running from San Francisco to L.A. I’m a short guy and the bike seems huge at first, but you get used to it almost instantly. After three days in that comfy saddle however, I feel like I’m getting on a child’s bicycle when I get back on my own bike.

There were a few very low mile Guzzi V7s in the used area at the dealership when I checked out the Katana on Saturday. Studied the details of them and man, they were pretty, but gotta wonder why they were traded in at a non-Guzzi dealership with barely any miles on them.

What is short? I'm 5'6" with a 27" inseam. At 5'9" I could see where there wouldn't be an issue.

answer to your wondering part... they have no power lol. V7 is very romantic motorcycle, sleek, conjures up images of Guzzi cafe racers, but get out in traffic on one and you'll understand. They are pretty much gutless unless you run the ever living snot out of them. A little over 1/2 the HP of a CB1100. 52 vs 88. They are ok on deserted back roads where no one is pushing you I suppose, particularly if you are not in a hurry.

[Gone in 60]

Ok, I'm 5'8" with a 29" inseam, so I might have a few inches on ya, but not much.

I can understand how a hopelessly under-powered Guzzi would be a liability in Southern California traffic. This is funny - they recently opened a Triumph/Guzzi dealership just down the road from the dealer where I saw the used V7s. Perhaps a couple of guys fell in love with the V7s at the one dealership, left, entered the freeway and realized they were about to be run over, and exited two miles up to the next dealership to trade for something with a few more beans?

[Jfro5687_imp]

Hi all. Just picking up on everyone's comments since yesterday. I tried both the V7 iii and then a V9. As others have commented they are actually very nice bikes to ride, handle well, light, decent brakes and comfort. No, they weren't fast but were fast enough to get a nice flow on. Apart from the fact the CB's are stunning and soon to be unavailable the main 2 reasons for trading the Guzzi were that the dealer network isn't great here AND they have an overdue service indicator on the dash that the dealer has to turn off. Can't do it yourself. I enjoy home servicing and part of the long term charm and bonding with your bike is obviously discouraged. 1st service includes tappet check ( on cold engine) So with no option other than get it dealer serviced I was going to have to ride the bike there, leave it, take a demo bike away and come back home. Then return the following day or day after to swap over, get mine back, and then drive home. Each would be a good 5 hour round trip, down motorways! Just too much faff.

[Gone in 60]

Jfro, with the cylinders sticking out on both sides, seems like access to the valves would be fairly easy, as long as there's no trickery in removing cam covers. When I had my R1200R, with the exposed twin cylinders, valve adjustments were exceedingly simple. Also I had a tool called a GS911, which plugged into the BMW ECU port and a laptop, and allowed a user to reset the service reminder light, and perform the typical dealer-only diagnostics. Perhaps a similar tool is available for Guzzis -

Wait, just re-read your post about trading in a Guzzi, this may all be moot, sorry!

[LongRanger_imp]

The valve inspection on a V7 is easier than on a R1200, simply by virtue of its 2-valve (vs. 4-valve) head. Screw and locknut adjustment on both. Twenty minute job.

To claim the V7 is underpowered is no different than saying the CB1100 is underpowered. On an absolute scale, sure, both are dogs, but the engines, gearing, and power delivery fit the character of each bike quite nicely.

[the Ferret]

For the individual I dont think it's difficult at all. For me the V7 was so underpowered I would never consider owning one. On the other hand for me the CB has enough power to entertain me. So much so, that I bought 2 of them. Does the CB have as much power as my FJR? Heavens no, but to me the FJR has too much power. To me the perfect combo would be 100 hp and 75 ft lbs of torque. These are satisfying numbers for a street bike from my experience. At 89 and 69 the CB comes a lot closer than the 52 and 60 of the V7.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Sadly, when I watch a bunch of riders cross my path at an intersection, any Guzzis in the pack always seem to be taking up the rear (never leading).

Nevertheless, they are still nice to watch and listen to.

[treedoc_imp]

I had a Honda CB500X when I was on my learner/restricted licence. It had 47hp and I loved it, I kept riding it long after I had my full licence.
It wasn't the most powerful of beasts, and the suspension was basic, but it was just fun to ride.
There is a certain joy in thrashing the cuss out of a motorbike, and on the X it was all legal lol.

[Dave Swanson]

I have a 2015 V7 and it has become one of my favorite bikes. It will never make you scream in your helmet after a full throttle blast, but it is just such a good all arounder and plain fun to ride.

I have way more than my share of motorcycles, but I have thought about what bike would be left in my garage if I had to trim down to just one bike...and it would be the V7. I like it that much.


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