02-07-2019, 10:08 AM
(02-07-2019, 09:58 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: I'm not knocking Moto Guzzi -- I owned two V7's and thought they were endearing bikes, but they looked better than they were built. If it wasn't for the dismal dealership situation in the U.S., I'd probably still own one of them and not my DLX.
Endearing is a good word choice!
I was in love when I first got it, then the cold nature of warm starts wore on me and the Las Vegas dealership changed owners from good guy brothers to an accountant with zero manners. This was my report on the Sportster forum:
2016 Moto Guzzi V7 II Stone
540 mile / 17 day report:
1. Love the low end torque...and I am already accustomed to H-D Sportsters.
2. Love the 5 1/2 gallon fuel tank
3. Love the light weight (436#)
4. Love accessibility for checking spark plugs
5. Love the black powder coated alloy wheels (does not show grime and I really appreciate tubeless tires)
6. Love key access to seat removal (two bolts on Bonneville and one bolt on Sportsters)
7. Love the seat height...not too low...not to high
8. Love the storage under the seat for a small tool bag, spare fuses, spare spark plugs, 6x9 zip lock bag of schematics, etc.
9. Love readability of the gauges...although the numbers could be a tad bigger for 70 year old eyes
10. Love the ground clearance and lean angle capabilities
11. Love the shaft drive
12. Air filter (AP8104924) is inexpensive at $8 - $9
13. Spark plugs (NGK CPR8EB-9) can be ordered from O'Reilly's for $4.49 each
14. Yuasa YTX14-BS battery equivalent is stocked at my local O'Reillys (ETX14), a factory filled AGM for $102.99
15. The 3 relays (headlight on after startup, start and injectors) are the same part number (AP8224462) and are only about $7
16. Appreciate easy access to air filter, fuses and battery, although 3 relays are under the fuel tank
17. Most sensors (and injectors) are easy access (right head temp, oil pressure switch, engine RPM, etc), but some are not (neutral switch, TPS, coils)
18. Seat has been comfortable for up 6 hour days, thus far; whereas both Sportsters and Bonneville seat required upgrades for more than 50 miles. Can better evaluate after a 300+ mile, 5 hour+ run to Stove Pipe Wells in Death Valley, planned for the end of March.
19. This is the first bike which may remain absolutely stock, other than a Dart Marlin flyscreen, removal of decals and stickers and LED tail/stop 1157. (I did add small side cases)
https://image.ibb.co/eLcMtk/left.jpg
20. Only negatives are:
Major
A. the lean mixture, both cold start (likes 2 minutes +) and even after a "warm" start after only a few minutes shutdown, which likes almost a full minute after re-start.
Minor
B. a few things are crowded under the tank/between the heads (throttle body, coil, etc.)
A ECM program update made the warm starts not quite as bad, but still very annoying.