2021 Guzzi V7 Special

[peterbaron]

This bike comes with 2 y/unlimited kms and 1 y roadside assistance.
The additional, 3rd party - 4 y warranty can be bought for about C$1300, good price compared to Honda.

Today, I went to a Guzzi dealer to take a look and sit on it.

Expectation:
As an Italian bike, I was expecting a visual impression, perfect finish & detailing - better than my '14 STD and DLX

What I dislike:
* indoor viewing/not much room between bikes
* black forks, painted fenders - front and rear in two different colors, black color and ugly shape of the rear fender, kind of grayish/silverish gas tank paint and its "trapezoidal shape" when viewed from above while sitting. Silver, not chrome gas cap
* completely black engine, lacking some contrast elements like silver or chrome
* awkward/large foot pegs, clutch and brake levers
* cable, not hydraulic operated clutch
* visible and protruding O2 sensors
* lacking centre stand, can be bought OEM for C$200

What I like:
* 6 speed
* lighter than CB
* >21L/5.5 gal gas tank
* comfy seat
* drive shaft
* Moto Guzzi brand

accept:
* single front disc brake
* spoke wheels, tubs
* rectangular mirrors
* too modern, instead of classic turn signals
* tail light - barely accept its black housing and shape, needs mods

Biggest impression, what I think, what worries me and the bottom line:
The biggest impression and amazing surprise is how easy, nimble and gentle was moving and tilting this Guzzi on the showroom floor = simple peanut compared to our CB1000

There is no doubt, I still like this Guzzi. The 2022 model comes in Blue Formale.
My biggest worry is Guzzi's trouble free riding and dealer network.

In spring, I will go to a dealer again, look at the blue one and request a test ride....
I expect easier handling than our CB due to lower gravity and larger/longer?? handlebar.
If engine performance and the bike behaviour impresses me during test ride, I will make my final decision and may say goodbye to my white STD , while keeping beloved DLX

https://www.motoguzzi.com/ca_EN/models/v...n-4s-2021/
https://www.cycleworld.com/story/buyers-...-guzzi-v7/

P.S. I know, I'm too used to CB

[GoldOxide_imp]

Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, and Vespa have always had top notch hardware, especially the formal two. Typically better than Honda and comparable to Harley Davidson.

V7 and [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=3454]PB:

* Definitely get a test ride.
* These are sweetheart bikes.
* Don't compare it to the CB1100. It is a different bike, different experience and power is noticeably less - but still good for the soul. <-- This is why one acquires a V7, and a Guzzi.
* The clutch I believe is single plate, so maybe cable has always been all that is necessary.
* The V7 should be reliable.
* Parts sourcing has been problematic in North America for over a decade, but not impossible.
* Visible O2 sensors: Yeah, I don't like when makers do that.
* Cheap to maintain.
* Not known to have electrical issues compared to Ducati.

If I had the capacity (e.g. a garage and where the cars could park in the driveway all day everyday and night), I would have a Guzzi in the garage. A Guzzi can make one tingle, but also appreciate all that is the CB1100. It is an incredible symbiotic relationship with the owner rider.

[the Ferret]

I think Guzzi makes good looking bikes, particularly the new Mandello. I would never own one though, even though I have always had this desire to do so.

Having test ridden an Eldorado, a Breva 750, a V7 111 and a Griso, I can tell you first hand I am not Guzzi material.

[LongRanger_imp]

Having owned two prior-generation V7’s, I can certainly appreciate the attraction to the new Special. I found both bikes to be an absolutely joy to ride, with plenty of performance and surprisingly good handling, but the suspension was not the best and the dealer experience was very disappointing and unsustainable. The suspension has been improved on the 2021 bikes. My CB1100 was a superior bike to those two V7’s but I did love those Guzzi’s.





The upcoming V100 Mandello is quite the seductress but it remains to be seen if I have the stomach to go down that rabbit hole again.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Having owned two prior-generation V7’s, I can certainly appreciate the attraction to the new Special. I found both bikes to be an absolutely joy to ride, with plenty of performance and surprisingly good handling, but the suspension was not the best and the dealer experience was very disappointing and unsustainable. The suspension has been improved on the 2021 bikes. My CB1100 was a superior bike to those two V7’s but I did love those Guzzi’s.





The upcoming V100 Mandello is quite the seductress but it remains to be seen if I have the stomach to go down that rabbit hole again.

Really good shot LR.

I always liked the flat light green and unpainted cylinder heads.

[bioman_imp]

These are wonderful bikes, and I too am tempted by the new 850cc version of the V7 (esp the blue colour...). Other than accepting the lower amount of power that the V7 produces compare to the CB1100, you cannot go wrong with a Moto Guzzi V7.

If you have a Piaggio dealer not too far from you, you are a lucky member of a very small group of people, esp in North America. I own a MG Griso for 7 years now, and my nearest Piaggio dealer is located in Vancouver, 9 hrs away. It forced me to do all regular maintenance myself, and thereby finding out that it is not so difficult after all. Strangely enough, I have had no problem getting spare parts sent to me in 2 or 3 weeks from excellent suppliers in US and Europe. I have never had to wait longer than that (which I cannot say about my Honda parts...).

[peterbaron]

Thank you all for additional info and opinions, and I am happy to hear the good news!

Just got an email from a dealer principal with some more info about '22 V7 blue.
Asa they get a blue one, they will let me know....
As test ride is concern, it might be a bit complicated as their insurance provider has restricted them in the past, so they will check in with them again as their renewal is coming up soon... but I am very sure, I will get my test ride prior purchasing.
Also, she provided two accessory links

https://www.af1racing.com/V7-Stone-V7-Sp...ks-Storage
https://www.motoguzzi.com/en_EN/accessories/

Within a radius of 60 kms, I have at least few dealers.
Also started reading some Guzzi forums.
Stay tuned....

[bioman_imp]

Yes, AF1 is one of the better Guzzi-parts suppliers in the US. There are several others, in the US and in Europe, for new and second-hand parts. If you are interested I can send you a long name/link-list of parts-providers but I am sure you did your web-searching.

Let's hope this winter is ending soon!!

[GoldOxide_imp]

Corsa Meccanica in Vaughan, Ontario used to allow demo rides to serious shoppers. Not sure if the founder is still there, but it worth a try. He'll know if you are serious or not before you will. They have been around long enough and are pretty hip.

[rboe]

Guzzi's have a reputation of needing things sorted the first year or two, then last forever. Today I think the sorting bit is not nearly as common as it used to be. Alas; with all the new electronics, lasting forever may be iffy (mainly, sourcing electrical parts after a couple decades).

I'm hearing that parts are hard to get now (just like one bit for my CB1100!). A buddy has been waiting a VERY long time for a formed rubber hose for his Griso. The pandemic gets most of the blame.

I never found a lack of a dealer that big a deal (I one in Tucson that I had to use for a couple problems - one related to an accident, one for a "recall" ). Warranty work would be the biggest problem. Standard maintenance - not so much. Very easy to work on once you learn a few things (easy learning curve in my opinion).

I've owned two and between Guzzi's right now - but frankly I' not sure I'll get one again. I'd lean towards a Royal Enfield at this point - with no desire to sell the CB.