Guzzi V7 Classic tested

[Aero]

Seems like a nice ride...  

 Report by Kevin Ash:
   http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2008/06/28/nosplit/mfbike128.xml

[Baron Samedi]

Well reviewed in Bike and Ride too. A low power chugger, similar to the Bonneville. Want one.

[atadaskew]

Nice review.  And I completely agree with this statement:

"Moto Guzzi has been having a hard time of it recently, with sales falling from a low 10,000 or so to an even more dismal 8,900 last year - it's amazing after years of these desperate figures and one crisis or takeover after another that the famous old Mandello factory still exists at all.

Yet I've ridden every new Guzzi in recent years, and there's nothing wrong with the bikes, so ultimately the management has to be at fault for not improving marketing, distribution, spares back-up, the dealer networks and the company's reliance on the Italian home market, where 50 per cent of its sales are made."

It seems that Guzzi mgmt does not care about selling bikes.  CA is the largest motorcyle market in the US, and yet Los Angeles (which is the largest motorcycle market w/in CA) does not have a dealership.
Pathetic.
Add to that things like insanely long waits for product to hit the US market, and even minor things like their website being really buggy (try navigating to other regions - the thing has been broken for over a year now).
Do they not want to succeed?

[WitchCityBallabio]

What bothers me, is their missed opportunities. A year ago, they had a great win at Daytona with the MGS. They should have built on that, and put forward a serious factory team with a bunch of MGS's and factory support.

You know the old saying "Race wins on Sunday, sell bikes on Monday".

They also have an opportunity with that new 4 valve motor, to put together a nice new version of the Lemans. A Lemans type package with that engine would be a sure winner.

[Orson]

Piaggio has the reins, so all the blame can't be Guzzi's fault.

Aprilia is the sportbike range, so that leaves Guzzi with whatever other niches are available.

it's just a really weird company  

[sagerat]

"Moto Guzzi:  Going out of business since 1921."  

They remind me of my Ural in many ways in that it's a bike that is so beloved by the owners they are willing to put up with lots of aggravations, but do wish the company would enter the 21st century in terms of marketing, accessories, dealer support, etc.

Ultimately, I want both IMZ (Ural's home company) and Moto Guzzi to succeed as they offer really cool bikes.  I hope the Breva, the Norge, and now this V7 Classic get the company the success those bikes deserve.

[Baron Samedi]

I adore Urals, but to call them cool is surely an exaggeration.    

[Sarchi]

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/30june08_2008_mg_v7classic.htm

[atadaskew]

Thanks for that link.  Dang it's pretty!
The following quote shows everyone is thinking the same thing:
"There's not a thing that I would add or that I miss on this motorcycle. Just a shame that I haven't got a clue where the nearest Moto Guzzi dealership is."

But, but I want the white Griso!  Any day now....

[Tar Snake]

When I saw the picture in article I  just fell in love again  

[prshguy]

Something about that bike just looks right.  

[Mookie]

"Moto Guzzi:  Going out of business since 1921."  

 

[mr moto]

groovy colours baby ... red and yellow ?   http://www.motorevue.com/site/le-retour-de-la-moto-guzzi-v7-sport--34293.html

[sagerat]

It's a Guzzi thing, you wouldn't understand.  

[mr moto]

It's a Guzzi thing, you wouldn't understand.  

if the rumours of a 1200 cafe racer styled version are true , i don,t care what colour it is !

[kevrider]

it's the W650 i've always wanted.    i'm dying to find out what the asking price will be (assuming it's available in the US).

[atadaskew]

it's the W650 i've always wanted.    

eh? the W650 is like a Bonneville and they already make those.  Pliz esplain.

[Orson]

i'm dying to find out what the asking price will be (assuming it's available in the US).

The W650 was pulled off the market about 5 years ago  

[kevrider]

eh? the W650 is like a Bonneville and they already make those.  Pliz esplain.

all three are styled like older bikes ad have twin cylinder motors.  all three would be good for riding at a rose-smelling pace but will be more fun than a cruiser in the hills.  but the Bonnie is bigger and heavier than either the W or the V7.  as you can tell from the one bike i still have, i like 'em small and light.  i've sat on Bonnies a couple of times, and unlike most machines, they are not built to my spec (5'7", 155#).  it's ergonomically incorrect.  it's chunky.  the Bonnie just doesn't make me smile when i look at it.

The W650 was pulled off the market about 5 years ago  

yes, imported to the US for '00 and '01, only.  i am acutely aware of that sad fact.   

i test rode a W in 2000 and by the time i dismounted i was all silly-giggly.  ever since then, i have been biding my time, waiting for the stars to align so that i could pick up nice used one, preferably a green '01.  that still might happen, but the v7 gives me another option.  as best i can tell, it's the exact same bike, but shiny and new and sideways cranked.

[atadaskew]

 the Bonnie just doesn't make me smile when i look at it.

Dat right der is the most important fact on picking any bike.