V7 Classic Cafe Racer article

[County Tar]

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/09/goosing-the-goose-making-a-cafe-racer-out-of-the-guzzi-v7-cafe/

I don't dare let my wife try a white V7 Classic because then I'll have to buy it.    

[Rincewind]

I thought the article overplayed the "underpowered" aspect ("the 37 horsepower the bike makes stock would probably only impress owners of riding mowers").  It's nice they were able to squeeze some more power, but they could've pointed out the features that make this bike practical such as the shaft drive and easy-access valve maintenance.  Granted a lot of riders are hung up on HP, but from my V7 test ride, it felt quite competent to me.  I don't think it would have the power to make "hero passes" around multiple cars at triple digits, but that's not the end of the world.

According to one E-bay seller/dealer in VA, Guzzi only imported 200 of the Cafe Racers in 2010, and none for 2011, so this is a rather rare bird.  I suppose that import quantity does not include the Club Racers that they imported later.  

[nevinfs327]

I was at a Guzzi dealer in PA when they unloaded some V7 Cafes (the green ones, like mine) apparently the Racer package is all dealer installed, and the stock Cafe parts end up being take offs.  Not sure how that has impacted numbers since the dealer I spoke with was willing to sell the V7 Cafe without converting.  

Regarding the power, I have to agree that it isn't bad at all.  Certainly adequate for the 5-10mph over I tend to ride at.  Good pull in the mid-range RPMs and great for riding winding roads.  The clutch is a bit stiff and the shaft affect noticeable sometimes in town, but the actual delivery of power works well everywhere from 0-80.  Once you hit 80 roll ons are effective, if not exciting.  

[Rincewind]

I was warned about a severe lack of acceleration with the small blocks once you hit 75mph.  Theoretically that's not the end of the world, but could be a downer if you are used to having more power on tap.  With my test ride, it was all back roads so I didn't experience the V7's highway abilities, or lack thereof.  

Sounds like you can get a nice power bump if you find Ed Milich to work on your V7, like was done in the linked article.

Too bad it sounds like the V7 Cafe Racer, as stock or with work done, may struggles to achieve the "Ton."  

[nevinfs327]

Too bad it sounds like the V7 Cafe Racer, as stock or with work done, may struggles to achieve the "Ton."  

I don't know that struggle is the right word, but you won't look down at the gauges and be surprised to learn that you've entered triple digits.  I've easily cruised at 90 on the highway, and could've gone faster had I wanted to.  What really counts for me: I have been surprised when glancing down at the speeds it carries on a twisty back road.

I also tend to compare this bike to the riding experience on my W650, and while the Kawi has a little more power immediately off the line, the V7 definitely feels more powerful everywhere else and is much more eager to rev.  It also vibrates less (though still vibrates much more than my Triumph) and the suspension and brakes feel much better, but they're 10 years younger with 35k fewer miles than the W.

[Rincewind]

Thanks for the clarification.  Looking up the top speeds listed elsewhere, it does look like it's capable of breaking the ton in stock form (listed top speeds 110-115mph).  I don't normally ride that fast anyway, it's just the principle of it.  My wife's Savage 650 physically cannot exceed about 75mph - I'm glad it's not like that!

I'll try not to ask Nevin which he likes best, his Triumph or Guzzi, because that's probably an unfair question - but it is on mind.  

[nevinfs327]

Thanks for the clarification.  Looking up the top speeds listed elsewhere, it does look like it's capable of breaking the ton in stock form (listed top speeds 110-115mph).  I don't normally ride that fast anyway, it's just the principle of it.  My wife's Savage 650 physically cannot exceed about 75mph - I'm glad it's not like that!

I'll try not to ask Nevin which he likes best, his Triumph or Guzzi, because that's probably an unfair question - but it is on mind.  

I can't really compare the two since I have different expectations, and because I have nearly 25k on the Triumph and only 1500 on the Guzzi.  But I'll try  

The Triumph is definitely more practical and more sport-oriented, but almost an appliance compared to the Guzzi.  It just does what I want it to which is great sometimes.  It is also a comfortable 2-up day tripping mount.  

The V7 is very engaging and the bike is always present, rather than disappearing beneath you.  With a solo seat and zero luggage capability (going to have to buy a strap mount tank bag), the V7 is definitely not practical.  

I think the Guzzi is best for 250-300 mile day rides while the Triumph is better for multi-day or higher mileage rides, especially the way I have the bike set up to carry my camping gear.  

Of all 3 of my bikes, the W650 (slowest and least advanced) is probably my favorite if that is useful as a benchmark.  It is the most engaging and requires the most interaction with the rider.

[Rincewind]

Thanks for your impressions and the surprise conclusion.   

[jsanford]

Thanks for your impressions and the surprise conclusion.   

Indeed.  I spent two weeks straight on a W650 inJapan and, well, am quite surprised indeed.

[nevinfs327]

Indeed.  I spent two weeks straight on a W650 inJapan and, well, am quite surprised indeed.

Rode my W650 375 miles on Saturday.  Definitely lacking in most performance metrics relative to the V7, but I still like it more.  I think because I feel like I'm riding a vintage bike on it, and not a retro bike.  Give me the experience of my older bikes and the simplicity that goes with it.  I really do need to find a way to improve the brakes thought.  The stainless line helped, but still not quite there.

[guzzinut]

Go onto ebay and look under Cafe Racers
You'll find that most of them are bikes at or around the same power output as the V7.
Power is not, and never has been what Cafe Racers are about.
Look at modern examples of bikes that are being Cafe'd.
Honda CX500's are a prime example.
I've been following a CX Cafe Racer build on line, and the end result was breathtaking.
Yamaha SR500's and so on.
There are other modern examples of bikes that have been built around this format.
The Honda GB500 Clubman, Bros 650 Yamaha SZR660 are just a few that spring to mind, and these are all mid capacity bikes with about the same, or even less horses than the Guzzi (The GB500 has 38bhp).