What is this new V7 with cast wheels?

[Rincewind]

See attached pics saved from the official Moto Guzzi Facebook feed.  Does anyone know about this new matte black V7 with cast wheels?  It is like what Triumph did making the Boneville SE version with cast instead of wire wheels.  The wire wheels are one of the few things I dislike on the V7, and being able to run tubeless would be desirable.

I love the black treatment seen on this V7.  I hope it's not part of that "dark" series that is not imported here.

[Rincewind]

Yes I wonder what the new head style will mean.  More power would be great.

Here is the other V7 model they had shown today alongside the matte one.

[coho]

See attached pics saved from the official Moto Guzzi Facebook feed.  Does anyone know about this new matte black V7 with cast wheels?  It is like what Triumph did making the Boneville SE version with cast instead of wire wheels.  The wire wheels are one of the few things I dislike on the V7, and being able to run tubeless would be desirable.

I love the black treatment seen on this V7.  I hope it's not part of that "dark" series that is not imported here.

That is a fine lookin' machine.  
It does appear to be pretty "dark", though.  

[Orson]

there were about 13 variants of the V11 platform, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the same thing done for the V7  

[Biking Sailor]

I love looks of matte finish, but so hard to keep maintained.  That is a sweet looking bike!

So many cool bikes, so little money and garage space.

[Roadscum]

I love looks of matte finish, but so hard to keep maintained.  That is a sweet looking bike!

MY matte green Triumph Scrambler is very easy to maintain. It soesn't show the dirt and should not be waxed. Wash, rinse, and dry......... end of story.

Regards, Paul

[Rincewind]

MY matte green Triumph Scrambler is very easy to maintain. It soesn't show the dirt and should not be waxed. Wash, rinse, and dry......... end of story.

Regards, Paul

I agree Paul.  It is the same with my matte graphite Triumph Street Triple R - the paint is simple to clean and holds up well.

The Guzzi Dark series is called Aquilla Nera.  I hope they import this V7 with the matte finish, tubeless tires, metal gas tank, improved engine.

Word is this bike will be shown Tuesday at EICMA.  Viva le V7!


http://blog.motorcycle.com/2011/11/04/manufacturers/moto-guzzi/eicma-2011-preview-new-moto-guzzi-v7-range-revealed/

[jdgretz]

A V7 Scrambler - that could be fun.  What do you think the chances are we'll see it over here any time soon?

jdg

[atadaskew]

New 750 engine with 10% more powah.
So about 45 rwhp.

http://blog.motorcycle.com/2011/11/04/manufacturers/moto-guzzi/eicma-2011-preview-new-moto-guzzi-v7-range-revealed/

[mugwump58]

  I can get someone to paint it the color I want.

[Rincewind]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/November/nov0911-milan-show-milan-unveils-new-v7s/

Moto Guzzi has unveiled two new versions of its V7 Roadster at the Milan show, both also powered by an updated version of its 750cc Transverse V-Twin.

The new engine is outwardly similar to the old version, but features an all-new top end, including head, pistons, and induction which boosts power and torque by 10 per cent (the current bike puts down 48bbhp/40ftlb) while also improving economy and emissions.

The new bikes are this V7 racer styled by Miguel Galluzzi, designer of the original Ducati Monster. Although only a concept at this stage it could be set for production and features  a new half fairing seat unit, a host of cosmetic touches and, bizarrely, a drum front brake.

A version that will definitely go into production is a new V7 special intended as an up market tourer and features small screen, panniers, and retro two tone (brown and white) paint job.

[atadaskew]

From that angle I love the way it looks.
Only thing that seems off is the plastic chrome tail light.

[Oilhed]

I hate the shape of the heads but welcome the bump in cc and mag wheels.  But still no dual discs.  I had them on my Guzzi 650 in the 80's!  I would take the Matte and have someone paint a gloss red stripe down the middle.

[Jeff]

I hate the shape of the heads but welcome the bump in cc and mag wheels.  But still no dual discs.  I had them on my Guzzi 650 in the 80's!  I would take the Matte and have someone paint a gloss red stripe down the middle.

I was thinking flat bar, cafe seat, red frame and red pinstripe on the wheels.  

[coho]

From that angle I love the way it looks.
Only thing that seems off is the plastic chrome tail light.

My first thought.
I'm sure the aftermarket will provide.

[Roadscum]

From that angle I love the way it looks.
Only thing that seems off is the plastic chrome tail light.

.......for sure, looks like the same unit used on the Triumph Bonnie/thruxton/Scrambler. It's gotta go.

Regards, Paul

[Pete Roper]

You can talk all you like about how it looks and its power but everybody seems to be missing the fact that it apears to have the ECU and single throttle body first seen on the prototype Cali 1400.

If that turns out to be true, (and I suspect it will.) it means that if we're really, really lucky the Nuovo V7's will have 'Ride By Wire' and all of the marvelous fun things that go with that.

No it won't be fast but it *should* fuel up beautifully and be pretty much 'Maintenace Free' which also ties in with what some talking head at Piaggio said about Guzzi in a recent interview.

Oh, and 'Hi' again. I finally managed to re-register my password so I can annoy you all again

Pete

[Biking Sailor]

Was kinda missing your posts, Pete.  Glad you back online.

The single throttle body, with all that goes with it, is very appealing to me.  I'm not in the market for another V7, but pushing that technology up the line to the big blocks?  Could that be in the works?

[Rincewind]

Yeah nice to see you posting again, Pete.  

Motorcycle Daily has a write-up today on this new V7 -
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/11/2012-moto-guzzi-v7-models-get-new-engine-with-more-power-and-torque/

51hp and 43 ft-lb torque.  No mention of ride-by-wire, etc.

[Pete Roper]

The prototype Cali 1400 shown recwntly at the 2011GMG at rhe factory also uses a single TB and definitely looked to have RBW. Mt thinking is that the will want to experiment with geting the techollogy right and understood by the dealer network rior to launching it on a new 'Flagship' model.

Since the V7 smallblocks are currently their biggest seller it makes sense to use it as a launch platform for the new ideas.

Pete

[al_roethlisberger]

These are some great looking bikes, and the whole "retro" V7 lineup is what people had been begging MG to make for several years.   I think the sales have proven them right  


.... however, some folks are never satisfied.  Although we'd all love to have the stars laid at our feet, it stymies me that some complain that ~50HP and "low tech brakes and suspension" aren't adequate for a $9-10k bike made in 2011+.  They clearly just don't understand the marketing/pricing niche in which these bikes live.

Good job MG.  Keep improving the model lineup incrementally and I think these models will be a hit for many years.

[Hickey]

I don't know what has gotten into me, but I find myself really drawn to the 2012 V7. Generally speaking I don't love retro bikes. This thing will be seriously down on HP compared to every bike I've ever had except for a KLX250. It has no fancy electric gizmos. There are no dealers within three hours of home. But I still like it and kinda want it.

Damn you, Moto Guzzi!  

[Rincewind]

These 2012 revised V7's are beginning to show up on Cycle Trader, at least ads for them.  Anyone seen one yet?  I'm curious how much these engine changes are going to effect the performance numbers.  The existing V7's have a top speed of about 100mph (104.5 per the US MCN) and, I've heard, struggle with the higher speeds.  I wonder just how much better this new one will be...

[Rincewind]

First impressions from the model release, in Italian with a rough english translation, to be found here along with an extensive photo gallery.

The one thing that caught my eye was 20-liter fuel tank, which seems like an error.  The website shows 17-liters for the existing models, and the tank looks identical to the new ones.  20-liter would be about 5.28 US gallons, which would mean quite a good range.

[Orson]

I'm curious how much these engine changes are going to effect the performance numbers.  The existing V7's have a top speed of about 100mph (104.5 per the US MCN) and, I've heard, struggle with the higher speeds.

I rode a 49 hp version V7 Classic on twisty mountain roads and had a grand old time on it...more enjoyable than my Thruxton  

However, if you live in the flatlands, the lack of power might be more pronounced.

If you're concerned about power, you may want to look elsewhere  

[Rincewind]

If you're concerned about power, you may want to look elsewhere  

Moto Guzzi was the one who said it has more power, not me.  I am only curious how those claims affect the real world.  I have ridden the current V7, I know how much power it makes, and I prefer it to the Bonnies as well.  

[atadaskew]

Details, including both colours, are up on many of the Guzzi sites:

http://www.motoguzzi.it/#/motoguzzi/IT/it/moto/naked/V7-MY12/V7-Stone

The gas tank IS bigger than the older version.  I heard that it now is made of steel.

[Rincewind]

I'm putting this here to watch later.  Tor Sagen is a Euro bike journalist.



http://youtu.be/2WGENvtyZus

2012 Moto Guzzi V7 range full review by Tor Sagen in Mandello del Lario

[Rincewind]

 

[atadaskew]

It's funny how in that one pic the dood is pretending to kick start it.

[nferr]

I think I want one.

[guzzinut]

The wire wheels are one of the few things I dislike on the V7, and being able to run tubeless would be desirable.

I agree, but I do think in terms of style, the wire spoke rims suit the bike better.
I know that the Griso SE and Stelvio use tubless tyres on their wire spoke rims, but they've opted for individual plugs on each spoke from inside the rim to create a seal.

Why oh why couldn't Guzzi do what BMW do, and run the spokes from the hubs to the outer edge of the rims, thus keeping the retro look but allowing the use of tubeless tyres.
At first I thought maybe BMW have this design patented, but the new Honda Cross Tourer uses it, so clearly they don't.
It's such a simple and effective design.

[Oilhed]

Years ago MG used the same style tubeless wheels as BMW on the Cali but stopped. I think it was a patent issue. That said the cast wheels look great on the V7 IMHO as its the same bike as my 1984 V65 that had them as did the V35 & V50.

[omnivore]

There are a few good ways to make tubed spokers into tubeless if that's what is stopping you from buying one.
Nut for me, not only do the wire wheels look the part, they need to be in correct sizes to accomodate modern radial rubber for me....some nice black alloy rimmed lacd wheels with a 110 or 120 front /150 or 160 rear radial sport touring tire setup, (Distanzias would add that Scrambler look for sure) with steps to make it tubeless, would be great. As would another 250cc's.

Both the V7 and the Bonnie have me contemplating selling my 950SM.....as an upright, do it all bike, with classic style, modern motors, and great sounds.
Sold the GSXR1000 for the 950, becasue no one needs 160 hp on the street......but now I find the 950SM also makes me do things that should get my licence revoked as well,LOL.

[atadaskew]

Why oh why couldn't Guzzi do what BMW do, and run the spokes from the hubs to the outer edge of the rims, thus keeping the retro look but allowing the use of tubeless tyres.

Because if you smack a pot hole and bend the rim on a BMW, you will also f up the spokes in that area causing far more problems to fix.
With the spokes in the center of the wheel, they are far less susceptible to road damage and it is much easier to true a wheel if needed.

[crispiegee1]

 

I could stare at that tail all day.  

[Rincewind]

I could stare at that tail all day.  

That's funny because it's my wallpaper here at work, so I DO stare at it all day.  

[Rabidsnipe]

Based on the pictures, they also changed the stock tires that come with it.  The Sport Demons are supposed to be a big improvement over what was previously stock (can't remember what type).

[guzzinut]

Because if you smack a pot hole and bend the rim on a BMW, you will also f up the spokes in that area causing far more problems to fix.
With the spokes in the center of the wheel, they are far less susceptible to road damage and it is much easier to true a wheel if needed.

I can see the logic of that, but it's not a problem that I have ever heard of in all my years of owning modern wire spoked wheel beemers.

You'd think that if this was true, then the last bike this type of wheel would be suitable for, would be the GS.

[atadaskew]

I can see the logic of that, but it's not a problem that I have ever heard of in all my years of owning modern wire spoked wheel beemers.

You'd think that if this was true, then the last bike this type of wheel would be suitable for, would be the GS.

Not really.  The GS is essentially a road bike with the 'dirt bike' look.  As a road bike many desire road bike conveniences like no tubes.
The KTM 990 is much much more adept off road, and uses traditional center spoked rims with tubes.  Because they know if you dent a rim, you can keep on going.
Know of any dirt bikes that run tubeless wheels?

With the Griso SE, no-one has had problems with the orings.  It's all conjecture.  If you worry about that, I'd think you'd be far more worried about BMW FDs failing.  At least with the O rings if one did ever fail a can of fix a flat  (or an inner tube) would take care of you.

[guzzinut]

Not really.  The GS is essentially a road bike with the 'dirt bike' look.  As a road bike many desire road bike conveniences like no tubes.

Thanks for stating the obdvious.
Fact is though that they are designed to be able to cope with mild off roading, and are in fact used by BMW in their off road training programme.
http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/world-of-bmw/off-road-skills/
I'm not aware of any issues such as the one's you suggest, but then I'm sure you'll point me towards where there is actual evidence of this being a problem.

Because if you smack a pot hole and bend the rim on a BMW, you will also f up the spokes in that area causing far more problems to fix..

This may come as a surprise to you, but you can hit pot holes on the roads too.

The KTM 990 is much much more adept off road, and uses traditional center spoked rims with tubes.  Because they know if you dent a rim, you can keep on going.
Know of any dirt bikes that run tubeless wheels?

I did read somewhere that is was becoming a popular mod for dirt bikes.
I'll try and find the link.

With the Griso SE, no-one has had problems with the orings.  It's all conjecture.  If you worry about that, I'd think you'd be far more worried about BMW FDs failing.  At least with the O rings if one did ever fail a can of fix a flat  (or an inner tube) would take care of you.

And the problem you describe with the BMW rims is being overplayed by you too.
I've had BMW's for years and never once heard of the problem you describe being an issue.
I think it's in your head but feel free to prove me wrong

[atadaskew]

And the problem you describe with the BMW rims is being overplayed by you too.
I've had BMW's for years and never once heard of the problem you describe being an issue.

And also no-one has actually had a problem with Guzzi's rims either.
So....

 

[Croak]

You two should get a room.  

[guzzinut]

And also no-one has actually had a problem with Guzzi's rims either.
So....

 

The difference between our two statements was, that I never said there was a problem with the way Guzzi do it, however it really is too early to say.

I mean BMW have been using their wire spoked tubeless rims for at least 15 years.

How long have Guzzi been doing it their way ?

[atadaskew]

You two should get a room.  

I'm just jealous he's going to Mandelo de Lario on his Guzzi while I get to stay here at work.

[blakebird]

I did read somewhere that is was becoming a popular mod for dirt bikes.
I'll try and find the link.

Are you thinking of the Tubliss setup?
http://tubliss.com/

Very popular around here, I know a lot of folks using it.