What is this new V7 with cast wheels?

[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.