It changes a lot, almost everything, but not the historic name for the Moto Guzzi V7. For the completely renewed version of the symbolic model of the Mandello del Lario house, the gear change affects practically the entire bike, while there are essentially only two confirmations perceptible to the naked eye: the tank, cornerstone in the style of the timeless V7, and , in fact, the name V7. The rest, from the chassis to the engine, passing through the wheels and electronics, has been modified and updated, also in line with the competition. However, there is a 'trick': Guzzi engineers and designers have been so good that the changes have not taken away one iota of the recognizability among a thousand examples of the V7. There are two versions available, namely the Stone, which ANSA Motori tested inCentenary staging dedicated to the 100-year history of Moto Guzzi, and the Special with all a more retro taste.
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Moto Guzzi V7 Centenario photos
The new V7 project revolves around the increase in displacement compared to previous versions and the new engine strictly derived from the unit used by the Moto Guzzi V85 TT. Under the saddle beats an air-cooled 90 ° transverse V-twin, 853 cc and which makes the leap compared to the past perceptible already in the first meters traveled on the road: the maximum power goes from 52 to 65 HP. To balance the increase in performance, on the Mandello del Lario production line we also worked on the frame, now more rigid, and on the swingarm, which now has larger dimensions. Translated: driveability and agility remained those typical of the V7, but with greater stability and greater perceived fun in the saddle. To the mission achieved,the new rear wheel with an increased section of 150/70 also contributes not a little, against 'narrow' compared to the previous one from 130/80. On the Stone, also in the Centenary version, the instrumentation has been made completely digital (with LCD technology) and allows you to view essential information.
Also new is the pair of Kayaba shock absorbers, along with the side panels and the rear fender. In particular, the new shock absorbers have gone to solve once and for all one of the 'problems' of the previous versions, identified in the low extension and low absorption capacity. Basically, the potholes could be felt and with a passenger on board the bike suffered a lot. Today, however, it's a whole different music and a whole different travel. The frame has been evolved with the addition of steel elements in the area of the steering head and there are a new saddle on two levels and brand new supports for the rider's footpegs. The new V7 also integrates adjustable traction control and is available in a weakened version for the A2 license. Also dedicated to the history of the motorcycle manufacturerfull LED lighting, with the front headlight with DRL daytime running light that outlines the silhouette of the Moto Guzzi Eagle.
With a twin-cylinder launched on the road, the vibrations are still felt and perhaps we would have missed them because they are one of the essential characteristics of the V7's DNA. Comfort, however, is significantly improved on the new 'otto e mezzo' and is more than satisfactory even on medium-long distances.
The saddle is soft and welcoming and the footrests are positioned so as not to tire the legs and avoid contact with the cylinders. Traction control is the only system present from an electronic point of view and can be adjustable and deactivated. Braking is also excellent, soft. Another important improvement compared to the 'seven and a half' of the past is the gearbox: no more slow and cumbersome changes, which leave room for rather precise and soft grafts. In short, we do not miss the ride by wire. In summary, the V7 is a new way that still retains all the charm of an iconic model.