In 1971, I went on vacation with my V7 from the Netherlands to Italy . In Switserland my bike started leaking oil at the flywheel. We decided to drive to the factory in Mandello del Lario. At the factory we went to the reception and waited until somebody looked at the bike. We waited half an hour in the sunshine and suddenly my wife fainted. Wthin a minute five men showed up and my wife was brought to the first aid room. We didn't have breakfast and a gentleman said reproachfully to me " niente mangiare.... KAPUTT " Later that week we met a test driver of Moto Guzzi at a bar where we had a coffee. He drove the prototype of the Sport. We were allowed to make pictures but he removed the license plate wich read PROVA . When I draw a power curve he wrote 70 in it. He later showed us a paper for the Police that he drives sometimes too fast because of his work. So ....... The name of the test drivers was Antonio Piazzalunga. We became friends. He was a friend of Giacomo Agostini. They both were members of Motoclub Bergamo. Now I am 77 yo.
Ive bought my first Guzzi ( a 2015 V7 stone) back in 2017 with 4700 kilometers on the clock. Now 4 years later ive ridden it the italy, France, Norway, and Germany and it never let me down after 36000 + kilometers... One of the best bike brands ever. :)
MOTO GUZZI knows the secret of success. Improve through the years BUT stay true to the HERITAGE. Moto Guzzi motorcycles are among the most beautiful machines on the planet.
i have owned 4 guzzi machines starting in 1979-an Sp1000..had that 10 yrs-142,000 miles 1980-V50 ll--35,000 miles-6 yrs 2004 V11 sport..5,500 miles-3 yrs--the most uncompfortable motorcycle in the entire history of the universe 2007 Norge-115,000 miles - 13 yrs on all 4 machines- never broke down-no mechanical issues…little common glitches- oil pressure sensor fails-3-start relays are undersized / overloaded--the starter motors should have more power when the batteries get 3 yrs old, get a fresh battery.. the old guzzis from the 70s & 80s feel nothing like the newer fuel injected 6 speed modern transmission machines..the 6 speed trans shifts as buttery as my gold wing and my kawasaki Z400… my guzzi norge suspension w/ single sided swinging arm and fully adjustable suspension, heated grips- electric adjustable windshield-self diagnosing fuel injection system-6 gal tank-common size sport touring tire sizing-hard locking color matched bags that remove w- ignition key in 4 seconds- center stand- vib reducing rubber topped footpegs-seat removes in seconds w- key- multi function LCD dash display even informs you if air temp drops below 34 degrees to watch for freezing bridge/ elevated roads..valves that can be checked-adjusted using 3 common tools- hex wrench to rem valve cover- feeler gage and 13mm wrench- 20 minute chore-no need to even remove fuel tank- try that o a kaw concourse or fjr ..or a desmo ducati that costs more than $3000. to adjust those valves- the only reason i never bought one of those magnificent quirky machines… the older guzzi machines feel and sound and ride beautifully- to a guzziest that appreciates .. but the more modern guzzi, is so much closer to the most refined equipment- the masters of perfection- the japanese- that the recent guzzi equipment is not as perfect as the mighty japanese stuff.. but- the modern guzzi is not even compairable to the classic guzzi equipment.. a rider raised on japanese machines that rides a classic guzzi like a 70s LeMans would feel like they were driving a 60s ford 6- cylinder pickup with 3 on the tree shifting..if thats the alter you worship at, thats fine, but the modern guzzi stuff feels like a ram hemi pickup compaired to the classic machines.. in spite of progress and individual preference, one thing all guzzis have that no japanese masterpiece ever can have- a soul.. caracter…Guzzi’s are alive.. they have a heartbeat.. they are a living breathing thing that motorcycleists like myself make a connection with..as soon as i sit on any guzzi, and press that start button, i feel its heart pounding, i hear those valves tick tick ticking like Castanets.. i feel those two jugs of that v twin twist to the right with every explosion..to quote dracula-“ what music they make”….
As a kiwi on my OE I bought a V50II in 1983. Can't remember the year, but it was red and mint. I didn't even know what a Guzzi was. It was just a sexy thing that was a hoot to ride and i took it all around England and Wales and then from England across Europe to Israel and all around there from Gaza to Eilat. 40 years on I have just bought a 2017 V7III and waiting for it to be delivered in a couple of weeks. I can't wait. It's black with turquoise strips, so I was very interested to see these colours on the older bike. Thanks for a cool vid guys.
Back when I were a lad I worked for a short time as an unpaid bike cleaner at Sports Motorcycles in Manchester (I offered to do it because I wanted to be able to be near these bikes.), I still remember the rows of brand new Moto Guzzi California T3s and Lemans, Laverda Jotas, Ducati 900SS Desmos etc etc. Awesome time.
While not as special as the V7 Sport, that V7 Special is still a pretty nice looking motorcycle. Kudos to Moto Guzzi for still offering true retro motorcycles, complete with air-cooled engines.
Thank you for recognizing that the current V7 is NOT a "retro" model. It is a classic motorbike updated to 21st century specs, which this comparison makes crystal clear. Guzzis are not for everyone, and that's a good thing in my opinion.
Thanks for posting this video! After a 6 month period of research, I have finally bought a 2023 V7 Special. If you've never ridden one, they are a very unique experience. With less than 100 miles on the odometer, I already know I've bonded with the machine. Maybe some riders won't get it, but the experience of riding a Moto Guzzi is like no other! I highly recommend it!
Hi 👋. My current & only bike for the last 5 & bit years is a Gen2 ZZR1400. Never ridden any Moto Guzzi. Yesterday l test rode a V7 Stone. When l set off l thought, what the hell am l sat on? Disappointment struck me. I persevered & within about 10 miles l'd 'learnt' the bike. I rode for about 1hr 40 on all types of roads with various speed limits. By the time l arrived back at the dealers l was smitten! What a revelation. I'm hugely tempted. Regards, Mo 😊 👍
The current V7s actually trace their lineage from the 1977 V50 rather than the 1973 V7 Sport. Whilst the new V7 models have been heavily revised, the first of the new V7's released in 2007 was little changed from the original V50 designed by Lino Tonti in the seventies. Now that's true heritage ....
Yes right, I own a V50 and the modern V7 doesn't have anything to do with the V7 sport. The name was chosen just because of heritage and marketing. Probably calling it V70 would have been better
really enjoyed the video had a look at a v7 in chichester a couple of weeks ago and thought what a lovely looking bike still made in Italy where are Triumph bonnevilles made? alright it may not have all the bells and whistles but a nice bike non the less
I bought a moto guzzi california back in 79, , I was 24, in the UK and been watching chips too much lol.sold that to fly to the States were I hitchhiked around for six months, came home and after seeing all those harleys I had to get a bike ...so I bought a t3, ( looking back now at 66 , having owned loads of bikes and still riding, that was my favorite bike ever).rode it through a few winters , never let me down and gave me lots of good memory's, rallying, bike races, all the stuff we did back then when you didn't drive a car, then one summer I fell in love with a fiery Italian lady by the name of laverda! 1000 3 cl( the one the jota was developed from) bright red, twin headlamp 24 hrs race style fairing, 3 into 1, looked tge dogs bollox, fell out of love with her after a car pulled out in front of me ( the usual I didn't see me car driver, twin headlights, 3 into 1 ffs...so I had to get myself another guzzi, 1981 le man's 2...favorite bike memory ever on that bike, Nottingham to the bol dor 24 hr bike race in the south of France, 10 days on the piss , camped with 100000 nutters, bonfires, fairgrounds , and the Mediterranean 15 miles away down a mountain rd, with topless ladies on the beach! ...coming back to uk 10 pm at night , the rue de periphique in Paris, 6 lanes of traffic, lights failed, got to catch the ferry, latched on the taillight of the bike in front, the bike behind latched onto mine, bowling thro the tunnels, open pipes bouncing off the tunnel walls, singing my head off speed drunk and dosed up on pro plus lol..Nice video , thanks for jogging the memory bank on new years eve 2021..
Love it! I've had an 850 V7 (Centenario paint) since July which I'm very much enjoying, but can't deny the appeal of the original 70s Tonti sports bikes.
Currently own a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 cc that I have had for 20 years. Once took me 120 miles on one cylinder at highway speed when one spark plug wire crapped out on a Sunday morning with no shops open. At almost 70 years old it has gotten too heavy to maneuver in and out of situations. Purchased a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone at more than 100 pounds less wet weight. Absolutely love it. Will stay with Moto Guzzi for the rest of my riding life. I have owned BMW, Laverda, Ducati, Moto Morini, Triumph, BSA, Zundapp, Indian, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Cagiva and loved them all for different reasons, but the fact that I can physically handle the weight of a bike that will cruise (illegally) at 85-90 mph for as long as I need, looks good, is reliable and affordable and unique, why shop anywhere else?- -Mike Battle
I've owned a LeMans III, rebuilt as a 1000cc at Agostini's in Mandello, a LeMans IV, and now a Norge GT8V. Would love to see an updated LeMans. Love my torque monsters!
I just put a tail tidy on my Kawasaki X300, and didn't want to clip the wires for the original licenses plate light. So it is now has under the seat lighting.
I was lucky enough to own a '73 V7 Sport for 6 years - traded it in for a used '77 RS, both great bikes, but the Guzzi is the one I always regret giving up. I've been riding since 1965, and it was the most pleasing motorcycle I've ever owned. I'm glad they are still making something similar, and it must be a pleasant bike to ride, but it pales in comparison to the original.
An old cyclist from way back, mostly BSA twins and a small time with a Norton.. because I rode, I met other riders. Riders that rode thing unfamiliar to me. I would ask, "Wanna swap?" Sometimes the answer was yes. I did, once, ride a circa 1971 Moto Guzzi. Marvelous, excelent, elegant bike. Fun posting.
I had a mk2 Le Mans (last of the round barrel engines) Great bike. Needed strong man wrists to hold the throttle open for motorway work. I put weaker springs in the carbs but then the throttle slides had a tendency to jam wide open due to the inlet vacuum which could be 'disconcerting' After one such episode leaving a junction of the M3 at twice the velocity I intended, I reverted back to the original heavy slide springs and started going to the gym!
I've owned a 1984 MkIII and 1990 MkV. The MkV for 11 years from new. I never bothered lightening the carbies' return springs. I developed a monster handshake though. To be honest, the heavy throttle never really bothered me.
You could have added a push-pull setup like Honda used. My Ducati bevel had the 40mm delOrto also. On it what was worse than the throttle was the clutch. I could have been mistaken for Popeye.
A flat top carb conversion helps to lighten the throttle. Also new cables, I always run them dry as oil will emulsify causing drag. Same with the throttle, polish the bar end and run it bone dry, but it does require stripping and cleaning up again from time to time. I learnt this when I was racing.
Thanks for your videos. I congratulate you for finding all these classics and introducing them to a larger population. It’s easy to get a hold of and roadtest a new bike that manufacturers are gagging to sell, but you provide unique well made and well researched content not only on the bikes themselves, but also on the world around owning and working on them 👍
Great review, but what I really don't understand is why Guzzi don't use the 850tt engine which has around 80bhp and make a retro le mans (the original having around the same bhp).
Factory capacity if they sell all they currently make in 85TT guise? Be nice to see a sports tourer version of V85TT with a degree of fairing, alloy cast wheels, "mudguards".
My mk2 Le Mans is the one bike that I'll never sell. I've had it for 34 years now and although it looks nothing like it did when it left the factory and has been extansively tuned to obtain 68BHP at the rear wheel it's unmistakeably a Guzzi with the same origins from the V7.
As long as the pistons and rods are more or less the same weight, the 90° twins are extremely smooth. The big ducatis are also quite smooth for the same reason. I can understand how a boxer engine like a BMW would be inherently smooth, with both pistons moving in opposite directions at the same time, but I don't know why the 90° twins are so smooth, but they just are.
@@47f0 thanks.. I have had large -ish capacity "speed twins" and in line fours.. and at high cruising speed (75 mph +) the Griso feels almost like an in-line four below its a surprisingly enthusiastic twin..
on my wish list. still have my 1980 SP, and have gone through a V50 Monza, V65SP, 750 Breva and a V7 Classic (plus 2 T's, one of which i turned into a V7 Sport replica, and my current 01 California) Love the small blocks, but it's hard to fault the original V7 Sport (especially the S and S3).
If you grab a euro 5 v7 850, I would strongly recommend getting Upmap to replace the fuel maps. It fuels the bike for performance and the euro 5 fueling restrictions up to 3k rpm will be gone. Upmap is made by termignoni, and the maps for guzzi are developed by an Italian guzzi dealer that setups up race bikes. Add some pipes and a high flow filter and the bike will run about as good as it could ever run.
The photos showing what he’s talking about as he explains things are brilliant. They really make the video. I see that you do it with all of your videos and it’s fantastic and very much appreciated……also, the old bike wins on sound…and probably other things too.
You are very lucky. My 2014 V7 Classic unreliable within one day from new. No help from Piaggio. Dealer reluctant to buy the bike back after six months of problems. However a wonderful bike to ride but the original 1970’s model is the one to have. A gorgeous bike.
I find myself watching this video over and over again. This would be my perfect choice along with a BMW R100. I would love to have both of these Guzzi bikes to experience the old versus new. Pretty sure I will have a bike collection in the garage.
I do hope that they rethink the design of the factory! I won't complain too much , they are making Italian bikes in Italy and using local labour . Unlike triumph, BSA , royal Enfield . Good for them ! Good solid bikes
Steeringwise Guzzi's are hard to beat in their class. Always been. Just like the breaking and [original] position and buddyseat. See tests between BMW's GS and Guzzi's Stelvio, the latter corners considerably better, thanks to beter communication between bike and rider. Which is also very usefull to to ruin your footrests and bike stand -;) Had my first in 1985 and the marriage lasted until 2022. Le Mans IV/V-c/V/V11 and a fake Le Mans 1 self built from a T4 850 to 950 cc with all the hardware done and needed to transform it into a sportsbike that could compete or beat 100/+ hp 3-4 cyl uptill 50-70+ mph when their revs came in ao breaking much later due to holy st Brembo and Guzzi 's combined braking system. Always nice to see the surpised faces, especially with younger riders. But then.. In 2007 I met with an old but low mileage and very well maintained Honda ST 1100 Pan European, I needed a suitable bike for the cold days and a Le Mans V is far from suitable for winterdays and amongst congestion. I took me a week to understand the bike and why at it's hayday half of the worlds mounted police ao government services used these bikes and loved it, and fell in love with Honda's unmatched engineering and building quality. Quite a different bike you might think. But it's 1100 V4 engine comes close to a smoother edition of Guzzi's V twin. Different bore and stroke of course , "Japanes like square'' , but still. It's engine design reminds me of Guzzi's own plans in the late 70's or early 80's or so to build a V4 of wich a drawing was shown in a book about Moto Guzzi; 90° V4 and identical crankshaft angle, liquid cooled, drive shaft [of course]. I'm riding my second St 1100 now. I miss that deep brown Guzzi grumble, but the day came, I'm 70, that I preferred the smooth revving of that wonderfull Honda engine and all the rest. So the last Guzzi has gone. Gratefull for all the great moments and friend it made me.
Well done video production gentleman. Back in 1978 I had a opportunity to purchase a Moto Guzzi v7 for $800 with less than 4k mi....my loss! The owner passed away two years later and because we both lived in the same condo complex I saw the bike for another 4 years before it was gone. Perhaps the management of the property took it on a mechanics lien?
My mom's boyfriend had the 850-T3 in 1977 and then the first California a couple of years later. They were fantastic bikes. The V7 Special reminds me very much of the T3.
Thank you so much for this video. It reminds me that a few years back I was desperate for V7 sport or even better a V11 Le Mans and never could afford one. Now I m 52 and I ride a Triumph 😂😂😂. Thanks again lads
If you're into Moto Guzzi's, there's some other Moto Guzzi videos we've produced in our playlist here: ruclips.net/p/PLLaaC3JrqSLD-DfByGBjYfnySyEX1lSZP
Finally someone driving on the proper side of the road! Mate of mine had a Lemon (Le Mans II) back in the early 80’s. Another mate had a Cali but that was a bit of a lump in comparison. Love to see these Retros.
I have a cal 3 and a cal 1100 i. Both gearboxes are a bit ‘searching’ for 1st (from free) and ‘searching’ for free between 1st and 2nd gear. Other Guzzi’s of that age, I found the same. That’s what it is, I guess. I drove a wider variety of bikes ( BMW 60/5, Yamaha SS400, Honda GL1000, CB750C, Shadow 1100c) until my best friend Peer (RIP 😢) introduced me in the wonder world of Moto Guzzi. That was soooo different compared to the others (don’t get me wrong, lots of fun and km’s on those as well). Much more fitting in my view of enjoyment. A very skilled technician (became a very good friend as well), Tajan vd Wiel, introduced me in the in’s and out of proper maintenance (and bit if iron-works). Great thank you to both (!). Guzzi is a way of life. Most of the Guzzi owners know ‘their share’ of technical stuff of the Guzzi’s they own, resulting in nice stories on the meetings and trips, organized during the year. Bottom line: A Guzzi and it’s life is a lot of enjoyment 😊.
Love seeing the old girl getting up in the high rpm’s and ridden properly like she should be. Love the new guzzis too. I have a v7 Classic and it’s not the fastest, the most expensive, etc. but it rides like nothing else I’ve ever had.
Have always loved the look of the Guzzi. Been riding for 50 years and have wanted one since the first one I saw. Held back for fear of too few dealers across the country (i.e. on the road support), and resale value (i.e. a Moto what??). Still want one so much. Might just have to give in and bite the bullet while I still can.
Thank you. Back in '72 I was a founding member of a local motorcycle club. One of the other members worked for the Dutch (I'm Dutch) Guzzi importer at the time, Willy van Gent. One night he showed op at our club with one of the original V7 Sport's, red frame and all, brand new. I will never forget that night!
I am Dutch too, had also a Guzzi then. Was this man , who worked for Willy van Gent: Toon Siep? Those times when you stopped at the French Fries shop, 10 girls jumped on the pillion of your Guzzi. 😉 I had to quit eating franchise fries. Pffff
@@hermandegroot1946 The world is a small place... I cannot remember, sorry. It is over 50 years ago 😊. It was a guy in his mid twenties and, if memory serves me right, he was in sales. Do you still ride?
@@carsyoungtimerfreak1149 Hi, nice to hear from you. When the gentlemen was a sales guy he wasn't Toon Siep. Toon Siep was Chief Mechanic. I bought my first V 7 Special in 1970 at Willy van Gent. But after 10000 km the cranckshaft broke. One of eight. WvG allowed me to do the repair myself in their shop. Toon S. was for 2 days my boss too. 😉 They offered me job but I was a car mechanic in Zutphen at VW. But.......I bought a 850 GT in 1972 (F7250,_) and sold it in............,,,2012. 😉 for (€2800) I sometimes think of it. So, no, I don't ride anymore. Motorcycling made me deaf. I have Turbo hearing aids. I am 78 yo now. Six weeks ago I suffered a stroke, but I'm almost normal again. I live in Arcen with my wife and cat. And what did you
What the photos at the end of the video don’t show is the sheer beauty of Lake Como itself. The museum at Mandello del Lario beside the lake is lovely to walk through and view all the old Guzzis, and a visit to Agostini’s - the Guzzi retailer in the town - is mandatory. Can’t wait for the new 100 Mandello V1000. The only question - as yet unanswered in all the blurbs - is kerb weight…….
Nicely made review thank You 🙏 Guzzi leaving most other brands with its Italian elegance far behind and continue 2022 with the new V100 Mandello 1000cc Moto Guzzi opens the doors to the future, distilling a century of motorcycling innovation with a powerful, comfortable, thrilling complete bike that is packed with advanced technology.
@@boo-boo511 Yes and the politician’s have no idea that it is impossible to turn all ICE - Internal Combustion Engines into electrical there are not any resources for that and where shall people living in the Cities Charge their bikes and cars ?
When I was a kid one of my best friends uncle had a 750 Guzzi. Black, ugly, slow but always ran. He crashed that thing riding it drunk so many times I don’t know how he’s still alive but he is. He’d fix it and just keep on riding. It was about 35 miles from our town to the Air Force Base where he worked in San Antonio and he rode that old 750 to work every day for many many years and as far as I know he still owns it. That Bike was an absolute Tank.
Yes, exactly this Moto Guzzi V7 Sport 750 ccm was my first real motorcycle in my life (ok, I had a Suzuki T250 during the apprenticeship) ... I am born in 1956
I’ve had many bikes and among them an old T3 California when it wasn’t old, a V50, and now I have only one bike and it’s a 2018 California. They really are from the same genes over all those years and it’s a wonderful brand, very solid, last basically forever, and very much real riders’ bikes. New ones are all that as much as old ones. You need to be comfortable doing some of the maintenance because there aren’t many dealers. But parts are available and they’re mechanically accessible to normal humans. Moto Guzzi is an icon for good reason!
I would assume the courtesy light under the seat . may have something to do with it being near the fuses. . . Italian electrocics, as I recall, were not the standard of excellence... - just a theory. But it is an Italian beauty in every sense.
The V7 hasn’t got a continuous production history at all, it’s a naming convention reintroduced for the retro styled, bigger sized V50 derived lineup of small block motors.
Very nice video, nice to see the newer models are nice as well. I own a 2014 V7 Racer, and it feels oldschool. It lacks ABS, it's shaking all over the place during starting and it has a somewhat irregular idle. So much character, maybe not as much as the original, but I really love it!
You've just picked two of my Guzzi festering scabs.Nr.1. Idiotically I sold my glorious, and favourite ever motorcycle, 1000S 15 years ago (wife, kids, mortgage, blah, blah). Nr.2. I was at Como eight months ago & the factory was closed. Grrrr!
The V7 sport was a true sport bike. The modern V7 is much more similar to the old "serie piccola" family V50/V65. Same riding position, same concept: light comfortable touring bike with 45/50 hp. That would have been a more precise comparison in terms of "ancestor/descendant"
Enjoyed that. My biking regret is that I've never had a Guzzi. Edited November 2024: I've now got my first ever Guzzi, a V7 special. Really enjoying it, looking forward to next summer.
1975 : Newly married to a wife who liked bikes and loved horses. Got her the horse first which opened the door for a new bike. (Young guys take note, that is an important lesson to a happy marriage and new bikes.) lots of great bikes then: Kawasaki Z1s, The original Honda Gold Wing, Norton and Triumphs, Suzuki Rotary. The world was my oyster except for the BMW R900S which I couldn't afford and the Ducati 900 SS which I couldn't find. I got a new MG 850 Interceptor, Metallic Brown with Gold pinstriping. Fifty years and 30+ bikes later (fortunately one horse didn't equal one bike) it's still one of my two favorite bikes. Thinking of getting a V7. Too bad they did away with those big oval jugs
I’ve owned a Le Mans and a Daytona and loved them both. Rode unlike any other bike I owned. The Le Mans ate the Duc 900 for breakfast on top speed and pull. I will get a new V 7!!
Had the original Stelvio it was a great machine apart from blowing main fuses all the time now looking for a new bike and the Guzzi pull is getting stronger I can see a v7 on my drive soon
I'd take that ' 72 over the new one in a heartbeat. I was in high school then and we guys would freak out actually seeing a Moto Guzzi on the street here in Texas back then...
Infamous Cam Issues. Had Guzzi's all my life; since 1978. Bought a 1200 Stelvio, (6000 miles) cam's went! Piagio (6 month wait for parts) replaced them under recall but charged me for labour, oil and filter. At 8000 miles, cam's went again!! Piago said: "another 6 month wait, and another £380 labour, oil, filter". No chance of purchase refund as others also attempted, by taking Guzzi to court. I decided to leave the Stelvio uncovered in my garden to rust, it's £9000 of rust now, but a very sound reminder to Never buy Guzzi ever again!!
I’d have a new V7 Stone tomorrow, but only if I could have the normal looking headlamp off the Special Also twin front discs would be essential with the extra power as the single front disc always seemed on it’s limit on the previous version Oh and the twin dials , also off the Special I’d happily tick those option boxes as everything else is Perfect 🏍🙏🏻
I don't understand why they don't make the new bike look like the original, because the original is a lot better looking machine, the presenter even picked the old bike.
Everyone loves the historic classics. Not everyone can afford to buy or run one. Buying a modern replica is a solution for many. The secret is you purchase a machine you enjoy riding.
![Quando Rondo - Grow Up [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8zFnCg3BO4Q/mqdefault.jpg)
In 1971, I went on vacation with my V7 from the Netherlands to Italy . In Switserland my bike started leaking oil at the flywheel. We decided to drive to the factory in Mandello del Lario. At the factory we went to the reception and waited until somebody looked at the bike. We waited half an hour in the sunshine and suddenly my wife fainted. Wthin a minute five men showed up and my wife was brought to the first aid room. We didn't have breakfast and a gentleman said reproachfully to me " niente mangiare.... KAPUTT "
Later that week we met a test driver of Moto Guzzi at a bar where we had a coffee. He drove the prototype of the Sport. We were allowed to make pictures but he removed the license plate wich read PROVA . When I draw a power curve he wrote 70 in it. He later showed us a paper for the Police that he drives sometimes too fast because of his work. So ....... The name of the test drivers was Antonio Piazzalunga. We became friends. He was a friend of Giacomo Agostini. They both were members of Motoclub Bergamo. Now I am 77 yo.
Ive bought my first Guzzi ( a 2015 V7 stone) back in 2017 with 4700 kilometers on the clock. Now 4 years later ive ridden it the italy, France, Norway, and Germany and it never let me down after 36000 + kilometers... One of the best bike brands ever. :)
MOTO GUZZI knows the secret of success. Improve through the years BUT stay true to the HERITAGE.
Moto Guzzi motorcycles are among the most beautiful machines on the planet.
They really are i cant think of many 70s bikes id ride with oem everything
i have owned 4 guzzi machines starting in 1979-an Sp1000..had that 10 yrs-142,000 miles
1980-V50 ll--35,000 miles-6 yrs
2004 V11 sport..5,500 miles-3 yrs--the most uncompfortable motorcycle in the entire history of the universe
2007 Norge-115,000 miles - 13 yrs
on all 4 machines- never broke down-no mechanical issues…little common glitches- oil pressure sensor fails-3-start relays are undersized / overloaded--the starter motors should have more power when the batteries get 3 yrs old, get a fresh battery..
the old guzzis from the 70s & 80s feel nothing like the newer fuel injected 6 speed modern transmission machines..the 6 speed trans shifts as buttery as my gold wing and my kawasaki Z400… my guzzi norge suspension w/ single sided swinging arm and fully adjustable suspension, heated grips- electric adjustable windshield-self diagnosing fuel injection system-6 gal tank-common size sport touring tire sizing-hard locking color matched bags that remove w- ignition key in 4 seconds- center stand- vib reducing rubber topped footpegs-seat removes in seconds w- key- multi function LCD dash display even informs you if air temp drops below 34 degrees to watch for freezing bridge/ elevated roads..valves that can be checked-adjusted using 3 common tools- hex wrench to rem valve cover- feeler gage and 13mm wrench- 20 minute chore-no need to even remove fuel tank- try that o a kaw concourse or fjr ..or a desmo ducati that costs more than $3000. to adjust those valves- the only reason i never bought one of those magnificent quirky machines…
the older guzzi machines feel and sound and ride beautifully- to a guzziest that appreciates .. but the more modern guzzi, is so much closer to the most refined equipment- the masters of perfection- the japanese- that the recent guzzi equipment is not as perfect as the mighty japanese stuff.. but- the modern guzzi is not even compairable to the classic guzzi equipment..
a rider raised on japanese machines that rides a classic guzzi like a 70s LeMans would feel like they were driving a 60s ford 6- cylinder pickup with 3 on the tree shifting..if thats the alter you worship at, thats fine, but the modern guzzi stuff feels like a ram hemi pickup compaired to the classic machines..
in spite of progress and individual preference, one thing all guzzis have that no japanese masterpiece ever can have- a soul.. caracter…Guzzi’s are alive.. they have a heartbeat.. they are a living breathing thing that motorcycleists like myself make a connection with..as soon as i sit on any guzzi, and press that start button, i feel its heart pounding, i hear those valves tick tick ticking like Castanets.. i feel those two jugs of that v twin twist to the right with every explosion..to quote dracula-“ what music they make”….
Thanks for sharing!
Yesssss man! ;-)
You're infected man .. in the best possible way! Good on you!
As a kiwi on my OE I bought a V50II in 1983. Can't remember the year, but it was red and mint. I didn't even know what a Guzzi was. It was just a sexy thing that was a hoot to ride and i took it all around England and Wales and then from England across Europe to Israel and all around there from Gaza to Eilat. 40 years on I have just bought a 2017 V7III and waiting for it to be delivered in a couple of weeks. I can't wait. It's black with turquoise strips, so I was very interested to see these colours on the older bike. Thanks for a cool vid guys.
Back when I were a lad I worked for a short time as an unpaid bike cleaner at Sports Motorcycles in Manchester (I offered to do it because I wanted to be able to be near these bikes.), I still remember the rows of brand new Moto Guzzi California T3s and Lemans, Laverda Jotas, Ducati 900SS Desmos etc etc. Awesome time.
While not as special as the V7 Sport, that V7 Special is still a pretty nice looking motorcycle. Kudos to Moto Guzzi for still offering true retro motorcycles, complete with air-cooled engines.
Thank you for recognizing that the current V7 is NOT a "retro" model. It is a classic motorbike updated to 21st century specs, which this comparison makes crystal clear. Guzzis are not for everyone, and that's a good thing in my opinion.
Thanks for posting this video! After a 6 month period of research, I have finally bought a 2023 V7 Special. If you've never ridden one, they are a very unique experience. With less than 100 miles on the odometer, I already know I've bonded with the machine. Maybe some riders won't get it, but the experience of riding a Moto Guzzi is like no other! I highly recommend it!
Hi 👋. My current & only bike for the last 5 & bit years is a Gen2 ZZR1400. Never ridden any Moto Guzzi. Yesterday l test rode a V7 Stone. When l set off l thought, what the hell am l sat on? Disappointment struck me. I persevered & within about 10 miles l'd 'learnt' the bike. I rode for about 1hr 40 on all types of roads with various speed limits. By the time l arrived back at the dealers l was smitten! What a revelation. I'm hugely tempted. Regards, Mo 😊 👍
Love those Guzzis. Awesome looking classic bikes. I plan on keeping my 2001 California Stone forever.
The current V7s actually trace their lineage from the 1977 V50 rather than the 1973 V7 Sport. Whilst the new V7 models have been heavily revised, the first of the new V7's released in 2007 was little changed from the original V50 designed by Lino Tonti in the seventies. Now that's true heritage ....
Yes right, I own a V50 and the modern V7 doesn't have anything to do with the V7 sport. The name was chosen just because of heritage and marketing. Probably calling it V70 would have been better
I still have my V50 Monza that I brought over 20 years ago. Great bike. Now has a 750 motor installed.
really enjoyed the video had a look at a v7 in chichester a couple of weeks ago and thought what a lovely looking bike still made in Italy where are Triumph bonnevilles made? alright it may not have all the bells and whistles but a nice bike non the less
Small bloc vs big bloc.
The reliability of the small block is disastrous with the 4-valve V65 Lario at the top.
@@deltabluesdavidrayeNot ‘why can’t they make them in Britain’ ?
Why ‘won’t they make them in Britain’ !
I won’t buy one for the very reason !
😡🤬😡🤬
The ticking of the valves and the air inlet murmur are distinctive, and characteristic of Guzzi. Even the small Stornello had it. Oh sweet memory!
LOUD VALVES SAVE LIVES!!😋
@@theuglybiker Isn’t it so!
The early V7 Sport, particularly in that green paint (and red frame if you can find one), is perhaps the most beautiful bike ever made.
Difficile darti torto
TOTALLY AGREE! That green paint is off the hook.
I agree but I’ll take mine in black.
I bought a moto guzzi california back in 79, , I was 24, in the UK and been watching chips too much lol.sold that to fly to the States were I hitchhiked around for six months, came home and after seeing all those harleys I had to get a bike ...so I bought a t3, ( looking back now at 66 , having owned loads of bikes and still riding, that was my favorite bike ever).rode it through a few winters , never let me down and gave me lots of good memory's, rallying, bike races, all the stuff we did back then when you didn't drive a car, then one summer I fell in love with a fiery Italian lady by the name of laverda! 1000 3 cl( the one the jota was developed from) bright red, twin headlamp 24 hrs race style fairing, 3 into 1, looked tge dogs bollox, fell out of love with her after a car pulled out in front of me ( the usual I didn't see me car driver, twin headlights, 3 into 1 ffs...so I had to get myself another guzzi, 1981 le man's 2...favorite bike memory ever on that bike, Nottingham to the bol dor 24 hr bike race in the south of France, 10 days on the piss , camped with 100000 nutters, bonfires, fairgrounds , and the Mediterranean 15 miles away down a mountain rd, with topless ladies on the beach! ...coming back to uk 10 pm at night , the rue de periphique in Paris, 6 lanes of traffic, lights failed, got to catch the ferry, latched on the taillight of the bike in front, the bike behind latched onto mine, bowling thro the tunnels, open pipes bouncing off the tunnel walls, singing my head off speed drunk and dosed up on pro plus lol..Nice video , thanks for jogging the memory bank on new years eve 2021..
Love it! I've had an 850 V7 (Centenario paint) since July which I'm very much enjoying, but can't deny the appeal of the original 70s Tonti sports bikes.
Currently own a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 cc that I have had for 20 years. Once took me 120 miles on one cylinder at highway speed when one spark plug wire crapped out on a Sunday morning with no shops open. At almost 70 years old it has gotten too heavy to maneuver in and out of situations. Purchased a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone at more than 100 pounds less wet weight. Absolutely love it. Will stay with Moto Guzzi for the rest of my riding life. I have owned BMW, Laverda, Ducati, Moto Morini, Triumph, BSA, Zundapp, Indian, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Cagiva and loved them all for different reasons, but the fact that I can physically handle the weight of a bike that will cruise (illegally) at 85-90 mph for as long as I need, looks good, is reliable and affordable and unique, why shop anywhere else?- -Mike Battle
I've owned a LeMans III, rebuilt as a 1000cc at Agostini's in Mandello, a LeMans IV, and now a Norge GT8V. Would love to see an updated LeMans. Love my torque monsters!
I had a heavily tuned LMIII too.
What a blast! ❤️
Love the under seat light on the old bike, amazing they would bother doing that.
I just put a tail tidy on my Kawasaki X300, and didn't want to clip the wires for the original licenses plate light. So it is now has under the seat lighting.
The heck with that...did you see the way the rear mud guard slid down and out of the way when he raised the seat? Slick.
That '72 Sport is gorgeous!
What could possibly be better than the sight and sound of two Guzzis?
Absolutely nothing. Nothing can be better than that.
I was lucky enough to own a '73 V7 Sport for 6 years - traded it in for a used '77 RS, both great bikes, but the Guzzi is the one I always regret giving up. I've been riding since 1965, and it was the most pleasing motorcycle I've ever owned. I'm glad they are still making something similar, and it must be a pleasant bike to ride, but it pales in comparison to the original.
C'est sur qu'il n'y a pas photo entre une vraie moto et celle d'aujourd'hui bien pâle à coté !
Great video. The way the number plate / seat on the original hinged/pivoted was a work of art.
An old cyclist from way back, mostly BSA twins and a small time with a Norton.. because I rode, I met other riders. Riders that rode thing unfamiliar to me. I would ask, "Wanna swap?" Sometimes the answer was yes. I did, once, ride a circa 1971 Moto Guzzi. Marvelous, excelent, elegant bike.
Fun posting.
Proper.
This bike makes for a great daily rider, more power than the Continental/Interceptor 650, amazing looks, and a shaft drive for easy maintenance.
I remember seeing a V7 in the window of the local bike shop, in that colour in the early 70s. I thought it was the best looking bike I'd ever seen.
Me too. Brook Lister Motorcycle in Bradford 1973. I thought it was the most beautiful bike ever. Only had to wait another 43 years to own one!
I had a mk2 Le Mans (last of the round barrel engines)
Great bike. Needed strong man wrists to hold the throttle open for motorway work. I put weaker springs in the carbs but then the throttle slides had a tendency to jam wide open due to the inlet vacuum which could be 'disconcerting'
After one such episode leaving a junction of the M3 at twice the velocity I intended, I reverted back to the original heavy slide springs and started going to the gym!
throttle jaming wide open, ah remind me of my old 2 strokes yahama of the 70's. off road its even more surprising
I've owned a 1984 MkIII and 1990 MkV. The MkV for 11 years from new. I never bothered lightening the carbies' return springs. I developed a monster handshake though. To be honest, the heavy throttle never really bothered me.
You could have added a push-pull setup like Honda used. My Ducati bevel had the 40mm delOrto also. On it what was worse than the throttle was the clutch. I could have been mistaken for Popeye.
A flat top carb conversion helps to lighten the throttle. Also new cables, I always run them dry as oil will emulsify causing drag. Same with the throttle, polish the bar end and run it bone dry, but it does require stripping and cleaning up again from time to time.
I learnt this when I was racing.
@@tdkeyes1,
Thanks for your videos. I congratulate you for finding all these classics and introducing them to a larger population. It’s easy to get a hold of and roadtest a new bike that manufacturers are gagging to sell, but you provide unique well made and well researched content not only on the bikes themselves, but also on the world around owning and working on them 👍
Great review, but what I really don't understand is why Guzzi don't use the 850tt engine which has around 80bhp and make a retro le mans (the original having around the same bhp).
Factory capacity if they sell all they currently make in 85TT guise?
Be nice to see a sports tourer version of V85TT with a degree of fairing, alloy cast wheels, "mudguards".
Yes please
Completely agree
Customized my 2016 V7 Racer and i love that Bike. Always a joy and different to all the BMWs and Asia Bikes.
My mk2 Le Mans is the one bike that I'll never sell. I've had it for 34 years now and although it looks nothing like it did when it left the factory and has been extansively tuned to obtain 68BHP at the rear wheel it's unmistakeably a Guzzi with the same origins from the V7.
Excellent video ! Being 61, I remember the original V7 from my youth. It was exotic !!!!
I have a Griso and drove it across Spain in a day recently.. what is most surprising is the smoothness of the engine..felt like a 4 cylinder ..
So it felt bland?
@@fireblade95 no, not at all.. just incredibly well balanced 2 cylinder 1200cc .. very very well made..
As long as the pistons and rods are more or less the same weight, the 90° twins are extremely smooth. The big ducatis are also quite smooth for the same reason.
I can understand how a boxer engine like a BMW would be inherently smooth, with both pistons moving in opposite directions at the same time, but I don't know why the 90° twins are so smooth, but they just are.
@@47f0 thanks.. I have had large -ish capacity "speed twins" and in line fours.. and at high cruising speed (75 mph +) the Griso feels almost like an in-line four below its a surprisingly enthusiastic twin..
on my wish list. still have my 1980 SP, and have gone through a V50 Monza, V65SP, 750 Breva and a V7 Classic (plus 2 T's, one of which i turned into a V7 Sport replica, and my current 01 California) Love the small blocks, but it's hard to fault the original V7 Sport (especially the S and S3).
If you grab a euro 5 v7 850, I would strongly recommend getting Upmap to replace the fuel maps. It fuels the bike for performance and the euro 5 fueling restrictions up to 3k rpm will be gone. Upmap is made by termignoni, and the maps for guzzi are developed by an Italian guzzi dealer that setups up race bikes. Add some pipes and a high flow filter and the bike will run about as good as it could ever run.
The photos showing what he’s talking about as he explains things are brilliant. They really make the video. I see that you do it with all of your videos and it’s fantastic and very much appreciated……also, the old bike wins on sound…and probably other things too.
1972 buzzing ,What a beautiful bike
very nice video, many thanks it made me homesick for england,
You are very lucky. My 2014 V7 Classic unreliable within one day from new. No help from Piaggio. Dealer reluctant to buy the bike back after six months of problems.
However a wonderful bike to ride but the original 1970’s model is the one to have. A gorgeous bike.
Oh the sound of the old guzzi.. absolutely gorgeous
Watching was pure enjoyment.There is some very good content available these days. Yours is simply some of the best. Thanks very much.
I find myself watching this video over and over again. This would be my perfect choice along with a BMW R100. I would love to have both of these Guzzi bikes to experience the old versus new. Pretty sure I will have a bike collection in the garage.
I do hope that they rethink the design of the factory! I won't complain too much , they are making Italian bikes in Italy and using local labour . Unlike triumph, BSA , royal Enfield . Good for them ! Good solid bikes
@@splodge57 still a Ducati? How ducatis are Italian , obviously Ducati scramblers are Thai bikes, it's simple logic
Steeringwise Guzzi's are hard to beat in their class. Always been. Just like the breaking and [original] position and buddyseat. See tests between BMW's GS and Guzzi's Stelvio, the latter corners considerably better, thanks to beter communication between bike and rider. Which is also very usefull to to ruin your footrests and bike stand -;) Had my first in 1985 and the marriage lasted until 2022. Le Mans IV/V-c/V/V11 and a fake Le Mans 1 self built from a T4 850 to 950 cc with all the hardware done and needed to transform it into a sportsbike that could compete or beat 100/+ hp 3-4 cyl uptill 50-70+ mph when their revs came in ao breaking much later due to holy st Brembo and Guzzi 's combined braking system. Always nice to see the surpised faces, especially with younger riders. But then..
In 2007 I met with an old but low mileage and very well maintained Honda ST 1100 Pan European, I needed a suitable bike for the cold days and a Le Mans V is far from suitable for winterdays and amongst congestion. I took me a week to understand the bike and why at it's hayday half of the worlds mounted police ao government services used these bikes and loved it, and fell in love with Honda's unmatched engineering and building quality. Quite a different bike you might think. But it's 1100 V4 engine comes close to a smoother edition of Guzzi's V twin. Different bore and stroke of course , "Japanes like square'' , but still. It's engine design reminds me of Guzzi's own plans in the late 70's or early 80's or so to build a V4 of wich a drawing was shown in a book about Moto Guzzi; 90° V4 and identical crankshaft angle, liquid cooled, drive shaft [of course]. I'm riding my second St 1100 now. I miss that deep brown Guzzi grumble, but the day came, I'm 70, that I preferred the smooth revving of that wonderfull Honda engine and all the rest. So the last Guzzi has gone. Gratefull for all the great moments and friend it made me.
Well done video production gentleman. Back in 1978 I had a opportunity to purchase a Moto Guzzi v7 for $800 with less than 4k mi....my loss! The owner passed away two years later and because we both lived in the same condo complex I saw the bike for another 4 years before it was gone. Perhaps the management of the property took it on a mechanics lien?
My mom's boyfriend had the 850-T3 in 1977 and then the first California a couple of years later. They were fantastic bikes. The V7 Special reminds me very much of the T3.
Thank you so much for this video. It reminds me that a few years back I was desperate for V7 sport or even better a V11 Le Mans and never could afford one. Now I m 52 and I ride a Triumph 😂😂😂.
Thanks again lads
If you're into Moto Guzzi's, there's some other Moto Guzzi videos we've produced in our playlist here:
ruclips.net/p/PLLaaC3JrqSLD-DfByGBjYfnySyEX1lSZP
Finally someone driving on the proper side of the road! Mate of mine had a Lemon (Le Mans II) back in the early 80’s. Another mate had a Cali but that was a bit of a lump in comparison. Love to see these Retros.
I have a cal 3 and a cal 1100 i. Both gearboxes are a bit ‘searching’ for 1st (from free) and ‘searching’ for free between 1st and 2nd gear. Other Guzzi’s of that age, I found the same. That’s what it is, I guess.
I drove a wider variety of bikes ( BMW 60/5, Yamaha SS400, Honda GL1000, CB750C, Shadow 1100c) until my best friend Peer (RIP 😢) introduced me in the wonder world of Moto Guzzi. That was soooo different compared to the others (don’t get me wrong, lots of fun and km’s on those as well). Much more fitting in my view of enjoyment. A very skilled technician (became a very good friend as well), Tajan vd Wiel, introduced me in the in’s and out of proper maintenance (and bit if iron-works). Great thank you to both (!). Guzzi is a way of life. Most of the Guzzi owners know ‘their share’ of technical stuff of the Guzzi’s they own, resulting in nice stories on the meetings and trips, organized during the year.
Bottom line: A Guzzi and it’s life is a lot of enjoyment 😊.
Yes , old Guzzis are still nice to ride. Love my LM2 . Best bike I ever had.
3 mins in and already five iconics! Apart from that, great video. Thanks
Love seeing the old girl getting up in the high rpm’s and ridden properly like she should be. Love the new guzzis too. I have a v7 Classic and it’s not the fastest, the most expensive, etc. but it rides like nothing else I’ve ever had.
Nothing beats the originals.
Lovely presentation! Thank you for taking the time and effort to make such high quality content! Cheers!🇬🇧
Interesting review, I'm fond of Moto Guzzi and it's heritage. Think the V7 in today's panorama is a beautiful motorcycle
Great video, would dearly like to own a 750 Sport but have to console myself with a T3 and a Le Mans3….life is hard!
Have always loved the look of the Guzzi. Been riding for 50 years and have wanted one since the first one I saw. Held back for fear of too few dealers across the country (i.e. on the road support), and resale value (i.e. a Moto what??). Still want one so much. Might just have to give in and bite the bullet while I still can.
At least it doesn't have a honking big carbuncle of a car radiator hanging off the front of it like most of competitors these days.
Thank you. Back in '72 I was a founding member of a local motorcycle club. One of the other members worked for the Dutch (I'm Dutch) Guzzi importer at the time, Willy van Gent. One night he showed op at our club with one of the original V7 Sport's, red frame and all, brand new. I will never forget that night!
I am Dutch too, had also a Guzzi then. Was this man , who worked for Willy van Gent: Toon Siep? Those times when you stopped at the French Fries shop, 10 girls jumped on the pillion of your Guzzi. 😉 I had to quit eating franchise fries. Pffff
@@hermandegroot1946 The world is a small place... I cannot remember, sorry. It is over 50 years ago 😊. It was a guy in his mid twenties and, if memory serves me right, he was in sales. Do you still ride?
@@carsyoungtimerfreak1149 Hi, nice to hear from you. When the gentlemen was a sales guy he wasn't Toon Siep. Toon Siep was Chief Mechanic. I bought my first V 7 Special in 1970 at Willy van Gent. But after 10000 km the cranckshaft broke. One of eight. WvG allowed me to do the repair myself in their shop. Toon S. was for 2 days my boss too. 😉 They offered me job but I was a car mechanic in Zutphen at VW.
But.......I bought a 850 GT in 1972 (F7250,_) and sold it in............,,,2012. 😉 for (€2800) I sometimes think of it. So, no, I don't ride anymore. Motorcycling made me deaf. I have Turbo hearing aids. I am 78 yo now. Six weeks ago I suffered a stroke, but I'm almost normal again. I live in Arcen with my wife and cat.
And what did you
Moto Guzzis are my favorite bike. I have the v85tt and v7. Great fun .
really well thought out video and a Derek is a champ …love to ride his bike one day
The new 1000 is absolutely Gorgeous!
What the photos at the end of the video don’t show is the sheer beauty of Lake Como itself. The museum at Mandello del Lario beside the lake is lovely to walk through and view all the old Guzzis, and a visit to Agostini’s - the Guzzi retailer in the town - is mandatory. Can’t wait for the new 100 Mandello V1000. The only question - as yet unanswered in all the blurbs - is kerb weight…….
Nicely made review thank You 🙏 Guzzi leaving most other brands with its Italian elegance far behind and continue 2022 with the new V100 Mandello 1000cc
Moto Guzzi opens the doors to the future, distilling a century of motorcycling innovation with a powerful, comfortable, thrilling complete bike that is packed with advanced technology.
Shame it is so late in the day when many countries are mandating against ICE vehicle😫
@@boo-boo511 Yes and the politician’s have no idea that it is impossible to turn all ICE - Internal Combustion Engines into electrical
there are not any resources for that and where shall people living in the Cities Charge their bikes and cars ?
When I was a kid one of my best friends uncle had a 750 Guzzi. Black, ugly, slow but always ran. He crashed that thing riding it drunk so many times I don’t know how he’s still alive but he is. He’d fix it and just keep on riding. It was about 35 miles from our town to the Air Force Base where he worked in San Antonio and he rode that old 750 to work every day for many many years and as far as I know he still owns it. That Bike was an absolute Tank.
Yes, exactly this Moto Guzzi V7 Sport 750 ccm was my first real motorcycle in my life (ok, I had a Suzuki T250 during the apprenticeship) ... I am born in 1956
I’ve had many bikes and among them an old T3 California when it wasn’t old, a V50, and now I have only one bike and it’s a 2018 California. They really are from the same genes over all those years and it’s a wonderful brand, very solid, last basically forever, and very much real riders’ bikes. New ones are all that as much as old ones. You need to be comfortable doing some of the maintenance because there aren’t many dealers. But parts are available and they’re mechanically accessible to normal humans. Moto Guzzi is an icon for good reason!
Amazing bike! The channel is excellent! Cheers guys!
Thank you Martin for your kind word :)
I would assume the courtesy light under the seat . may have something to do with it being near the fuses. . . Italian electrocics, as I recall, were not the standard of excellence... - just a theory. But it is an Italian beauty in every sense.
I own a 1983 V65.
"not the standard of excellence" still laughing!😄
I'd love to have an Italian motorcycle with Japanese electrics/wiring :-)
The V7 hasn’t got a continuous production history at all, it’s a naming convention reintroduced for the retro styled, bigger sized V50 derived lineup of small block motors.
the good old sound that we love 😀👍 thanks also for the history !
Nothing like the honk of an old roundhead at full song.
Very nice video, nice to see the newer models are nice as well. I own a 2014 V7 Racer, and it feels oldschool. It lacks ABS, it's shaking all over the place during starting and it has a somewhat irregular idle. So much character, maybe not as much as the original, but I really love it!
You've just picked two of my Guzzi festering scabs.Nr.1. Idiotically I sold my glorious, and favourite ever motorcycle, 1000S 15 years ago (wife, kids, mortgage, blah, blah). Nr.2. I was at Como eight months ago & the factory was closed. Grrrr!
very good comparison ,, the older one still shines ;;;
The V7 sport was a true sport bike. The modern V7 is much more similar to the old "serie piccola" family V50/V65. Same riding position, same concept: light comfortable touring bike with 45/50 hp. That would have been a more precise comparison in terms of "ancestor/descendant"
Enjoyed that. My biking regret is that I've never had a Guzzi.
Edited November 2024: I've now got my first ever Guzzi, a V7 special. Really enjoying it, looking forward to next summer.
1975 : Newly married to a wife who liked bikes and loved horses. Got her the horse first which opened the door for a new bike. (Young guys take note, that is an important lesson to a happy marriage and new bikes.) lots of great bikes then: Kawasaki Z1s, The original Honda Gold Wing, Norton and Triumphs, Suzuki Rotary. The world was my oyster except for the BMW R900S which I couldn't afford and the Ducati 900 SS which I couldn't find. I got a new MG 850 Interceptor, Metallic Brown with Gold pinstriping. Fifty years and 30+ bikes later (fortunately one horse didn't equal one bike) it's still one of my two favorite bikes. Thinking of getting a V7. Too bad they did away with those big oval jugs
I’ve owned a Le Mans and a Daytona and loved them both. Rode unlike any other bike I owned. The Le Mans ate the Duc 900 for breakfast on top speed and pull. I will get a new V 7!!
Had the original Stelvio it was a great machine apart from blowing main fuses all the time now looking for a new bike and the Guzzi pull is getting stronger I can see a v7 on my drive soon
What a cool video. Really enjoyed watching it and getting some cool info on the original V7
I'd take that ' 72 over the new one in a heartbeat. I was in high school then and we guys would freak out actually seeing a Moto Guzzi on the street here in Texas back then...
Infamous Cam Issues.
Had Guzzi's all my life; since 1978. Bought a 1200 Stelvio, (6000 miles) cam's went! Piagio (6 month wait for parts) replaced them under recall but charged me for labour, oil and filter.
At 8000 miles, cam's went again!! Piago said: "another 6 month wait, and another £380 labour, oil, filter".
No chance of purchase refund as others also attempted, by taking Guzzi to court.
I decided to leave the Stelvio uncovered in my garden to rust, it's £9000 of rust now, but a very sound reminder to Never buy Guzzi ever again!!
Both are lovely machines I would be very happy with either one
Thank you for sharing this vdo nice story
The handlebars...
The original soundtrack is superb
Moto Guzzi la moto italiana👍🤛
Another amazing video really enjoyed it, keep up the good work😊👍
I’d have a new V7 Stone tomorrow, but only if I could have the normal looking headlamp off the Special
Also twin front discs would be essential with the extra power as the single front disc always seemed on it’s limit on the previous version
Oh and the twin dials , also off the Special
I’d happily tick those option boxes as everything else is Perfect 🏍🙏🏻
Grazie bel video! Tanti saluti dall' Italia, città di Como!😃👍
Love my V 7 but straight pipe them, they sound amazing!! 😂
Oh man, what a great video! Thank you guys for making!
Glad you liked it and thanks for saying :)
I don't understand why they don't make the new bike look like the original, because the original is a lot better looking machine, the presenter even picked the old bike.
Everyone loves the historic classics. Not everyone can afford to buy or run one. Buying a modern replica is a solution for many. The secret is you purchase a machine you enjoy riding.
Nicely review, greetings from Mandello del Lario 🇮🇹 🦅 👍
Take a drink every time the word "iconic" is spoken.
The oldie sounds gorgeous. The new one... the drive shaft whine is louder than the exhaust.
I got a Continental GT instead of a V7 for ease of parts and servicing. I love my bike, but I can't stop lusting over the V7.
That was a treat. Thank You.