.
[Edited to add that I am -- as usual, as Kathi is (too) wont to say -- confused.
I thought what I wrote below was to compare the R Nine T to the V7 line. On rereading yours just now, I see nada about the beemer. Doh.
Anyway, I did not know that the III's were in 2016, but still II's as is my Stornello. Ever the (unintentional) contrarian, I much prefer my Stornello, a II, to my (late) III. The latter was nice enough, but a bit smooth and bland IMO compared to the other Guzzis and, in particular, to my Stornello.
The new III (850) is, OTOH, a markedly improved over the III, especially in that undefinable view of "viscerality." If you do lots of 4-lane, limited-access riding, you will, IMO, need the new V7-850 ... if not, the II is a hoot.
Bill
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Nothing like a new motorcycle as a Christmas gift to one's self ... and to start off the New Year right. On the other, hand, your location may mean it'll be a month or two before you ride whatever you decide to add to your garage.
The moto-journos mostly liked the R nine T from the outset, but many Guzzisti had all sorts of snarky comments along the way. I, however, considered getting one when, instead, already besotten on Mandello grappa, went for my late Griso instead. No regrets there, but I still like the beemer.
Now, while I think the Griso and the R nine T re valid compos, there is, IMO, a world of difference between either of those and a V7 of any vintage.
I have owned two V7's -- a 7 II, my Stornello, that I still have and will never sell as it's dual track joy; and a 7 III, since traded for my V85.
In addition, I have quite a number of miles on one of the newer V7-850's.
The first two mentioned -- the II and III -- are not even in the same boxing ring as the R nine T in any measurable way I can see. I have not even looked at the HP or torque charts for any of the V7's or, in years, looked at the beemer's numbers. Most Guzzisti know those do not tell the truth about a Moto Guzzi.
But, from a "butt dyno" perspective -- again, at least mine -- the II and III are not even close to the R nine T. The V7-850 has a steroids bump-up that is very noticeable to me.
All Guzzis -- OK, most, anyway -- are a pleasure in sweepers and tighter stuff, and the entire V7 line will do that in a grin-making way.
But only the new V7OS (On Steroids
) is capable of LD runs at typical slab speeds, with enough left to squirt and pass safely when that is necessary. I have read many posts by V7 owners who say that the Mark I, II, and (non-OS) III's will happily run for hours on the interstates at 80 or even 90 mph "all day." If they say so, but mine sure won't be happy or, at least, this rider won't.
OTOH, I avoid the slab when I can so that "failure" is insignificant in my world. If I was a daily commuter of fast four-laners competing with crazies in cages every day, I wouldn't look at a V7 except -- possibly, the OS.
But where the V7's shine is in off-road handling.
Now, before you think I am daft, I don't mean off pavement or moto-cross! No, I mean in the garage or anywhere else where moving those around -- especially oif playing Rubic's cube in a crowded garage! The weight and COG of a V7 make it (almost) a pleasure to move from spot to spot. Not sure if that is a relevant attribute in your world, but it's critical for me. That's less so now as I have pared my moto-harem in the last couple of years, but I am also well into "that certain age" group where I can no longer leap buildings in a single bound or bench press anvils.
OK, enough. It's Christmas morning. The grandkids will start calling soon emoting about their gifts.
As for all of the above ... YMMV; best wishes on whatever you choose.
Bill
