Paxo
Cruisin' Guzzisti
After 2 years of ownership I thought I'd make a few personal observations on my experience with the V7 Classic. Firstly I've been lucky to have purchased my machine from a local and very knowledgable dealer who has provided excellent support with both the major and minor teething problems I have experienced. Without that back up service I might easily have given up on Moto Guzzi. Piaggio should take note of that.
First impressions are that this is a small bike dimensionally and quite cute in the retro VW Beetle and Fiat 500 style, and just like those cars it comes with modern ignition and fuelling systems. The bikes' size may be a problem for some as the riding position can feel a little cramped. I had to fit handlebar risers to correct the arm / leg angle to prevent cramping in the thigh muscles.
Due to the use of plastics the bike feels quite light and easy to manoeuvre around when either riding or wheeling into a parking spot. The use of plastics for a fuel tank is also one of its problems. My tank was replaced under warranty due to swelling apparently caused by ethanol in the fuel. The plastics also seem to mark easily and mine have quite a few fine scratches probably from clothing.
It's strange that it is still possible to make a 750cc engine that apparently produces so little power. In reality this doesn't seem to matter as the bike will accelerate briskly and cruise easily at and above the posted legal speed limit even when fully laden. Fuel economy is OK with a tank of petrol giving me on average 160 miles of mixed riding before the low fuel light comes on. I don't see the point of this but it does seem to be a common feature in the Piaggio range of bikes and scooters. My BMWs' fuel gauge tells you how many miles are left which is far more useful.
I suspect the person who would be attracted to this machine will not be your average Fireblade / R1 customer, and if they are they are in for a major culture shock. The relatively low power output is actually a blessing as far as the standard suspension and tyres are concerned. They are adequate but no more than that, but right in line with what you would expect from the manufacturer's lower price range. The inadequacies of these components are easily if not cheaply remedied with products from alternative suppliers and make riding the bike a much safer and more pleasant experience.
Overall I think it's quite an expensive bike for what it is, but then I suppose it is a bit of a niche market product and as such will always be priced just that bit higher. As standard the V7 Classic is a perfectly good machine in just about every respect, but it will most likely be bought by enthusiasts who will be unable to resist the urge to try and improve it. Knowing when to stop is the difficulty. In reality it will never be a R6 or CBR600 no matter how much cash is thrown at it, and personally I don't care. I've owned many bikes old and new, bigger and smaller, but the V7 Classic has given me the most fun I've had on a bike in the past 20 years. One last thought; I've been reminded that just as in the old days it's a very good idea to make a point of regularly checking the tightness of all the bikes' fasteners!
First impressions are that this is a small bike dimensionally and quite cute in the retro VW Beetle and Fiat 500 style, and just like those cars it comes with modern ignition and fuelling systems. The bikes' size may be a problem for some as the riding position can feel a little cramped. I had to fit handlebar risers to correct the arm / leg angle to prevent cramping in the thigh muscles.
Due to the use of plastics the bike feels quite light and easy to manoeuvre around when either riding or wheeling into a parking spot. The use of plastics for a fuel tank is also one of its problems. My tank was replaced under warranty due to swelling apparently caused by ethanol in the fuel. The plastics also seem to mark easily and mine have quite a few fine scratches probably from clothing.
It's strange that it is still possible to make a 750cc engine that apparently produces so little power. In reality this doesn't seem to matter as the bike will accelerate briskly and cruise easily at and above the posted legal speed limit even when fully laden. Fuel economy is OK with a tank of petrol giving me on average 160 miles of mixed riding before the low fuel light comes on. I don't see the point of this but it does seem to be a common feature in the Piaggio range of bikes and scooters. My BMWs' fuel gauge tells you how many miles are left which is far more useful.
I suspect the person who would be attracted to this machine will not be your average Fireblade / R1 customer, and if they are they are in for a major culture shock. The relatively low power output is actually a blessing as far as the standard suspension and tyres are concerned. They are adequate but no more than that, but right in line with what you would expect from the manufacturer's lower price range. The inadequacies of these components are easily if not cheaply remedied with products from alternative suppliers and make riding the bike a much safer and more pleasant experience.
Overall I think it's quite an expensive bike for what it is, but then I suppose it is a bit of a niche market product and as such will always be priced just that bit higher. As standard the V7 Classic is a perfectly good machine in just about every respect, but it will most likely be bought by enthusiasts who will be unable to resist the urge to try and improve it. Knowing when to stop is the difficulty. In reality it will never be a R6 or CBR600 no matter how much cash is thrown at it, and personally I don't care. I've owned many bikes old and new, bigger and smaller, but the V7 Classic has given me the most fun I've had on a bike in the past 20 years. One last thought; I've been reminded that just as in the old days it's a very good idea to make a point of regularly checking the tightness of all the bikes' fasteners!