OM. Look at some of his reviews of cars you admire. Cracking. His review of his two friends experience buying two mclarens is compulsive viewing. You think you have had some raw deals with dealers!
yes I totally agree, I love Moto Guzzi and it's a Brand that gives you so much value for money especially if you compare it to something like a Triumph Bonneville. I agree the V7 Special is the model to go for as it looks more traditional with spoked wheels and twin clocks. I'm just waiting for the Moto Guzzi marketing / design department to actually realize they could easily produce a modern desirable retro classic by giving the V7 slightly more BHP (80 like the V85TT) and giving the 60 plus generation like me a modern version of the LeMans MK1, who wouldn't buy that?
Recently, I rode the V85TT and a V7 850 back to back. I was very surprised that the V7 felt more lively and overall nicer (to me at least). The V85TT needed more revs. Maybe it was just that particular bike. I have since bought that V7.
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
You sir are absolutely right. After a year of owning mine, the only thing I genuinely hate is the digital instrument clauster. Not only does it brake the bike's harmony and style, but it being off-centered (but not an assumed off-center, just a crooked and useless off-center) still bugs me. As a beginner rider (my first bike), the clauster being off-centered is also a minus because I count on it to gauge where my front wheel is...but it doesn't help. Just make it analog and centered to respect and compliment the bike's harmony, Moto Guzzi. Then again, they probably know what they're doing and will happily charge you more to make you pick the Special.
The longitudinal (-crank) V-twin is so characterful, yet sensible to have the cylinders in the airstream for cooling, easy valve access, and a straight shot backward for the shaft drive.
Mine isn’t hot at all. You’d think it would cook ya right behind the cylinders but it really doesn’t throw much heat… it’s a pretty mild motor too with probably has a lot to do with it.
I agree wholeheartedly with your comments on character. Riding a bike for me is a partnership between you and your bike, you're on the ride together. Having a machine that talks to you is essential to have that strong connection with your machine. I ride a Harley Street Bob with slash cut pipes, it sounds awesome, the huge Vtwin feels alive and just sitting on it is a visceral experience. At every moment on a ride this bike is purring, growling, roaring, wuffling. I'm sure many people find character in many different things, but for me the sound my bike makes is the over-riding way it communicates to me.
Great video. Character is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a motorcycle. You can buy cars or most other things from the spec sheet, a motorcycle has to be sat on, ridden to get to know her. How it sounds, feels, stops but most importantly how it makes YOU feel!
Hmm, character… I sort of understand the comment that character equates to flaws, but I also think that anybody who wants perfection should not be into motorcycling, they should buy a car. I have a car, it is truly lovely, it gets me to work warm and dry, it gets me to the supermarket warm and dry, but it is as boring as …well, a really boring thing can be. But in my motorcycling world, I want character so I ride a Harley Davidson and a Royal Enfield which in my view are both flawed in their own ways but which always make me smile. Motorcycles should make you smile, and the smile comes from their character.
Yeah, you got that right, Harley Davidson is flawed in many ways, one of the worst excuses for a motorcycle.Their unimproved ancient agriculture design is the reason. Just the facts.
As a Harley Davidson and Triumph lover, character is very important to me, the looks the feel, being engaged at one with the machine. Couldn't agree more.
Character is the reason we love our bikes. As a fellow rider said to me last week, we don’t pick our bikes by our brains, but by our hearts. I love my R18 Classic, as I do many boxer bikes. I’m debating trading in a bike I own with plenty of specs, great handling, but no character, the BMW S1000R for either a Moto Guzzi V7 or a Triumph Bobber. I like the looks of the Bobber a bit more than the V7, but built in Italy vs built in Thailand does lean me toward the MotoGuzzi for the honesty. Too bad Triumph doesn’t build more of their bikes in the UK.
I believe I understood the concept behind "character" for things in general, but I didn't really understand it as it applies to motorcycles until my father bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Special last year. My personal bike is a 2022 GSX-S1000 which is a fantastic bike, however when put up against the Guzzi you really feel that difference in, well, "character". The GSX-S1000 is obviously faster, much smoother gearbox, much better handling, more comfortable - the list really goes on. But hopping off the Guzzi, the Suzuki feels almost sterile. Its like a surgeons scalpel. Its so aggressively good at what it does that it feels wrong to just ride it normally. And in many ways, it is essentially a track bike. The Guzzi on the other hand has those quirks that makes it feel more analogue, more "interesting". I think my favorite thing on that bike by far is the sound. When you just go wide open throttle and hear the roar, you really get to enjoy that soundtrack - because you're not going at warp speed within seconds. But I also love the clunky feeling gearbox, the fact that you gotta fight it a little bit. And we obviously can't forget the style and aesthetic of the bike. I think the most important thing the Guzzi taught me is that when I bought my first bike (the suzuki), I put way, way too much emphasis on horsepower. I mean don't get me wrong, I really love the fact that my bike is fast. And I have fun with it every time I ride. But there are other factors that matters a lot, and even 50hp or whatever the V7 special has is plenty to have fun with.
The important thing about any bike is that it puts a smile on your face, and my 1978 Triumph Bonneville does that every time. Forget power and sophistication, it's the raw sound and feel that works for me.
I learned to ride 2 years ago at 51 years old. Of course the first motorcycle I had to get was a Ninja 🙂 Growing up in San Francisco I saw them everywhere and thought they were just the coolest things ever. I got the Ninja 400 and started to get rather reckless on it. I found myself doing wheelies on the street, going well over 100 MPH on the freeway and raced all the Mustangs off the line. If I kept that Ninja I would have most likely ended up in a very bad situation. So I sold the Ninja and got a '22 Bonneville T100 Gold Line. It's a joy to ride. I've heard it described as being meditative and soothing. It's comfortable, the footpegs are placed where it doesn't hurt my now 54 year old knees and when I ride it all the other stuff swirling around in my head that i worry about disappears when I'm riding it. I couldn't ask for more
I've just bought The V7 Stone Special Edition in Black and Red I love it So easy to do any work on it yourself.. Keep up the good work on your channel boys
I absolutely adore my Guzzi V7 ! I have the old 750cc engine, with Mistral exhausts, and a beautiful organe/bronze color. I have absolutely no regret of having moved from a BMW R1200RT to this smaller bike! I totally agree with you: it's always a pleasure to look at it and to ride it.
It’s all about “smiles per mile” in my opinion. Since I stopped working quite a few years ago, I promised myself THE perfect motorcycle before I got too old. I tried out quite a few highly recommended bikes and I bought and love the worst one on paper, but for me it’s the best because it makes me smile every time.
The whole thing except for the engine & seat ,looks naff & a tacky crock of sh💩t . The exhaust pipe looks like it was knocked up in a bodgers garden shed by an amateur metal basher . The worse looking Guzzie I have ever laid my eyes on ,in over 50 years riding . The clock looks like aftermarket tat .from the bay of evil delivered on a slow boat from China for £9-99 p . Nice effort for the engine & seat ,but no big cigar for the effort from Guzzie as a whole . You deserve a 👍just for keeping a straight face & riding & reviewing the awful looking crock .
As far as Italian bikes, I have owned a ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes--meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. Owned several Suzuki's to include 2-stroke models and the Wankel rotary 750. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there--but if you love just being connected to machinery and sound--Moto Guzzi!--mike battle
I'm the proud and lucky owner of a '22 MotoGuzzi V85TT Adventure. What an amazing motorcycle. I fell in love with MotoGuzzi back in the late '60's the first time I saw an Eldorado. All black, with just enough chrome to make it look like it was dressed up for the opera. After a progression of countless street and dirt bikes over the past 50+ years, I now have a bike that oozes 'character', and I'm absolutely in love with the bike. Smooth running, excellent shifting, brakes that actually works, etc,etc. Get one before you find yourself sitting in a chair somewhere, wondering "What happened?". Remember, "Get up and go outside! Don't let the old man in!".
I purchased a new V7850 Stone back in June this year. I would argue that the Stone is not trying to hard to be 'retro'. Hence the digi dash and Eagle head lamp. It's a not an overly powerful motorcycle but you could argue it does everything you need in the real world. Mine was perfect for a 2000 mile jaunt round France in September and made that little bit better by the addition of the smallest smoked Dart screen, which hides the dash and makes motorway work sustainable. A simple, well made Italian motorcycle with character. I don't like the clunky gear box but it does get better with miles. Overall... highly recommended.
Much prefer the look of the Guzzi V7 850 Special compared to the V7 Stone (agree that speedo is awful) .....but I wish it came with tubeless tyres on its spoked wheels. Tubes may add 'character' but they're a PITA to sort out at the roadside when punctured.
Thank you for presenting my exact bike again! I am tooling around Miami on it now. I changed the ugly mirrors to Rizoma and added a front fender extender that looks great and has a useful purpose. I like the cheap plastic gauge 😉. This model is a mix of modern and retro. With the modern Rizoma glass / aluminum mirrors it all syncs. Add in the groovy front eagle mandello driving light (three settings on this bike) and it is very uncommon and unusual-best of all worlds. The “clunky” gearbox seems much the same as a Harley sportster I had in the past. The interesting thing is that first gear is always unnoticeable, even when cold. I just hear a slight click and no clunk as on all of my other brand bikes. The engine has a deep resonance and so that to me makes more of a statement then a loud exhaust that can be generated on any bike to sound “cool.” It’s a great city bike with charm and character that is easy to mount and wide between the legs (unlike the Triumphs of the same class). It is a motorcycle of class and distinction 😉.
bought my 2021 special in the blue paint/brown saddle last week second hand as my first bike. I test drove a few others and nothing came close to the joy the guzzi gave me. Super excited to start riding!
l bought a Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans years ago, the first variant ....Bright Red...Dirty great dell'orto carbs, great sounding exhaust...looked like it was travelling at 130mph on the centre stand......thats enough character for any biker...
I would argue that character is something that sets the bike apart. In that sense, the modern gauge and headlight is character as well, as most retro bikes have more retro gauges and headlights. Character isn’t about whether you, me, or anyone else likes it. If anything, it’s a good sign that some people dislike it or even that you don’t like everything about it. A bike where I like everything is perfect in a sense (even if it is imperfections I am liking), which can become boring. Perfect imperfection is also a form of perfection.
Totally agree, went through multiple bikes, left my GS for a Hayabusa thinking I wanted speed, traded that for an R18. Just fitted footboards and that just adds to the experience with the heel toe shift for me. I highly recommend trying it!
I love my 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Special. Every time I ride it makes feel good, like I'm the coolest guy around. I agree that these bikes appeal to a certain type of rider that 'gets it' because these bikes are not about the spec sheet. Riders who like these bikes tend to be that way in all things, they have restored classic cars, or rare guitars, eclectic music collections or a library of books. People who are more into substance than the latest fads. I wish these bikes were more popular and then again I don't.
Love my Guzzi for the same reason. I think of it as an affordable exotic. Has alot more curb appeal than the average bike, and to think I almost bought a boring Triumph 😂
Couldn't agree more, had my heart set on the T120, but when I took a test ride I was left a little deflated, beautiful bike but!!! Now on the Moto Guzzi v7 special I'm just smiling all the time. Everyone to there own.
perfect review, you nailed it! Got my blue V7 Special this spring and absolutely love it. Everyday in the winter I adore it in my garage, just looking at it, occasionally also sitting on it a while 🙂 Could not resist to "improve" it a bit for touring, even though it is perfect as it comes out of the factory... As I am taller than the average Italian 😜 I got the seat reworked, making it approx. 3 cm higher and even more comfortable. And then some handlebar risers +25mm from Moto Guzzi, and a kit to lower the footpegs. To complete it the original touring windshield, a sissy bar for the wife with the support in the same colour as the seat. And for good measure an original billet gas cap to replace the cheapish plastic thing, and some fantastic Mistral exhausts, which sound incredible whilst not annoying anybody, have not regretted it one second. Now it is a real special "touring" V7 Special. For me, still full of character, the add-ons have not changed the character IMO. But now I can do trips of several hours without falling off the bike at the destination 🤪 But either way, I can only recommend to get one, the greatest bike I have ever owned
This is why I switched from Honda to Yamaha to Ducati to Aprilia to Moto Guzzi to finish it off and probably will always have a Moto Guzzi. Same with cars. Currently have a supercharged BRZ and may get a Lotus Emira or Evora GT in the future if I can pay off my mortgage quickly.
Here in the States, all old-time bikers don’t call it a yolk or triple clams, we called them, triple trees 👍 Good on you for only focusing on bikes that do something for you; those with character 👍👍 From Southern ~ California Ride Forever! 🦅🇺🇸
I've had a V7 Classic for about 16 months and have put 11,000 miles on it. At first, I wasn't as happy as I thought I'd be -- I'd come off of an Enfield Interceptor 650, which is a delight to ride and I absolutely loved the bike, but I'd always wanted a V7 for the looks. After a few months of hard commuting, though, it won me over for all of the reasons here: sound, that visceral vibration and feeling, excellent handling...and fast enough. I do recommend Agostini shorty pipes for this. Not loud, but they change the sound and amplify the sort of rootching around quality when stopped. Probably a tight second for my favorite bike I've every ridden.
Yes, there's far more to owning and choosing a bike than just spec sheet statistics. How it makes you feel can mean so much more to some people than others.
For most of my life, I've ridden sportbikes or standard parallel twins -- with an occasional Harley. But I test rode one of these and I was hooked after the first half mile. Bought one that very visit. Gone are my days of being first off the line and being able to just slide through the gears with precision, but that's a fine trade in exchange for how it feels and rides. I find that even when coming home from a late night rainy ride to the city for errands that it still puts a smile on my face. And the sound! I have the factor Arrow pipes on mine and the low rumble is amazing. I've described it to friends as as "it feels like how you imagine a motorcycle to feel like when you're a kid."
This is the only middleweight(ish) motorcycle left on the market with shaft drive. For that alone you've got to love Moto Guzzi. The only middleweight air cooled pushrod engine too, there's one more reason.
Yes well explained. I am finding a lot of motorcycle reviews don’t know how to explain these things so they skip over them. And that MG V7 is a great example.
I couldn't agree more! It's the reason I bought a T120. I wanted something that looked cool and was more mechanical and metal than electrical and plastic. It's a connection to the past and my bike never fails to talk to me each and every time I ride it.
Character is vital for a motorcycle because you want to be intune with the machine as you ride. One of my biggest complaints with my old Honda CB1000 was it did not have any character. My Moto Guzzi on the other hand is a riot with tonnes of character.
I wish I lived in the UK.( I’m in western Canada) . I know from visits ,the country side in many places is absolutely stunning..And the winding country roads just add to the enjoyment! I just picked up my new V7 Stone Special today. It’s last year’s model (23) and I have just ridden it home from the dealer. It feels so much different than my Suzuki M50. I feel sort of perched on the bike instead of down low like the Suzuki…but I did enjoy the ride home….love the look and I think I am going to ‘like’ this bike a lot!
Several years ago I purchased a new motorcycle. Guzi's were on my list. I started one up at a dealership and it rocked to the right like that so I got off and wound up purchasing a new Goldwing. One of the best decisions I ever made.
I used to be a Specsheet nerd, but lately each successive bike I've bought, has been getting slower than my previous. It all peaked in 2019 when I had a Yamaha R1. Since then, I started to explore other bikes from brands I've never heard of. I got a Royal Enfield for the first time in 2022, loved it. Then I got a Moto Guzzi MGX this year and I love it more than anything prior!
Glad you're still on the V7.That clock. You could do what I did and get a flyscreen and beeline to balance it up visually. Then switch to the Special. I see what MG are aiming to do with the Stone and in many ways it's successful. Frustrating that something so stunning falls down on a detail. Yes it is a little horse and I love mine.
I am not into Classic Bikes at all, but it makes me happy how excited & joyful you talk about yours. (I prefer midsize adventure & nakeds). Enjoy the ride🎉!
My son has this very bike in black. It is such a simple character filled motorcycle. Simply fun to ride. I have a 1981 Yamaha SR500. Certainly a bike of character. And a 1998 Harley Road King. None of these are the fastest rides but all of them go as fast as I care to ride. Not sure when the standard of measure of a motorcycle became shear power and speed. I would much rather enjoy the ride in a relaxed casual manner. The Moto Guzzi V7 does just that.
I have a Bonneville T120, but this one would be good to add to the garage. I’m kind of transitioning from my Goldwing to smaller bikes. Thanks for this review.
I have to agree on character being important. A few years ago I bought a Suzuki bandit 1200. It was fast, smooth, comfortable, practical, handled great, 2up comfort was good, but after one season I wanted something more fun.
I owned a V7 Stone. Red in color. Lovely machine. They are good for city and country running but not for above 65mph here in the states or highway interstates which require 85mph at times. Why? No power. But, they are a gentleman's bike and lovely sounding and you'll always get heads turning and people commenting. You are correct, the motor gives it a jump to the side, not nearly as nice as my bruiser the R18 BMW Heritage which I sold this past Spring, loved that machine. Characters? Character is a good thing, it's what comes back and reminds you of why you love a machine.
I owned a 21' moto guzzi v7 850 stone when they first came out with the new motor. Probably the best bike ive ever owned, enjoyable to ride and didnt have to get arrested to feel good riding it. It is just so satisfying the engine and sounds and the feel of the bike. Its not super slow, its still peppy enough to get the adrenaline flowing, and handles really easy, very easy to tilt into corners with the small front width tire.
I have a recently-bought '05 Guzzi Breva 750 with 61k km up. Previous bike was a very bland Honda CTX700N, which is why I swapped for the lighter, more agile and far more characterful Guzzi, which is a joy to ride. Yes, the 'box is clunky when new/cold, but they do free up with distance and warmth. It also pays to pre-load the shift lever, as doing so results in a smoother, quieter change. In other words, it requires conscious rider input and that's involving; makes the rider part of the machine, rather than the bike being simply a conveyance. In other words, it has character. At age 78 and with almost 64 years riding to date on a wide variety of bikes, for me the Guzzi is the most enjoyable bike in the multitude that I owned. If I were buying a new Guzzi, it would definitely be the V7 Special, as I prefer chrome pipes and propper, symmetrical instruments.
The characteristics of this motorcycle are stunning, and you've expressed good character in your review of it. Man, after watching this, my countenance and overall character improved dramatically. I can tackle my day being characterful
Have to agree that the BMW R 18, especially from that rear quarter angle, is stunning. But I'm more than happy with the character of my Royal Enfield Classic 350 Reborn. And I wouldn't think that the extra €18.000 buys that much more in smiles per mile ,-)
I agree with you completely about character. I’ve owned a BMW R1200S for almost 12 years. It can be argumentative (you didn’t take the best line through that bend, so I’m running a bit wide), a bit uncomfortable for long tour days, and she grumbles a bit in hot weather. For seven of those years, I also owned a Triumph Tiger 800; a sweet handling, comfortable and utterly reliable, go anywhere anytime steed. But last year, when I decided I couldn’t justify owning 2 bikes (not enough time to ride them both), it was the Tiger 800 I decided to sell. The R1200S just has so much character and grunt and good looks, I couldn’t part with her.
You said character 38 times in a 8-minute video. Remarkable 😄 I completely agree with you - once a motorcycle meets some basic criteria for power and performance, I also choose bikes based on character. If it doesn't have soul - it's not for me. At the end of the day like majority of bikers I got into this hobby based on passion and seeking a certain type of experience. For me personally, that was something that makes me proud to own a specific bike. It needs to look good, sound good, and be more than just a spec sheet masterpiece that ticks boxes. It has to FEEL special. Without any emotion I would give up riding forever. Beautiful shots of the landscape by the way. What part of the world is that? I would guess somewhere near Wales?
Yes, character. Loved your video. I am 56 a returning rider and bought a 2008 ktm990SM. I am really happy about the torqui and sound character if my bike. Oh yeah. Take care and ride save. Always. Cheers Tomaso de Grosso Switzerland
Well, before buying, I also doubted: clock, headlights, engine, tank. But after a few hundred kilometers on my own beautiful bike it all fades away. I fell in love and now other bikes look ugly to me. The clock is not centered? Damn, I even forgot about this.😂
I ride a 2003 MG California Special Sport and love the character. Most bikes I have owned were airhead Beemers and I have enjoyed each one. Lots of character.
I own a V7 850 Special and absolutely adore it, I've owned many bikes and makes over the 30+ years Ive been riding and every ride on the V7 is special and so memorable. Its also a lovely bike to look at in the garage, the engine is beautiful I love mine :) Pete
Thanks for the review! I bought a new old stock Centenario recently to chug around the mountains and beaches of Hong Kong. Added some aftermarket accessories from Mistral - new pipes, performance filter and a velocity stack which combined had a dramatic overall improvement. It sounds fantastic, the engine is more responsive and spritely (extra 4 hp) pulling better in the low to mid range all while keeping the characteristic guzzi vibes you mentioned in your review. And, no ECU reprogramming required. I can strongly recommend it to other V7 owners.
I own a 2001 BMW f650gs, it’s not particularly fast, no fancy electronics, big thumping single cylinder but I bloody love it, its just a fun bike to ride with the bonus it could take me light off roading and also a capable tourer, what more could I want from a bike 🙂
The Old Man is right - that gauge cluster - once you've seen it, well... and, it's the one thing you have to look at while riding the bike! Maybe Guzzi can come up with a retro fit with the Special's two dials.
It's a good gauge in my opinion, I've had a V7 850 Stone for around 18 months now and get on well with it. It gives more information than the clocks on the Special and it's very clear. I don't see my bike as a retro machine, just a basic and fun motorcycle so having digital gauges isn't a concern for me. I don't particularly like the way it makes the front of the bike look but I have fitted a Dart Piranha fly screen which has made all the difference.
On paper a Himalayan for someone who never rides off road (it's not legal in Scotland) but does big Euro tours shouldn't work with only 24bhp but I love it and 20k miles in 20 months including trips to the south of France and Norway and Sweden says it's the character I've fallen for.
Yep, the older (or more mature?)I get the more I appreciate the finer things in life, which involves a little bit of character or acquired taste. My main steed is an R nine T, and I love the boxer ‘kick’ on start up, the torque reaction, the noise! And it makes me feel great, which is what it’s all about, right?
I have a 750 and it doesnt sound like the microphone of your camera makes it sound. My exhaust is louder and sounds great. Been extremely reliable. Light weight and a blast to ride.
Guzzis are great, as long as you don't need spare parts or support from the manufacturer. It's a pain in the a** - also here in Austria, where we're not too far away from the factory. I personally ride a Versys 650 (2020, matte khaki) currently. Most people say that it's a totally characterless bike. But i love her for what she is. A reliable workhorse, fun in the twistys, quiet and deadly reliable. You can go and hunt some litre bikes on curvy roads or travel around the world with her..she will always do what you ask her for. So it's not always just the sound or the looks. By time you're building a relationship with the bike and I think every bike can be special. It also always depends on the memories you're making with it.
The V7 is really a cool bike. I've had a 350 and a 750 small block Guzzi. There's something special about them. I hope I will have another one some day.
I'm considering a middleweight modern classic in the £7,000 to £9,000 new bracket and the leading contenders are the Royal Enfield Interceptor, the Triumph Speed Twin 900, and the Moto Guzzi V7 Special. The V7 Special is currently in the no.1 spot for a very particular reason: all the other bikes in that bracket, whether modern classic or street/naked except for the Kawasaki Z650 rs, have contracted blacked-out disease. That is to say, the manufacturers have all decided that the way to facelift a bike to make it look "new" is to let some maniac loose on it with a rattle can full of matte black paint. Call me old fashioned but I detest it (and I hate digital instruments too.) Sorry fashionistas but I refuse to ride an eyesore; ugly is not the new beautiful.
I just traded in a BMW R1200GS LC and an old Breva 750 for a brand, shiny, new V7 850 Stone Ten. She's absolutely fantastic! I don't know what all the fuss about the digital instrument is. Some of these so called analogue units are cheap and nasty. I'm getting old and the round numbers have tiny fonts and I can't read them! The Guzzi digital job shows me speed in big fonts and I really don't mind the offset bit...it's quirky, all the info you need is presented clearly. The main thing over the 'Special' model is the fact that the Stone has tubeless tyres....tubed tyres on a new bike, in this modern day, is a nonsense.....I nearly was nearly killed when a tube blew out some years ago and tubeless is so much easier to plug at the roadside. Thanks for the the fab video.😊👍
i noticed on the display the motto guzzi symbol of the eagle wings starts to flash when its time to shift gears very cool i like that. character as you say sir. still deciding if i need to sale one of my kidneys to buy this bike i love it.
Spot on, I had a BMW K75 and the bike was so smooth it was boring ! No character and nothing wrong with it just like riding an air conditioner..... Sold it...
Nice video. Thanks. I had four Guzzi V-Twin 750's, two Nevada models and, even better, two Breva models. Very satisfying motorcycle for me, for the reasons you mentioned, and more.
After several perfectly-good Suzukis, I've got a BMW R1100RS with that characterful sideways kick, and I dunno how I could drive a motorcycle without that! What stunning roads you're riding here-- what is that?
It takes a character to recognize character. If shifted quickly with just a light brush on the clutch, these shift silently and instantly. Or, shift in a relaxed manner with full clutch disengagement to enjoy the satisfying 'clunk ' I've a 2019 V7III. A 750cc engine. I've owned many bikes in the last 50 years. The only machine I like as much as this one was my 1970 BMW R75/5.
For me, character is essential in a motorcycle, that is why I have a Moto Guzzi California. I've had many bikes in the past, some had character that derived from what they could do, some from how they felt. Some had none at all and didn't get to stick around. One of the more interesting was the Honda Valkyrie (F6C to European types). Mechanically it had no feel, just smooth and effortless, but what it could do was intoxicating. The relentless power in any gear at any speed always elicited a huge grin. The epitome of the iron fist in a velvet glove and the best custom ever. When it comes to character from how it felt: I rank my Harley Electra Glide ahead of my BMW R100GS which beats out the California. Three bikes with an enormous mechanical presence, kind of like a living, breathing, animal. Never intrusive, always reassuring. Riding bikes like this always makes me feel at peace, like all is well in my world. Those who don't feel it cannot be made to understand it, and those who do feel it need no explanation.
I think is one of a kind bike which keeps character to the top. Easy maintenance, gas tank for long trips, good for pillion and one of the best motorcycle emblems…in a very logical price
After a absence of 30 odd years I wanted a bike again. I looked at the Japanese options having had Hondas in the past but nothing piqued my interest, they all look the same and didn’t have individuality. Then I saw the stone it looked retro but there was just something to modern about it for me anyway then I saw the special and I did something your not supposed to, I ordered one no test ride no looking at it in the showroom. Honestly was the best decision I made like your review says the engine chatters along, people have criticised it for having a halogen headlight and leds for indicators and rear, like you say it’s got character and of course the two clocks one of which has a digital screen at the bottom but is unobtrusive. I’m sure some may agree and some won’t but that is what motorcycling to me is all about, it’s a choice and given the variety out there, there’s something for every taste.
Agree with you 100%. Many appreciate the science/specs while others look for the art/character as well as the specs. I try to have a somewhat balance of the two, albeit character holds a little more weight for me. Excellent content and channel, appreciate all you do! Happy holidays from New Hampshire (US)
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I feel the same way about cars - I can lose my licence in a 1.6L Focus so if I have anything more than that it needs to be filled with "character"
Yeah we totally get that 👍🏼
JayEmm ~ I didn't expect to run across you here! Nice to see an old friend looking at cool bikes.
Perhaps you two could combine for a vid….classy.
OM. Look at some of his reviews of cars you admire. Cracking. His review of his two friends experience buying two mclarens is compulsive viewing. You think you have had some raw deals with dealers!
@@andrewmitchell2313 definitely in the works 😁😉
yes I totally agree, I love Moto Guzzi and it's a Brand that gives you so much value for money especially if you compare it to something like a Triumph Bonneville. I agree the V7 Special is the model to go for as it looks more traditional with spoked wheels and twin clocks. I'm just waiting for the Moto Guzzi marketing / design department to actually realize they could easily produce a modern desirable retro classic by giving the V7 slightly more BHP (80 like the V85TT) and giving the 60 plus generation like me a modern version of the LeMans MK1, who wouldn't buy that?
Recently, I rode the V85TT and a V7 850 back to back. I was very surprised that the V7 felt more lively and overall nicer (to me at least). The V85TT needed more revs. Maybe it was just that particular bike. I have since bought that V7.
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
You sir are absolutely right. After a year of owning mine, the only thing I genuinely hate is the digital instrument clauster. Not only does it brake the bike's harmony and style, but it being off-centered (but not an assumed off-center, just a crooked and useless off-center) still bugs me. As a beginner rider (my first bike), the clauster being off-centered is also a minus because I count on it to gauge where my front wheel is...but it doesn't help.
Just make it analog and centered to respect and compliment the bike's harmony, Moto Guzzi. Then again, they probably know what they're doing and will happily charge you more to make you pick the Special.
The longitudinal (-crank) V-twin is so characterful, yet sensible to have the cylinders in the airstream for cooling, easy valve access, and a straight shot backward for the shaft drive.
Mine isn’t hot at all. You’d think it would cook ya right behind the cylinders but it really doesn’t throw much heat… it’s a pretty mild motor too with probably has a lot to do with it.
I agree wholeheartedly with your comments on character. Riding a bike for me is a partnership between you and your bike, you're on the ride together. Having a machine that talks to you is essential to have that strong connection with your machine. I ride a Harley Street Bob with slash cut pipes, it sounds awesome, the huge Vtwin feels alive and just sitting on it is a visceral experience. At every moment on a ride this bike is purring, growling, roaring, wuffling. I'm sure many people find character in many different things, but for me the sound my bike makes is the over-riding way it communicates to me.
Great video. Character is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a motorcycle. You can buy cars or most other things from the spec sheet, a motorcycle has to be sat on, ridden to get to know her. How it sounds, feels, stops but most importantly how it makes YOU feel!
Hmm, character… I sort of understand the comment that character equates to flaws, but I also think that anybody who wants perfection should not be into motorcycling, they should buy a car. I have a car, it is truly lovely, it gets me to work warm and dry, it gets me to the supermarket warm and dry, but it is as boring as …well, a really boring thing can be. But in my motorcycling world, I want character so I ride a Harley Davidson and a Royal Enfield which in my view are both flawed in their own ways but which always make me smile. Motorcycles should make you smile, and the smile comes from their character.
Yeah, you got that right, Harley Davidson is flawed in many ways, one of the worst excuses for a motorcycle.Their unimproved ancient agriculture design is the reason. Just the facts.
As a Harley Davidson and Triumph lover, character is very important to me, the looks the feel, being engaged at one with the machine. Couldn't agree more.
Character is the reason we love our bikes. As a fellow rider said to me last week, we don’t pick our bikes by our brains, but by our hearts. I love my R18 Classic, as I do many boxer bikes. I’m debating trading in a bike I own with plenty of specs, great handling, but no character, the BMW S1000R for either a Moto Guzzi V7 or a Triumph Bobber. I like the looks of the Bobber a bit more than the V7, but built in Italy vs built in Thailand does lean me toward the MotoGuzzi for the honesty. Too bad Triumph doesn’t build more of their bikes in the UK.
I believe I understood the concept behind "character" for things in general, but I didn't really understand it as it applies to motorcycles until my father bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Special last year. My personal bike is a 2022 GSX-S1000 which is a fantastic bike, however when put up against the Guzzi you really feel that difference in, well, "character". The GSX-S1000 is obviously faster, much smoother gearbox, much better handling, more comfortable - the list really goes on. But hopping off the Guzzi, the Suzuki feels almost sterile. Its like a surgeons scalpel. Its so aggressively good at what it does that it feels wrong to just ride it normally. And in many ways, it is essentially a track bike.
The Guzzi on the other hand has those quirks that makes it feel more analogue, more "interesting". I think my favorite thing on that bike by far is the sound. When you just go wide open throttle and hear the roar, you really get to enjoy that soundtrack - because you're not going at warp speed within seconds. But I also love the clunky feeling gearbox, the fact that you gotta fight it a little bit. And we obviously can't forget the style and aesthetic of the bike. I think the most important thing the Guzzi taught me is that when I bought my first bike (the suzuki), I put way, way too much emphasis on horsepower. I mean don't get me wrong, I really love the fact that my bike is fast. And I have fun with it every time I ride. But there are other factors that matters a lot, and even 50hp or whatever the V7 special has is plenty to have fun with.
The important thing about any bike is that it puts a smile on your face, and my 1978 Triumph Bonneville does that every time. Forget power and sophistication, it's the raw sound and feel that works for me.
I learned to ride 2 years ago at 51 years old. Of course the first motorcycle I had to get was a Ninja 🙂 Growing up in San Francisco I saw them everywhere and thought they were just the coolest things ever. I got the Ninja 400 and started to get rather reckless on it. I found myself doing wheelies on the street, going well over 100 MPH on the freeway and raced all the Mustangs off the line. If I kept that Ninja I would have most likely ended up in a very bad situation. So I sold the Ninja and got a '22 Bonneville T100 Gold Line. It's a joy to ride. I've heard it described as being meditative and soothing. It's comfortable, the footpegs are placed where it doesn't hurt my now 54 year old knees and when I ride it all the other stuff swirling around in my head that i worry about disappears when I'm riding it. I couldn't ask for more
I've just bought The V7 Stone Special Edition in Black and Red I love it So easy to do any work on it yourself.. Keep up the good work on your channel boys
I absolutely adore my Guzzi V7 ! I have the old 750cc engine, with Mistral exhausts, and a beautiful organe/bronze color. I have absolutely no regret of having moved from a BMW R1200RT to this smaller bike! I totally agree with you: it's always a pleasure to look at it and to ride it.
It’s all about “smiles per mile” in my opinion. Since I stopped working quite a few years ago, I promised myself THE perfect motorcycle before I got too old. I tried out quite a few highly recommended bikes and I bought and love the worst one on paper, but for me it’s the best because it makes me smile every time.
The whole thing except for the engine & seat ,looks naff & a tacky crock of sh💩t . The exhaust pipe looks like it was knocked up in a bodgers garden shed by an amateur metal basher . The worse looking Guzzie I have ever laid my eyes on ,in over 50 years riding . The clock looks like aftermarket tat .from the bay of evil delivered on a slow boat from China for £9-99 p . Nice effort for the engine & seat ,but no big cigar for the effort from Guzzie as a whole . You deserve a 👍just for keeping a straight face & riding & reviewing the awful looking crock .
Excellent video.. agree 100%.. especially those clocks and headlight, monstrous carbuncles on an otherwise fantastic bike.. buy the Special! 👍🏻
I took a character every time you said drink. Now I’m totally charactered.
@@richardweeds9566 awesome 👍🏼
As far as Italian bikes, I have owned a ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes--meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. Owned several Suzuki's to include 2-stroke models and the Wankel rotary 750. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there--but if you love just being connected to machinery and sound--Moto Guzzi!--mike battle
I'm the proud and lucky owner of a '22 MotoGuzzi V85TT Adventure. What an amazing motorcycle.
I fell in love with MotoGuzzi back in the late '60's the first time I saw an Eldorado. All black, with just enough chrome to make it look like it was dressed up for the opera.
After a progression of countless street and dirt bikes over the past 50+ years, I now have a bike that oozes 'character', and I'm absolutely in love with the bike. Smooth running, excellent shifting, brakes that actually works, etc,etc.
Get one before you find yourself sitting in a chair somewhere, wondering "What happened?". Remember, "Get up and go outside! Don't let the old man in!".
You're making me wish the winter away so I can get back out on my V7.
Perfectly imperfect, and the ideal bike for me 😁
Yeah my wife ran away with my best friend and I really miss him.
I purchased a new V7850 Stone back in June this year. I would argue that the Stone is not trying to hard to be 'retro'. Hence the digi dash and Eagle head lamp. It's a not an overly powerful motorcycle but you could argue it does everything you need in the real world. Mine was perfect for a 2000 mile jaunt round France in September and made that little bit better by the addition of the smallest smoked Dart screen, which hides the dash and makes motorway work sustainable. A simple, well made Italian motorcycle with character. I don't like the clunky gear box but it does get better with miles. Overall... highly recommended.
Much prefer the look of the Guzzi V7 850 Special compared to the V7 Stone (agree that speedo is awful) .....but I wish it came with tubeless tyres on its spoked wheels. Tubes may add 'character' but they're a PITA to sort out at the roadside when punctured.
Thank you for presenting my exact bike again! I am tooling around Miami on it now.
I changed the ugly mirrors to Rizoma and added a front fender extender that looks great and has a useful purpose.
I like the cheap plastic gauge 😉. This model is a mix of modern and retro. With the modern Rizoma glass / aluminum mirrors it all syncs. Add in the groovy front eagle mandello driving light (three settings on this bike) and it is very uncommon and unusual-best of all worlds.
The “clunky” gearbox seems much the same as a Harley sportster I had in the past. The interesting thing is that first gear is always unnoticeable, even when cold. I just hear a slight click and no clunk as on all of my other brand bikes.
The engine has a deep resonance and so that to me makes more of a statement then a loud exhaust that can be generated on any bike to sound “cool.”
It’s a great city bike with charm and character that is easy to mount and wide between the legs (unlike the Triumphs of the same class). It is a motorcycle of class and distinction 😉.
I bought one, and I feel like a character!
bought my 2021 special in the blue paint/brown saddle last week second hand as my first bike. I test drove a few others and nothing came close to the joy the guzzi gave me. Super excited to start riding!
l bought a Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans years ago, the first variant ....Bright Red...Dirty great dell'orto carbs, great sounding exhaust...looked like it was travelling at 130mph on the centre stand......thats enough character for any biker...
I would argue that character is something that sets the bike apart. In that sense, the modern gauge and headlight is character as well, as most retro bikes have more retro gauges and headlights.
Character isn’t about whether you, me, or anyone else likes it. If anything, it’s a good sign that some people dislike it or even that you don’t like everything about it. A bike where I like everything is perfect in a sense (even if it is imperfections I am liking), which can become boring. Perfect imperfection is also a form of perfection.
Totally agree, went through multiple bikes, left my GS for a Hayabusa thinking I wanted speed, traded that for an R18. Just fitted footboards and that just adds to the experience with the heel toe shift for me. I highly recommend trying it!
I love my 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Special. Every time I ride it makes feel good, like I'm the coolest guy around. I agree that these bikes appeal to a certain type of rider that 'gets it' because these bikes are not about the spec sheet. Riders who like these bikes tend to be that way in all things, they have restored classic cars, or rare guitars, eclectic music collections or a library of books. People who are more into substance than the latest fads. I wish these bikes were more popular and then again I don't.
💯
Love my Guzzi for the same reason. I think of it as an affordable exotic. Has alot more curb appeal than the average bike, and to think I almost bought a boring Triumph 😂
Couldn't agree more, had my heart set on the T120, but when I took a test ride I was left a little deflated, beautiful bike but!!!
Now on the Moto Guzzi v7 special I'm just smiling all the time.
Everyone to there own.
Perfectly put. It took years for me to understand what character was all about, then in 2022 I got my V7 Special.
perfect review, you nailed it! Got my blue V7 Special this spring and absolutely love it. Everyday in the winter I adore it in my garage, just looking at it, occasionally also sitting on it a while 🙂
Could not resist to "improve" it a bit for touring, even though it is perfect as it comes out of the factory... As I am taller than the average Italian 😜 I got the seat reworked, making it approx. 3 cm higher and even more comfortable. And then some handlebar risers +25mm from Moto Guzzi, and a kit to lower the footpegs. To complete it the original touring windshield, a sissy bar for the wife with the support in the same colour as the seat. And for good measure an original billet gas cap to replace the cheapish plastic thing, and some fantastic Mistral exhausts, which sound incredible whilst not annoying anybody, have not regretted it one second. Now it is a real special "touring" V7 Special. For me, still full of character, the add-ons have not changed the character IMO. But now I can do trips of several hours without falling off the bike at the destination 🤪
But either way, I can only recommend to get one, the greatest bike I have ever owned
This is why I switched from Honda to Yamaha to Ducati to Aprilia to Moto Guzzi to finish it off and probably will always have a Moto Guzzi. Same with cars. Currently have a supercharged BRZ and may get a Lotus Emira or Evora GT in the future if I can pay off my mortgage quickly.
Here in the States, all old-time bikers don’t call it a yolk or triple clams, we called them, triple trees 👍
Good on you for only focusing on bikes that do something for you; those with character 👍👍
From Southern ~ California Ride Forever! 🦅🇺🇸
Couldn’t agree more about character. Be it looks, the way it handles, the way it sounds it is all part of why we love bikes👍
Geez, I wish I had a dollar for every time he said 'character'. What a character. 😂
I've had a V7 Classic for about 16 months and have put 11,000 miles on it. At first, I wasn't as happy as I thought I'd be -- I'd come off of an Enfield Interceptor 650, which is a delight to ride and I absolutely loved the bike, but I'd always wanted a V7 for the looks. After a few months of hard commuting, though, it won me over for all of the reasons here: sound, that visceral vibration and feeling, excellent handling...and fast enough. I do recommend Agostini shorty pipes for this. Not loud, but they change the sound and amplify the sort of rootching around quality when stopped. Probably a tight second for my favorite bike I've every ridden.
Yes, there's far more to owning and choosing a bike than just spec sheet statistics. How it makes you feel can mean so much more to some people than others.
For most of my life, I've ridden sportbikes or standard parallel twins -- with an occasional Harley. But I test rode one of these and I was hooked after the first half mile. Bought one that very visit. Gone are my days of being first off the line and being able to just slide through the gears with precision, but that's a fine trade in exchange for how it feels and rides. I find that even when coming home from a late night rainy ride to the city for errands that it still puts a smile on my face. And the sound! I have the factor Arrow pipes on mine and the low rumble is amazing. I've described it to friends as as "it feels like how you imagine a motorcycle to feel like when you're a kid."
This is the only middleweight(ish) motorcycle left on the market with shaft drive. For that alone you've got to love Moto Guzzi. The only middleweight air cooled pushrod engine too, there's one more reason.
💯👍🏼
Yes well explained. I am finding a lot of motorcycle reviews don’t know how to explain these things so they skip over them. And that MG V7 is a great example.
I couldn't agree more! It's the reason I bought a T120. I wanted something that looked cool and was more mechanical and metal than electrical and plastic. It's a connection to the past and my bike never fails to talk to me each and every time I ride it.
T120 is quite a lot more money. Here in the states a V7 stone can be had for $8,000 while a T120 will set you back $13,000.
Character is vital for a motorcycle because you want to be intune with the machine as you ride. One of my biggest complaints with my old Honda CB1000 was it did not have any character. My Moto Guzzi on the other hand is a riot with tonnes of character.
I wish I lived in the UK.( I’m in western Canada) . I know from visits ,the country side in many places is absolutely stunning..And the winding country roads just add to the enjoyment! I just picked up my new V7 Stone Special today. It’s last year’s model (23) and I have just ridden it home from the dealer. It feels so much different than my Suzuki M50. I feel sort of perched on the bike instead of down low like the Suzuki…but I did enjoy the ride home….love the look and I think I am going to ‘like’ this bike a lot!
Awesome enjoy your Guzzi 👍🏼
Several years ago I purchased a new motorcycle. Guzi's were on my list. I started one up at a dealership and it rocked to the right like that so I got off and wound up purchasing a new Goldwing. One of the best decisions I ever made.
I totally agree with you regarding the clock and headlamp. Gimmicky is exactly the word I've used too.
I used to be a Specsheet nerd, but lately each successive bike I've bought, has been getting slower than my previous. It all peaked in 2019 when I had a Yamaha R1. Since then, I started to explore other bikes from brands I've never heard of. I got a Royal Enfield for the first time in 2022, loved it. Then I got a Moto Guzzi MGX this year and I love it more than anything prior!
Same. I bought a V7 then a Himalayan and I want a Classic 350. Lol
What an awesome bike with so much character. Awesome video 👍🏼
Glad you're still on the V7.That clock. You could do what I did and get a flyscreen and beeline to balance it up visually. Then switch to the Special. I see what MG are aiming to do with the Stone and in many ways it's successful. Frustrating that something so stunning falls down on a detail. Yes it is a little horse and I love mine.
I have got three different bikes in my garage. V7 III is the bike I choose most. Maybe it's not the fastest and most comfortable, but I like it most
Bro that dash cluster would legit be a deal killer for me if I were looking to buy that, looks like some amazon aftermarket thing someone slapped on
The V7 special fixes it, luckily.
Wholeheartedly agree, number one is character, two reliable, three is comfortable 😊
I am not into Classic Bikes at all, but it makes me happy how excited & joyful you talk about yours. (I prefer midsize adventure & nakeds). Enjoy the ride🎉!
My son has this very bike in black. It is such a simple character filled motorcycle. Simply fun to ride. I have a 1981 Yamaha SR500. Certainly a bike of character. And a 1998 Harley Road King. None of these are the fastest rides but all of them go as fast as I care to ride. Not sure when the standard of measure of a motorcycle became shear power and speed. I would much rather enjoy the ride in a relaxed casual manner. The Moto Guzzi V7 does just that.
Great review Mr. Darcy. You sir have character.
I have a Bonneville T120, but this one would be good to add to the garage. I’m kind of transitioning from my Goldwing to smaller bikes. Thanks for this review.
I have to agree on character being important. A few years ago I bought a Suzuki bandit 1200. It was fast, smooth, comfortable, practical, handled great, 2up comfort was good, but after one season I wanted something more fun.
Im hearing word character for sometime now in motorcycles. I get it now completely. Thank you.. amazing review as usual
I owned a V7 Stone. Red in color. Lovely machine. They are good for city and country running but not for above 65mph here in the states or highway interstates which require 85mph at times. Why? No power. But, they are a gentleman's bike and lovely sounding and you'll always get heads turning and people commenting. You are correct, the motor gives it a jump to the side, not nearly as nice as my bruiser the R18 BMW Heritage which I sold this past Spring, loved that machine.
Characters? Character is a good thing, it's what comes back and reminds you of why you love a machine.
I owned a 21' moto guzzi v7 850 stone when they first came out with the new motor. Probably the best bike ive ever owned, enjoyable to ride and didnt have to get arrested to feel good riding it. It is just so satisfying the engine and sounds and the feel of the bike. Its not super slow, its still peppy enough to get the adrenaline flowing, and handles really easy, very easy to tilt into corners with the small front width tire.
I have a recently-bought '05 Guzzi Breva 750 with 61k km up. Previous bike was a very bland Honda CTX700N, which is why I swapped for the lighter, more agile and far more characterful Guzzi, which is a joy to ride. Yes, the 'box is clunky when new/cold, but they do free up with distance and warmth. It also pays to pre-load the shift lever, as doing so results in a smoother, quieter change. In other words, it requires conscious rider input and that's involving; makes the rider part of the machine, rather than the bike being simply a conveyance. In other words, it has character. At age 78 and with almost 64 years riding to date on a wide variety of bikes, for me the Guzzi is the most enjoyable bike in the multitude that I owned. If I were buying a new Guzzi, it would definitely be the V7 Special, as I prefer chrome pipes and propper, symmetrical instruments.
Every motorcycle has character, it all depends on whether that character suits you. It's like dog breeds, different ones fit different people.
The characteristics of this motorcycle are stunning, and you've expressed good character in your review of it. Man, after watching this, my countenance and overall character improved dramatically. I can tackle my day being characterful
I bought a V7 in the Centenario livery. I love it! It is my first Guzzi and I suspect not my last
Have to agree that the BMW R 18, especially from that rear quarter angle, is stunning.
But I'm more than happy with the character of my Royal Enfield Classic 350 Reborn. And I wouldn't think that the extra €18.000 buys that much more in smiles per mile ,-)
I agree with you completely about character. I’ve owned a BMW R1200S for almost 12 years. It can be argumentative (you didn’t take the best line through that bend, so I’m running a bit wide), a bit uncomfortable for long tour days, and she grumbles a bit in hot weather. For seven of those years, I also owned a Triumph Tiger 800; a sweet handling, comfortable and utterly reliable, go anywhere anytime steed. But last year, when I decided I couldn’t justify owning 2 bikes (not enough time to ride them both), it was the Tiger 800 I decided to sell. The R1200S just has so much character and grunt and good looks, I couldn’t part with her.
You said character 38 times in a 8-minute video. Remarkable 😄
I completely agree with you - once a motorcycle meets some basic criteria for power and performance, I also choose bikes based on character. If it doesn't have soul - it's not for me. At the end of the day like majority of bikers I got into this hobby based on passion and seeking a certain type of experience. For me personally, that was something that makes me proud to own a specific bike. It needs to look good, sound good, and be more than just a spec sheet masterpiece that ticks boxes. It has to FEEL special. Without any emotion I would give up riding forever.
Beautiful shots of the landscape by the way. What part of the world is that? I would guess somewhere near Wales?
Thanks 😊
It is Wales 🏴
Yes, character. Loved your video. I am 56 a returning rider and bought a 2008 ktm990SM. I am really happy about the torqui and sound character if my bike. Oh yeah. Take care and ride save. Always. Cheers Tomaso de Grosso Switzerland
Nice! I have a 2008 KTM Super Duke in black. Love that engine sound and feel.
Thanks, yes bikes that make you 😊
@@commonsense6050Oh yeah great. Have fun. Cheers
Well, before buying, I also doubted: clock, headlights, engine, tank. But after a few hundred kilometers on my own beautiful bike it all fades away. I fell in love and now other bikes look ugly to me. The clock is not centered? Damn, I even forgot about this.😂
I ride a 2003 MG California Special Sport and love the character. Most bikes I have owned were airhead Beemers and I have enjoyed each one. Lots of character.
I own a V7 850 Special and absolutely adore it, I've owned many bikes and makes over the 30+ years Ive been riding and every ride on the V7 is special and so memorable. Its also a lovely bike to look at in the garage, the engine is beautiful I love mine :) Pete
Off centre clock is enough to put me off, the off centre petrol cap stopped me buying a street twin, it would drive me mad
Thanks for the review! I bought a new old stock Centenario recently to chug around the mountains and beaches of Hong Kong. Added some aftermarket accessories from Mistral - new pipes, performance filter and a velocity stack which combined had a dramatic overall improvement. It sounds fantastic, the engine is more responsive and spritely (extra 4 hp) pulling better in the low to mid range all while keeping the characteristic guzzi vibes you mentioned in your review. And, no ECU reprogramming required. I can strongly recommend it to other V7 owners.
Totally agree,too much emphasis on BHP imho nowadays it's the fun and enjoyment that matters
Thanks for your explanation. I recently bought the v7 850...Iove it too. It has less of those "racers", but a lot of "feeling good" while cruising!!!
I own a 2001 BMW f650gs, it’s not particularly fast, no fancy electronics, big thumping single cylinder but I bloody love it, its just a fun bike to ride with the bonus it could take me light off roading and also a capable tourer, what more could I want from a bike 🙂
The Old Man is right - that gauge cluster - once you've seen it, well... and, it's the one thing you have to look at while riding the bike! Maybe Guzzi can come up with a retro fit with the Special's two dials.
It's a good gauge in my opinion, I've had a V7 850 Stone for around 18 months now and get on well with it. It gives more information than the clocks on the Special and it's very clear. I don't see my bike as a retro machine, just a basic and fun motorcycle so having digital gauges isn't a concern for me. I don't particularly like the way it makes the front of the bike look but I have fitted a Dart Piranha fly screen which has made all the difference.
On paper a Himalayan for someone who never rides off road (it's not legal in Scotland) but does big Euro tours shouldn't work with only 24bhp but I love it and 20k miles in 20 months including trips to the south of France and Norway and Sweden says it's the character I've fallen for.
Yep, the older (or more mature?)I get the more I appreciate the finer things in life, which involves a little bit of character or acquired taste.
My main steed is an R nine T, and I love the boxer ‘kick’ on start up, the torque reaction, the noise! And it makes me feel great, which is what it’s all about, right?
💯
I have a 750 and it doesnt sound like the microphone of your camera makes it sound. My exhaust is louder and sounds great. Been extremely reliable. Light weight and a blast to ride.
Newer ones are probably quieter as standard due to current regulations. They are fantastic sounding bikes for sure!
Guzzis are great, as long as you don't need spare parts or support from the manufacturer.
It's a pain in the a** - also here in Austria, where we're not too far away from the factory.
I personally ride a Versys 650 (2020, matte khaki) currently. Most people say that it's a totally characterless bike.
But i love her for what she is. A reliable workhorse, fun in the twistys, quiet and deadly reliable.
You can go and hunt some litre bikes on curvy roads or travel around the world with her..she will always do what you ask her for.
So it's not always just the sound or the looks.
By time you're building a relationship with the bike and I think every bike can be special. It also always depends on the memories you're making with it.
The V7 is really a cool bike. I've had a 350 and a 750 small block Guzzi. There's something special about them. I hope I will have another one some day.
I'm considering a middleweight modern classic in the £7,000 to £9,000 new bracket and the leading contenders are the Royal Enfield Interceptor, the Triumph Speed Twin 900, and the Moto Guzzi V7 Special. The V7 Special is currently in the no.1 spot for a very particular reason: all the other bikes in that bracket, whether modern classic or street/naked except for the Kawasaki Z650 rs, have contracted blacked-out disease. That is to say, the manufacturers have all decided that the way to facelift a bike to make it look "new" is to let some maniac loose on it with a rattle can full of matte black paint. Call me old fashioned but I detest it (and I hate digital instruments too.) Sorry fashionistas but I refuse to ride an eyesore; ugly is not the new beautiful.
I love the looks, sound and feel of the Guzzi.. There is zero dealer support here in North West USA. That scared me off.
Can't wait for Guzzi's next cruiser
Great bike, I have a 750 Special, it is one I don't think I will ever be able to part with.
I just traded in a BMW R1200GS LC and an old Breva 750 for a brand, shiny, new V7 850 Stone Ten. She's absolutely fantastic! I don't know what all the fuss about the digital instrument is. Some of these so called analogue units are cheap and nasty. I'm getting old and the round numbers have tiny fonts and I can't read them! The Guzzi digital job shows me speed in big fonts and I really don't mind the offset bit...it's quirky, all the info you need is presented clearly. The main thing over the 'Special' model is the fact that the Stone has tubeless tyres....tubed tyres on a new bike, in this modern day, is a nonsense.....I nearly was nearly killed when a tube blew out some years ago and tubeless is so much easier to plug at the roadside. Thanks for the the fab video.😊👍
i noticed on the display the motto guzzi symbol of the eagle wings starts to flash when its time to shift gears very cool i like that. character as you say sir. still deciding if i need to sale one of my kidneys to buy this bike i love it.
Spot on, I had a BMW K75 and the bike was so smooth it was boring ! No character and nothing wrong with it just like riding an air conditioner..... Sold it...
Nice video. Thanks. I had four Guzzi V-Twin 750's, two Nevada models and, even better, two Breva models. Very satisfying motorcycle for me, for the reasons you mentioned, and more.
After several perfectly-good Suzukis, I've got a BMW R1100RS with that characterful sideways kick, and I dunno how I could drive a motorcycle without that!
What stunning roads you're riding here-- what is that?
We are in Wales 🏴
All the curves and noises are what make riding so much fun . Some bikes just set there, you can’t tell if it’s on .
It takes a character to recognize character. If shifted quickly with just a light brush on the clutch, these shift silently and instantly. Or, shift in a relaxed manner with full clutch disengagement to enjoy the satisfying 'clunk '
I've a 2019 V7III. A 750cc engine. I've owned many bikes in the last 50 years. The only machine I like as much as this one was my 1970 BMW R75/5.
💯
For me, character is essential in a motorcycle, that is why I have a Moto Guzzi California. I've had many bikes in the past, some had character that derived from what they could do, some from how they felt. Some had none at all and didn't get to stick around. One of the more interesting was the Honda Valkyrie (F6C to European types). Mechanically it had no feel, just smooth and effortless, but what it could do was intoxicating. The relentless power in any gear at any speed always elicited a huge grin. The epitome of the iron fist in a velvet glove and the best custom ever. When it comes to character from how it felt: I rank my Harley Electra Glide ahead of my BMW R100GS which beats out the California. Three bikes with an enormous mechanical presence, kind of like a living, breathing, animal. Never intrusive, always reassuring. Riding bikes like this always makes me feel at peace, like all is well in my world. Those who don't feel it cannot be made to understand it, and those who do feel it need no explanation.
I think is one of a kind bike which keeps character to the top. Easy maintenance, gas tank for long trips, good for pillion and one of the best motorcycle emblems…in a very logical price
After a absence of 30 odd years I wanted a bike again. I looked at the Japanese options having had Hondas in the past but nothing piqued my interest, they all look the same and didn’t have individuality. Then I saw the stone it looked retro but there was just something to modern about it for me anyway then I saw the special and I did something your not supposed to, I ordered one no test ride no looking at it in the showroom. Honestly was the best decision I made like your review says the engine chatters along, people have criticised it for having a halogen headlight and leds for indicators and rear, like you say it’s got character and of course the two clocks one of which has a digital screen at the bottom but is unobtrusive. I’m sure some may agree and some won’t but that is what motorcycling to me is all about, it’s a choice and given the variety out there, there’s something for every taste.
my 2010 z1000 is loaded with character. Also, great video as always boys
Agree with you 100%. Many appreciate the science/specs while others look for the art/character as well as the specs. I try to have a somewhat balance of the two, albeit character holds a little more weight for me. Excellent content and channel, appreciate all you do! Happy holidays from New Hampshire (US)