Moto Guzzi V7 Racer 2011: Look at me!
This could not be otherwise. When we’d shown in September , the success of the article that we could not miss the test. Deriving the basic concept presented 2 years ago, the V7 racer arrives at dealerships as a limited series.Moto Guzzi did not expect such a return from the bikers. Basically, created to delight the eyes and designers of the Italian brand, so they decided to produce small scale to satisfy the lovers of this bike.
Based on a V7 Classic is already in the catalog for several years, the change comes mainly from the aesthetic. Moto Guzzi has pushed the details that challenge the eye as possible. To see the reaction of people on the street, the bet is quite successful. Looks, sound bites launched, the questions coming from all directions.
We must recognize that it does not go unnoticed. But is that the technical performance and the pleasure of riding are as present as its aesthetics? That’s what we wanted to know, taking his handlebars.
Welcome to a world of vintage racing away from technology and ever more powerful bikes.Simplicity in a body with a thousand wonders.
Moto Guzzi V7 Racer
Rolls differently!
I confess, I confess, I waited with some impatience that the racer is available in V7 Park Press. Arriving at Piaggio, the machine was waiting with 11 km on the odometer. So I had to break in the rolling tires, brake pads or the gearbox to start building a verdict on the machine.
After the first mile, I could start making the rounds of the aesthetic and practical aspects of the beautiful. It is true that she throws. And especially with the sun’s rays shine reservoir and anodized paint on the frame and front wheel. We must recognize that it is a pleasure for the eyes to look at the V7 racy as a whole. From a little closer … Well, the opinion is divided between the care given to certain parties and others where you really feel they have been neglected. For example, the saddle faux alcantara, the band of “leather” along the tank, footrests, bellows front fork for example offer a real plus vintage machine and give a real face.Instead, turn signals, battery cover, mirrors or the plastic tank remove him charming. Too bad for a cafe racer which should be as authentic as possible with such a style.
For practicality, it is better from a GT , since the V7 Racer does almost nothing and it is not in his philosophy. The power meter provides the bare minimum enough: tachometer, speedometer, trip, triple total, outside temperature, turn signals, fuel indicator, oil, engine and neutral. Ditto for the seat, no room underneath to put any blocks or U disk. Little attention that love still is the integrated seat cover that will protect it in case of bad weather. The reservoir of 17 liters (one does not really tell) has a plug not fixed, so take care when full. The V7 comes complete with a seat cover which can be removed fairly easily to make room for a passenger.Finally, it has no feet because there is no passenger footrests and the responses ultra waves Moto Guzzi, we do not know if there are optional.
Once mounted, the position might seem archaic to the uninitiated, with a handlebar semi-narrow band and pronounced downward, but is ultimately a real treat with time. A big downside, however, his knees against the engine are a bad idea especially when it is hot. And if, heaven forbid we forget to step back enough to the bottom of the saddle, the burning sensation is very good reminder to order. I honestly originally requested how many miles I could do without feeling stiff in the back or pain in the wrist. And much to my surprise was great As my test does not feel any need to stop to relieve discomfort. However little advice before the start, take the time to adjust your mirrors and selector. It turns out that for the first ultra low position does not help to see while driving, which sometimes give rise to a dance in the neck and not very friendly for the second, the box being very rigid, adjustment of home will force you to make large movements of the foot to get speed.
An area that barely V7 is undoubtedly the city. While most eyes are towards the machine, it will admit that after a while, just torture to appear on the pilot’s face. We are not talking about the heater, which can be a good supplementary heating for the winter, but the hardness of the orders. In addition to being non-adjustable (sniff!), Multiple gear shifts eventually you numb hands. It must also be attentive to the misfires of the gearbox (especially on the 1 and 2) which will get you some shots of horns by motorists in a hurry. In parallel, we appreciate the maneuverability at low speed (or stopped) due to its low seat height and its small turning radius. On the latter point, one can only congratulate Moto Guzzi for this effort because we can remember the Breva was a misery at the slightest move. It was time for me to leave the big city to find a better place to ride.
First step before the ride in the bucolic countryside, the main roads. A fter a good shot of gas to drive in traffic, the V7 quickly found his stride. He slips easily into the flow and whatever speed you feel comfortable with the handlebars. Comfort and good protection of the motorcycle also reinforce this sentiment. It also takes pleasure in pushing the engine beyond 5000 rpm to hear the beautiful sound of the twin (because yes it is stifled by the Euro 3 standards for low speed) but for some overtaking. And yes, we must not forget that this is a 48.8 horsepower, speed lovers will therefore spend their way. It is true that when you see this machine for the first time we could take for a lightning war, but from the first laps we quickly understand that not only will type with chrono.
Go to the first green spots are quick to stand in front of me and it is time to enjoy the country roads. The V7 is allowed to take without flinching whatever you decide to ride. The first amazing thing that can be observed as soon as one engages in the first corner is its stability. A real pleasant surprise for this category of Café Racer. No movement parasite from the chassis, even if we push a little beast and with the combination of suspensions, we can only be comforted in the idea. Driving over bumps or a speed bump is smooth without a violent return to the kidneys, as is often found on today’s machines. Some may see as a lack of firmness but after it according to taste.
Remains the operation of the engine that is enjoyable on almost all systems, leaving us still a taste of frustration. Because yes 48.8 horses do not grow to the crime (and it is no worse in this time) and learn to ride differently but when you have to whip at low speed for acceleration honest, it hurts a little. Positive, 5000tr/min pass, noise that feeling of tension is more pleasant. The real riding spirit!
As for brakes, and well there admittedly, this is still his greatest fault. Certainly, 11km of life, the V7 I had needed a break and I put the blame on the lack of teeth in the new pads. It was useless, because even if it is improved, the lack of brakes can be disabling in some situations. We must quickly learn to anticipate its brakes on pain of having to crush the lever to stop (some nice scares with the key drivers forgetting that they have mirrors for example). Exit ABS, radial kit or the Avia is braking the former still happy with a good setup for suspension which prevents diving on the front.
Editor’s Notice with Specifications
With its unusual look or rather timeless, Moto Guzzi has attracted new customers and more lovers of the brand.
This cafe racer car will satisfy all the desires of the thirties “single” who wants to have fun with an attractive machine without the worry of losing his license or nostalgic for a time without giving up some pleasure of modern technology ( as the cardan shaft, which admittedly gives comfort in use).
With its V-twin 744 cm3 from the V7 Classic , he developed 48.8 horse that is “good but not great.” Provided that power is sufficient to itself to enjoy a countryside walk, as in certain circumstances of traffic, lack of power at low speeds can undermine.
The good chassis and good overall comfort of the position can really enchainer miles without asking too many questions. Posted to 9299 euros, he will rush to those concerned as the V7 Racer is made in limited and numbered. The pledge for Moto Guzzi you do not cross this machine every street corner.
We liked:
- Look
- Chassis
- Engine noise in high speed
- Comfort
We did not like:
- Brakes
- Some finishes
- Heater
- Gearbox approximate
Fact Sheet:
- Engine: V-twin at 90 °, 4 stroke.
- Displacement: 744 cc
- Bore & stroke: 80×74 mm
- Compression ratio: 9.6:1
- Distribution: 2 valve light-alloy & balances
- Maximum power: 35.5 kW at 6,800 rpm (48.8 hp)
- Maximum torque: 54.7 Nm at 3,600 rpm
- Food: Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection.
- Exhaust: catalisé with Lambda probe.
- Transmission: 5 speed
- Frame: Double cradle tubular steel removable – Suspension Front: Telescopic hydraulic fork Ø 40 mm
- Rear suspension: Swingarm-cast light alloy, double adjustable damper Bitubo
- Brakes Front: stainless steel floating disc Ø 320 mm Brembo calipers 4-piston opposed separate
- Rear brake: Brembo disc stainless steel Ø 260 mm
- Tire Front: 100/90-18 Pirelli Sport Demon
- Rear tires: Pirelli Sport Demon 130/80 -17
- Battery: -12 V 12 Amp / h
- Length: 2185 mm
- Width: 800 mm
- Height: 1115 mm
- Seat height: 805 mm
- Dry weight: 182 kg
- Weight in running order: 198 kg
- Fuel tank capacity: 17 liters
- Reserve: 2.5 L
- Price: 9299 Euro
