2008-2012 MOTO-GUZZI V7 Classic Review | Stylish, useful, charismatic and simply an enchanting motorcycle.
![Moto Guzzi V7 Classic bike review action](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/3665/600x400/32-v7-classic.jpg)
Highlights
- Classic Italian styling
- Longitudinal V-twin engine
- One of the earlier examples of a modern retro
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £230 |
Power: | 48 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (31.7 in / 805 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (401 lbs / 182 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe 2008 - 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic isn’t the perfect retro motorbike. It’s underpowered slightly, a tad vibey at speed and the levers aren’t span adjustable.
But otherwise we struggle to find fault. The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is stylish, useful, charismatic and simply a nice motorcycle to ride and own and, for the money, that’s accomplishment enough. We’d have one instead of a Triumph Bonneville like a shot. Welcome back Moto Guzzi, finally your ‘old fashioned bikes’ make sense…
- Related: Complete the look with out pick of top retro riding gear.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Moto Guzzi V7 Classic’s fairly basic chassis manages to be good enough for a retro roadster, too. With no particular sports or performance pretensions, the mix of old school tubular steel frame, relatively light, low weight and adequate suspension and brakes combine to give and honest and effective ride. The single Brembo front disc is more than adequate and the suspension, though slightly basic and harsh, is more than up to the job, too.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Moto Guzzi V7 Classic’s remapped Nevada 744cc twin may be soft but it’s eager, willing and flexible. On paper, 48bhp seems fairly weedy (and it’s hard to believe that the original V7’s 50bhp was considered ‘superbike performance’ 40 years ago), but the reality is that it’s spread so evenly that it’s actually a fun and fruity, if a bit run of the mill, roadster.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueDeliciously executed. The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic’s paint is deep and creamy plus there’s a myriad of details ranging from the chromed brakes and gear pedals and neat twin horns to the understated but classy mirror-finish pillion grab handles under the seat. It all reminds of Ducati’s £1000 pricier at the time GT1000 Sport Classic.
As time has gone on, owners reviews have reported back only stating their joy of owning the V7. Build quality and components standing the test of time, with many complimenting the finish and build quality of the bike. The simple 2v transverse v twin engine and smooth power delivery from the shaft drive set up are not massively stressed. Owners report back stating the bike finds its own feel, and vibe as each engine breaks in.
A few have reported real miles per gallon figures differ to that reported. 17 litres is the suggested tank volume, but a more common fill up for most sits around the 14 litre mark giving a 160 mile tank range. Not differing over the years the original 2008 model would still make a great by and retro cruiser.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentMoto Guzzi were early to the party on the modern retro scene but these days there are competitors in almost every manufacturer's range. Everything from the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, BSA Gold Star, Triumph Speed Twin 900, Kawasaki Z650RS or Yamaha XSR700 should be considered.
Watch Neevesy compare two of the Moto Guzzi V7 Classic's main rivals in this video:
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/P89IJxL7d2o/maxresdefault.jpg)
Equipment
The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic exudes class. The filler-cap is a beautifully crafted aircraft-esque alloy affair, the clocks are all new (by Marelli) twin Veglia-style dials, the headlamp is fully-chromed, there’s quality switchgear and mirrors and a classically-styled seat (with ‘Moto Guzzi’ emblazoned on its rump). A stock Bonnie, by comparison, seems basic and cheesy.
Specs |
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Engine size | 744cc |
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Engine type | 2v transverse twin, 5 gears |
Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
Seat height | 805mm |
Bike weight | 182kg |
Front suspension | 39mm Right way up forks, no adjustment. |
Rear suspension | Twin rear shocks with preload adjustment |
Front brake | 320mm disc with four-piston caliper |
Rear brake | 260mm disc with twin piston caliper |
Front tyre size | 100/90 x 18 |
Rear tyre size | 130/80 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 55 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £230 |
New price | - |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
10 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 48 bhp |
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Max torque | 40.3 ft-lb |
Top speed | 115 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 15.45 secs |
Tank range | 140 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2008: Model launched. A throwback V7 launched with classic spoke-wheel styling, powered by a 744cc air-cooled V-twin with alloy pushrod timing gear with two valves per cylinder and a claimed 48bhp. Five-speed gearbox, shaft final drive.
- 2014: updated to become the V7 II, with a tweaked chassis, a smidge more power, a redesigned gearbox (now six speeds), ABS and traction control. Three versions: matt finish and cast wheel Stone; shiny spoke wheel Specia; and head-down Racer. Later there are versions called the Rough, Milano and Carbon with cosmetic fiddling. There’s also a scrambler-style V7 Stornello offered for 2016 only.
- 2017: out pops the V7 III with the heron cylinder heads from the V9, 10% more power, a slicker gearbox with a lighter clutch, plus a reworked chassis with better rear shocks. Improved riding position and comfier seat, too.
- 2021: Roman numerals dropped from the name, and the 744cc engine replaced by the 853cc unit from the V9, ramping power up to 64bhp. Rear shocks further improved, headstock altered, tweaked styling, LED indicators and cool taillight.
Other versions
Other Moto Guzzi V7 reviews on MCN:
Owners' reviews for the MOTO-GUZZI V7 CLASSIC (2008 - 2012)
7 owners have reviewed their MOTO-GUZZI V7 CLASSIC (2008 - 2012) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your MOTO-GUZZI V7 CLASSIC (2008 - 2012)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £230 |
Version: Anniversario
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £280
Thoroughly enjoyable to ride in a relaxed manner only downside is its physical size which can limit two up enjoyment. Yes would recommend to anyone.
Bike mainly used for short leisure trips around Derbyshire of between 30 to 60 miles duration for which I find it ideal .
Power delivery excellent, ideally could do with a little more power.
I am very pleased with the overall finish and after 8k miles it still looks as new . Shortly before the warranty ran out after two years a charging problem caused a roadside breakdown. The bike was returned to the dealership who after an initial reluctance investigated the problem and repaired the bike under warranty.
New rear tyre after 5500 miles Averages about 60 mpg
It’s looks chrome tank and brown leather seat and tank strap. Miss having a centre stand
Buying experience: Dealer part exchanged a 2014 Triumph Bonneville
Year: 2008
Annual servicing cost: £250
Love the bike. Has a nice retro look and is a bit rare. Have only seen one other. I put a single seat and clip on bars on it so it looks more like a café racer. the gears are a litte clunky but enough power for me. I live in Belgium so i use the bike a lot in populated areas and love to agility of the bike. Also nice to go for a ride in the Ardennes (a lot of corners), just fun to drive
as i sead just the gears could me a little smoother.
enough power for me personally
small fixes needed after a couple of years.
good value for money
mine is full option, love the accessories
Buying experience: second hand from a motorcycle dealer
Version: Special
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £145
A modern classic with a lovely engine
Basic suspension, front brake just adequate. Seat comfy for about 45 mins to 1 hour, then becomes a hard plank.
Lovely friendly V twin, easy to use, light clutch. Needs a little time to warm up as tendency to stall when cold.
Well made, reliable
Economy of 45 to 55 mpg
Beautifully simple. Spoked wheels have inner tubes, make sure you carry a repair kit. Guzzi breakdown cover does not include recovery for punctures, which are described as an act of 'gross negligence' in the Warranty. Fit a fender extender.
Buying experience: Robinsons Foundry, Canterbury, Kent. Straightforward process and would recommend them. They did not know that punctures were not included in the free breakdown cover though.
Version: Special
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £250
5500 miles so far. I commute 40 miles a day on it. Reliable and feels smoother as time goes on. Power delivery is fine in the real world. I look forward to riding it and I've had quite a few bikes (many have been more powerful) over 35 years. Rear suspension too hard, front a little too soft. Fuel light comes on far too early, apart from that a bike i'm proud of and a pleasure to own.
At its best on country roads but I happily commute from country into London, so a mix of riding.
Turbine like sound at 3500 revs. Addictive to hear. Smooth. Powerful enough. I love the v twin sound and characteristics.
Very well put together.
Buying experience: Dealer. P&H Gatwick. Great buying experience, Ray is a top bloke. Would buy from there again.
Nicely finished and put together, smooth power through the shaft drive,tried and tested engine with traditional styling.Good pillion seat provision and comfy enough for a six foot rider.Powerful enough for new rider as a first big bike.Good on the open road and filtering in traffic with nimble handling. Heading towards 60MPG after 1400 miles.Makes a nice change to see one on the road as it's a head turner and people will chat when you park up.The brochure pitched it well to both sexes although the guy looks like a miniature man.Lots of accessories available.Go and ride one.
I am really pleased with the bike - it is light, easy handling and economical and it looks great. On reading the owner's manual I find that the tank capacity is 15 litres not 17 litres as described in the Moto Guzzi Brochure and in all the write-ups. This may seem trivial but in the case of an economical bike like this it actually makes quite a difference. It really annoys me the way MNC have said the capacity is 17 litres and that the bike does 55 mpg and then say the range is 140 mailes. Why don't they attach more inportance to such a significant feature of a motorcycle and at lest get their maths right. I ride as near aspossible to speed limits and I have benn getting about 60 mpg - the reserve light comes on around 160 - if it was actually 17 litres I could quite comforatbly get 200 mpg and this was an important factor in my buying the bike. The quality of the machine has to some extent made up for this.
Have owned a V7 for 2 months now and really rapped. I have a 89 Cali 3 and 84 V65SP also. I live on the outskirts of Sydney so it gets plenty of city and rural running. Where the Cali is great for touring it is a handful around town. The V65 is fun to ride but is showing its age. The V7 is like the V65 with all the bad bits taken out. No false neutrals. Electrics that work. No points ignition or carbs to keep balanced. There is far better power delivery with the fuel injection. Idling and take off is smoother and regular. The Brembos work beautifully, although it would look better with twin discs. I do miss the linked brakes after using them for 20 yrs. I have to change my braking technique. Having been a motorcycle courier the V7 would be a great courier bike. Not overpowered, the engine is great because if you slam the throttle open you aren't going to be thrown off the back and also very confidence inspiring in the wet. Once on the open road it pulls all the way to the rev limiter and progress is rapid all the way to 180 km/hr. Maintenance is easy and inexpensive, I use the same tools as the V65. Also you don’t need to do a crash course in auto electrics as with older Guzzis. If you want to hit warp speed this is not the bike for you. If you want a bike that is fun to ride, gets around corners, leaves you feeling good and relaxed at the end of a ride, this is it.