Revamped engine for latest Moto Guzzi V7s

Moto Guzzi’s popular smaller V-twin range has received a complete makeover for 2012 – proving once again that parent Piaggio is investing heavily in reviving the historic marque.

At last week’s Milan Show, Guzzi unveiled not one but two new V7 models – and both, along with the whole V7 range and the similarly-powered Nevada 750 line-up, will benefit from a significantly updated version of the classic ‘small block’ 750cc Guzzi transverse V-twin.

The most eye-catching of the V7 models is this new version of the V7 Racer. Styled by Miguel Galuzzi, it boasts a new, frame-mounted half-fairing (which also holds the twin clocks), new seat unit and features a host of neat retro cosmetic touches including perforated heat shields, ‘wrapped’ exhausts and even an old style front drum brake.

Although only a concept model at this stage (as was the original unfaired V7 Racer which went into production this year), a factory spokesman admitted that it was quite likely that a similar version could go onto the market as early as 2013 – albeit probably without the drum brake!

For 2012 the ‘small block’ Guzzi V-twin receives its biggest makeover in almost a decade, which is claimed to improve not only power and torque by roughly 10% but economy and emissions, too.

Although the crankcases and characteristic shaft drive unit are unchanged, the top end is all new – in fact Guzzi claim that, in total, 70% of the engine’s components are new.

Read the full story in this week’s MCN (November 16), on sale now.