2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic
The new engine, significantly more powerful, is perfectly suited for medium range touring and contributes to low fuel consumption and greater tank capacity. It provides a flagship riding range, a role which it can easily interpret once equipped with bags and windshield, accessories which go well with the overall design of the V7 Special.
2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic Review
This is the closest to the original V7 concept, not only because it shares its name with the first V7 signed by Lino Tonti, but because if faithfully cites the same riding philosophy, that of a touring bike with sophisticated finishings and exclusive technical solutions. Just like its ancestor, it is wrapped in a two-tone colour concept and equipped with precious spoked wheels with aluminium rims which, as in the case of the V7 Stone, contribute to improving the riding dynamic thanks to the lower weight compared to the V7 Classic.
The new engine, significantly more powerful, is perfectly suited for medium range touring and contributes to low fuel consumption and greater tank capacity. It provides a flagship riding range, a role which it can easily interpret once equipped with bags and windshield, accessories which go well with the overall design of the V7 Special.
In 1967 the first big Italian bike appeared on the motorcycle market: the Moto Guzzi V7. The bike was an immediate success and helped make Moto Guzzi’s name throughout the world, as a producer of prestigious, comfortable, elegant and reliable motorcycles. For many owners it was the expression of an important part of their lives, youthful memories of carefree times, trips with friends. Forty-five years later, this positive heritage is the inspiration behind the V7 Classic.
The Bike
The brainchild of Giulio Cesare Carcano, the V7 made its debut with a 2-clylinder 90° V-twin mounted across the frame and a cylinder capacity of 703cc, a record for the time in 1967.
Today, the Moto Guzzi heritage in combination with the current full-blown relaunch of the brand, is the inspiration behind the new V7 Classic. A bike with a strong character, which derives from the interpretation of a concept of essential beauty, hailing to the style of the original V7, but with all the modern technology that the legendary ancestor could never have.
Modern technical equipment, chassis and a Euro3 750cc engine, the line of the fuel tank hails to the old V7 Classic, running narrow and streamlined along the tubes of the frame to meet the seat, perfectly flat and mounted solid with the rear mudguard. The storage compartments on the sides blend into the style of the famous ancestor, with the same side view.
The charm of the V7 Classic is also expressed by the bright chrome work, such as on the exhaust pipes, the shock absorbers, the rear light, the fuel cap, the front light, the comfortable handlebars and the frame of the speedometer and rev counter.
Moto Guzzi V7 Passion
AN EVOLUTION THAT RESPECTS TRADITION.
Created in 2008, the V7 Classic won over enthusiasts with its design inspired by the famous forerunners, V7 Special and Sport from the seventies, but combined with the technology and usability of a modern Moto Guzzi. Subsequently, in 2009, the V7 Café Classic contributed to the success of the V7 Classic, followed the next year by the exclusive V7 Racer, first appearing as a show bike at EICMA 2009 and then going into mass production due to unanimous demand from the markets, exceeding 1000 units sold by a wide margin.
These three models completed the range which was able to rekindle youthful memories for more expert bikers, memories of trips and friendships experienced in the sixties and seventies, when the motorcycle represented a symbol of freedom and non-conformism. These values, sustained by a brand that celebrated ninety years of history, made the V7 a bike which fully expressed the passion and skill of the rider.
The new Moto Guzzi V7 begins with an examination of its identity: elegant, Italian, two cylinder, affordable and with a unique history. In order to preserve the traits of this personality and project it into the future, the only path that could be taken was that of totally innovating it within a perimeter of tradition delimited by its technical specifications and its design style. This is why we can say that the V7 is a completely new bike, more powerful, faster, thriftier, more ecological, better refined and more comfortable than the previous version, and yet still with a cardan shaft driven 90° transversal V two cylinder engine and double frame. That is, the distinctive elements of a tradition which has its roots in an idea conceived in 1967: the Moto Guzzi V7 700cc.
THE NEW, SINGLE THROTTLE V7 ENGINE.
The original engine design dates back to 1977, the year of the Moto Guzzi V50's fortunate début. Since then the engine has been continuously updated, sustaining displacements of 350 up to 750 cc, going from carburettor to electronic injection, but staying faithful to the genial layout introduced in the original design by engineer Lino Tonti. Globally appreciated for its legendary reliability and operational regularity, after many years, the small block needed a bit more brilliance at high revs. And so, the search for greater performance opened the door to a new design, rich with innovative solutions that project this engine among the most advanced in its category with more than 70% new parts, equal to more than 200 new or redesigned mechanical organs.
This design freshness can already be seen in the layout of the thermal group which is a summary of the design philosophy for the entire bike: innovation which respects tradition. And so it is that the square fin, legacy of production from the 1980s, passed the baton to a rounded shape which is reminiscent of the first generation of two cylinders from Mandello. The valves cover is also a homage to the origins of the V7; made in aluminium, it faithfully covers the profile of the fins, showing off the Moto Guzzi signature in bas-relief. Another element that is immediately recognisable is the disappearance of the two intake manifolds and relative throttle bodies: in fact, the new small block is the first single throttle body V twin Moto Guzzi engine.
The manifolds were replaced by a single Y manifold made of rubber, completely ribbed and straight (diameter of 36 and 39 mm respectively from the injector groups and the throttle body) which links to a single Magneti Marelli MIU3G 38 mm diameter throttle body. This is a modern unit which allows two oxygen sensors to be managed, thereby obtaining a mixture to the cylinders in any operating conditions which is more uniform with consequent improvement in fuel economy and harmful emissions, besides contributing to the increase in performance, which was the goal of the entire design. For this purpose a new head was designed, working on the intake ducts, now larger in diameter and better linked to reduce losses and increase turbulence, as well as repositioning the spark plug hole more centrally, thanks to the use of a more modern plug with d=10mm threading and a prominent electrode.
The squish area and the compression ratio is also increased, thanks to the use of new, higher performance pistons which increased the ratio by one point, going from 9.2 to 10.2. In addition to the pouches obtained at the top of the piston, the bottom of these are completely redesigned to make the structure more sturdy without increasing the weight. The segments are also new, with more modern sizes, material and shapes, and they contribute to improving efficiency and oil consumption.
The new cylinder finning, larger and spread farther apart to lower the average operating temperature, contributes to the general efficiency of the power plant, as well as the new filter box, redesigned to satisfy the “breathing” needs of the twin cylinder from Mandello and moved under the saddle to leave the “V” of the engine visible and to ensure easier maintenance. With this new configuration the twin cylinder from mandello is now significantly stronger in driving torque and especially in maximum power, increased by 12%, with a greater tendency toward extension and an output curve that expresses it increased number of horses even at 2,800 RPM and simultaneously, thanks to the improved efficiency, a further reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of more than 10%, reaching a range of 23Km/l on mixed cycle.
The transmission has also been revamped, still five speeds, but with a new pre-selector which has made control more precise, smooth and quiet.The final drive is confirmed, entrusted to the famed cardan, unique in its category and a Moto Guzzi icon as well as the guarantee of reliability, safety, comfort, cleanliness and completely maintenance free.
SKILFUL ALCHEMY BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNISM.
The design of the new V7 tells of the historic lineage of the model through a mix of forms and volumes which cite the famous ancestors, from the V7 750 Special remembered in the accents and the side panels, to the V7 Sport, which influenced the tank, the main new feature introduced in the new V7.
A change in look, now more imposing in form and capacity, the new tank brings with it a superior material perception of metal with respect to polyethylene, the material which was used to make the previous unit. This is thanks to the most advanced moulding technologies which allow construction of a metallic tank which is the same size, but lighter and with greater capacity compared to the previous polyethylene unit, reaching a record value of 22 litres which, together with the reduced consumption, ensures a range of up to 500 km. This is further proof of the design philosophy that guided the entire V7 project where innovation of the processes restored the pleasure to the rider of gripping a real, resounding metal tank in true Moto Guzzi tradition.
The rest of the new V7 design confirms that alchemy of tradition and modernism introduced in 2008 with the first V7 Classic, where, through the generous chrome trim, enthusiasts will be able to appreciate the cigar shape of the silencers, the dials on the instrument panel, clearly inspired by the Veglia-Borletti from the 1970s, the flat and long saddle, with the proud "Moto Guzzi" inscription emblazoned on the rear part as well as the new valves covers.
The Moto Guzzi V7, iconic and prestigiously manufactured, is now available in three versions, two touring and one sport, respectively the V7 Stone, V7 Special and the V7 Racer. Just like in 1971 when the sport version completed a range made up of the dominating V7 and V7 Special.
THE CERTAINTY OF THE DOUBLE CRADLE, THE NEW, LIGHTENED WHEELS.
The double cradle frame, with bolted and removable lower elements, is a key element of the V7 project and it has not undergone any changes compared with the previous version. This is a unit of legendary solidity and sturdiness thanks in part to the headstock angle of 27°50', an angle which ensures stability and directional precision.
The fork, using 40 mm stanchions, adopts new calibration to reduce friction and is equipped with dust boots in the Racer version, with 130 mm travel. Rear shock absorbers with new calibration to the advantage of comfort for the V7 Stone and the V7 Special with adjustable spring preload and offering 118 mm of travel, while the Racer, as usual, stands out with a pair of refined Bitubo WMT gas shock absorbers equipped with an external tank. The brake system consists of a 320 mm floating front disc and a 260 mm rear disc.
The entire range is now equipped with one of two different types of new wheels: in lightweight alloy with five split spokes for the V7, spoked with new polished aluminium rim for Special and anodised black with red hubs to match the frame for the V7 Racer. A reduction in weight for all three compared to the previous version which means an advantage in terms of gyroscopic inertia which translates on the road into greater agility and superlative feel.
THE ORIGINS OF THE LEGENDARY V7.
The year was 1961 and the success of the mass produced car was radically reorganizing the motorcycle market. Moto Guzzi, empowered with enviable design capacity reacted to the unfavourable circumstances by exploring new markets, from delivery three-wheelers to agricultural machinery and special vehicles - even cars. For the latter, the genius designer Giulio Cesare Carcano designed a two cylinder 90° V air cooled engine destined for a sport version of the Fiat 500, capable of touching 140 km/h. People at Lingotto liked the new engine, but the annual quantity that Vittorio Valletta requested exceeded the production capacity of the Mandello del Lario plant, so the agreement never came to fruition.
Engineer Carcano, however, did not lose heart and he increased the size of the two cylinder engine to 754cc to use it on the "3X3", a popular, variable track three wheel drive vehicle destined for the Alpine troops. At the same time a ministerial tender was launched to provide motorcycles for the Highway Police; the winner would be whoever could travel 100,000 km with the lowest maintenance cost. It was the right occasion to place engineer Carcano's two cylinder on a bike, the Moto Guzzi V7. It was an innovative project that combined the reliability of automotive standards with a level of comfort and mechanical affordability unknown to the competition that arose the curiosity even of foreign police forces, Los Angeles being among the first. The commissioning of the new V7 began in 1964. The bike had a 703.3 cc engine which developed 40 HP and it weighed 230 kg. In 1966 mass production began, destined for the police department and foreign markets, while the next year the V7 was distributed in Italy at the competitive price of 725,000 lire, much more convenient than the German and English competition.
EVOLUTION ACCORDING TO LINO TONTI.
Giulio Cesare Carcano's creation was perfected by an expert designer who joined Moto Guzzi in 1967: Lino Toni. Hailing from Forlì, with a great deal of experience in competitions with Mondial, Bianchi and Gilera, the engineer was called on by the general manager Romolo Stefani to expand the range of the maxi-bike from Mandello del Lario. The V7 appeared at the right time, bikes were coming domineeringly back into fashion almost as a reaction to the conformism of the car and the market is particularly open to innovations. The first thing Tonti did was to increase the engine size to 757 and the power to 45 HP to launch the V7 Special in 1969, faster, more refined and elegant compared to the V7. Then he created, initially for the American market, the V7 Ambassador and the California, the latter destined to be one of the great Moto Guzzi success stories. The next chapter coincides with Lino Tonti's masterpiece: the V7 Sport. The designer from Forlì had clear ideas and he set the three parameters of the sport bike from Mandello: 200 km/h, 200 kg, 5 gears. To reach the objective he made some changes to the engine, taking the displacement to 748.3 cc and the power to more than 52 HP, redesigning the crankshaft and camshafts, in addition to placing the alternator in the front in order to keep the vertical bulk down.
The engine was lodged in a tight, double cradle frame, painted red for the first 200 units made in CrMo and assembled directly in the experience department on via E.V. Parodi, No. 57. The bike made its début in 1971 and in June of the same year it participated in the "500 kilometres of Monza" race taking third place with Raimondo Riva. And this was the beginning of a series of flattering results obtained in endurance races such as the 24 Hour Le Mans and Liège races which would contribute, together with very popular riders such as Vittorio Brambilla, to making it the most famous Italian sport bike of the 1970s.
2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic - Features and Benefits
A TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND
In 1967, the motorcycle market reeled in shock at the appearance of the first Italian maxi motorcycle: Created by the legendary Giulio Cesare Carcano, the Moto Guzzi V7 marked the debut of the transverse V90 twin-cylinder 703 cc engine that set a record at that time. The V7 was enthusiastically acclaimed by the press and public. This success helped the worldwide promotion of Moto Guzzi’s image as manufacturers of an exclusive, elegant, comfortable and above all, highly reliable motorcycle. For many people, owning a V7 was one of the most important things in their lives. It left them with unforgettable memories that reminded them of their younger days, of friends and of journeys made together and made that time perhaps one of the highest points in Moto Guzzi’s history. After a further forty years of success and as part of Moto Guzzi’s worldwide relaunch project, the flame of creativity shines brightly once more in the new V7 Classic. The V7 has character to spare and is a superb interpretation of the fundamental beauty of the original V7 but this time incorporating all the latest technology that was unavailable to its predecessor.
The new machine is fully up-to-date with its equipment levels, frame engineering and 750cc Euro 3 engine. The V7 Classic brings earlier days to mind with the line of the tank that nestles comfortably on the tubular frame and runs back to meet the saddle. This in turn is perfectly flat and blends in gracefully with the rear mudguard. The side panels house the same stowage compartments that so stylishly set off the side view of the original machine.
Times gone by can also be seen in the gleaming chrome finish on the exhaust system, the shock absorbers, rear light cluster, front headlight and the comfortable handlebars that house the chromed rev counter and speedometer. Just as on its predecessor, the wheels too are spoked and shod with high profile sports tires while the instrument panel with its retro-style graphics houses two modern displays that provide information on operating and diagnostic parameters. Although the V7 Classic is somewhat smaller than other Moto Guzzis, it is ideally suited for carrying pillion passengers with a comfortable saddle, convenient handholds and well positioned footpegs. The V7 Classic is easy to ride, instinctive and creates a feeling of confidence right from the first time you climb aboard. The manageable size and excellent riding position are perfect for both town use and longer mixed journeys. The
sheer pleasure of riding the machine will be enhanced even further by owners having to answer countless questions from curious onlookers about the white machine they are riding as it looks just like its famed predecessor. The 2012 V7 Classic is available in Guzzi Black and Ibis Red and is currently in stock at your local Moto Guzzi dealer in the United States and Canada. The V7 Classic has an MSRP of $8,990 (USD) in the United States and $9,490 (CAD) in Canada.
2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic
USA Specifications
USA Specifications
US MSRP Price: $8,990 USA
ENGINE
Type Four-stroke V 90 twin
Capacity 744cc
Maximum power 48.8 hp at 6,800 rpm
Maximum torque 40.3 ft. lbs. at 3,600 rpm
Fuel system Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection.
Exhaust system Three-way catalyser with lambda probe
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox 5-speed
Lubrication Forced circulation with lobe pump - circuit capacity: 1.78 Kg
Final drive CA.R.C. Compact Reactive Shaft Drive
Clutch Dry single plate with flexible couplings
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Frame Double cradle tubular frame in ALS steel with detachable rear subframe
Wheelbase 1,449 mm
Trail 109
Steering rake 27°50'
Front suspension Marzocchi Ø 40 mm telescopic hydraulic front fork
Front wheel travel 130 mm
Rear suspension Oscillating light alloy swingarm with 2 pre-load adjustable shock absorbers.
Rear wheel travel 118 mm
Brake system Brembo
Front brake 320 mm floating stainless steel disc, caliper with 4 differently sized opposed pistons
Rear brake 260 mm stainless steel disc
Wheels Spoked steel rims
Front wheel 2.50" X 18"
Rear wheel 3.50" X 17"
Front tire Metzeler Lasertec 100/90- 18 56H TL
Rear tire Metzeler Lasertec 130/80 -17 65H TL
DIMENSIONS
Length 86 inches (2,185 mm)
Width 31.5 inches (800 mm)
Height 43.8 inches (1,115 mm)
Saddle height 31.7 inches (805 mm)
Minimum ground clearance 7.2 inches (182 mm)
Dry weight 401 lbs (182 kg)
Curb weight 436 lbs (198 kg)
Fuel tank capacity 5.8 Gallons (22 liters)
Reserve .66 Gallons (2.5 liters)
2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic
Canadian Specifications
Canadian Specifications
Canada MSRP Price: $9,490 CDN
ENGINE
Type Four-stroke V 90 twin
Capacity 744cc
Bore and stroke 80x74 mm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Timing 2 valves per head operated by light alloy pushrods
Timing diagram
Intake valve opening 18° before TDC
Intake valve closure 50° after LDC.
exhaust valve opening 53° before LDC
exhaust valve closure 15° after TDC.
(with 1 mm of play between rocker gear and valves)
Maximum power output 48.8 hp at 6,800 rpm
Max Torque 40.3 ft. lbs. at 3,600 rpm
Fuel supply Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection.
Exhaust system Three-way catalyser with lambda probe
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox 5-speed
Gear ratios
1st 11/26 = 1 : 2.3636
2nd 14/23 = 1 : 1.6429
3rd 18/23 = 1 : 1.2778
4th 18/19 = 1 : 1.0556
5th 20/18 = 1 : 0.9
Lubrication Forced lubrication with lobe pump - capacity 1.78 kg
Primary drive Helicoidal gears, ratio 16/21=1 : 1.3125
Final drive Shaft drive, ratio 4.825
Clutch Dry single plate with flexible couplings
FRAME
Frame ALS steel tubular dismountable twin cradle
Wheelbase 1,449 mm
Trail 109
Steering rake 27°50'
Front suspension Marzocchi Ø 40 mm telescopic front forks
Front wheel travel 130 mm
Rear suspension Oscillating light alloy swingarm with 2 pre-load adjustable shock absorbers.
Rear wheel travel 118 mm
Brakes Brembo
Front brake: Floating 320 mm stainless steel disc
Rear brake: 4 opposed calipers of differing diameters
Brake pump cylinder diameter 260 mm stainless steel disc
Front pump 13 mm
Rear pump 13 mm
Caliper diameter
Front caliper 30/34 mm
Rear caliper 32 mm
Wheels Spoked steel rims
Front wheel Metzeler Lasertec 100/90- 18 56H TL
Rear wheel Metzeler Lasertec 130/80 -17 65H TL
ELECTRICS
Voltage 12 V - 14 Amp/h
Battery 12 V - 330 Watt
Alternator 12 V - 55/60 W
Headlight 12V - 5/21 W
Rear light 12V - 10 W
DIMENSIONS
Length 86 inches (2,185 mm)
Width 31.5 inches (800 mm)
Height 43.8 inches (1,115 mm)
Saddle height 31.7 inches (805 mm)
Minimum ground clearance 7.2 inches (182 mm)
Steering angle 32°
Dry weight 401 lbs (182 kg)
On the road weight 436 lbs (198 kg)
Fuel tank capacity 4.5 Gallons (17 liters)
Reserve .66 Gallons (2.5 liters)
Motorcycle Insurance Information
Who will provide physical damage insurance coverage for custom built motorcycles?
Nationwide - Custom parts and equipment coverage (up to $30,000), Custom and limited edition bikes and trikes coverage (up to $50,000), Kit and vintage bike coverage (up to $30,000). (nationwide.com/motorcycle-insurance-coverage.jsp) GEICO - Motorcycle insurance is available for most types of motorcycles including: sport bikes, cruisers, tour bikes, enduros, scooters, dirt bikes, trikes and some custom bikes. (geico.com/information/aboutinsurance/motorcycle) |
