Moto Guzzi V7 III

Built:2017-202017201820192020

Photos: Motorradtest.de

When do bikers actually love or at least like their machine? A look at the top 10 motorcycle registrations proves that Germany stands for model boys. All good motorcycles, no question. But could it be that the best motorcycles with the fewest defects appear here, not the best ones? Our test object is different: we drive the characterful Moto Guzzi V7, which is definitely not one thing: mainstream.

Just don't bother

A friend of mine is a football fan (don't worry, it's about the Guzzi again). Every Saturday and Sunday in front of the Glotze Fussi, however, is not family-compatible. So the cuts on the radio have to be enough, but according to him they are always interrupted by Tina Turner songs. Why do you think that's the case?

The answer is simple: because it's not what most people like on the radio that's played, but what doesn't bother most. And here the circle closes: One could well put forward the theory that motorcycle manufacturers shy away from mistakes rather than particularly outstanding properties that may be anathing. And so the case for the tested Moto Guzzi V7: Many people look at the mopeds, but preferably german or Japanese.

Long live the mechanics

The casual swing on the bike immediately promotes it: the Guzzi is a small bike. A total of 2.18 meters is only long, and the seat height is low at 770 millimeters. This may please smaller people, long-legged people will have to contend with the tight knee angle. Great pleasure when looking at the cockpit: two analog, chrome-framed round instruments illuminate the driver, and he automatically beams back. That is how it must be.

But what is it? In the speedometer on the left there is a small field. The key rotation brings it to light: a small on-board computer shows things like the filling levels, mileage and more, which is rather unimportant for driving.

The side stand up, the first gear in and can go. Two things stand out: Guzzi does not offer a main stand for the V7. This is common with Naked Bikes, but with the Guzzi necessary, because this would further limit the already scarce slant freedom. The clear "Klong" when inserting the first makes it clear, secondly, that the V7 is a thoroughly mechanical bike. Here the biker is ignited, puffed, klongted, the biker becomes part of the machine.

Gnarled, but sufficiently precise, it continues in the gearbox. It can be switched well, only the idling, which likes to hide. Surprisingly strong is the engine: its red range starts already at 6,500 rpm, it has felt more than 52 hp (at 6,200) and 60 Nm of torque at 4,900 rpm. Also great is the sound from the two chrome-plated tailpipes of the V2, dull lymerating and never too loud, it accompanies the driver.

The sitting position is sporty, but not uncomfortable. The bench is comfortable, but too short for passenger operation. The Guzzi is, as already mentioned, a small motorcycle. At 213 kilos, it's also a relatively light one, which makes her good-natured and easy to steer in curves. The work of the stereo rear suspension was not quite as convincing in the test: the Guzzi resonates on long ground waves, while short shocks mean a dry thrust into the butt. Not to be misunderstood, this is never uncertain.