“None of the V7 machines can be classed as a sports bike...even the ones dressed up to look like they are. What they are is a good way to have fun on the road and keep your licence. You can forget the apparently low power figures, this is a real bike for the road and not the race track. It's quite capable of out performing most riders in the same way most cars are better then their drivers. Don't think you'll be doing much two up riding unless you're both built like racing snakes. The seat is a bit too short for that in my opinion; in fact the whole bike can best be described as compact. It does feel like a proper motorcycle with the cylinder heads poking out from under the tank, and it is a petrol tank not an air box, and it has just the right frequency of vibration so it feels like you're riding a proper bike.
The plastic tank models do have a problem with ethanol.......you've been told. Dealers are a bit thin on the ground but there are a number of owner's groups who will point you in the right direction for the saints and sinners. One problem is fuel which takes longer to get, mainly because people want to come over and talk to you about the bike. This is a Marmite bike and you either get it or you don't. Take one out for a very long test ride then decide.”
“The Moto Guzzi pulls strongly over a wide range of revs, making it an easy bike to ride. I have had no problems with it to date. It is a real classic bike with a 40 year old engine design and this includes minor vibration at certain revs, but nothing intrusive. When you stop there is usually someone wanting to have a chat about it. The finish is of high quality and the electrics have been trouble free, probably due to Piaggio taking over Moto Guzzi a few years ago.”
