Current Quality of Moto Guzzi Bikes

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Anyone ride or have much experience with current Moto Guzzi quality? Specifically worried about reliability and durability. My girl decided she wants a street bike (has ridden her brother's dirt bikes for a while, so she has experience). But she is a fiery Italian and wanted an Italian bike. We have been looking at one of the new V7 Stone's for her, but since the nearest dealer is about a 3 to 4 hour drive, we don't want something that will be unreliable.
 
Seek out and find a copy of the June, 2014 issue of MotorCyclist magazine. Within the pages of the magazine is an article titled "Me & My bike". This is a very entertaining article about one man's desire to own a fine Italian thoroughbred.

"My Guzzi adventures started with a simple Craigslist ad..." the article begins. Adventures is the key word here.

Fortunately, in the modern era of internet sales, parts houses and unlimited access to every conceivable piece of literature available for nearly anything you could want, the prospect of owning such a beautiful piece of artwork is not so scary.

There's a dealer in my area that has for sale many older yet brand new models. You can still buy a new 2009 model that is unserviced and untitled. They have excellent prices and there really isn't a more beautiful motorcycle. If I had room in my garage for a #3 bike then I'd likely have one myself.
 
This would be a new one...2013 model at the oldest for new old stock. Mostly because I know they updated the motor and fuel injection.

There were not a lot of reviews I could find from riders that were very full of info. I know sometimes that the publications can be a bit biased. Not just from the reviewers angle but the products they get to test sometimes are better than the average joe buys from a dealer.
 
For all the Guzzi info go over to the forums at wildguzzi.com or guzzitech.com. I have never needed a dealer, all the basic maintenance is simple. Initial proper set up is very important and will prevent a lot of issues, so make sure you are buying from a good dealer. The Guzzi V is addicting.
 
I have been intrigued my Moto Guzzis but I have never even ridden one. They don't sell a lot of bikes and dealer support/ parts availability would be a concern but they are cool.

I always kind of thought of their engines as BMW boxers on viagra.
grin.gif
 
My love affair with the Guzzi's started in the mid 1980's with a 1974 850 Eldorado - the only motorcycle I ever regret having sold. My current 2000 V11 Jackal is a jewel. Like any high performance Italian, it requires good mantainence and setup. A Power Commander to take care of the too lean injection is a must. A replacement seat or jell pad is also a must as the Italian's think some pain is a requirement of high performance! Harper's Moto Guzzi is a good resource for parts.

The Guzzi sound/vibes is addicting!
 
Well a 50hp 750cc is not exactly high performance and that is what the V7 is advertised as having at the crank. I can see what you mean on the "big block" Guzzi's though as far as being more stout of an engine in the power department.
 
The revolutionary Honda 750 F in 1974 had only 67 hp, so for the era, the Guzzi wasn't exactly a slouch.
 
But in 1980 the CX500 Honda, which is a small pushrod v twin "Guzzi style" had 50hp and the new V7 Stone, which is OHC, fuel injected, and more mordern has the same amount.

But even 67hp vs 50hp is a noticeable difference. I noticed the 8hp I gained on my parallel twin on the old butt dyno.

But I like the fact the new Guzzi she is looking at is not too strong...she is the type that would probably get in trouble on something with too much power. lol
 
Your girl could save some money and get a nice used Sportster. That way she could wait on you for a change....haha

On the Guzzi I wouldn't get caught up on the HP numbers, they never were killers in that department yet always did well on the road.
 
The Kawasaki 900Z1 had 82hp...speaking of a noticeable difference! From 1973 until 1976 the 900Z1 Kawi was the king of hp and speed wars right out of the box. I was fortunate enough to have owned a 1975 Z1 when I was in my mid twenties...and lived to tell about it...LOL. Still a big fan of 'team green".
 
She doesn't really dig the sportys. I also showed her a S40 Suzuki which is also very cheap. Maybe we will take a 3 hour drive to test out a V7 Stone in the next week.
 
Fiery Italian = Ducati...

Check out the Monster ... although inexpensive may not be the theme there.

I rode a V7 when they first came out, it was perfectly adequate in all respects, I find Guzzi's torquing sideways ... different... but that is all the experience I have with them...
 
Quote:
I also showed her a S40 Suzuki
Different league. The S40 (formerly named LS650 Savage) is a good little starter cruiser.
 
No Moto Guzzi dealers in our area , that lack of dealership would steer me away from them .
 
Originally Posted By: Doog
Get her a Ducati



She doesn't dig the styling. We are vintage style lovers. If she doesn't get the V7 I she may end up with a Triumph Bonnie
 
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Originally Posted By: Doog
Get her a Ducati



She doesn't dig the styling. We are vintage style lovers. If she doesn't get the V7 I she may end up with a Triumph Bonnie


IMO that would be a wonderful choice, vintage styling is why my old KZ keeps purring down the trail....
 
Originally Posted By: gman2304
The Kawasaki 900Z1 had 82hp...speaking of a noticeable difference! From 1973 until 1976 the 900Z1 Kawi was the king of hp and speed wars right out of the box. I was fortunate enough to have owned a 1975 Z1 when I was in my mid twenties...and lived to tell about it...LOL. Still a big fan of 'team green".


I had a '73 Z1...twas a fast bike!
 
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