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2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Special Review
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Special on Totalmotorcycle.com
INCREASINGLY SEVENTIES…
Among the V7’s, this is the one closer to the original spirit of its ancestor, starting from its graphics, called “Essetre” like the 1974 V750 which introduced disc brakes, for the first time on a Moto Guzzi. The V7 Special is available in two colour versions: in metallic silver with black strips, elegant and refined, or in black with orange strips which faithfully reproduces the colour combination of its famous ancestor.
On both versions the logo on the tank is the historic embossed one while the wheel rims are done in black finish instead of chromium.
Unlike the Stone and the Racer, the V7 Special has a guard on the fork stanchions instead of the dust gaiters of its sisters.
MASTERFUL TOUCHES
Seeing them parked takes one back to the 70’s, at the dawn of maxi-bikes.
An illusion created by a mix of forms and volumes reminiscent of the famous ancestors, the V750 S3 reflected in the badges and side panels, the V7 Sport present in the soul of metal fuel tank with a capacity of 22 litres. Many are the references typical of the style in vogue in the seventies: the cigar-shaped silencers, the instrument panels, the flat and elongated saddle, the Moto Guzzi wording on the valve covers, the mudguards, the shape of the light assembly.
If there are few aesthetic details that betray their contemporary nature, many are the advantages of their constant and balanced technological evolution: the Moto Guzzi V7’s can easily do 100 km with four litres of unleaded petrol, they require limited service every 10,000 km and can be ridden already at eighteen years of age. In summary they are beautiful, attractive, reliable and intelligent. But what makes them irresistible, to the point of now being an established best-seller of the Mandello del Lario production, is their charisma: they are unique bikes, in terms of style and design approach, built according to three fundamental pillars: the 90° transverse V-twin, the timeless double cradle frame and the renowned cardan shaft final drive.
Riding them they deliver just as special dynamic and acoustic sensations: the V7’s are easy and fun to ride, regardless of the speed, route or chosen model.
Whether it’s a Stone, Special or Racer, they are all tailor-made for bikers of any extraction or experience. What differentiates them, and which in the MY 2014 versions has been further underlined, is the character. The V7 Stone, now in total black, boasts its minimalist essence and urban vocation, the V7 Special is more conformist with the “Essetre” graphics reproducing the first V750 equipped with disc brakes, while the super-refined Racer is the most hedonistic. For all of them the only innovation in common is of a technical nature: a new wet flywheel replaces the previous dry alternator, slightly modifying the front of the 90° V-twin, thanks to a more compact and sleeker new cover.
The Bike:
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.
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.
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Special Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
V7 CHANGES EVERYTHING TO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO ITS LEGEND.
New engine, revamped design, brand new equipment: the legend of the V7 reaches its highest expression yet.
PROUDLY MADE IN ITALY
Since 1921, the Moto Guzzi eagle flies high. The legend has reached the highest peak with the California. From the V7 Police to the EV special, it has radically changed the concepts of design and performance.
Hand built in the factory in Mandello del Lario (Como, Italy), where the Moto Guzzi are born continuously since 1921, everyone is distinguished by the craftsmanship with which each component is assembled. Attention that makes every Moto Guzzi California a unique piece, able to marry and to emphasize the strong personality of a passionate and exclusive clientele.
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Special Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
CHASSIS
The double cradle frame, with bolt-on, removable lower elements, is a key element of the V7 project This is a unit of legendary solidity and sturdiness, also thanks to the headstock angle of 27°50′, an angle which ensures directional stability and precision.
The telescopic fork with 40 mm stanchions has 130 mm of travel and has dust gaiters in the Racer and Stone versions and a guard in the Special version.
The rear shock absorbers, for the V7 Stone and the V7 Special, have adjustable spring preload and 118 mm of travel, while the Racer, as usual, stands out with a pair of refined Bitubo WMT gas shock absorbers with an external tank. The brake system consists of a 320 mm floating front disc and a 260 mm rear disc.
The three versions also differ in terms of wheels: in alloy with six split spoke design for the V7 Stone, spoked with anodised black channel for the Special, as too for the Racer which differs for its red hubs matching the frame and red Moto Guzzi wording on the rim channel.
THE 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 Lino Tonti. The latest evolution has finally abandoned the squared fins, a legacy of the 80’s production, now with a rounded thermal element, reminiscent of the first generation Mandello twin.
The valve 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.
Moving from aesthetics to the technical part, the 749 cc small block is the forerunner of a series of technological innovations that characterise the new wave of the Mandello engines. This is the case of the single throttle body and of the straight Y-shaped fuel system manifold, introduced with the V7 and later extended to the flagship California 1400. On the V7 the component is a 38 mm
Magneti Marelli MIU3G with rubber manifold, completely ribbed and straight (36 and 39 mm diameter respectively from the injector groups and the throttle body). Another feature is the presence of a central spark plug with 10 mm diameter thread and prominent electrode.
The overall efficiency of the engine is supported by the high compression ratio of 10.2, the extensive cylinder finning which keeps operating temperatures low and the generous filter box designed to optimise the “breathing” requirements of the Mandello twin.
Rather than maximum power, the Mandello small block stands out for its robust engine torque, which reaches the peak of 60 Nm at just 2800 RPM, thus limiting use of the gearbox and consumption, achieving over 23 km/l on a mixed cycle. The gearbox is the usual 5 speed, as too, according to tradition, the final drive is entrusted to the renowned cardan, ensuring reliability, safety, comfort, cleanliness and total absence of maintenance.
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Special – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,290 USD
ENGINE
Type 90° V-twin 4-stroke
Capacity 744 cc
Maximum power 37 kW (50HP) at 6,200 rpm
Maximum torque 42.7 ft lbs. / 58Nm at 5,000 rpm
Fuel system Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection.
Exhaust system Three-way catalytic converter with double lambda probe
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox 5 speeds with cardan final drive
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
Front suspension Telescopic hydraulic fork with 40 mm stanchions
Rear suspension Die cast light alloy swing arm with 2 spring preload adjustable shock absorbers
Brake system Brembo
Front brake 320 mm Ø stainless steel disc, Brembo caliper with 4 differentiated pistons
Rear brake 260 mm stainless steel disc, brembo double piston floating caliper
Wheels Spoked polished aluminium rims
Front wheel 18″, 100/90
Rear wheel 17″, 130/80
DIMENSIONS
Length 86 inches – 2184mm
Max width 31.5 inches – 800mm
Height 43.8 inches – 1112mm
Saddle height 31.6 in. (30.7 in. opt.) – 805 mm (780 mm opt.)
Curb weight 395 pounds – 179 kg
Fuel tank capacity 5.8 gallons – 22 liters
Reserve 1 gallon – 4 liters
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Special – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $9,490 CDN
ENGINE
Type 90° V-twin 4-stroke
Capacity 744 cc
Maximum power 37 kW (50HP) at 6,200 rpm
Maximum torque 42.7 ft lbs. / 58Nm at 5,000 rpm
Fuel system Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection.
Exhaust system Three-way catalytic converter with double lambda probe
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox 5 speeds with cardan final drive
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
Front suspension Telescopic hydraulic fork with 40 mm stanchions
Rear suspension Die cast light alloy swing arm with 2 spring preload adjustable shock absorbers
Brake system Brembo
Front brake 320 mm Ø stainless steel disc, Brembo caliper with 4 differentiated pistons
Rear brake 260 mm stainless steel disc, brembo double piston floating caliper
Wheels Spoked polished aluminium rims
Front wheel 18″, 100/90
Rear wheel 17″, 130/80
DIMENSIONS
Length 86 inches – 2184mm
Max width 31.5 inches – 800mm
Height 43.8 inches – 1112mm
Saddle height 31.6 in. (30.7 in. opt.) – 805 mm (780 mm opt.)
Curb weight 395 pounds – 179 kg
Fuel tank capacity 5.8 gallons – 22 liters
Reserve 1 gallon – 4 liters
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Special – Totalmotorcycle.com European/UK Specifications/Technical Details
UK/European MSRP Price: £7132 GBP (On The Road).
Engine 90° V-twin engine, 4-stroke
Engine capacity 744 cc
Bore x stroke 80×74 mm
Max power 35 kW (50HP) at 6,200 rpm
Max torque 60 Nm at 2,800 rpm
Gearbox 5 speeds with cardan shaft final drive
Front suspension telescopic hydraulic fork with 40 mm stanchions
Rear suspension lightweight alloy swingarm with two fully adjustable Bitubo shock absorbers V7 RACER / die cast
light alloy swing arm with 2 spring preload adjustable shock absorbers V7 STONE / V7 SPECIAL
Front brake 320 mm Ø stainless steel disc and 4 piston calipers with 4 differentiated and horizontally opposed
pistons
Rear brake 260 mm floating stainless steel disc, floating 2 piston caliper
Front wheel 18” in black anodised aluminium, spoked, 100/90 V7 RACER-V7 SPECIAL
18” alloy, 100/90 V7 STONE
Rear wheel 17” in black anodised aluminium, spoked, 130/80 V7 RACER-V7 SPECIAL
17” alloy, 130/80 V7 STONE
Saddle height 805 mm (785 mm opt. V7 STONE / V7 SPECIAL)
Kerb weight* 179 kg
Fuel tank capacity 22 litres (including 4 litre reserve)
Specifications, features and prices to change by manufacturer without notice. All information correct as of posted date.
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