Details: 2008 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic side profile
With the V7 Classic, Moto Guzzi is hoping to recapture some of the character and style of the original 1967 V7, whose 703cc 90˚ v-twin helped define the company for decades to come. Unfortunately, it looks like the company has failed to do either, laboring the bike with not only an anemic 50bhp engine, but also inaccurate design. 
The V7's look was defined not only by its shapely gas tank and
weird engine, but also by its exposed horizontal frame rails. The new V7 hides its non-horizontal frame beneath the
tank and plastic side covers, resulting in a product that, despite its
elegantly simple graphics and good color choices, ends up looking
decidedly generic. Lacking its equally influenced-not-accurate competitors' — bikes like Ducati's Sport Classic range or the Triumph Thruxton — modern performance, we're left wondering to whom Moto Guzzi intends to sell these. A solid original, weighing less than the Classic's 189kg dry weight and making more than 60bhp, will outperform this new bike, looks much better and can be had for around the same price. A used Triumph Bonneville is equally inaccurate and share's the Guzzi's poor performance (can you imagine using Triumph or Guzzi in the same sentence as poor performance 40 years ago?), but is widely available for considerably less.
We wish Moto Guzzi would catch on to what Triumph's doing with the rest
of its range. Instead of building bad bikes that only have heritage
going for them, the company desperately needs to look at what characteristics
originally made Guzzis great: a unique sense of style and class
combined with hair-raising performance, and develop a modern
interpretation that can sell based on merit, not memory. We're holding out hope for a 1200cc, 175kg Le Mans that combines Aprilia RSV-R Factory-level performance with its own unique take on cafe racer style.Moto Guzzi
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Here in the UK, the Moto Guzzi Breva is a popular 1st/mid-life crisis returners bike.
It is the same price (give or take) as the Bonneville and BMW 650, its immediate competition.
Safe power delivery, predictable handling, comfy, reliable - all the solid virtues.
If the V7 is aimed at that market, then it will do well.
Only problem is, of course, that it needs to be cheaper than the Breva.
If not, then at least we can look forward to some heavy discounting in a year or so.
It's funny you mention the Breva, because its possibly my least favorite bike ever. Ugly, overpriced, underpowered, heavy, just a piece of junk. The V7 will be a bit cheaper (inline with the Triumph Bonneville) but it look like it's going to make the same mistakes, which is disappointing.
I've always liked the MG V-twin engine and the V7 Classic is the first MG I would seriously consider buying. Indeed, I will buy it if it is brought to the US.
Horsepower, horsepower, horsepower!
At almost twice the horsepower of my 2006 RE Electra X, the V7 would allow me to cruise at interstate speeds. I could once again drive inter-state - something I haven't been able to do on my Urals and the Bullet.
The retro style appeals to me. And, since I'm not a purist of any marque (I ride, I don't tick off not-original demerits), I don't necessaruly want a modern V7 stamped from the same dies as the original. As a matter of fact, I vastly prefer the newer retro style to the old, wonky green with eye-piercing red frame.
Its modern engineering (ignition, engine, suspension, transmission, electrics, etc) is so far advanced compared to my rides of the last 8 years that there is no comparison. It's superior in most every way.
In addition, with all that excess horsepower, and it's cradle frame, I can add on a classic sidecar like the cozy and really cruise in comfort.
But what does the V7 offer, besides a badge, that a used Triumph Bonneville doesn't, for cheaper?
> But what does the V7 offer, besides a badge, that a used Triumph Bonneville doesn't, for cheaper?
The V7 offers the classic MG V-twin. The new Bonnie is to squat and heavy for me. It does not evoke the same response as does the W650 or even my RE Bullet. Light, nimble, fundamental machines both more like the original Bonnies than the new one is. Similarly, the retro Ducatis fail in their attempt (for me at least) since they try to roll performance into the package. If I want a sportbike, I'll get one.
The V7 Classic is an Italian UJM. Upright seating, tour if you'd like, commute if you'd like, have an entertaining Sunday ride if you like. It doesn't pretend to be a sport-oriented bike and it doesn't try to be its forefather.
Entirely subjective, but it appeals to me like no other bike since my '94 Sportster did.
Matt
Does anyone know if will be available in the US?
Yes, if it's not already on sale here it will be in the very near future.