Test ride on a Moto Guzzi V7 Classic

If you have followed this journal for some time, you know that I have been hankering for a second motorcycle—something quite different than my V-Strom. Not that they are finalists, but I have focused on the Triumph Bonneville T100 and a Moto Guzzi V7 Classic.

If dealership availability is important, then Triumph might be the way to go. There are many more in the country. As for Moto Guzzis, well …. they are not so frequent, so it’s a little harder to throw a leg over one.

I can’t explain why these Italian motorcycles fascinate me so, but they do. There is something about the look. Maybe it’s the way the v-twin engine sits horizontal and sticks out from under the fuel tank. It looks different. It is different.

One feature all Guzzi owners describe: it’s easy to work on if you do your own maintenance. Since dealer availability is far from perfect, owners will have to do some maintenance. And for those not so mechanically inclined, well, look elsewhere. Fortunately, I managed to find Sloan’s Cycles, a multi-brand dealer including Moto Guzzi.

So, as I was standing there talking with Sloan’s salesman, Frank Poag, I notice something about the white V7 that produces a remark. “Looks like that bike has been out for a test ride.” He replies, “what do you mean?” I respond, “Looks like somebody forgot to wipe the bugs off the headlight. Are you using this one for test rides?”

That’s how the conversation headed down that road. With proper paperwork in order, Frank rolled the bike out the door. He even checked the gas, rode it around back and put some more in it. Then, he handed it over to me.

Geared up, in 90-degree heat, I swung a leg over, plopped onto the seat, grabbed the bars, and pressed the starter switch. It fired up, and rocked back and forth from the torque of the engine as I revved it a little. Yup, it’s a transverse engine. I slipped it into first gear, executed a u-turn and headed for the street.

Pulling away from the dealership, the V7 shifted smoothly—something you expect from a motorcycle that has many more miles and is well broken in. It had plenty of torque although not heart-pounding power, but plenty powerful enough. In fact, I think the V-Strom has more power, but then, this is just my first ride on the Guzzi. The first impression is quite positive.

I returned to the dealership and Frank was waiting. He had a big smile on his face—a little inquisitive. “Wellllllllll?”

“Well, that was fun. That bike has a lot of character, and it brings back the meaning of ‘throwing a leg over it’.” Frank says, “I keep hearing riders use that word about this bike—character.”

I started riding in the mid 1960s. Back then, motorcycles looked like this one and the Triumph Bonneville. BSA still existed. Even the Japanese bikes looked like standards. My first owned motorcycle, a 1962 Harley Davidson Sprint 250cc scrambler looked like this. And now, a couple of manufacturers are returning to their roots to produce a modern day version of the “standard.” And it sure looks like Moto Guzzi has hit the mark. The V7 Classic has some serious “wow factor.”

The Moto Guzzi V7 would be an excellent second bike … or a first one for the stable.

Thank you, Sloan’s Cycles, for letting me take a test ride.

See you on the highway.

Brent