Moto Guzzi V7III Rough

The V7 III family growing with the new special versions, as Moto Guzzi’s homage to the art of customization. They are distinguished by the different layout obtained by using originality and competence to introduce a series of high quality special parts, capable of returning to each motorcycle a very different connotation and a unique character.

The Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough stands out for its knobby tyres, mounted on spoked rims and for the many details that give the V7 III Rough an urban country style. The equipment is completed by the dedicated saddle with stitching and a passenger grab strap and the pair of aluminium side fairings. The fenders are made of the same prestigious material. The headlight frame is painted black and the fork stanchions are protected by classic rubber dust covers. This is another element of Moto Guzzi style that transforms the V7 III into a true factory special with just a few skilful touches. The availability of original Moto Guzzi accessories for the V7 III (and for the previous versions) is extremely vast, so you can make this and the other V7 III versions even more personal and exclusive.

Overview

V7 is one of the most celebrated and well-known Moto Guzzi models. This world fame is due to its ability to remain faithful to the expectations and reputation of a legendary brand like Moto Guzzi. Since 1967, the year the first units were sold in Italy, the V7 became a pillar of the product range and the representative of the Italian motorcycle par excellence, standing out for its content and design, highly popular with a transversal and varied public.

More than fifty years from the launch of the first unit, Moto Guzzi V7 III is the third act of a unique story. The challenge of introducing the V7 III was one of the most difficult, considering the emblem and the success of the V7. From 2009 it has also been the brand’s most sold model and it constitutes the entry level bike in the Moto Guzzi world.

As was the case with the V7 II compared with the first-born V7, for the V7 III the revamping was profound enough to merit a new progressive number in Roman numerals, that has always distinguished the most popular and long-lasting Moto Guzzi bikes. V7 III is the result of Moto Guzzi’s passion, skilfully revamping its best seller, leaving its character and authenticity unaltered, values that are destined to last over time.

More pleasure to own and ride a V7

The third generation of the “seven-fifty” from Mandello will continue to be the Moto Guzzi entry-level model, easy to ride, with the most contained size and weight in its category, but at the same time with a strong and authentic character, typical of all Moto Guzzi bikes, much of which is shown off by the transversal V-twin engine, a one-of-a-kind configuration. The primary goals that led this evolution had to do with style, standard equipment and performance on the road, in other words, aspects that influence the pleasure of owning and riding a V7.

V7 III keeps the stylistic personality of the model intact, characterized by a design that dialogues through shapes inspired by Moto Guzzi heritage and modern motorcycle requirements. The first impression is that you are in the presence of a mature and robust bike, a sensation due primarily to the presence of the dual pipe exhaust manifold and cylinder heads, both large in size.

On the other hand, the metal fuel tank has not changed, with its excellent 21-litre capacity and style inspired, as always, by the one on the magnificent 1971 V7 Sport.

Further elements of popular style concern the injector covers and side fairings with their sleek shape. Each of the V7 III versions has a dedicated saddle with brand new graphics and coverings.

V7 III Stone, Rough and Carbon use a single, circular display instrumentation, in keeping with their image of essential bikes.

The Special, Racer and Milano versions, on the other hand, have a second circular display for the rev counter. The speedometer has an analogue dial, while all other information is contained in the digital box: odometer, partial and daily trip (resets automatically eight hours after being switched off), trip time, instantaneous and average consumption, air temperature, average speed and the MGCT (traction control) level, as well as the engaged gear indicator, for which the minimum and maximum rpm value can be adjusted by the user.

This way, you can keep a predetermined engine rpm range under control, for example to run in the bike as effectively as possible or to reduce fuel consumption to a minimum. The rider interacts with the instrumentation using the button on the right hand electrical block. The extensive catalogue of accessories includes the MG-MP, the Moto Guzzi multimedia platform that connects a smartphone to the vehicle to provide an exceptional quantity of information useful for the journey.

Chassis architecture: guarantee of quality in Moto Guzzi tradition

The steel frame maintains the dismountable double cradle layout and the same weight distribution (46% front; 54% rear) typical of recent V7 tradition; the third generation introduced a completely revamped and reinforced front part with a different steering geometry in order to guarantee more dynamic cornering, better handling and more stability. Particular attention was placed on the painstaking care and finishing of the details, including the welding and paintwork.

The rear suspension system relies on a pair of Kayaba shock absorbers, adjustable in spring preload: thanks to their superior quality and the inclination on the fixing point to the frame, they provide a progressive and controlled response in any situation, even when riding two-up. The passenger can count on a comfortable seating position, thanks to the low and forward positioning of the foot pegs. The saddle-handlebar-footpegs triangulation is ideally spaced for riders of any height thanks to the lower saddle (770 mm from the ground) and the correct positioning of the aluminium footpegs.

Small block engine: unique character and sound

There are many excellent twin cylinder engines in the world, but there is only one transversal V and it is the Moto Guzzi twin, born in 1967 out of an ingenious intuition by Mr. Giulio Cesare Carcano and characterized by a configuration of the cylinders so particular that it made it an integral part of the bike’s design, like a true modern art metallic sculpture. In the small block version, it has now reached its third evolution and it has been completely revamped comparing with the V7 II engine, with the goal of raising riding pleasure and fun on the road to a maximum, as well as guaranteeing higher performance and reliability.

The aluminium crankcase, stiffened in the key points, uses a crankshaft with inertial calculated to provide a lively response and an adequate engine brake. The lubrication system in the crankcase has been designed to dissipate the heat in the best possible way and to reduce power absorption in favour of both performance and a reduction in fuel consumption. There is also a ventilation system that reduces power loss due to the internal pumping of the crankcase chambers and a reduced capacity oil pump capable of absorbing less power. The oil pump intake duct is new, as is the related by-pass valve and piston cooling oil jets have been introduced that have a flow control and management valve. The alternator cover includes the blow-by gas output.

The interventions introduced one year ago also concerned the upper part of the engine, with new aluminium heads, pistons and cylinders comparing to V7 II, although the bore and stroke values (and therefore the engine displacement) are the same as the previous unit, a specific choice that confirms the V7 III as the Moto Guzzi entry-level motorcycle. As per tradition, the timing is controlled by a pushrod and rockers system with 2 valves per cylinder, but arranged in an inclined position (more efficient) in the head. The fuel system is entrusted to a single-body Marelli electronic injection system managed by an electronic control unit. The exhaust system is complete with dual pipe manifolds that help to improve thermal insulation. With the auxiliary air system intake in the heads, combined with the trivalent catalytic converter, the double lambda probe and the engine design, the Moto Guzzi twin 750 complies with the Euro 4 standard.

Maximum power reaches 52 HP at 6,200 rpm, whereas maximum torque measures in at 60 Nm at 4,900 rpm, with a truly flat torque curve that promise ease of use combined, as always, with that typical character and quick response of a Moto Guzzi engine. The reduced-power version is also available, in line with the limitations set by the A2 class driver’s license and ideal for new Guzzi riders, who can also count on the reduced total weight and size and the overall easy ride of all the V7 III versions. Another innovative aspect of the Moto Guzzi engine is the 170 mm dry single disc clutch that increases sturdiness and reliability over time, also decreasing the load on the lever at the handlebar, all to the advantage of modulability and riding comfort. The six-speed gearbox introduced on the V7 II, precise and smooth, is unchanged but now benefits from a different first and sixth gear ratio, both slightly lengthened, handy for taking full advantage of the engine’s torque and power characteristics.

Safety: a Moto Guzzi asset

Moto Guzzi has always been at the top of its game with it comes to safety aspects as well. V7 III has an ABS braking system and an adjustable MGCT (Moto Guzzi Traction Control) system that can also be disabled. The former is a two-channel Continental system that prevents the wheels from locking up, whereas the latter is a system that prevents rear wheel spin in acceleration. The MGCT system is adjustable to two sensitivity levels, one more conservative and ideal, for example, in poor grip situations due to wet or slippery asphalt and the other is designed to cater to the thrill of riding in safety on dry roads. Another peculiarity of the MGCT system is the possibility of recalibrating the rear tyre circumference, compensating for any wear or the use of a tyre with a different profile than the original so that the traction control system will always be accurate.