Moto Guzzi V 7 III Stone

THE MOTO GUZZI THAT IS KNOWN AND LOVED WORLDWIDE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REVAMPED: EACH DETAIL FINE- TUNED TO MAXIMIZE OWNER SATISFACTION AND RIDING PLEASURE, LEAVING THE ORIGINAL SPIRIT OF THIS ICONIC MOTORCYCLE UNALTERED

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 truly transversal and varied public.

Fifty years later, Moto Guzzi introduces the third act of a first work: V7 III. The challenge of introducing a new version of such a famous motorcycle with such rich heritage and so much success is difficult, considering the fact that the V7, the brand’s best-seller since 2009, constitutes the Moto Guzzi entry-level bike, dedicated to both women and men, in addition to young people who want to own one of the most iconic Mandello del Lario production motorcycles.

As the V7 II was compared with the first-born V7, the V7 III’s evolution is profound enough to merit the progressive number in Roman numerals that has always distinguished the most popular and long-lasting Moto Guzzi bikes, such as the Le Mans and the California. V7 III is the result of Moto Guzzi’s modern passion and courage, able and skilled in renewing its best-seller, leaving character and authenticity unaltered, two values that are destined to weather the test of time.

Four Versions and Infinite Interpretations

V7 III is available in the three popular versions, Stone, Special and Racer that, compared with the past, now take on stronger connotations and differ more from one another. Consistent with the other Moto Guzzi models in the range, the V7 III also has a dark version that stands out for its total black graphics. It is the Stone and a more classic one dominated by chroming, more in line with the design of the forerunner, which is the Special. The Racer, on the other hand, represents the successful sports heritage of Moto Guzzi, a winner of 15 world titles and 11 Tourist Trophies when the decision was made to retire from racing (in 1957). The V7 range has now been expanded: Moto Guzzi pays homage to fifty years of the V7 model by introducing a fourth version, the Anniversario, a numbered edition limited to just 750 units, characterized by brand new and exclusive details. The “seven-fifty” from Mandello has proven to be an excellent base foundation for customization projects. In fact, it was protagonist of Lord of the Bikes, the first TV talent show dedicated to motorcycle customizing, broadcast in Italy on Sky, that took Moto Guzzi onto the big screen. The original Moto Guzzi accessories range, already rich for the V7 II, was created as a supplementary part of the project, and expanded even farther. The V7 III therefore lends itself exceptionally well to customization, so you can create your own made to measure special, like a tailor fitted garment.

More Pleasure to Own and Ride a V7

Although maximum power increased 10% thanks to the introduction of the new engine, increasing performance was not the main objective driving the V7 revamping. 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 style and personality of the model intact, characterized by a design that dialogues through shapes inspired by Moto Guzzi heritage and modern motorcycle requirements. However, the first impression is that you are in the presence of a more mature and robust bike, a sensation due primarily to the presence of the dual pipe exhaust manifold and cylinder heads, both oversized. In reality, besides these two parts, the volumes are more or less identical to those of the previous generation, confirming the V7 III as one of the most accessible and sleek classic motorcycles. On the other hand, metal fuel tank is nearly unchanged, with its capacity and style, as always, like the one on the magnificent 1971 V7 Sport. The aluminum fuel cap is no longer flush with the tank line, but it is a locking screw cap. Other new style elements involve the new design injector covers, the sleeker side fairings and the new saddle with brand new and dedicated graphics for each of the models. The turn indicators are also new, as are the mirrors, 40 mm wider in order to increase visibility and the instrumentation. In line with the essential image of the V7 III Stone, the latter mounts a spectacular unit with a single circular display 100 mm in diameter, whereas the Special, Racer and Anniversario versions have a second circular display that contains the tachometer. The speedometer gauge is analog, whereas all the other information is included on the digital display: 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 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 determined engine RPM range under control, for example to run in the bike as effectively as possible or to reduce fuel consumption. The rider interacts with the instrumentation using the button on the new right hand electrical block. The rich catalog of dedicated accessories includes the MG-MP, (Moto Guzzi Multimedia Platform) that connects smartphone to motorcycle, with an array of travel aids and vehicle performance characteristics.

New Chassis Architecture: Guarantee of Quality in Moto Guzzi Tradition

Moto Guzzi’s skill designing super-fine chassis architectures is already well-known. The best recent example of this ability is represented by the California 1400, the only custom with the riding dynamics of a cruiser. The traditional delightful ride of the V7 has its origins in the distant past. In 1970, after a highly demanding series of tests, the V7 Police won the selection to join the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) team, demonstrating the Larian brand’s authority on the matter even overseas. Moto Guzzi does not disappoint in redesigning the frame of the new V7, despite the fact that the riding qualities of the second generation were already high enough to pass with flying colours when put to the test by critics, the general public and the market. The steel frame maintains the dismountable double cradle layout of its predecessor and the same weight distribution (46% front; 54% rear), but the front part has been completely revamped and reinforced, also introducing a new steering geometry that guarantees a more dynamic ride in corners, better handling and stability, thereby meeting all the riding needs of the modern biker.

Furthermore, the entire structure has benefited from a painstaking finishing operation on the details, including the welds and the painting. The pair of Kayaba shock absorbers is new, adjustable in spring preload: thanks to their superior quality and the greater inclination on the fixing point to the frame, they provide a more progressive and controlled response in any situation, even when riding two-up. The passenger can also count on a comfortable seating position, thanks to the

repositioning of the foot pegs, lower and farther forward. The rider’s position changes, although not by much, with the lower saddle (now 770 mm from the ground) and the new aluminum foot pegs. The saddle-handlebar-foot pegs triangulation therefore takes on ideal measurements for any size rider. The chassis structure revamping is completed by the rear brake master cylinder with built-in reservoir that guarantees quicker response and braking modulability.

New 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 arrived at its third evolution and it has therefore been entirely revamped with respect to the previous unit mounted on the V7 II. It was developed with the goal of raising riding pleasure and fun on the road to a maximum, as well as guaranteeing higher performance and reliability.

The aluminum crankcase, stiffened in the key points, uses a new oil sump and a crankshaft with inertial calculated to provide an enhanced 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 is also new, now with built-in exhaust blow-by.

In the upper part of the engine, the aluminum heads, pistons and cylinders are completely new, although the bore and stroke values are the same as the previous unit (respectively 80×74 mm), just as the engine capacity has not changed, 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, now 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 also new, fitted with double pipe manifolds that improve thermal insulation. With the auxiliary air system intake in the heads, combined with the trivalent catalytic converter, the double oxygen sensor and the new engine design, the Moto Guzzi twin 750 complies with the Euro 4 pollution standard.

Maximum power has increased, now reaching 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 170mm 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, 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. The 1928 Norge GT was the first motorcycle to adopt an “elastic frame”, fitted with front and rear suspension, with enormous advantages in terms of safety and riding pleasure. The 1973 V750 S, on the other hand, was one of the first in the world with a dual disc front brake, followed by the S3 fitted with disc brakes on the rear as well. In 1975 the Moto Guzzi 850 T3 introduced combined braking, called “integral” used through 2011 on the California ’90 Anniversario. The goal of the device was to increase the stability of the bike in braking, at the same time reducing stopping distances, actually implementing two of the functions of modern ABS systems ahead of its time.

In 2012, Moto Guzzi was the first to introduce the ABS/traction control duo on a custom motorcycle, the California 1400, safety systems that were then implemented on all the models in the range. V7 III has an ABS system and a new 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 during intense braking, whereas the latter is a system that prevents rear wheel spin in acceleration. The new 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 tire circumference, compensating for any wear or the use of a tire with a different profile than the original so that the traction control system will always be accurate.

V7 III Stone

V7 III Stone now has stronger and more personal aesthetic connotations than its predecessor. Eclectic and essential, it foregoes any chromium parts, embracing the darkness of its matt black paintwork that goes well with the graphic dedicated only to the V7 III Stone of the saddle, fitted with a passenger grab strap. The total “dark matte” look characterizes the V7 III and distinguishes it from the other versions, but that is not the only difference. V7 III Stone is the only one of the “four-of-a-kind” to have spoked wheels and single circular display instrumentation. The front fender has also been shortened in order to highlight the essential look of this model.