So, let's talk modern Guzzi

For some god foresaken reason I am kind of lusting over a v7 racer(I lack subtlety)
Anyone happen to know of issues with the v7 line?

I don't know anything about them either but the v7 scrambler is also very easy on the eyes.

In reply to Huckleberry:

I know there's a few on here that have or have been around them. For leftover new ones hovering around the $6500 price point they seem like they could be a good deal for a fun bike, and they are good looking.

Paging @Trans_Maro...

I think he was the guy in here that had or has a Stelvio and a couple others, maybe a LeMans?

I rode a V7 racer a couple of years ago. It's a great looking bike, and I was toying with the idea of one as kind of a 'starbucks' bike... just an around town fun ride.

I was completely underwhelmed. If they were going for nostalgia, they nailed it, 'cause it was just as agricultural as the last early 80s Guzzi I rode 20 years ago. Seriously, the transmission was crap, the alignment of the shifter to the footpeg was far enough off that you had to lift your foot off the peg to shift. And the power, well, there wasn't any. Just when it feels like it's coming into the powerband, it's time to shift. Brakes and suspension were nothing to write home about, either.

Maybe I'm just spoiled by how good modern bikes are, but I wouldn't buy one on a bet.

The V7 sure is pretty, though...

As an alternative, the new Thruxton R has the looks and performance... a lot more $$ though.

Funny, my LeMans is about as close to perfection as I've found.

It's Italian, you were probably using it wrong.

That said, the V7 is abysmally underpowered in my opinion.

My 850 LeMans makes 65hp, a new 750 should kick it's ass but, unfortunately, the V7 has a whopping 48hp.

Other than that, I hear they're fantastic bikes. They nailed the retro bike look but don't plan on winning any races.

I would buy a Griso if I had the spare cash. Comfortable, fast, stupid fun and this is the last year for one. They're sure to be an instant classic.

In reply to Trans_Maro:

It'll probably sound odd coming from someone with a 300+hp literbike, but I just want something different & fun to bomb about on. My biggest concerns are reliability.

Lol, I get where you're coming from.

My wife has a 2003 650 Shadow.

I've ridden it a couple times and it's a lot of fun.

I haven't heard anything bad as far as reliability on the new engines, by all accounts, they're great.

They did have some problems with the plastic fuel tanks on the earlier ones. The later V7s had metal tanks and the problems went away.

Shawn

Just finished the freshening up and new paint on my LeMans.

You're right, these bikes totally suck. If you find any lying around, let me know where they are and I will dispose of them properly.

In reply to Trans_Maro:

Cool cool, I'll have to look around more here before long.