Actually the sound of the starter – engine during start-up is genuinely classic. Thus its a spontaneous process, as soon the engine is started, rider begins a 30 years time travel to the past. The soundtrack of the air cooled V2 engine is always a distinctive companion. The longitudinal crankshaft mounting creates a torque reaction that tends to twist the motorcycle to the right side when opening the throttle in neutral. Final drive is shaft. 

 

      Depending on the selected speed at the gearbox, the engine will require at least 2500 rpm. in order to provide surge-free acceleration. The engine operation at the lowest area of the powerband is very good due to the fuel injection, while normally a twin cylinder engine fed by carburetors normally would require higher revs for smooth operation. The torque provided at the lowest spectrum of the powerband is quite good. Thus the area around 3000 rpm is adequate for everyday town rides while sporty riding will require at least 4000 rpm. 

 

     Engine performance is very linear, it will not be thrilling in the case of an experienced rider. The rev limiter intervenes violently at 7300 rpm indicated figure at the rpm meter, resulting in some serious surging. Thus the most enjoyable engine spectrum is between 3 to 5000 rpm. Sometimes during the test the second speed could not be engaged during up-shifting. An indicative average fuel consumption figure is 5.5 l/100 km (51.4 mpg Imperial). 

                         

     Riding position: The height of the saddle is normal, 805 mm. (31.7 in.), which will permit a confident foot on the road even to average stature riders. This is great news, since the weight of the bike is increased, 179 kg (394.6 lbs), nominal weight without fuel. That is almost exempting female riders. 

 

      Rider is seated in and over the bike, riding position is almost neutral. Actually its slightly leaning forward, although the handlebar is wide and high. 

     The pillion is seated slightly higher than the rider, the saddle is rather narrow and hard for her/him. Pillion’s knees form a sharp angle, while the handgrips are quite low. Thus the pillion could hold her/himself from the gap which is formed at the rear of the saddle. 

     The dimensions of the bike are normal, except from the width. Especially the fuel tank and the cylinders are narrower than expected. 

 

     On the road: A 40 mm fork is equipped at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The shocks may be adjusted for spring preload. The suspensions feel comparatively soft. The suspension travel is 130 mm at the front and 118 mm at the rear. 

 

     OE tires are Metzeler Lazertec with dimensions 100/80-18 at the front and 130/80-17 at the rear. They are considered suitable for the character of the bike, they are good for a new-retro bike. However in absolute terms they are average. 

                                         

      In town the V7 provides nice and quite retro styled rides. The operation of the engine is enjoyable. 

 

      On downtown rides the V7 is slightly bigger than ideal for the rider. Thus if there is no hurry for the rider, the V7 is superb, if rider has to commute though, then a scooter is also necessary to the owner. Steering lock is quite good, it will be very helpful to downtown rides.

      Filtering is relatively good. The height of the handlebar is the same with that of car mirrors, while the mirrors of the bike are higher, although that means close to SUV mirrors. Guzzi’s agility is average for downtown use, its not an obstacle though. 

      Urban imperfections are absorbed relatively well. Specifically small bumps are absorbed very well, however large imperfections are felt by the rider quite vividly. 

  

      On B-roads the conservative steering geometry and the weight of the bike are noticed. Thus agility is average while on the contrary, stability is increased. This matches quite well with the laid-back engine performance and the new-retro riding position, resulting to delightful rides. 

 

      At the fast pace, with the body leaning to the inside of the bends, feedback to the rider is decreased, rider will just notice the rear wheel skidding at the exits on slippery roads.