Moto Guzzi V7 Racer vs Triumph Thruxton

[GT-Rx]

Originally Posted by chazbird

Piaggio claims they can ship parts in 48 hours? Maybe for a Guzzi? Not for Piaggio scooter. More like 10 days.

*If* the parts are in stock in Georgia, they ship quick. If it takes longer, that would be a result of a dealer having the minimum dealer order amount ($).

Lean fueling issues (Euro 3 at the moment) can be combated in various ways. My GuzziTech Forum covers most of those, and they range from ~$250 and up.

The only downside of the "small block" Guzzi is soft suspension for most average US riders, no brake upgrade options for the front end (sure the single disk front will suffice with a pad upgrade for most), tire options, smallish oil capacity and of course lean fueling/intake/exhaust. If you're a newish rider, you'll be more then happy with what it offers as delivered. If you're a seasoned rider, you'll be looking for upgrades fairly quickly, which can be said about most entry level bikes. I know the V7 isn't touted as such, but it is certainly equipped as such. We'll see what the new motor brings to the table.

My $.02.

Feel free to contact me direct if I can be of any help with resolving any of the above issues. All of them are my specialty.

[dogjaw]

Thanks for the info; my last bike was a 919, currently ride a modded DR650, suspension, exhaust, etc; though absolutely smitten by the looks if the Guzzi, don't know how it would handle the twisties. The HP doesn't concern me, but I love flick ability. Can't wait to see one in person...

[oalvarez]

Originally Posted by RacerX-V2

The only downside of the "small block" Guzzi is soft suspension for most average US riders, no brake upgrade options for the front end (sure the single disk front will suffice with a pad upgrade for most), tire options, smallish oil capacity and of course lean fueling/intake/exhaust. If you're a newish rider, you'll be more then happy with what it offers as delivered. If you're a seasoned rider, you'll be looking for upgrades fairly quickly, which can be said about most entry level bikes. I know the V7 isn't touted as such, but it is certainly equipped as such. We'll see what the new motor brings to the table.

Todd is spot-on. I was allowed to ride the local shop's demo (Racer) down the Angeles Crest, and while I love the looks of the Classic, I'm just not sure how long I'll love the ride of the bike in its current form. The ride is ultra soft, almost wallowy, you have to almost plan your stops. The motor (I like the current valve covers, plug wire exposed) produces an ample amount of power but it could stand to receive some help in the fueling/exhaust department. I suppose I could just buy the darn bike (Classic) and recalibrate my way of thinking (I have other motos that go fast) and just enjoy the old world feel that it offers.

As for Guzzi Tech, he's done work on both mine and my friend's Guzzis, he's one of the best out there.

Fun thread,

[dyrtybyrd]

Dogjaw, I also ride a DR650 and love it!

However, I also like bikes that are somewhat different and have owned a few. Norton Commando 750, BMW R1100S, Buell Lightning Super TT, Guzzi V11 Sport, Ducati Monster City(w/factory bags), Excelsior Henderson SuperX and Suzuki B-King among others. So, I know what you mean about a bike with "character".

However, with the exception of the B-King, each one of these bikes had some kind of problem or other. You'll notice that the only bike that didn't give me problems was Japanese......the B-King. In fact, the components and build quality of that bike was top notch and I expect it to be a collectors item one day. Yeah, the other bikes were different and each had it's own type of character, but there was a price to pay for it. If you're willing to pay that price, then fine.

The closest dealer to me is multi-line and carries all the Japanese brands as well as BMW and Moto Guzzi. I was seriously looking at the V7 Classic, as it's gorgeous visually. However, after hearing about lean fueling problems, flaking and rusting chrome, poor parts availability and problems with the plastic fuel tank(hopefully taken care of w/new steel tank) I decided I'd had enough of the "exotic" brands and decided to pass.

Also on the floor, tucked in an out of the way spot, was a leftover 2011 Kawasaki Versys. I like the refreshed redesign much better than the original, however I'm sure it's still too ugly for many. After a test ride, though, I was convinced. If you like a bike that's fairly light(454 lbs. ready to ride), unique looking, especially for a Japanese model and handles fantastically on twisty back roads.....you should check it out.

Also of note: it has a 5 gallon tank, gets good mileage(50 mpg + or -), excellent "all day" riding position and requires only 87 octane gas. They can be had at an excellent price too, because they haven't been that popular, although I sense that changing somewhat as the word gets out how good these bikes are. In addition there's an outstanding forum devoted to the Versys: www.kawasakiversys.com. All this and Japanese reliability. I was so impressed I bought one last week. Here's a pic of my bike and a tag(the sign) I was grabbing:

[NJ-Brett]

No way that picture should be in the Guzzi thread.
Just blew my high right away.

[dyrtybyrd]

Sorry 'bout that Brett. Guzzi's were prominently mentioned in my post, however!

Just trying to give the original poster some things to think about. Now back to your regular programming.

[dogjaw]

odd that you should mention the Versys, as I rode one for thefirst time last week, very impressive...


http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=814070


the Guzzi dealer inTulsa told me two months ago that he was expecting a Racer any day, but has never called, so probably will go another route; if the bikes are this hard to come by, I don't want think about parts...

[dyrtybyrd]

Wow Dog! That is quite the coincidence. I agree with you about the seat, but it's getting better the more I ride it. The only other minor complaint is brake feel. But, according to Motorcycle Consumer News it is probably simply a matter of changing to the brake pads used on the Ninja 650(which has good feel apparently), since the hardware is the same.

In the June 2012 issue the MCN reviewers loved the Versys. There is an error in the valve adjustment interval they printed, however. MCN gives an interval of 15,000 miles, while my owner's manual states 26,250 miles, which is outstanding. The routine service interval, which includes oil & filter changes, is 7,500 miles, but I'll change my fluids more frequently than that. In fact, I just did my first oil & filter change at 628 miles. The dealer just said to make sure I get receipts for the oil & filter in case of a warranty issue.

I'm thinking there might be a V in your garage soon.

[sargev55]

Originally Posted by Grainbelt

Buy your skinny jeans and Davida helmet now

and bring some PBR for the other hipsters.

i rode the first gen thruxton when it came out and loved it, minus the wrist killing after 30 mins. i love the new v7, have not test ridden it yet, but will soon. the 2nd gen thruxton has bars that are up a little bit and are much more comfortable.

as for PBR, how in the world has that become a hipster beer, if thats true ?????????????? fuck!


hipsters... i feel a diatribe comin' on.

[oalvarez]

There are plenty of Versys threads

Thanks,

[Forde]

i would have the v7 have wanted one since i first saw , god they are lovely

[dyrtybyrd]

I was just responding to a comment by the original poster Olvarez. Of course you knew that, right?

How about this: The V7 Racer and Thruxton are both gorgeous bikes. Happy now?

[bfd70]

I have owned 4 triumphs. Love the brand, found them well made and reliable. The most recent was a 2006 thruxton. Beautiful bike. Only problem was I was dying after 45 minutes. Rear sets and clip-ons (at least for me) limited the uses of the bike. Bought my first sportster and couldn't be happier. It's the first bike I've had in a while that compells me to jump on and ride, even if it's just for a minute.

[rocker59]

Originally Posted by dogjaw

The HP doesn't concern me, but I love flick ability. Can't wait to see one in person...

"Flickability" is subjective in many respects.

To make the V7 "more flickable" than it is, you'll need lighter wheels. The steel-rimmed spokes are heavy. Several people have gone to the cast Breva 750 wheels, which knock something like 7-lbs off the weight of the stockers.

A second advantage of going to the Breva 750 wheels is that the front is a 17-incher. That will help a lot.

Many people have lowered the front a bit by slipping the tubes up through the clamps.

Running Pirelli Sport Demons or Michelin Pilot Activs instead of the Metzelers that come on many of the V7s would be a good place to start.

[OldPete]

After riding a friend's new Bonnie America and reflecting on the MG V50 MkII i owned for three years, i'd say Guzzi.

Even two up(me 200#, pillion 110#) the lil' goose was good to go on the freeway.

I like used and a 650 Guzzi would be a bargain... avoid the 4 valve heads on the 650.