I feel the same way about cars - I can lose my licence in a 1.6L Focus so if I have anything more than that it needs to be filled with "character"

Geez, I wish I had a dollar for every time he said 'character'. What a character. 😂

Much prefer the look of the Guzzi V7 850 Special compared to the V7 Stone (agree that speedo is awful) .....but I wish it came with tubeless tyres on its spoked wheels. Tubes may add 'character' but they're a PITA to sort out at the roadside when punctured.

As far as Italian bikes, I have owned a ducati 860, moto morini 500 camel, laverda 3cl 1000, cagiva 650, and currently have a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 and a 2013 Moto Guzzi Stone 750. Have owned several German bikes to include BMW and Zundaps. Grew up with British bikes--meaning Triumph and BSA. Have never been interested in Harley. Owned several Suzuki's to include 2-stroke models and the Wankel rotary 750. The Moto Guzzis have been my favorite above all the rest. Quirky, reliable, tractor-like in that the Japanese "refinement" is not there--but if you love just being connected to machinery and sound--Moto Guzzi!--mike battle

The longitudinal (-crank) V-twin is so characterful, yet sensible to have the cylinders in the airstream for cooling, easy valve access, and a straight shot backward for the shaft drive.

yes I totally agree, I love Moto Guzzi and it's a Brand that gives you so much value for money especially if you compare it to something like a Triumph Bonneville. I agree the V7 Special is the model to go for as it looks more traditional with spoked wheels and twin clocks. I'm just waiting for the Moto Guzzi marketing / design department to actually realize they could easily produce a modern desirable retro classic by giving the V7 slightly more BHP (80 like the V85TT) and giving the 60 plus generation like me a modern version of the LeMans MK1, who wouldn't buy that?

I believe I understood the concept behind "character" for things in general, but I didn't really understand it as it applies to motorcycles until my father bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Special last year. My personal bike is a 2022 GSX-S1000 which is a fantastic bike, however when put up against the Guzzi you really feel that difference in, well, "character". The GSX-S1000 is obviously faster, much smoother gearbox, much better handling, more comfortable - the list really goes on. But hopping off the Guzzi, the Suzuki feels almost sterile. Its like a surgeons scalpel. Its so aggressively good at what it does that it feels wrong to just ride it normally. And in many ways, it is essentially a track bike. The Guzzi on the other hand has those quirks that makes it feel more analogue, more "interesting". I think my favorite thing on that bike by far is the sound. When you just go wide open throttle and hear the roar, you really get to enjoy that soundtrack - because you're not going at warp speed within seconds. But I also love the clunky feeling gearbox, the fact that you gotta fight it a little bit. And we obviously can't forget the style and aesthetic of the bike. I think the most important thing the Guzzi taught me is that when I bought my first bike (the suzuki), I put way, way too much emphasis on horsepower. I mean don't get me wrong, I really love the fact that my bike is fast. And I have fun with it every time I ride. But there are other factors that matters a lot, and even 50hp or whatever the V7 special has is plenty to have fun with.

I used to be a Specsheet nerd, but lately each successive bike I've bought, has been getting slower than my previous. It all peaked in 2019 when I had a Yamaha R1. Since then, I started to explore other bikes from brands I've never heard of. I got a Royal Enfield for the first time in 2022, loved it. Then I got a Moto Guzzi MGX this year and I love it more than anything prior!

Currently own a 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 cc that I have had for 20 years. Once took me 120 miles on one cylinder at highway speed when one spark plug wire crapped out on a Sunday morning with no shops open. At almost 70 years old it has gotten too heavy to maneuver in and out of situations. Purchased a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone at more than 100 pounds less wet weight. Absolutely love it. Will stay with Moto Guzzi for the rest of my riding life. I have owned BMW, Laverda, Ducati, Moto Morini, Triumph, BSA, Zundapp, Indian, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Cagiva and loved them all for different reasons, but the fact that I can physically handle the weight of a bike that will cruise (illegally) at 85-90 mph for as long as I need, looks good, is reliable and affordable and unique, why shop anywhere else?- -Mike Battle

You're making me wish the winter away so I can get back out on my V7. Perfectly imperfect, and the ideal bike for me 😁

Character is the reason we love our bikes. As a fellow rider said to me last week, we don’t pick our bikes by our brains, but by our hearts. I love my R18 Classic, as I do many boxer bikes. I’m debating trading in a bike I own with plenty of specs, great handling, but no character, the BMW S1000R for either a Moto Guzzi V7 or a Triumph Bobber. I like the looks of the Bobber a bit more than the V7, but built in Italy vs built in Thailand does lean me toward the MotoGuzzi for the honesty. Too bad Triumph doesn’t build more of their bikes in the UK.

As a Harley Davidson and Triumph lover, character is very important to me, the looks the feel, being engaged at one with the machine. Couldn't agree more.

Excellent video.. agree 100%.. especially those clocks and headlight, monstrous carbuncles on an otherwise fantastic bike.. buy the Special! 👍🏻

Perfectly put. It took years for me to understand what character was all about, then in 2022 I got my V7 Special.

I learned to ride 2 years ago at 51 years old. Of course the first motorcycle I had to get was a Ninja 🙂 Growing up in San Francisco I saw them everywhere and thought they were just the coolest things ever. I got the Ninja 400 and started to get rather reckless on it. I found myself doing wheelies on the street, going well over 100 MPH on the freeway and raced all the Mustangs off the line. If I kept that Ninja I would have most likely ended up in a very bad situation. So I sold the Ninja and got a '22 Bonneville T100 Gold Line. It's a joy to ride. I've heard it described as being meditative and soothing. It's comfortable, the footpegs are placed where it doesn't hurt my now 54 year old knees and when I ride it all the other stuff swirling around in my head that i worry about disappears when I'm riding it. I couldn't ask for more

I've just bought The V7 Stone Special Edition in Black and Red I love it So easy to do any work on it yourself.. Keep up the good work on your channel boys

Great video. Character is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a motorcycle. You can buy cars or most other things from the spec sheet, a motorcycle has to be sat on, ridden to get to know her. How it sounds, feels, stops but most importantly how it makes YOU feel!

I purchased a new V7850 Stone back in June this year. I would argue that the Stone is not trying to hard to be 'retro'. Hence the digi dash and Eagle head lamp. It's a not an overly powerful motorcycle but you could argue it does everything you need in the real world. Mine was perfect for a 2000 mile jaunt round France in September and made that little bit better by the addition of the smallest smoked Dart screen, which hides the dash and makes motorway work sustainable. A simple, well made Italian motorcycle with character. I don't like the clunky gear box but it does get better with miles. Overall... highly recommended.

I love my 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Special. Every time I ride it makes feel good, like I'm the coolest guy around. I agree that these bikes appeal to a certain type of rider that 'gets it' because these bikes are not about the spec sheet. Riders who like these bikes tend to be that way in all things, they have restored classic cars, or rare guitars, eclectic music collections or a library of books. People who are more into substance than the latest fads. I wish these bikes were more popular and then again I don't.

l bought a Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans years ago, the first variant ....Bright Red...Dirty great dell'orto carbs, great sounding exhaust...looked like it was travelling at 130mph on the centre stand......thats enough character for any biker...

You sir are absolutely right. After a year of owning mine, the only thing I genuinely hate is the digital instrument clauster. Not only does it brake the bike's harmony and style, but it being off-centered (but not an assumed off-center, just a crooked and useless off-center) still bugs me. As a beginner rider (my first bike), the clauster being off-centered is also a minus because I count on it to gauge where my front wheel is...but it doesn't help. Just make it analog and centered to respect and compliment the bike's harmony, Moto Guzzi. Then again, they probably know what they're doing and will happily charge you more to make you pick the Special.

It’s all about “smiles per mile” in my opinion. Since I stopped working quite a few years ago, I promised myself THE perfect motorcycle before I got too old. I tried out quite a few highly recommended bikes and I bought and love the worst one on paper, but for me it’s the best because it makes me smile every time.

Couldn't agree more, had my heart set on the T120, but when I took a test ride I was left a little deflated, beautiful bike but!!! Now on the Moto Guzzi v7 special I'm just smiling all the time. Everyone to there own.

Yes, there's far more to owning and choosing a bike than just spec sheet statistics. How it makes you feel can mean so much more to some people than others.

I absolutely adore my Guzzi V7 ! I have the old 750cc engine, with Mistral exhausts, and a beautiful organe/bronze color. I have absolutely no regret of having moved from a BMW R1200RT to this smaller bike! I totally agree with you: it's always a pleasure to look at it and to ride it.

Thank you for presenting my exact bike again! I am tooling around Miami on it now. I changed the ugly mirrors to Rizoma and added a front fender extender that looks great and has a useful purpose. I like the cheap plastic gauge 😉. This model is a mix of modern and retro. With the modern Rizoma glass / aluminum mirrors it all syncs. Add in the groovy front eagle mandello driving light (three settings on this bike) and it is very uncommon and unusual-best of all worlds. The “clunky” gearbox seems much the same as a Harley sportster I had in the past. The interesting thing is that first gear is always unnoticeable, even when cold. I just hear a slight click and no clunk as on all of my other brand bikes. The engine has a deep resonance and so that to me makes more of a statement then a loud exhaust that can be generated on any bike to sound “cool.” It’s a great city bike with charm and character that is easy to mount and wide between the legs (unlike the Triumphs of the same class). It is a motorcycle of class and distinction 😉.

I dare you using this video for a drinking game. Each time he says 'character'.... 😅

Have to agree that the BMW R 18, especially from that rear quarter angle, is stunning. But I'm more than happy with the character of my Royal Enfield Classic 350 Reborn. And I wouldn't think that the extra €18.000 buys that much more in smiles per mile ,-)

bought my 2021 special in the blue paint/brown saddle last week second hand as my first bike. I test drove a few others and nothing came close to the joy the guzzi gave me. Super excited to start riding!

I have a Bonneville T120, but this one would be good to add to the garage. I’m kind of transitioning from my Goldwing to smaller bikes. Thanks for this review.

Off centre clock is enough to put me off, the off centre petrol cap stopped me buying a street twin, it would drive me mad

I agree wholeheartedly with your comments on character. Riding a bike for me is a partnership between you and your bike, you're on the ride together. Having a machine that talks to you is essential to have that strong connection with your machine. I ride a Harley Street Bob with slash cut pipes, it sounds awesome, the huge Vtwin feels alive and just sitting on it is a visceral experience. At every moment on a ride this bike is purring, growling, roaring, wuffling. I'm sure many people find character in many different things, but for me the sound my bike makes is the over-riding way it communicates to me.

I wish I lived in the UK.( I’m in western Canada) . I know from visits ,the country side in many places is absolutely stunning..And the winding country roads just add to the enjoyment! I just picked up my new V7 Stone Special today. It’s last year’s model (23) and I have just ridden it home from the dealer. It feels so much different than my Suzuki M50. I feel sort of perched on the bike instead of down low like the Suzuki…but I did enjoy the ride home….love the look and I think I am going to ‘like’ this bike a lot!

Here in the States, all old-time bikers don’t call it a yolk or triple clams, we called them, triple trees 👍 Good on you for only focusing on bikes that do something for you; those with character 👍👍 From Southern ~ California Ride Forever! 🦅🇺🇸

perfect review, you nailed it! Got my blue V7 Special this spring and absolutely love it. Everyday in the winter I adore it in my garage, just looking at it, occasionally also sitting on it a while 🙂 Could not resist to "improve" it a bit for touring, even though it is perfect as it comes out of the factory... As I am taller than the average Italian 😜 I got the seat reworked, making it approx. 3 cm higher and even more comfortable. And then some handlebar risers +25mm from Moto Guzzi, and a kit to lower the footpegs. To complete it the original touring windshield, a sissy bar for the wife with the support in the same colour as the seat. And for good measure an original billet gas cap to replace the cheapish plastic thing, and some fantastic Mistral exhausts, which sound incredible whilst not annoying anybody, have not regretted it one second. Now it is a real special "touring" V7 Special. For me, still full of character, the add-ons have not changed the character IMO. But now I can do trips of several hours without falling off the bike at the destination 🤪 But either way, I can only recommend to get one, the greatest bike I have ever owned

I'm the proud and lucky owner of a '22 MotoGuzzi V85TT Adventure. What an amazing motorcycle. I fell in love with MotoGuzzi back in the late '60's the first time I saw an Eldorado. All black, with just enough chrome to make it look like it was dressed up for the opera. After a progression of countless street and dirt bikes over the past 50+ years, I now have a bike that oozes 'character', and I'm absolutely in love with the bike. Smooth running, excellent shifting, brakes that actually works, etc,etc. Get one before you find yourself sitting in a chair somewhere, wondering "What happened?". Remember, "Get up and go outside! Don't let the old man in!".

I have got three different bikes in my garage. V7 III is the bike I choose most. Maybe it's not the fastest and most comfortable, but I like it most

This is why I switched from Honda to Yamaha to Ducati to Aprilia to Moto Guzzi to finish it off and probably will always have a Moto Guzzi. Same with cars. Currently have a supercharged BRZ and may get a Lotus Emira or Evora GT in the future if I can pay off my mortgage quickly.

This is the only middleweight(ish) motorcycle left on the market with shaft drive. For that alone you've got to love Moto Guzzi. The only middleweight air cooled pushrod engine too, there's one more reason.

I would argue that character is something that sets the bike apart. In that sense, the modern gauge and headlight is character as well, as most retro bikes have more retro gauges and headlights. Character isn’t about whether you, me, or anyone else likes it. If anything, it’s a good sign that some people dislike it or even that you don’t like everything about it. A bike where I like everything is perfect in a sense (even if it is imperfections I am liking), which can become boring. Perfect imperfection is also a form of perfection.

Yes well explained. I am finding a lot of motorcycle reviews don’t know how to explain these things so they skip over them. And that MG V7 is a great example.

Bro that dash cluster would legit be a deal killer for me if I were looking to buy that, looks like some amazon aftermarket thing someone slapped on

I love the looks, sound and feel of the Guzzi.. There is zero dealer support here in North West USA. That scared me off.

I am not into Classic Bikes at all, but it makes me happy how excited & joyful you talk about yours. (I prefer midsize adventure & nakeds). Enjoy the ride🎉!

I couldn't agree more! It's the reason I bought a T120. I wanted something that looked cool and was more mechanical and metal than electrical and plastic. It's a connection to the past and my bike never fails to talk to me each and every time I ride it.

Thanks for your explanation. I recently bought the v7 850...Iove it too. It has less of those "racers", but a lot of "feeling good" while cruising!!!

For most of my life, I've ridden sportbikes or standard parallel twins -- with an occasional Harley. But I test rode one of these and I was hooked after the first half mile. Bought one that very visit. Gone are my days of being first off the line and being able to just slide through the gears with precision, but that's a fine trade in exchange for how it feels and rides. I find that even when coming home from a late night rainy ride to the city for errands that it still puts a smile on my face. And the sound! I have the factor Arrow pipes on mine and the low rumble is amazing. I've described it to friends as as "it feels like how you imagine a motorcycle to feel like when you're a kid."

The important thing about any bike is that it puts a smile on your face, and my 1978 Triumph Bonneville does that every time. Forget power and sophistication, it's the raw sound and feel that works for me.

What an awesome bike with so much character. Awesome video 👍🏼

Im hearing word character for sometime now in motorcycles. I get it now completely. Thank you.. amazing review as usual

The characteristics of this motorcycle are stunning, and you've expressed good character in your review of it. Man, after watching this, my countenance and overall character improved dramatically. I can tackle my day being characterful

I agree absolutely you want to remember the ride. I own a 06 H D Sportster 883 and a 03 BMW R1150RT I love them to bits. Thank you a wonderful video. 😊

I'm considering a middleweight modern classic in the £7,000 to £9,000 new bracket and the leading contenders are the Royal Enfield Interceptor, the Triumph Speed Twin 900, and the Moto Guzzi V7 Special. The V7 Special is currently in the no.1 spot for a very particular reason: all the other bikes in that bracket, whether modern classic or street/naked except for the Kawasaki Z650 rs, have contracted blacked-out disease. That is to say, the manufacturers have all decided that the way to facelift a bike to make it look "new" is to let some maniac loose on it with a rattle can full of matte black paint. Call me old fashioned but I detest it (and I hate digital instruments too.) Sorry fashionistas but I refuse to ride an eyesore; ugly is not the new beautiful.

Beautiful Video mr Darcy! love your videos and reviews cheers from Switzerland!

Agree with you 100%. Many appreciate the science/specs while others look for the art/character as well as the specs. I try to have a somewhat balance of the two, albeit character holds a little more weight for me. Excellent content and channel, appreciate all you do! Happy holidays from New Hampshire (US)

Couldn’t agree more about character. Be it looks, the way it handles, the way it sounds it is all part of why we love bikes👍

Yep, the older (or more mature?)I get the more I appreciate the finer things in life, which involves a little bit of character or acquired taste. My main steed is an R nine T, and I love the boxer ‘kick’ on start up, the torque reaction, the noise! And it makes me feel great, which is what it’s all about, right?

I owned a V7 Stone. Red in color. Lovely machine. They are good for city and country running but not for above 65mph here in the states or highway interstates which require 85mph at times. Why? No power. But, they are a gentleman's bike and lovely sounding and you'll always get heads turning and people commenting. You are correct, the motor gives it a jump to the side, not nearly as nice as my bruiser the R18 BMW Heritage which I sold this past Spring, loved that machine. Characters? Character is a good thing, it's what comes back and reminds you of why you love a machine.

Character is vital for a motorcycle because you want to be intune with the machine as you ride. One of my biggest complaints with my old Honda CB1000 was it did not have any character. My Moto Guzzi on the other hand is a riot with tonnes of character.

Really need to try out one of these bikes, the V7 special looks awesome. Great real world review as usual. Keep up the good work chaps.

Nice video. Thanks. I had four Guzzi V-Twin 750's, two Nevada models and, even better, two Breva models. Very satisfying motorcycle for me, for the reasons you mentioned, and more.

I owned a 21' moto guzzi v7 850 stone when they first came out with the new motor. Probably the best bike ive ever owned, enjoyable to ride and didnt have to get arrested to feel good riding it. It is just so satisfying the engine and sounds and the feel of the bike. Its not super slow, its still peppy enough to get the adrenaline flowing, and handles really easy, very easy to tilt into corners with the small front width tire.

I totally agree with you regarding the clock and headlamp. Gimmicky is exactly the word I've used too.

Totally agree, went through multiple bikes, left my GS for a Hayabusa thinking I wanted speed, traded that for an R18. Just fitted footboards and that just adds to the experience with the heel toe shift for me. I highly recommend trying it!

Thanks for the review! I bought a new old stock Centenario recently to chug around the mountains and beaches of Hong Kong. Added some aftermarket accessories from Mistral - new pipes, performance filter and a velocity stack which combined had a dramatic overall improvement. It sounds fantastic, the engine is more responsive and spritely (extra 4 hp) pulling better in the low to mid range all while keeping the characteristic guzzi vibes you mentioned in your review. And, no ECU reprogramming required. I can strongly recommend it to other V7 owners.

I ride a 2003 MG California Special Sport and love the character. Most bikes I have owned were airhead Beemers and I have enjoyed each one. Lots of character.

Glad you're still on the V7.That clock. You could do what I did and get a flyscreen and beeline to balance it up visually. Then switch to the Special. I see what MG are aiming to do with the Stone and in many ways it's successful. Frustrating that something so stunning falls down on a detail. Yes it is a little horse and I love mine.

i noticed on the display the motto guzzi symbol of the eagle wings starts to flash when its time to shift gears very cool i like that. character as you say sir. still deciding if i need to sale one of my kidneys to buy this bike i love it.

I have to agree on character being important. A few years ago I bought a Suzuki bandit 1200. It was fast, smooth, comfortable, practical, handled great, 2up comfort was good, but after one season I wanted something more fun.

Wholeheartedly agree, number one is character, two reliable, three is comfortable 😊

I own a V7 850 Special and absolutely adore it, I've owned many bikes and makes over the 30+ years Ive been riding and every ride on the V7 is special and so memorable. Its also a lovely bike to look at in the garage, the engine is beautiful I love mine :) Pete

Several years ago I purchased a new motorcycle. Guzi's were on my list. I started one up at a dealership and it rocked to the right like that so I got off and wound up purchasing a new Goldwing. One of the best decisions I ever made.

I have a recently-bought '05 Guzzi Breva 750 with 61k km up. Previous bike was a very bland Honda CTX700N, which is why I swapped for the lighter, more agile and far more characterful Guzzi, which is a joy to ride. Yes, the 'box is clunky when new/cold, but they do free up with distance and warmth. It also pays to pre-load the shift lever, as doing so results in a smoother, quieter change. In other words, it requires conscious rider input and that's involving; makes the rider part of the machine, rather than the bike being simply a conveyance. In other words, it has character. At age 78 and with almost 64 years riding to date on a wide variety of bikes, for me the Guzzi is the most enjoyable bike in the multitude that I owned. If I were buying a new Guzzi, it would definitely be the V7 Special, as I prefer chrome pipes and propper, symmetrical instruments.

This is why i love my Royal Enfield 1963 500cc Diesel . Very rare and turns heads . But the best thing is its sound rumbels around like Ferguson 20 tractor .200 mpg and fun .

I own a 2001 BMW f650gs, it’s not particularly fast, no fancy electronics, big thumping single cylinder but I bloody love it, its just a fun bike to ride with the bonus it could take me light off roading and also a capable tourer, what more could I want from a bike 🙂

I have a 750 and it doesnt sound like the microphone of your camera makes it sound. My exhaust is louder and sounds great. Been extremely reliable. Light weight and a blast to ride.

I’m with you 100% regarding character, feeling, whatever you want to call it. I’ve had a few vehicles in my life that have given me that. A 1974 VW Westfalia, a mini clubman, which I’ve just realised both of them were orange! An Alfa Romeo 156 and the piece de resistance, my 2016 Triumph T120. These vehicles just give you that something, the unexplainable. I’m battling between needs and wants right now as I need a bike that will travel the length of the country,(Edinburgh to Swansea)carry luggage, provide protection from weather, be comfortable, but give me that feeling. Any help welcome!

Nice review of a very nice motorcycle. For the last 16 years I've owned a 1979 Guzzi Spada (SP in most places outside the UK). Great 'bikes with lots of "character"

On paper a Himalayan for someone who never rides off road (it's not legal in Scotland) but does big Euro tours shouldn't work with only 24bhp but I love it and 20k miles in 20 months including trips to the south of France and Norway and Sweden says it's the character I've fallen for.

Great bike, I have a 750 Special, it is one I don't think I will ever be able to part with.

It's a good gauge in my opinion, I've had a V7 850 Stone for around 18 months now and get on well with it. It gives more information than the clocks on the Special and it's very clear. I don't see my bike as a retro machine, just a basic and fun motorcycle so having digital gauges isn't a concern for me. I don't particularly like the way it makes the front of the bike look but I have fitted a Dart Piranha fly screen which has made all the difference.

Stunning motorcycle in a stunning scenary

Very well-said about "character." Great video in all aspects!

Hey Ol man am loving that you love the transverse twins as they are more "alive", had several maggots back in the day 500's and 650's, easy to work on and fun to ride although the turbo models were a character all on their own!!

I think you are absolutely right, And it's something you get with age, and riding motorcycles for years, I've been riding motorcycles for 50 years now, owned alsorts of bikes, I currently have an Interceptor 650 and Hunter 350, For me both of them have real character, I'm not bothered so much about power anymore, Mainly practicality and looks, And the Royal Enfields fit the bill, But I do like bike's like the Moto Guzzi, Great video's, Cheers Paul Foster 👍

You nailed it. Riding my Guzzi (a V7 III) feels liking being on a living creature. I bought mine because it reminds me my father's old BMW R25 that I had the chance to ride on small vineyards paths when I was a teenager (without permit of course ;-). Only thing I'm missing is the kick start though.

All the curves and noises are what make riding so much fun . Some bikes just set there, you can’t tell if it’s on .

Cracking bike and a cracking review OM

The best sounding gear box ever!!

I own an R18 100 Years, nuff said. Thanks for sharing!!

Every motorcycle has character, it all depends on whether that character suits you. It's like dog breeds, different ones fit different people.

my 2010 z1000 is loaded with character. Also, great video as always boys

Great channel you have. Many thanks. I own a V7 stone in burnt Orange, wow! She’s amazing. Rode her to Pisa this summer - 70mph sometimes a bit more and in return 68mpg. One of the days I was in the bike for 13+ hours , I started getting a bit sore , but 13 hours!?!? 🙏🏻

I have been interested in the V7 for quite some time Love your review here.

Great review - and totally agree about character. Mine is a 2018 matt black, with what I call ‘proper’ Guzzi six-spoke cast wheels (similar to those on my old Le Mans). I’m about the same size as Darcy and I find my V7 too small, so I’m surprised that you and he do not! Anyway, mine is up for sale - but only because I now have a Griso!

Love your reviews and these classic styled machines. Funny thing, my local DSG ride wants only new Triumphs, Enfields, and 'Guzzis and tells me my 1986 FJ1200 isn't welcome when it's practically an antique!

That's a lovely bike! I have done 4 test rides with both the stone and special, and I find the special better. If they only could put an LED-Headlamp on it.... I believe I will go for the Corsa!

Guzzis are great, as long as you don't need spare parts or support from the manufacturer. It's a pain in the a** - also here in Austria, where we're not too far away from the factory. I personally ride a Versys 650 (2020, matte khaki) currently. Most people say that it's a totally characterless bike. But i love her for what she is. A reliable workhorse, fun in the twistys, quiet and deadly reliable. You can go and hunt some litre bikes on curvy roads or travel around the world with her..she will always do what you ask her for. So it's not always just the sound or the looks. By time you're building a relationship with the bike and I think every bike can be special. It also always depends on the memories you're making with it.

Great review Ol man. Love the Guzzi.👍👍

The V7 is really a cool bike. I've had a 350 and a 750 small block Guzzi. There's something special about them. I hope I will have another one some day.