Menus
- Race against time
- Special series inspired by the V7 Sport of the 70s
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Motorway and expressways
- Departmental
- Part-cycle
- Braking
- Comfort / Duo
- Consumption
- Conclusion
Race against time
Special series inspired by the V7 Sport of the 70s
A charming cafe course, the Moto Guzzi V7 Racer has won the epithet of Record via the appropriate kit. This transforms the roadster, further mimicking the sports cars of yesteryear. Defying fashions and time, the V7 RR combines its performance with the present.
Presented at the start of 2012, the renovated range of V7 charmers highlighted the many evolutions of their legendary 750 cc twin-cylinder. Limited series, the Racer model is reminiscent of the success in endurance competitions of the 70s. Already richly equipped, it further improves, as an option, its sporty line. Indeed, to complete the mimicry with the racing style of the good old days, Moto Guzzi offers a kit called "Record". Consisting of a bubble and a profiled rear buckle supporting a specific saddle, it transforms the jewel roadster into a shining sporting glory of the seventies ’.
Discovery
The Mandello del Lario firm is therefore turning to S-sculpture to create its old-fashioned competition ballerina. In almost full respect of all the codes or limits of the genre. Classic lines, cycle part with aniline dress, contrasting trim. Welcome to the sport of charm.
A long and narrow fork crown, surmounted by a truncated bubble, now equips the front end. Its forms stretch from the large round optic surrounded by metal to the lateral boss of the tank. This one, with old-fashioned curves and now metallic, shines with all its chrome. Adorned with a leather strap running its length, flanked by the brand’s winged emblem, the bottle is undoubtedly one of the centerpieces of the work. Its stopper is, of course, without a hinge..
Angular, the specific rear shell follows the retro aesthetic. Supporting a single-seater saddle, its end forms a discreet fin. On both sides, two free spaces are reserved to indicate your favorite number on its sides. Under the seat, the mudguard conventionally surrounds the rear casing and supports lights and indicators of the same style. Many other details and race finishes dress the V7 Racer. Side covers, intake protection and perforated exhaust support brackets, in brushed solid aluminum, enhance its image. But it is also its unmistakable and gleaming red frame that we notice. This very classic double steel cradle, with screwed lower elements, supports the 744 cm3 90 ° V twin cylinder and two valves per cylinder. Although deeply modified, its cooling remains with air and its distribution tumbled. Externally, its modernization is displayed by cylinder bodies with rounded fins and capped with flattened cylinder head covers. Its matt black coating highlights, by contrast, the other components of the machine.
Note also the disappearance of the two intake manifolds and their respective throttle in favor of a single-body Y-shaped element. Made of ribbed rubber and of a fairly standard presentation, it advantageously disappears in the center of the machine. On the contrary, we will appreciate the racy presence of the Arrow escapements. These optional satin flutes (priced at € 1,189), more distinctive than their production counterparts, further enhance the cafe racer spirit of the V7.
Integrated into the swingarm in the colors of the frame, the transmission is done, as usual, by shaft and universal joint. Two Bitubo shock absorber combos serve as the rear shock absorber. Adjustable in any direction, they also have separate hydraulic cylinders for better heat dissipation. The front suspension, much more basic, is entrusted to a Marzocchi fork of 40 mm without adjustment. Bellows protect the dip tubes and heal the vinage look.
However, no drum brakes. The transalpine manufacturer equips the steering gear with a 320mm single-disc bitten by four pistons, and a rear two-piston caliper, pinching a 260mm element. Spoked, chambered wheels have different dimensions of a unit. The front, in 18 ”, elegantly raises the rounded muzzle of the V7 RR. Both show off their anodized hubs in the same color as the frame.
In the saddle
Rather low and particularly narrow, the V7 RR spans easily, giving the impression of riding a much more modest displacement. Once you have spent a handful of minutes admiring the reflections of the tank, you will do the same to appreciate the retro atmosphere exhaled by the cockpit. Although incorporating all the components of the Racer, the Record version subtly modifies the perception. The instrument cluster is now projected to the bottom of the fairing. Composed of two analog dials, tachometer and tachometer, they each have a digital window. This sacrifice to modernity allows the display of the odometer and a partial on the left, to provide information on the outside temperature and the clock on the right..
Steering column axle cap worked, numbered plate, protective metal shackles, the upper triple tree retains the attributes of the roadster. The difference will come from the positioning of its bracelets, placed lower and the mirrors now attached to the screen..
Rather spartan without being uncomfortable, the saddle provides correct service. By rocking on the half-handlebars, we then look for the superb rear controls. All made of machined aluminum, their aesthetics actively participate in the "replica" aspect of this model..
Absolutely divine, the frail Italian athlete does not lend itself much to criticism. The interior of the front fairing, covered with a black fiber, smells like another era and makes no secret of what it protects.
One could wish, as on the roadster, a more careful sheathing of the various wires and hoses. We blame the bracelets more for their basic finish and the left apparent thread of the mirrors of the roadster version. Likewise, the poor plastic of the small turn signals is unworthy of other peripherals. Finally, the non-adjustable levers admit an origin too common with its sisters.
In the city
Wiggling from right to left under the effect of the starter, the V7 RR seems to perform a danced prelude to discovering its temperament. Releasing a finally discreet metallic rumble, the exhausts give him a quite melodious voice and without excess. The selector surprisingly lacks consistency, often providing very little information on proper gear shifting. At the extremes, its course remains soft, without final stop. Surprising when taking envi hand, we end up coming to terms with the principle. In use, the five-speed gearbox is smooth and the operation of the gimbal is completely transparent..
Avowed goal of this Guzzi, mechanically modern moreover: to revive the piloting of yesteryear. Rather alert, the transverse twin happily takes its pilot in a clear chant with a finely syncopated rhythm. The vibrations are obviously part of time travel without ever being unpleasant in the city.
The flexibility of the suspensions is immediately noticeable. Adjusted to the most comfortable, the rear combinations put the fork in default, giving the whole a pump effect on the bike. A quick adjustment via perfectly accessible knobs effectively changes its behavior, further limiting mass transfers.
Particularly agile, this V7 slips between the vehicle with appreciable ease, its narrowness allowing it to be placed easily in traffic. We then leap to green lights, making the little haute couture bomb roar. With your nose in the air, like the heroes of the Joe Bar Team, you are ready to tackle the first mobile chicane on the urban circuit. Under the envious eyes of the public, will you beat the neighborhood lap record? More certainly it will be that of notoriety and image success. A real magnet for compliments, the Racer Record, like a real star, will require you to detail his CV and the extent of his qualities. Retro style is on the rise! Your diatribe over, you will then ensure a dynamic but elegant start, surrounded by history and myth ….
Motorway and expressways
It’s time to talk about the sporting genes of the ancestors. The long saddle allows you to stretch out towards the oblong fairing surrounding the cockpit. The posterior wedged on the backrest, we appreciate an efficient reading of instruments, these being further away than on the standard version. The whole still deserves ergonomics and richer graphics. Quickly reached 160 km.h, it will then be more difficult to grab the last units, or 185 thoroughly on the last report. Much more than the speed reached, it is the way to access it that takes precedence. The V7 Racer Record will make you vibrate in every sense of the word. Not at all unpleasant on the legal motorway at 5,000 turns, the pocket-sized Transalpine seems to resonate more than 1,000 revolutions lower, for 90 km / h.
The protection offered remains contained. Only the torso and, depending on the size of the pilot, the helmet, are sheltered from the air pressure. Shoulders and arms are outside the scope of the sport graft. And whatever, we’re not here to cruise! Having reached the expected exit, let’s go for a walk the graceful Italian on more charming tracks.
Departmental
The observation is simple: the more you drive it, the more the V7 RR surprises and captivates. Particularly voluntary, the block of Mandello shows an unsuspected health…. With a power of only 35.5 kW (49 hp) at 6800 rpm (maximum speed), the twin sets Italian standards in the lightweight category. Charging less than 200 kilos on the scale, its combativeness in the shell is ensured by a torque of 5.47 da.Nm (5.57 m.Kg) available from 3600 rpm. Values up 10% according to the manufacturer since the mechanical evolution of 2012.
Of course, his lack of reach is obvious. However, the liveliness of the cycle part compensates in part for a particularly noticeable lack of trunk as soon as the horizon opens up. Frame ensuring good rigidity, caster angle of 27.5 ° and correct suspension tuning make the machine particularly playful. The light front can even prove to be a tease on small bumps.
Fast-paced under the load of its engine, the racing V7 melts on the series of curves with delight. Maintained beyond 4,000 revolutions, the twin cylinder resolutely pulls its pilot clinging to its narrow bracelets in a mechanical symphony going crescendo. So more hoarse, a virile sound accompanies the flights of the twin towards the red zone. His performance in small corners is then more than a success of esteem.
We will certainly not forget the limits of the genre. The front brake lacks power and bite. Not locking the direction, it will have to combine the implementation of the rear to offer correct decelerations. The latter, particularly effective, perfectly sits the machine in a curve but risks blocking the wheel if you force it to rest..
Also, the non-adjustable fork will eventually admit to being a little overwhelmed by too extreme piloting, which is not its real subject anyway. Without breaking up, the V7 RR will still undulate on the large bumpy curves approached on the angle. For more pleasure, it suffices to give back your hand a little, reluctantly; Especially since, wearing very convincing Pirelli SPort Daemon tires, our Italian is not sulking her pleasure in the exercise of arson. We will then wind at a good pace or on the contrary more calmly, admiring the lines of the machine or its projected shadow.
Part-cycle
Classic and healthy, the V7 Racer Record inherits a geometry consistent with its style. No search for the absolute or for avant-garde solutions. The choice of a tradition of quality ensures the essential: pleasure. Much more advanced than those of the other versions, the Bitubo handsets noticeably refine the perceived enjoyment of the handlebars. The whole remains homogeneous but deserves a more advanced front axle.
Braking
Spongy, the grip of the front lever only causes an average deceleration, accentuated by a fork showing too flexible. Actuated jointly, the brakes then show themselves to match the sparkling character of the lightweight athlete. On slippery roads, we will then appreciate this general neutrality.
Comfort / Duo
The senses carried away in a global contemplation, one hardly thinks of gauging the comfort of the V7 Racer Record. Improbable concept because of a saddle more inclined to mimic sport than ease, the machine generally offers a welcome in line with its claims representing, in certain respects, another era. However, be aware that two-seater seat and passenger footrest are available as an option. Note also that the standard Racer’s single-seat saddle is welcoming and is adorned with a suede coating..
Consumption
On this point also the improvements of this year would give a gain of 12% on the fuel consumed. With less than 5 liters on average per 100 km, the little Guzzi Sport will delight you over nearly 300 km before forcing you to stop the merry-go-round…. And every time you pick up the tassel !
Conclusion
With these airs of mini Le Mans, this V7 Racer explodes the Record of charm. Perfectly in line with its philosophy in all its aspects, its attributes exert a seduction of every moment. Its neat and stylish accessorization, in particular its chrome tank with obvious magnetism, bewitches retinas and spirits. Homogeneous, efficient and reasonably efficient, the V7 RR provides a pleasing dynamic performance.
Its approval surpasses, on this point, that of a Kawasaki W800 Special Edition. The latter, displayed at € 8,799, retains the advantage of financial accessibility. Extremely pleasant to ride and to admire, however, it does not display the same rigor of part cycle, nor a comparable level of finishes. Across the Channel, the Triumph Thruxton offered at € 9,740, represents a serious challenger. In the fight with these competitors, the standard Racer model, asking for € 9,399, sees, in the Record version, its bill soar from € 1,799. Our test model equipped with optional exhausts then claims € 12,394 to accompany you. Sum that would require erasing the small aesthetic missteps identified.
No one would consider the score high for a machine that exceeds current performance standards. At this price, an Aprilia Tuono aprc is not far away…. However, in a limited version, the acquisition of a V7 Racer, which has become a Record here, can also be considered as the purchase of a work of art. Status therefore making its price more relative…. A fortiori for a time machine !
Strong points
- Outstanding look
- Motor character
- Cycle part
- Rear suspensions
- Limited series
Weak points
- Gearbox control
- Perfectible braking
- Certain finishing details (plastic elements)
- High price (in absolute terms)
The technical sheet of the Moto Guzzi V7
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