Moto Guzzi V7 III goes out of its way to conquer newbies and enthusiasts [ROAD TEST]

Moto Guzzi – 1961 was the year of the boom in sales of so-called "mass" cars. This phenomenon also has consequences on the world of two wheels, which is called to renew itself and look to the future. From the genius of the designer Julius Caesar Carcano an air-cooled 90° V-twin engine is born for a sports version of the Fiat 500 capable of reaching 140 km/h. The requested supply of Lingotto, however, is too high and so the agreement falls through. Carcano believes so much in the project that he transforms it and the engine will become the beating heart of the Moto Guzzi V7, a motorcycle that smells of myth.

A timeless model

We are talking, in fact, about one of the most famous and well-known models of the house based in Mandello del Lario, a cornerstone of the range and representative par excellence of the Italian motorcycle, distinguished by content and design capable of garnering the appreciation of a transversal and heterogeneous public. As it was for V7 II compared to the first-born V7, the renewal for the V7 III was also so profound as to merit carrying forward the progressive numbering with the Roman symbols, which has always distinguished the Moto Guzzi most popular and long-lived. V7 III is the result of Moto Guzzi's passion, skilled in renewing its best seller, leaving its character and authenticity unchanged, values ​​destined to last over time. Today, the well-known V7 III Stone, Special and Racer are now joined V7III Rough, V7 III Milan e V7 III Carbon, three new versions characterized by different setups, obtained by introducing with originality and competence a series of valuable special parts, capable of giving each motorcycle a very different connotation and a unique character: we could define them as "series customs", perfect for all those who dream of a custom-made motorcycle but who don't feel like tackling the commitment of home-made customization. The result will still be a unique motorcycle with a great saving of time and money. The third generation of the "settemezzo" from Mandello aims to continue to be the entry-level motorcycle into the Moto Guzzi world, easy, with one of the smallest dimensions and weight in the category, but at the same time with a strong and authentic character, typical of all motorcycles Guzzi, much of which is showcased by the transverse V-twin, a unique configuration in the world. The primary objectives that guided the evolution concern style, standard equipment and road behavior, i.e. the aspects that influence the pleasure of owning and driving a V7.

Personality and style

V7 III keeps the stylistic personality of the model, characterized by a design that dialogues between shapes inspired by the history of Moto Guzzi and the needs of a contemporary motorcycle. The interventions introduced a year ago also concerned the upper part of the engine, with completely new aluminum heads, pistons and cylinders compared to the V7 II, even if the bore and stroke values, and therefore the displacement, are the same, a choice that confirms V7 III as the entry level motorcycle range into the Moto Guzzi world. As per tradition, the distribution is controlled by a rod and rocker arm system with two valves per cylinder, however arranged in an inclined (more efficient) manner in the head. The power supply is entrusted to aelectronic injection single body Marelli, run by one new electronic control unit. The exhaust system is equipped with double tube collectors which improve thermal insulation. The presence of the auxiliary air system inlet in the heads, combined with the trivalent catalyst, the double Lambda probe and the design of the engine, allow the twin 750 Moto Guzzi to comply with the Euro 4 regulation. maximum power arrives at 52 CV at 6.200 rpm, while the maximum torque stands at 60 Nm at 4.900 rpm, with a truly flat delivery curve that promises ease of use combined as always with that character and promptness typical of Moto Guzzi engines. The weakened version is available, in line with the limitations of the A2 license and ideal for new Guzzisti, who can also count on the reduced overall weight and dimensions and the general ease of driving of all versions of the V7 III. Another innovative aspect of the Moto Guzzi engine is the single disc clutch dry with a diameter of 170 mm, which increases sturdiness and reliability over time, also decreasing the load on the handlebar lever, to the advantage of modulation and riding comfort. The six-speed gearbox, precise and smooth in shifts, remains unchanged compared to the V7 II, but benefits from a different ratio of the first and sixth gears, both slightly lengthened, useful for making the most of the engine's torque and power characteristics. Moto Guzzi has always had great expertise also in aspects of safety. V7 III has a braking system ABS need MGCT (Moto Guzzi Traction Control) adjustable and disengageable. The first is a dual-channel Continental unit that prevents the wheels from locking, while the second is a system that prevents the rear wheel from slipping during acceleration. L'MGCT is adjustable su two levels of intervention, one more conservative and ideal for example when grip is precarious due to wet or slippery asphalt and the other designed to accommodate exciting driving on dry asphalt in safety. A further peculiarity of the MGCT system is the possibility of recalibrating the circumference of the rear tyre, compensating for any wear or the use of units with profiles different from the original equipment one, in order to always have precise intervention of the traction control .

The quality characteristics

Let's now go into the details of the three versions that we have personally tested. Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon it is currently the only one of the V7 III family to be made in a limited and numbered edition (1921 examples, like the year the company was founded). The passion for customization, in this case, is expressed with a model that combines originality and good taste, combining the authentic style of the V7 with the fine and modern quality of numerous carbon fiber components, such as the shortened and trimmed fenders and the side panels , capable of maximizing the young and dynamic character of Moto Guzzi's best seller. V7 III Carbon is dressed completely in matt black, a shade that enhances the red details, the color chosen for the Brembo front brake caliper, for the logos on the side panels and for the Eagle on the tank. The saddle boasts a new water-repellent Alcantara covering and is finished with red stitching which represents a stylistic inspiration much appreciated by those who love refined details. The lockable fuel cap is made of black anodized billet aluminium, as is the front headlight frame, the injector covers and the rear brake pump covers. There V7III Rough, on the other hand, stands out for its knobby tires mounted on spoked rims and for the many details that give the V7 III Rough a country town style. The equipment is completed by the dedicated saddle with stitching and grab strap for the passenger and by the pair of aluminum side panels. The fenders are also made of the same noble material. The front light frame is painted black, while the fork legs are protected by classic rubber bellows. It is a further style proposal from Moto Guzzi that transforms the V7 III into a true series special with just a few clever touches. The availability of original Moto Guzzi accessories for the V7 III (and previous versions) is very wide and it is therefore possible to make this and the other versions of the V7 III even more personal and exclusive. Last but not least, there is it V7 III Milan, derived from the V7 III Special, of which it maintains the typical classic characteristics, such as the double circular dial instrumentation, the chrome-plated exhausts and the passenger grab handle, as well as the shiny colors of the tank, but stands out for its wheels to breeds that contribute to giving it a more modern appearance. The standard equipment is completed by valuable details such as the mudguards and side panels made of aluminium.

For those who want to build a "custom" Moto Guzzi, the company offers numerous accessories. All the parts are designed, engineered and manufactured by Moto Guzzi and are subjected to severe control test cycles like any other original motorcycle element, in order to guarantee quality and durability over time. They are perfectly interchangeable with the standard components, thus allowing easy restoration of the motorcycle to its original configuration. Furthermore, they are also strictly approved and therefore absolutely "street legal". The catalog includes red shock absorber springs, satin aluminum side panels, new tank protectors, an aerodynamic windshield, injector covers, leather and touring side bags, luggage rack, top case bag, tank cover band in water-repellent genuine leather, single-seater saddle, Premium leather, comfort gel saddle and brake and clutch levers machined from solid aluminum with a unique and refined design.

In our opinion

In short, we are talking about an excellent product, truly Made in Italy, a motorbike that combines aesthetic taste and substance. A vehicle for "walking" certainly because the driving position is comfortable, the saddle is wide and well padded, perfect for a trip for two (even of medium length given the 21 liter tank). But there is fun to be had around the bends. The twin-cylinder, despite not having excessive power, is ready and responds promptly to the demands of the throttle. The tyres, knobby or with a traditional design, always guarantee good grip even when leaning and with slightly wet roads. We were lucky enough to test the three versions of the V7 in the mountains surrounding Lake Lecco, with a sunny but cool day and a few trickles of water on the road due to the snow that fell in recent days. Stability is good, immediate confidence, even towards the braking system which, thanks to the effective ABS, allows you to have everything under control. There is no need to "throttle" the engine because the power is immediately available and downshifts are significantly reduced. The gearbox is surprising: less smooth than sports bikes on the market, but still precise and quick. It's not uncomfortable, it just takes a few moments to get used to. The necessary information is collected in the small circular dial of the Rough and Carbon, while the Milano has a second dial. In both cases they are a mix of analogue and digital instrumentation. You won't notice because the bike is alive, vibrant, sincere: in short, it is a Guzzi, with all the history and translation that accompanies it.

Last note on prices: ranging from 8.990 euros ex-dealership for the Rough to 9.990 for the Carbon, passing through 9.040 for the Milano. Very interesting considering the setup and equipment.

Tester clothing:
Gloves: Dainese Blackjack
Jacket: Dainese Bryan Leather Jacket
Pants: Dainese Bonneville Regular
Shoes: Dainese Street Rocker D-WP
Helmet: Scorpion Exo-Combat