There’s a new Moto Guzzi V7 coming for2021, with a considerable bump in power and improved suspension.
Moto Guzzi dropped the deets on the new V7 this morning, saying the bike is based on the V85 platform, which debuted in 2018. As such, it’s got an air-cooled transverse V-twin, with 850cc capacity. Moto Guzzi says the new bike makes 65 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, a significant jump over the previous V7 (which made 52 horsepower at 6,200 rpm). Max torque rises to almost 54 pound-feet at 5,000 rpm, up from 44 pound-feet at 4,250 rpm.Â
At this point, Moto Guzzi hasn’t said much about the engine changes, but the higher-revving torque curve obviously implies updates beyond a simple big-bore job. Of course, we’d expect the new V-twin to be Euro5-friendly.
Moto Guzzi also beefed up the shaft drive (no doubt to handle the increased output) and included new Kayaba shocks, with longer travel.
There’s a new set of LED headlights as well, but Moto Guzzi’s press release (below) goes to great lengths to assure us the bike keeps its retro lines. Not that we couldn’t tell that for ourselves, as the photos are fairly self-explanatory.
Moto Guzzi has two versions of the V7 for 2021. There’s the Stone, which is the base model with cast wheels, and the Special, with flashier trim and spoked wheels. For now, we haven’t seen Canadian pricing or availability; most likely, the V7 will be here by late winter or early spring.
Press release
AFTER YEARS OF SUCCESS, A NEW V7 IS BORN
THE NEW, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, 850CC, 65 HP ENGINE MAKES ITS DEBUT
2021 V7 IS FASTER, MORE COMFORTABLE, BETTER EQUIPPED AND REFINED, MAINTAINING ALL THE CHARACTER AND AUTHENTICITY THAT EVERY MOTO GUZZI BOASTS
More than fifty years after the launch of its first unit, Moto Guzzi is proud to present a new and important evolution in the history of the V7, a prominent symbol of Italian motorbikes around the world.
The revamping is so profound that the progressive numbering in Roman numerals, which had characterized the various evolutions of the model since its return to the market in 2007, is gone. But the character and authenticity remain intact, as these values are destined to last over time and embedded in the genetic code of every Moto Guzzi.
Two versions are available: the patriarch, V7 Stone, with its strong and minimalistic style, is joined by the V7 Special, with its classic and elegant lines.
A new Moto Guzzi engine makes its début on the new V7, a close derivative of the one that powers the V85 TT. This is the most recent and modern drive built in Mandello, which guarantees better performance and overall greater efficiency in order to provide maximum riding pleasure, fun and reliability.
It has 25% more maximum power, going from the previous 52 hp at 6,200 rpm to the current 65 hp at 6,800 rpm. Maximum torque has also increased significantly, going from 60 Nm at 4250 rpm to the outstanding value of 73 Nm at 5,000 rpm, with more than 80% of the torque already available at 3,000 rpm.
Compared to the previous version, the new addition from Mandello is generally more complete in terms of equipment and demonstrates superior maturity, also evident in the aesthetic impact of the larger engine, which stands out for its generously sized exhaust pipes in a different layout; the view from the rear highlights the larger cardan final drive and the wider rear wheel, as well as the more robust pair of Kayaba shock absorbers.
The stylish side panels are new, as is the shorter rear mudguard, elements which, along with the new exhaust system, give the new ‘eight and a half’ a revamped and more seductive look.
Many new features have been introduced to improve stability and comfort, leaving the proverbial handling of the Moto Guzzi best-seller unaltered.
The frame has been evolved with the addition of steel elements in the headstock area, whereas the new pair of shock absorbers with greater travel and the new, two-tier saddle ensure greater comfort. With this same goal in mind, brand new rider foot peg supports are used.
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone has the new, full LED light system with the headlight that includes a DRL in the shape of the Moto Guzzi Eagle, whereas the new instrument cluster is perfectly in line with the look of a minimalist motorcycle, entirely digital on a single, circular dial. The aluminum wheels, in the sporty style that equips the Stone, are also new; the rear rim is shod with a wider 150/70 tire.
V7 Special maintains the elegant, dual dial analogue instrument cluster (speedometer and rev counter) and the ultra-classic spoked wheels.
V7 Stone is available in three satin-finish color schemes: Nero Ruvido, Azzurro Ghiaccio and Arancione Rame. The color variants of the V7 Special, the version closes to the classic and elegant spirit of the original model, are Blu Formale and Grigio Casual.
It is a longitudinally V-twin, not a transverse one. Or would you say the classic american muscle car or pickup has a transverse mounted V8?