Who was it that said “Cafe racers are dead!”….? (Editor: “It was you, you dummy!). Well, it seems this genre is not quite ready to roll over and die just yet, as we now have the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa released this week, as a commemoration of Moto Guzzi’s past racing glories (far, far in the past!).
So what do we have here? Nothing new in the technical world, at least. The engine is the same air/oil-cooled transverse V-twin that debuted in the V7 lineup back in 2020. It’s no longer a 750, it’s an 850, based on the same design as the V85 platform. At launch, Moto Guzzi said the new V7 makes 65 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 54 pound-feet at 5,000 rpm (both significant updates over the previous V7 platform).
The V7 Stone Corsa has a non-adjustable fork; the dual rear shock setup is preload-adjustable. There’s a small bikini fairing with integrated Moto Guzzi-emblem headlight, a solo bum-stop seat (with accessory rear cowling available), bar end mirrors, and a special paint job. Wet weight is 218 kg; up front, there’s an 18-inch wheel, with 17-inch wheel in back.
And, that’s it.
This is all a stylistic exercise, then, like most cafe racer projects, but the fans at the Mandello factory most likely didn’t mind when they saw it unveiled this week, as this is what they want. Despite some basic electronic equipment (EFI, traction control and ABS for instance) this is still a very simple bike. As the PR says:
“Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Corsa represents a bold return to a classic sportiness. Its soft lines stand out straight away, flowing from the top fairing and the single-seater style saddle, both bringing to mind the exciting atmosphere of races from days gone by. Vibrations that emanate from authentic motorcycling, animated by genuine passion, and which have come back to life since 2019 in the Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance, the single-brand trophy that gives many riders the chance to race on the track, having fun astride their own V7 machines, highlighting its unexpected racing features.
“The new V7 Stone Corsa stands out with its brand new two-tone livery, also a tribute to the golden age of motorcycle racing. The metallic grey colour scheme is livened up by an aggressive red stripe that runs vertically along the top fairing, then continuing along the lower part of the fuel tank and on the side panels. Colour coded to match the body, the hard cover for the rear portion of the saddle is available as an accessory, making it a true single-seater in pure racing style.”
Guess what? Good looks still sell motorcycles in 2023, and if Moto Guzzi brings this bike to Canada (we haven’t seen that confirmed, but we expect it), then there will no doubt be plenty of interest, as long as people can afford it.
I think this looks gorgeous. Great lines that evoke the ’70s era, that great V engine and shaft drive? Lots for me to like here.