Lemmy likes to talk about the virtues of motorcycles with long runs, like his original Kawasaki Concours, a model that changed little in 20 years. The Guzzisti scoff at such flash-in-the-pan examples. Moto Guzzi has been turning out V7s since 1967.
To celebrate that 50-year milestone, Moto Guzzi is freshening the lineup, slapping a III on the V7 name and adding an anniversary edition. For 2017, the entry-level Moto Guzzi line consists of the Stone, the Special, the Racer and the Anniversario.
For 2017, Moto Guzzi reworked the 744 cc fuel-injected, pushrod, two-valve transverse V-twin with new heads, cylinders and pistons and squeezed out some extra power for 52 peak horsepower. The real goal, however, was not greater performance, but an easy-to-ride motorcycle with "a strong and authentic character, typical of all Moto Guzzi bikes." First and sixth gears in the six-speed transmission were adjusted and the power flows from the traditional transverse V-twin through a dry clutch to an equally traditional shaft drive. All V7 models come with ABS and two-level traction control.
Another goal was to differentiate more among the V7 models, so here's what sets them apart.
Moto Guzzi V7 III Anniversario
Moto Guzzi celebrates 50 years of building V7s with the Anniversario. It will build 750 of these special units. Most noticeable features are the chrome gas tank with a gold eagle emblem and the stitched leather seat. Brushed aluminum fenders and a serial number on the top yoke are other features unique to the Anniversario. Beneath those details, the Anniversario is based on the V7 III Special described below.
Moto Guzzi V7 III Special
The Special is the brightest of the V7 line, with chrome bits and the matching stripes on the tank and side covers. The styling gives it the closest resemblance to V7 models of the past. The chrome grab rail is standard and, along with the spoked wheels with black hubs, adds to the traditional look.
Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer
Like the Anniversario, the Racer is a limited edition of the V7 and it comes with various sporty upgrades and details, from the Ohlins shocks to the black spoked wheels with the red stickers and the red eagle emblem on the tank, all making reference to other Moto Guzzi sport models. Other features are the brushed aluminum number plate and the use of black anodized parts. The humped saddle appears to be for a rider only, but Moto Guzzi says it's approved for passenger use. Presumably by a hardy passenger and for short distances.
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Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
The Stone departs from the brightwork of the rest of the V7 line with its matte black everything. It shares fork gaiters with the Racer, but rolls on its own wheels and has a different instrumentation display. From its shortened front fender to the blacked-out exhaust, the Stone goes stealth where the rest of the line shines.
Moto Guzzi hasn't informed us of prices yet.