2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer

My Take - By Dave Richardson

I was so enamored with the V65SP in 1984 that I knew someday I’d also have a small twin Guzzi. It finally happened when my wife learned to ride and quickly said, “You’re the Guzzi guy so get me a Guzzi.” I got us a pair of 2004 Breva 750s (a swoopy modern-looking version of the same basic bike as the current V7s). My wife said I looked ridiculous: big guy on little bike. I told her I didn’t have to see me on it like other people did. It remains my favorite Guzzi.

These bikes are known to be the lightest shaft-drive 750s, also featuring fuel injection. They are easy to maintain and get great gas mileage. My wife and I typically did 100- to 200-mile Sunday rides and always got 50 mpg or better. The engine is specially designed to present the same kind of wide torquey power spread as Guzzi’s legendary big bikes. Guzzi’s early ads said you could warm one up and then launch in first without giving it any throttle, then shift to second and shift to third and shift to fourth, all without throttle. I had to try it, and it worked; I even got into fifth without giving it gas. We found we could slow down for small towns to 2000 rpm in top gear and still motor away cleanly without lurching or bogging. These bikes are enjoyed by some because they are so very easy to ride while others like them as commuters, sport tourers, or as a retro café racer sport bike. I think they make great beginner bikes because of their friendly power delivery, yet most are purchased by experienced riders. So at least this isn’t a beginner’s bike one will quickly outgrow.

New starting in 2013:

Steel gas tank holds an extra gallon, now at 5.5 US gallons

Engine updates add low-end torque and about 10% more horsepower

Aluminum rims reduce unsprung and centrifugal weight

Revised intake system reduces maintenance

Gas mileage seems to be up about 10% - same owner that got 50 mpg on his older V7 got a consistent 55 on his 2013.

Specific to the V7 Racer:

This model honors what Guzzisti have done to customize their ’70s bikes into café racers. The chromed gas tank emulates custom hand-hammered aluminum tanks. It even has a period leather hold-down strap. So many parts are refinished as compared to the other V7 models that the V7 Racer appears more as a hand-built custom than a production bike. In that spirit, each has an individual numbered plate commemorating your bike’s position in Guzzi history. The running gear is mostly the same as on other Guzzi V7s except that the standard handlebar has been replaced with individual clip-ons, footpegs are rear set, the stainless steel mufflers are upswept, a small cowl is added to each end (easily removable), and the rear suspension is upgraded. Seating is strictlymonoposto although a factory accessory kit provides passenger accommodations.

Ciao,

Dave Richardson

ENGINE

Type: 90° V-twin 4-stroke
Capacity: 744 cc
Maximum power: 37 kW (50HP) at 6,200 rpm
Maximum torque: 42.7 ft lbs. / 58Nm at 5,000 rpm
Fuel system: Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection.
Exhaust system: Three-way catalytic converter with double lambda probe
 

TRANSMISSION

Gearbox: 5 speeds with cardan final drive
Lubrication: forced circulation with lobe pump - circuit capacity: 1.78 Kg
Final drive: CA.R.C. Compact Reactive Shaft Drive
Clutch: Dry single plate with flexible couplings
 

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Frame: Double cradle tubular frame in ALS steel with detachable rear subframe
Front suspension: Telescopic hydraulic fork with 40 mm stanchions
Rear suspension: Light alloy swing arm with 2 fully adjustable Bitubo shock absorbers
Brake system: Brembo
Front brake: 320 mm Ø stainless steel disc, Brembo caliper with 4 differentiated pistons
Rear brake: 260 mm stainless steel disc, brembo double piston floating caliper
Wheels: Aluminium spoked black anodised rims
Front wheel: 18", 100/90
Rear wheel: 17", 130/80
 

DIMENSIONS

Length: 86 inches - 2184mm
Max width: 31.5 inches - 800mm
Height: 43.8 inches - 1112mm
Saddle height: 31.6 in. (30.7 in. optional saddle) - 805 mm (780 mm optional saddle)
Curb weight: 395 pounds - 179 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 5.8 gallons - 22 liters
Reserve: 1 gallon - 4 liters

The Moto Guzzi V7 Racer pays homage to the extraordinary racing career of the V7 Sport.  The Moto Guzzi V7 Racer offers the classic style of the Moto Guzzi marquee in a perfectly balanced mix of craftsmanship and technology. With a feisty motor, number plate, and solo saddle, the eye-catching V7 Racer harkens back to the glories of yesteryear--only topped off with modern engineering to make every turn a visceral experience.

The Moto Guzzi V7 Racers remains an homage in design to the café racer motorcycles of the 1950s and 1960s, combined with the modern features of an Italian-engineered motorcycle. Featuring a new and more powerful, 750cc, 90-degree V-Twin motor and new lightweight, six split spoke aluminum wheels, the V7 Racer brings together classic style and craftsmanship.

The completely reengineered 750cc engine still relies on the engineering that made the Moto Guzzi V50 a success among riders in 1977. Since then the engine has been continuously updated yet stays faithful to the original genial layout introduced by Italian engineer Lino Tonti in the 70s and stays true to the characteristics of the Moto Guzzi tradition, that touring on a motorcycle at its most pure should be nothing but enjoyable.

While maintaining the classic 90° V configuration, the engine is now comprised of more than 70% new components. Cutting-edge technological solutions have been used to improve functionality, provide greater torque and power even at low rpms, and be more efficient, with higher fuel economy and reduced emissions. The new engine is more powerful and stays true to the characteristics of the Moto Guzzi tradition, that touring on a motorcycle at its most pure should be nothing but enjoyable.

The new tank brings with it a superior metallic construction that allows for a lighter tank along with a greater fuel capacity – the V7 Racer can hold a record 5.8 gallons which, together with reduced consumption, ensures a range of up to 310 miles.

The distinctiveness of the V7 Racer design is sporty and attention-getting in all the right ways. A new chrome fuel tank finished with a studded leather strap, a single-saddle suede seat with an aerodynamic seat cowl and ‘70s-style racer number plates mean the added engine performance is showcased right along with classic style. One look, and a rider will know that the V7 Racer speaks for itself.