Test: Moto Guzzi V7II Stone

Well, not in the sense that you can tackle the 200 horsepower supersport critters as this year's season suggests, we mean you know how to enjoy riding a motorcycle, even when you're riding at a speed limit. Yes, the smile remains under the helmet.

It is powered by an air-cooled, two-cylinder, four-stroke engine with two valves in the head and is capable of developing 48 "horsepower" at a moderate 6.250 rpm. Perhaps this is not too far from the standards that we expect from motorcycles, which, for example, carry the banner of modernity and technological progress. However, the solid torque (50 Nm @ 3.000 rpm) helps a lot to make the engine enjoyable to drive. This is for those who want to enjoy the bike in a relaxed atmosphere, and by no means for all those who are protected on Sunday afternoons after the MotoGP race and have to show off in the next corners with the latest Arai or Shoe integrals, which among them are the best riders. in the world, in fact, no difference, only in the engine! Well, for all these riders this Guzzi is not! In fact, this is no other Moto Guzzi. There, in Mandello del Lario, where Italian competitors to the American Harley are created, they decided to stay true to the tradition of the transverse V-cylinder and are more interested in enjoying two wheels and a sense of freedom while listening to the air. the cooled twin-cylinder drums drum pleasantly as you turn the throttle.

If you like what you read then you have to give it a try, and if you like chrome, hand-polished parts, authentic technique and nice two-cylinder shaking, you can't stop driving with it. The engine is simply beautiful, beautiful in classics, and the Italians are really masters here. Last but not least, for a good € 8.000 you get a motorcycle that is sure to be approached by girls and nodded by most of the men who invest in the traditions and golden times of the seventies, when the world was even more relaxed. when the crisis was more imaginary, but life, nevertheless, flowed somewhat more slowly.

The Moto Guzzi V7 II is the brainchild of the time with some modern grips and now surprisingly good ABS and a, well, not exactly top-notch rear anti-skid system. But honestly, he doesn't even need that system when the engine has just under 50 "horsepower". But it's still good to avoid some nonsense when, for example, you drive on smooth asphalt somewhere in Istria or on granite cubes in the middle of the city when they are splashed with rain.

When we walked with him in a pleasant summer atmosphere, we extended the test a bit and went on a slightly longer trip. With 21 liters of petrol and a nice retro fuel tank, you can go just under 300 kilometers in one place. This, of course, is quite enough for a serious trip. The most interesting thing is the speed from 80 to 120 miles per hour, but it turns out that this is not a race bike. Of course, the wind also has an effect, which, at speeds of more than 130 kilometers per hour, seriously interferes with a pleasant and relaxed trip.

It goes through the skin, you kind of fall in love with it, but if you want to leave your mark on it, there are plenty of matching parts in Guzzi's garage to go from a cafe racer to an off-road tire scrambler. and the exhaust stretched high under the seat.

With just 190 kilograms dry weight and a comfortable seat that sits at 790 millimeters from the ground, it can also be a great bike for anyone not yet accustomed to motorsport, but it also suits the fairer sex.

The AMG Moto dealer who has been selling this legendary brand since this year, and of course Aprilia, has the right address to contact them and take it for a test drive. He can also warm your heart with his interesting personality.

Petr Kavčič, photo: Saša Kapetanovič, factory

• Basic data

  Test model cost: € 8.400 XNUMX €

• Technical information

  engine: 744 cc, two-cylinder, V-shaped, transversely located, four-stroke, air-cooled, with electronic fuel injection, 3 valves per cylinder.

  Power: 35 kW (48 KM) at 6.250/min.

  Torque: 59 Nm @ 3.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, cardan shaft.

  Frame: steel pipe.

  brakes: front disc 320 mm, four-piston Brembo jaws, rear disc 260 mm, two-piston jaws.

  Suspension: 43mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, rear adjustable damper.

  Tires: 100/90-18, 130/80-17.

  Fuel tank: 21 l (4 l reserve).

  Wheelbase: 1.449 mm.

  Weight: 189 kg.

We praise and reproach

appearance

production

character, charm

undemanding to driving

comfortable fit, great seat

price (including ABS and anti-slip system)

becomes sporty when racing when driving in a long corner or on uneven asphalt

bizarre cold engine operation

on the pits, the suspension does not sufficiently absorb shock