V7 Classic

Motorcycles have gotten too big. 1400cc fours. 1800cc sixes. 2000cc twins. 2300cc triples. Where is it going to end? With a motorcycling public that's been trained to believe that bigger is better, where will the new motorcyclists come from? If the bikes are too large and too heavy for a beginner, it becomes harder for potential riders to find a bike that suits them. In the early 1970s, the Honda CB350 was the best selling bike in the US. The CB750 was a superbike. Now a 750 is considered an entry-level bike. So Moto Guzzi is doing something about it. They've introduced the V7 Classic, the smallest and lightest bike in their lineup, in order to encourage new riders with a rational yet very stylish bike.

V7 Classic

Moto Guzzi has been building motorcycles since 1921. In the nearly 80 years they've been around, they've never been a large manufacturer, concentrating on sporting and touring motorcycles. Moto Guzzi has been closely identified with the across-the-frame V-twin since the first V7 was introduced in 1967. Guzzi did quite well in the 1970s, with many people believing the early '70s V7 Sport to be one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever built. I agree with them. The company has been on the verge of bankruptcy from the 1980s until it was bought by Aprilia who in turn was bought by Piaggio. Now with a firm financial base, the company is growing and releasing new motorcycles.

V7 Café Classic

For the 2008 model year, Guzzi brought out a new retro-styled bike that recalled the classic V7 Sport from the '70s. The original was a hairy-chested fire-breather of a motorcycle, but the new 750cc twin is positioned as a bike for beginners and returning riders. They put their small-block 744cc engine in it, rather than something larger, so they could make the bike as small, light and maneuverable as possible. New riders won't be intimidated by it. But experienced riders are liking it as well. Bikers who believe, like I do, that modern motorcycles are simply too bike and cumbersome are finding it to be exactly what they want.

V7 Café Classic

The V7 Sport was introduced in a stunning white with black color scheme, and was joined by a black with gold scheme the next year. 2009 saw a variation on the V7, the Café Classic. Its gold with black paint scheme, clip-on halndlebars and bum-stop seat was even closer to the look of the original '70s V7 Sport. It was joined this year by a white with black color scheme. At the EICMA show in Milan last month, Moto Guzzi showed the Clubman Racer, a concept bike that takes the café racer look even further with chromed body panels, a red-painted frame, wrapped exhaust and number plates. Sadly it's only a concept, but there is hope for a production version in the near future.

V7 Clubman Racer

I love the V7 family of bikes. I love the style and I love the simplicity of it. I don't dislike modern motorcycles, but I've always loved the style of the past. The V7s allow a rider to have that style, but with modern brakes, suspension, and reliability in a size that makes sense. I'm especially fond of the V7 Classic. The common-sense ergonomics, low price, modern build quality and excellent fuel economy means you can have your motorcycle cake and eat it too.