I have been waiting anxiously for the 2013 Moto Guzzi V7s to arrive in dealerships, and as luck would have it, the local dealer here in the Phoenix area, just took one—their first one—out of the crate.
Arriving first are the V7 Stone models. The Specials will arrive next January or February. The V7 Stone is the base model differentiated by solid color, matte black or glossy white, and cast aluminum wheels. Frankly, the white looks absolutely gorgeous—a sharp looking standard.
Visiting Arizona, I also met up with Doug Klassen, publisher of 40 Years on 2 Wheels. After lunch, we ventured over to the Guzzi-Ducati-Triumph-KTM dealer, Arizona Superbike. Doug, who has owned many different motorcycles, was impressed with the Guzzi, and said it sat better than the comparable Triumph T100 Bonneville. If Doug says it, it must be true.
The bike is smaller in stature than my V-Strom 650, but it feels very comfortable. The seat height and handlebar ergonomics seem just right for my 5’10” height and 30” inseam. The seat is firm, but no one knows whether a seat needs “tweaking” until you’ve ridden on it for a couple of hours at a time. Distance and “break-in” is the biggest factor in knowing whether a change is needed. It’s nice to know that If needed, I can send that factory seat to Sargent Seats for a makeover, and I love my Sargent on the V-Strom.
Doug and I stood there talking about the V7 and other motorcycles for quite a while. It is a very impressive motorcycle, and one worth a long look. The drawback is the lack of dealerships across the country. It’s a wonderful motorcycle, so it’s comforting to know they are easy to work on, and there is a large Guzzi community to give assistance. If you don’t live near one of those dealers and want a Moto Guzzi, you’ll be doing most of your own maintenance. The closest dealer to my home is 180 miles away.
I’m hoping to take a test ride soon. Very soon. Stay tuned.
See you on the highway.
Brent
Hey, Brent–I’m looking for the tab where I’m supposed to input my address for the free delivery?
Thanks for taking a first look at this for us: pretty indeed.
I like it! Love the size and that big tank… Thanks for the show.
Thanks Ara and Melissa. Yes, it is a beautiful bike. Melissa, don’t you see that tab at the top of the page–the one marked “Free Delivery” for all authors who write about Moto Guzzis? I’ll have to make sure my web site is working correctly. 🙂
Brent
I was just sitting here debating which of us looks more like Steve McQueen sitting on the Guzzi. I decided it was a tie.
No, Doug, it’s you. I look like an old guy trying to figure out how to spend a Social Security check! 🙂 –Brent
Brent, that smile on you looks more like a guy who’s already decided to spend that Social Security money.