Moto Guzzi V7 Classic with modern appeal

Modern classics are popular among the more mature riders who want something that reminds them of the "good old days". But the modern classic from diverse brands such as Triumph, Harley, Ducati and Moto Guzzi don't have all the foibles of the old bikes with their modern fuel-injected engines and disc brakes. 

Moto Guzzi is beefing up the appeal of its V7 Classic, which is a faithful rendition of its 1960s V7, with a free touring package that makes it a more useable bike. Importers John Sample Automotive have released a limited edition Sports Touring Pack valued at $2200 free on all current V7 stock.

The pack includes a tinted sports windscreen to take some of the windblast and cold off the chest, plus a leather pannier kit and chromed carry rack turning it into a long-distance tourer. The panniers are of rigid design in nylon with a capacity to hold up to 20 litres and covered in leather.

They feature water-resistant compounds along with removable inner liners and are finished off by a chrome steel buckle to close. The panniers fasten to the frame with steel. The rear carrier fits in place of the chrome handles, giving the passenger a solid handle to grab.

Touring is further aided by the comfortable riding position, stress-free engine, maintenance-free shaft drive common to all Guzzis and five-speed transmission. The 19.5-litre fuel tank also provides almost 400km of highway range.

At $13,990, the V7 sits between its main modern classic rivals, the Triumph Bonneville ($12,490-$13,990) and Ducati GT 1000 ($17,990-$18,990). As in the 1960s V7, this model features a 90-degree V-twin engine. 

All Guzzis have that "torque effect" of slightly rocking sideways with the throttle, but it is less pronounced now, easy to get used to and a quirky characteristic that no true Guzzi fan would be without. The EFI is very smooth from idle, making tight manoeuvres, commuting and roundabouts a breeze.

Unlike the original V7, it has Brembo disc brakes, Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection and Marzocchi forks.

So while it may look like a well-restored classic, it goes, turns and stops like a modern bike. 

Spoked wheels, big rear fender, single front disc, twin shocks, single headlight and twin clock-shaped instruments are the hallmark of classic uncluttered design.

Add to that the shaped tank, the deep chrome and the excellent build quality and you have a beautiful bike. 

Modern touches include the small LCD screens in each instrument "clock", the Moto Guzzi logo that lights up on the instruments, the Brembos, braided lines and smooth EFI.

Triumph kept the traditional carbie shape for its EFI unit and Guzzi at least retains what looks like a traditional choke - a manually-operated fast-idle lever on the handlebar.

Moto Guzzi V7 Classic

Price: $13,990
Engine: 744cc, 4-valve, fuel-injected V-twin;
Power: 35.5kW @ 6800rpm; Torque: 54.7Nm @ 3600rpm
Transmission: 5-speed, shaft drive
Fuel Tank: 19.5L (2.5L res)