V7III Special
You’ll be hard pushed to immediately spot the changes that turn the old V7II into the new V7III but in fact it’s a hefty rework for one of the firm’s most popular ranges.
As with so many other revised machines at this year’s shows, the driving force is the need to meet next year’s Euro4 emissions rules. In the case of the V7 that’s resulted in an engine with new cylinder heads, pistons and cylinders, looking more like the ones from the V9 than the old V7. There’s also a new crankshaft and sump, designed to reduce pumping losses.
V7III Stone
Moto Guzzi claims that the new engine gives a 10% power boost, now up to 52bhp, but that’s not really the objective of the V7.
V7III Racer
It’s a bike that’s more about image and feel than pure performance, and few of today’s retro machines make such a good job of it as the V7. In V7III form, the bike gets geometry updates to its chassis to sharpen steering, new shocks and a revised riding position. Styling is mildly tweaked with new side panels and seats. As before, the range includes the basic Stone model with alloy wheels and matt black paintwork. There’s also the wire-wheeled, chrome-laden Special and the sportier Racer, which has number boards and a fly screen.
V7III Anniversario
For 2017 there’s also the addition of the Anniversario version. Limited to 750 units, the Anniversario is similar to the Special but gets a chrome fuel tank and plusher seat as well as different front and rear mudguards.
Although the larger V9 family was only launched a year ago, it’s already being updated. The V9 Roamer and Bobber, powered by the 850cc version of Guzzi’s latest V-twin, each get alterations. Both bikes get revised riding position, repositioned pegs and new saddles. All the parts can be retro-fitted to 2016 models, too.
