Moto Guzzi V7 III - Retro heaven or hell?

Here is my first ride impressions of my new (to me) Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon Limited Edition. My first Guzzi and indeed first "retro" bike. I'm in a bit of a culture shock but not necessarily in a bad way!
The music used in this video is supplied under licence from Soundstripe. Accreditation to:
Anthony Catacoli - Deeper Heart
Cody Martin - Sunrise
Cameras used:
GoPro Hero 8 Black
Insta 360 One RS

[@henryhawk978]

Very nice/ classy bike. Enjoyed the video and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@blueyondermoto]

Thanks Henry and you ride safe and have fun too. Hope you've subscribed?! 😃

[@SPSteve]

What a beautiful machine, I love the tasteful modifications done to the bike! It's a looker for sure! I have a 2022 V7 Special and I like the relaxed riding style. Interesting how you say it feels like an old bike, when I ride my 1977 BMW R75/7 and then my 2022 V7 Special it feels very modern! Haha :)

[@blueyondermoto]

Ah well yours is the MkIV, 😀 so it will feel modern 😂. Glad you like the video more coming soon including a V7 update and also a V100 Mandello that I'm currently working on.

[@manylch7964]

Very nice and accurate description of the bike. I have owned 3 Guzzis I have the same V7III carbon model. 22K problem free Km over 5 years. It btw is a limited numbered edition. The original model comes with black rear shock springs and I also changed to red springs to balance the look. I put on Agostini pipes and a fuel controller which got rid of the low speed lumpiness. I strongly recommend changing the original Pirelli demon tyres which were terrible in the wet. Changing to Conti Road Attack 3s was a huge upgrade in handling on twisties and on slippery road surfaces. Correct not a sportbike but something that makes you fell you are riding a piece of machinery and not an armchair. A real keeper.

[@blueyondermoto]

It is a great little bike.

[@bikeaholic6386]

The bike is a head turner for sure, and that seat looks amazing. With selecting 1st and neutral, you will get used to it, but if 1st isn't going in cleanly, then you just need to let the clutch out and pull it back and then a commanding press down on the gear lever, and with neutral if you having trouble finding it, just let the clutch out slightly so the bike moves a bit, and the pull it in and select neutral, that works for me on my Bellagio anyway. Great video and glad you're enjoying the Guzzi 😁

[@blueyondermoto]

Cheers Miles 👍

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

Congrats for the bike. I am a new subscriber from Porto/Portugal, riding for 50 years all types of bikes through Iberia. I own two wonderful bikes; a 2003 Moto Guzzi breva 750 i bought in 2022 april ; only14000km... and a 2018 euro 4 Royal Enfield Classic 500. Tha's the true reasons to be here.😉

[@blueyondermoto]

Welcome to my subscribers Fernando and thank you. Two very interesting bikes you have there. I've recently added a new V100 Mandello to my garage and expect to see more Moto Guzzi videos featuring that and the V7 Carbon.

[@n22pdf]

Awesome congrats I’m also thinking of buying on of these.. maybe the classic although would like the newer headlight like on yours 😊👍🥇

[@blueyondermoto]

They are cheeky little bikes. A six months ownership review coming up soon.

[@patrickkavanagh7253]

Excellent review

[@blueyondermoto]

Thank you Patrick

[@10000Pontus]

Congrats to a beautiful bike!! I used to own the same model but regretted selling it so I bought a new V7 (850). Your bike seems to be stock, but the windshield, shocks, luggage rack, cylinder head protectors and the red stripes on the rims. I would suggest you change the rear view mirrors for Guzzi’s handlebar mirrors, which gives the bike a really slim, cool silhouette. Remember to check the oil now and then and you will be good to go for many years to come. I hope you are really enjoying the bike!

[@blueyondermoto]

Thanks Pontus I'm looking forward to experience.

[@garethkelsey-evans7418]

Shaft drive is nice to have too!

[@blueyondermoto]

It is, my R1200R Sport is a shafty too.

[@MrKkgr]

I have exactly the same bike. Great great bike!

[@blueyondermoto]

What number is yours? This is #659

[@kendetulio4009]

I own this exact bike. Best bike I ever owned..and I have plenty!!

[@blueyondermoto]

It's a great bike Ken, fun to ride and oodles of charm and character. Could another Guzzi be joining it soon? Maybe.

[@kendetulio4009]

@@blueyondermoto I have another bike and a Corvette, so probably not. You?

[@blueyondermoto]

@kendetulio4009 yes...but shushhhh keep it quiet!

[@BlueRidgeRider]

I bought mine last Thursday. The shift light is adjustable to whatever you like. I switched it off. The front brake is fine but the rear is almost nonexistent. I’ve ordered some organic pads that usually have better feel. I made mine louder.

[@blueyondermoto]

Yes, I adjusted the shift light further up the rev range at the next service so now it's representative of the best time to shift up to max torque. Hope you enjoy riding the V7!

[@ROCmotorbike]

I know zilch about mechanics or engineering, but I know that colour scheme has my attention. Great looking bike!

[@blueyondermoto]

Lovely bike though the satin matt black does mark easily

[@ROCmotorbike]

@@blueyondermoto Good point, never thought of that

[@johnrocker2986]

Soft engines usually are the best road bikes as they are less demanding and allow one to relax, nice vlog

[@blueyondermoto]

Thank you, John, and I totally agree.

[@jirislavicek9954]

Gorgeous bike 👍. Times of high performance sports machines are coming to the end, especially in places like Britain. I am deciding between Moto Guzzi V7 and Royal Enfield Interceptor. I think the Guzzi wins thanks to neater design, European origin and the shaft drive.

[@blueyondermoto]

Absolutely correct on all those points Jiri. I had pretty much the same choice between this V7 and a brand new RE Continental GT (which I did like very much). I just thought the Guzzi was classier, better quality and would hold its value better.

[@malcolmmathers2690]

older v7 ii here after rideing my ural ranger i think the v7 box is lovely

[@blueyondermoto]

All in context. Overall the Mk111 is pretty good.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Very cool. I'm looking at the exact same bike. Might buy it this weekend. Quick question regarding the red wheel trim "ring around the wheel," is that tape or paint? I'm just curious if it's easy enough to remove if I wanted to?

[@blueyondermoto]

I've just had a look and I'm not sure. It feels like paint to the touch but there are joints as you'd get with tape.

[@JoshPostVlogs]

@@blueyondermoto Thank you very much for checking. I bet it may be very thin vinyl tape which may require a heat gun to remove. I’ll report back if I end up getting this one. Regardless, it’s a super sweet bike. Thanks!

[@blueyondermoto]

You're welcome. And they are very individual, characterful machines.

[@dwightnix893]

Wish I still had mine. Best bike I ever had.

[@blueyondermoto]

Buy another!

[@dwightnix893]

injured, unemployed and crashing at my brothers house @@blueyondermoto

[@tonygolding2274]

Have a v7iii myself. Great little machine, fantastic engine, surprisingly great on long distance rides , but the suspension front and rear is awful real budget jobbies , I’ve replaced the rears for , shock factory units , makes a difference but the travel can’t be increased, but over all great bike 🫡👍

[@blueyondermoto]

Yes a follow up review is on the way which says similar. A big brother arrives tomorrow!

[@peterlindner5300]

Nice review . I have #49 in WA, USA

[@blueyondermoto]

Number 659

[@robinput6267]

I really like the fact it looks and handles like a old school bike, a bit rough around the edges but after a test ride last week I ended up getting a triumph street twin instead. At the dealer the MG first refused to start (it only had 300kms on the clock) and needed a second try. When the engine was cold it seemed not to get enough fuel as it was holding back while opening the throttle, something that disappeared once the engine was warm. The back brake was very "soft", almost looked like it didn't work properly and it needed a firm push on the pedal to feel any breaking power. The gearbox was not very precise, twice I was inbetween gears and finding neutral wasn't always easy, the gear indicator on the dash had a mind of it's own so often I had to guess which gear I was actually in. The position of the footrests was weird, more forward then what I was used to and when I stopped to place my feet on the ground those rests would dig into my legs. Once I was moving the riding experience however was very good, it felt very "planted" on the road and often I was speeding but it didn't feel like that, this looks like a bike that can easily do highways.

[@blueyondermoto]

Hi Robin you echo a lot of my thoughts. Quirky is a good word for the Guzzi V7! As you can see mine does go well and I haven't had any starting issues but I don't think these bikes like being left standing for extended periods so that may explain the example you tried? A Street Twin was a bike I seriously considered too, good choice. I'm riding the V7 on the DGR this Sunday. I may well film it so expect a DGR video in the near future.

[@jfro5867]

The more we are forced into 50mph speeds and average speed cameras etc the more these bikes make sense. You get pleasure from the ride rather than performance. Just like the 350 Enfield Classic, same principle. Nice bike 👍

[@blueyondermoto]

Singing off the same hymn sheet 👍

[@Batinhas]

Had to let my V7 III carbon go. Too many problems. With a cold engine, very hard to get into gear. Rear wheel oil leakeage, engine pinging and stator burned. But very good vibe indeed, and beautifull.

[@blueyondermoto]

That's a shame. So far I've not encountered those sorts of issues thankfully. The finding neutral isn't the problem it was when I first got the bike. Good luck with future bikes.

[@RanMachlof]

Nice one, enjoy I am thinking of changing my Royal Enfield to a v7 III.

[@blueyondermoto]

It was a close thing for me in terms of choice, Enfield Conti GT / Street Twin 900 or the Guzzi.

[@blueyondermoto]

Ps make sure to give the vid a 👍😃

[@RanMachlof]

@@blueyondermoto I did 👍

[@blueyondermoto]

@@RanMachlof cheers!

[@svaralen]

I just love Guzzi's!! Beautiful, elegant, lots of character, reliable...perfect 👍 Do you think it is beginner friendly as a first bike!? Thanks and regards from Serbia ✌️🇷🇸

[@blueyondermoto]

Hi Alen, glad you liked the video. Yes the V7III would make an excellent beginner bike. Its very easy to ride once you adapt and its low weight and seat height are perfect for novice and experienced alike.

[@manylch7964]

Definitely a beginner friendly bike and easy to ride. I do recommend fitting crashbars immediately as it is a little heavy at low speed and you dont want to damage those expensive cylinder heads

[@andrewwoolley8694]

In a recent video you said you might consider selling your Fireblade. Is that the case? Because I'm looking to buy one...

[@blueyondermoto]

I am but not right at the moment. Probably in a month or so. Its going back to Steve Scott for a service and some work. After that I may well sell.

[@_audacerider3838]

As the Moto Guzzi Audace 1400 owner I can tell You the gear box will get better after 10K miles. You can set the shift light. So make sure it is set to the right rpm.

[@blueyondermoto]

No rev counter on my model unfortunately

[@_audacerider3838]

@@blueyondermoto that shouldn't be a problem my understanding is that You can still set the rev light at different rpm speeds. Have a look in the owner's manual or in V7 forums:)

[@rickgesell9468]

I love my 2020. Neutral is still hard to find.

[@blueyondermoto]

Mine is getting easier but not perfect. By contrast the V100 is easy every time.

[@jasonng6260]

Hi, may I know where I can get those valve cover/cylinder head guards?

[@blueyondermoto]

Hi Jason, they were already on the bike when I bought it, I will ask the previous owner. I suggest though that a start point for you could be Gutzi Bits. Have you subscribed to the Channel?

[@blueyondermoto]

www.motoguzzi.com/en_EN/accessories/vehicle-accessories/aluminium-and-design/cylinders-protection-2b003379/

[@jasonng6260]

@@blueyondermoto Heh Alan, thanks so much for your reply and pointing me to Guzzi bits 👍👍

[@blueyondermoto]

You're welcome Jason.

[@manylch7964]

Your Guzzi dealer will have them...they are guzzi catalogue accessories

[@jberejik]

That is NOT a change up light. You can set it wherever you like. That motor really starts to sing beyond the factory setting for the light. You are missing the best part of the engine by shifting before 3500 - where the factory sets it for break in.

[@blueyondermoto]

Yes someone else has said it's adjustable. Lack of a rev counter doesn't help newbies and as you see I'm still going well beyond whatever threshold it's been set at.

[@davidalonzi2918]

The engine works best between 4000 and 6500 revs. I’ve yet to ride a v7 but my 05 Breva 1100 just rides the torque curve and is so much fun in the twisties. Enjoy your v7 🙂

[@user-xq9gc8zb7q]

My Ducati is the same with Neutral

[@blueyondermoto]

Yes it's a faff.

[@lipsee100]

Honestly(and we all have likes and dislike about any brand you care to mention),,mine about MG, are they never made a good looking bike after about 1977 and the Mk 1 Lemans or the old T3...so now you know where I come from... The best thing about your bike is the Shaft drive,, I personally am not big on the carbon fibre aspect of the bike, I think it would have been better just black without the red bits..but thats subjective..Regarding the braking probably like you I much prefer twin discs up front ,I had a NC700 honda it had a single (also it was the most boring bikes ever) and it had a single disc,and it was not that good ,,so I think twin discs is the way they should go ,even if that means using a cheaper calipers.I like the fact it has low down torque which suits my riding style,,Would I buy one? errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr no ,, I,m just too prejudice,, I cannot shake off the sight of so many MGs with rusty nuts and bolts and owners with broken dreams,,, yours holpfully is a good one ,but with MG you never know ..No doubt some lifelong MG owner will take out a fatwa on me ,,but that what I think...good luck

[@blueyondermoto]

Oh you're being contentious, I've had a reaction from a Guzzi diehard for daring to call the rear brake pathetic. Consider yourself fatwa'd 😂

[@manylch7964]

Test ride the new V100, you might dind it changes your mind. I have owned 3 Guzzis. The electrics in the old days were unreliable but have improved immensely to be as good as any othe Italian make. I agree the MG le mans Mk I and the MGS-01 were the probably most beautiful classic style bikes that MG designed. Wish they would being them back.

[@lipsee100]

@@manylch7964 My Fav MG bike is the T3 850,,, I was really interested in buying one from Coburn & Hughes,,but by the time I had the money they changed the styling from beauty to the beast.. The new V100 is just abit BMW like for me,, its not foe me...

[@ronaldthomas9396]

I don't listen to music when I ride and prefer not to hear it while watching you ride! The sound of the bike and the wind would be nice!

[@blueyondermoto]

Hopefully there were sections where you could here the bike. The wind noise is a perennial issue it drowns everything above 40 including the engine, hence the use of music.