Moto Guzzi V7 Review: A Nice, Quirky Bike - Some Say It's the Vespa of Motorcycles

[@bugscooters]

I've spun off a motorcycle-only channel! Check it out: www.youtube.com/@bugmotochannel

[@jeremiahwells8525]

Your carefree and snarky sense of humor genuinely reminds me of Anthony Bourdain. I love it 🙏

[@bugscooters]

That's high praise. Thank you very much!

[@foggyrf9]

Literally NOBODY says that about the V7. Apart from being owned by Piaggio there's absolutely no connection between it and a scooter.

[@bugscooters]

Literally I said it, and a couple of others I chatted with. That literally is SOMEBODY, or SOMEBODIES? I dunno grammar. But rest assured the words have been spoke (spoken?).

[@foggyrf9]

@@bugscooters meh. Ridiculous thing to say. What do you even mean?

[@bugscooters]

@@foggyrf9 I dunno. How you doing though? Hope you're having a great day. Good day for a ride!

[@foggyrf9]

@@bugscooters pffft. It's been a vile day in England. 3 centigrade and drizzle.

[@chrissunde1104]

The gear indicator works by ratio of engine speed to wheel speed; therefore requires the clutch to be engaged.

[@georgemcray]

Dude, you're a lot of fun! The moment you said "This is it" I absolutely agree! Stay strong, ride on!

[@Simulera]

Moto Guzzi is the Moto Guzzi of motorcycles. BMW boxers also have a torque reaction. Guzzi’s are truly wonderful motorcycles.

[@bugscooters]

Agreed. I miss it.

[@brentharrington9235]

Moto Guzzi is the best open secret it riding. Even haters end up realizing there is something...different...about them.

[@brentharrington9235]

Disclaimer: I own 3

[@stevenwandels8934]

Hey man, first and foremost, great enjoyable video, nice ride you took there, there are some other things it would like to touch on, so I listed them down here: 1)I actually agree with the fact or with the person that told you that it's "The Vespa of Motorcycles" Both Vespa and Moto Guzzi are still made in Italy, Vespa uninterrupted manufacturing since 1946, Guzzi since 1921. They also both enjoyed the reputation of being very innovative and revolutionary in their day. Vespa with design. Guzzi with technical innovations, if you have a center stand on you're bike, thank Guzzi, they were the first to introduce this in the motorcycle manufacturing world 2) the rocking motion you encountered is more due to the positioning of the engine and the 2 piston heads, heading outward, than it is because of the shaft drive 3)I used to own a V7 (2018) and switched to a V85 TT (2020) for more comfort on longer journeys. Great bikes, loads of character and never had major problems with both of them. If I'm not mistaken also the only bikes under 900 cc that have shaft drive Take care over there in the States, greets from Belgium

[@bugscooters]

Howdy! Been to Belgium many, many years ago. It was magical. Definitely want to look at the V85. I'm liking the idea of the shaft drive.

[@TNJYbarra]

Great content! Vespas brought me to the channel but it’s the Bug commentary that keeps me coming back. Can’t wait to meet Lady Bug and hear more stories about Bug Life.

[@bugscooters]

Thanks! Bug World appreciates you.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

It‘s not the vespa of motorcycles. Only the Vespa is a Vespa. And only a Moto Guzzi is a Moto Guzzi. Triumph Bonnevilles though ain‘t no real Bonnevilles, but retro stuff from a follow-up Brand-name buyer. Triumph failed 1981 completely, some old bikes were built by Harris (today part of Royal Enfield). Moto Guzzi has been bought, but never stopped to exist as it was and evolved from there under new ownership, like Harley during AMF, just better. Although the V7 is a small-block machine, not an evolution of the former big block and so destined for an Urban plus use with its small oil reserve, asking for high-tech oil to compensate and stretch to long-range use, still, thanks to good oil-characteristics of such. It‘s pure character of a classic historic motorcycle, even Harley can‘t serve better. I like the 750 version better, than the 850 later version, both are awesome, the 850 is heavier and more powerful, but the smallishness of the 750 is just great.

[@foggyrf9]

I've ridden my 750 from Birmingham to Mandello and back. No issue with long distances, don't be silly. That's Birmingham the original place in the Midlands of England, not the fake pretender in Alabama.

[@davidphillips7255]

Before most bikes had gauges we used the trip meters. Works fine. If you want to keep it real simple just gas up every 200 miles with the V7. It's got a good size tank.

[@johnmartin7158]

And they had a reserve cock under the tank. Didn’t need all those fancy things because that was normality back then.

[@Fourwedge]

Good to see a new video bug, I'm still waiting for the ice to thaw in Missouri

[@bugscooters]

Just get some tire chains. You'll be fine.

[@johnmartin7158]

Greetings from NZ Mr Bugs. I’ve also got a scooter and a bike.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

When you finally walked up to the statue I kept waiting..... Joshua Tree stands out in my post-hippie imagination as a magical place. With its indigenous rocks and all it seemed sort of ordinary. But Palm Spring was fun to watch. I can't quite wrap my head around a desert landscape. And the houses to match. It was interesting to watch and as always your commentary makes me smile. I need that. Now, since I watched your video first, I'll move down to the number two spot and watch Itchy Boots.

[@bugscooters]

It's maybe the second desert I've ever been to (the other being Tucson, a few months ago). For whatever reason, I'm kinda hooked. I can't explain it, but there's something about it. This coming from a guy who loves living smack dab between the mountains and the ocean... There's just something magical about the desert. And, that architecture in Palm Springs! It's like a different world. Tell Itchy Boots I say hi. She's a big fan of my channel. (She is not.)

[@paulbyrumii2155]

Thanks bug for taking me away for a little while, have fun. Pizmo Paul.

[@bugscooters]

Any time!

[@victorhawkins3461]

So you had to be here on one of the two weekends a year it rains! Yessir, I'll agree that Palm Springs IS life changing -- I moved here because of a relationship that had been ongoing for well over a year, yet ended three weeks after I moved from L.A. But did I move back? Hell no! I fell in love with this place and have been here now for going on 19 years. Give ladybug. a hug -- but only after you thaw out!

[@bugscooters]

I'm coming back. Hopefully soonish. There's so much to see. Let's definitely meet up. I'll be sans-family and free of obligations. It'll be a hoot! I'll bring snacks.

[@victorhawkins3461]

@@bugscooters Game on, bug.!!!

[@MrScallops]

Debbie lol. More gold from the house of Bug - brilliant! 😃

[@jayhaycock5865]

Hi - love the video - as a “guzzisti “ if you think the modern v7 twitches you should try a “big block” old school guzzi! Take a ride on a California 1100!! 😂

[@bugscooters]

I'd love to.

[@aussiewantok]

you're a funny aunt, from a fan, great vid again

[@bugscooters]

😊 thank you!

[@iggyzorro2406]

always amusing. thanks. I don't really find my GTS quirky. maybe I am so quirky we cancel each other out. I guess it's the Vespa of motorcycles cause they're both from Italy.

[@bugscooters]

If you're quirkier than the GTS I'd like to meet you. We could have pancakes.

[@slimakfoto]

Tank is 22 litres - 5,8 gallons.

[@halohalomotomoto]

I love my 2023 V7 special. 🎉

[@TaurinoVirgenLeaders]

Love the video, my MotoGuzzi lives in Beaverton. It has Moxie, If you still want to ride one, let me know.

[@bugscooters]

I'm always looking for someone to ride with... It's almost the season!

[@c.g.c2067]

Don't think it's a quirky bike just think it's an awesome design. However give the Guzzi V100 a try, it's a different world.

[@bugscooters]

I of course mean quirky in the best possible way. But yeah, it really is an awesome design. I miss it and I only had it for a day.

[@c.g.c2067]

​@@bugscooterstry the v100 Mandello and please let us know

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

There are some great facts about Joshua Tree park that would be nice to hear in your vid- it was established in 1936, the Joshua Tree isnt a tree,it's a yucca plant. The "tree" was named by Mormons after a biblical figure, there are two distinct deserts that meet in the park -the Colorado and the Mojave.

[@user-hq6uw5zq6j]

Did 12.000 km on my V7 Stone until now,. nothing quirky about it.

[@takenbythewindNdrivenbythesea]

Beautiful bike ❤❤❤❤

[@johnsampey344]

Hay Bug, you are probably getting a bit of tendon issue in your left hand from repetitious strain & the low feaquency vibration coming from the handlebars. I can recommend using a few drops of Genevrier Essential Oil. You'll feel the difference in less than 5 minutes. Construction Workers suffer from the same problem using Power Tools.

[@bugscooters]

Yeah? I've been having a bit of an issue with my new mototcycle... Numb hands and such. I'll give it a look. Thanks!

[@johnsampey344]

I get mine from France but the Canadians probably have it if you can't see it on an American site. Yep ! Numb Hands is the Symptom.

[@stevenmiller184]

I have owned a GTV 250, a GTS 300 I currently own a Piaggio BV 400 and a Piaggio MP3 500 I love Italian style (and quirks) When looking for a mid sized Motorcycle I was intrigued by the V7 but, as you know (I live in Salem, Or) There are no dealers. I have heard that customer service and Moto Guzzi support is abysmal. Too bad. I love your narrative, by the way.

[@bugscooters]

Thanks! Yeah, that's a bummer. I really miss that V7. It's got its hooks in me.

[@Graham_Phelps]

17:05 I think that smell is called Petrichor.

[@bugscooters]

Interesting! I just looked that up. Very cool to know.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox4574]

Duh ! ... it's 21 litres (approx 5.5 gallons) NOT 24 gallons !!!!

[@bugscooters]

NOW you tell me!

[@petemccarry2326]

Why would anyone call a Moto Guzzi, the Vespa of motorcycles, when they are owned by Piaggio?

[@bugscooters]

That makes sense I think.

[@victorhawkins3461]

Since they're both owned by Piaggio, mightn't you call the Guzzi the Piaggio of motorcycles and the Vespa the Piaggio of scooters?

[@foggyrf9]

For clicks. Nobody calls them that. Nobody

[@armedferret]

The song certainly sucks but actual 29 palms sucks also so in a way art imitates life.

[@bugscooters]

The only good thing I saw about Twentynine Palms was... I walked into a Starbucks dripping wet and freezing, and the barista gave me a free coffee. It's the little things.

[@armedferret]

@@bugscooters i'll heartily give them credit for that one!! should be 62 here friday i may yoink the ol' vesper out for commuting.

[@operator0]

They make a version of this bike with Gucci saddle bags, and tank bag, and a camo wrap. The normal version of this bike costs around $12K. The Gucci version costs.....north of $55K. Yes, you read that right. A couple of Gucci bags more than quadruples the cost of this bike. The normal version is a cool bike and was on my short list when I bought my Bonny. Ultimately I chose to go with Triumph reliability rather than cool Italian styling with questionable Italian build quality.

[@bugscooters]

HA! That's hilarious. Those must be some bags! Agreed on the choice, though I will say the Guzzi's fit and finish was much nicer than I expected. And speaking of Triumph reliability, my Bonny is headed into the shop tomorrow for a check-up and 10,000 mile service. First time in the shop since I've had it, so am hoping they don't find anything that needs fixin'.

[@foggyrf9]

Build quality is on a par with a Thai-built Triumph. My V7iii was new in September 2020. Now at 38000 trouble free miles including a great trip to the factory and back (Mandello del Lario on Lake Como is a bit more romantic and picturesque than Hinckley in the fields of Leicestershire). You won't park with a dozen clones at every bike meet or café either, although there was around 60,000 extra people in Mandello in 2022 for Guzzi's belated centenary celebrations!

[@foggyrf9]

Servicing is much simpler and less expensive than a Bonnie, too.

[@bugscooters]

@@foggyrf9 I'd hope so. I just paid nearly $1,000 US for a 10,000 mile service on my Bonneville. To be fair, it was a complete look-over and such, since the bike is new to me. But still. That hurt.

[@Victor-vf1fi]

Build quality is fantastic. Less issues than triumph overall. But worse dealer network.

[@jaybou007]

4:01: S'what she said...

[@Dr.ModNut]

You 🪒ed. Have fun. Ride safe. Cheers m8! 🛵

[@Dr.ModNut]

Also, great U2 pun. Joshua Tree Joshua Tree

[@Dr.ModNut]

Also, you should rent a kite sometime. Kites are nice. 🪁

[@bugscooters]

I in fact own a few kites. I am quite the kite pilot. I mean, I'm ok. Really, I'm terrible at kites. But I quite enjoy them.

[@Dr.ModNut]

@@bugscooters 🪁 away m8!