Ride and Review of the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough

[@patricksandeberg8184]

This is the best looking V7 in the lineup! Another great feature on this bike is the shaft drive! 👌🏽

[@TK-cl1jm]

Second best...right after my Milano!

[@jeffloucks2120]

@@TK-cl1jm Milano just needs those spoked wheels.

[@shmac96]

Watching this video again because I long for a Moto Guzzi so much that I have to live vicariously thru you and others that have reviewed Guzzis. Thank you!

[@RabidHedgehog]

You are welcome

[@KamranHaider]

😊

[@RidersInBlack]

Rabid, there's more than one of us that have qualms with Harley lately. The brand has lost touch with new ridership and is slowly dying. Moto Guzzi seems like an extremly underrated motorcycle. I hope the company pushes the brand and succeeds in new ridership. Mature Riders like myself already see the significance of this bike. Less is more. For those who don't understand, it brings you back to the simple joys of riding. A bike with soul. Not boring, not insignificant. Classic and classy.

[@TK-cl1jm]

Couldn't agree more. Almost bought a new RE INT650 this past sure, but found a new 2018 Milano for almost the same price! FANTASTIC bike that is extremely under-priced, IMO.

[@ripmax333]

very underrated brand, I once tried a 2005 motoguzzi California and its surely the best cruiser motorcycle that I ever rode. I would love to try a V7 one day too.

[@RabidHedgehog]

If you do you'll want one :)

[@massimocallegari4898]

I have two California...one II, 1000 cc , 1983, with sidecar, and one EV 1100, 1998...

[@henryhartley9993]

Great review, I think this bike has a 21 litre tank capacity so it should be good for 250 plus miles, that's pretty good, Triumph street twin only 12-13 litres...

[@RabidHedgehog]

I am indeed impressed with the fuel storage on such a little bike. It is funny to me that the V9 actually has less capacity than the V7s.

[@andrewhannam.]

Classic Italian mid size perfection!

[@RabidHedgehog]

It very much is :)

[@cocoplexplex]

Really enjoyed the video thank you! But poor you, you surely have no curvy roads there :)

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yeah it's Oklahoma and we are around 3 hours from curves in our location

[@andrewhannam.]

@@RabidHedgehog stay strong! We will all mourn you loss....

[@hudsonquay]

I don't think we have a road that straight in the whole of New Zealand.

[@Wabbit1961]

Always a fan of your reviews. Biggest problem, and you hit the nail right on the head, is that you can't find a dealership. For me, I live in Titusville Florida, the nearest dealer is Tampa. That's close to a 3 hour ride. Another thing dissuading me from this bike is there fact that I hear it has a 6,000 mile maintenance interval. That's including valve adjustment. But the valves are right there. No need to disassemble the bike. AND they're locknut adjusters, so no shims to buy or calculate. I'm sad. They're so close, yet so far away.

[@beckylogsdon2912]

The maintenance is all so super easy. I just bought my first 750 guzzi, and did all the maintenance myself in a couple evenings after work.

[@saliston]

Wow you're over 5K subscribers. Keep up the good work.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Thanks for the support! We have a ton we are working on the keep it going. Full time job does indeed slow things down a smidge.

[@c.g.c2067]

Drove my friend's one and loved it

[@RabidHedgehog]

V7 is one of the best standards out there.

[@kottomack]

It's a 5.5 gallon tank, that my friend is a huge tank. At 50 plus mpg it will go longer than most people are willing to sit on a bike.

[@JohnSandovalesq]

Ok...you talked me into it. I've owned my 2008 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport since I bought it new in 2010 (very similar engine to the Griso). It's been a great machine, never left me stranded, and I never have to worry about seeing a dozen of them when I'm out on a ride. As an experienced rider, I've come to realize that I don't ride motorbikes to do wheelies, rail corners, or do top-speed runs. If I was that guy, I'd buy a track bike and do those things on the track. I just like being out on a bike, taking my time, enjoying the journey. But, the whole Harley/Indian/Cruiser thing doesn't speak to me. I don't like riding with my feet in front of me, I prefer the pegs to be underneath me...a little to the rear is ok but nothing too extreme. So a European modern classic is what I think I want, something light and nimble but comfortable. I was leaning toward the Triumph Street Twin but I think, for many of the reasons you've mentioned, I'm gonna get another Guzzi. I'll take my Stone in Red, with bar ends, a fly screen, luggage rack, and a louder exhaust. Great review, thanks again!

[@RabidHedgehog]

Enjoy it! Where are you based out of?

[@JohnSandovalesq]

@@RabidHedgehog I'm in Northern New York, about 90 minutes north of Syracuse.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Wow! That's a distance. Our dealer here in OKC has that 2019 V7 Stone in red as we speak. If you're interested

[@TK-cl1jm]

Well?! Did you get one?! LOVING my Milano!

[@shawnpatten6515]

Nice review. I’m currently shopping for my first bike. I like these and the Triumph Street Cup and Street Scrambler. Tough decision!

[@RabidHedgehog]

If there is a chance to go back to back to back that is the best way. The Guzzi does not have the absolute power output of the Triumphs but the riding character and ability is up with them.

[@inkjob12]

When riding do you really feel the engine wanting move you to the side...I know when still and you rev the bike you can feel it....but is it there when cruising also?

[@RabidHedgehog]

This is not felt in cruising the bike at all. They essentially balance those forces out by the shaft spinning one direction, the transmission the opposite, and the crank opposite of that to help keep those balances. So only when the bike is at a standstill and the counters are not spinning as well you get that pull.

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Hi again. As you may remember I own a 2016 MG V7II Stone. I know you've rode an older MG v7 a while back. I have not yet got around to riding the newer model myself (the MGv7III) and was wondering the differences, if any worth mentioning, between the V7II and the V7III like the ride quality, power, suspension, ect ... ? I know that I was kinda disappointed that the new V7III only has a single clock (IMO twin clocks, a separate one for the tachometer, are more retro/attractive) unless one buys the V7III Special model at a premium price. I like the choice of tires on the MG V7III that you test rode above and may put them on my V7II soon (since mine are getting ready to be replaced). I have done some, but not much, riding on gravel roads and feel that the tires that are on the V7III you rode would be a good/better option than the ones that came with my V7II Stone. By the way, are you aware that Motto Guzzi is dicontinuing the Griso Model ? I believe it has to do with the new Euro 4 Emissions. What a shame that is. I test rode a Griso a while back and it is another great MG motorcycle for what it is. I cannot wait until I can test ride their new MG V85TT. Though I was consdiering maybe the MG Eldorado as my 3rd motorcycle or not ... And the new Triumph Speed Twin looks like another killer bike taht I am considring as well. Sigh, like I've said before, if only I would win the Power Ball Lottery ... (20 million net net plus after taxes would be nice, hahahahaha). Be safe and remember what the door mouse said. ;-)

[@RabidHedgehog]

RIP to Griso and I made a video on it that mentioned that it was on its way out, to me that is very sad. The newer models are quicker, lighter on their feet, and to me the geometry for their steering and such is much more balanced. The suspension is also improved. I do wish it had the Tach still but the bike does a good job of telling you when to change gear and what gear to get in. I would say the Rough is not going to be much different than your stone in the gravel as really the Rough has the tires but not much different on the suspension travel, ground clearance, or the crash panels needed. But I am leaning more towards a V85.

[@jeffslade1892]

I have a V7ii and have ridden the V7iii. I fear some cost cutting went into the V7iii, the lack of the tacho, some finishing touches like the cover plates on the frame. The V7iii does get a couple more ponies but it also gets a shorter power band. The suspension changes are neither here nor there, both handle like a cat on rails when you push them through twisties. Which is where these bikes live, not on straight rail roads. Both like the suspension set up quite soft to absorb bumps, and to stop them bouncing about on rough bends.

[@AA-mc5sm]

Best exhaust note I've heard on a moto guzzi. What is the the exhaust on this one, where can I get an exhaust like this, & how much $?

[@RabidHedgehog]

This exhaust is hand built by Motiv Cycleworks here in OKC. It was developed and tuned on their dyno so that no additional tune is required on the owners side. Here is the contact. 906 N. Ann Arbor Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73127 1 [phone].

[@AA-mc5sm]

@@RabidHedgehog Thanks for the info and reply. Nice job on the videos too!

[@dry509]

Is this more fun to ride than the SV650 or the rebel 500? I am in Houston btw and am 6 feet, 206 lbs, 30 inch inseam...long torso..shorter arms and legs. Also, where does the Honda CB1100EX fit into this picture concerning riding fun and comfort? Do you like the Rough better than the other V7 models? I agree the MT-07 has no soul...it didn’t do anything for me. Neither did the MT-09 for that matter...too jerky.

[@RabidHedgehog]

The CB1100EX is the couch of all of these, but it has a fun streak in it for sure and you can get down on the pegs and have some fun. Engine is the smoothest of all of the ones listed. The V7 is a blast to ride against the Rebel 500, and due to the semi off road nature of the rough model you have some flexibility to hit some dirt roads. At 6 feet tall with a longer torso you will be a bit on the cramped end on the SV650, comfortable and straight up on the CB and the V7, and leaned forward decently on the Rebel 500.

[@dry509]

@@RabidHedgehog Thank you for the feedback.

[@DirectorLJ]

Hey Hog. Good work, thanks, buddy. Looking at this bike seriously. How are these tires on the road? do you get that noise from knobbies on road? Do you know how they are on wet road? Do you recall what tires they are? Love me Guzzis. Had a Cali 1400 custom. Cheers from NYC.

[@RabidHedgehog]

These tires are more road than off road. Like 80/20 maybe 70/30 so they are not aggressive at all. They did not make any road noise that I can recall, but wind was a bit crazy that day so that is about as much as I could hear. Wet roads actually well. I did ride it in adverse weather when borrowing from the dealer one time and it was good! I do not recall who made the tires.

[@y2ktube]

Video @ 3:50 - You can see an example of the wind via the 3 flags at the left side of screen. I hate crosswinds on bikes !

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yeah we had some amazing winds that day.

[@terje4135]

V7iii or Griso? I love my Griso, but the V7 keeps coming back to me....

[@RabidHedgehog]

Both! But it depends on the riding that you are going to do. Long range and having fun the Griso. Long range and just cruising the countryside at leisure the V7. Both are in such a different class that it would end up being just how you end up riding.

[@dry509]

Rabid Hedgehog What do you mean by having fun on the Griso vs the V7? Why is the Griso more fun? Thanks.

[@robertparisi8016]

Griso has a lot more power, pegs are back a bit with forward lean, both are fun bikes, v7 a little more comfortable, small bike that u can thrash and stay at a reasonable speed, griso will definitely get u in trouble, much heavier to, I've driven both and ended up on a v7, it's more fun, more practical, more comfortable, its also less money, I use it as secondary bike to my st 1300, bare naked bike with no protection from the elements, still a blast on backroads, or daily commuter, reminds me of a old bmw r75 airhead without the headaches like wet drum brakes, carb problems with crap fuel, leaking push rod seals, blown bulbs, wobble, oil leaks, should I go on lol

[@bikerbeliever8169]

I'm planning on buying a moto guzzi soon. So which would you recommend the v9 bobber or v7? I'm 6'1 about. I like the looks of the v9 with fat tires better I think, but would still definitely take a v7. How do the motors compare, the bikes feel since you've rode both now.

[@GiulioImparato]

i would just wait for the new modern naked that should come soon. it should get the new engine from the v85.

[@bikerbeliever8169]

@@GiulioImparato wait what? I like the v85 but they got another bike based on that motor and bike?

[@GiulioImparato]

@@bikerbeliever8169 it's still a rumor it is not out yet. but given the investment they went for to build the new engine i'd say it is a very reasonable one. A reviewer i watched a review video of the v85tt from apparently spoke with the techs at Guzzi and they confirmed ,still nothing official :))

[@bikerbeliever8169]

@@GiulioImparato hope so. I've considered the v85 as well.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I do agree the V85engine will make it to some new models soon, however, if you are looking for something now the V7III would be the way to go. The V7 has more character, faster steering, bigger fuel tank, better mileage, and slightly more comfy seating it edges out the V9. Performance is a bit different, but not enough for the V9 to win. As for me, I am wanting to get a Guzzi, I loved the Rough so much I am grinding gears in my head trying to figure out how to get it. But I also no the V85 is on the horizon in a month and I simply think for me that is where I am going.

[@Vincent79Vega]

I have since two years the V7 iii and still love it. I like your videos, so thank you for the review. But always when I watch your reviws I ask myself do yo really have no corners in your Area? I only see stright roads and the only corners are crossings.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yes it's that flat here in Central Oklahoma sadly.

[@mikek2218]

Actually, I think the tank capacity on the V7 is about 5 gallons, so you can ride that thing quite awhile and not have to fill up... probably 250 miles. The tank on the V9s however is quite a bit smaller. Nice review.

[@mikyor1]

5.5 gallons, i get 250-300 miles a tank :)

[@RabidHedgehog]

Nice!

[@jeffslade1892]

@@RabidHedgehog the tank is 21 litres. The US and UK gallon are very different sizes, and our pumps are litres. So 65mpg(uk) gives us a range of 300 miles. When the low fuel lamp comes on we have about 4 litres left and a good 50 miles to find fuel. (2015 V7ii Stone).

[@highmilagerider1154]

Great video! Can you tell me what editing software you use for your gopro? I have a GoPro 5 hero black and can't get it to work with IMovie (MAC). Thanks. Keep up the great videos

[@RabidHedgehog]

This is done with Adobe Premiere Pro.

[@jx7230]

Hey rabid! Just want to know if you think the v7 iii is a upgrade to the Rebel 500? I currently have it and am looking for something relatively similar in size but a bit comfier and a bit faster. Do you think its worth the upgrade ?

[@RabidHedgehog]

It is indeed a worthy upgrade to the V7 it's quick, good fuel economy, much larger fuel tank, weighs near the same, way better handling. It's a great step up.

[@jx7230]

@@RabidHedgehog Now just curious.. Im debating between the V7 and the Harley roadster. I understand that they are different displacements but which would you say is overall a better upgrade to the Rebel 500?

[@RabidHedgehog]

I like the Roadster out of all the Sportsters as the best and it has a real inverted fork and actually decent brakes. Although it does not get down in the corners as the V7 does it has much more power and torque and can get up and going really nicely. It is the most expensive option but if that is not of concern then it would not hurt to jump to it. I recommend riding them both to be sure though since this one is a tough to call kind of deal and it would be down to individual preference.

[@jx7230]

@@RabidHedgehog Yeah I agree, I'll have to ride both & see. On one hand the roadster has more power but the V7 is more agile. The V7's gas tank is quite appealing as well... How much of a difference would you say there power is? Especially since I'll be doing 2 up riding occasionally, can the v7 handle that?

[@RabidHedgehog]

We did a poker run two up on this very bike for over five hours and it handled it very well. The way the Guzzi is with it's engine and weight would surprise you in feel even though it's about a 30hp difference. Also on the Sporty the passenger will be slightly more into you putting a bit more weight onto you.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Not sure I would even own a motorcycle if I lived there. Do you at least have dirt roads and trails to explore?

[@RabidHedgehog]

We do have a few we can draw on.

[@TwinsFan0492]

Excellent perspective and review. Thanks so much for the vid! Currently looking at trading in my CB500F for something with a little attitude and longer travel capabilities. Grew up on Honda’s and Guzzi’s. Rode some pretty amazing products from the Italian make and instantly fell in love. This company has an awesome heritage and rep which is important to me being a Honda fanboy at hear lol. Never owned a MG but really close to pulling the trigger on this one. I think it’ll fit my needs perfectly. Do you have an opinion on long term ownership for a shorter rider? I’m about 5’6 but an experienced rider with history of everything from XR650’s to the lowest cruisers. What’s the opinion on passenger/load carry as well? Thanks again!

[@TwinsFan0492]

@Back2Bay6 sorry for the delayed response my friend! I do indeed still have my 500, and at this point I’d find it hard to part with. Something about a Honda no matter what model makes it hard to get rid of. Pushing 13k miles at the end of this season, the bike has continued to be a joy and a painless experience in its ownership. I’ve put this bike through all its paces and then some, she’s never let me down and always gives me reason to smile. I def agree with you in regards to the whole “character” appeal, I’m in the same boat. For now, I’ll continue riding the Honda and honestly doubt I’ll ever sell her on the fact it’s paid off and it’s alone a terrific Honda. I commend your choice, you would’ve been hard pressed to find a better first bike. I’m sure people will tell you “oh you should’ve went bigger” or even that you should have gone with the shadow... these are valid points, but there’s nothing that the little 500 can’t teach you and won’t teach you about riding. The best trait I’ve learned about the 500F is that if you treat it right, it’ll give you all the joy of riding you could ask from it. And if you push her just a little, she’ll exceed your expectations and be very forgiving in doing so. Some of the best advice I ever read about riding is that “it’s much more fun to ride a slower bike fast, than a fast bike slow.” The Cb500F embodies that entire point.

[@shmac96]

Also....just for shits and giggles....how would you compare the V7 and something like the Triumph StreetTwin/Scrambler? Which one could you see yourself owning? Which one do you think would fare better long term?

[@RabidHedgehog]

To get an honest answer I would need an honest ride of those.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

What a nice bike.🥂

[@algesbrek5695]

I thought all v7's had a 5.2 gal tank,most bikes have 3.2

[@RabidHedgehog]

The racers and such have the same tank as the V9 so they have a little less fuel.

[@VPB1970]

Just one thing: the v9 roomer has a smallish tank. The v7 has a 21 liter tank...so...

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yeah, kind of a weird reversal.

[@rikkiroxx1430]

A walk around would have been nice..but nice video.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Thank you, this one was made at a random location away from the dealer so I usually miss walk arounds. We also had some very bad winds.

[@danielecontinisio1717]

Top speed?

[@RabidHedgehog]

About 110-115

[@bikerbeliever8169]

No shift lights on this like the v9?

[@RabidHedgehog]

Well the LCD tells you when to shift and what gear to hop up to.

[@roberttempest1208]

Brand of them real cool gloves?

[@RabidHedgehog]

Alpinestars

[@monsterrob1921]

Stock exhaust?

[@RabidHedgehog]

This one has custom built by the dealer exhaust and it made a very pleasing noise.

[@escapadoenophileetcafeolog2522]

Cool ! thanks for the video. Do you think this machine is suitable for duo (possibly with top box) for road trips from 2 to 300km per day?

[@RabidHedgehog]

It could do two up, but a top box and passenger would not be able to be on there at the same time. My wife and I rode this same bike for around 5 hours during a poker run and it did well.

[@leekelvin00]

Put on oem windshield, side pinners & rear luggage rack, no top box i never like the look, & did a few trips with wifey on it 👍

[@arizmo]

Could use some editing. There are several sections where you just go silent.

[@RabidHedgehog]

This ride was more enjoyed and it gave others a chance to finally hear the machine speak so to speak. It was a bit intentional on this one.

[@adrianstone4511]

No bends? No dirt? Very dull review, looks like the V7 is not the bike for your area

[@tokyosmash]

A sign for Lawton... :glare:

[@RabidHedgehog]

Something wrong with the Shady 580?

[@tokyosmash]

Rabid Hedgehog only thing good about Lawton is S&B burger joint

[@albertosbrolla8424]

👍

[@kayakmalta2444]

Right bike wrong roads or right roads wrong bike bro!!! Too straigt and flat for that kind of bike....

[@kottomack]

Please don't ride in the blind spot...just sayin;0)

[@yadavascudu108]

Italians do it better

[@RabidHedgehog]

They do make a mean bike.

[@ThePereubu1710]

Ye Gods....American roads are so bad!

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yup, sad reality.

[@TK-cl1jm]

Wrong, sir. This is but one small area of the country. We have some of the best roads, and scenery, in the world. You just need to be in the right parts of this extremely large country.