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MOTO GUZZI V7 CLASSIC

AS FURIOUSLY INNOVAtive and industrious as the Italian people can be, the culture never seems to lose touch with the more humane a domani side of life that knows how truly important relaxation is and how vital taking an espresso break can be.

So, from the country that produces world-champion-ship-winning racing cars and bikes also comes a relaxing, useful motorcycle like this Moto Guzzi V7 Classic.

Because the V7 line of the late Sixties and early Seventies is such a revered group of bikes, particularly the Sport, Guzzi purists can be somewhat ruffled by the use of “V7” on what amounts to a retro bike with beginner overtones. But the name makes sense for the 744cc displacement, and “Classic” is tacked on to make a clear differentiation that, while the silhouette is similar to the hallowed Sport of yore, this is a bike of a different time, for a different time. And if you let your Italophile righteous indignation get in the way of experiencing and enjoying this $8490 machine for what it is, you would be missing out.

The Classic has an approachable, friendly motorcycle stance very much like that of a vintage bike, offering a firm, flat, 31.7-inchhigh seat, nicely contoured handlebar and good footpeg position, all in a sensible overall size.

There is real damping at work in the 40mm Marzocchi conventional fork and twin Sachs shocks (with threaded spring-preload adjusters), so the V7 retains a bit of sporting character. Cornering stability and chassis feel are adequate and allow a good time on a winding road, while handling around town is nimble, light and sure. On the highway, rain grooves cause a chassis wiggle that will definitely upset less-experienced riders. The 320mm Brembo disc at the front has an elegantly airy carrier, and the four-piston caliper (with steel-braided line) provides decent feel and power. The rear disc takes a bit of effort at the pedal, but it slows the bike well and resists lock-up.

Hallmark of this longitudinal-crankshaft, 39-horsepower V-Twin is tractability, definitely not outright speed. The ratios of the decentshifting five-speed gearbox and shaft final drive allow the 37-ft.-lb. torque peak to be exploited well, so thumping away from stops is easy (even with the somewhat rubbery-feeling clutch), especially since 95 percent of peak torque is available at just 2000 rpm.

On the road, the engine can be lugged down to 1500 rpm in top gear (25 mph) and will pull cleanly away. Freeway cruising at 80 mph is within the functional capability of the bike, but the greatest riding pleasure is found at a sub70-mph pace, where the beat of the engine, comfortable riding position and excellent 150-mile-to-reserve cruising range express themselves.

Yes, what you find after a long, meandering ride is that the V7 is a highly useful motorcycle in harmony with itself, and the rider feels this on the road. Best part is, it’s always ready to stop for an espresso.

"This is a modern retro standard with a soul as old as the Moto Guzzi factory itself."

Mark Hoyer