The V7 is the first model created by Moto Guzzi, and celebrating the 50th year of the first, the brand launched the V7 III with four editions in 2017: Stone, Special, Racer and a celebratory entrant Anniversario. Expanding this footprint for 2018, MG launched the ‘Rough’, ‘Milano’, ‘Stornello’, ‘Carbon Dark’ and finally this ‘Limited’ edition.

The Limited is what 'bringing of two worlds' mean. Blending classic, elegant chrome with futuristic carbon-fiber and aluminum materials, this V7 is an eclectic and modern look that reiterates how well the V7 III lends itself to customization. It is an exclusive limited edition version in just 500 numbered units.

STYLING

This third generation of the “seven-fifty” from Mandello could be Moto Guzzi’s entry-level model but is in no terms made with compromise. Showcasing the strong and authentic characters of a typical MG is the transversal V-twin one-of-a-kind configuration that sets the tone straight apart from the mundane. And coming out of that is the oversized dual pipes and cylinder heads that take the show to the roman numerals III marking the third iteration of the legendary model.

On the “Limited”, all your eyes will fall on are the numerous chromium-plated parts reminiscent of the purest Classic world. It starts with the 5.5-gallon fuel tank that was inspired by the magnificent 1971 V7 Sport, exhaust pipes, pillion grab handles, headlight housing plate, dual shock springs and the vintage styled rear view mirrors. The tank gets “wrapped” on the top with a black leather vintage-look strap.

Another recurring element seen on the V7 Limited is black, from the alloy wheels to the powertrain, and is also with the saddle with “old school” stitching. The rest you see is carbon-fiber of course. The material is used for the front and rear fenders and the side panels. The locking fuel cap is made from billet aluminum, as are the handlebar risers which bear the model's laser inscribed serial number.

The Eagle’s cylinder heads that hide the throttle body covers are made of black anodized aluminum, and the milled cooling fins create another contrasting effect. The essential instrumentation is a single, circular display with analog speedometer and the other information contained on a digital display.

On the whole, the V7 III’s minimalist design reminds us of the beauty of simple elementalism, and it manages to keep the brand’s heritage intact with the suave design bits that are both timeless and robust. Although designed by the futuristic thinkers of the Centro Stile Piaggio Group, with input from the Piaggio Advanced Design Centre (PADC), the ’70s-era styling makes into these bikes rather effortlessly.

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

You cannot neglect to notice the longitudinally-mounted 90-degree twin in the first ever glimpse, it’s the signature layout of a brand. Guzzi’s in-the-wind, fire-breathing, knee guards are unmistakable, even in these blacked out versions with aluminum highlights and the new V7 family is no exception.

Close to 90 percent of this V-twin mill is new, and the displacement of 744cc makes it the smallest MG on the streets. The mill churns out a healthy 52 hp at 6200 rpm, whereas maximum torque measures in at 44.25 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm. All this power is taken via a precise and smooth six-speed gearbox introduced on the V7 II with changed gear ratios for a smoother acceleration curve. Surprisingly, MG is making use of a dry single plate clutch that is said to improve sturdiness and reliability over time and also help in lighter clutch action.

Bowing to the Euro IV norms, there are many improvements that head to minimize power losses and emissions. Traditional air cooling and 2 valves per head stay in this motor, though now with added oil cooling complies with the regulations. The Marelli electronic-fuel injection has a single shared throttle body that is still operated by the traditional push rod and rocker arms. At idle, like all Moto Guzzi engines, the V7 has a pleasant side-to-side beat. Once the rpms are at riding speed, the beat smooths right out, and there is no distracting vibration.

Dissipation of heat within the engine aluminum case has been enhanced with the enhanced fluid thermodynamics. Piston cooling oil jets have been introduced to have better heat management, and a new ventilation system reduces power loss due to the internal pumping of the crankcase chambers.

The double pipe manifolds start with an exhilarating bark, the exhaust settles for a muted unintimidating tone that turns into a beautiful whine during those quick dashes on the highway.

Engine Specification

RIDE AND HANDLING

The V7 Limited has a pullback, sweep up and back for a relaxed position handlebar with wide saddle and repositioned footpegs offering a neutral riding position that is comfortable enough for long rides. And the steel frame maintains the dismountable double cradle layout with the front end being completely revamped and reinforced for a more confident handling and stability.

The bike weighs at 460 lbs which makes it nimble and easy to toss it back and forth or side to side. Saying that does not mean that one could lean considerably. Doing that will scrape the foot pegs or even give them to your hand since they are positioned lower.

Though the V7s are tuned for a soft ride, suspension setup on the bikes was basic and standard non-adjustable forks with 5.1-inch travel and pre-loaded adjustable Kayaba rear shocks with 3.8 inches of travel. They are comfortable for modest speeds, but at higher rates, the shocks do not take hard hits well. A pair of Brembo 4-pot 320mm disc and 2-pot 260mm disc provide predictable stopping power at a peg-scraping pace. The rear brake master cylinder with built-in reservoir guarantees a quicker response and braking modulability.

Electronic rider aids include dual-channel ABS by Continental and standard Moto Guzzi traction control (MGTC) having two modes, “1 – dry” and “2 – wet,” which can be turned off if you think you are a pro.

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

The V7 Limited is priced at $ 9,690 and is available in Chrome and Carbon-fiber only. Just 500 units will be made available.

You can also as an optional package option for MG-MP (Moto Guzzi multimedia platform). It can connect via Bluetooth to any handheld devices, and you also get a USB connector to hook on to any of your portable devices to connect the bike to your smartphone. MG-MP is the Moto Guzzi system that allows you to connect to your smartphone for simultaneously viewing five parameters of your choice.

Through the app, you can record your trip information to be able to view it on your phone or computer. The system also lets you locate your motorcycle on a map. All of these adds an important value to one’s ride and get the most possible enjoyment from the riding experience in full safety and control.

Then, of course, there is a plethora of available accessories and options to customize your ride on your taste and needs. One can elevate the feel of this motorcycle and make it his own with their range of quality accessories that bring out the exclusivity within. They include a vast selection of items like the Red shock absorber springs, satin finish aluminum side fairings, fuel tank cover, windshield, injector covers, luggage rack, saddle options, aluminum levers and more.

COMPETITION

Triumph Bonneville T100

We all love the very beautiful Triumph Bonneville, don’t we! Over the last many decades, the Triumph Bonneville has been able to make the motorcyclists feel the unadulterated essence of motorcycling with its simplistic design and smooth power delivery, making the rider fall in love with the Bonneville each and every time he sits on the saddle of it.

It’s hard to find any fault in the design of the Bonneville T100, for the motorcycle retains the beautiful Bonneville in every possible way. The no-nonsense and fuss-free design is unmistakably Triumph, with the overall profile staying classy in every possible way. On the front, the Bonneville T100 comes with the same round headlamp of the Bonneville T120 and so is the fuel tank, exhaust units, and side body panels. The instrument console is an all-new multi-functional part-digital unit, which has been lifted off from the Bonneville T120.

Though Triumph hasn’t carried out much change to the design of the motorcycle, but under the skin, it is definitely a very different motorcycle. As opposed to the 865cc engine of the erstwhile Bonneville, Triumph has developed an all-new 900cc engine for the Bonneville T100, which we have already seen on the Street Twin. The motorcycle comes with an all-new liquid-cooled, parallel twin, 8-valve, 900cc engine, and the peak power output of which is rated at 53 bhp, while the maximum torque of the motorcycle stands at 59 lb.ft.

Apart from the engine and gearbox, the Bonneville T100 shares a lot of the mechanical underpinnings with the new Street Twin. The suspension combination of 41mm telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and fully adjustable twin hydraulic coil springs at the rear have been sourced from Kayaba and are the same units as that of the Street Twin.

The ergonomics have been tweaked out a bit to make the new Bonneville T100 a more enjoyable to ride machine than the previous version. The Bonneville T100 comes with a single 310mm disc at the front and a single 255mm disc at the rear. The braking setup, though, is further assisted with ABS and traction control as standard, something which the previous Bonneville missed out on.

Triumph offers a range of colors and prices for this pair. Both the base-model T-100 and the Black come with sheet metal shot in a glossy Jet Black finish for $10,400. The Black can also be had in a matte black finish for $10,650. A pair of two-tone paint jobs is available on the base model with a fetching New England White / Intense Orange, and my personal favorite, Fusion White / Aegean Blue, both at the top of the pricing chart at $10,900.

Ducati Scrambler Classic

There are very few motorcycles which have witnessed the procedure of evolution for decades. And then, there is Ducati Scrambler. Till now, Ducati has been selling six major different versions of the 803cc Scrambler and one version of the 400cc Scrambler. Out of all these versions, the Scrambler Classic happens to be the most retro looking version, which evokes the old school charm the most, with its appeal hailing from the motorcycles of the bygone eras.

The motorcycle gets a chopped front fender, which gets a premium looking aluminum finish. When viewed from the sideways, the body panels of the Scrambler Classic looks the same as the other versions. It is a simple looking unit which does get aluminum covers on both the sides, thus adding some character to its design. At the rear, the Scrambler Classic gets a full-fledged aluminum finished rear fender, which looks curvaceous and houses the number plate holder at the end of it.

The design of the Scrambler Classic is evocative of the original Scramblers of the '60s, but under the skin, it is a twenty-first century Ducati by every bit. It is powered by an L-twin Desmodromic fuel-injected 803cc engine, which pumps out 75 bhp of power and 50 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine which used to thrust the Ducati Monster 796 as well, though, for the Scrambler Classic, the cams are slightly redesigned in order to achieve a more usable top-end power. The engine channels the power produced to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox.

Like all other Ducatis, the Scrambler Classic too sits atop a tubular Trellis frame. Ducati has provided the Scrambler Classic with 41mm upside down forks at the front, and pre-load adjustable side mounted monoshock - both sourced from Kayaba. A 330mm single disc brake at front and a 245mm disc brake at rear, coupled with ABS, are employed to bring the motorcycle to rest from motion. Except for the ABS, there is no other electrical wizardry, which makes the Scrambler Classic an unadulterated motorcycle to ride.

Currently, the Scrambler Classic is being retailed by Ducati at a starting price of $ 9,995, making it more expensive than the Scrambler Icon, equally expensive as the Scrambler Full Throttle and less expensive than the Scrambler Urban Enduro. Like in other countries, the motorcycle will be available in the single paint shade of yellow with aluminum inserts and a dark brown colored seat as standard.

VERDICT

Moto Guzzi is a brand filled with products considered to be carrying a rebel spirit, a unique personality that often goes against the flow. The history books are proof that this Larian eagle is riddled us all with some unusual but unique choices like the transversal V 90, a skill for innovation, records in the sports field, the renowned eight-cylinder engine and more. Moto Guzzi was never shy about showing them off 95 years ago, neither are they today.

Moto Guzzi always makes it a point to keep both retro and the modern fumbled into the same machine. This V7 Limited is no different. The charming machines are carefully handcrafted in the historic Mandello factory which is both fun to look and ride. For guys like me, Carbon-fiber is always the deal breaker, and this “Limited” has it in so many places.

There hasn’t been a better time for classics to come onto the streets and with Triumph already deep into the territory, Moto Guzzi has the package to startle them. And with the pricing bang on, the V7 is going to be the brand’s most successful stint for the 50th anniversary.