Paolo and his V7 twins, a true Guzzi love

In the glory days of the 70s...

Squadra Guzzista member Paolo Rossi (Falket) is enamoured with his loop frame V7s, and has been since he first saw them back in the late 60s. Here he tells us about his passion...

"Friends, forgive my english, a lot of water passed under Tower Bridge since I left my english London school, but let me tell you, i enjoy so much seeing with how much passion those lucky V7 owners speak about their loved bikes, that is true love. It reminds me of the same passion when back in 1965 some pieces about the V7 started to appear on the specialized press like Motociclismo, then finally it was there BELLISSIMA V7 700 at the 1965 Milano Fair. She was like a Star, unique with those V7 cylinders, a dream which I promised myself had to come true sometime in the future.

It was the same year that I started working, but with those few bucks in my pocket I could only afford those little 50 ccs... Lambretta, Vespa, Mùller, Fantic Motors, etc. Only in 1971 I had enough money to buy a brand new Guzzi, but that was a Nuovo Falcone Police type, a rare white color. In the same year I bought a second hand Fiat Osca 1600 cc. Spider car. With a Guzzi and a pretty Spider I did enjoy that 1972 summer. My friends were driving bikes like Honda Four, Kawasaki Mk1, Laverda 750 SF, other had brits like BSA, Triumph, AJS, but my mind was still at the V7 Guzzi dream. That was the year I drove a policeman friend's V7, what a joy!

In 1972 Guzzi put on the market the 5 gear Buffalo 850GT, I said to myself “ that must be mine”. So it was, my local Guzzi dealer and friend Giorgio phoned me one day saying that he had something to show me. There she was, a splendid second hand 850GT Mk.I Blue Avio, just 800 kms. on the clock, neglected by 2 former owners because too different to drive with that rear drive shaft. In 10 minutes the deal was done, I gave in my Falcone, the Fiat Osca car and few more bucks then was finally MINE…
That same year my boss sent me to London for 5 years, without any back toughts I loaded the necessary on the bike and drove 24 hours non-stop via Calais. I was in London, where she made a good show for herself among lots of brits bikes. Brands Hatch was not far away from my place and at week-ends I was often to see the races. Bikers were looking at her like she was a martian out of space, they were nice and I remember the lots of pint of beer people used to offer me, sometime also girls bikers liked to go for a ride! …it was a nice time really.

Riding the V7 to the UK

As my job took me overseas I drove it back to Italy and left it there till the end of the ‘90’s when I did some chrome refurbishing, a new battery and drove it again touring the roads of Italy, throughout Europe, and bikers meetings where always she made a good show for herself.

The Millenium 2000 came with Internet at full stream, more miles on the road and more meetings, yet I believe that every bikers wish to drive up to North Cape once in their life, so I wrote on a few Guzzi Forums and there came the answers of another 2 Guzzi’s V7 fans, Gaetano and Renato. That was an unforgettable voyage, the 3 V7 bikes always quick and reliable, they made just about 10.000 kms. in 18 days without a single problem, needing only few engine and drive shaft oil top up.

But the madness of a Guzzi lover is without limit, and for our V7 we are badly sick. In fact my friend Gaetano phoned me one day saying that his son Daniele saw near Milan another V7 same color like mine whose owner intended to sell! I arranged a quick meeting and between Guzzisti only needed a few words as we understand each other well. I drove it back that same afternoon. as she had less than 10.000 kms. though she needed a good run-in.

The good thing of the V7 is that you can dress them in different versions and fit optional Guzzi saddle bags, seats, windshields, etc. The only disappointment I have, is that I cannot drive them both all together in one go … but who knows, the Guzzista often can do miracles.

And whoever has one of these should keep it very close and treasure it…bikes like these they dont make anymore.Hello to everybody, I hope that my love to Guzzi will pass on to future Guzzisti. Ciao, Paolo."

Further images of Paolo's beloved V7s

Paolo's stunning V7	What a fine pair!	With V7 friends at Mandello
In Norway	Top of the world at Nordkaap	Beautiful...and the scenery's not bad either

Technical Specification (V7 Special 169-1971)

Specification:

Year	1969-1971	Final drive gearing	4.375
Bore (mm)	83	Box gearing: 5th	-
Stroke (mm)	70	Box gearing: 4th	0.750
Capacity (cc)	757.487	Box gearing: 3rd	0.954
Compression (to 1)	9	Box gearing: 2nd	1.333
Valve type	ohv	Box gearing: 1st	2.230
bhp*	45	No. gears	4
@rpm	6000	Tyres	Front: 4.00 x 18, Rear: 4.00 x 18
Starter	electric	Brakes (mm)	Front: drum 220 2LS, Rear: drum 220
Oil	wet sump	Front suspension	telescopic
Valve timing	ohv	Rear suspension	swing arm
Inlet opens BTDC	24	Ignition system	coil
Inlet closes ABDC	58	Wheelbase (mm)	1470
Exhaust opens BBDC	58	Ground clearance (mm)	150
Exhaust closes ATDC	22	Width (mm)	830
Tappets inlet (mm)	0.15	Length (mm)	2245
Tappets exhaust (mm)	0.25	Dry weight (kg)	228
Primary drive gearing	1.375	* bhp figure:	at rear wheel

Carburettor settings:

Dell'Orto type	Size	Main	Pilot	Slide	Needle	Needle position	Needle jet
VHB 29CD/CS	29	145	45	60	V5	2	265

Further reading

More featured bikes / V7 Ambassador restoration / Neil's 850GT

Your opinion

Thank you so much to Paolo for taking the time to share his story and his stunning bikes with us, grazie Paolo, auguri!

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