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Christiaan is smitten with his V7 Classic

Some time ago Christiaan joined our forum and mentioned with quite a degree of certainty that his next bike was going to be the V7 Classic. Like Christiaan and many other fans of Moto Guzzi we had seen the pre-production prototype images and were really excited by this bike.

As the weeks and months went on speculation about the bike gained momentum until images of the production motorcycle were released and we waited with baited breath for news of its arrival in the showrooms. On forums the world over it was clear the new bike had gained a lot of prospective buyers and we all knew this could be a vital motorcycle for Mandello.

We sighed with relief and pride when the initial press articles that were quick to heap praise on the little Guzzi...and then Christiaan announced he had collected his from his local dealer! He had to wait a few days to try it out as Belgium had been seized by a bout of apalling weather but it is clear from reading his regular updates that his fondness for the bike increased the more he got accustomed to it. At the time of Christiaan's bike arriving in britain we were still a couiple of months away from seeing it in our showrooms...by now our Belgian pal has owned his for a few months and at the time of writing his piece he had covered approx 1500kms on it...let's see how he's been getting on with it...

"My name is Christiaan, and I live in Belgium, in a town called Merelbeke. I've been riding bikes since 20-something years or so,first on a Honda SA-75: a scooter,...then for 14 years a Diversion XJ600S, and now a Guzzi V7-Classic.When my XJ600S was showing signs of deterioration (oil-leaks!) last year, I started looking for a replacement, and my first choice was Moto Guzzi, because I was looking for a bike with shaft-drive.

The main usage for my bikes is commuting, come rain or shine even winter doesn't stop me from riding back and forth to work on my bike, so my bikes must be easy to maintain, easy to fix if something goes wrong and be fuel-economic.Actually I had great interest in the Breva 750 Touring as it fitted my needs and wishes. My Diversion was maintained by a Guzzi dealer during the last years, so I knew Guzzi and a dealer.

But then came Eicma 2007 in Milan, in November 2007 we could on Youtube see what was coming, that was when I knew for sure that my next motorcycle was going to be the new V7 Classic. I had to wait 'till March 2008 until I could really order one, as the first one in Belgium. In June I could finally really ride it.It is my first Guzzi and it has all I hoped for, for now it's in standard trim, but as soon as the accessories become available, I plan to buy side-bags and maybe a small windscreen.

How is the bike like? Fine thanks! Let me start with some quirks:

The fuel-light goes on way to fast: after 210-220 Km, when reserve only starts at 250-260Km. But when you accelerate the light goes out again, to come on when you brake. I like to see the trip-meter, well, when the fuel light comes on the "total" Km shows.
I find this quite annoying. Finally, under the saddle is some storage-room, they drilled two small holes in it for water to escape. But when driving in the rain (and it rains a lot in Belgium!) the water just enters via those holes. Some silicone fixed that and I
would advise any new V7 Classic owners to do the same!

Despite those minor issues, after almost 1500Km the small V7 has gotten under my skin, it's a pleasure to drive it along the country, cruising. It has less power than the XJ600S, but more torque, but you never miss those extra horses, the V7 is more than strong enough for our busy traffic. One has to go to Germany to drive the full 175Km/h (ed:- on German “autobahn” roads there is no set speed limit) or to a circuit but the bike wasn't built for that.

Riding position is very relaxed, the saddle is hard, but not uncomfortable, you can ride until the need for refuelling without saddle-pains. Controls fall right into your hands
when taking the seat, the instruments and warning lights can be seen in all light conditions.

Changing gear is easy, clutch works light, no clicks or other noises, snicks easily into neutral. Brakes took some riding-in, but performance is really good, in wet conditions a tad too good, especially the rear brake needs attention in the rain. A gentle foot is needed. This could be due to the tyres, don't know yet.

In dry weather there are no problems whatsoever.And then the sound, no, I must really say music, out of the exhausts, finishes the overall looks of the bike. The sound when accelerating is truly Guzzi, but when cruising at 2000rpm, the bike kinda whispers, then you open the throttle full and, well, you must hear it! People turn their heads and look with interest, they really think it's a genuine old-timer when you pass by. That's not why I bought the V7 Classic, but it's a nice extra feature.

I would certainly recommend this motorcycle to my friends. Given the chance I would like to own an original V7. Today I think Moto Guzzi has a bike for everyone’s choice, whether you like speed, cruising or touring there's a Guzzi for you. Too bad the marketing-boys at Guzzi don't do more effort to sell more of that good product. But then again, what if Guzzi became as common as Japanese bikes?Hm... makes you wonder..."

Running costs thus far:

Christiaan reports the following running costs thus far:

It costed me 122.89 Euro's for:
*shaft drive + gearbox oil change- (7.07 Euro)
*Oil filter- (9.92 Euro)
*Engine oil 20W50VR1; 2 liters- (19.84 Euro)
*valves seal- (2 x 1.24 Euro)
*small stuff- (1 Euro)
*work 1.75hour- (61.25 Euro) =check valves, axone test, general check
*taxes 21%- (21.33 Euro)

Further more I can report that fuel consumption stays at 4.8 liters per 100Km meaning that theoretically with the fuel tank containing 15liters you can go as far as 312Km....

Further reading

Moto Guzzi V7 Classic / EICMA 2007 /

More images of Christiaan's V7 Classic

Christiaan has fitted hard cases from Mutazu	Rear view of the hard cases

Thank you to Christiaan for submitting his report and his images. Your bike can be featured too, simply get in touch at info@guzzista.com and spread the Guzzi gospel!