Milan show: Moto Guzzi V7 III celebrates 50 years of V7

To celebrate the fifty year anniversary of the first model, Moto Guzzi has introduced the V7 III. The third generation of the Moto Guzzi has been completely revamped according to the manufacturer.

V7 III is available in the three versions, Stone, Special and Racer (see below for details of each).

Maximum power has been increased 10% thanks to the introduction of the new engine.

The metal fuel tank has not changed, with its 21-litre capacity The aluminium fuel cap is no longer flush with the tank line, but it is a screw cap and, as previously, it has a lock.

Other new style elements involve the new design injector covers, the sleeker side fairings and the new saddle with brand new and dedicated graphics for each of the models. The turn indicators are also new, as are the mirrors, 40 mm wider in order to increase visibility and the instrumentation.

In line with the essential image of the V7 III Stone, the latter mounts a spectacular unit with a single circular display 100 mm in diameter, whereas the Special, Racer and Anniversario versions have a second circular display that contains the Rev. counter.

The speedometer is analogue, whereas all the other information is included on the digital display: odometer, partial and daily trip (resets automatically eight hours after being switched off), trip time, instantaneous and average consumption, air temperature, average speed and the MGCT level, as well as the engaged gear indicator, for which the minimum and maximum rpm value can be adjusted by the user.

The front part of the frame has been completely revamped and reinforced, also introducing a new steering geometry for a more dynamic ride in corners, better handling and stability. Foot pegs have also been re-positioned lower and farther forward, and the saddle is now lower (770 mm from the ground).

In terms of the engine, the aluminium crankcase, stiffened in the key points, uses a new oil sump and a crankshaft with inertial calculated to provide a more lively response and an adequate engine brake. The lubrication system in the crankcase has been designed to dissipate the heat in the best possible way and to reduce power absorption in favour of both performance and a reduction in fuel consumption. There is also a ventilation system that reduces power loss due to the internal pumping of the crankcase chambers and a reduced capacity oil pump capable of absorbing less power. The oil pump intake duct is new, as is the related by-pass valve and piston cooling oil jets have been introduced that have a flow control and management valve. The alternator cover is also new, now with built-in exhaust blow-by.

In the upper part of the engine, the aluminium heads, pistons and cylinders are completely new, although the bore and stroke values are the same as the previous unit (respectively 80×74 mm), just as the engine capacity has not changed. As per tradition, the timing is controlled by a pushrod and rockers system with 2 valves per cylinder, now arranged in an inclined position (more efficient) in the head. The fuel system is entrusted to a single-body Marelli electronic injection system managed by an electronic control unit. The exhaust system is also new, fitted with double pipe manifolds that improve thermal insulation. With the auxiliary air system intake in the heads, combined with the trivalent catalytic converter, the double oxygen sensor and the new engine design, the Moto Guzzi twin 750 complies with the Euro 4 pollution standard.

Maximum power has increased, now reaching 52bhp at 6,200rpm, whereas maximum torque measures in at 60Nm at 4,900rpm. The reduced-power version is also available, in line with the limitations set by the A2 class driver’s license.

V7 III has a two-channel ABS system and a new adjustable MGCT (Moto Guzzi Traction Control) system that can also be disabled.

Here’s how Moto Guzzi describes the different V7 III versions:

V7 III Stone

V7 III Stone now has stronger and more personal aesthetic connotations than its predecessor. Eclectic and essential, it foregoes any chromium parts, embracing the darkness of its matt black paintwork that goes well with the graphic dedicated only to the V7 III Stone of the saddle, fitted with a passenger grab strap. It is, however, available in other attractive, satin finish colours inspired by typical ’70s shades: Nero Ruvido, Azzurro Elettrico, Verde Camouflage and Giallo Energico. The total “dark matt” look characterizes the V7 III and distinguishes it from the other versions, but that is not the only difference. V7 III Stone is the only one of the “four-of-a-kind” to have spoked wheels and single circular display instrumentation. The front fender has also been shortened in order to highlight the essential look of this model.

V7 III Special

Of the V7 models it is the one that comes closest to the spirit of the original model. Classic and elegant, it has numerous chromium parts and decidedly bright graphics. Like the famous 1975 V750 S3, it has the typical coloured stripe on the side panels under the saddle that complement the matching coloured horizontal bands on the tank. The spoked wheels have polished channels and black hubs; the instrumentation is made up of dual circular displays and the chromium plated steel passenger grab handle comes standard. V7 III Special also boasts a saddle with “old school” stitching, elements that highlight its classic and elegant roots. Unlike the Stone and the Racer, the V7 III Special and Anniversario have fork stanchion protectors instead of dust boots. The available colour schemes are also new: Nero Inchiostro, Blu Zaffiro.

V7 III Racer

Produced in a numbered edition, as indicated by the plate located on the upper steering yoke, V7 III Racer is not only the most sporty of the range, but also the one with the most prestigious parts, that once again demonstrate Moto Guzzi’s ability to create true custom models. There are numerous technical and aesthetic differences that distinguish it from the previous version and from the other V7 III models. As for the stylistic aspects, V7 III Racer introduces a new graphic for the satin finish chromium fuel tank where the red eagle is prominently displayed. This feature is reminiscent of the “Rosso Corsa” colour chosen to paint the frame and the swingarm: an explicit reminder of the first 1971 V7 Sport series, nicknamed “red frame”. The V7 III Racer’s sporty nature is emphasized by its semi-handlebars and its splendid, humped saddle. In accordance with tradition, the Racer has a single-seater sport bike look, but in reality, this new version is approved for two-up riding. In fact, it has pillion foot pegs and, as before, the seat cover can be easily removed when necessary. One of the most distinctive features of this “factory special” worth a mention is the widespread use of anodized black aluminium. This hand-crafted treatment, which requires superb artisan skill, characterises the new side panels and the throttle body guards, whereas the new front number plate is made of brushed aluminium. The spoked wheel rims have black channels and red Moto Guzzi stickers like the other sport models from the brand, including the Audace muscle bike. Other premium components that stand out are the set-back footpegs machined from solid billets, the lightened steering stem and the steering yoke guard. The most important technical innovation is constituted by the pair of Öhlins shock absorbers, adjustable in spring preload and in rebound and compression, that ensure tighter performance on the road in sport riding.

V7 III Anniversario

This is Moto Guzzi’s tribute to the fiftieth anniversary of the V7 and, for this reason, it is a truly special version. Produced in a numbered edition limited to 750 units, V7 III Anniversario is built on the V7 III Special base, from which it is distinguished by numerous details, starting with the dedicated graphics characterized by the prestigious, chromium finished fuel tank that hosts the refined, gold coloured Moto Guzzi eagle, combined with a brand new genuine leather saddle. The locking fuel cap in made from billet aluminium, as are the steering yoke risers that bear the laser incised model serial number. The brushed aluminium mudguards, the chromium plated steel rear grab handle and the wheel rims with exclusive polished channels and grey hubs are highly prestigious. All of these details work together to make the V7 III Anniversario a motorcycle with an almost hand-crafted refinement for true collectors.

Moto Guzzi V7 III: Technical Specifications