2012 vs 2016 Guzzi V7

[RandomGRK]

Hi all, if you had the choice, would you go with

A) a brand new 2016 V7 ll Stone for $6800 stock
or
B) a 2012 V7 Racer (black tank), 5k miles on the clock for $5000. Mistral exhaust, fender eliminator and I think the wheels from spoked to rims. Seems in perfect condition.

In my previous country I owned a 2013 V7 Racer which I regret selling.
The only thing I think I would really miss on the newer is ABS but not too sure about anything else.
Is there a noticeable power difference between the two?

 

[andyb]

I would avoid a plastic tank - and check if it has a single Throttle Body.
AndyB

 

[Kev M]

I'm assuming this is US?

FOR ME, it's no contest, the V7II Stone with the single throttle body and the ethos I prefer is a no brainer.

But if you prefer the racer ethos and suspension and don't mind the dual throttle body motor (another deal killer for me) then there's no better example than the 2012 with the black metal 5.8g tank.

 

[RandomGRK]

Thanks Kev.

I don't really know what the difference between the single and dual throttle bodies is. For me, the casual rider who's maintenance skills are infant level (basically oil changes), does it matter?

Between the 2012 and 2016, when it comes to actual performance, is there a significant and noticeable difference?

 

[Kev M]

About 3 or so years ago my little bro and I rode each his 2TB V7C back-to-back with my 1TB V7 Stone.

We wrote it up on WildGuzzi complete with pics.

The differences are small in the big picture of all the different motorcycles available today, but bigger than one might have expected.

The 2TB model V7C feels less powerful, and needed to rev a bit more. We were comfortable at maybe 400 rpm lower give or take on the 1TB Stone then the V7C. A small difference but enough to make us notice and make the Stone feel more relaxed.

It was enough for Jay to actually sell his V7C and replace it with a 1TB Racer.

Ironically a few years later he's got about 30 bikes including both that V7 Racer and a one year newer V7 Special (both 1TB models obviously).

Other differences are minor. Some are cosmetic (different cylinder and valve cover shapes).

In theory the 2TB models will need throttle body synchronization occasionally. And there's a difference in the cold start actuation. Not to mention there's a partial RBW system on the 1TB models, the ECM/throttle body seems to have some control over the throttle plate despite the cable connections.

None of this means much to the casual owner, unless they feel the lower rpm and slightly more power of the 1TB is significant.

Oh yeah, one more thing. The 2TB models tended to use more oil, sometimes a lot and unexpectedly. Differences in the breather system seemed to have solved the on the 1TB.

PERSONALLY I'd not own anything but the 1TB models, but I'm really fussy.

 

[RandomGRK]

Thanks Kev. I actually just picked up a 2016 V7ll Racer for $7000. I couldn't pass it up.

 

[Moto_Max]

good choice.

Even though you already picked it up. I thought I'd go over a few things that weren't brought up.

One being the motor position in the frame. They v7II is lower and canted forward a few degrees more than the previous v7's allowing for a little more leg room for your knees and also gaining a lower center of gravity and easier handling.

Second, you gain an extra gear. 6th gear.

 

[Kev M]

Awesome Random!

Moto-Max, good points and not bad changes at all from what I hear.

 

[Mr Pootle]

Thanks Kev.

I don't really know what the difference between the single and dual throttle bodies is. For me, the casual rider who's maintenance skills are infant level (basically oil changes), does it matter?[/QUOTE
You can do your own oil changes? You're ahead of me there. I can fill the fuel tank and check the tyre pressure, but that's as far as it goes.