All,
I have owned my new Special since last July. At 1200 miles, these are my impressions. Just had my first service at Italian Superbikes here in Houston.
I give the bike 9 out of ten as far as ownership experience. As reported in test rides, and early ownership: dang the new 2V engine combined with new 6-speed gearbox and tweaked geometry is just superb. Fueling is spot on, no more warm up issues, or hot engine difficult start issues. The instrumentation is excellent, love having gear indicator and ABS and rider modes. Already tested the ABS in emergency breaking (hell, I live in Houston, TX) and yep it is good stuff---done some rain riding: composed. No more V7 Racer (2012) skids and brake modulation and a prayer. Guzzi even fixed the crappy side stand issue: lots of peg grip for boot.
I see very few significant changes I would make. I LOVE the zaffiro blue, it is striking, and others appreciate the uniqueness of the bike. The side cover design is so-so, but nothing major. I would still desire a fuel level indicator like my Triumph STRX triple. But, fuel mileage and capacity are superb, this bike can run many miles between stops. The seat is comfy, and with new small rear rack: plenty of room for a big roll waterproof bag for longer overnight trips, and maybe, maybe fulfill a dream of some motorcycle camping.
This is a bike I can make a lot of miles in a day. Longest so far about 175, but more possible due to the bar geometry just fits me. Old 2012 V7R just gave me back pains after 100 miles.
The engine, well with higher HP and torque: it cruises easy at 80, no strain at all. And there is plenty of acceleration, this bike can move! Punches above its weight no doubt.
The bike is fun to ride! And I feel comfortable and safe in any situation.
One major issue to resolve. Wow, it is quiet with the double wall pipes. Next project, with my dealer: replace the cans, drop weight, and get a bit more of that transverse V-twin roar going. Minor issue: don't like the big, ugly, rubber foot pegs: looking at smaller replacements, something like the Racer.
Love this bike. It is a big win. Luigi in Mandello did a superb job. Congratulations.
I have owned my new Special since last July. At 1200 miles, these are my impressions. Just had my first service at Italian Superbikes here in Houston.
I give the bike 9 out of ten as far as ownership experience. As reported in test rides, and early ownership: dang the new 2V engine combined with new 6-speed gearbox and tweaked geometry is just superb. Fueling is spot on, no more warm up issues, or hot engine difficult start issues. The instrumentation is excellent, love having gear indicator and ABS and rider modes. Already tested the ABS in emergency breaking (hell, I live in Houston, TX) and yep it is good stuff---done some rain riding: composed. No more V7 Racer (2012) skids and brake modulation and a prayer. Guzzi even fixed the crappy side stand issue: lots of peg grip for boot.
I see very few significant changes I would make. I LOVE the zaffiro blue, it is striking, and others appreciate the uniqueness of the bike. The side cover design is so-so, but nothing major. I would still desire a fuel level indicator like my Triumph STRX triple. But, fuel mileage and capacity are superb, this bike can run many miles between stops. The seat is comfy, and with new small rear rack: plenty of room for a big roll waterproof bag for longer overnight trips, and maybe, maybe fulfill a dream of some motorcycle camping.
This is a bike I can make a lot of miles in a day. Longest so far about 175, but more possible due to the bar geometry just fits me. Old 2012 V7R just gave me back pains after 100 miles.
The engine, well with higher HP and torque: it cruises easy at 80, no strain at all. And there is plenty of acceleration, this bike can move! Punches above its weight no doubt.
The bike is fun to ride! And I feel comfortable and safe in any situation.
One major issue to resolve. Wow, it is quiet with the double wall pipes. Next project, with my dealer: replace the cans, drop weight, and get a bit more of that transverse V-twin roar going. Minor issue: don't like the big, ugly, rubber foot pegs: looking at smaller replacements, something like the Racer.
Love this bike. It is a big win. Luigi in Mandello did a superb job. Congratulations.