Moto Guzzi V7 Clubman Racer

The result is a dramatic contrast with the shiny chromium-plated 22 litre fuel tank. Staying on the topic of numbers, on the top fairing and tail fairing plates is still the number "7" (which in Moto Guzzi was dear to the 250 world champion Enrico Lorenzetti), but is now chromium plated instead of white. Also new is the single-seater saddle (on request the two-seater saddle with passenger footrests is available) covered with alcantara and imitation leather of the same colour as the customised leather belt with the Moto Guzzi logo on the top of the fuel tank.

Always spectacular is the red frame based on that of the first V7 Sport series with CrMo frame, the result of a special painting process, also applied to the hubs, wheel and swingarm, which enhances the architectural purity of the frame. Also red is the Moto Guzzi wording which now appears on the wheels, exactly as already seen on the latest California Custom.

With its tiny Plexiglas screen above the race number plate, the tail and top fairing - an exemplary expression of the Guzzi school - whose shape resembles the front of the legendary Gambalunga, an unequivocally sporty element in perfect harmony with the design of the front mudguard. Among the most distinctive elements of this special edition is the ample use of brushed and perforated aluminium, superior craftsmanship which characterises the side panels, the throttle body guards and the silencer mounting brackets.

Other premium components include the aft-mounted footpegs machined from solid billets, the lightened steering stem and the steering yoke guard consisting of a double chromed ring, which is so exquisitely crafted that it looks like an ornamental feature.

Particularly satisfying, not only from an aesthetic point of view but also in terms of dynamic performance, is the presence of a pair of WMY01 Bitubo shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload, in extension and compression, thanks to a 12 click adjusting knob.

This is a bike to be ridden strictly alone, in black riding suit, with a skullcap helmet and studded-palm leather gloves.

The Moto Guzzi V7 Racers remains an homage in design to the café racer motorcycles of the 1950s and 1960s, combined with the modern features of an Italian-engineered motorcycle. Featuring a new and more powerful, 750cc, 90-degree V-Twin motor and new lightweight, six split spoke aluminum wheels, the V7 Racer brings together classic style and craftsmanship.

The completely reengineered 750cc engine still relies on the engineering that made the Moto Guzzi V50 a success among riders in 1977. Since then the engine has been continuously updated yet stays faithful to the original genial layout introduced by Italian engineer Lino Tonti in the 70s and stays true to the characteristics of the Moto Guzzi tradition, that touring on a motorcycle at its most pure should be nothing but enjoyable.

While maintaining the classic 90° V configuration, the engine is now comprised of more than 70% new components. Cutting-edge technological solutions have been used to improve functionality, provide greater torque and power even at low rpms, and be more efficient, with higher fuel economy and reduced emissions. The new engine is more powerful and stays true to the characteristics of the Moto Guzzi tradition, that touring on a motorcycle at its most pure should be nothing but enjoyable.

The new tank brings with it a superior metallic construction that allows for a lighter tank along with a greater fuel capacity – the V7 Racer can hold a record 5.8 gallons which, together with reduced consumption, ensures a range of up to 310 miles.

The distinctiveness of the V7 Racer design is sporty and attention-getting in all the right ways. A new chrome fuel tank finished with a studded leather strap, a single-saddle suede seat with an aerodynamic seat cowl and ‘70s-style racer number plates mean the added engine performance is showcased right along with classic style. One look, and a rider will know that the V7 Racer speaks for itself.

The Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, iconic and prestigiously manufactured in Italy, will be available in 2013 in U.S. dealerships.

As with all of Moto Guzzi’s on-road motorcycles, the V7 Racer comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and roadside assistance for one year.
 

MASTERFUL TOUCHES

Seeing them parked takes one back to the 70's, at the dawn of maxi-bikes.

An illusion created by a mix of forms and volumes reminiscent of the famous ancestors, the V750 S3 reflected in the badges and side panels, the V7 Sport present in the soul of metal fuel tank with a capacity of 22 litres. Many are the references typical of the style in vogue in the seventies: the cigar-shaped silencers, the instrument panels, the flat and elongated saddle, the Moto Guzzi wording on the valve covers, the mudguards, the shape of the light assembly.

If there are few aesthetic details that betray their contemporary nature, many are the advantages of their constant and balanced technological evolution: the Moto Guzzi V7's can easily do 100 km with four litres of unleaded petrol, they require limited service every 10,000 km and can be ridden already at eighteen years of age. In summary they are beautiful, attractive, reliable and intelligent. But what makes them irresistible, to the point of now being an established best-seller of the Mandello del Lario production, is their charisma: they are unique bikes, in terms of style and design approach, built according to three fundamental pillars: the 90° transverse V-twin, the timeless double cradle frame and the renowned cardan shaft final drive.

Riding them they deliver just as special dynamic and acoustic sensations: the V7's are easy and fun to ride, regardless of the speed, route or chosen model.

Whether it's a Stone, Special or Racer, they are all tailor-made for bikers of any extraction or experience. What differentiates them, and which in the MY 2014 versions has been further underlined, is the character. The V7 Stone, now in total black, boasts its minimalist essence and urban vocation, the V7 Special is more conformist with the "Essetre" graphics reproducing the first V750 equipped with disc brakes, while the super-refined Racer is the most hedonistic. For all of them the only innovation in common is of a technical nature: a new wet flywheel replaces the previous dry alternator, slightly modifying the front of the 90° V-twin, thanks to a more compact and sleeker new cover.

The Bike:

The Racer is now the only sport version of the V7 and the model in the range which benefits the most from the two most significant changes: The new single throttle body V twin, which provides more sporty performance, and the metallic tank, further enhanced by the specific chroming of this elite version.

Manufactured in a numbered limited edition as shown by the commemorative plaque on the steering yoke, the V7 Racer stands out for the executive refinement of the details as well as the elegant leather strap. This is a clear reference to legendary bikes of the past, as are the metal accents of the Moto Guzzi badge which is colour-coded with the frame. The red frame, itself inspired by the legendary early V7 Sport with CrMo frames, is the result of a special painting treatment extended to the hubs, wheels and swingarm as well, which accentuates the architectural purity of the frame.

Perched on top of the frame's tubes is an ultra sporty single-seater saddle (a two-seater saddle and pillion footpegs are available as optional accessories), upholstered in suede and terminating in an aerodynamic tail fairing that also incorporates lateral race number panels in true Seventies style.

With its tiny Plexiglass screen above a race number panel, the top fairing - an exemplary expression of the Guzzi school - cites the front of the legendary Gambalunga. This unequivocally sporty element is in perfect harmony with the new design of the front mudguard. One of the most distinctive features of this unique special edition is the widespread use of brushed, drilled aluminium. This hand-crafted treatment, which requires superb artisan skill, has been applied to the side panels, the throttle body guards and the silencer mounting brackets.

Other standout features are the adjustable set-back billet footrests, the lightweight steering stem and the steering yoke guard consisting of a double chromed ring, which is so exquisitely crafted that it looks like an ornamental feature. There is also a pair of prestigious Bitubo WMY01 shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload in rebound and compression thanks to a 12 click adjusting knob. This is a bike which should be ridden strictly in black, with a skullcap helmet and leather studded gloves.

The design of the new V7 tells of the historic lineage of the model through a mix of forms and volumes which cite the famous ancestors, from the V7 750 Special remembered in the accents and the side panels, to the V7 Sport, which influenced the tank, the main new feature introduced in the new V7.

A change in look, now more imposing in form and capacity, the new tank brings with it a superior material perception of metal with respect to polyethylene, the material which was used to make the previous unit. This is thanks to the most advanced moulding technologies which allow construction of a metallic tank which is the same size, but lighter and with greater capacity compared to the previous polyethylene unit, reaching a record value of 22 litres which, together with the reduced consumption, ensures a range of up to 500 km. This is further proof of the design philosophy that guided the entire V7 project where innovation of the processes restored the pleasure to the rider of gripping a real, resounding metal tank in true Moto Guzzi tradition.

The rest of the new V7 design confirms that alchemy of tradition and modernism introduced in 2008 with the first V7 Classic, where, through the generous chrome trim, enthusiasts will be able to appreciate the cigar shape of the silencers, the dials on the instrument panel, clearly inspired by the Veglia-Borletti from the 1970s, the flat and long saddle, with the proud "Moto Guzzi" inscription emblazoned on the rear part as well as the new valves covers.

The Moto Guzzi V7, iconic and prestigiously manufactured, is now available in three versions, two touring and one sport, respectively the V7 Stone, V7 Special and the V7 Racer. Just like in 1971 when the sport version completed a range made up of the dominating V7 and V7 Special.