The thrill of riding a Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer never fades. Like a fine wine, its character matures with time, but the essence remains the same – pure, unadulterated joy.

50 years and counting

In 1967, Moto Guzzi revolutionized the motorcycle landscape with the V7 700, a pioneering air-cooled, 757cc transverse V-twin that would inspire a legacy of iconic Guzzi twins for decades to come? Five years on from its initial release in 1967, Moto Guzzi introduced the V7 Sport in 1972. The motorcycle boasted a sporty appearance, courtesy of its sleek, low-profile handlebars and aggressive racing-inspired styling. While appearances may have initially seemed deceiving, The Sport was conceived by Lino Tonti, an engineer whose passion for racing drove his design. Inside a newly designed double cradle frame, he nestled the powerful V-twin engine, which benefited from the latest advancements in suspension and braking technology. Its sporty credentials were further enhanced by a more powerful, slightly downsized iteration of the parallel-twin engine, allowing riders to compete in high-stakes 750cc events and reach an impressive top speed of 200 km/h.

In 2007, Moto Guzzi revived its iconic V7 model, welcoming it back to their lineup. The design perfectly aligned with the distinctive bike, yet seamlessly incorporated the latest technological advancements. The 2007 V7 model remained faithful to its roots, featuring a modern take on the classic 750cc 90-degree twin-cylinder powerplant design. Moto Guzzi’s most successful models were this bike and its numerous derivatives that incorporated innovative designs. Fifty years after the introduction of the original V7, the latest iteration, the V7 III, has arrived.

Racer styling

The V7 III motorcycle comes in four distinct models: Stone, Particular, Anniversario, and Racer. While primary differences lie in styling and equipment, the Racer edition stands out with a few subtle efficiency enhancements. The latest fashion upgrades boast a 10% energy boost over their predecessors, with the engine’s exterior now more striking and imposing in its design. Moto Guzzi has further enhanced the clutch’s durability and refined the suspension by equipping it with Kayaba adjustable rear shock absorbers. The seat top has sagged slightly, and if desired, two modes of traction control can be completely disengaged; however, this setting must be reconfigured each time the bike is started.

When it comes to styling, the V7 III Racer stands out as the sportiest option, and it’s easy to see why I’d choose this one. On the open road, this sleek vehicle is sure to turn the most heads, standing out with its unique design. While the chrome tanks and Anniversario may dominate attention, the Racer’s striking Rosso Corsa purple chassis demands careful consideration. The outgoing V7 II featured a metallic finish on its body, which presented well; however, one couldn’t surpass the standard color option as a nod to Tonti’s original V7 Sports’ paint scheme. The satin-black finish effectively accentuates the sleek design of the Racer, creating a striking visual presence. Apart from a few stray flecks of raw metal, the engine’s matte-black finish extends to the fenders, wheels, and imposing megaphone-style exhausts above. Doesn’t solely the glossy black paint job draw your attention to the bike’s most impressive features, while also offering a wealth of visual perspective on this sleek Italian stallion? On the V7 III Racer, the third colour remedy is a showstopper – it covers the tank and tail panels with a finish so close to raw aluminum that you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s the real deal. But in reality, it’s Guzzi’s signature matte chromium silver, which is nothing short of stunning. Minimal branding on the Racer has been preserved, not compromising its overall aesthetic appeal, as the few Moto Guzzi logos discreetly adorn the wheels, tail, and filler cap. On the Racer’s gasoline tank, there is no mention of Moto Guzzi. As an alternative, you’ll receive a pair of sleek, intelligent-looking purple eagles with anodized finishes, accompanied by a sophisticated strap that wraps elegantly along their spines. At the outset, a small “fairing” is situated near the entrance, allowing me to either take it or leave it while admiring the headlight’s unmarked clear glass lens, which imparts an excellent vintage aura.

Regrettably, the rear section of the Racer has been plagued by problems from the outset. While the retro-inspired rear cowl enhances the café’s distinctive look, the numerous quantity plates disrupt this cohesion significantly. While initially appearing to fit the theme, these items seem to exude a scrambler-like quality that may not entirely align with the intended aesthetic. With ease, removing four small bolts allows the removal of the entire labor-intensive cover, revealing the hump of the diamond-stitched saddle in all its glory, a beautiful sight that warrants basking in the warm light of day. While I’m being finicky, I’ll admit that the rear end’s design appears somewhat hastily conceived – surely someone is already crafting a tail tidy package to elevate this bike’s aesthetics. Moreover, the decrease engine cowl, constructed from plastic, falls short of the exceptional quality standards set by this motorcycle, leaving room for improvement. Despite everything, the Racer is remarkably close to what you’d expect from a manufacturer’s café-racer, which is very much a plus.

Sportier specs

While boasting a 10% energy boost over its predecessor, the latest V7 iteration also showcases significant enhancements beyond mere power upgrades. The clutch now provides a noticeably lighter feel, making gear shifts smooth and effortless. The striking purple chassis has undergone a redesign to elevate the riding experience on the Racer, complemented by advanced suspension technology featuring adjustable Öhlins shocks at the rear. Owners of Racer House models can upgrade to a reimagined, high-performance café racer featuring adjustable lower handlebars and premium alloy rear-set pegs that convincingly mimic the appearance of authentic aftermarket accessories.

The Racer’s minimalist design philosophy is mirrored in the instrument cluster, where a simple yet effective twin-dial arrangement featuring a speedometer and tachometer takes center stage. You gain access to two distinct traction management configurations and an extensive repository of information that can be easily retrieved through the digital display. Despite initial expectations, switching between traction settings proves unexpectedly challenging; it’s likely that you’ll default to leaving it as-is, just as I do. What sets this exclusive edition of the Racer apart is its limited production run of just 1,000 units, all of which will emerge from the Mandello factory. I had the good fortune to employ quantity 104, which belies its modest size by conveying a sense of substance; despite its compact nature, it somehow imbues the user with the feeling of being seated upon something more substantial.

Using the Racer

Upon initial contact with the V7 III Racer, a sense of lengthiness and heft becomes apparent, its physical presence palpable in the seat. The Racer tips the scales at 460 kilograms, boasting a robust wheelbase of 57.6 inches. I’m not sure what you mean by that, but I put my emotions on hold and looked at the situation objectively? As the hour passed and I settled into my seat, the unusual sensation persisted, yet it failed to impact my handling of the bike at either low or high velocities. The racers’ suspension inspired confidence, allowing even novice drivers to navigate tight turns with ease, including a slow-moving U-turn in the heart of the city, where pedestrians were able to comfortably coexist with speeding vehicles. With a fleet of 52 horses at its disposal, the Racer falls short as the fastest luxury car money can buy? It will undoubtedly empower you to take control of the situation with unwavering enthusiasm and without exponentially increasing your natural tempo constraints. While striving for trustworthiness is essential, this motorbike may not necessarily be on every buyer’s radar.

While many modern fashion classics retain obvious visual connections to their predecessors, this is often where the parallels typically conclude. This isn’t true for the V7 III, a fact that contradicts the assumption. While boasting modern features like anti-lock braking, traction control, and electronic fuel injection, this bike’s overall impression remains stuck in the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia for older two-wheelers.

As you fire up the Vespa V7 III Racer, the sound of its transverse twin engine quickly fills the air with a smooth, yet aggressive, growl. This attribute is synonymous with the given engine and drivetrain configuration: it effortlessly hauls the whole bicycle forward as soon as the throttle is fully opened, resulting in a seamless acceleration experience. Fortunately, this will be the sole occasion where you’ll stumble upon it. However, be warned: the temptation to twist that throttle at visitor’s lights might prove irresistible in your quest for excitement.

The Sound performs a satisfying rendition of motorcycle exhaust notes, capturing the authenticity of riding a bike with precision and accuracy. Despite their imposing sizes, the mufflers emit a pleasing purr, synchronized with the mighty 750’s thrumming heartbeat beneath, accompanied by a symphony of deliberate clicks, creaks, and the occasional metallic whisper from the shaft drive. As the sleek and powerful motorbike, resembling the Racer, roars to life, I expect to hear a symphony of revving engines emitting a series of sharp, throaty growls, punctuated by the occasional burst of high-pitched whine. While trendy classics may modulate their tones with buzzing and whining sounds, they cannot replicate the same emotional resonance evoked by this iconic engine.

For those seeking a motorcycle that embodies genuine retro charm, Moto Guzzi presents an ideal candidate. While some may debate specific design elements, there’s no disputing the fact that the V7 III Racer exudes a sense of style and sophistication.

Now that you’ve installed an engine that resonates with your vision and secured a precise understanding of what makes a Trendy Traditional,

THE BAD:

• Tail finish design confused
• Plastic engine covers
• The initial engagement of first gear tends to wear off quickly.

THE GOOD:

• High-notch paint scheme
• The rumble of a well-tuned V8, its harmonious hum echoing through the streets as the revs build. A symphony of mechanical song, evoking memories of open roads and endless highways – a sensory experience that’s hard to replicate with modern electric powertrains?
• Restricted run exclusivity