Bonneville or Moto Guzzi V7 Stone?

[Dr Astronaut]

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Hey Everybody,

I'm finally shopping around for a bike after missing the last 4 seasons due to a broken knee. (didn't happen riding, tripped at a concert)

My last bike (which was also my first at 21) was a Honda CBR 125, which was fun and goofy, but I'm looking at getting something a bit more mature for commuting and light touring.

I've been looking at the 2013 Triumph Bonneville and Moto Guzzi V7, but can't decide which I like better! Anyone have one or have an opinion? Or maybe a different bike they'd recommend? I'm a fan of Naked Bikes and Cafe Racers or classic lookers.

Gotten quotes at Statefarm for the Triumph, Guzzi, and a Ducati 696, I'm gonna be paying around $110/month no matter what I get.

Thanks and nice to be back.

-Nick

 

[inreb]

I really like the Moto Guzzi V7 and the unfortunately named Stone, shaft drive, decent front brake and fork. I think it's a winner in the category of retro bikes. The Triumph is a poorly suspended overweight pig. I have one of those. Only redeeming feature is sweet 270 deg. in the Scrambler and easy to work on. Aftermarket is good too.

 

[Dr Astronaut]

Hey,

The Triumph is about 100 pounds heavier than the stone right? pretty heavy, and I'm a decently sized guy, (6', 180 pounds)

The Guzzi has a larger tank too, hrmm.

I don't know how crazy I am for the matte black on the stone though...

thanks for the reply

 

[the bandit]

Welcome Nick, I know how a "broken knee" as you say feels. I too had a serious knee injury 5 years ago which changed my lifestyle and pastimes,no more sports and getting back into biking was the best thing for my sanity. I don't think your choices of bike would be a good fit for light touring. Little under powered and no wind protection but obviously you like the retro look and either would be fun for a commuter around town. Good luck in your upcoming riding season and enjoy yourself.

 

[inreb]

I like the murdered look of matte black but obviously that's always going to be subjective. The Guzzi small block line is just a classier ride than the Triumph and driveshaft is huge benefit imho. That line of bikes is the closest thing to BMW airheads 1970-1995 but better mechanically. Only thing that stopped me from getting the Guzzi was dealer network. The Triumph is a good, simple work horse, long production run which will pay off in parts supply in the future.

 

[MarcosSantiago]

You can't decide which one you like better?
Or which one is a better bike?

'Cause I like the Moto Guzzi better, but apparently most people say the Triumph is the better bike.

There's a few comparisons and a lot of opinion on the net.

Comparo #1: Moto Guzzi V7 Racer vs. Triumph Thruxton at Cycle World, they were too chicken to make up their minds... "It’s not that we can’t pick a winner. It’s that we can’t pick a loser. For more sporting use, the Triumph takes the cake. For everyday urban assault, it’s impossible not to grow attached to the Guzzi. We predict bell-bottoms will be back soon."

SPECIFICATIONS
	Moto Guzzi V7 Racer	Triumph Thruxton
Price	$9990	$8799
Dry weight	411 lb.	473 lb.
Wheelbase	56.7 in.	59.2 in.
Seat height	31.4 in.	31.8 in.
Fuel mileage	43 mpg	42 mpg
0-60 mph	5.5 sec.	4.2 sec.
1/4-mile	14.35 sec. @ 90.29 mph	12.94 sec. @ 102.23 mph
Horsepower	38.7 hp @ 5975 rpm	60.7 hp @ 7320 rpm
Torque	37.1 ft.-lb. @ 5140 rpm	49.6 ft.-lb. @ 5750 rpm
Top speed	104 mph	119 mph

Comparo #2: Motorcyclist "Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Iron vs. Moto Guzzi V7 Stone vs. Triumph Bonneville | The Hipster’s Ride" --- "Unfortunately, crappy fueling and an atrocious gearbox make the V7 fairly disappointing to ride"

"For me, the Bonneville is the whole package. It doesn’t vibrate, the fueling is perfect, and it’s the most agile of the group. You want clatter and clunky shifting? Get an actual vintage bike. I’ll be cruising smooth on my Bonnie."

"The Bonneville runs away from the competition. It’s a complete package with retro styling, buttery smooth motor, and sporty handling. "

Mmmh, look at the difference in HP: V7 is rated 38.7 hp and the Triumph at 60 hp

 

[Chaos]

I was giving some look at the v7 racer for this season. I just like the way it looks. The specs and review above are disappointing though.

 

[Jayell]

Mmmh, look at the difference in HP: V7 is rated 38.7 hp and the Triumph at 60 hp

I don't think that figure is correct, Marco. The V7s make about 48 or 50HP.

Never ridden the goose, but the lighter weight and shaft drive is appealing.

So are these new V7 Special paint jobs for 2014:

I ride a Thruxton and couldn't be happier. Was unsure when I bought it, turned out to be the best choice for me. It's a little heavy, the chain is a chore, but it does everything I ask, including touring. Six or eight hundred kilometre days, ten to twelve hours in the saddle, no problem! Gimme more! As for suspension, I don't ride it hard enough to know one way or another.

The Bonnie has more power, better aftermarket support. The V7 has unique charm and that Italian pedigree. Test ride 'em both and make a choice. I think in either case, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Dr Astronaut]

Hey Marco,

I believe those figures are for an earlier model? or just incorrect. Everything I've seen has the V7 at 50hp.

The breakdown of use is going to be about 75% commuting, 25% tour. I think the huge gas tank is gonna do me well here. And love the black and orange Jay, a lot better than matte black IMO.

An added bonus is there's a moto dealership and shop about a block from my place at dufferin and steeles.

Not counting the Bonneville out yet, gonna go for a ride on both if I can find a Triumph dealer.

Anyone have any tips for purchasing? things to haggle on? any room on the price or no? I know it's the start of the season.

 

[Jayell]

Ask robmack, he rides a modified V7 Racer.

 

[dieselxx]

Hey Everybody,

I'm finally shopping around for a bike after missing the last 4 seasons due to a broken knee. (didn't happen riding, tripped at a concert)

My last bike (which was also my first at 21) was a Honda CBR 125, which was fun and goofy, but I'm looking at getting something a bit more mature for commuting and light touring.

I've been looking at the 2013 Triumph Bonneville and Moto Guzzi V7, but can't decide which I like better! Anyone have one or have an opinion? Or maybe a different bike they'd recommend? I'm a fan of Naked Bikes and Cafe Racers or classic lookers.

Gotten quotes at Statefarm for the Triumph, Guzzi, and a Ducati 696, I'm gonna be paying around $110/month no matter what I get.

Thanks and nice to be back.

-Nick

I like all three bikes you mentioned. But if you want the hooligan look and be more comfortable get the 696.

 

[Dr Astronaut]

I like all three bikes you mentioned. But if you want the hooligan look and be more comfortable get the 696.

How is the duc? It was the cheapest on insurance from statefarm, I guess they quote based on cc and not hp.

I'm worried about it being a bit overpowered for commuting, and I'd have to forget about touring...

 

[MarcosSantiago]

I believe those figures are for an earlier model? or just incorrect. Everything I've seen has the V7 at 50hp.

I dunno about 50 hp, I'm just posting what the magazine posted.

Here is another one article, from motorcycle.com, that may be the explanation of the HP: It says clearly that the engine was reworked for the 2013 model year... "Redesigned for ’13, Moto Guzzi’s V7 line of stylized standards boast a 12% bump in horsepower and 10% better mileage than last year’s models".

But it also says clearly that they put the bike in the dyno and it scored only 41 HP... and I quote "the Racer barely achieved 41 horsepower during our rear-wheel dyno test".

Source: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2013-moto-guzzi-v7-racer-review-91476.html

 

[Jayell]

I dunno about 50 hp, I'm just posting what the magazine posted.

Here is another one article, from motorcycle.com, that may be the explanation of the HP: It says clearly that the engine was reworked for the 2013 model year... "Redesigned for ’13, Moto Guzzi’s V7 line of stylized standards boast a 12% bump in horsepower and 10% better mileage than last year’s models".

But it also says clearly that they put the bike in the dyno and it scored only 41 HP... and I quote "the Racer barely achieved 41 horsepower during our rear-wheel dyno test".

Source: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2013-moto-guzzi-v7-racer-review-91476.html

The MG is rated at 37 kW. Perhaps that's the confusion? 41 real world RWHP sounds about right if the factory is quoting 50.

I'm worried about it being a bit overpowered for commuting, and I'd have to forget about touring...

Why? I'd tour on it. I think there's a member here who has toured extensively on his Monster.

 

[Sunspark]

If you like retro looks don't rule out the TU250X. It's EFI and counterbalanced.

I liked it so much I bought one!

 

[Chaos]

I'm worried about it being a bit overpowered for commuting, and I'd have to forget about touring...

It's fine for commuting. Admittedly, it's a bit jerky at low RPMs in 1st gear, but nothing some fine throttle control can't help. Also, for something more permanent, you can change the number of teeth on the sprockets to smooth it out (I went -1 on the front sprocket. It completely changed the dynamic of the bike. In retrospect, I should have combined it with a +1 or +2 on the rear).

 

[Chaos]

Why? I'd tour on it. I think there's a member here who has toured extensively on his Monster.

I took my Monster across the country. Vancouver in 2011 and St. John's last year. It's fine for touring. Givi sells mounting kits for the Monster 696/796/1100.

 

[Morrissey]

If it were me, it would be a tough call. I love the look of the t100 but not so much the standard Bonneville. If you're looking for a bike that will commute more than tour, 40 rear wheel hp is plenty. It's not going to be neck-snapping fast but plenty fast for street riding. I love shaft drive on a bike and wish more non-cruiser bikes had them. :-( I also prefer the feel and sound of a vtwin over a parallel twin, and that horizontally placed twin looks ubber cool to me. You say you live near a motto guzzi dealership which makes service and parts easy. Go in and talk to them. If they seem straight up and friendly and not skeevy (like some dealerships) go with the guzzi. Slap on a removable windscreen for days when you tour. Get a tank bag and some panniers and York laughing.

 

[twinswin]

I dunno about 50 hp, I'm just posting what the magazine posted.

Here is another one article, from motorcycle.com, that may be the explanation of the HP: It says clearly that the engine was reworked for the 2013 model year... "Redesigned for ’13, Moto Guzzi’s V7 line of stylized standards boast a 12% bump in horsepower and 10% better mileage than last year’s models".

But it also says clearly that they put the bike in the dyno and it scored only 41 HP... and I quote "the Racer barely achieved 41 horsepower during our rear-wheel dyno test".

Source: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2013-moto-guzzi-v7-racer-review-91476.html

If you're looking at a Guzzi, you can't use peak power numbers to compare them to the competition. It's not how much power they make that has kept them in business for an uninterrupted 90+ years of production, it's how it's delivered that keeps them in business.

Guzzi's/ V-Twins, are noted for their broad power band and low down grunt. Once you're rolling little need to shift...just roll on. Most "reviewers" don't know how to ride a twin. They mostly come off in-line fours and try to ride a twin the same way by short shifting instead of rolling them on. Twins are about torque, not peak HP.

According to one review, and you will fnd the numbers change between reviews for any number of reasons so don't take them as gospel, the Guzzi makes 41.26 HP at 6300 rpm; the Thruxton 62.26 at 7200 rpms. The Guzzi makes 40.43 lbs/ft torque at 3200 rpm, and the TR 47.77 at 6500 rpms. Remember, that heavy shaft drive takes up a lot of power too. There's a price to be paid for that low maintenance convenience.

The TR may win the spec sheet comparo in terms of peak power numbers at the upper end of the rev range, but look at those peak power numbers from Guzzi at the lower end. The Guzzi may be the better bike to ride...more fun.

Comparing suspension and binders with most bikes, and IMO...The suspension is a wash on pretty much most bikes IMO, because they usually get tweaked/dialed in with aftermarket springs and dampers in short order. Brakes too, as so much depends on how they're bedded in and the pads themselves.

Also, the TR is built in Thailand isn't it? Not sure if the V-7 Stone is made in Italy, but most Guzzis are. To me, that makes a difference. To others, not so much.

If you want big HP numbers, buy a Japanese in-line four. Twins are about character, not spec sheets. And in my book, "twinswin".

 

[STARSHIP]

The MG V7 stone was my emotional bike and I came very close to getting one. The practical need to be able to use the 401/ 400 QEW to get to the good riding roads won over. So i got one with 90 HP instead of the 150 I had on my previous bike.

The MG V7 Stone or Racer would be a great second bike, The Monster, FZ9, Street Trip or my practical BMW F800r gives you almost what you want in a retro bike with the added benefits of decent power, great handling and powerful brakes (ABS too)

However, the MG would be my choice over the Bonni.

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