The V7 remains as Moto Guzzi’s most iconic platform, with a history stretching back to 1964, when it was initially created to serve as a motorcycle for Italy’s Polizia Stradale (highway patrol). Two years later, in 1966, Moto Guzzi started producing models for foreign markets. Interestingly, it didn’t produce V7s for Italian riders until 1967.
Back then, the V7 was driven by a 703cc air-cooled 90° V-twin designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano. Originally intended to serve as a car engine, the V-twin ─ transversely mounted to put cylinders in the wind and assist cooling ─ delivered an impressive-for-the-time 50 horsepower.
By the time this bike was manufactured, the engine had been redesigned by Lino Tonti; capacity had been boosted to 748 cc and peak power output was up to 70 horsepower at 6300 rpm. Which is, interestingly, more oomph than you’ll get from a modern V7 Sport (The 2025 V7 Sport has all kinds of technowhizzbangery that would have been unimaginable to riders in the ’70s, but claims just 67 ponies at 6900 rpm).
The V7 Sport of the 1970s was in production from 1971 to 1974. You’ll most often see it in a weird pea-soup green colorway known as Legnano Green. But in 1974 it was also offered in black, making it even more difficult to distinguish from its successor, the one-year-only 1974 V7 750S. These bikes are often confused with one another, but the latter has disc brakes up front.
The shaft-driven, five-speed V7 Sport was successful and well-liked, but not so much that it prevented the second of Moto Guzzi’s numerous ownership changes. In the middle of the V7 Sport’s run, the brand changed hands from the state-owned SEIMM organization to De Tomaso Industries.
This example has been largely untouched since rolling off the production line in July 1974. The tank and side panels have been resprayed and it’s clearly got different plug wires, but otherwise the seller describes it as “unrestored.” To that end, I’d personally seek to replace the tires right away. They’re probably not original but they certainly don’t look fresh.
With 22,031 miles on the clock and a Buy It Now price of $13,499, this V7 Sport is for sale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, here on eBay. (What’s with so many classic bikes being in Florida?!)