My favorite Guzzi, the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport is still one of the most famous Guzzis ever made. Produced in small numbers (about 3,500) for only three years, it represented a change in focus for the firm. After years of truck-like bikes such as the Ambassador and the Eldorado, the V7 was specifically created by Tonti to honor Guzzi’s racing legacy. Many people consider this bike to be the prettiest production cafe to come out of any factory.
Like all classic bikes, those expecting high driving dynamics will be sorely disappointed. While the distinctive 90 degree V-twin sounds fantastic and revs quicker than you probably expect, tall gearing takes a serious toll on acceleration. Clutch and shifter feel aren’t great, and the first generations of shaft drive meant the bike would stand up when you pull hard on the throttle. This phenomenon, also known as ‘shaft-jacking’, meant getting on the gas while corner can throw you way off your line. But these bikes are more about Sunday cruising, and the little foibles help give you a sensation of being ‘one with the bike’ like few others can match.
Moto Guzzi has since tried to bring back some of the V7 charm with a series of new bikes that have the same model name. They even specifically tried to harness the nostalgia of the V7 Sport with their new bike, the V7 Racer.
This specific Moto Guzzi V7 Sport is claimed to have over $30,000 invested in upgrades and replacement parts, including a new 1100cc engine, Excel rims, new disc brakes, and more. I’m a fan of the color scheme, which I haven’t seen on a V7 in recent memory.
Find this Moto Guzzi V7 Sport for sale here on Craigslist in Hinton, Oklahoma for $12,500. Note that we’ve featured a lot of Italian beauties from this seller in the past, and it seems that most of those bikes are still available, if you see all of the seller’s listings currently on Craigslist.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by John K!