KIWI RIDER JANUARY 2021 VOL1 | Page 23

ROAD NEWS

NEW GUZZI V7 BREAKS COVER

R enowned for doing things differently , Moto Guzzi has waited for the November swathe of new bike news to be over before unveiling the new 2021 V7 models . At the centre of the newest iteration of the iconic V7 is Guzzi ’ s 850cc transverse V-twin ( which we first saw in 2019 ’ s V85TT ), in this incarnation the engine produces 65hp at 6800rpm and 73Nm at 5000rpm . While that ’ s down on the output of the V85TT version of the engine , that ’ s still a 25 % increase in power over the outgoing V7 , which produced 52hp at its peak . Visually the new V7 has grown in more than just the engine size department . Also gaining a bit of heft is the size of the exhaust which is now larger and routed differently to the outgoing model , the Cardan shaft final drive is also larger while the rear wheel is now wider , wrapped in a 150 / 70 tyre . Topping off the rear end of the 2021 V7 is a set of more robust Kayaba shock absorbers with increased travel . Moving forward the side panels are also new , as is the shorter rear mudguard , elements which , along with the new exhaust system

to give the new 850 a revamped and more attractive look . The frame has evolved with the addition of new steel elements in the headstock area , whereas a two-tier saddle should bring greater comfort . Moto Guzzi says that with the same goal of improving comfort , the new V7 also sports a brand new rider footpeg support . The V7 Stone has a new , full LED light system with the headlight that includes a DRL in the shape of the Moto Guzzi Eagle much like we saw on the V85TT , whereas the new instrument cluster is in line with the look of a minimalist motorcycle , entirely digital on a single , circular dial . The aluminium wheel rims , in the sporty style that equips the Stone , are also new ; the rear rim is shod with a wider 150 / 70 tyre . V7 Special maintains the elegant , dual dial analogue instrument cluster ( speedometer and rev counter ) and ultra-classic spoked wheel rims . Moto Guzzi New Zealand confirmed to Kiwi Rider that production of the new V7 starts in February with the first examples expected in NZ dealers by April 2021 .
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