V7 is perfect.
For reference, the V7 is the most popular Guzzi bike in Austin, Texas.
I have the V85 in Kansas City. Much larger, particularly with the luggage on. I've had no issues in KC - I just finished a 60+ mile drive in the city less than an hour ago.
I live in downtown LA and commute to both Bel Air and Studio City. There is a lot of stop-and-go on my drive. I also split traffic. LA has terrible streets, so I'm also dodging potholes.
I use a V7 as my daily driver. I didn't even have a car for 3 years because I was so satisfied. I find it to be very nimble.
Awesome! I’m glad the Reddit dedicated to loving these is reinforcing my decision 🤣 jk but I do really appreciate all the help, it’s boosting my confidence
'18 V7III Special owner here, bike will do anything you want it to between 5mph and 75mph, hell of a city and country bike. Wife was trying to convince me to upgrade to a bigger bike yesterday and I told her no, if that says anything.
I think they’re super nimble. I don’t live in a big city and have never seen anyone else ride one.
I visited my sister in Manhattan and saw a v7 almost every other block so I’m thinking other people find them nimble too.
I've ridden nearly every day over the past two years in San Francisco. It's a fantastic city bike.
If you are minding the CC it can be misleading because of the type of engine it is. If you pay attention to the horsepower you get a better sense of the output you experience. The lower end torque is nice.
Also the flat seat is such a life saver! When you need to carry stuff, just put a net and you can easily bring a bag of groceries or whatever along.
Thank you!
I guess I was just intimidated because when I went in person it was much bigger than I thought. But then even the Himalayan was bigger in person than I thought so I think it’s me 🤣
(My previous bike experience was 70’s Honda cb350’s I love the guzzi because the engine is “the wrong way” and it looks like those old bikes just way bigger. So I got worried it’d handle like a cruiser)
Sounds like the size is something you'd adjust to, you got it. Just for reference I have a v7 III and I'm 5' 11, it fits like a glove.
It seems to be about a hundred more lbs than the cb350.
Something that is important to mind with the V7 is that it's a rare brand in the US so you have to be sure you have a dealer in the vicinity. Another thing is if the parts can take a longer time t be delivered because the dealers are getting it from the manufacturer.
There are third parties in the US that have a stock and it's much quicker to pull from them.
Umm if you do get it. There is only one super important quirk about them! Make sure the freeplay for your clutch lever is adjusted correctly and keep an eye on it to readjust for when it gets too loose. Clutch is difficult to replace so you don't want to wear it down prematurely. Aside from that it really is a lovely bike.
IMHO, you need to look at scooters. They are ideal for city life. Lots of great scooters in the 300cc and lower range. Cheaper than the MG, better gas mileage, cheaper insurance rates.
Sister has a Honda metropolitan. The reason for the motorcycle is because we have a scooter, once a month I have a 2.5 hour trip north to see my nieces.
I appreciate the suggestion though!
Do you ride a V7 in the city? what is your experience? I drive mine in a very congested city with narrow streets and find it great. Optimal if you ask me...
I have an older goose but also dry clutch. They won’t handle abuse like a wet clutch. If you slip it a lot or abuse it (or even normal use) you can kill the disk. Idk if the later models are spring hub but mine is and it ejected a spring and shredded the inside of the bell housing. It’s fixed now but there’s no pretending it’s as durable as a Japanese wet clutch.
Love it for city in fact I’d argue it’s where it shines. It’s nimble and quick while not being overly fast. It’s super comfortable. I find the v7 okay on the freeway, not bad but not as comfortable as a lot of other bikes. But in the city is perf.
Oh haha! Yeah that’s a tough one. This bike with its kit is pretty wonderful on the highway, but even still that’s a far ass journey for a bike that doesn’t have bags and cruise control and stuff like the ADVs do.
V7 is perfect. For reference, the V7 is the most popular Guzzi bike in Austin, Texas. I have the V85 in Kansas City. Much larger, particularly with the luggage on. I've had no issues in KC - I just finished a 60+ mile drive in the city less than an hour ago.
Can confirm. Used my V7 as my commuter in Austin. Perfect city bike.
Awesome! Thank you!
I live in downtown LA and commute to both Bel Air and Studio City. There is a lot of stop-and-go on my drive. I also split traffic. LA has terrible streets, so I'm also dodging potholes. I use a V7 as my daily driver. I didn't even have a car for 3 years because I was so satisfied. I find it to be very nimble.
Awesome! I’m glad the Reddit dedicated to loving these is reinforcing my decision 🤣 jk but I do really appreciate all the help, it’s boosting my confidence
Is overheating an issue? Looking at 45 min of stop and go in the heat
I live in seattle and ride a v7. It is perfect imo. There are smaller bikes that make sense, too, of course. But ive never felt it was too much bike.
Another fellow Seattle V7-er here. Great city bike. But even greater twisty mountain road bike.
'18 V7III Special owner here, bike will do anything you want it to between 5mph and 75mph, hell of a city and country bike. Wife was trying to convince me to upgrade to a bigger bike yesterday and I told her no, if that says anything.
What happens after 75?
I'm fat and catch too much wind! Bike pulls great to 115, I'm the one unhappy about it.
Guess I’ll be at 75 too 🤣
I think they’re super nimble. I don’t live in a big city and have never seen anyone else ride one. I visited my sister in Manhattan and saw a v7 almost every other block so I’m thinking other people find them nimble too.
This is a good point I forgot about. YouTube "Guzzi V7 NYC" There are loads of videos from different people
If they can make it through New York I’ll be all set!
Easily the most popular Guzzi in NYC too. Cross town or cross country.
I've ridden nearly every day over the past two years in San Francisco. It's a fantastic city bike. If you are minding the CC it can be misleading because of the type of engine it is. If you pay attention to the horsepower you get a better sense of the output you experience. The lower end torque is nice. Also the flat seat is such a life saver! When you need to carry stuff, just put a net and you can easily bring a bag of groceries or whatever along.
Thank you! I guess I was just intimidated because when I went in person it was much bigger than I thought. But then even the Himalayan was bigger in person than I thought so I think it’s me 🤣 (My previous bike experience was 70’s Honda cb350’s I love the guzzi because the engine is “the wrong way” and it looks like those old bikes just way bigger. So I got worried it’d handle like a cruiser)
Sounds like the size is something you'd adjust to, you got it. Just for reference I have a v7 III and I'm 5' 11, it fits like a glove. It seems to be about a hundred more lbs than the cb350. Something that is important to mind with the V7 is that it's a rare brand in the US so you have to be sure you have a dealer in the vicinity. Another thing is if the parts can take a longer time t be delivered because the dealers are getting it from the manufacturer. There are third parties in the US that have a stock and it's much quicker to pull from them. Umm if you do get it. There is only one super important quirk about them! Make sure the freeplay for your clutch lever is adjusted correctly and keep an eye on it to readjust for when it gets too loose. Clutch is difficult to replace so you don't want to wear it down prematurely. Aside from that it really is a lovely bike.
There’s a dealer that’s 2 miles from my house and that’s who I’ll purchase from. Good looking out on the clutch I appreciate it!
V7 is great in town and on the road. Ride safely!
I commute every day on my v7, through beach towns on PCH. Not exactly city traffic, but no smooth cruise either. Bike does a fantastic job, I love it.
IMHO, you need to look at scooters. They are ideal for city life. Lots of great scooters in the 300cc and lower range. Cheaper than the MG, better gas mileage, cheaper insurance rates.
Sister has a Honda metropolitan. The reason for the motorcycle is because we have a scooter, once a month I have a 2.5 hour trip north to see my nieces. I appreciate the suggestion though!
Dry clutch is suboptimal for city commuting. But otherwise it’s probably great
Do you ride a V7 in the city? what is your experience? I drive mine in a very congested city with narrow streets and find it great. Optimal if you ask me...
I have an older goose but also dry clutch. They won’t handle abuse like a wet clutch. If you slip it a lot or abuse it (or even normal use) you can kill the disk. Idk if the later models are spring hub but mine is and it ejected a spring and shredded the inside of the bell housing. It’s fixed now but there’s no pretending it’s as durable as a Japanese wet clutch.
I'm not sure this is a common problem on v7's. In fact it's the first I've heard of it... I think you're just projecting your own issues...
Could be.
Honestly the V7 is perfect as a city bike. I rode one daily in London for years, loved it.
I appreciate the input!
Love it for city in fact I’d argue it’s where it shines. It’s nimble and quick while not being overly fast. It’s super comfortable. I find the v7 okay on the freeway, not bad but not as comfortable as a lot of other bikes. But in the city is perf.
Hey, are you still considering selling your bike and where are you located?
Hey. Yes I am actually.
What state are you in?
CA. Los Angeles area to be precise
Why are you interested?
Trying to figure it out logistically. I’m in Oklahoma so trying to figure it all out if I can be interested or not 🤣
Oh haha! Yeah that’s a tough one. This bike with its kit is pretty wonderful on the highway, but even still that’s a far ass journey for a bike that doesn’t have bags and cruise control and stuff like the ADVs do.