Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
The Moto Guzzi V7 Sport is a sports motorcycle first manufactured in 1971 by Italian company Moto Guzzi. Based on the V7 roadster, but with a new frame and clip-on handlebars, the V7 Sport was the first Moto Guzzi café racer. The V7 Sport was lighter than the standard V7, it handled well and proved popular.
 | |
| Manufacturer | Moto Guzzi |
|---|---|
| Production | 1971-1974 |
| Predecessor | V7 roadster |
| Successor | 750S, Le Mans |
| Engine | Longitudinally mounted 748 cc (45.6 cu in) OHV 2-valve per cyl. air cooled, four-stroke, V-twin, 9.8:1 compression ratio, two 30 mm Dell'Orto carbs each with cold-start levers, wet sump, electric start, crank-mounted alternator |
| Transmission | 5 speed, shaft drive[1] |
| Suspension | Front: telescopic forks Rear: twin shocks adjustable for preload |
| Brakes | Front: 220 mm (8.7 in) double-sided with twin leading shoes per side drum Rear: 220 mm (8.7 in) twin leading shoe drum |
| Tires | Front: 3.25-18 with WM2 aluminium rim Rear: 3.50-18 with WM3 aluminium rim[1] |
| Wheelbase | 58 in (1,500 mm) |
| Dimensions | L: 85 in (2,200 mm) W: 28 in (710 mm) |
| Seat height | 30 in (760 mm) |
| Weight | 454 lb (206 kg) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.4 US gal (17 l; 3.7 imp gal) |
| Oil capacity | 6 Imperial pints (approx 3.3 litres) [1] |
The V7 Sport formed the basis for subsequent models and ultimately led to the very successful Le Mans.
In 2008, Moto Guzzi introduced the "V7 Special", a detuned retro-styled roadster loosely based on the V7 Sport. The "Special" was itself succeeded in 2012 by a more powerful 50 bhp model.[2]
Reception
Motorcycle Mechanics' editor Charles Deane commented in his 1972 road-test that the V7 Sport, with a factory-claimed 70 bhp power output, was like a "BMW with a little bit extra" – a bit more acceleration, higher top speed and better braking, but was also, significantly, the most expensive "Superbike" available in Britain.[1]
The reviewer added: "The brakes were 'faultless' – powerful and progressive but did not prove fierce, inspiring 'confidence' in wet conditions, and the 'remarkably-low' seat height enabled a 'short' 5' 6" rider to place both feet on the floor but would be 'cramped' for a taller rider".[1]
References
- Motorcycle Mechanics, March 1972, pp.36-38. Moto Guzzi V7 Sport test. "Charles Deane reports on the most expensive 'Superbike' in Britain...". Accessed and added 2015-02-08
- Ash, Kevin (9 April 2012). "Moto Guzzi V7 Special review" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
