By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Moto Guzzi V7 Classic (MY2008) vs V7 II Stone (MY2015)
Moto Guzzi V7 Classic vs V7 II Stone: buy with your heart, but read this first.
Tip the Moto Guzzi V7 Classic into a tight bend and it's quick to flick in and change line. On broken pavement mid-corner, the Moto Guzzi V7 II Stone's soft fork and shocks can't keep it in check. It wallows over the ripples.
So which one do you buy?
The V7 Classic has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
A touch ahead: V7 Classic
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the V7 Classic. That comes from more feel through the bars and a sportier chassis. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
Character, looks and sound
Small edge: V7 Classic
On sound and soul, the V7 Classic comes out a touch ahead. The reason: more engine character and a better engine note. Your own eyes and ears outrank this verdict.
The V7 II Stone has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: V7 II Stone
For the ride to work, the V7 II Stone noses ahead. Thank a smaller footprint and easier maneuvering in tight spots for that. Don't let that alone make the call.
What makes each one tick
V7 Classic
Low in the rev range, the V7 Classic's transverse twin pulls smooth and steady, and there's no need to wring it out. Turn-in takes a nudge. The chassis feels light as it settles into the lean.
V7 II Stone
There's torque early on the V7 II Stone's air-cooled twin, which answers the throttle with the shaft drive's familiar surge. Passing usually needs a downshift. A bump on a rough back road shows the damping isn't up to the job, and the bike keeps bobbing after it's passed. The low seat puts both boots down at every stop.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The V7 II Stone has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 31.7 in (805 mm).
- The V7 II Stone has the lower wet weight: 417 lb (189 kg) vs 437 lb (198 kg).
- The V7 II Stone makes more peak torque: 43 lb-ft (58 Nm) vs 40 lb-ft (55 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Wrong job for both
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
They come out level on running costs. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
V7 Classic
What owners say
Strengths
- Charismatic, torque-rich engine
- Classic Italian styling with high-quality details
- Low-maintenance shaft final drive
V7 II Stone
What owners say
Strengths
- Characterful transverse V-twin engine
- Genuine Italian retro styling
Trade-offs
- Lackluster power for its displacement
- Soft, underdamped suspension
What they share
- Displacement
- 744 cc
- Engine
- 90° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Front tire
- 100/90-18
- Rear tire
- 130/80-17
Where the spec sheets split
| V7 Classic | V7 II Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.7 in (805 mm) | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
| Wet weight | 437 lb (198 kg) | 417 lb (189 kg) |
| V7 Classic | V7 II Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 49 hp (36 kW) | 48 hp (35 kW) |
| Torque | 40 lb-ft (55 Nm) | 43 lb-ft (58 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,600 rpm | 2,800 rpm |
| Top speed | 103 mph (165 km/h) | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| V7 Classic | V7 II Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 46 mpg (US) / 5.14 L/100 km | 37 mpg (US) / 6.3 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) | 5.8 US gal (22 L) |
| V7 Classic | V7 II Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| V7 Classic | V7 II Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
