By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Moto Guzzi V7 Classic (MY2008) vs Triumph Bonneville (MY2007-SE)
Moto Guzzi V7 Classic vs Triumph Bonneville: style matters. So does everything underneath.
Off a stoplight with a handful of gas, the Moto Guzzi V7 Classic's transverse V-twin is tugging from low revs, and it's barking through the pipes as it goes. The Triumph Bonneville's parallel twin isn't in a hurry and swells in a calm line as revs climb. Its hardest shove waits in the midrange.
So which one do you buy?
The V7 Classic has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: V7 Classic
On a twisty road, the V7 Classic edges ahead. Put it down to a sportier chassis and lighter steering. Not by enough to settle it alone.
Character, looks and sound
Slight edge: V7 Classic
Looks and sound lean slightly toward the V7 Classic. Taste still rules here.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear advantage
The Bonneville costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the clear better buy. Neither bike wins on value alone.
What makes each one tick
V7 Classic
Outright speed isn't the V7 Classic's job, and its air-cooled engine keeps a relaxed ride engaging. A shaft turns the rear wheel. At the brake lever, the 320 mm front brake hauls down a bike that's just 437 lb (198 kg). The bars flick it through tight city corners.
Bonneville
A bump sinks into soft springs. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, the chassis holds the bike steady through each sweeping bend. In traffic, the engine's smooth torque keeps the bike loafing.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Bonneville has the lower seat: 29.5 in (749 mm) vs 31.7 in (805 mm).
- The V7 Classic has the lower wet weight: 437 lb (198 kg) vs 496 lb (225 kg).
- The Bonneville makes more peak power: 66 hp (49 kW) vs 49 hp (36 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
Nothing splits them on commuting and running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
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
Bonneville
What owners say
Strengths
- Classic, authentic looks
- Comfortable, neutral ergonomics
- Smooth, torquey engine character
- Good value retention
Trade-offs
- Weak front brake
What they cost used
These prices compare a 13-year-old V7 Classic with a 13-year-old Bonneville.
- V7 Classic
- about $6,600
- Bonneville
- about $5,100
Thirteen-year-old Moto Guzzi V7 Classic and Triumph Bonneville both sit in the US used market. The V7 Classic runs about $6,600, while the other sits at about $5,100. That leaves a gap of roughly $1,500 in the Triumph's favor. These are estimates from earlier records, not live asking prices.
What they share
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Rear tire
- 130/80-17
Where the spec sheets split
| V7 Classic | Bonneville | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.7 in (805 mm) | 29.5 in (749 mm) |
| Wet weight | 437 lb (198 kg) | 496 lb (225 kg) |
| V7 Classic | Bonneville | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 744 cc | 865 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin | Parallel twin |
| Power | 49 hp (36 kW) | 66 hp (49 kW) |
| Torque | 40 lb-ft (55 Nm) | 52 lb-ft (70 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,600 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| V7 Classic | Bonneville | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) | 4.2 US gal (15.9 L) |
| V7 Classic | Bonneville | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Shaft | Chain |
| Front brake | 320 mm | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 100/90-18 | 110/70-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| V7 Classic | Bonneville | |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
