By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Moto Guzzi V7 Classic (MY2008) vs Triumph Bonneville T100 (986MF2)
Tip the Moto Guzzi V7 Classic into a tight bend and it's already turned in before you've finished asking. The Triumph Bonneville T100 thumps clear on low-rev shove.
So which one do you buy?
The V7 Classic has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: V7 Classic
The V7 Classic nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. Thank lighter steering and a sportier chassis for that. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
The Bonneville T100 has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
A touch ahead: Bonneville T100
The Bonneville T100 comes out a little ahead on upkeep. Only a little.
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: Bonneville T100
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the Bonneville T100 pulls a nose in front. Put it down to simpler maintenance and lower running costs. Your own commute could easily flip it.
Character, looks and sound
Slight edge: Bonneville T100
On character, the Bonneville T100 edges it. Your eyes get the final say.
What makes each one tick
V7 Classic
Character comes before speed on the V7 Classic, and the transverse V-twin's exhaust note won't let you forget it. The throttle answers from low revs. At 437 lb (198 kg), the bike flicks through city traffic and twisty roads alike. The shaft spins on while the lube can gathers dust.
Bonneville T100
There's a rich rumble from the Bonneville T100's parallel twin, and its torque sets a leisurely pace. Overtakes don't need revs. The brake lever reins it in from an unhurried roll.
Nils rode the Bonneville T100 in 2014 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Bonneville T100 has the lower seat: 30.5 in (775 mm) vs 31.7 in (805 mm).
- The V7 Classic has the lower wet weight: 437 lb (198 kg) vs 505 lb (229 kg).
- The Bonneville T100 makes more peak power: 63 hp (47 kW) vs 49 hp (36 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
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 T100
What owners say
Strengths
- Charismatic, torquey engine
- Timeless classic styling
- Easy to maintain
Known problems to check before you buy
V7 Classic
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Bonneville T100
- Electrical gremlins (coils, sensors, connectors) Older bikes can suffer from failing coil packs, corroded connectors and broken sensors (MAP, TPS) leading to rough running; often traced to poor grounds and vibration.
- Cam cover gasket leaks A common weeping leak develops from the cam cover gasket; usually an easy fix with a replacement rubber gasket.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Rear tire
- 130/80-17
Where the spec sheets split
| V7 Classic | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.7 in (805 mm) | 30.5 in (775 mm) |
| Wet weight | 437 lb (198 kg) | 505 lb (229 kg) |
| V7 Classic | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 744 cc | 865 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 49 hp (36 kW) | 63 hp (47 kW) |
| Torque | 40 lb-ft (55 Nm) | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,600 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 103 mph (165 km/h) | 106 mph (170 km/h) |
| V7 Classic | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 46 mpg (US) / 5.14 L/100 km | 43 mpg (US) / 5.5 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) | 4.2 US gal (16 L) |
| V7 Classic | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Shaft | Chain |
| Front brake | 320 mm | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 100/90-18 | 100/90-19 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| V7 Classic | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
