By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scrambler vs Retro Classic
Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle (MY2015) vs Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer (MY2017)
You'll feel the Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle's wide bars tip it into a bend before you've finished asking. The Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer's clip-ons carry the transverse twin's low-rev shake into your hands on the way in. That buzz keeps the turn-in feeling alive.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler Full Throttle has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Small edge: Scrambler Full Throttle
The Scrambler Full Throttle comes out a little ahead on upkeep. Only a little.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: Scrambler Full Throttle
Through a string of corners, the Scrambler Full Throttle feels a little more eager. That comes from a sportier chassis and lighter steering. The gap is small, so ride both.
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: Scrambler Full Throttle
For the ride to work, the Scrambler Full Throttle noses ahead. What tips it: easier everyday riding and easier maneuvering in tight spots. Don't let that alone make the call.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Inches ahead: Scrambler Full Throttle
Learning the ropes leans slightly toward the Scrambler Full Throttle. Your own comfort on it should come first.
Which one's the smarter buy
Different bikes, different deals
These two bikes sit in different classes, so the money question is a trade-off. Neither is the obvious better buy for the cash you spend.
What makes each one tick
Scrambler Full Throttle
Wide bars and 410 lb (186 kg) of wet weight keep the Scrambler Full Throttle darting through city gaps and snapping between corners on twisty back roads. A mid-corner bump doesn't throw it wide, since the Kayaba damping soaks it up. Up top, the Desmodue's gasping. The Termignoni pipe answers with a throaty bark.
V7 III Racer
Clip-on bars, rear-set pegs and a solo seat fold you over the V7 III Racer's tank in a café crouch. The engine's output stays modest. Every startup shoves the bike to the right.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The V7 III Racer has the lower seat: 30.3 in (770 mm) vs 31.1 in (790 mm).
- The Scrambler Full Throttle has the lower wet weight: 410 lb (186 kg) vs 461 lb (209 kg).
- The Scrambler Full Throttle makes more peak power: 73 hp (54 kW) vs 52 hp (38 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not their thing
Neither one is built for long-haul comfort. For big miles, look at a proper tourer or sport tourer.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Scrambler Full Throttle
What owners say
Strengths
- Charismatic air-cooled V-twin engine
- High build quality and attention to detail
Trade-offs
- Basic suspension adjustment
- Lacks top-end rush
V7 III Racer
What owners say
Strengths
- Characterful transverse V-twin engine
- Proven reliability and simplicity
- Stunning classic cafe racer design
Trade-offs
- Modest power output
- Fixed front fork lacks adjustability
Known problems to check before you buy
Scrambler Full Throttle
- Oil leaks from filter area Some owners have reported oil leaks, often traced to a poorly torqued oil filter or loose drain bolt from the factory.
V7 III Racer
- Front ABS brake hose rubbing Recall 17V380000 The front ABS brake hose may rub against the engine's secondary air system connection, potentially causing a brake fluid leak and increased stopping distance. This was addressed by a manufacturer recall (NHTSA campaign 17V380000).
What they cost used
These prices compare a 6-year-old Scrambler Full Throttle with a 6-year-old V7 III Racer.
- Scrambler Full Throttle
- about $5,800
- V7 III Racer
- about $6,900
At six years old, the Scrambler Full Throttle sits around $5,800 while the V7 III Racer runs about $6,900. That's a $1,100 gap in the Ducati's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Scrambler Full Throttle | V7 III Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 30.3 in (770 mm) |
| Wet weight | 410 lb (186 kg) | 461 lb (209 kg) |
| Scrambler Full Throttle | V7 III Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 803 cc | 744 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | 90° V-twin |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 52 hp (38 kW) |
| Peak power at | 8,250 rpm | 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,750 rpm | 4,900 rpm |
| Scrambler Full Throttle | V7 III Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 44 mpg (US) / 5.4 L/100 km | 50 mpg (US) / 4.7 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) | 5.5 US gal (21 L) |
| Scrambler Full Throttle | V7 III Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 110/80-18 | 100/90-18 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 130/80-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Scrambler Full Throttle | V7 III Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
