VOL. 53 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 13, 2016 P51
THE VITALS
Moto Guzzi V7 II Stornello
Engine: 744cc, 90° V-twin,
8-valve, 4-stroke
Chassis: Double cradle tubular
steel frame, 40mm unadjustable
fork, twin, preload-adjustable
rear shocks.
Front brakes: 320mm disc,
Brembo four-piston caliper. ABS
(can be disengaged)
Rear brakes: 260mm disc,
floating two-piston caliper
Front/Rear wheel sizes: 18 in./
17 in.
Weight: 419 lbs (curb, claimed)
Electronics: ABS, traction control
MSRP: $11,190
Kit Palmer: "When I was put on the
spotlight and asked to choose my favorite,
I even surprised myself when I said "Moto
Guzzi." The modern-day scrambler to me is
not as much about performance as it is a
feel, or a mood, like which bike makes you
grin every time you see it in your garage.
For me, that bike was the Moto Guzzi. It
looks pure retro, and how can you not like the looks of those
mid-pipes? I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Guzzi
performed, too, both on and off the road. It makes reasonable
power, it's very smooth on the highway, and it feels remarkably
light and agile. And even the suspension is impressive. I would
love seeing it permanently in my garage, without question."
Sean Finley: "The Moto Guzzi
surprised me the most in this test. The
seat is very roomy and plush compared
to the other bikes and the relationship
between the seat, pegs and handlebars
is good for cruising or riding dirt roads.
The handlebars are the narrowest of the
bunch, which felt strange at first coming
off the other bikes but felt fine once you got used to it and
did not seem to hold it back on the dirt. The motor is the least
inspiring among the group so if you like a burst of acceleration
and rumble on your ride, the Guzzi isn't for you. The high exhaust
and overall styling on the Guzzi has an old-school look that is
arguably one of the most authentic."
Jesse Ziegler: "The Moto Guzzi is a pretty
cool bike. It feels old-school, with a lumpy,
chunky power delivery and slammed low
stance. It rolls on with a fun power delivery
that can have you smiling for days, but not
overly impressive. This segment isn't as
much performance as it is coolness. Here,
the Guzzi has serious street cred. Addition-
ally, you're not going to run into many more Moto Guzzi Stornello
riders on Sunday fun runs. It's unique, super cool, torquey and
fun for just the right roads these bikes shine on. It has old-school
style and a nod to performance with the Arrow high route
exhaust and, well, you can put a number on it because it has
number plates! It's comfortable, fun, a bit weird and on the right
side of analog to be a class winner."
(Above) Isn't she pretty?
The Stornello is limited
to only 1000 units so you
better get in quick if you
want one.
