Bonneville Vs. V7 Classic

[whynot]

I saw this V7 racer link on Moto Guzzi's FB page:

http://www.motoguzzi.com/v7racer/

Rad.

Meanwhile, I love my Guzzi, '07 Griso 1100:




But if it's retro you want, I could be convinced to part with the genuine article:

[dankatz]

The Bonnie is a much more powerful bike, but the V7 is even classier looking and has a certain charisma. Both are good choices!

[DesmoTull]

Wedding in 3 weeks, then 2 weeks in Spain. Come springtime, I'll have to test ride both. ;-)

[markbvt]

When you do ride a Bonnie, keep in mind that the stock bikes are fairly mild-mannered, but easy, basic mods really wake it up.

--mark

[Rambunctous]

The V7 is really nice with the retro look and spokes. Reminds me of the Ducati GT 1000. The Duc looks odd though cause the rear wheel does not fit the fender right. The V7 looks nice. Be pretty practical with a old style windshield too.

[Chippertheripper]

I finally stopped and talked to the goose guy in Plymouth. He's got a few of em, to include the meat wagon below. (he owns a butcher shop, a staple in north Plymouth)
So, he's got an 02 lemans 1100, <10k, feracci exhaust and crossover, pc (tuned), blk/grey for $5500.
The thing is dope. I'm not sure if it's what you're after desmo/Scottie, but whatevs.

[DesmoTull]

When you do ride a Bonnie, keep in mind that the stock bikes are fairly mild-mannered, but easy, basic mods really wake it up.

--mark

Yeah, If I got a Bonnie.... the air injector delete, K&N filters, Norman Hyde exhaust, and tune would be done almost the same day.


Thanks Chipper. Not really what I'm looking for. I'm looking for a newer retro streetbike that'll spend 90% of it's life as a urban bike / commuter / country road carver, with an occasional trackday (you read right), and weekend "romantic ride" with the wifey. I'm not looking for a high HP machine to set land speed records or get "excellence in motoring" prizes from the LEOs. Just something that is as fun and engaging to ride as my first Bonnie & Monster 620.

[markbvt]

Yeah, If I got a Bonnie.... the air injector delete, K&N filters, Norman Hyde exhaust, and tune would be done almost the same day.

I'd actually highly recommend the Predator exhaust -- best-sounding one available, IMO, and also one of the best-performing ones.

--mark

[DesmoTull]

I'd actually highly recommend the Predator exhaust -- best-sounding one available, IMO, and also one of the best-performing ones.

--mark

I'll have to see it in person. I just have Youtube to go off of. I like the Norman Hyde Togas best.

The new Arrow actually sounds like a wet fart.

[landricscustoms]

Wagner Motorsports sells Moto Guzzi... they had a couple last time i was there...
BEAUTIFUL BIKES

[landricscustoms]

I saw this V7 racer link on Moto Guzzi's FB page:

http://www.motoguzzi.com/v7racer/

Rad.

Meanwhile, I love my Guzzi, '07 Griso 1100:




But if it's retro you want, I could be convinced to part with the genuine article:

how much for the trumpet

[Rambunctous]

Kawi W650

http://www.michaelsmotorcycles.com/2000Kawasaki610.html

[markbvt]

I'll have to see it in person. I just have Youtube to go off of. I like the Norman Hyde Togas best.

The Preds have the deepest, rumbliest tone I've heard of any of the Bonneville aftermarket exhausts. The Norman Hydes tend to be a bit tinny/raspy sounding. The Bubs are raspy and LOUD. The D&D's, as far as I remember, are similar to the Preds but a little higher-pitched.

The Triumph off-road pipes (TORs) actually sound pretty good, especially once broken in. They're politely quiet at low revs but give a nice BRAP when you get on the throttle.

(By the way, all these descriptions are based on hearing them in person.)

--mark

[DesmoTull]

Thanks for the input, Mark!

I'm leaning towards the Bonneville. Because I know what it is, and what I'm getting into. A V7 Classic might be a little to relaxing at 48ish HP.

[markbvt]

Yeah, and not as receptive to mods. I've heard of people getting Bonnies well over 80hp with relatively minor mods (intake, exhaust, big-bore kit, hotter cams).

--mark

[TheIglu]

I rode a new Bonnie a few weeks back and was rather impressed. Motor is silky smooth with just enough thump to know it's a twin, wide rev range, neutral solid handling. Shifter/case was a bit odd, case bulges out a bunch and I tried to shift using it a few times.

Impressed overall. Just needs some good suspension and shaft drive.

[DesmoTull]

There is a belt drive conversion for the Bonnevilles.

V7 Classic is shaft drive!

[beet]

I rode a new Bonnie a few weeks back and was rather impressed. Motor is silky smooth with just enough thump to know it's a twin, wide rev range, neutral solid handling. Shifter/case was a bit odd, case bulges out a bunch and I tried to shift using it a few times.

Impressed overall. Just needs some good suspension and shaft drive.

Shaft drive SUCKS IMO unless it's a BMW. Belt drive is the way ta go, & why would you put clip ons? Kind of like tits on a bull! Good ta see you guys looking @ street bikes. You don't need ta rip ta have fun, on a good street bike...

[whynot]

how much for the trumpet

Around $5K for the Frankenbike maybe if I decide to sell, kinda having too much fun with it now. (This is one of the bikes I was talking to you re. paint.)

I was trying to make a distinction in my post between the new retro bikes like V7, GT1000, and Bonne, and real retro, vintage.

I looked at the GT1000 in my quest for a "standard" bike. I wish we could buy new CBs and KZs, then we'd have a broader choice.

Between V7 and Bonne, though, I'd go for the Bonne. (Me 'n' Triumph go 'way back ... .)

Still, I'd be yearning for fully adjustable suspension, so maybe a Street Triple R with a Sargent seat would fill the bill, a 2011 with the upgraded voltage regulator/rectifier.

[TooManyToys]

I picked up a 10 Bonnie SE this year and added the TORS pipes and download. Runs great and just loud enough when you crank it.

I really enjoy this bike- feels very light and handles great. Love the 2 tone blue and white for that classic look.

Quite a change from tooling around on the Fat Boy...

[DesmoTull]

Still, I'd be yearning for fully adjustable suspension, so maybe a Street Triple R with a Sargent seat would fill the bill, a 2011 with the upgraded voltage regulator/rectifier.

You gotta check out some of the Racetech stuff that they've put on a project Bonnie in Cafe Racer magazine. It might take care of that issue for you.

[markbvt]

The Bonnie front suspension is helped a lot by simply replacing the springs with progressive-wound ones and using heavier fork oil. I also replaced the shocks on mine with Ikons. This makes the suspension a little stiffer than stock, but I can ride with Speed Triples in rough twisties and hold my line like the bike's on rails while their rear tires are skittering out. IMO this is a mandatory upgrade.

FWIW, I used the Thruxton-length shocks on my Bonnie, which raises the rear end a little and quickens up steering, and I'm also running a 150 rear tire, which raises the rear end a little more. Very fun bike.

--mark

[DesmoTull]

Time for some more retro streetbike moto porn.