The original Moto Guzzi V7 Sport was ground zero for a line of Italian sportbikes that stretches in a continuous line to the current day. Yes, it has shaft drive. And yes, the rumors are true: the engine started its life powering an odd, three-wheeled military tractor. But if ever there was a machine that could be described as being “more than the sum of its parts,” the V7 Sport was certainly it.
Power came from the earlier V7’s 757cc engine, but with smaller 82.5mm pistons that meant 748.8cc in total, making the new V7 Sport legal for 750cc class racing. A hot cam and 9.8:1 high-compression pistons gave 52hp at the rear wheel through a five-speed gearbox, and the bike had a top speed of 120mph.
Moto Guzzi largely raided the parts bin to build the engine and running gear for the V7 Sport, but the frame was necessarily all-new: the original V7 was a touring model that was relatively tall in profile, owing to the need for the frame to pass over the generator that was mounted in the vee of the engine. The new bike moved the charging system to the front of the engine, allowing for a long, low silhouette, while detachable lower frame rails simplified the removal of the engine. The “Tonti” frame was so successful and versatile that variations were used well into the modern era.
From the photos and description, this is about as nice and as collectible as it gets, aside from the original Telaio Rosso, a short run of 150 V7 Sports that featured red frames, metallic lime green bodywork, and sand-cast engine components.
From the original eBay listing: 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport for Sale
Time warp is an overused word when it comes to cars and motorcycles, but on this bike it’s absolutely true. The Moto Guzzi V7 Sport is one of the original machines all of the retro bikes patterned themselves after. Everything on this motorcycle is just the way it was in the early 70’s, besides the gas, oil, and tires. This Moto Guzzi V7 Sport is one of the best original V7 Sport Guzzi’s I’ve ever seen or owned.
The cosmetic condition of this machine is just as good as it looks in the photos. Everything on this motorcycle is original, from the paint to the exhaust system. The seat is also in original condition and beautiful. The motor and frame numbers are also factory correct and original. And the running condition of the machine is flawless, starting immediately.
This bike has been part of my collection for years and was ridden on a regular basis, running and riding with absolutely no issues, until it was installed as a static display in my museum warehouse.
As you can also see from the photos in the photo section, the machine has had absolutely no restoration performed to any part of it. Period. The condition is EXACTLY what it looks like in the photos.
Overall, the cosmetic appearance of the bike is about what you would expect from a 15,000 mile original machine. The Guzzi has been maintained and ridden throughout its life, and besides the tires, every part of the bike is original and unmodified.
The paint on the tank and side covers is original and have never had any type of paintwork or touchup. The rubber is all in very nice condition, and none of those pieces have been replaced. And all of the chrome and stainless is also in near flawless condition. The bike has never been in any type of accident or been dropped at any time.
The original Guzzi exhaust system is in stunning original condition, with no pitting or bluing to the headers and the wire spoked wheels are original to the machine and beautiful.
The V7 Sport runs and rides the way you expect a machine with this type of mileage to run. The Guzzi is on static display right now but was properly prepped for long term storage beforehand.
All of the mechanical components have been checked over to ensure they work properly including the clutch and triple Brembo brakes. The 30mm Dell’Orto carburetors were completely re-built last season and function perfectly, and there will be a new battery installed upon the sale of the motorcycle. The inside of the gas tank is beautiful. I only use Sunoco Optima high octane/non-ethanol fuel in this and all of my bikes, so fuel related issues are never an issue.
The tires installed on the machine are Avon Roadholders, and while they are technically aged out, are in perfectly ridable condition and basically as new, having not been exposed to direct UV sunlight.
A complete tune up and general maintenance was performed, including engine/transmission oil change, flushing and replacing the brake fluid, adjusting the clutch and chain, etc. There is absolutely nothing you will have to do to this motorcycle to ride and enjoy it.
I do not have a riding video of the V7, as it is stored. But if you purchase the machine, I will guarantee it will be in perfect running condition when you pick it up or receive it after shipping. I take my collection seriously, and I take the passing on of my machines to the next owner seriously, so please rest assured you will receive exactly what is represented here in the ad.
If you’re looking for a museum-quality V7 Sport, your search may be over. This one could even easily be a runner, if a life of display seems too cruel a fate for such a glorious machine. It’s got low miles, original paint, original exhaust… Basically everything is original except fluids and tires. Bidding seems slow at the moment, but move fast if you want this one: there are just about 24 hours left on the auction.
-tad
The seller wrote—“A complete tune up and general maintenance was performed, including engine/transmission oil change, flushing and replacing the brake fluid, adjusting the clutch and chain, etc.” Perhaps he is unaware that there is no brake fluid as the brakes are mechanical and there is no adjusting the chain as it has a shaft drive. Would you question his other comments?
When i was a kid many decades back, the firstthing we looked at on bikes was how high the speedo went. Wow this thing is impressive for a 750…
I think he probably just misspoke/typed. If I had a big collection, I might forget the finer points of the various bikes I’m selling/buying/owning…