1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
Miles: 36,257
Fourth Owner
Clean California Title
Listed Price: $15,000
These days, Moto Guzzi is doomed to languish in performance limbo as a sporty retro brand, part of the Piaggio Group’s portfolio and never allowed to challenge the #BeARacer reputation of stablemates Aprilia. Which is a shame as, at one time, Guzzi had quite the reputation in racing circles. Back in the early 1970s, their newly introduced v-twin was felt to have sporting potential, although its longitudinal orientation was unconventional, and shaft-drive was an unusual choice for a sports motorcycle as it increased weight. The bigger issue was the sport-touring V7’s “loop” frame made for a tall motorcycle that wasn’t really suited to competition. The solution was a new frame designed by Lino Tonti and a relocation of the generator from between the cylinders to the front of the crankshaft. The result was the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, a long and low machine that managed to offer sleek looks and world-class handling. Variants of the frame were actually in use into the 1990s, a testament to its versatility, as well as Guzzi’s frugality. The engine was treated to the usual improvements, with an increase to 748.8cc, the addition of higher compression pistons, a hotter camshaft, and paired valve springs. Combined with a pair of Dell’Orto carburetors, the new version of the v-twin put a claimed 52whp through the bike’s five-speed box, meaning the V7 Sport was good for 120mph, an impressive speed for a stock roadgoing 750 at the time.
1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport with 36,257 miles. VIN and engine # VK32365. Mechanically restored, great patina “conservato”.
Owned since November 2016. The complete refresh included: Millennium Technologies Nikasil plated cylinders. There was no sign of chrome damage or flaking during tear down. New rings, wrist pins, oil lines, fuel lines, coils, plugs, wires, oil pressure sensor, steering dampener, all crankcase breather parts, exhaust clamps, etc.
New D404 tires, tubes and strips. All old drying rubber bits, bushings, key cap, peg rubbers, shift and brake rubbers, etc etc replaced.
Most every wear out item replaced. All new fluids (engine, trans, final) etc.
Under seat service light works.
Replacement parts were from all the known sources (MG, Harpers, etc).
Dyna Electronic ignition and new pod air filters installed.
Starts and runs great.
The fuel Peacocks are original- electronic on the left and manual reserve on the right side.
Side and center stands.
I have a printed service manual to go with it.
New front brake pads and cables.Includes with original cloth bag tool kit with tools.
History: The original owner purchased the bike in 1973 from Bryant Brother’s Motorcycles in Sacramento, CA. In that year Bryant Brother’s reportedly received two V7 Sports both of them red with black frames. One bike was purchased by owner number #1. (The other bike was reportedly purchased by the parts guy at the dealership, and owned until his resent passing. That bike now lives in N. Cal – thanks for the nice notes from SB who filled in some blanks). In 1974, owner #2 asked the dealership about the other bike, they coordinated the second owner to make an offer and purchased the bike with less than 3,000 miles on it and he owned it until 2008 when Owner #3 purchased the bike with 31,274 miles on the odometer. I purchased the bike in November 2016 from Owner #3 with 36,100 miles on the odometer.
Two sets of keys for both ignition and side boxes.
The bike is located at Moto Guzzi Clasics. Mark Erhridge has gone completely through it and it runs perfectly. He found original shock and electric petcock stickers sourced correct horn (not in pic) and made a few other adjustments to bring it to spec. Recently detailed.
Bike is on non-op no fees.
From the photos and description, this looks like a very original, honest example of Moto Guzzi’s V7 Sport for a reasonable price, being offered by a knowledgeable owner who took the time to put together a comprehensive listing that hits all the highlights. You really can’t ask for much more from a Craigslist post. Note that Moto Guzzi Classics in Signal Hill is a well-regarded Guzzi specialist in Southern California. If you’re after a perfectly restored or trapped-in-amber, zero-mile bike, this obviously won’t be for you. But should it be ready to do the thing Guzzis are known for and happily munch miles for years to come.
-tad
