Moto Guzzi V7 II Series Gets CARB Approval for 2016 Model Year
After Piaggio revealed the latest generation of its Moto Guzzi V7 series at Intermot, we were disappointed to hear the new V7 II models (the Racer, Special and Stone) would not be offered in the U.S. for 2015. Disappointed, but not entirely surprised, as Piaggio typically doesn’t import new models revealed at the big fall shows to the U.S. until the next model year.
True to form, the updated V7 II Racer, Special and Stone appear to be heading our way, after receiving executive orders from the California Air Resources Board, certifying them for the 2016 model year. Visually, the V7 II models don’t look that different from the outgoing models, but the new models bring some significant changes.
The most significant change is the updated transmission adding a sixth gear. The new transmission allowed Moto Guzzi to change the primary drive ratio to 18:23 from 16:21. The clutch has also been revised to offer a softer action and a more even release.
The longitudinally-mounted 744cc V-Twin engine is mounted lower on the V7 II models and tilted 4° farther forward. Combined with the footpegs, which have been lowered by about an inch, the V7 II models now offer an extra 1.2 inches of knee room compared to the previous models. Moto Guzzi also lowered the seat height by 0.6 inches to 31.1 inches, so the rider triangle will offer a different feel for those familiar with the previous V7 models.
Other updates include anti-lock brakes and traction control derived from the Moto Guzzi California 1400’s system.
We’ll have to wait
[Source: CARB]
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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