Engine
TransmissionChassis
Dimensions
General Show
Engine
TransmissionChassis
Dimensions
General
Moto Guzzi subjected its signature V7 platform to a ground-up rebuild so profound it required a name change that abandons the Roman numeral system altogether. A new chassis carries an updated drivetrain on new suspension components to set the stage for the switchable ABS and traction control system. The new V7 joins its stablemate, the Centenario, a 2021-only limited-edition model celebrating MG's 100-year Anniversary. 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone E5 Performance and Capability MG products are instantly recognized by their transverse-mount V-twin engines. This new generation of V7 Stone is no exception. Built to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, the new “Eight-Fifty” runs with an 84 mm bore and 77 mm stroke to boost the overall displacement to 853 cc. This brings a concurrent increase in power output to the tune of 25 percent with a slight boost in torque. The 850 engine in the Moto Guzzi Stone V7 produces 65 horsepower and 53.8 pound-feet of torque. That's up from 52/44 respectively from the previous version, and according to the factory, over 80 percent of that overall grunt is available at the 3,000 rpm mark. This is unsurprising as V-twin engines like the V7, are usually pretty torquey in general. For our cousins across the pond, an A2-compliant version is available for riders who are on the tiered license progression. Redesigned cases deliver greater rigidity with a deep-sump oil collector and dual oil pumps for pressure and positive recovery, even in deep lean angles. A pushrod-and-rocker type valvetrain times a pair of poppets per head with a number of aluminum components that keep the top ends simple and light. This attention to weight continues into the piston themselves as well as the wrist pins. The reduced diameter of the pins down to a diameter of 20 mm reduces reciprocating weight. Power flows through a standard clutch and six-speed transmission before heading to the rear wheel via a double-jointed driveshaft with a V7 Stone top speed of 110 mph. A switchable traction control feature comes with two levels of intervention plus “Off” to give you some control over the safety equipment.
Design
The differences between the Stone and Centenario come down, essentially, to color choices. The overall build is the same across the board. Both rock plenty of blackout treatment, but the Stone comes with a choice of four colors shot on the tank and front fender in black, copper, yellow, and gray. The Centenario has green at the front fender and side covers, and gray at the tank with a brown seat cover instead of black. A solo round headlight housing carries LED projectors for both high- and low beams. In addition, there's an eagle-shaped DRL feature for daytime safety. New for this year, the digital display in a round housing acts as the rider's interface for the safety electronics. It connects to the Moto Guzzi MIA service through your smartphone. The 5.5-gallon fuel tank draws from its forebears with the little head-shed outcroppings designed to visually fair off the protruding engine tops a bit. A narrow waist meets the pinched rear of the fuel tank. The narrow entry of the two-up seat props up your passenger on a faux tuck-and-roll pad with subframe-mount, flip-up footpegs to complete the kit. A blackout rear fender mounts the gear in the rear with the license plate used to extend the coverage. Overall, the Stone E5 maintains the classic look associated with the V7 line, and so most of the improvements are under the hood, as it were.
Chassis
The tubular frame on the V7 Stone is ALS steel in a double-downtube/double-cradle type unit. A new, larger, yoke-style swingarm doubles as a shaft housing for the final drive. Cast wheels round out the rolling chassis. They come lined with a 100/90-18 ahead of a 150/70-17 in a street tread pattern. Wet weight is just under 500 pounds, so perhaps the single front brake is sufficient. It runs a 320 mm disc with a four-bore, opposed-piston Brembo caliper to provide most of the stopping power. It's followed by a 260 mm disc and twin-cylinder anchor out back. Plain vanilla suspension floats the front end on 40 mm pipes. The rear end sports dual coil-over shocks that come with adjustable preload as the only tweak. ABS protection comes stock to finish out the electronics suite.
2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone E5 Price and AvailabilityRegardless of which colorway you pick, you'll pay the same price. The base-model 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone E5 costs $8,990. The limited-edition Centenario, available only for 2021, costs $9,190.
CompetitorsMoto Guzzi finds immediate competition in the U.S. market from domestic giant Harley-Davidson. It goes head-to-head with the 2022 Iron 883. Harley-Davidson Iron 883A member of the Sportster family, the Iron 883 carries itself with much the same poise as its Italian counterpart. It has lots of that standard/cruiser vibe to go around. Blackout treatment starts the connection to the custom world, much like the Stone, but takes it further. The drilled-out front fender uprights and belt guard shed weight for the sake of performance. A single round headlight and round instrument gauge ride on the front of the Sporty. Out back, the license plate holder is offset to the left side to make for a cleaner rear end. The cut-down rear fender carries a small but effective taillight bar that does nothing to diminish that clean look. If you like to share the fun with a friend, the H-D comes up short with a solo saddle and no passenger footpegs. You'll have to go out of pocket post-sale whereas the Stone is good to go. Harley claims 54 pounds o' grunt, and the engine is a proven plant. This style of Sportster engine first saw the light of day in 1986 and is a reliable performer. You'll pay for that pedigree to the tune of $11,249 to leave the Moto Guzzi with a significant advantage at the checkout. H-D has no answer to the 'Guzzi's traction control, and ABS is an $819 addition if you want it. He Said“Well, what's not to like? I mean, it's pretty much a Sportster with a sideways engine. It just has technology such as traction control to set it apart.” “It's clear that 'Guzzi intends you to ride the V7 the same way as a Sportster. At the end of the day, with much the same handling and performance profile, it's a natural competitor for the same slice of the market.” She SaidMy wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “Whether you are new to two wheels or have many miles behind you, the new V7 Stone is a joy to ride. The engine is derived from the one that powers the TT85, though it isn't a straight-up transplant. There is no Ride-by-Wire, but there are enough basic electronic goodies to make riding suitable for beginners.” FAQQ: How much will the Rebel 1100 cost?You can get a brand new Honda Rebel 1100 for the bargain price of $9,399 Q: How fast will the Rebel 1100 go?From the factory, the Rebel 1100 is limited to 100mph but there may be a way of deleting the speed limiter to give a higher top speed. But really, why would you want to go faster? Q: Is the Rebel 1100 a good beginner bike?As long as you have your full bike license, the Rebel 1100 is a great beginner’s bike: the low seat height, low center of gravity, good brakes, great chassis, and decent rider safety electronics all add up to make this an easy and unintimidating bike to ride. Q: How much horsepower does the Honda Rebel 1100 have?The Honda Rebel 1100 puts out 85.5 horsepower. The engine has been re-tuned for low-down torque over the Africa Twin application. |