The 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 comes in three trim levels including Special, Stone, and Racer. They are all powered by a 744cc 90-degree V-twin that's mated to a 5-speed transmission with shaft final drive. The double-cradle tubular frame in ALS steel is also the same. In essence, the only differences lie in design (including colours and wheels) and ergonomics.


Inspired by vintage V750 models, the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Special offers two colour schemes: silver with black stripes and black with orange stripes. The fuel tank proudly wears the Moto Guzzi logo, and new black spoke wheels replace last year's chrome wheels.

Photo: MOTO GUZZI

Meanwhile, the sinister-looking 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone is all matte black from top (only the fuel tank gets a touch of contrasting red or green) to bottom (right down to the aluminum wheels with six twin spokes), and successfully pulls off the neo-retro theme.

Photo: MOTO GUZZI

Last, but not least, is the 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, which also benefits from a few cosmetic changes including matte black mirrors, side panels and tailpipe mounts, as well as a suede seat.

Photo: MOTO GUZZI

While the V7 Stone and V7 Special are similar in terms of riding position (close to a standard street bike), the V7 Racer feels more radical, almost like a modern superbike, with your feet resting higher up and farther back to increase ground clearance in corners, and your hands grabbing lowered handlebars for a more aggressive stance.

In the end, subtle but stylish enhancements bring the iconic Moto Guzzi V7 family up to date. These models will definitely please enthusiasts who are either old enough to remember or hip enough to crave Europe's café racers of the 1950s and 1960s.