Guzzi Grows

GUZZI GROWS

ROUNDUP

FIRST THE GRISO 8V roadster was announced (Roundup, December,

2007), and now comes another machine powered by Moto Guzzi’s new eight-valve 1200cc V-Twin: the Stelvio.

This adventure-tourer could be described as a Griso 8V on stilts, since it shares the same frame and power unit. But a much taller 50mm Marzocchi fork (with 6.7 inches travel) gets a 19-inch front wheel shod with a 110/80-19 radial road tire.

The 17-inch rear wheel is wrapped with 180/55-17 rubber of similar tread design. A s shock with linkage works on the shaftdrive swingarm and offers 6.1 inches of travel. Wheelbase spans 61 inches. Dry weight is announced at 472 pounds.

Old is in, right? Moto Guzzi has finally entered the retro-sport game with the V7 Classic for 2008. First sight fills the heart with nostalgic joy: The V7 Sport, M-G’s first big sporting Twin, is back!

Second sight erases much enthusiasm, though, especially if you wanted to go hunting for Ducati SportClassic 1000s. While the bike looks fantastic with its lovely, V7style tank and classically shaped seat, it uses the same swingarm as on the old V35/ V50 econo-Twins of the DeTomaso era. As for the engine, rather than the literclass two-valver one would hope for, power instead comes from the 46-hp V75 last seen in the Breva 750, just fitted with restyled valve covers.

Wire-spoked 3.50-17 are shod with biasply tires in 110/70 and 130/80 sizes. Ultimately, the V7 looks to be a pleasant entry-level standard, but sportier sorts will have to hope for an upgraded model. Bruno dePrato