Moto Guzzi V7 Problems – What Are the Common Issues?

Since the 1960s, Moto Guzzi has gained recognition for its signature transverse V-twin engines and charming Italian design. When it comes to motorcycles, the Italian brand has been in the business for a little more than a century. The manufacturer's simplicity and commitment to providing an unrestricted experience to its customers are the things that make it very versatile as a brand and endearing to riders. One of its core products that have withstood the test of time is the V7.

The Moto Guzzi V7 has undergone several updates over the years to address general flaws that were realized along the way as well as to keep up with the ever-changing customer demands and road regulations, particularly in engine performance, fuel economy, safety, emission, and other factors. Along with the changes came new problems though, which we will uncover here.

Common Issues Faced by Moto Guzzi V7 Owners

The Moto Guzzi V7 is no doubt a reliable machine, however, there have been general complaints about it over the years. Most of them are more prevalent as the motorcycle ages, but seldom, even the most recent units can be subjected to them.

1. Brake Fluid Leak

The most recent recall affecting a significant number of the Moto Guzzi V7 units came in 2017. According to the announcement of Piaggio Group Americas, Inc., the parent of Moto Guzzi, the 2016 to 2017 models of the bike have a high risk of brake fluid leaks. The company explained that this is due to the motorcycle's ABS brake hose scrubbing against the engine's secondary air system connection. If the brake fluid leaks, it can cause the brakes to fail, which could lead to an accident.

The potential number of units covered by the recall was estimated to be 1,140. Piaggio has notified owners and its network of dealerships about the problem and has offered to fix the issue free of charge. The repairs involved the replacement of the ABS hose if it has been damaged and securing it to prevent it from rubbing against the engine component.

If you just bought your V7 and you happen to be experiencing this problem, better check with the dealer where you purchased your unit if it's still covered by warranty so you can save on repair costs. If not, have your trusted mechanic do the repairs for you.

Another part of your motorcycle where this problem can occur is in its brake fluid reservoir. Among the possible fixes for this include replacing its sealant, cap, or the whole reservoir itself depending on the location or severity of the damage.

Brake fluid leaks can be easily detected by looking for signs like discoloration of the brake fluid in the reservoir, droplets on the floor where you parked your bike, streaks of fluid in your hose and reservoir, residue on the calipers or pads, and the indicator light coming on.

If left untreated, brake fluid leaks can cause serious damage to your braking system and can potentially lead to an accident. It should be noted as well that some types of brake fluids have certain additives that can cause corrosion if the other parts of your motorcycle are exposed to them. So, if any of these signs are manifesting, it's important to take your bike to a qualified mechanic to have the issue diagnosed and repaired immediately.

2. Engine Bogging

When your Moto Guzzi V7 has difficulty maintaining its pace because its engine seems to be struggling to operate, one of the most common sources of the problem is a dirty or clogged air filter. A mechanic can just clean the air filter if it's still of good quality. However, if it's already worn out, replacing it is already a must.

Another common cause of engine bogging is a fuel mixture that is too lean. This can be fixed by adjusting the carburetor or fuel injectors. If the fuel mixture is too lean, the mechanic can adjust the air or fuel ratio to make it richer. This will help prevent the engine from bogging and ensure that the bike runs smoothly. However, if the root of the problem is a defective or damaged carburetor or fuel injector, then a replacement for the faulty component is the only way to go.

One more possible culprit is a loss of spark due to bad spark plugs or a faulty ignition system. If soot in the external components of the said parts is the only thing preventing them from functioning properly, your mechanic could still save them through cleaning. On the other hand, if any of them are already busted, then they have to be replaced.

3. Stiff Suspension

This is a common problem that happens when regular wear and tear kicks in after time has finally caught up with your bike. However, there are owners of new V7s who are outright complaining about how uncomfortable the motorcycle's suspension is when riding. Thus, this appears to be more of an issue related to buyer preference than a defect in the product itself.

When you are experiencing stiffness in your Moto Guzzi V7 motorcycle's suspension, it could be something as simple as the air pressure in your shocks being too low, or it could be a more serious issue like a broken shock absorber.

If you suspect that the air pressure in your shocks is the reason for the stiffness, the first thing you should do is check your owner's manual to see what the recommended pressure is. If the pressure in your shocks is too low, simply add more air until it reaches the recommended level.

If you don't think that the air pressure is the problem, or if adjusting it doesn't improve the situation, then it's time to check the shocks themselves. Inspect them for any signs of damage, such as leaks or cracks. If you find any damage, you'll likely need to replace the shocks.

Another possible cause of stiffness in your suspension is a broken spring. This is a more serious issue, which definitely calls for the replacement of the broken part.

Whatever is causing your suspension to go bonkers, it's time to take your motorcycle to a professional for a more thorough inspection. They'll be able to identify the problem and get your suspension working properly again in no time.

If everything checks out well yet you are still uncomfortable with your V7, then you might want to consider using mods to improve its ride conditions. One way of doing this is by adding a set of progressive suspension springs. These will help smooth out the bumps in the road and make your ride less tiresome. Another option is to install a set of aftermarket shocks made specifically for the V7, which will offer superior performance and better ride quality than the stock shocks.

If you're not sure which mods to choose, or if you need help installing them, talk to a professional mechanic for advice. They'll be able to help you choose the right mods and install them properly so you can enjoy a smoother ride on your Moto Guzzi V7.

Be warned that some mods may likely void your bike's warranty so this is the trade-off that you have to weigh in before proceeding with the upgrade.

4. Not Starting

This normally occurs together with bogging issues. The most common element triggering hard starts on a Moto Guzzi V7 motorcycle is a faulty starter motor. If the starter motor is not working properly, it can make it difficult for the engine to turn over and start up.

Another possible cause of hard starting could be an issue with the spark plugs or ignition system. If the spark plugs are not firing correctly, it can make it difficult for the engine to start.

Finally, if there is an issue with the fuel delivery system, this can also lead to hard starts. If you are having difficulty starting your Moto Guzzi V7 motorcycle, it is important to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve the problem.

Mostly, these call for a replacement of the damaged parts. Then again, if the said parts that are responsible for starting your motorcycle are still okay, thorough cleaning of the dirty components will probably be enough as a solution.

Is the Moto Guzzi V7 Worth It?

If the reputation of the Moto Guzzi V7 is any indication, then yes, it's a good buy. The V7 is certainly no pushover when it comes to performance as it whips out a good 65 hp at 6,800 rpm and 54 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm thanks to its 853cc displacement engine. When it comes to longevity, it guarantees about 100,000 miles with some users even claiming to have logged as far as 150,000 miles in their bikes before needing an overhaul or major parts replacement.

Except for the problem cited in the 2017 recall, most of the issues of the V7 here are due to the regular wear and tear of the product, which can be remedied through repairs. These can even be avoided through regular maintenance and care for your motorcycle.