Nowadays, Moto Guzzi offers several variants of the modern V7, and they hark back to one of Guzzi’s prettiest motorcycles of all time – the original V7 Sport. It was an instant classic that was created by Tonti to honor the Italian firm’s racing history (including 14 World Championships in the 1960s).
Tonti was tasked to create a machine capable of hitting 200 kilometers per hour (~125 mph), weigh less than 200 kg (~440 lbs), and have five gears in the transmission. The first 200 built for homologation purposes were known as “Telaio Rossos” due to their red frames, and the beautiful machine caught attention from the press due to the unusual decision to utilize shaft drive for a sport bike. After riding it at Monza, Mike Hailwood called it the best handling street bike he had ridden. That also translated to success in competition, with a 3rd place in the 1971 Monza 500 km race and great results in endurance races like Le Mans.
Moto Guzzi used a modified version of the engine from the V7 Special, which initially displaced 757cc and made 45 horsepower. For the V7 Sport, displacement was dropped to 748cc (to comply with 750cc sportbike racing homologation rules) but with multiple upgrades output rose to 70 horsepower. The alternator was also relocated to the front to shorten the motor, which allowed Tonti to design a lower frame and provide a seat height of less than 30 inches.
Despite its sporting intent, the Guzzi was well suited for longer rides and daily usage thanks to Koni socks, a hydraulic steering damper, adjustable clipons (both in reach and height), solenoid-operated petcocks, and even an illumination light when the seat was opened. As MCNews summed it up: “Italy’s first real sporting Superbike, the Sport could match anything available at the time. Built as the embodiment of an engineer’s ideal, and not compromised by economics, fashion or marketing, the V7 Sport was one of the greats, not simply a great Guzzi.”
This example is VIN: 11474.
The odometer shows 52,068 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, connect some loose wiring, clean out debris in the fuel tank, replace the petcocks, replace the fuel tank straps, change the engine/transmission/final drive oil, clean/sync the carbs, replace the spark plugs, replace the horn, check/adjust the valves, install new tires/tubes, and install a new battery. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A, Air Cooled
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Lubed Cable
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Lubed Cable
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Lubed Cable
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Shaft Drive
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: OK, Ignition Only
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum Ok
Forks: Right Hand Fork slight weep
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 18/25
Tire Date Code Rear: 22/25
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%
Tire Press. Front: 34 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 12.56V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.7V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Very Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 KM
Tires Installed:
Front: 3.25-18
Rear: 110/90-18
**Carb Installed: VHB30C**
Notes:
-GP Shift on right hand side
-Tachometer drive currently not functional
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road Classic tires with date codes of 1825 and 2225.
The sale includes one ignition key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Moto Guzzi is offered on a clean California title with registration status believed to be on Planned Non-Operation. The cost to bring the California registration current is $226.
Have any V7 Sport stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
