New Moto Guzzi 700cc V-Twin
NEW MOTO GUZZI 700cc V-Twin
THE Italian motorcycle industry, although fighting against a recession, is showing a revival of interest toward the “big ’uns.” Ducati is preparing the huge Apollo 1260cc four-cylinder primarily for the U.S. market, Gilera is considering production of a commercial road-going version of its famous 500cc racing “four,” and, as previously announced, Moto Guzzi has built a rather unorthodox 700cc. Called the V-7, it is a transverse V-twin with final drive by shaft enclosed in the right arm of the rear suspension.
After some two years of intensive tryouts, the new Moto Guzzi is now at the end of the testing stage. Mainly intended for army and police use, it isn’t much of a sporting mount, but it is a grand touring job, extremely sturdy, needing infrequent maintenance yet offering quite satisfying performance even to the speed enthusiast.
The pushrod-operated OHV engine develops 42 hhp @ 6000 rpm (with terrific pulling power from the lowest rpm ranges), so a top speed of slightly over 105 mph is assured without any sign of fatigue, according to testers.
CARLO PERELLI
Ignition is by 12V battery and coils, with generator and contact breakers at the base of the cylinder “V” and belt-pulley operated from the front part of the crankshaft. The electric starter motor, engaging a car-type flywheel, is on the left side of the crankcase. Other interesting features are: single-disc dry clutch, four-speed gearbox in unit, heel-and-toe pedal controlled from the right side, and two large bore Dellorto carburetors. The V-7 has a double cradle tubular frame with orthodox sus-
pension and 18-inch wheels, double leading shoe front brake, single leading shoe rear brake (both light alloy, full width), and weighs 495 lbs. in running order. Riding position is quite high and slightly to the rear, but fairly comfortable.
Deliveries of the V-7 to the Italian Army and Police are expected soon (both have already tested it with excellent results), and afterwards it will be available to the general public. Pictured here is the “civilian” version: we are looking forward anxiously to road testing one!
