Moto Guzzi V7 II Stornello: PH2
Another week, another scrambler bike! Moto Guzzi's latest under the PH2 microscope
Upswept pipe for the full scrambler look
According to that fountain of knowledge that is Google, a Stornello is a short Italian poem. Quite what that has to do with a motorcycle is a mystery, but that's the Italians for you. In order to create this motorised monologue, Guzzi took the V7 as a base, complete with ABS and traction control, and then stuck on a set of wire wheels, knobbly tyres, upswept pipe, a few bits of bling, the most hideous brake/gear levers known to man and a set of taller bars to create an urban Scrambler. Yes, another blooming Scrambler; however the Stornello does have the slight plus point of being a limited edition model, with only 1,000 being built. Are Guzzi likely to sell them all?
Poetry in motion
I've ridden a fair few V7 models and they are certainly charming, if slightly underpowered, bikes. Which is exactly what the Stornello feels like. While it certainly looks fantastic in the flesh, to ride it does feel somewhat basic; compared to rivals such as the Ducati Scrambler or Triumph Scramblers, in particular the new Street Twin with the Scrambler inspiration kit fitted, it feels like a machine from another era. The V7 engine certainly has an appeal due to its authentically retro sound and vibration, but 48hp from a 744cc? That's a bit limp. While the clutch action is nice and light, unlike some of its rivals the throttle response is a little too abrupt. Can that be chalked down to character? Partially, but it's certainly not the easiest of bikes to live with; that's an oversight given this is a bike generally aimed at newer riders. And then there's the handling...
The problem with Scrambler style machines is that very often manufacturers feel the need to give them off-road style tyres and wheel sizes in the name of fashion. Knobbly tyres work off-road but on a bike such as the Stornello, which is never going to venture up a muddy path in its life, they destroy their handling. I've never heard of Goldentyre tyres before but I hope I never hear of them again, as they ruin the V7's previously pretty solid handling. They may be fine for urban commuting, but show them a set of bends and they are vague and lacking in grip even in the dry. Add some water and they will be even worse. But does this really matter?
Well of course it's stylish
Let's face facts: in the cold light of day, Moto Guzzi's V7 models will never perform as well as their rivals. But that isn't why riders buy them. Guzzis look and feel unique to ride and that's their appeal, not their performance characteristics. The Stornello isn't the fastest bike in its class, or the best handling. Its suspension is pretty poor, the brakes only adequate and the traction control and ABS also pretty basic. But the Stornello looks great, sounds right and the fact it is a Moto Guzzi is certainly appealing to a certain group of riders. Personally I'd have a Street Twin or Ducati Scrambler over it any day of the week as they are far better bikes to ride and use, but these are pretty common; the Guzzi retains a bit of exclusivity due to its smaller sales volume. The downside of this exclusivity, however, is cost: at £8,636, the Stornello is very pricey. You would have to be a real fan to justify that kind of expense on what, once all the flash styling is taken out of the equation, is ultimately a pretty basic and agricultural bike.
MOTO GUZZI V7 II STORNELLO
Engine: 744cc V-twin, air-cooled
Power (hp): 48@6,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 44@3,250rpm
Top speed: 90mph (est)
Weight: 186kg (wet)
MPG: 55mpg (est)
Price: £8,636
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