Royal Enfield Classic 500 or Moto Guzzi V7
Royal Enfield Classic 500 or Moto Guzzi V7
Author
Discussion

marcella

Original Poster:

221 posts

154 months

Monday 22nd June 2020
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As per above. I have been hankering after a V7 for a few years, more as a second bike but I just never had the funds for two bikes. I am now bikeless so I have an itch to fill the empty space in my garage.

If I was to go for a V7 it would probably have to be the latest model so talking around £7k+, but I have been looking at the RE classic in military green and think it looks fantastic. Plus the price of £4500 brand new is a lot of bike for the money.

Now I know both these bikes are different and the V7 is probably more compared to the 650 RE's but they don't interest me. Basically I could buy the RE now and I am almost certain I would get a V7 in the future (whether it sat along side the RE or trade it in), or probably wait another year to afford the V7.

Ideally I would like to find someone who has ridden both, due the pandemic I can't test ride any of these at the moment. I know the RE will be more agricultural and underpowered compared to the V7 but that's part of the charm, I will only use for chilled out country rides and short commutes.

Anyway just looking for insight to anyone that's ridden these bikes.

V8RX7

28,982 posts

293 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2020
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TBH I don't think these bikes are about riding they are about looks and character

I recently bought a Griso because of the looks and character, I did consider the V7 but to me the Griso is just more of everything (although the leg position is very cramped) I didn't consider an Enfield as they just don't do it for me.

If you can't tell by looking then you need a short ride, it's irrelevant what everyone else thinks as no one buys these bikes on ability

AceOfHearts

5,957 posts

221 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2020
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I love my Enfield 500 but it is quite slow (realistic 60mph max cruise). I would suggest going for a ride on one if you are not 100% sure.

That being said I have had nothing go wrong on mine in 10000 miles and have done a 4000 mile trip to the Arctic Circle on it and it was great. I got mine at under a year old with 1000 miles for £3500, so there are some good deals on very lightly used bikes.

Another benefit is a great pillion seat and the OH loves it, and it also makes a great noise.

I have never ridden a Guzzi so unfortunately can't compare

crofty1984

17,064 posts

234 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2020
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Look at the royal Enfield interceptor.

Max5476

1,021 posts

144 months

Wednesday 24th June 2020
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I haven't ridden either (so my opinion is probably not that useful) but I would have to pick the V7 over the Royal Enfield. I think the V7 has the character to enjoy relaxed rides around B-Roads, but also the performance for some motorway commuting if required, whereas the RE would become frustrating on anything that wasn't a very relaxed bimble, which could mean it then wasn't used.

Why not get a V7 II this year, and then upgrade to a V7 III in 12 months when you have saved enough?

What about one of the Triumph Modern Classics or Kawasaki W800?

Dealers are open, so it would be worth ringing up and asking for a test ride on both.