CBT MOTO GUZZI’S BEAUTIFUL RACER
FIVE decades after the original V7 took the motorcycling world by storm with its innovative 90-degree transverse V-twin engine in 1967, Moto Guzzi came out with the third-generation V7 III as a response to a growing 21st century demand for modern retro.
The Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer is specifically crafted and engineered to meet the needs of a niche that would settle for nothing less - or more - than “custom”.
The Racer is powered by a 744cc four-stroke engine with 44 pound-feet of torque at 4,900rpm and produces 52hp at 6,200rpm. Moto Guzzi says power is increased by 10 per cent due to the new 90-degree transverse V-twin engine and that the V7 III remains its entry-level model.
So although the name might suggest that it is fast and aggressive, the Racer is actually a fun and easy bike to live with. Nonetheless, it is the sportiest compared to its other two V7 III siblings.
Look-wise, the Racer looks more than good. I noticed heads turning our wayasthebikeandItook a leisurely stroll through
The 90-degree transverse V-Twin gives the Racer its signature Moto Guzzi profile. the city on our way to the rendezvous point before heading to Cameron Highlands. It was only a while later that I realised those admiring looks were not for me.
The V7 III Racer’s satin finish chromium fuel tank, on which the red eagle is displayed, is reminiscent of the “Rossa Corsa” colour from the first 1971 V7 Sport series. The frame and the swingarm are also painted “Racing Red”.
The single seater and low handlebars complete the elegant, classic look. But surely such beauty would come at a price? I made a mental not to myself to brace for a sore bum, tired arms and an aching back riding up Cameron Highlands on such a sporty and crouching riding position.
But it turned out the Racer wasn’t too bad when it came to comfort.
It was dark and drizzling when we set off after breaking our fast near the end of Ramadan.
Riding the single-seater Racer up the twisties of the old Tapah route, I realised that it was surprisingly smooth and comfortable. Power is gradual and neither forceful nor too sudden, making it easier and less scarier for me to handle the bike given the poor and wet road conditions.
On the straights, power comes in gradually and is just enough
for me to enjoy the V-twin as The V7 III Racer comes with all the goodies, including Brembo brakes and Ohlins shock absorbers.
we overtook other motorists.
A notable feature of the engine is that it uses the dry single-disc clutch where only a light pull is needed at the lever. Another beginner-friendly feature!
The Brembo brakes were also fantastic especially because it was dark and many times the potholes appeared from out of nowhere along the old Tapah route where at some point I had to do some hard braking.
The Racer is equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), a single 320mm front disc with four-piston Brembo calliper and a single 260mm discs with two-piston caliper on the rear.
Thanks to the V7 III Racer’s Ohlins shock absorbers, the suspensions absorbed the impact of the rough surfaces and bumps giving good control on the Tapah route.
We put the V7 III Racer though 400km of all kinds of road (except gravel/dirt) that Cameron and the North-South Expressway could offer in rain and sun, night and day.
This Moto Guzzi ticks all the boxes for looks, character, handling and performance not just for a retro-classic but for any motorcycle category. The meters are old-school analogue but are easy to read and well-made. Powered by a 744cc V-Twin, the Racer makes 52hp at 6,200rpm.