You are being generous to Piaggio in using the word "maybe".

Best to check what other models of bikes and scooters Piaggio don't actually sell but merely promote.

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Dave

Why would Piaggio be any different to any other vehicle manufacturer? They are big and have a legal department they pay regardless. The consumer is small and pays by the hour until they run of money. The company I work for has the same policy and set up, no one buys from us, we advise and your dealer buys from the subsidiary company in Litchenstein.

The lesson is to trade the bike at another dealer while it is running. This is a factor worth considering with a Guzzi as they depreciate like a knackered lift loaded with bricks. I got rid of a Ural Friday afternoon job that way. The dealer who sells on then covers the next buyer. Triumph and BMW in my experience don't even let it go that far, they just refuse the warranty claim at the first go.

Piaggio don't want some of the old dealers and do indeed seem to be pushing the boutique style places. If they do want to be Harley rather than BMW circa 1979 it is a factor for those not ready for the idea that the warranty is just a way of pre ordering overpriced oil changes. I haven't spoken to a dealer since I got the bike 1.5 years ago.

MGCGB is not a place to get a balanced view IMHO, there are a lot of old boys over there who have pinned their colours firmly to a brand and aren't prepared for an entity they associate with themselves to treat them like the consumer they are. Brand loyalty will hurt you every time.

I don't know if Piaggio engineering breathed on the big block design. My experience is limited to comparing the old boys 2002 Nevarida with my 2014, both small block. I know the big blocks were FI back in the Aprillia days and the 1200's switched from two to four valve, which I guess was the stuff up.

My Piaggio 750 remains a bike I really like.

Andy

In view of the scarcity of information in here about the V7, it seems appropriate to know that the love affair is over
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...tornello-87144

Great thread nevertheless.

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Dave

3WB sorry to hear the love affair is over, it is after all a magnificent looking machine imho. It would appear that only good luck prevented me from purchasing one when I was looking at them. The W800 is going great although I have only put a few thousand miles on it since purchase. It too suffers with a little corrosion, (no garage) but otherwise not a hint of any problems. It is fast enough for me, I am getting around 50 mpg and it is comfortable. It has sat comfortably at around 70-80 all day with me and a massive amount of luggage ( I don't do the traveling light thing).

Adjustments I have made are bar risers (for my back) scottoiler for low maintenance, screen to keep the flies out of my teeth and pannier racks. Pity I was hoping to bump into you at one of the meets and do a side by side comparison. Anyway best of luck with what ever you decide to replace it with if you have not done so already. Thanks for all the updates and information you have provided.

GM

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www.frothandflames.com
2012 Kawasaki W800
1997 NX 650 Dominator

Magnificent looks, good handling, fun to ride, there are many positives. Its the usual balance of priorities and features. The fact we want the V7 to be made to Hondas quality standards by Triumph and sold by Kawasaki dealers at Wun-Hung-Lo prices won't change much. The NC750 fits my current needs as someone who travels by motorcycle, its in effect a superscooter in disguise (he says putting his tin hat on)

I will of course be happy to borrow your magnificently soul inspiring Kawa for the purposes of comparison to my memories of the Guzzi should we meet on a sunny day. You can play "find what'll fit in the helmet locker" and explain ninety three times a day where the petrol goes and how the engine isn't literally half of one from a Honda Spazz.

The W800 remains on my list of bikes I want to own should my ability to pick the correct six numbers improve. I'd have another V7 for nice days too, but I think the W might be the better choice to use.

Andy