2009 Moto Guzzi Cafè Classic V7

Return of a legend.
We must step back 40 years to understand how the mythical Moto Guzzi V7 Sport,  has evolved into today’s V7 Cafè Classic.  In 1969 the Mandello del Lario mechanics increased the displacement of their transverse 90° V engine from 703 to 757cc which greatly increased the performance without diminishing the great reputation of reliability and sturdiness that was behind the success of the V7. Fully aware of the power of this engine, Moto Guzzi decided to build a faired prototype of the V7 Special with the new 757cc engine.  The result was an immediate success and set numerous speed records on the high speed ring of the Monza track. 

No one at that time had ever dreamt of achieving such results from a bike created from a touring bike like the V7 Special.  The effects of such an accomplishment gave Moto Guzzi the incentive to create a sports model.  That task was given to Lino Tonti, one of the most brilliant Italian designers in history.   Boasting excellent performance, the V7 Sport impressed the public and critics alike for being one of a few, mass produced bikes in the world, able to exceed a maximum speed of 125 mph.  This original icon of  “Italian style” sports bikes, magically reappears today in the distinct lines of the new V7 Cafè Classic. The similarities with its renowned ancestor are easy to see in the unique color, rich chrome, and other stylistic features common to both.  The slanted half-handlebars, the instrument cockpit and other details are unmistakably Moto Guzzi V7.