Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
Moto Guzzi’s new V7 Stone Special Edition was just unveiled at the Guzzi World Days celebration in Italy. (Moto Guzzi/)Staying true to its annual habit of limited releases, Guzzi has rolled out another special edition of its V7 model, less than two years since we saw the launch of the latest generation of that bike (with bigger 850cc engine and a raft of other updates). What we have here now is the new Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Special Edition: a refined, moody twist on the base-model V7, just unveiled at GMG.In case you’re wondering, GMG is short for Giornate Mondiali Moto Guzzi—or Moto Guzzi World Days, for those of us unschooled in the Latin tongue. In short, it’s the brand’s annual celebration of all things Guzzi, held at its home factory in Mandello Del Lario, Italy. A massive bash was set to take place last year in honor of the marque’s 100th anniversary, but a little thing called the pandemic intervened to shut down most of Italy and, yes, put a kibosh on the party.The Special Edition gets a darker and glossier paint treatment than we’re used to seeing on the base Stone model. (Moto Guzzi/)That may sound like a bummer, but it didn’t stop Guzzi from releasing the limited-edition V7 Centenario model on the true 100th anniversary of the brand, though that bike was only available for 2021. All of that is probably why we’re seeing this new, moody V7 iteration, still based on the standard V7 Stone model but being called a special edition (though Guzzi does not specify whether it’s limited or not).So then what makes this V7 different? As you may have guessed, it’s mostly about new styling cues, fresh graphics, and some other additional cosmetic touches. Most noticeably, the V7 Stone Special Edition ditches the matte shades we’re used to seeing on the Stone version in favor of a special Shining Black body color, which turns out to be a welcome glossy treatment accented with horizontal stripe graphics and red details on the 5-gallon tank. Distinct red V7 badging on the side covers also ID this as a special model, as does the tasty contrast red stitching on the saddle. But the biggest crimson punctuation mark may be the red painted shock absorber springs, which instantly draw a reference to Guzzi’s sportiest models from its past.This special V7 Stone is not murdered out completely, with bright red accents on the badging, tank, and seat stitching to add contrast. (Moto Guzzi/)Other details unique to the V7 Stone Special Edition include a black anodized aluminum fuel tank cap, black anodized bar-end mirrors, and a plaque on the handlebar clamp literally telling you it’s a special-edition bike. The cylinder head covers, meanwhile, are coated in a dusky graphite color, and the aluminum throttle body protectors also get the dark treatment.The red shock springs also bring some color to the rear end, but the V7 Stone Special Edition’s new Arrow exhaust is the headline news. The new pipe is said to boost power and torque. (Moto Guzzi/)Mechanically, the V7 Stone Special Edition is virtually unchanged, though there is one notable addition separating this bike from its siblings. That would be the handsome dual Arrow exhaust system (which here incorporates a Guzzi muffler) that’s said to improve performance. The claimed peak horsepower figure, for example, is said to rise from 65 to 66.5 hp at 6,700 rpm, while max torque goes from 53.8 lb.-ft. to 55.3 lb.-ft. at 4,900 rpm. Those gains are nominal, to be sure, but they’re still worth noting. It’s also worth noting that this particular Arrow system will be available as an accessory for all V7 models going forward.In case there’s any confusion, the V7 Stone Special Edition’s boldly worded handlebar clamp tells you what you’re riding. (Moto Guzzi/)The agile V7 middleweights have been a popular part of the brand’s entry-level lineup for well over a decade now (in modern configuration), so it’s not surprising Guzzi would use the occasion of the GMG to put a spotlight on the model. We’re told the V7 Stone Special Edition will become available in October, and will be priced at 10,250 euros; there’s no word on US availability or pricing just yet.The new bike also gets new anodized bar-end mirrors. (Moto Guzzi/)As for the GMG 100th anniversary celebration—by all accounts it was a huge success, even if it was a year late. With the Guzzi factory flinging open its garage doors on the shores of Lake Como last week, it was said that more than 60,000 Guzzi fans from around the globe took part in the five-day party throughout the region. Motorcyclists, enthusiasts, and locals alike all gathered at the historic Via Parodi, 57 address to celebrate 100 years of history, the brand’s technological achievements, the ever-present Italian style, and the Guzzi spirit that has endured for generations. A century on, it’s encouraging for any rider to see that kind of passion for the sport continue to flow.Thousands of Guzzi enthusiasts poured onto the streets of Mandello del Lario at this year’s Moto Guzzi World Days to celebrate the previously postponed 100th anniversary. (Moto Guzzi/)
