2019 Moto Guzzi V7III Rough review - bikesales.com.au (2024)

The Moto Guzzi V7III Rough is a simple pleasure to ride. It is undeniably a classic experience, easy to operate, relaxing even, yet absolutely charming and engaging at the same time. The rich burble from the Agostini twin pipes are a lovely accompaniment as you breeze along totally enveloped in the pure delight of going Rough.

As always, the V7III has Moto Guzzi’s traditionally mounted transverse V-twin engine connected to the rear wheel via a drive shaft. It’s a reliable, solid and somewhat basic looking set-up, but none-the-less pretty attractive.

The air/oil-cooled engine is 744cc, makes 52hp at 6200rpm and 66Nm of torque at 4900 rpm. While the drive shaft does looks strong and functional, it is guaranteed not to spray chain lube everywhere, ever!

The Moto Guzzi V7III Rough is an old school, manly design, largely blacked out and quite appealing to the eye. The aggressively patterned Pirelli MT 60 rubber on black rims with wire spokes enhance the rugged, traditional, slightly rural look. The “Ago” pipes do their bit to add class, and overall Moto Guzzi has nailed the handsome look of yesteryear.

I enjoy the engine’s power delivery. While not fast, it has character and is certainly user-friendly. Its torquey nature and characterful pulse engage your senses in a carefree way that simply lets the miles side by without notice.

When push comes to shove, using the good six-speed gearbox well will aid rapid acceleration. Overtaking at 120km/h is comfortable and it will ease on up to 140-plus reasonably briskly.

MOTO GUZZI V7III ROUGH SPECS AND PRICE IN BIKE SHOWROOM

Of course, its forte is relaxed cruising in the 90 to 120km/h range. Around town the power is excellent. Its high torque and heavy flywheel nature mean stalling is unlikely. It allows for a flexibility of gear choice when rolling.

The rider always knowing there is a reassuring modest surge of power even at quite low revs when required. There’s two-level traction control which is mainly just a nod to the PC brigade on this bike. After all, it has a lovely tractable power delivery and as always, the throttle goes both ways!

I found the handling on the $17,590 (plus on-road costs) Rough an interesting mix. The general handling is of a nice solid, planted feel with good accurate steering and decent agility. I like it, and you can flow along comfortably in the knowledge the Guzzi will go where you point it easily, with little fuss and nothing is likely to upset its preset course – even when you’re not really paying much attention gazing at the view…

The only downside is it feels heavy-ish on the nose during low-speed maneuvering and takes a little more effort with the bars completing U-turns than expected with this size bike.

I put this down in part to the large offset between the steering stem and the forks. My feeling is if Guzzi reduced the offset to say that of the new V85TT which steers beautifully, the steering would lighten up nicely with no detrimental effects?

Related reading:

2019 Moto Guzzi V85TT launch review

The suspension action at both ends fits in to the okay category. The non-adjustable conventional forks are soft under braking, but this isn’t really a problem because they are very compliant in feel and the front-end always feels nicely planted.

In general riding, the forks never bottomed out and the feedback through the bars was always comfortable and secure – just right for the Rough’s intended use. Twin shocks that are not damping adjustable grace the Guzzi’s rear end. They are definitely firmer riding than the forks and little loose feeling in the mid stroke, but still offer a reasonably comfortable ride.

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For general use they work quite well, are compliant enough, only becoming a little unsettled on choppy and poorly kept backroads. Overall, the suspension action matches what the Rough is designed to do – general cruising. Keep it in that zone and you will be more than happy with the bouncy bits!

Single discs at each end have their rotation nicely impeded by Brembo calipers with ABS. The four-pot front caliper brings the 100/90-18 front tyre/wheel and 320mm disc to a stop with appropriate haste. The single disc does lack serious pucker power for speed work, but it is still certainly adequate.

While a two-piston caliper goes to work slowing the 130/80-18 tyre/wheel and 270mm rear disc combination. Rear braking performance is decent and feel is excellent within the limitations of what feels like a slightly too intrusive ABS system. Of course, one person’s too intrusive ABS is another person’s safety net…so on reflection, Moto Guzzi probably has it right.

Ergonomically the Rough has the classical layout that is so functional, comfortable and partly why motorcycling became so popular. It’s the hop on, sit naturally, hands and legs in a neutral position, relaxed forward vision – a totally workable, sensible and comfortable all-day riding position.

To my mind the lack of this riding position is partly why sports bikes are becoming less appealing and perhaps why the adventure market is growing – bar the ridiculously tall seat height for the short.

No worries on that count with the rough though, it has a lovely low seat. From that comfy low seat, the rear vision is good, but at some revs a little shaky as some of that cool V-twin rumble is transferred to the mirrors. The single round odometer/dash is traditionally crafted with the addition of a small LCD information screen and multiple colorful warning lights.

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Moto Guzzi reviews on Bikesales

The Moto Guzzi V7III Rough is a simple, charming, relaxed and comfortable, get-the-job-done style of motorcycle with plenty of character and classical good looks. A highly enjoyable simple pleasure.

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