Just as Ducati has unveiled its Scrambler, Moto Guzzi Australia has released a scrambler kit for its retro V7.
And about time! We’ve been calling out for a scrambler version of the V7 for ages. But this scrambler doesn’t come from the factory. It comes from Italian accessories company 70 Tre.
The V7 Scrambler Kit will be distributed by Australian Moto Guzzi importers, John Sample Automotive, for $3490 and can be ordered at your Moto Guzzi dealer. Alana Baratto of JSA says that until the end of November, they will throw in a free Mot Guzzi motorcycle cover worth $150. In Europe, the kit is available for €1947 which is about $2800 without delivery.
The Moto Guzzi V7 Scrambler Kit consists of seat handles, manifolds and exhaust system, passenger footpegs, leather tank belt, tank rack, aluminium side number panel, “Cross” handlebars, handlebar bumper, headlight protector grill, fork leg protectors, metal front fender support and for a limited time only will also include a Moto Guzzi V7 genuine motorcycle cover.
Alana says parts will not be available separately, but confirms it will fit the new V7 II which arrives sometime next year with ABS and traction control. She says they have not yet decided whether these hi-tech features will be optional or standard equipment.
The hallmarks of a scrambler are a high-set exhaust system, which necessitates different headers and repositioning of the passenger footpegs, and motocross-style handlebars. The rest of the scrambler kit is either protection or decoration.
The most important ingredients for scrambling are suspension travel and grip, but there is no mention of knobby tyres or suspension upgrades in the kit.
It is interesting that they have added a fender support. Perhaps the fender rattles around a fair bit on rough roads thanks to the standard unforgiving road-biased suspension with limited travel. I’d suggest that those interested in riding anything more than smooth formed gravel roads will also want to update the rear shocks and front fork springs, and maybe even increase the ride height.
If you want to convert your V7 to a solo bike which costs less to register in Queensland and some other jurisdictions, you could do without the passenger grab handles and footpegs. By the looks of the exhaust, it would be fairly hot and uncomfortable for a pillion, anyhow.
It should also be noted that if you intend to buy the new V7II coming next year, you won’t be needing the fork protectors as it comes standard with gators.
The V7 looks great as a scrambler as we suspected and it will give the Ducati Scrambler and the Triumph Scrambler some competition.
However, it loses out in the power stakes with its 744cc V-twin delivering 37kW of power and 60Nm of torque. The Triumph Scrambler is powered by an 865cc parallel twin with output of 43kW/68Nm, but the power king will be the Ducati Scrambler which is powered by the 803cc L-twin from the Monster 796, now with 64kW and 78.6Nm.
The Guzzi also loses out on pricing with prices from $12,990 to $14,790 plus the kit. The Triumph costs $13,990, while the Ducati Scrambler is priced from $12,990 to $14,990. The scrambler war is on!