(04-16-2016 10:41 PM)DaSwami Wrote: (04-16-2016 04:57 PM)iamheero Wrote: Looked at the V7 but it didn't offer anything but a bigger price tag over the CB500f (ignoring its amazing looks, but I had to be a little practical).
Lessee, besides the stunning good looks you mention, ABS standard, traction control, loads of torque, no liquid cooling, very easy to work on engine layout, with a dry clutch and separate transmission oil, shaft drive, larger fuel tank and more displacement at about the same weight as the CB500f, mine does 4500rpm at 70mph, will do the ton easily. Plus that Guzzi exhaust note and torque reaction from the crankshaft when you blip the throttle. Mama Mia!!
I loved riding it, don't get me wrong. I put about 100 miles on a demo model and really got to wring it out. Fuel tank is moot given the V7 drinks a lot faster than the CB, though. I already had the ABS though and the traction control is... not necessary to me (also those are only available on to v7ii) and that extra displacement wasn't very apparent in riding it; They make the same power, though the Guzzi has more torque. It also vibrates more due to the neat cylinder configuration, which is nice for a short ride but not so nice on a longer trip. Shaft is nice for a really long trip though. My little honda was no problem to work on at all, though I imagine getting to the cylinder heads is harder than the Guzzi
So pluses and minuses all around. Can't remotely compare the looks, the CB500f is a turd in that department IMO.
I loved the sound, the character in its engineering and how it looked, and riding it. I didn't love the price, the performance wasn't enough (for more $$ than what I got the CB1100 for), though. I'd never knock the bike, I love them and it's #2 on my list for a reason (tied with that new Street Twin maybe), but the bike doesn't offer anything practical as far as power, mileage, safety equipment (given that I don't really want/need ESC), etc. over the CB I had.