Moto Guzzi V7 World Record Price » The Motorcycle Broker (2024)

A Moto Guzzi V7 world record price was set in the US in December 2023 at US$95,700, just eight months after Bonhams sold one for £32,000. Let’s look at how this happened, what a 1971 Moto Guzzi is, what it means for Moto Guzzi prices and for the rest of the classic motorcycle market. Firstly, what do we know from the publicised facts? The estimate was for US$30,000 – US$50,000. This tells us that there were at least two very serious bidders who really wanted this machine and I suspect there were a lot more than two. The ultimate price was nearly double the upper estimate and more than double the price of the one sold by Bonhams in April 2023 at Stafford. Clearly the bidders, however many there were, feel strongly that owning one of these machines would be a great investment and would deliver them a serious piece of motorcycling history. Whoever was after this machine, and those who missed out, clearly see this as a future green frame, 1975 Ducati 900/750SS, Laverda &50 SFC or MV Agusta 750 Sport. Let’s take a look at the machine in question.

Moto Guzzi V7 World Record Price » The Motorcycle Broker (1)

1971 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport “Telaio Rosso”

The 1971 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport “Telaio Rosso” does seem to now be joining the list of high value hand built vintage motorcycle specials from Italy. This expansion of such machines indicates more demand for prized, low volume, hand built Italian classics and it demonstrates that there are more people after them. “Telaio Rosso” means red frame, so its nomenclature shadows Ducati’s hallowed green frame. It was also hand built like the green frame, 1975 square case Ducatis, Laverda SFC and MV Agusta 750 Sport. The front and rear brakes are enormous hydraulic drums with a right hand gear change with one up four down configuration. It doesn’t take a genius to spot this bikes evolution into the early Moto Guzzi Le Mans MK1s. This catapulting in value of this prized Italian classic motorcycle will have serious implications on the rare, desirable Moto Guzzis behind it so expect to see Moto Guzzi Le Mans MK1 prices to increase. As collectors buy up these machines, they will discover how they have either suffered with the ravages of time, or have been poorly bodged over the years. Either way, prices will increase for really good ones and the prices of the scarce spares will increase.

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Classic Moto Guzzi prices will rise fiercely

Classic Moto Guzzi prices will ride fiercely, especially those produced in very low numbers which are highly original and beautifully restored or preserved. Values have been way too low for too long now, so a price rise was always on the cards. All of these classic Moto Guzzis in investment grade condition have been languishing in value far below the cost of restoration alone. Moto Guzzis come with several parts which can’t be replaced, such as the archaic switch gear which is fragile at the best of times. Without these parts, if they can’t be found at great cost, the machine is just not investment grade. As classic Moto Guzzi values have been languishing so low, any historic work will have been done on the cheap and usually very poorly. I don’t say this to knock Moto Guzzi owners, it’s a fact of life that owners will always choose the lowest cost options rather than paying for a repair which costs more than the value of the motorcycle itself. Nearly all of the restorations we’ve seen of these machines have all been done on the cheap with powder coated frames and blow over paint jobs. Although these pushrod motors are simple enough, parts can be expensive and work on any fifty year old motor takes as long as it takes to do the job correctly. Threads still require work, bolts need replacing and age has taken its toll on the aluminium. All of this costs a lot when dealing with these motorcycles and prices will now quite rightly rise to reflect this.

Classic Moto Guzzi to buy now

Classic Moto Guzzi to buy now are the rare models, obviously starting with a red frame. This recent sale was not a fluke there were at least two buyers, probably many more at that sale price point, seriously chasing this Italian classic motorcycle. Now really is the time to snap up a Moto Guzzi V70 red frame, as new of this sale hasn’t yet registered, so it’s quite likely that an investment grade example can be picked up still for less than the price of this recent sale, but not for much longer as red frame owners will become aware of this sale. Clearly Moto Guzzi MK1 Le Mans will now increase in value for really good examples. However, the first 500 examples are unique and very rare, so they are the best candidate offering great value if you can find an original one in excellent condition. Finding investment grade examples which are highly original of these first 500 examples will clearly become highly sought after. Most of them were modernised, upgraded, customised and mucked about with, especially when one off unicorn parts broke on the motorcycle. Even finding a decent post 500 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MK1 is beyond challenging and they will nearly all need an awful Lott of costly work doing to bring them up to scratch. Now is the time to do this work, as it will only become more challenging and costly as time passes. The appeal of the Moto Guzzis tends to tail off after the MK1 Le Mans as the bikes become more….ugly and more refined.

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This sale affects the classic motorcycle market

This sale affects the classic motorcycle market as a whole, as it clearly demonstrates that desirable Italian classic motorcycles are in serious demand which just creates more demand. When I speak to the connections I have in the world of classic motorcycle auction houses they are telling me how classic car owners are spotting the value that the motorcycles offer. The motorcycle market is like a wave about to break and has been building for a long time. Although prices have increased substantially and steadily since 2010, the motorcycles are still at about less than 1% to 4% of the equivalent classic car. This cannot go on for much longer as the numbers of buyers in the market is increasing daily and new markets are opening up There will be at least two major articles in the summer of 2024 which will really raise the profile of classic motorcycle investment.

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Investment grade classic motorcycles

Investment grade classic motorcycles are very like wrist watches and classic cars are like clocks, as a comparison, in the collectibles market. There are very few engineers who can work on classic cars, yet there are far fewer who can work on classic motorcycles. Unlike classic cars, classic motorcycles went through periods when they had little to no value at all, in many many cases this lasted for a couple of decades and the bikes were seriously neglected. Consequently, there are plenty of pretty machines that look fantastic but are an absolute nightmare once the bodywork is removed. In our experience of classic motorcycles, which reaches back to around 1985, only about 8% of classic motorcycles are investment grade examples. If you want to invest safely in investment grade classic motorcycles, fill out the form below, or contact The motorcycle Broker through the usual channels.

    • About
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    Paul Jayson

    I have worked in the motorcycle industry at the highest level for over twenty-five years, as you will see below. I am a regular writer for the magazine Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, with my monthly column about the classic motorcycle investment market and a freelance classic motorcycle road tester. I also have an internet TV series out with On Yer Bike about the classic motorcycle market and test riding various classic motorcycles.

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    Moto Guzzi V7 World Record Price » The Motorcycle Broker (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the most powerful Moto Guzzi? ›

    In conclusion, the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 is the fastest and most powerful motorcycle in the Moto Guzzi lineup. Its advanced features, powerful engine, and aerodynamic design make it a top choice for riders who crave speed and performance.

    What does Moto Guzzi mean in English? ›

    Moto Guzzi (Italian pronunciation: [ˈmɔːto ˈɡuttsi]) is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer and the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production.

    How much horsepower does the V7 Stone have? ›

    Performance is taken up a notch, with this mighty beast increasing in power from 64.3 to 65.7hp (48 - 49 kw) at 6700 rpm and maximum torque improved from 53.8 to 55.3 ft-lb at 4900 rpm.

    What is the top speed of the Moto Guzzi V7 III? ›

    The Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone can reach a top speed of up to 109mph.

    What is the most expensive Moto Guzzi bike? ›

    Moto Guzzi bikes price in India starts at Rs 15.40 Lakh for Moto Guzzi V85 TT, which is the cheapest model. The most expensive Moto Guzzi bike is V85 TT priced at Rs 15.40 Lakh.

    Do Moto Guzzi hold their value? ›

    Without these parts, if they can't be found at great cost, the machine is just not investment grade. As classic Moto Guzzi values have been languishing so low, any historic work will have been done on the cheap and usually very poorly.

    How long do Moto Guzzi engines last? ›

    Traditionally Guzzi engines last a very long time. Many would say that 15k miles is just about run in nicely! There's lots of very high mileage Guzzis out there and I know some owners are concerned the V7 mileometer can't read higher than 99,999 so at that point they will have to buy a new speedo!

    Is Moto Guzzi a reliable brand? ›

    Owners of previous versions rave about the reliability and finish of their bikes, the only grumbles being about the rear shocks – which are improved on the 850. Our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 owners' reviews show two very happy buyers who haven't had any problems whatsoever.

    How fast is a Moto Guzzi? ›

    171 mph

    Is the Moto Guzzi V7 fast? ›

    Top end on the V7, running at just shy of the 6500 rpm was 110 mph. At 7000 rpm, the Enfield was moving at 115 and was working.

    What kind of gas does a Moto Guzzi V7 take? ›

    Engine
    Engine TypeV Twin
    Displacement52 cu. in. (853 cc)
    Bore and StrokeBore: 3.31 in. (84 mm); Stroke: 3.03 in. (77 mm)
    CoolingAir
    Fuel SystemGas

    Is the Moto Guzzi V7 fuel injected? ›

    The 2009 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic had its soul brought to life by a 744cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine managed by a fuel injection system, boasting 49 hp at 6,800 rpm and 56 Nm (41 lb-ft) torque at 3,600 rpm.

    Where are Moto Guzzi engines made? ›

    Moto Guzzi's motorcycle factory is located in Mandello del Lario, Italy. As a small town on the shore of Lake Como, its residents have so embraced the company that they've officially named it, “La Citta della Moto Guzzi”—the city of Moto Guzzis.

    What is the maximum torque for the Moto Guzzi V7? ›

    Specifications
    Brand NameMOTO GUZZI
    Start Type:Electric
    Drive Type:Shaft
    Max Power:65HP @ 6800RPM
    Max Torque:60Nm @ 4250RPM
    7 more rows

    Which bike is most powerful in the world? ›

    The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is the most powerful and fastest motorcycle globally. It gives 300 horsepower with 998 CC of the engine. Ninja h2r consists of carbon fibre and an upper cowl including lightweight components that help h2r to move faster.

    Which bike is the king of acceleration? ›

    Kawasaki Ninja H2R

    On this ranking of the world's fastest motorcycles, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R comes in first. The Ninja H2R is the most powerful production motorcycle in the world and a turbocharged liter-class monster. To ride it, though, you must be on a closed racing circuit, and it is only intended for track use.

    How much horsepower does a Moto Guzzi V85 have? ›

    In Gear
    2024 Moto Guzzi V85 Specifications
    Bore and Stroke84 x 77 mm
    Compression Ratio10.5: 1
    Horsepower78.9 hp at 7,750 rpm (claimed)
    Torque61.2 lb-ft. at 5,100 rpm (claimed)
    19 more rows
    Mar 11, 2024

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