Moto Guzzi has filed a trademark application for the name and logo ‘V7 III’ – effectively confirming that there’s an updated V7 on the cards for next year.
It’s not a surprise. The V7 range – including the Racer, Stone, Special and the new Stornello scrambler – is one of Guzzi’s most important lines. Since the current range doesn’t meet the Euro 4 emissions limits that are set to come into force next year, the bikes need to be updated if they’re to remain on sale.
Chances are they’ll adopt a version of the 853cc V9 engine that was introduced for the V9 Bobber and Roamer models this year. That V-twin already meets the new emissions limits, largely thanks to a more modern cylinder head design. The continued use of the ‘V7’ name hints that the new V7 models will still have a smaller capacity than the V9, though – presumably staying close to the current 744cc.
The frames, suspension and styling aren’t expected to change significantly with the adoption of the new, emissions-legal engine.
Expect to see the bikes at the EICMA show in Milan at the end of this year, with sales starting by the beginning of 2017.
