Has anyone got a V7 Sport? I currently have a V85TT but my arthritic hips are struggling with getting on and off the bike. I’ve seen a few reviews on You Tube, and I’ve read some road tests, which all seem rather favourable. I know the seat is somewhat lower and the bike a few KGs lighter. I’d appreciate any comments on this bike.
Don’t have a V7 unfortunately but I know where you are coming from. Same issue with getting the old hips to stretch like before. That lower seat height looks appealing. Should get some good input from several here. Very nice simple bike to look after and not short of power for the real world. Good luck!
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I’m a tad vertically challenged. So I’ve opted for the having the bike on side stand, then stand on foot peg before swinging my leg over. If I didn’t do that I’d have to go to some taekwondo classes to try and get my kicks higher.
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I have the V7 850 Special (2021) and seems to me the V7 could / should be ergonomically easier to get on with than the V85TT, altho I’ve never sat on one. I have 29 inch inside leg (or it used to be) and I could flat-foot easily.
HTH 
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I picked an older V7 Classic as an alternative to my Vstrom 650 for similar reasons.
The missus and I found climbing aboard the ‘high’ Vstrom painful if only doing short trips.
Our 2010 V7 is easy by comparison, and it’s what we now use for popping here and there.
We tried the 850 before buying ours and found it good, but with limited pillion provision. Our V7 is slightly better as the 850 we rode had a shorter seat, but still, if two up and heading out for a longer ride, we’ll still take the Vstrom (we only chose the older bike on price and because we preferred the look of the Classic, in all other respects the 850 is defo a better bike).
What really got me about the ease of the V7 is one day when while sat on the bike, I accidentally dropped a glove.. Without thinking I bent down and picked it up, then realised ‘oh sh!t, I just did that.!’
There’s no way I’d be able to achieve that feat on most other bikes.
Paddling about, manoeuvring the bike, pushing it in/out the garage are all simple tasks. The only downside other than the pillion accommodation, is I find it a little ‘short in the leg space’. On the odd occasion I’ve done a longer run it feels a little cramped, not such that it is painful, but I think it’d limit or make me consider carefully before heading out on a longer tour (for reference I’m roughly 5’10 with ma boots on and have a 30” inseam).
So, yeah, having ridden the 850 you’ll definitely find life easier, and if you’re a solo rider, it’ll probably do everything you need but still put a smile on your face 
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I’ve got a new V7 Sport, just had first service. I got the V7 (in reality always hankered after a Guzzi since Le Mans poster days of my youth) to replace an XT600E Yamaha. The seat was relatively high, I can’t bring myself to do the standing on the footpeg thing to mount (yet). My other bike is a KTM Adventure with an even higher seat. So, I saw the very aesthetically pleasing V7, to my eyes at any rate and immediately thought the low seat height would be great. It was a Guzzi too so two birds. I had a short test ride on a non-Sport demonstrator and was filled with joy by the engine, the sound, it’s charisma. So, I’m a short while into ownership. I really like the V7 Sport however, there are a couple of little niggles for me. To address your query firstly, it is a physically small motorcycle. I’m 6’ tall and just on the robust side of proportionate build. Easy to cock a leg over, I am completely flat footed both sides on the bike with bent knees too. It’s size means I can barely see any bike when I’m riding it. When I’ve caught a glimpse of my reflection in a shop window, to my eyes, it is on the cusp of appearing surgically inserted, if you catch my drift. I do know there are bigger folk than me riding V7s though. Now I’ve lived with the bike for a thousand miles, I’ve noticed that until I’ve settled into the first couple of miles of a ride, my arthritic hips cramp a little due to the compact seating position. The pegs also feel more forward than I’m used to so I have to be conscious of this when stopping to avoid a foot catch. These are a me issues I feel. I think the seat is supremely comfortable for how I’ve used the bike to date and almost feels heated on the very cold days I’ve been out. Not sure what materials MG have used to achieve this but I’ve felt it often. The weight of the bike is very manageable and because of it’s physical size, is low down. Manual handling off the bike would be a doddle were it not for the bar-end mirrors getting in the way of forearm. I have a convoluted reverse, downhill park at my place and the mirrors do cause some gritting of teeth. That said, in use they are absolutely brilliant with one of the clearest, vibration free views ever. I’ve seen the mirrors turned down but they look perilously close to the tank on lock so I won’t be doing that. The only thing I’ve experienced in my short ownership that I feel is poor is the instrument cluster misting up when the weather conditions are right for it to occur. This is a known issue MG must be aware of and will respond to under warranty but apparently there is no guarantee the replacement unit will be any better (and may be worse) than the defective unit on the bike. This is a manufacturing and quality control issue that shouldn’t still be manifesting on a modern V7. I really think you should take an extended test ride on one to ensure it’s right for you. Hope my experience enlighten you.
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Great summary.
For what it’s worth I’m 5’9” with 32” inside leg and I find after two and a half hours my hips are suffering due to the compact leg ‘triangle’. Anything up to that though is an absolute joy.
Even though the seat is low (I can flat foot it both sides with ease). I actually get on by stepping on the right hand peg but that’s due to the way I have to park it close to a wall. At least being a fairly compact bike garage space is manageable.
The footrest position is a bit forward and can be in the way - you need a wide stance if your leg falls alongside the rest, even so I can still flat foot it. You can tuck your leg behind the footrest but that comes with a risk of scraping your shin if you wear short boots.
Personally I’m wondering about trying a V85 so I can go on longer rides. Trouble is I’d have to sell the V7 and I know I’d regret that instantly!
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Off topic
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Mike, I always thought that it was push bikes that you had to have the balls of your feet on the pedals. If I did that on a motorbike my toes wouldn’t reach the foot controls.
Best wishes Chris
Off topic
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That sounds like peddling!
I’m about 5ft 11ins with a 30ins inside leg, I’m also a couple of stone overweight, but in the process of losing it. I’m concerned about the knee bend angle due to my arthritic knees, but if i can manage a couple of hours at a time on the bike that should be OK, as I’d normally be stopping for a break or refuel around then. I’m trying to sort a demo ride at the moment.
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I’d say if you’re currently riding an Interceptor, you’ll find the V7 more ‘spacious’.
R’kid has an Interceptor and comparing that to my older V7, mine has more ‘room’.
Though I’ve only had a short 30 min test ride on an 850 V7, but it ‘felt bigger’ to me.
Defo reckon a test ride will sway it for you
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I’ve had a test ride today at A+D Motorcycles in Denbigh, really nice folk, I bought my V85tt from them. I took out the grey demo bike for over an hour and really enjoyed it. It felt a lot smaller than the V85tt but I’d get used to that. I think the handlebars are a touch on the low side, I would prefer them a bit higher. Has anyone fitted 25mm risers to a V7 850? I see GutsiBits sell a set that is supposed to fit all V7 850s without having to alter control cables etc.
My knees were comfortable as was my derriere. The mirrors gave a decent rear view without too much blurring. The sound with the standard exhaust is Fab, sounds much better than my V85tt. The mid range torque was impressive, it seemed more responsive than the V85, mine is a euro 5 2023 model. The best part is that it was just so easy to get on and off.
So I’ve ordered one, the greeny-yellow retro colour, with heated grips, centre stand and engine bars. Hopefully I’ll get it in early June.
I’ll have a set of silver coloured MG Urban panniers for sale soon if anyone is interested. I’ll post it up in the for sale section with photos and a price once I’ve cleaned them and removed the mounting kit. Thanks to all for advice given.
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I have a V7Sport ( and also a V7 Stone). I’m on the short side with 29 inch leg and feel very comfortable on the V7 with both feet flat on the ground. The small overall size of the V7 is one of the reasons I love it. The Sport feels much more planted at the front than the Stone , and quicker to turn in as well. I would say its adequately fast but not dramatically different than my Stone which has improvements to inlet and exhaust and an UpMap re-map.The Sport is fun for a ‘spirited ‘ ride in a way that the Stone can’t really match. Have not yet cramped on either bike for 3-4 hour rides - but it won’t be as roomy as the V85. of course.
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Congratulations ! You’ll love it .
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Glad you found the V7 Sport to your liking although I’m hoping you don’t live in North Wales as I like being in the minority of Verde Legnano V7 Sport owners turning heads round here.
I’ve had the SW Motech engine bars fitted and I think they’re the best looking out there, also the Pyramid Plastics hugger and Fenda Extenda. The latter is not the prettiest but neither is a streak of road grime and animal deposits slung up the front of your engine and under the headstock. A&D fitted all for me at PDI and first service. Enjoy your new bike when it arrives and there are no more potholes to navigate on the road outside the dealership. Result!
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I was rather taken aback when I saw the billiard table smooth road surface outside the shop today. I’ll have to put the hugger and fenda extenda on my shopping list, with the bar risers.
I live near Ormskirk in south west Lancashire on the Merseyside border. I have a much nearer dealer in Wigan motorcycles, approx ten miles away, but I’ve had such good service from A+D that I’m prepared to do the 100+ mile round journey to them.
I’m familiar with your local area as I have family and friends from Parbold/Standish/Billinge. Some good riding roads around you provided you avoid the M6 and East Lancs
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