I will be in a position to replace my 20 year old Breva750 in the next 6 months due to coming into a bit of money. I would like a Mandello, but the weight, height, size. And my storage situation puts me off that idea. So its a new 850 or a low mileage 750 mk3. I’d be interested in the opinions of those who have ridden both. Either way, the bike will be set up for touring with hard luggage, centrestand, small screen.
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I own a 2019, V7 iii Stone Night pack; used purely for leisure, such as the annual trip to Le Mans and Normandy as well as light touring - Devon, Dorset, Cornwall et cetera. Typically between 4000 and 5000 miles per year. Garage and regularly treated with a CF 50, so the finish is excellent. Fitted an aftermarket power bronze fly screen, fender extender and hand guards. Additionally, replacement side covers by BAAK. I think there are sufficient number of YouTube videos and other articles that discuss performance handling et cetera all of which I found to be accurate. However, I would strongly recommend in replacing the shock absorber and also for Springs because the suspension will bottom out. I fitted Hagan rear shocks and progressive fork springs. The difference was night and day in terms of tires. The last two years I’ve been running Bridgestone Battlax BT 46., whilst the handling is superb in the wet, it would seem to me that David tendency to track rats in tarmac and slip over white lines. My intention is to replace the tires at the beginning of next season, pointless at this time of year. In conclusion, my overall impression is that this bike suits my riding style, is characterful. In terms of luggage I use Givi 18 L panniers and 35 L semi rigid bag which is more than adequate. Would be interested to know what hard luggage you purchase as I’ve considered this. In conclusion, I enjoyed and continue to enjoy only this bike and Wood recommended. Best regards, Chris.
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This my current luggage set up, and i woujd probably replicate it on and new bike. HB panniers and rack, bought new 2004. Dgill going strong.
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You asked for a comparison - I can’t, as I’ve never owned or ridden any of the preceeding V7’s - however I well remember an American chap made a YouTube video comparing his V7 III against a test ride on the then new V7 850. Altho he loved his III, (and for some strange reason he equates ‘character’ with ‘things going wrong’ 
) - he was basically gobsmacked how different and how good the 850 version is/was - sone quirks about the III he didh’t like (white-lining might have been one) - the 850 doesn’t have. I believe he concluded if he was buying a new V7 now, it would be the 850.
I have a V7 850 and I think it’s brilliant. Previously I was quite taken with a V7 Classic, but apart from that they never quite ‘floated my boat’ so to speak.
May mean somthing to you, or not much. 
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Hello, I switched from a Stone III 750, new in 17, to to a new 850 in 2021. Night and day - the 850 not only has better motor (not simply more oomph) but the handling matches, with tougher back end and stiffer front. ( I wrote a comparison letter published in Gambalunga in ?2021 but not at home this week or I’d send a link.). Been to Mandello on both machines and it was much easier on the bigger engined bike, plus two up touring in France has been much easier.
This is not a big machine. It’s right for two up and works because we don’t take up much space - but I am not incredibly comfortable two up at 5’11" and I’m still considering having the seat re-made, as the knees do get close to the cylinder heads, tricky round town on a hot day. The good seat from the 750 doesn’t fit the 850.
We do soft luggage for panniers - after decades of hard boxes I like the lower weight. I use some Givi TMT8206 frames, designed for hard bags but they work well to brace the soft bags whilst the weight is actually sitting on the saddle. I do use a top box though - can’t beat it for the short journeys.
Hope helpful!
Dear Andy and all, thanks for the replies. It seems very much like the 850 Stone will be at the top of the pile for me. If any of you 850 owners are able to, would you be able to measure the handlebars, bar end to bar end? I suspect its going to be wider than my Breva 750 but hope not by too much. My bike storage is pretty narrow, and the bike has to be backed in with me pushing on the bars - yes its that narrow!
all the best,
Scott
Hello -
I have the MG V7 Stone Special Edition the dimensions of the handlebars are 81cm (bar end to bar end) It has bar end mirrors as standard.
Presumably the standard V7 Stone handlebars are of the same length?
Hope that is of some help.
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I have measured the width I have to get the bike in and the clearance on 81cm bars is…1cm each side. That leaves no room for error. Since I am very used to Breva 750 bars, I wonder how difficult it would be to fit a set? My friends Mk3 looks pretty simple bar wise.
Again thanks for all the help. My plan is to buy a bike that will suit me perfectly for the next 10 or 15 years. So I will be happy to make changes on day 1.