Moto Guzzi V7 Cafe Classic – time for an oil and plug change
It’s been quite a long time since I was on my Moto Guzzi V7. I can’t actually remember the last time I was on it. I would guess it would have been maybe as long as 14 months ago. To be honest I came very close to selling it earlier this year following the knock to my knee last June.
After the June incident it was to be 277 days before I got on a bike again – you can read here about that.
The legacy
The legacy of last year’s accident has led to some restrictions of how far I can bend the left knee which is why I traded the F900 XR for the Honda CMX 1100 DCT SE. It’s also why I came close to selling the Moto Guzzi.
But I didn’t sell it. From time to time over the last couple of months I have gone in the garage and sat on the bike to see how it feels. I’ve done this both in terms of comfort and my ability to ride it safely. I got to the stage a week or two ago where it felt like it was realistic to give it a go….
Time for some attention
With the prospect of getting back on the bike, it felt like the right time to give the Guzzi the ‘once‑over. ‘ Fresh oil, new plugs, and the usual checks that make the first ride of the season feel more reassured than rushed. It’s a sort of satisfying ritual and thing to do as you bring the bike back to life – a bit like blowing off the cobwebs.
A trip to Slaithwaite
My wife and I made a run over to Slaithwaite, a small West Yorkshire town that’s well worth a wander. It’s one of those places that feels pretty relaxed, a mix of old mills, independent shops, and a canal that gives the place a great backdrop. There’s no shortage of coffee stops, but The Handmade Bakery is the standout one for me.
The bakery operates on cooperative principles, it’s friendly and community driven.
The counter is a dodgy place for anyone with a sweet tooth. Cakes, pastries, pies, and breads that look far too good to walk past.
With excellent coffee and warm staff the whole place has that “we’ll definitely come back here” feel.
Bits from Gutsibits
The reason we headed to Slaithwaite was because it’s home to Gutsibits UK, a terrific stockist of all things Moto Guzzi. I had arranged to pick up a oil, plugs and filter there.
There are a few pictures from Slaithwaite below. Click any image to open a picture gallery that can then be clicked or scrolled through.
Sorted and ready
It didn’t take long to get the Guzzi sorted and ready for the road, but not before a trip to see Alan and Chris at MW Motorcycles for the bike to have its MoT. When given the choice of someone to look at my bike(s) whether for a routine MoT, service or problem there isn’t anywhere else I would go.
The MoT was fine and it was good to catch up with Alan and Chris after what had been quite a while. They continue as ever to give sterling service.
How was it to ride?
Hmm … I was glad I was able to ride the Guzzi again But if I;m honest it’s left me with a few doubts. I won’t make hasty decisions. I’ll try again and work out whether my doubts are down to some sort of unfamiliarity with the riding position or whether there are physical limitations.
I need to make more of a ride than just taking the bike for an MoT.
On the positive side I’ve managed to sort the sat nav positon out on the Honda CMX 1100. I have also sorted a tank bag and luggage option and an alternative to the normal paddock stand.
It really shouldn’t have been as difficult (and expensive) as it turned out to be – but more of that in future posts.
Picture set
Some ‘garage’ pictures below. Click any image to open the picture set and scroll or click through to view.
