If you want a Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, act now

The Moto Guzzi V7 Racer is retro perfection, but if you want one in the States you’re going to have to hurry. In an email sent to dealers earlier today and obtained exclusively by Hell For Leather, it was revealed that the Racer will be manufactured to order only and that those orders will only be open through February 28. The good news is that this bike only demands a $791 premium over the avocado green V7 Cafe; the Racer is going for $9,790.

Note: the image is fuzzy because it's upsized from a tiny one. This is a leak.

That premium is justified not just by the sexy looks — leather-strapped black tank, red frame and hubs, numberplates, headlight fairing, clip-ons — but by real mechanical upgrades too. Those include 40mm Marzocchi forks and twin Bitubo remote-reservoir shocks hold 18” wheels and a 320mm front brake disc gripped by a 4-piston Brembo caliper. Adjustable rearsets are billet and there’s no provision for a passenger, although a two-person seat and rear footpegs will be available as options. An Arrow exhaust system will also be available.

Neat visual details abound, including the drilled, brushed aluminum side panels, red plug leads, a tiny plexiglass lip screen on top of the bikini fairing, Guzzi badges and eagle in the same red as the frame and hubs, a numbered plaque on the top yoke, billet fuel tank filler and polished valve covers.

The only disappointment comes from the 744cc v-twin which is in the same state of tune as the lesser V7s. That means 49bhp and 40lb/ft of torque. Not terribly impressive on paper, but in practice the engine’s character provides so much fundamental motorcycle experience that needing to work it hard is a good thing.

If you want one, you need to speak to your dealer before the end of this month. Yes, Monday. Bikes will then be manufactured to order and delivered beginning in June. Seriously, THIS MONDAY, just six days from now.

There’s 54 images in the gallery below, but note that the version being made available for order here has the black tank seen in the top photo.