[faster and faster] - 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 II Stornello scrambler unveiled

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Everyone is doing a Scrambler these days, so why not Guzzi? Only thing is, with just 48bhp from its 744cc V-twin, the 186kg Stornello scrambler might be a bit underpowered. Still looks cool though

Scramblers are the flavour of the season and for a motorcycle manufacturer, how hard can it be to do one? Take a retro-looking bike, bolt on a high-mounted exhaust, spoon on some off-road/dual-purpose tyres, and you’re all set to go tearing down your favourite trails in the countryside on your brand-new ‘scrambler.’ Right? Yeah, well. Maybe. In Moto Guzzi’s case, they already had a Stornello Scrambler in their line-up back in the late-1960s. And now that everyone from Triumph to Ducati to BMW has a scrambler in their line-up, why not Guzzi?

The 2016 Moto Guzzi Stornello scrambler is part of Guzzi’s new V7 II range, which includes the Stone, Special and Racer variants. Handmade at Guzzi’s Mandello del Lario plant in Italy, the Stornello scrambler is optimised for low-intensity off-road/trail use, and special bits include a high-mounted Arrow exhaust (with heat shields), longer seat and lower seating position, knobby tyres, fork dust boots, off-road footpegs kit with aluminium extensions for better grip, and number holders at the front and on both sides, made with hand brushed aluminium.

Like all other bikes in the Moto Guzzi V7 II range, the Stornello scrambler is powered by a 744cc transversely-mounted air-cooled V-twin, which produces 48bhp and 60Nm of torque. Given its 186kg kerb weight, the Stornello’s performance would probably be pretty ordinary, but then it’s more about looking the part, right? The bike rides on 18-inch (front) and 17-inch (rear) wheels, shod with 100/90 and 130/80 rubber. Fuel tank capacity is 21 litres and there’s a 320mm brake disc at the front, with 4-piston calliper. ABS and switchable traction control are standard. The Tornello also benefits from changes made to the V7 II range, including revised gear ratios for the 6-speed transmission and a softer clutch that requires less effort to operate.

Overall, the 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 II Tornello scrambler looks cool and should offer adequate performance, though we suspect it may not be as refined and/or as fun to ride as the scramblers available from other European manufacturers.

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