Scopel studied the V7 Sport, so it’s no surprise there are so many styling points of reference to be seen on the new bike. “We didn’t want to build a replica,”  Scopel said, “and we avoided using exactly the same shade of paint deliberately — we have used a color called Solaris Green, which is not similar to the original V7 Sport green.” What about a red frame “Telaio Rosso” replica, I wondered (the first 200 or so race shop-built V7 Sports of 1971-1972 had red frames). “We have no plans for that,” he replied, “as we don’t consider the shape of the frame we are using suitable.” How about offering stripes and black silencers, as on the beautiful 1974 750S and 1975 S3? Scopel made no reply and just looked embarrassed, meaning that either he’d already thought of it, I’d put an idea in his head or I’d just revealed myself as a sad Guzzi bore to the man from Guzzi. Watch this space! MC