V9 bobber in the flesh

[vstevens]

(My head talking) With prices slashed to the bone, I felt compelled to see the V9 in person.  Pictures really don't do it justice, in fact, I have yet to see a photo of a V9 where the tank doesn't look odd with mismatched and unbalanced shapes.  But up close it's a different bike...

(The stirring) The first thing I noticed was the thin waisted seat and side panels - very appealing to me.  The cylinder heads jut out at a pleasing angle, without appearing unbalanced or too heavy.  And that tank in full 3 Dimensions is a thing of beauty.  Sitting on the bike feels balanced and light, that thin waist allowing for an easy foot-reach to the ground.  The tank looks wide and graceful from the top. 

(Realization)  2 dimensional photos don't come close to revealing the complex shapes and curves, the sophisticated beauty of the V9 bobber. 

(The heart talking) If you haven't gotten up close, mounted and stroked those lovely and inspiring curves, hugged the narrow waist with your thighs .... it's just so Italian ... it truly inspires this aging romantic... you must.  Truly, the V9 is the Sophia Loren of motorcycles, a timeless and sophisticated beauty.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I remember being struck by the tank shape on my 72 Eldorado, beautiful curves with no seams.
I will look at the V9 in a different light.

[JJ]

As modern Guzzi's go...I think the V7 Bobber is a handsome motorcycle, overall!

[twowheeladdict]

(My head talking) With prices slashed to the bone, I felt compelled to see the V9 in person.  Pictures really don't do it justice, in fact, I have yet to see a photo of a V9 where the tank doesn't look odd with mismatched and unbalanced shapes.  But up close it's a different bike...

(The stirring) The first thing I noticed was the thin waisted seat and side panels - very appealing to me.  The cylinder heads jut out at a pleasing angle, without appearing unbalanced or too heavy.  And that tank in full 3 Dimensions is a thing of beauty.  Sitting on the bike feels balanced and light, that thin waist allowing for an easy foot-reach to the ground.  The tank looks wide and graceful from the top. 

(Realization)  2 dimensional photos don't come close to revealing the complex shapes and curves, the sophisticated beauty of the V9 bobber. 

(The heart talking) If you haven't gotten up close, mounted and stroked those lovely and inspiring curves, hugged the narrow waist with your thighs .... it's just so Italian ... it truly inspires this aging romantic... you must.  Truly, the V9 is the Sophia Loren of motorcycles, a timeless and sophisticated beauty.

Going through a dry spell? 

The riding position doesn't do it for me.  I would love to sit on a roamer.  I prefer buckhorn bars on a cruiser style bike.

[s1120]

I will say I was surprised in person also... Still not my thing, but it does look nicer in person. 

[Groover]

I like the V9 as well. I haven't seen one up close yet. Looks like a good solid, well packed in the right places bike to me. Thanks the nice report.

[wittangamo]

Agree that the V9s look great in person. Sat on and rode both, bought the Roamer. Softer seat on the 2017 models, more comfortable ergos, and more flickable. I’m also a sucker for chrome, and wasn’t crazy about the checkerboard graphic on top of the Bobber tank.

But after owning a 2010 V7 and a 2012 Griso, I believe the V9 is a highly underrated middle offspring. Easy and fun to ride, decent performance and touring capabilities.

[vstevens]

Going through a dry spell? 

The riding position doesn't do it for me.  I would love to sit on a roamer.  I prefer buckhorn bars on a cruiser style bike.

 
Yep.  Been a while.