Is there a more modern midsize Guzzi styled like V700/Ambo/Eldo?

[faffi]

I sort of went the same route, from touting old tech to wanting fuel injection etc. Then I went to change the spark plugs and adjust the valves on my son's MT-07 and learned that am more than willing to live with carbs for easy overall service access. Fuel injection is nice when it works, but man if you have to rip into it on some bikes, like the mentioned Yamaha, the CBF1000, Ducati Multistrada and more.

[tris]

How about a V9 Roamer

Suitable for short legged people, lightweight, will get up and go if you ask it and looks as cool as heck

But I might be biased 

[Cam3512]

I’ve been to Billy Joel’s place on Long Island twice.  You can walk in and look around at many of his bikes.  He’s a huge Guzzi fan.  The first time we spend the day with Alex, his curator/mechanic.  All is bikes are registered and road worthy.  He has a California Vintage (last of the Tonti Cali’s) with custom made Eldorado tins.  Tank, fenders, side covers, etc.  The tank is much larger front to back to mount on the Tonti frame.  Lots of custom fabrication, but he can afford it.  So it’s a “modern” 1100cc bike with classic Loopframe bodywork.  If Guzzi would make that, I’d be first in line.  Oh, and I’ve had two, police Eldo’s and currently have a police Ambo.  Best looking Guzzi’s hands down!

[Kev m]

I sort of went the same route, from touting old tech to wanting fuel injection etc. Then I went to change the spark plugs and adjust the valves on my son's MT-07 and learned that am more than willing to live with carbs for easy overall service access.

Yeah, I wrote a manual on the MT/FZ-07, that's another reason I currently own two Guzzis and no Yamahas.

There are "modern" bikes that aren't the equivalent of a Rube Goldberg machine and EFI is dead simple once you get down to it. But that's a whole other conversation.

[faffi]

I feel for you if you had to dismantle an MT-07

EFI in itself is not the problem, how it is packed in many motorcycles is. To me, at least.

[rocker59]

The Super Meteor is less aesthetically attractive IMO, but (with bags and a screen) it's sort of in the right vein, plus it has a much more capable engine than the Classic.

I've written off Californias as too big and unwieldy.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, or Shotgun 650 are available now.  Who knows when, or if we'll see the Classic 650.

The Super Meteor and Shotgun weigh 530 lbs.  Not much of a weight savings from a California Jackal, which weighs 541 lbs.

The upcoming Classic 650 will be on the same platform, so expect the same 530 lbs +/- weight.

Though it's a little lighter, a vintage 750 Ambassador will weigh around 500 lbs.

Personally, I'd go with a Super Meteor and admire vintage Guzzi loop frame bikes from a distance.

If the 500 lbs + weight is an issue, do as Kev M suggested and consider a Moto Guzzi V9.  Roamer, Bobber, whichever tickles your fancy.   At 440 Lbs +/-, they're nearly 100 lbs lighter than the 650 Enfields.

[faffi]

The V9s sit in the 460-465 bracket wet. Still fairly light, and much less than the 590 lbs of the California 1100s from 1997 onwards.

[Mwether]

Personally, I'd go with a Super Meteor and admire vintage Guzzi loop frame bikes from a distance.

If the 500 lbs + weight is an issue, do as Kev M suggested and consider a Moto Guzzi V9.  Roamer, Bobber, whichever tickles your fancy.   At 440 Lbs +/-, they're nearly 100 lbs lighter than the 650 Enfields.

Thanks! That last paragraph is an eye-opener; I didn't realize the V9s were that light.

[Mwether]

...I don't want to be spending time in the garage a second more than I have to so oil changes and valve adjustments are fine with me, but that's it man. I want to turn the key and go.

...

Now I'm just gonna mention it one more time because I really think it's the unicorn in the discussion IF you're looking for a modern Guzzi that FEELS like a big block and has relatively neutral upright riding position - THE FIRST GENERATION V9. The motor FELT every bit like my big blocks (which coming off owning a V7 for a while at that point literally shocked me). I didn't expect to like it, never mind fall in love with it.

If I were looking for what you said you were, THAT would be MY first stop (because of the all other modern amenities). Worst case scenario I swap on a v7 tank eventually for the looks.

Super helpful. Thanks!

Are there multiple generations of V9s? Which years are considered Gen. 1?

[faffi]

Are there multiple generations of V9s? Which years are considered Gen. 1?

2015/16-2017: Very forward footpegs
2018-2020: Less forward footpegs
2021-on: Engine power increased from 55 to 65 PS.

[Mwether]

New executive summary...

• Buy a Loop.
  
• If you don't want to deal with an old bike, buy a V9.

[JBU]

I say buy 2 loops.  You'll have one to ride while you tinker with the other.

[Mwether]

2015/16-2017: Very forward footpegs
2018-2020: Less forward footpegs
2021-on: Engine power increased from 55 to 65 PS.

Thanks!

Having never having ridden anything but mid-control bikes, I think I'd likely prefer 2018-2020...?

Is Gen. 1 being recommended over Gen. 2 for price alone, or is there another reason?

[faffi]

Gen 1 and 2 should be the same save for the footpeg position, but some early bikes made a whine from the drive train.

[Dirk_S]

Thanks!

Having never having ridden anything but mid-control bikes, I think I'd likely prefer 2018-2020...?

Is Gen. 1 being recommended over Gen. 2 for price alone, or is there another reason?

Keep in mind there may be simple conversions available to pull the controls back to mid-position.

[Moparnut72]

When I was looking for a second bike to supplement my Audace I wanted a Roamer. I looked for a few months but I couldn't find one closer than 600 miles away. I settled on a V7lll which I am more than happy with. It will be with me until I have to retire from riding which I hope will be several more years down the road. I will use my Mandello for touring and longer rides but a California styled V100 would have been more to my liking.
kk

[faffi]

Keep in mind there may be simple conversions available to pull the controls back to mid-position.

I expected to do that when I picked up the bike and rode it for 10 hours to get home - at first, I sat with just the tip of my toes on the pegs, or used the rear pegs. But now, I like the position of the forward pegs, it feels natural. At least up to about 50 mph. And since I bought the bike to ride slower and enjoy the scenery more, the bike will stay like this.

[Mwether]

2017 Roamer for sale here:
https://www.nationalpowersports.net/itemdetails.cshtml?itemid=60567



Pegs look pretty neutral. Have they been moved? What am I missing...?

[Walter]

I have a 2017 V9 Bobber and the pegs seem completely neutral to me.  I was looking for a V7 when I found it and bought it because it seemed close enough to a V7 and was I felt a good deal.  Since then I've fallen in love with it.  It's wonderful to ride, turns in beautifully, and the issue people mention of not being able to tuck your knees in to the tank does not hold true for me.  My knees hit under the tank crease, and other mechanical bits keep my knees of the tank anyway.  Plus it has an analog speedometer.

[Kev m]

2015/16-2017: Very forward footpegs
2018-2020: Less forward footpegs
2021-on: Engine power increased from 55 to 65 PS.

Thanks!

Having never having ridden anything but mid-control bikes, I think I'd likely prefer 2018-2020...?

Is Gen. 1 being recommended over Gen. 2 for price alone, or is there another reason?

I gotta comment on this.

FIRST - NONE of the V9 bikes were in any way, shape, or form the same as the "forward" controls on say many Harleys, the Triumph Bobber, or even that RE you posted earlier.

SECOND - Guzzi made kits available on the 15-17 ones that relocated the controls back to the same point as the 18+ ones. Those kits were free by request for US models but I can't say how prevalent they were. I've seen some in both configurations on the used market.

THIRD - whatever you want to call the position of the 2018+ models it's basically the same as the position on same year V7s. I compared them back-to-back and took photos when I demo'd the BS twice - posted here about it. Maybe there's a perception that the V9 is more forward still than the V7 because of slight differences in seating positions etc. The V9s (and V7III+) all have a lower seat height than the Heron head models. And there are side cover and seat width differences that make the V9s slightly more slender than some V7s, which makes legs feel longer because they are more straight and less bowed.

FOURTH - and lastly - IF you ride a first Gen V9 and compare it to the 2021+ models with "more power" you MIGHT be unhappy with the later ones (like I was). You see the "magic motor" is that first gen. The specs don't tell the what I purposely rode hundreds of miles to verify (demo again because I couldn't get my head around the first day I rode it). The damn thing just plain felt more torquey and very similar to my Cali 1100 Jackal. I don't think the same is true for the later ones that not share the motor/tune/specs of the late-model Hemi head V7s. I have no explanation or anything else to say but to try one for yourself because THAT is the juice from the squeeze that definies these bikes as the "closest thing to a modern Ambo/Eldo whatever". 

[Kev m]

2017 Roamer for sale here:
https://www.nationalpowersports.net/itemdetails.cshtml?itemid=60567



Pegs look pretty neutral. Have they been moved? What am I missing...?

That's the revised controls - basically same as everything else, including V7s.

And that's a looker. I still think about getting rid of our Carbon Dark and replacing it with one.

I'm just not sure I gain enough to make up for all I lose (a ton of accessories and the larger fuel tank).

But I still consider it.

[faffi]

2017 Roamer for sale here:
https://www.nationalpowersports.net/itemdetails.cshtml?itemid=60567



Pegs look pretty neutral. Have they been moved? What am I missing...?

Looks like a 2018-on. Here is a picture of the first gen, look at the different length of the gear change rod and position of the peg, plus its mounting bracket

[bad Chad]

Everything Kev M said is 100% dead on.

[Mwether]

Had no idea that a V7 tank requires zero mods to put on a V9...

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=102756.0

"V9s Have Small Tanks" argument defeated! 

[rocker59]

I know I'm in the minority, but I like the V9 fuel tank.

It reminds me of this


upload picture

[faffi]

I would like my V9 tank to be wider and taller in the rear for better knee grip, but most of all I would want it to be larger. Mine does not come close to hold the promised 15 liters, it is in the 13-13.5 liter range.

[Mwether]

Here's some more V9 perspective. (Arranged from smiley to frowny.) 

I'd like to try one...

Overall, either V9 is a totally fine motorcycle worth considering if you’re looking for a friendly, reliable, comfortable, all-around fun bike. It’s in the class of retro-ish twins of maximum all-around use and fun. Against any competition, the V9s are far worthy of consideration. They excel in ease of usability, rideability, reliability (assuming that since they’re Moto Guzzis), and for just plain getting the job done with character. The Roamer is a jump on it and run-over-to-Nancy’s-house type of bike, or it’s a cross-the-whole-damn-country type bike. The Bobber is high on fun but a bit less adept for touring. Riding from Iowa to New York in 1980 on a Honda CB400F seemed an entirely reasonable thing for me to do back then (It wasn’t.), and doing it today on the V9 is more than reasonable (It is.). After riding these, one has to wonder why so few of us own a Moto Guzzi.
https://www.cycleworld.com/2016/03/21/2017-moto-guzzi-v9-roamer-and-v9-bobber-cruiser-motorcycle-review-first-ride/

Neither the Roamer nor Bobber are world-beating. Instead, they’re good old fashioned, old school motorbikes, warts and all, complete with slightly daft names. The Roamer is the pleasant, be-chromed, traditional roadster/cruiser hybrid, and a worthy successor to Moto Guzzi’s late 750 Nevada. The Bobber is the fat-tyred, attitude-laden fashion junky that’s a true rival to Harley. Neither are the ‘bigger V7’ hoped for but they’re characterful, solid and decent value as a used buy – if you can find one.
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/moto-guzzi/moto-guzzi-v9-roamer-bobber-2016-review-used-guide

Last, some Kiwis say the bike vibrates excessively and dislikes low revs. They rate the suspension poor and the transmission clunky, recommending the Triumph Street Twin instead.
https://www.autocar.co.nz/moto-guzzi-v9-roamer/

[Kev m]

I'm pretty sure without even looking the last morons lugged the motor but I pay pretty much no attention to what others say about a bike, especially "professionals" these days.

It's easy enough to figure out for yourself and your's is the only option that matters anyway.

[Mwether]

...I pay pretty much no attention to what others say about a bike, especially "professionals" these days.

It's easy enough to figure out for yourself and your's is the only option that matters anyway.

Yep, and until I can get a test ride, I really appreciate an owners group providing a counterweight to moto-journos.

Sure, there may be some confirmation bias, but I don't think owners are willingly going to lie about their real life, long-term experiences. 

Besides, I've never ridden a motorcycle that didn't have SOME redeeming feature. IMO, almost any bike beats driving! 

[faffi]

Last, some Kiwis say the bike vibrates excessively and dislikes low revs. They rate the suspension poor and the transmission clunky, recommending the Triumph Street Twin instead.

The V9 is not nearly as flexible as a Virago engine; compared to my XV1100, my V9 need 50% more rpm before it will operate comfortably. Also, especially in the lower three gears, under light load, the V9 engine does not run smoothly, but it hunts a little, which I find very annoying in slow riding. Here, the Virago will operate perfectly from idle to redline, regardless of load. Finally, the Virago runs noticeably smoother than the V9 in the normal rev range, but above 5000 rpm the Virago 1100 - much more so than the 750 Virago - start to shake in earnest, whereas the V9 does not - my Guzzi has a relatively even amount of vibes throughout its range.