V9 Over V7?

[Adan]

I've never seen another V9 around the Bay Area.  I see lots of V7's, "lots" being a relative term because we are talking about Guzzi's, but the V7's are becoming rather popular.  So, yeah, there's something cool about being on such a rare bike.  And I do think it's underappreciated.  It's a solid, capable machine, good commuter, fun around the city, fun on a twisty road, doesn't burn oil.  Guzzi's in general are underappreciated, but the V9 occupies its own lofty perch of neglect.

[MMRanch]

So ,  bpreynolds

You have ridden both , V-9 and V-7 ...   

Are they both geared about the same ?     It seem to me the 1st gear on the V-7 gets about 1/2 across most intersections beore shift-time gets there ,     , makes me feel like I'm ridding a Honda 175 with that "Granny Gear 1st" .

[bpreynolds]

So ,  bpreynolds

You have ridden both , V-9 and V-7 ...   

Are they both geared about the same ?     It seem to me the 1st gear on the V-7 gets about 1/2 across most intersections beore shift-time gets there ,     , makes me feel like I'm ridding a Honda 175 with that "Granny Gear 1st" .

Honestly, I�ve never really had beef with the gearing on my V9 so it wasn�t something I was looking for nor noticed when I was on my demo iii ride.  I was probably too busy getting up to speed and seeing how my back responded to the ergos, roll on power, smoothness, handling, etc.  And too, I’m someone who is now used to riding my KTM 390 Duke which would make any 1st gear seem tall. 

[fossil]

There is nothing wrong with the gearing either of the V9 or of the V7 III. And please get me right: It is not that I don´t like the V9. If there were no V7 (III or the predecessors) then for me the question would be: V9 or a version of the Sportster? Definitely!

[Huzo]

Have you tried one of these ?

[fossil]

No. Looks sweet.

[Huzo]

No. Looks sweet.

V9 with V7's cosmetics

[greer]

Thanks for posting your questions, Cory.  And thanks to everyone for the input.  Where did I read that a long-time Guzzi mechanic suggested the fork tubes needed to be slid up in the clamps a bit to improve handling and feel on the V9??  The V9 thread on advrider, maybe.

Sarah     

[jas67]

Have you tried one of these ?

That's an improvement on the V9, but, still has the cruiser-esqu wheel/tire sizes.

Put the V9 engine in the V7-III 

[fossil]

"Put the V9 engine in the V7-III"

What for? The engines are very similar, it is not really significant. Better: put the new V85 - engine in something like the V7.

[Cory]

Thanks for posting your questions, Cory.  And thanks to everyone for the input.  Where did I read that a long-time Guzzi mechanic suggested the fork tubes needed to be slid up in the clamps a bit to improve handling and feel on the V9??  The V9 thread on advrider, maybe.

Sarah     

Thanks for saying.  I was certain that everyone would think I was an idiot. 
With that, I figured I'll ultimately need three bikes to completely satisfy my inability to decide, so would maybe a Yamaha XSR900 be a good complement to my soon-to-be new V7 III Stone (in yellow)?

[Kev m]

That's an improvement on the V9, but, still has the cruiser-esqu wheel/tire sizes.

Put the V9 engine in the V7-III 

I dunno how much of a difference that makes in the end. Maybe it changes feel slightly but certainly not any real world capability.

[bpreynolds]

Have you tried one of these ?

Yikes.   

[Kev m]

Yikes.   

I THINK that's just a tank swap, and wouldn't help your back.

But IIRC Todd's version was more thorough and included controls (maybe lower frame rails had to be swapped or something?) which would address the riding position as well.

I don't remember if he swapped wheels too... I should check.

OK - wheels no, controls yes...



http://ridemalibu.com/bikes/v97/

Guzzi�s V9 Bobber, re-imagined by GuzziTech/GT Motocycles, into the bike everyone wants; A V7 with the V9 motor. V7 Bodywork with 6-gallon fuel tank, repositioned foot peg rails, bars and GT-Rx� exhaust system. Stock 850cc motor with new Hemi-heads. Six speed, ABS and traction control.

Wet weight: 438 lbs.
Seat Height: 30.7�

[Guzzi Gal]

I was certain that everyone would think I was an idiot. 

Been there, done that, and none here has ever made me feel inferior.

It's the only bike I sat on that says "I do think this is it.", but I keep looking for excuses because of no very local dealer.

Been there, done that too.  In the end I went with what my heart wanted, and all is well.

Not only that, but the Anniversary variation is just drop dead gorgeous IMHO.  So, after circling Guzzi's for years I finally bought one.  Only a few hundred miles thus far but this thing is all that and a bag of chips: lovely engine, very nice clutch feel and transmission,  spools up nicely, handles quite well & feels about 50+ pounds lighter than my prior 865 Bonnie.

I'm a serial retro buyer: W650, Bonnie, Vespa, Patrol, King, etc.  Typically modern versions of classicly styled bikes give up either function or soul.  So far I'd say this once manages to walk the line rather nicely, 'very engaging yet this quite up to date.  It also looks exactly like what a proper roadster should look like to me.  Oh, and did I mention that it is drop dead gorgeous?

And that's why I bought one!

[jas67]

"Put the V9 engine in the V7-III"

What for? The engines are very similar, it is not really significant. Better: put the new V85 - engine in something like the V7.

Oh yeah, that's the one that I meant.

I dunno how much of a difference that makes in the end. Maybe it changes feel slightly but certainly not any real world capability.

See comment above -- I was thinking about the "80 HP" motor from the vapor-ware V85.

[jas67]

Thanks for saying.  I was certain that everyone would think I was an idiot. 
With that, I figured I'll ultimately need three bikes to completely satisfy my inability to decide, so would maybe a Yamaha XSR900 be a good complement to my soon-to-be new V7 III Stone (in yellow)?

The 850cc Yamaha triple on the XSR900 is a great motor!   But, I gotta say, the forthcoming Kawasaki Z900RS is much better looking:

[Cory]

The 850cc Yamaha triple on the XSR900 is a great motor!   But, I gotta say, the forthcoming Kawasaki Z900RS is much better looking:

A very significant problem with this post is that the Kawasaki dealership (also has Yamaha) is very close, the salesperson is a really nice guy, the service department (not that I'd need it) seems good-to-go and it's the shop that I used to get bikes from when I raced in a past life. 
****!  ****!  ****!

[Kev m]

The 850cc Yamaha triple on the XSR900 is a great motor!   But, I gotta say, the forthcoming Kawasaki Z900RS is much better looking:

MEH!!!

[Kev m]

A very significant problem with this post is that the Kawasaki dealership (also has Yamaha) is very close, the salesperson is a really nice guy, the service department (not that I'd need it) seems good-to-go and it's the shop that I used to get bikes from when I raced in a past life. 
****!  ****!  ****!

I'm sorry, but that's like saying I really prefer the lobster in the next town but I'll get McDonald's cause it's next door.

[Cory]

I feel like there's something wrong with me, but going to RevZilla tomorrow for a jacket, boots and pants.  And, sadly, my wife found the helmet earlier this week.  She's onboard, but wasn't ready for it to be real so soon.

[ohiorider]

The 850cc Yamaha triple on the XSR900 is a great motor!   But, I gotta say, the forthcoming Kawasaki Z900RS is much better looking:

I think the Kaw is lovely!  I currently own a 2014 CB1100, and I'm not sure I can get into the bike.  I need to put on a few thou more miles this coming spring before I come to a conclusion.  May need to revert to another twin.  Or just be happy with what I have, ride 'em and enjoy 'em!

Bob

[guzzi4me]

I feel like there's something wrong with me, but going to RevZilla tomorrow for a jacket, boots and pants.  And, sadly, my wife found the helmet earlier this week.  She's onboard, but wasn't ready for it to be real so soon.

Easier to ask forgiveness than permission.......

in some, not all, cases!

Totally enjoying my new V7II Stone...just passed 2500 miles and am quite happy.
 Enjoy your bike when you get it..no matter what you decide!

Jeff

[Kev m]

Hmmm, it's not the most pleasant ride, but I think my schedule might be free tomorrow. When were you thinking of popping into ZLA?

[Cory]

Hmmm, it's not the most pleasant ride, but I think my schedule might be free tomorrow. When were you thinking of popping into ZLA?

Oh, might be a little cold, but if you're going anyway I'm fairly flexible.  Just have to visit a customer in West Philly at some point and it doesn't really matter when.  Mid to late morning might be best, but I'd do as you say and wouldn't be bothered if your plans change even at the last minute because I'll be there anyway.

[mjptexas]

A very significant problem with this post is that the Kawasaki dealership (also has Yamaha) is very close, the salesperson is a really nice guy, the service department (not that I'd need it) seems good-to-go and it's the shop that I used to get bikes from when I raced in a past life. 
****!  ****!  ****!

I had a ZRX1200r for a decade (on the short list of bikes I should have kept).  Fit & finish was above average for a Jap bike, and, it went like a Bat out of Hell.   I'm sure the new 900 will be the same.  It's hard to beat a Kawasaki when it comes to performance for the dollar.

[Kev m]

Oh, might be a little cold, but if you're going anyway I'm fairly flexible.  Just have to visit a customer in West Philly at some point and it doesn't really matter when.  Mid to late morning might be best, but I'd do as you say and wouldn't be bothered if your plans change even at the last minute because I'll be there anyway.

Ha ha I wasn't going at all, but if the timing is right my electrics could probably keep me warm. Have you ridden a V7 yet?

[Cory]

Ha ha I wasn't going at all, but if the timing is right my electrics could probably keep me warm. Have you ridden a V7 yet?

Haven't yet ridden it.  Actually about to read the Learner's Permit booklet and take the test. 

[rider33]

after a series of large, heavy, fast bikes I've come around to the POV that the lightest and simplest bike for the task at hand also tends to be the most fun day-to-day. Twins seem to have an elemental quality about them, they are engaging yet never cumbersome.  Simply put, you don't need a 30-30 to hunt squirrels, in fact more that likely it will just get you into trouble.

[kenvil1]

MEH!!!

 :1: