V9 or V7III

[StratfordJohn]

Hello all, new to this forum and looking to buy my first proper bike at the mid-life age of 50....

Anyway, I'm forever letting my heart rule my head and have wasted a lot of money in the past on beautiful or cool things, that ended up not being used and in the bin or just plain worthless.

I know I love the look of both the V9 and the V7, I've sat on both. Not ridden one - because my full bike test is not til November.

Here in UK, the V9 used models seem to be a bit of a bargain, as in their price has dropped so much from new. Not so much the V7III's (even if I compare V9 vs V7 2017 models). Makes me wonder if the V7 is a more sound investment and likely to hold it's price better over 3-4 years. I'm only really interested in back lane riding fun, though it has been mooted by friends a possible longer tour next summer.

Any advice appreciated.

[Kev m]

Never buy a motorcycle with your head, you'll regret it.

Guzzis don't hold any value, there's no such thing as an "investment".

Get the one you want, live large.

 

[bpreynolds]

Like Kev says, go with the heart, especially on this one.  I owned a fantastic ‘15 Stone and now have a Roamer.  I haven’t driven a VIII.  As per my former Stone and my V9 there are lots and lots of differences for sure, but IMHO not enough to justify over ruling which one you just plain like better. 

[bad Chad]

Indeed, buy with your heart, neither one will hold its value.

[MMRanch]

John ,
I had the same dilemma going on for a while : 

I went with the 5.5 gal fuel tank .   After buying one , before ridding it , I was disappointed in the gearing.   The gears are too close for my liking ... I'm skipping gears on most up-shifts, and take off in 2nd a lot.    The 6th gear has the motor spinning 3K @ 50 mph. (ish)  , the power level feels like it could easily pull 50 mph at 2k.   The rpm limiter cuts in about 7000.

I wonder if the V-9 has a real Super-Slab gear ? 

[Sheepdog]

The V9 will be a good deal if you plan to use a windshield or just drive around at lower speeds. The V7III is better if you're going to ride it sans-screen or with a flyscreen. The V9 has a little more power, but the V7III has a larger fuel tank, also. However as KevM observed, a motorcycle purchase is most satisfying when it is made with the heart. If we were purely logical, we'd all be driving around in minivans or just taking the bus...

[sign216]

I say the V7.  Be a proud smallblock rider.  The V9 is just too much in-between.

But what do I know.  I've always ridden small bikes.  I can remember when a 750 was a big, powerful sport bike, only for the most experienced riders.  Right?

[jas67]

I say the V7.  Be a proud smallblock rider.  The V9 is just too much in-between.

The V9 is a small block too.

The V7 is WAY better looking.

But..., as the first few replies said, go with your heart, buy the one that YOU like.    Don't worry about resale value.  Any new bike you buy is going going to be worth half the new price within a year, period.    If you buy what you like, you're less likely to sell it soon and take a loss.   If you aren't sure, don't buy, because, you will end up selling within a year or two at a loss.

Test ride both, and you'll know.

[ramarren]

My biggest reservation about either of the V9s is the small fuel tank. Styling wise ... eh, whichever you like. I prefer the V7III Racer over the other models with respect to style and ergonomics: it fits me very well.

The V7III and V9 motors are quite similar, the V9 being just a hair torquier.

[roadscum]

There is no universal right choice, just the a right choice for you. Have a test ride on each then buy the one that puts the biggest smile on your face..... simple really.

Ya didn't have to ask which lady would make the best wife for you.... did you!!! 

Paul

[Kev m]

the one that puts the biggest smile on your face..... simple really.

Ya didn't have to ask which lady would make the best wife for you.... did you!!! 

Paul

Yeah well a lot of people screw that choice up too...

[Cory]

I made a video of me trying to decide whether to buy a bike from the heart from a shop that's over 100 miles away vs. with my head from a local shop -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKCBWRU59zk

[Kev m]

I made a video of me trying to decide whether to buy a bike from the heart from a shop that's over 100 miles away vs. with my head from a local shop -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKCBWRU59zk

Tell them the rest of the story....

[Lannis]

There is no universal right choice, just the a right choice for you. Have a test ride on each then buy the one that puts the biggest smile on your face..... simple really.

Ya didn't have to ask which lady would make the best wife for you.... did you!!! 

Paul

The good thing about buying a motorcycle v. choosing a woman is that with a bike you only have one head doing the thinking.   Decision by a committee of two won't come out well half the time ....

Lannis

[dcardo021]

What the he'll, I bought both! But after 5 months the V9 had twice the miles of the V7III racer. Over 85mph 7 is more planted. Below that the V9. Looks 7, cool factor Bobber. Dealer visits V9-0, V7-3. Then some bone head hits me and totals the Bobber. Small power differences, but seems larger. V9 Confuses HD riders. Lol

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[pyoungbl]

Sounds like OP will be doing mostly back road riding so either would be OK.  Then he mentioned taking a trip next summer.  I'd nod to the V7 for a trip because it has luggage options that I do not think are there for the V9...yet.  You can also get a decent windscreen for the V7 vs a Dart screen that offers little or no real weather protection.  I just did a 1400 mile long weekend on a V7, another V7 rider was traveling much farther on his bike so there is no question that the bike is suitable a trip.

[jas67]

What the he'll, I bought both! But after 5 months the V9 had twice the miles of the V7III racer. Over 85mph 7 is more planted. Below that the V9. Looks 7, cool factor Bobber. Dealer visits V9-0, V7-3. Then some bone head hits me and totals the Bobber. Small power differences, but seems larger. V9 Confuses HD riders. Lol

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

I have a '13 V7 Racer and a '14 V7 Special.   The Special gets ridden 3-4x as much as the Racer, probably more.  This is due to it having hard luggage (I commute to work almost daily, and also use my bikes when possible for errand running as well).   Also the ergos are more conducive to longer rides.

If you had a V7 Special or Stone, the ratio might be more favorable to the V7.
That said, if you're going to have both a V9 AND a V7, the racer makes sense.

If Guzzi sold a V7 with the larger V9 motor, the V7 would likely be the clear winner for more people.

[Kev m]

Sounds like OP will be doing mostly back road riding so either would be OK.  Then he mentioned taking a trip next summer.  I'd nod to the V7 for a trip because it has luggage options that I do not think are there for the V9...yet.

https://www.motomachines.com/V9-Bobber_c_858.html

Looks like you can get HB C-Bow racks and/or topcase racks, the only thing I don't see are HB Junior side case racks. But that's hardly a deal breaker for most. I mean, there are certainly luggage options available for a V9.

[Adan]

I've owned two V7s but haven't ridden the V7III.  I suspect the engine improvements make it a much closer call as between it and the V9. 

V9 has more relaxed ergos for your knees, but might be less comfortable if you have lower back issues due to the slouch.

V9 is, perhaps surprisingly, the more agile of the two, which is appreciated in the city.  But the V7 is certainly agile enough. 

V9 starts to feel a little unstable above 70 mph.  I've felt my bars start to oscillate over bumps most bikes would take in stride.  For that reason, and for the larger tank, I'd pick the V7 for long runs on slab. 

V7 greater ground clearance might be an advantage in the twisties, though my V9 has acquitted itself quite well in that context.  I haven't been wishing for more clearance.

The V9 engine gives more joy, but again I'm comparing it to an older 1TB and 2TB V7, not the III.

V9 might be the better attention-getter/conversation starter if you care about that.

I agree with others, they're similar enough that you can just let your whimsy be your guide.

They're both rather flawed motorcycles that will enrich your soul.

[Cory]

Tell them the rest of the story....

There's several (stories), but there's 3 Guzzi shops within striking distance.  One won't get my business and 2 are very nice, but each 100 or so miles away.
Maintenance seems not too involved (and there's what seems like a really good independent shop in Philly for anything beyond routine).
Locally, within bicycle riding distance, are a very good Yamaha/Kawasaki, Suzuki/KTM and Harley shop.
Nothing against Harley, but can't see that happening.  KTM's seem awesome, but maybe not my thing.
Which leaves a Yamaha XSR900, Suzuki SV650 or Kawasaki Z900RS (that I think came out today).  There's also the Suzuki Bandit, but it didn't jump out, as well as the V-Stroms (but there'll be not one second of off-road).  There's also a really good Triumph/BMW shop and another that has most brands, but not bicycle riding distance away.
So my head says to keep it local, but the V7 is the only bike I've sat on that says, "Oh yes."

[Beerman]

It's the tank that does it for me. The ride - pretty similar; the V7 tank is great, the V9's - all in my opinion - a bit, well, 'anaemic'. That doesn't stop me thinking about exactly the same question though!

Beerman

[Kev m]

So my head says to keep it local, but the V7 is the only bike I've sat on that says, "Oh yes."

Life is too short not to say "oh yes" anytime you can.

 

[Cory]

Life is too short not to say "oh yes" anytime you can.

 

Maybe you're right.  I used to be into older BMW cars and the hassles I endured were inhuman so maybe I'm just going off of that which maybe isn't fair to a brand new Moto Guzzi.

[grame99]

I bought a year old V9 Roamer a few months back after passing my test. I liked the fact it sat somewhere between a Harley and a Bonny. Mine came with c-bars, panniers, and the full-size wind-shield. After the NC750 I used on my DAS, the Guzzi felt very strange. But gradually I acclimatised. The swaying at idle thing at first triggered sometimes a motion sickness that led me to consider selling. I even test-rode a Bonny T100. It was smooth and competent and strangely bland compared to the V9. But my ear balance acclimatised so I stuck with the Guzzi. The only other bike I would consider is a V7iii Stone. It felt smaller and less substantial than the Roamer. I understand the engines aren't so far apart in power. I might get one in a year or two depending on what else MG come up with in the interim. But for now the Roamer is perfect.

[sign216]

Maybe you're right.  I used to be into older BMW cars and the hassles I endured were inhuman so maybe I'm just going off of that which maybe isn't fair to a brand new Moto Guzzi.

Cory, do tell.  I've found BMW dealers to really support vintage motorcycles.  Different experience w autos?

Joe

[Cory]

Cory, do tell.  I've found BMW dealers to really support vintage motorcycles.  Different experience w autos?

Joe

Insanely brutal.  There's like this anti-customer service attitude where they're good when they feel like it and horrific when not.  Massive amounts of wasted time.
It might be because they're enthusiasts, generally, and get to a point where they can't take it anymore.  If that's the case then I understand perfectly.  Or, they might just be jerks - good-to-go at times and not really that great at other times; depending on the day. 
Just not worth the hassle at all.
New BMW cars have totally lost their way anyway so it's over all around.



image uploader

[greer]

Based on a sit test (I haven't ridden either bike) the V9 seemed to fit like a glove, where the V7 felt really odd somehow, so I might look to a Roamer.  Wonder why the V9 is less stable at freeway speeds?

Sarah

[Kev m]

Based on a sit test (I haven't ridden either bike) the V9 seemed to fit like a glove, where the V7 felt really odd somehow, so I might look to a Roamer.  Wonder why the V9 is less stable at freeway speeds?

Sarah

My swag:

More upright seating position and controls further back, probably equals less weight on the front end.

[greer]

Thanks, Kev.  And thinking about it, that skinny 19" front tire on the Roamer might not help matters, either.

Sarah

[StratfordJohn]

Sorry for being quiet - I've been reading the replies! So this is what I am very close to buying:






But then this came up, £800 cheaper...





Heart or head - still haven't decided...