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".