Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dirk_S on April 04, 2025, 10:58:26 AM
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It’s been mentioned in a couple other threads, but the V9 appears to be discontinued—it was not featured at EICMA, and it’s no longer on the website nor in the current Guzzi brand book.
I’d like to create this post as a WG-official send-off to the V9. Share your thoughts, memories, why you felt it was the best bike, why you thought it was uglier than your great aunt Janice’s cheek wart, etc.
Personally, for the first few years I found the bike goofy looking, and always wondered why it was priced higher than the V7. Obviously, the tank. The weird tail light choices. The fact that the Triumph Bobber looked 100% more like a true Bobber in my eyes, causing much envy to my brand allegiance. The rear fender of the Roamer didn’t do it for me. The seats are a little odd (I did however approve of the straight back rear frame rails).
But then, a few years into the series, one thing changed for me. I started seeing more pics of the V9s with an adjustment. Spot the difference:
(https://i.ibb.co/V0GsmY2P/IMG-6980.jpg) (https://ibb.co/V0GsmY2P) (https://i.ibb.co/mrv853Kt/IMG-6979.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mrv853Kt)
No, not the mirrors.
The headlight positioning.
That lowering of the headlight shifted my scientifically-based opinion of the model from black to white, or more accurately, from charcoal to newsprint gray. What once looked like an odd, modern version of a Harley Davidson WLA (which are awesome period antiques, but goofy looking compared to contemporary styling) now appeared more like a Harley XA, which are still bitchin’, muscular looking machines, IMO.
Who knew a simple drop of the headlight can make such a difference. From there, the tank grew on me, and then the tires. Everything else is still meh, but I desired that engine enough that I certainly considered the idea of owning one.
If all goes to plan, I should be bringing home a 2017 V9 toward the end of the month with the original Monza cafe plans I had for the recently sold Lario jumping over to the V9. And while that screams “YOU CERTAINLY DON’T LIKE THE V9’s LOOKS THAT MUCH APPARENTLY”, do take note that I’ve indeed thought about keeping the tank and seat as an alternate look, and simply replacing the bar riser and handlebar with some clubman bars for a bitchin’ brat look. Should be an easy enough swap if I choose to keep the wheels and rear fender alone.
(https://i.ibb.co/ptjhzQd/IMG-6938.png) (https://ibb.co/ptjhzQd) (https://i.ibb.co/JRFhQ69F/IMG-6977.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JRFhQ69F)
Full pics of the V9 bikes with the headlight shift
Anyway, I’m sorry to see the V9 go. Personally, I always preferred the look of the V9 over any of the small block cruisers in years past. But I’m not a big cruiser guy. I hope this isn’t the closing out of the small block series. I really want to see more styling variation. I’m admittedly getting a little tired of the V7 tank. Sure, keep it, but consider bringing back the V50 tank. Or heck, bring that V85X back out of Concept Hell and turn it into something less ‘ehh’.
I look forward to having a V9, sad to see its ship sail.
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I like the V9, was it discontinued?
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I like the V9, was it discontinued?
Yep (and just revised the OP for clarity)
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I don't believe, the dropping of the headlight was a factory change. That was/is done by dealer/customer or such, just as the bike doesn't come from the factory with bar end mirrors.
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I don't believe, the dropping of the headlight was a factory change. That was/is done by dealer/customer or such, just as the bike doesn't come from the factory with bar end mirrors.
For the Bobber, the factory lowered the headlight after the first few years, maybe to further differentiate it from the Roamer. If you do a Google Image search you’ll see many examples, including from the Guzzi/Piaggio sites.
The ‘19 V9 Bobber Sport variant appears to have been the first to get the treatment officially, as shown in the screenshots of the various model year parts manual cover pages:
(https://i.ibb.co/N2RBptmM/IMG-6984.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N2RBptmM) (https://i.ibb.co/HTrJtDJY/IMG-6985.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HTrJtDJY) (https://i.ibb.co/7xy7JNmC/IMG-6986.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7xy7JNmC) (https://i.ibb.co/YsxyhFj/IMG-6987.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YsxyhFj)
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Where did you get the photo of the first bike with the supposed "headlight shift" in your OP?
I ask because I am suspicious the headlight isn't shifted in the others, but even if it is on that one I'm thinking it was modified.
What really stands out to me in those first two photos is the difference in profile of the SPEEDOMETER HOUSING which is laid down horizontally on the second bike.
This has a huge impact on the profile. But I've seen some kits for that on the V7 and wonder if that's what this was, of if it was a one off. I can't tell but there's a logo on the side cover which also makes me suspicious.
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Where did you get the photo of the first bike with the supposed "headlight shift" in your OP?
I ask because I am suspicious the headlight isn't shifted in the others, but even if it is on that one I'm thinking it was modified.
What really stands out to me in those first two photos is the difference in profile of the SPEEDOMETER HOUSING which is laid down horizontally on the second bike.
This has a huge impact on the profile. But I've seen some kits for that on the V7 and wonder if that's what this was, of if it was a one off. I can't tell but there's a logo on the side cover which also makes me suspicious.
The second bike in my OP that shows the lowered headlight was a product shot from an aftermarket exhaust brand that I simply pulled from a Google Image search. Why I didn’t instead go with one of Moto Guzzi’s own beauty shots? Because the headlight position was my only point, and I didn’t realize my claim would be doubted, so I guess I wasn’t as careful (I think the aftermarket company also got rid of the bar risers). BUT, take a look at the Bobber Sport and all the V9s from ‘20 to present, and they’ve dropped the headlight and adjusted the speedo, though not as much as that custom shot that I erroneously included in the beginning.
Here’s another pic *from* Guzzi showing off the E5:
(https://i.ibb.co/0wf4xND/IMG-7007.webp) (https://ibb.co/0wf4xND)
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It was a niche within a niche...very exclusive membership. Maybe 2 dozen people worldwide will moan its demise and hold on to their bikes...who knows, it might be a collectible in 10 years!
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Buuhbye!
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I wouldn't be surprised if it comes down to who is putting the bike together on what day. If I recall correctly, it's just a couple of pinch bolts on each side attaching the headlight to the forks, and thus the light can be moved up or down with ease.
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I liked the bobber sport but it wasn't enough to replace my V7III.
Goodbye V9.
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The second bike in my OP that shows the lowered headlight was a product shot from an aftermarket exhaust brand that I simply pulled from a Google Image search. Why I didn’t instead go with one of Moto Guzzi’s own beauty shots? Because the headlight position was my only point, and I didn’t realize my claim would be doubted, so I guess I wasn’t as careful (I think the aftermarket company also got rid of the bar risers). BUT, take a look at the Bobber Sport and all the V9s from ‘20 to present, and they’ve dropped the headlight and adjusted the speedo, though not as much as that custom shot that I erroneously included in the beginning.
Here’s another pic *from* Guzzi showing off the E5:
(https://i.ibb.co/0wf4xND/IMG-7007.webp) (https://ibb.co/0wf4xND)
To my eye, the bigger differences in the two photos in the original post, is in the second photo (which is an immensely better looking bike to me) is the different seat and the lack of the "dog dragging his ass" look of the bike.
I've thought that the Roamers would look better with longer shocks and a V7 gas tank ever since I first saw one.
I thought all the V7's are now 850cc engines, and that the V9's were the same. What are the differences between the V7 engines and the V9 engines?
Let my education begin!!
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I say the v9 tank is glorious! Unique and thought provoking.
Same thoughts on my GRiSO stock exhaust and oil cooler..
Then again, I miss my TDM and wish I had this "Vincent" to ride around and drive people crazy. :evil:
......The Guzzi world was more interesting with the v9 in it.
(https://i.ibb.co/VpM87kts/IMG-20250405-091115.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VpM87kts)
(https://i.ibb.co/RkP1QfzD/IMG-20250405-090543.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RkP1QfzD)
(https://i.ibb.co/7NpgkJY5/image000000.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7NpgkJY5)
(https://i.ibb.co/HDrQgT3g/36462.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HDrQgT3g)
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1) I say the v9 tank is glorious! Unique and thought provoking.
2) wish I had this "Vincent" to ride around and drive people crazy. :evil:
1) Agreed, if it was larger/more practical.
2) Sublime to ridiculous :violent1:
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The Roamer of mine receive a lot of cudos from bystanders, primarily non-riders. I think the bike is ok to look at, but its strong point is bein unique. I like that. Functionally, it is on par with a standard bike of the mid-70s. The engine - l have the early model - is mostly a marvel, only marred slightly by fuel injection that is not perfect. I do prefer my modified 1982 Virago over the Roamer in every respect save fuel consumption and braking performance.
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To my eyes the Roamer/Bobber were the least attractive of Guzzis offerings.
There was just something off on Guzzi’s take on what a ‘factory’ bobber should look like. The HD 48, and in particular the Triumph versions hit much closer to the mark (again….In my estimation).
I would liked to have seen a V9 based Racer version with a real chrome tank, beefy upside down forks, dual discs up front and more subdued fashion statement accessories. I more than likely would have sprung for that to add to or replace my V7R.
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I have always liked the looks of the Roamer and wanted one but one wasn't readily available. They were kind of a love it or leave it as to design. I don't get it as far as fuel tank capacity goes. It holds 4 gallons, my Triumph 1200cc T120 had a 3.8 gallon tank. I could easily cover 200 miles on a tank is the V9 any less efficient? Maybe if it had been more popular more dealers would have stocked them and then they may have sold better. As an example years ago I worked in a hardware store/lumber yard in a small town. We had a massive inventory of just about everything, we even stocked bridge washers which I have never seen them anywhere else. Like the boss always said "if I don't have it I can't sell it."
kk
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Depending on how you ride, you can exceed 200 miles on a tank.
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ok - MY THOUGHTS.
Initially the polarizing tank shape bothered me. And even once I got over that I was still torn because EVEN if 200 miles are "possible" on the V9 tank I get 200+ miles BEFORE the reserve light on the V7 making my range more like an EASY 250 and a possible 275+. It's hard to turn that down for a more unique shape, especially when I really like the shape of the V7 tank.
After riding the first gen unicorn motor in the BS (Bobber Sport) a couple of times I started to "see" the bike differently and thought seriously about picking one up a couple of times. I kinda like the lines, especially the flat seat.
But once the V7 850 had the same motor I lost most of my motivation.
@Dirk_S - I was skeptical of your headlight analysis looking at the small pics on my phone. So I booted up the laptop a few minutes ago and dug in deep. Even from my own dealership photos over the years I concur that the "changed" the headlight mounting height (and I see what you mean about it being for the better) in later years. The parts books DO seem to show different part numbers for the headlight/turn signal mounts in later years. But what's weird is that unless they also attach to other parts that are holding them in that position the mounts themselves are secured by pinch bolts on the fork tubes. Which suggests it SHOULD be possible to lower them on the forks between the triple trees for the early models unless another component/bracket prevents that.
In my photos I could clearly see the difference in mounting positions by looking at the turn signal/headlight mounts on the forks and comparing them to the triple trees. The early ones seem like they literally slide the mounts up to the bottom of the top tree and secured them there. The later mounts are obviously an inch or two below the upper tree. Again, I wonder if that was simply a change in assembly. * shrugs *
Example:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOMPHDSe820lo67bNt2kVIFJThj_LZ4MWbFvGe1Yogo44rmdKKu6AbQR1DZZ6RmfeupZG38K--QbGXOoRbobgb1jRiXFAUxLlyrOj0nx7NiuGGDNXRl6Ksk-Bhe67Q8lIXXtI_GEAyDWblDp6JyPAai5Q=w1171-h879-s-no-gm?authuser=0)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNTHSBOAtgQDKBqnIqH16CVrj9DRoJSnquaInKQr-zymjdjsL9qF-NdvQiGXveyQyd-yKMi6PecxjKwA7O8h3eMZ3TmEgQ4GaATYPgKNiT22DsNLuOvYb0Vi-eA5wZXD1oIHxCRb6qGcQ52GXRRi_dqGA=w1171-h879-s-no-gm?authuser=0)
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EVEN if 200 miles are "possible" on the V9 tank I get 200+ miles BEFORE the reserve light on the V7 making my range more like an EASY 250 and a possible 275+.
At least my V9 tank does not hold a full 15 liters / 4 US gallons. Usually, you will think it is full 10% below that figure, but if I let fuel drizzle ever so slowly I have managed to get 14.5 liters in. However, unless you run it dry, it is nigh on impossible to know where in the range between 13.5 and 14.5 liters it sits, meaning you should err on the safe side. If the tank held and honest 15 liters, I would average 400 km / 250 miles to dry. But since I can lack 10% of that fuel and/or the fuel consumption has been higher than average, I consider 200 miles to be the limit before I refill. I have pushed further if the on board computer say my consumption is lower than normal and the reserve light came on late. I have up to 100 km / 62 miles on reserve before the fuel is out. Regardless, I find the range to be very acceptable, on par with the MT-07, but not fantastic. My former Deauville 650 had up to 500 km / 310 miles of range, same as my Yamaha 600 Tenere. All are much better than my Virago, which is limited to 250 km / 160 miles or less :boozing:
Anyway, back on the actual topic: If Guzzi has axed the V9, it is down to economic reasons. They either sell to few to make it worth while, and/or they expect most of the sales to be transferred to the current V7, allowing them one production line less for more profit.
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At least my V9 tank does not hold a full 15 liters / 4 US gallons. Usually, you will think it is full 10% below that figure, but if I let fuel drizzle ever so slowly I have managed to get 14.5 liters in. However, unless you run it dry, it is nigh on impossible to know where in the range between 13.5 and 14.5 liters it sits, meaning you should err on the safe side. If the tank held and honest 15 liters, I would average 400 km / 250 miles to dry.
With that logic I have 300+ miles in the V7 tank, but my numbers above represent similar conservative planning.
I've owned bikes with less range and smaller tanks. I could again, but WHY given the option?
FYI, Jenn manages just shy of 200 miles comfortably with her 3.8g tank on the Duc. And that's the bike currently in the fleet with the SHORTEST range.
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As a reminder: The V9 was made in response to VERY strong calls for it from the UK importer.
I rode a few when they were new. Thought the motor was spot on. Looks are subjective. Let's leave that there.
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Try to get more in the weeds boys, girly love you when you do!🤣
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I think my Bobber Sport is my favorite Guzzi. Most of my rides are day rides under 100 miles with a few 150-200 mile rides a year. But the roads are shite here in Idaho and my love of dirt bike riding and just wanting a new bike every year got me to thinking I should have a V85. The Bobber Sport ran so good with a Beetle MAP and the Zard exhaust made a great sound. It pulled clean and smooth all the way to redline. But I hardly ever reved it close to redline as it was plenty fast for me. Now I even have thoughts of selling the V85 to get another Bobber. You don't know what ya got till it's gone.
(https://i.ibb.co/jvgMrqZr/11-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jvgMrqZr)
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Can't stand the bobber fat front tyre, gives me the fat tyre bicycle (was a trend a few years ago before fat tyre ebikes) heebie-jeebies :laugh:
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I think my Bobber Sport is my favorite Guzzi. Most of my rides are day rides under 100 miles with a few 150-200 mile rides a year. But the roads are shite here in Idaho and my love of dirt bike riding and just wanting a new bike every year got me to thinking I should have a V85. The Bobber Sport ran so good with a Beetle MAP and the Zard exhaust made a great sound. It pulled clean and smooth all the way to redline. But I hardly ever reved it close to redline as it was plenty fast for me. Now I even have thoughts of selling the V85 to get another Bobber. You don't know what ya got till it's gone.
(https://i.ibb.co/jvgMrqZr/11-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jvgMrqZr)
Do the Bobbers have a lighter feel and lighter handling than other Moto Guzzis? From looks alone, I would think so.
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They look like they were built for the Army…
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They look like they were built for the Army…
Once the headlight was lowered, that’s how I came to see their styling as well. I’m not typically a fan of bikes covered in all black except when it’s matte and for a war era and post-war era styled bike. The Ural, pre-70s BMW, Triumph Bonnevile and Bobber, Royal Enfield Bulletin/ Classic, etc.—all look really good when they’re covered in one dull, neutral, flat color, be it black, pewter, slate, etc. I include the Guzzi Bobber in that vibe. And, IMO, the Guzzi V-twin motor MUST have attention directed toward it, and despite the tank’s divisiveness, you can’t deny that it accentuates the heads popping out.
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that bike is just crying out for red valve covers......
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Nothing disparaging to the owner, I don't know about red valve covers but I would do something about the yellow shock springs. It is a pretty bike.
kk
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I think my Bobber Sport is my favorite Guzzi. Most of my rides are day rides under 100 miles with a few 150-200 mile rides a year. But the roads are shite here in Idaho and my love of dirt bike riding and just wanting a new bike every year got me to thinking I should have a V85. The Bobber Sport ran so good with a Beetle MAP and the Zard exhaust made a great sound. It pulled clean and smooth all the way to redline. But I hardly ever reved it close to redline as it was plenty fast for me. Now I even have thoughts of selling the V85 to get another Bobber. You don't know what ya got till it's gone.
(https://i.ibb.co/jvgMrqZr/11-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jvgMrqZr)
Ohlins would do a world for comfort and handling, and you perhaps upgraded the fork as well? That would make the bike nice on "bad" roads.
While I am no fan of the handling that comes with fat tires in general and fat front tires in particular, I do prefer the look of similar diameter front and rear wheels. So for me, the Bobber looks better in this respect than the Roamer. Give the Roamer an 18-inch rear wheel, though, and it would be the business for me. Which is why I changed the stock 16-inch rear wheel on my Virago with an 18-inch rear wheel off a Seca. Primarily for looks, but also for handling and choice of tires.
However, these are all mostly personal preferences and not (always) related to real world performance. Each should do what they want for themselves, irrespective of what others say and think.
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Ohlins would do a world for comfort and handling, and you perhaps upgraded the fork as well? That would make the bike nice on "bad" roads.
While I am no fan of the handling that comes with fat tires in general and fat front tires in particular, I do prefer the look of similar diameter front and rear wheels. So for me, the Bobber looks better in this respect than the Roamer. Give the Roamer an 18-inch rear wheel, though, and it would be the business for me. Which is why I changed the stock 16-inch rear wheel on my Virago with an 18-inch rear wheel off a Seca. Primarily for looks, but also for handling and choice of tires.
However, these are all mostly personal preferences and not (always) related to real world performance. Each should do what they want for themselves, irrespective of what others say and think.
Ohlins were stock on the BS.
I dislike excessively fat tires, but I wouldn't assume slightly fatter tires on a small and nimble bike necessarily harm handling.
What's "fatter" the 130/90 and 150/80 of the Bobber or the shorter sidewall 120/60 and 160/60 of our Monster? I mean if fat is relative to height and part of profile?
The BS handles great btw.
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I did not know about the special edition with Ohlins, Kev, thanks for the information.
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Do the Bobbers have a lighter feel and lighter handling than other Moto Guzzis? From looks alone, I would think so.
It was very easy to flick side to side. Maybe because it sat so low???? Big round tires???? Biased memories of one of my favorite and most fun bike to ride?????
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It was very easy to flick side to side. Maybe because it sat so low???? Big round tires???? Biased memories of one of my favorite and most fun bike to ride?????
There’s a nice little conversation waiting for anyone who wants to suggest that low centre of mass contributes favourably to nimbleness.
It must be remembered that when a single track vehicle (read motorbike), is made to lean, the centre of mass is not pivoted above the point of support, it is the point of support (tyre contact patch), that is displaced from under the centre of mass.
It’s the analogy of the broom balanced vertically on your palm. The higher the centre of mass, the easier it is to move the point of support underneath due to the inertia higher up…
It’s just a fact…(Newton said so…).
Look at the line of bikes coming toward you as the riders flick from full left lean to right, their upper body stays more or less in a straight line and the bike moves under them.
If you strap a 100 kg lead mass under your bike engine and go for a ride on a twisty road, you’ll experience a certain level of flickability, if you then strap the same mass to the top of your tank, you’ll find the bike will change direction more readily.
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The way I understand it, if the CoG is too low, the bike will handle sluggish, just as if it is too high. When Honda dropped the CoG on their NSR500 in 1984, the bike handled a lot worse, forcing them to revert to a traditional design. Also, stability suffer if the CoG is too low. I wish I could understand the physics behind this, but the mind boggles with the attempt.
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They look like they were built for the Army…
And you see that as a negative?
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There’s a nice little conversation waiting for anyone who wants to suggest that low centre of mass contributes favourably to nimbleness.
It must be remembered that when a single track vehicle (read motorbike), is made to lean, the centre of mass is not pivoted above the point of support, it is the point of support (tyre contact patch), that is displaced from under the centre of mass.
It’s the analogy of the broom balanced vertically on your palm. The higher the centre of mass, the easier it is to move the point of support underneath due to the inertia higher up…
It’s just a fact…(Newton said so…).
Look at the line of bikes coming toward you as the riders flick from full left lean to right, their upper body stays more or less in a straight line and the bike moves under them.
If you strap a 100 kg lead mass under your bike engine and go for a ride on a twisty road, you’ll experience a certain level of flickability, if you then strap the same mass to the top of your tank, you’ll find the bike will change direction more readily.
Must have been my mAss on top of the low bike making it seem easy to flip flop. :grin: IMNSHO the bike handled great and had more ability in the twisties than I have talent. :bike-037:
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I’ve been told by racers that smaller tires (like the 16” on the Bobber) can dive pretty quickly on the track.
I think it’s safe to say there are multiple factors—hand position (high ape hangers wouldn’t allow a bike to dive better than flat bars or clip-ons, right?), tire size, body position (specifically the shoulder-arm-hand-grip relationship), rake and trail, et al.
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And, IMO, the Guzzi V-twin motor MUST have attention directed toward it, and despite the tank’s divisiveness, you can’t deny that it accentuates the heads popping out.
ya don't say?
(https://i.imgur.com/oppUph8.png)
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They look like they were built for the Army…
And you see that as a negative?
That is an excellent example of the reader conveying content to an earlier post that exists only in the mind of the reader!
All of us humans do it!
Fred: "Joe, your wife and my wife look so much alike, they could be twins!"
Joe: "Fred, that was not a nice thing to say at all. Shame on you!"
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(https://i.imgur.com/cU4oVha.png)
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I’ve been told by racers that smaller tires (like the 16” on the Bobber) can dive pretty quickly on the track.
I think it’s safe to say there are multiple factors—hand position (high ape hangers wouldn’t allow a bike to dive better than flat bars or clip-ons, right?), tire size, body position (specifically the shoulder-arm-hand-grip relationship), rake and trail, et al.
Never forget "Wheels are gyroscopes!"
So are brake rotors, crankshafts and anything that is spinning!
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ya don't say?
(https://i.imgur.com/oppUph8.png)
Not sure why, but this photo just might be the sexiest photo I have ever seen of a Moto Guzzi. Almost erotic!
I think this shows the person who designed the gas tank was a) a Moto Guzzi rider! and b) a genius!
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Not sure why, but this photo just might be the sexiest photo I have ever seen of a Moto Guzzi. Almost erotic!
I think this shows the person who designed the gas tank was a) a Moto Guzzi rider! and b) a genius!
my thoughts exactly.
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(https://i.imgur.com/cU4oVha.png)
Another great photo!
Amazing how a change of perspective can influence appearence.
This photo looks very 1950-ish hot rod bike to me.
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my thoughts exactly.
Is this your bike?
All the photos I've seen of this bike have a flat black rear fender. If you painted the rear fender to match the gas tank, you sir, are an artist!!
I'd like to see a full top photo from about 9-10 feet showing the handle bars and the front fender.
Thanks.
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Is this your bike?
All the photos I've seen of this bike have a flat black rear fender. If you painted the rear fender to match the gas tank, you sir, are an artist!!
I'd like to see a full top photo from about 9-10 feet showing the handle bars and the front fender.
@SIR REAL ED, @kidsmoke is providing shots of this custom build, one of my favorite treatments to a V9. That rear fender chop is on point!
https://thebullitt.com/2017/06/moto-guzzi-v9-bobber-moto-strada.html (https://thebullitt.com/2017/06/moto-guzzi-v9-bobber-moto-strada.html)
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my personal favorite treatments to a V9.
same. This was done early in the life cycle of the V9, and changed my perception of the tank in relation to the bike entirely. Sadly, I did test ride a stock Roamer and couldn't get on with the ergo's...at least not that day, when, admittedly I was moving between bikes constantly. Within 2 hours I'd completed very spirited sprints on very twisty stretch of asphalt on Griso, CARC Stelvio, V7 850, V85TT, and the Roamer.
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@SIR REAL ED, @kidsmoke is providing shots of this custom build, one of my favorite treatments to a V9. That rear fender chop is on point!
https://thebullitt.com/2017/06/moto-guzzi-v9-bobber-moto-strada.html (https://thebullitt.com/2017/06/moto-guzzi-v9-bobber-moto-strada.html)
Thanks!
Very nice. I think both fenders may have been chopped a bit too much to be practical..... but practicality is not what customizing is all about.
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And you see that as a negative?
Not if there’s a war..
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ya don't say?
(https://i.imgur.com/oppUph8.png)
I’ll be extremely careful here, but I hope y’all see my point.
That chest (sorry, tank) and knees (sorry, cylinders) splayed at 90 deg, looking back in your direction, appeals in some primal way that is difficult to quantify without being banned from this site… :wink:
There is certainly some subliminal message that’s being passed on and it’s sort of saying..
“Would you like to go for a ride..?”
That is as far as I dare go..
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with the V85, V7 and the V9 now all having the same engine, I understand MG dropping the low selling 9.
I could perhaps see the 7 getting "options" for the style differences, but that would have to be delt with at the dealer level, so....... probably not.
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with the V85, V7 and the V9 now all having the same engine, I understand MG dropping the low selling 9.
Point of order - the V85 isn't the "same" engine.
Same basic block/architecture, but definitely another motor.
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I’ll be extremely careful here, but I hope y’all see my point.
That chest (sorry, tank) and knees (sorry, cylinders) splayed at 90 deg, looking back in your direction, appeals in some primal way that is difficult to quantify without being banned from this site… :wink:
There is certainly some subliminal message that’s being passed on and it’s sort of saying..
“Would you like to go for a ride..?”
That is as far as I dare go..
You have a gift my friend! Especially when you speak English.... :wink:
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Point of order - the V85 isn't the "same" engine.
Same basic block/architecture, but definitely another motor.
Thanks, beat me to it.
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ya don't say?
(https://i.imgur.com/oppUph8.png)
Ok ok...I'll take one! Just to look at...it's a work of art, especially in this color. How's the riding experience though? I think I tested one at John Day in 2016...it felt underwhelming compared to my Norge. It might be a great bike for inner city commuting, light weight and all.
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Cheers for that pic./link of the custom bike.
Ok ok...I'll take one! Just to look at...it's a work of art, especially in this color. ... light weight and all.
That is the best angle that I've seen the bike from and totally changed my perception of it! That tank shape makes total sense now, along with the waspy waist.
Just a shame that it ain't no lightweight :rolleyes: (oh no, another can o' worms.)
I'm sorry but the raw & rough silencers totally cheapen that custom bike. Though the bobber look/ethos doesn't appeal to me, I can appreciate the work done on it. Pop on a dual seat (rather than appearing to be a sad loner) and practical mudguards, then ya got me. :shocked:
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I think I tested one at John Day in 2016...it felt underwhelming compared to my Norge. It might be a great bike for inner city commuting, light weight and all.
Inner City?
I mean I don't think anyone would expect a smallblock to match the power of a big block. But if you were underwhelmed by the 2016 (that's the version that came closest), I don't know what smallblock you might like, maybe the 2025+ if that has a bump in punch again from the new throttle body.
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Just a shame that it ain't no lightweight
I personally think 210 kg fully wet is quite acceptable for an air cooled bike with mostly metal parts all over, but it is a smidgeon heavier than a current 200+ hp race replica, and hence arguably not a lightweight. In relation to the competition, though - Sportster, W800, Bonneville, Interceptor, Bobber, whatwouldyousay - the V9 models are the lightest, though.
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I personally think 210 kg fully wet is quite acceptable for an air cooled bike ..
A fine middleweight. :thumb:
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Just bought a nice used V9 Bob recently. Always wanted to try a Guzzi, but the opportunity never came up, and I kinda thought they’d be underwhelming due to the low published horsepower figures. I recently bought (and sold shortly after) a very nice Enfield 650 Interceptor. It made me realise I don’t need big hp to enjoy the ride.
But, I must say, the low end torque of my ‘17 V9 is perfect for the street and the riding I do. It’s much more “grunty” than my departed Enfield 650. I always thought the V9 looked cruiser-ish and expected cruiser weight and handling, kinda like a Harley Sportster 883, but I’m impressed with how light the bike is and how it handles. The all-metal bodywork and the nice parts (like the bar risers and rearsets) really add up to a premium feeling machine. What I always thought was a weird shape for a tank now seems really cool to me.
Time waits for no one, and no bike, so R.I.P. V9!