‘17 V9 Bobber Observations

[Lowflying]

Hi Guzzi fans.

Already intro’ed myself where I’m supposed to. New Guzzi guy.

Just bought a well cared for V9, in a nice satin black, for a nice price. No corrosion or scratches. It’s already exceeded my expectations, engine-wise. The hp figure underwhelms, but the actual ride feels pretty good, no doubt because the torque on this one peaks at only 3 grand, from my brief research. I like the lumpiness at idle and low revs, but also like how it really smooths out as the revs rise when winding it out.

Fork seems fine for my style of street riding. Shocks would be fine too, if bigger bumps didn’t exist. I will research shock options and may do something about that.

I’m pretty impressed with some of the parts on this bike. I really like the look of the bar risers, and the setup for the rear brake foot control and shifter foot control look really nice too. All metal bodywork feels quality too. Lots of other nice aesthetic features that really raise the standard of the bike in my eyes. I like that it’s not a common bike - it makes me feel like I’m going my own way, just like all the other Guzzi riders! 🤣

I’m less impressed with the failed return spring on the starter switch. Is that something one can fix? It seems a new switch block is pretty expensive. For now I’m just thumbing the switch back after starting, which seems to not be a big problem, although I think it might be responsible for the yellow check engine light that is annoying me. I’m not going to rush into anything on this until I learn more about it.

All in all, happy to be here. 😎

[Kev m]

Ever since I rode one I noted it was a unicorn smallblock that felt much stronger than the specs. Enjoy.

[blu guzz]

I think that is a great entry into Guzziworld.  I never owned one of the traditional 1100 "big blocks", but those in the know say that the torque curve you are experiencing is similar in feel to those larger bikes.  I have a 1400, maybe the biggest big block they will ever put out.  It's not Harley torque however.  While it will pull well from lower revs, it really likes to spin up as do all Guzzi.  Don't miss out on the upper range of the powerband when you are riding your new bike. Wind her up from time to time.

[inditx]

I’ve said it before but it bears repeating; The GoldiBlock of MG!
inditx

[bad Chad]

Ikon shocks make a dramatic improvement over bumps.

[Vagrant]

You should be able to take the switch apart and clean it up good and modify the spring. Usually they don't ground all the time and fail to start. If not, there should be plenty on flea bay FS.
Odds are the check engine light is the O2 sensors failing. Very common on the V7 series. Smartest thing to do is just get a Beetle map (search here or go to Griso.org). For $100 bucks it will run way better, and he shuts off the O2's. It worked great for mine. 

[MotoG5]

For me it was just what I was looking for. A pair of Icon shocks on the back fixed the ride. Custom set of shorty muffs for some nice sound and a solo saddle for comfort completed the deal.

[Lowflying]

Thanks guys for all the comments and suggestions.

The Ikon shocks everybody’s talking about, are the 7610’s?

I’ve done a temporary fix for my malfunctioning starter switch return spring and yellow Check Engine idiot light.

 

[Lowflying]

I will refine my temporary fix using black elastics instead of the blue ones, and I will find a nice circular white sticky dot to hide the idiot light, instead of the crappy black tape.

Normally I wouldn’t be able to tolerate such a cheap, bodgy temp fix, but I just turned 62 recently and I’m letting go of things. 😉

[Bulldog9]

Hi Guzzi fans.

Already intro’ed myself where I’m supposed to. New Guzzi guy.

Just bought a well cared for V9, in a nice satin black, for a nice price. No corrosion or scratches. It’s already exceeded my expectations, engine-wise. The hp figure underwhelms, but the actual ride feels pretty good, no doubt because the torque on this one peaks at only 3 grand, from my brief research. I like the lumpiness at idle and low revs, but also like how it really smooths out as the revs rise when winding it out.

Fork seems fine for my style of street riding. Shocks would be fine too, if bigger bumps didn’t exist. I will research shock options and may do something about that.

I’m pretty impressed with some of the parts on this bike. I really like the look of the bar risers, and the setup for the rear brake foot control and shifter foot control look really nice too. All metal bodywork feels quality too. Lots of other nice aesthetic features that really raise the standard of the bike in my eyes. I like that it’s not a common bike - it makes me feel like I’m going my own way, just like all the other Guzzi riders! 🤣

I’m less impressed with the failed return spring on the starter switch. Is that something one can fix? It seems a new switch block is pretty expensive. For now I’m just thumbing the switch back after starting, which seems to not be a big problem, although I think it might be responsible for the yellow check engine light that is annoying me. I’m not going to rush into anything on this until I learn more about it.

All in all, happy to be here. 😎

Welcome to the addiction.... We look forward to seeing what your second Guzzi will be. Seriously.... These things multiply.

Regarding Suspension, Hagon and Ikon seem to be the go to for reasonably priced shocks. I had my Hagons sprung for my weight. There are also higher prices options as well. See this thread  https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=105102.0

Keep the revs above 3k, and run the motor to redline, the REAL fun on these motors happens between 4&6k-Redline. Guzzi's LOVE to be rev'd out and hate to be lugged.

Can't help with the return spring on the starter button, not familiar with the controls on anything newer than 2016 V7ii. I'm sure others will chime in.

[Lowflying]

I’ve just put a deposit down on a pair of YSS fully adjustable reservoir shocks at my local bike shop. They don’t give them away, but I’m worth it! 😉


I once heard somebody say “If I had all the money I’ve ever spent on motorcycles and beer, I’d spend it on motorcycles and beer!”

[Lowflying]

Ok. Sourced some black elastics for the starter switch and sticky white dots to cover the yellow check engine light. Problem solved! For now…

I figure as long as it’s not an oil pressure idiot light I should be able to get by for a while.

[Kev m]

I just can't with this ridiculousness.

A Check Engine light means something in the engine control system is malfunctioning. It may "only" affect emissions, or the malfunction COULD cause mechanical issues (too rich or too lean can damage things over time).

There is shareware (GuzziDiag) you can use to read the trouble code, diagnose, and fix the issue.

IF it is the O2 sensors, then FIND OUT. You can always get a map from Beetle/Marc and shut them off, but at least the map will be efficient and balanced.

But playing Ostrich and tucking your head in the sand is just silly.

[bad Chad]

Kev is correct.

[kingoffleece]

Always is................. great resource for us all, too.

[Alfetta]

.....I figure as long as it’s not an oil pressure idiot light I should be able to get by for a while.

I haven't seen a low oil pressure idiot light in quite some time, EVERY thing form the meaningless to the ultra serious is now tied to a single "check engine" light. As stupid as it is, that's what is being done.

I truly would prefer an oil pressure light and a generator light, and an "other" light, or better yet have the "check engine" light be red if its serious, and a dim yellow for non catastrophic failure issues.

anyone remember the days when you told the bike

[Lowflying]

Strong opinions here. That’s good. And also welcome.

I have ridden many bikes over the past 40+ years. Lots of them didn’t have “check engine” idiot lights. I, and those bikes, managed to survive.

Of course, tech moves on. I get that.

I do plan to look into the cause of the light soon-ish. I just don’t feel it’s an emergency.

Thanks for everbody’s input. It’s why I come to this forum.

[Kev m]

I have ridden many bikes over the past 40+ years. Lots of them didn’t have “check engine” idiot lights. I, and those bikes, managed to survive.

And, speaking strictly from the mechanics of that comment, those bikes DIDN'T have electronic fuel management period. The air/fuel ratio on them was controlled by floats and jets and needles, not pulsed injectors. This means they couldn't suddenly over or under fuel because of sensor issues.

I'm not saying your issue is dire. I'm just saying you can't use the logic put forth above and assume no harm, that's all.

[Lowflying]

I hear you Kev.

While I can’t say yet what the problem is, it starts up first push of the button, hot or cold. Idles, accelerates strongly, does everything I ask of it and sounds good doing it. No smoke of any colour. So, it’s in the ballpark I’d say. The manual doesn’t say much about the yellow light, but it does talk about messages on the screen about oil pressure sensor or pressure, neither of which is happening.

Normally, for me, I can’t stand having anything wrong with my cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. Everything has to work or it bothers me.

The covering of the light is just temporary while I gather info and plan my next move. Feedback from you experienced guys is appreciated and part of that process.

[Kev m]

Copy that, very reasonable.

Let us ask know if we can help.

Ride safe!!!!

[bad Chad]

The v9, like ALL Guzzi's for the past 50 years has an oil pressure warning indicator.  Not only does a RED triangle of trouble light aluminate (not the amber check engine light), but the LCD window literally reads "LOW OIL PRESSURE".   I don't know what more you could ask for?

[Vagrant]

Once again I can almost promise you the issue is the O2 sensors. Look up / search Guzzi Dia. Go to griso.org. Buy the right map and the light will be gone and it will run much better. 

[Lowflying]

Rode yesterday and noticed yellow “check engine” no longer illuminated.🤔

Maybe there’s interplay between the starter switch and this monitoring system? My starter switch return spring was not working, so I was returning it to the off position with my thumb. Which worked. While researching how to rectify this I had the bright idea to make my own external return spring with a black elastic. Not visible unless you know what to look for and works brilliantly.

Bike rides great.😎