Saw the V9 today

[Xlratr]

Fossil already reported about his visit to the HMT motorcycle show here in Hamburg, but I thought I'd post a couple more pictures for you.

Guzzi, Ducati, KTM and Kawasaki were all located in the last hall, so I passed by all the other stands on my way to the back. I like motorbikes (obviously!), but I was amazed at how many bikes did nothing for me at all! I stopped by BMW (free coffee) and was surprised to find that I liked the looks of the 9T Scrambler. Then came Triumph, and I liked the scrambler there too (Euro10k), and the new T120 was nice (compact for a 1200, but maybe that's because I'm used to the Stelvio). At this point I was starting to think I'm another old guy stuck in the past, so I was relieved to find that I also liked the 3 cylinder Yamaha XSR 900 (Euro10k and nicely made by the way).

Saw the new Africa Twin. Expected to like it, but didn't.

But there are actually some good motorbikes out there for around Euro10k, so I was looking forward to seeing the V9 to see how it compares.

I found it tucked away in a corner of the Guzzi stand, only accessible from one side. They only had the Bobber (slightly customised), no Roamer. Unfortunately it was roped off, so I couldn't sit on it. Now I know several people have been disparaging about the "hipster" style, and I agree that the marketing is questionable. But I do like the bike. I love the lines, and it just looks like how a motorbike should look (to me). Build quality looks nice and the tank is a work of art. I don't know how comfortable it is, but the seat "looks" good. Call me superficial, but the way it looks is just as important to me as the way it feels. I can put up with a lot if the bike looks "right". So for me, even after seeing the Triumph and the Yamaha, the v9 was still one of the nicest bikes at the show.

Oh, they also had a Stornello there, which I must say looks great "in the flesh". This was one of only 90 that will be imported to Germany. The red and white paintwork really suits it.

And I found another interesting bike. This is a big block 950 scrambler that a local Guzzi specialist (google "Doc Jensen Guzzi") can build "new" to your spec. I want one! Only problem is the price :-(.

Here are some impressions for you.
John

[cruzziguzzi]

I like 'em.

Looks like someone's gunning for Triumph.

I wish them huge luck and am holding an interest in them till I can sit one myself.

That high exhaust would kill me here in Arizona but, still....



Todd.

[Guzzistajohn]

  I like the colors on the V9

[slopokes]

someone got new work boots in pic one

[jas67]

I like the colors on the V9

 :1:

But, the fuel tank shape is odd.   Maybe it'll look better in person 

[tazio]

My 2 cents?
The tank shape is THE BALLS.
...just saying.

[thepittsburghguzzi]

My 2 cents?
The tank shape is THE BALLS.
...just saying.

 :1: :1: :1:

[fossil]

The tank shape is unique! I can only second what John wrote. There were a lot of bikes that simply didn´t "talk" to me, but there were nice things to look at. The BMW Scrambler did astonish me too. It was not so made up like the normal R9T. But it couldn´t compare to this:



Or this:



Or this:



Or this:

[Xlratr]

Thorsten, I think the pictures you took are almost identical to mine  . Including the CX500 (known in Germany as the "Guellepumpe" = Slurry pump!!! (There's a story behind that, but for another time maybe!  )

But did you see the specification on that "V8 Sport"?




John

[fossil]

Yes, of course! I was thinking of taking a picture of this data sheet. More so of that of the scrambler you pictured (I have the same picture...). I believe they were writing of 135 hp. Doc Jensen rules. But did you see the "Kaffeemaschine" - Guzzi? I haven�t taken a picture because that bike was in a lot of magazines.

Hamburg seems to be a good playground for customizers.

Over all I think the bikes (stock and customized) that were there were a lot nicer than last year. Even Harley showed a lot of bikes that seemed to be really useable. The touring - Sportsters for example.

[Cool Runnings]

You Euros always get the coolest stuff. 

[fossil]

Kaffeemaschine from Hamburg: http://www.kaffee-maschine.net/index.html
Doc Jensen, near Hamburg: http://doc-jensen.de/

[leafman60]

The V9-  is that tank plastic or metal?

[fossil]

Metal.

[leafman60]

Metal.

I thought so and that perimeter ridge indicates it.  That's a pretty dramatic stamping of the metal.  The side contours more pronounced than I expected.

[fossil]

Obviously Guzzi (or Piaggio?) did understand that for a bike like this one, that is not the fastest, strongest, most modern in the market, the look-and-feel is most important. Something that e.g. Harley knows for decades now. Yes, riding something like the small block Guzzis, the neo-classics from Triumph, even the lovely Duc Scrambler, also the CB 1100, has a lot to do with lifestyle. And with the pride of ownership. Don�t forget: all these motorcycles are expensive (even the V7 series). You can get Yamaha MT-07, 09, Street Triples, and the lot for the same money or even less. But if you want a bike that makes you smile each time you look at it because it is not only beautiful but also beautifully made you will be inclined to spend money for it. I think Guzzi has understood that this is a fair chance to widen it�s market.

And - I had the opportunity to compare them directly this weekend: the Guzzi V9 really stands up to the new Triumphs in the look-and-feel department.

[bpreynolds]

You know, surprisingly, when I see these specific pictures of the bike, the seat no longer looks as ridiculously thin as previous pics I've seen.  In fact, it looks just fine as you move towards the rear of it.  That white tank/red frame Scrambler, Mamma Mia but I still kinda hate the number plate. 

[PJPR01]

The tank shape is unique! I can only second what John wrote. There were a lot of bikes that simply didn´t "talk" to me, but there were nice things to look at. The BMW Scrambler did astonish me too. It was not so made up like the normal R9T. But it couldn´t compare to this:



What fashion designer came up with the idea for this Man purse?  Hideous!

The other bikes are cool indeed..were these the only Guzzis on display?

[fossil]

These tool bags are he last cry in Europe in the moment. As none of these custom bikes will ever see rain or snow, it doesn´t matter.

Indeed the complete Moto Guzzi program was there.