If all goes well, I am a new V9 Roamer Owner - Should I BAIL

[Chatmanx]

Hi,

I live in the Sacramento area and am buying a 2017 Roamer v9 from the coastal section of CA. We have a deal but I don't have physical possession. Should be in my garage within the week.

I remember the first Moto Guzzi I saw in about 1972 and it is about time to give one a try. I have owned mostly Japanese bikes 500cc to 1100 cc Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Honda but also BSA, Hodaka and Husqvarna. Never like HD. I am 65 and plan to ride to fish in the surrounding area, run errands around town, and chill. Our roads are mostly straight and flat with intersections at right angles. About the only way to get a buzz is to go fast, and I have gone over 130+ MPH enough times. I anticipate that the V9 Roamer fitting my current mood. I will post pictures when it is in the garage.

My research shows no reason that I should walk away from the deal. Is there anything about the V9 Roamer about which I should be concerned?

Steve

   

[kingoffleece]

Ride, enjoy, repeat.

[Dirk_S]

The only bad thing about any Guzzi models these days is the nomenclature.

V9
V7
V85

…all use an 850cc motor, ha!

Enjoy the mid-end grunt and those twisties  :)

[Kiwi_Roy]

First of all welcome to the forum.
The V9 is a good Guzzi that will keep its value IMHO
I have half share in a V9 Roamer in New Zealand, i'm looking forward to racking up some miles next week.

[inditx]

Best Guzzi motor imho 
Ive said it before, it’s the goldiblocks, just right.

Keep an eye on the front tire pressure and condition of tire. Otherwise the front end can feel soft at speed.

Might want to change the seat and of course windshields......ym mv
inditx
p.s. This is not an oil, tire, windshield or seat thread

[s1120]

Being on a forum, you do hear a lot of the issues that a brand has. Really a lot of people come on with issues that they are trying to work out, so we hear the worse. That being said, there really is not a lot of people that post with any issues on the V9 series at all. Enjoy!

[Huzo]

Welcome mate..
I own a V85 and have never ridden a V9. From reliable reports that no one seems to argue with, the V9 is a less rev hungry motor than the V85 and rather more “ Guzzi like..”
I can tell you for sure, that if the V85 was also released with the V9 motor as an option and the V9 variant was the same price or cheaper, I would definitely have ridden both and could easily have walked away with the V9 iteration.

This is of course, based on anecdotal evidence and heresay, but I for sure as hell would not have died wondering.
If you like the looks, it seems you will love the bike, the engine is by all accounts, just lovely.

[greer]

Welcome to the forum, Chatmanx.  I predict you'll dig that grunty engine.  Don't throw the throttle to in 4th gear unless you're pointed in the direction you want to go.  Be sure to post back and let us know what you think.  If you decide you need a touring windshield drop me a line.  Good luck, hope you'll have the bike without delay.

Sarah

[bad Chad]

Bail??   Banish the thought!   
I have a 17 Roamer, and really love it.  Super dependable, and a real joy to ride.   The only weakness of the v9 is it's "built to a price point" suspension.   The rear shocks are pretty harsh, and the forks easily become overwhelmed at higher speeds on all but good road.    However, depending on where you are riding and what your expectations are, they may be just fine.   If not, much better rear shocks are available starting at about $300, are easy to install and make a dramatic improvement.   Forks are realtively easy to upgrade as well, if you want.

Brakes are very good, the motor is a fantastic lump, so very satisfying, and I personally find the seat very good, however, the rear is pretty small for a passenger.

Welcome and have fun!

[xackley]

The only draw back I saw when looking at the V9 was the foot pegs. They are a little forward, unless an optional kit was installed to move them back a few inches. I don't think the kit is still available, so you should expect to use which ever pegs are currently installed.

Don

[Solorider73]

I haven’t ridden a V9, but the motor gets a lot of love from the community.  Before I purchased my first Guzzi I was warned that they multiply in your garage.  I can attest this is true. I have two and have considered a third but have resisted.

[tris]

Concerns? NONE

Observations?
Solo seat on my Roamer isn't good and I'm on the lookout for a solution
Aftermarket accessories.  My feeling that the V9 is less supported than other brands
Not got a center stand, doesn't worry me so I've not looked for a solution

Good
It's quick enough,  so much so that for the way I ride I can't really tell the difference between the V9 and my old B1100. YMMV

[twowheeladdict]

Since no one mentioned it, and you are wondering if you should bail, do a thorough inspection and test ride.  As an experienced rider you will know if something is off with that particular bike. 

I've showed up for test rides where the bike only had 10 PSI of air in the tires.   

That made me go over the bikes with a fine tooth comb and either lower my offer, or walk away.  If someone can't even be bothered to put proper air in the tires what else are they not doing. 

[Moparnut72]

When I got my brand new Bonneville home the tires weren't much better, 20 something in each. Doesn't say much for the dealership.
kk

[pebra]

Hi Chatmanx,
congratulations with the purchase and welcome to the forum!

I hope you'll enjoy the V9  -  it's the Guzzi I'd consider if/when the big blocks become too much for me.

[Moparnut72]

I was really interested in a Roamer a couple of years ago as a second bike and eventual replacement for my 1400. The closest one was over 600 miles away, i "settled" for a V7lll Special. There were a few Bobbers around but no Roamers.
kk

[Alfetta]

I was really interested in a Roamer a couple of years ago as a second bike and eventual replacement for my 1400. The closest one was over 600 miles away, i "settled" for a V7lll Special. There were a few Bobbers around but no Roamers.
kk

when i decided to get my goose, i went for the roamer, but dealer only had bobbers (not a deal killer, but i just like the setup of the roamer better) but then i saw the 7III in the corner and road it home !

[twowheeladdict]

When I got my brand new Bonneville home the tires weren't much better, 20 something in each. Doesn't say much for the dealership.
kk

When I did a fly and buy for a new bike they looked at me strange when I asked them to check the air, oil, and coolant levels with me watching, as well as adjust the levers before I would sign the inspection paperwork they pushed in front of me. 

[Moparnut72]

I didn't want to do a fly and ride. I wanted to at least sit on one first. I did buy my V7lll without a test ride but I had checked them out prior. Loaded it up and took it home. I've been happy with it ever since.
kk

[vintagehoarder]

We had one for quite awhile and really enjoyed it.

[Zenermaniac]

Another vote for the Roamer! I like mine.

[Huzo]

We had one for quite awhile and really enjoyed it.

So why don’t you still have it ?

[dguzzi]

  AND...you get to say "nomenclature"

[vintagehoarder]

So why don’t you still have it ?

We have a number of bikes, sold it so I could acquire a 1984 California II Convert

https://curtedwards.smugmug.com/1984-Moto-Guzzi-California-II-Convert/i-LCJnXjX