How I turned my V9 into a V7 - a pictorial

[Crashcraddock]

The changing of the V9 roamer and bobber series of bikes so they look more like a V7 has been done by quite a few of us now but I'm not sure anyone has fully laid out how they did it.  When I did it there were a couple of tricks that needed to be done that I was unaware of.  I am going to post a few photos with captions that might assist those who want to do it. 

This is what I started with




and this is what I've ended up with




Most folks would just be happy with the tank and seat swap.  To do that the following photos will help






The tank goes right on and uses the normal rear bolt hole




I then went the whole hog changing the lower frame rails to v7iii items which required the following






The other issue here is the sidestand.  The v9 version is short so it makes the bike lean over a long way.  I think I will end up making the foot pad taller.

I also changed out the complete front end to a v7iii version which needed





you will need v7 wheel spacers of course to run the v7 wheel

I got some old Marzocchis rebuilt.  They are 25mm longer eye to eye than the roamers so lift up the back a bit




I've also done this




and I've added a radial master cylinder which improves the braking dramatically.  Also, if you change to v7 clip ons you will probably need to change the brake the various cables.

[greer]

Thank you, Daniel.  As you said, that tank and seat swap doesn't look too involved, certainly easier than expected.  Thanks again for taking the time to provide the pictures and pointers.

Sarah

[Crashcraddock]

Thank you, Daniel.  As you said, that tank and seat swap doesn't look too involved, certainly easier than expected.  Thanks again for taking the time to provide the pictures and pointers.

Sarah

Your welcome. 

[twowheeladdict]

Came out nice. With some of the v9s going for around $6k it would be worth the effort for those who feel the V7 isn’t enough.

[pebra]

Really nice!
And a very useful manual. 
Does sound like an expensive exercise, though.

[TimmyTheHog]

Thank you sir for putting this up

Always grateful to folks who take their time and share their experience such as this...

That and I like pictures :P

[Blaufeld66]

Nice job!!! 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Really nice!
And a very useful manual. 
Does sound like an expensive exercise, though.

That was my first thought, too. <snapping suspenders>    Nice job. 

[Huzo]

They really, really, deserve the look of a second front disc..
The single disc screams out..”Cost cutting measure...”
I accept that it probably doesn’t “need” it, yet strangely it does. Yours is a nice job though, makes the purchase of a V9 a worthy consideration with treatment like yours..

[Roebling3]

I apparently missed the reasoning behind doing this conversion. Your thoughts, please. TIA.  R3~ 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I apparently missed the reasoning behind doing this conversion. Your thoughts, please. TIA.  R3~

I think the reasoning is that most people think the V7 is a better looking bike with better foot peg placement, but the V9 has a larger/more powerful engine.  The worst things about the V9 are the small ugly tank, the too long forks, and the cruiser position pegs...  This guy fixed all three issues

[Huzo]

I think the reasoning is that most people think the V7 is a better looking bike with better foot peg placement, but the V9 has a larger/more powerful engine.  The worst things about the V9 are the small ugly tank, the too long forks, and the cruiser position pegs...  This guy fixed all three issues

I get it completely..
He has provided much needed cosmetic surgery, so the bike can go on and lead a normal life...
Bravo Sir..
BTW.
Will we see your “big block” V7 at the Spaghetti rally ?

[Roebling3]

Bingo! I too wished a long time for more V7 power. The 3 series barely cuts the mustard, for the weight of that bike. Or 'is' it the weight of the bike?
In my view the V9 never should have happened. 
The styling is retro for certain, but that amount of blackness on any mc is a recipe for getting run over. That duckling is cluttering show rooms, at best, or gone in a fire sale.
I have a '17 V7 III racer converted to what I call a Special.
Additionally: I'm really too old to be whining about not enough power.
    Good fortune,  R3~

[malik]

Well done. Not a trivial exercise. I, too, would hope to see it at the Spag. I'll have a few queries you could help with.

[jas67]

I think the reasoning is that most people think the V7 is a better looking bike with better foot peg placement, but the V9 has a larger/more powerful engine. The worst things about the V9 are the small ugly tank, the too long forks, and the cruiser position pegs...  This guy fixed all three issues

THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[kirkemon]

Thanks for the post.
So, how does ride?
Handling?

[TalbotMatra]

The V9 is the best looking bike MG ever built. The gas tank is a piece of art. The V7 is just an old fashioned bike with vanishing chrarisma.    

Ciao
Lars

[jas67]

The V9 is the best looking bike MG ever built. The gas tank is a piece of art. The V7 is just an old fashioned bike with vanishing chrarisma.    

Ciao
Lars

Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion.
Yours just happens to be wrong.   

[Crashcraddock]

I get it completely..
He has provided much needed cosmetic surgery, so the bike can go on and lead a normal life...
Bravo Sir..
BTW.
Will we see your “big block” V7 at the Spaghetti rally ?

I definitely will be at Spaghetti.

Just to cover off I actually like the look of the V9's they're just not my cup of tea to ride.  I had the opportunity through good and bad fortune to gather a V9 and all the needed parts at reasonable cost to be able to do this.  I had a V7 classic that I loved muchly and was thinking of doing a big bore kit just to give it more punch, but when a cheap V9 appeared, and I researched what was needed to do this, I realised the cost of the big bore would be about what it would cost ME to do this.  In different circumstances this could be an expensive exercise.

I'm still waiting for some rear sets to arrive to finalise my seating position, but the bike feels a little slower to turn into corners but generally handles like a V7 racer just with heaps more power. 

Objective achieved.  I really like it.   

[Huzo]

I definitely will be at Spaghetti.

Just to cover off I actually like the look of the V9's they're just not my cup of tea to ride.  I had the opportunity through good and bad fortune to gather a V9 and all the needed parts at reasonable cost to be able to do this.  I had a V7 classic that I loved muchly and was thinking of doing a big bore kit just to give it more punch, but when a cheap V9 appeared, and I researched what was needed to do this, I realised the cost of the big bore would be about what it would cost ME to do this.  In different circumstances this could be an expensive exercise.

I'm still waiting for some rear sets to arrive to finalise my seating position, but the bike feels a little slower to turn into corners but generally handles like a V7 racer just with heaps more power. 

Objective achieved.  I really like it.   

Beauty..!
I was thinking the ‘85 may have been here, but it’ll be the Norge.

[s1120]

How is the bike size wise compared to the V7? Im guessing using the tank, and seat its about the same. I didn't dislike the power of the V7 I rode.. [a V7III] but it was a tick small for me..   

[Crashcraddock]

How is the bike size wise compared to the V7? Im guessing using the tank, and seat its about the same. I didn't dislike the power of the V7 I rode.. [a V7III] but it was a tick small for me..

Very close in size as far as riding position goes.

[s1120]

Very close in size as far as riding position goes.

Thanks.. I had not ridden a V9.. just sat on it. It felt bigger, but the seat/tank is so much different then a V7, I didn't know if it was that, or it was bigger.

[greer]

And here's Doug's Roamer:





He's ridden 400 miles or so in this configuration and he is pleased as punch.  We followed Crashcraddock's instructions to the letter regarding the tank and seat swap and there you have it.  Doug has wanted to do this from the start, and when my recent purchase of a V7 II included a spare seat, that was all it took to get the ball rolling.  We were able to source all used parts over the last few months and that made it much easier on the pocketbook.  He's pondering a few different paint options, or possibly a Bagster cover.  We'll see.  Thanks again to Crashcraddock for the pictures and details; Daniel, we appreciate your time and efforts more than you'll ever know.

Sarah

[twowheeladdict]

And here's Doug's Roamer:





He's ridden 400 miles or so in this configuration and he is pleased as punch.  We followed Crashcraddock's instructions to the letter regarding the tank and seat swap and there you have it.  Doug has wanted to do this from the start, and when my recent purchase of a V7 II included a spare seat, that was all it took to get the ball rolling.  We were able to source all used parts over the last few months and that made it much easier on the pocketbook.  He's pondering a few different paint options, or possibly a Bagster cover.  We'll see.  Thanks again to Crashcraddock for the pictures and details; Daniel, we appreciate your time and efforts more than you'll ever know.

Sarah

   Just make sure if you ever have to bring it to sloans you tape paper on both sides of the tank saying it is a V9.  LOL!

[menzies]

Very nice!

Could I ask where you guys sourced the fork gaiters?

[greer]

Those are Rancho RS1952 shock boots.  We get them at our local O'Reilly Auto Parts and I think you can get them from Advance Auto too, about $12 or so apiece.  They've been perfect for our Sportsters and Moto Guzzis.  Position them on the forks the way you like, then cut off any excess length, the rubber is soft and pliable and cuts easily with a pocket knife or razor blade.

Sarah

 

[TalbotMatra]

In my opinion this is a completely senseless conversion. For 3 hp more such an effort, only to drive around with an ugly front? For me not right, but everyone can of course do what he wants. In my eyes: It's horrible what you have done with a beautiful V9. 

Ciao
Lars

[bad Chad]

The power delivery is quite apparent when you ride both, much more than the numbers would have you think.

[Bobic69]

Great work. Congrats. After converting my Bellagio to a V7 I realised for what I'd spent I could have bought a nice low mileage Griso. Although I absolutely love the Bellagio, if I had my time again it's what I would do.