V9 Roamer

[tris]

Well team, I think its time for the Big Breva to move on

Fab bike, but its always been a "tad" too big for me with my short legs and as I get older becomes more of a handful

What is the general view of the V9 Roamer - I know it will need to be a used one now

Does it have any repeatable issues/things to look for?

Is decent hard luggage available for it?

Cheers All

[greer]

There were a few cases of shift linkage bolts working themselves loose, Loctite those just to make certain.  Currently, it looks like the Hepco Becker C-Bow system is as good as it gets for luggage, unless I'm missing something.

Sarah

[Zoom Zoom]

It does appear that Hepco Becker is about the only game in town regarding luggage for the V9. I don't even see anything from Givi. Perhaps there is another manufacturer that has something. I'm not sure what Guzzi offers.

I put C-Bow mounts on the V7III I recently bought. Here are my thoughts. For my intended use, (light duty), I'm really pleased with them. Minimum bracketry keeps things clean but I believe there is a price to pay for that. There is a limit to how much load I would rely on the supports to carry. If you want small bags for light duty, they are nice. If you have a desire to load the bike for travel with more carrying capacity, I'm skeptical they would hold up. As you likely know, shock loads when traversing rough pavement will add stress to the mounting brackets. Putting heavy loads will drastically increase those shock loads.

If you need more carrying capacity, I might suggest you consider a V7. Mounting brackets with much more robust bracing allows the use of the H-B bags that have been in use for decades now. (Journey bags come to mind, but others fit those same mounts.) Those brackets also use a cross brace around the back and are structurally much better for heavy loads.

I see you're in the UK, but you can take a look at Moto Machines web site for some decent pictures of the brackets I have mentioned. As I said, much more choices for the V7 line. (Moto Machines is the H-B importer for the US.)

Now, if you decide to consider a V7, do your homework. Although there are some very good deals on series I and II models, there are some advancements with the III that might be worth consideration. I am confident that if I wanted to tour on the V7, it would be able to do so. However, I would replace the C-Bow system with the more robust brackets and larger bags. Since I have a Stelvio, I don't need that.

John Henry

[Kev m]

If you need more carrying capacity, I might suggest you consider a V7. Mounting brackets with much more robust bracing allows the use of the H-B bags that have been in use for decades now. (Journey bags come to mind, but others fit those same mounts.) Those brackets also use a cross brace around the back and are structurally much better for heavy loads.

DUDE, you're saying "if you need more carrying capacity, buy a different bike. That's patently RIDICULOUS. 

There's a pretty big difference in feel between the V7 and the V9, BIG. And someone coming off a big-block may prefer the V9. That alone might be enough to forget that suggestion. 

So how about we consider other suggestions.

* HB Topcase

https://www.motomachines.com/hepco-becker-rear-rack-moto-guzzi-v9-roamer-for-long-seat-versions

* Strap a tail bag to the seat.

* C-bows plus BOTH the above.

I mean crap if my wife can travel with a Ducati Monster and nothing but a tail-bag I think someone who wants a Roamer with some luggage can figure it out without changing bikes.

Unless we should just suggest he gets a Electra Glide next. 


Hell if I wanted HB Juniors bad enough I think I'd just buy the HB junior racks for the V7 and have someone do some cutting and welding, there's got to be a way to make it work if it's that important to you.

[menzies]

I have a Roamer fitted with Givi racks and hard cases, the cases are the Trekker Dolomiti in I believe 30L and if you got much larger they would look really bulbous. The original owner installed them so I do not know the origin of where they were purchased. Pic attached

[Zoom Zoom]

"There's a pretty big difference in feel between the V7 and the V9, BIG. And someone coming off a big-block may prefer the V9."

In what way? Raw acceleration? Roll on at 80 mph? Stiffer frame? Describe this BIG difference please. PLEASE.

I had a 1400, Norge 2V, V11 LeMans, EV's, a Stelvio which I was out on yesterday. I'm no stranger to the big blocks, but you already knew that. As I said, I have ridden a V9. I think it is a fantastic bike. Anything can be fabricated and, done properly, can turn out very nice. Yes, anything can be made to work.

I'm not trying to dissuade anybody from getting what they want. Hell, look at how much I poured into the Eldo to make it what I wanted. But, I'll tell you that if I had it to do again, I may have bought a Touring to begin with. I could have bought a lot of back tires for what I spent decking the Eldo out the way I wanted.

I am simply saying that there are considerations worth thinking about. What matters to each person will differ. Frankly, I don't care what someone else does. It's their money. If the Bobber or Roamer is what I wanted, then that is what I would get, and deal with the rest.

We have observed over the years someone who gets on this board expressing disappointment over the lack of accessories. Or more to the point, asking about stuff only to be told we just stuck a pin in their balloon.

Going in eyes wide open will alleviate buyers remorse.

BTW, what you quoted is out of context. NO, if I already had what I wanted I would not buy a different bike just for heavier bracketry. To imply that is simply nonsense! What I said was if you're considering purchase of a small block, assess your personal needs/desires and make an educated decision.

John Henry

 

[Zoom Zoom]

I have a Roamer fitted with Givi racks and hard cases, the cases are the Trekker Dolomiti in I believe 30L and if you got much larger they would look really bulbous. The original owner installed them so I do not know the origin of where they were purchased. Pic attached

Cool!

When I looked a little while ago on Givi USA, I didn't see any listing for side carriers.

John Henry

[inditx]

Having owned both, the V9 has the best engine that Moto Guzzi makes imho for the size of bike and type of riding I'm doing now.
Enjoy the journey.
inditx

[tris]

If I go away for the week end I don't need a load of stuff, but hard case slow the scrotes up that have deigns on my gear

Still sounds like there a few options for luggage.

What about the stuff to watch out for - you know like the sacred screw on the B11 that I knew nothing about until the bike was already in my garage

[Kev m]

"There's a pretty big difference in feel between the V7 and the V9, BIG. And someone coming off a big-block may prefer the V9."

In what way? Raw acceleration? Roll on at 80 mph? Stiffer frame? Describe this BIG difference please. PLEASE.

I've written about it extensively. I went out of my way to take multiple rides on the V9 BS BECAUSE I was so surprised/taken by it when I rode it on a whim (the same day I rode the V85). The best way I can describe it is that it had the same "feel" of my Jackal from a motor/torque/flywheel standpoint. The difference between it and the V85 and V7 was staggering.

No it's not as quick or freight train as a Stelvio or Norge (or my old Breva), but then again the Cali's never were.

But I found the characteristics of the motor felt more like a big block than my V7. It's a big enough difference that I have toyed with selling my V7 to replace it with a BS. But I have better tools in the box right now for that kind of bike and I don't "need" to do that. Still tempted.

BTW, what you quoted is out of context. NO, if I already had what I wanted I would not buy a different bike just for heavier bracketry. To imply that is simply nonsense! What I said was if you're considering purchase of a small block, assess your personal needs/desires and make an educated decision.

I don't see what's out of context? I wasn't suggesting that you were suggesting someone sell a bike they already had and buy a different bike just for bracketry (that was a crappy sentence on my part lol).

I was suggesting the OP probably was already aware of the V7 and for whatever his own reasons he was asking about a V9 and you suggested he consider a different bike just for heavier bracketry (not much of a better sentence eh?).

No?

Look I'm giving you a little guff, you know it's good-natured. But I really do believe in the V9 chassis and kinda feel bad it's become a red-headed step child. There's more than the sum of the parts going on there.

[tris]

I guess I'm looking for something a bit different.  The baby Breva has similar DNA to the big Breva that I have at the moment,  but they're all quite old now.

Unfortunately I'm not much into the retro styling of the V7 family.

That's what leads me to the Roamer (can't be doing with the fat front tyre or the Bobber)

The more info the better though I'll be informed

Cheers

[Caffeineo]

Well at 63 I am not that old here ;) but I did not want a big bike. The Bobber Sport grew on me and a deal came along I could not pass up. The more I ride it the more I like it. There are not any Moto Guzzi dealers in Idaho so I never saw any V9 in person before the purchase. The power and handling are just spectacular. Now I just do not understand why these are not flying off the showroom floors??? I really like the yellow Roamer look and think you will be quite happy with one. Maybe another 1-2K miles more and this will replace the Bassa as my favorite Guzzi. 
 

[Caffeineo]

I've written about it extensively. I went out of my way to take multiple rides on the V9 BS BECAUSE I was so surprised/taken by it when I rode it on a whim (the same day I rode the V85). The best way I can describe it is that it had the same "feel" of my Jackal from a motor/torque/flywheel standpoint. The difference between it and the V85 and V7 was staggering.

No it's not as quick or freight train as a Stelvio or Norge (or my old Breva), but then again the Cali's never were.

But I found the characteristics of the motor felt more like a big block than my V7. It's a big enough difference that I have toyed with selling my V7 to replace it with a BS. But I have better tools in the box right now for that kind of bike and I don't "need" to do that. Still tempted. <snip>

To me the BS engine is way different than my Bassa, The BS is very smooth and likes to rev and seems to spin up quickly.  My Bassa was not as smooth, reved lazily and the speedometer moved faster than the tach. The Bassa engine was overflowing with that special "character" that made riding it so much fun. To me the BS is a bit of a hooligan bike. The way the engine revs up so smooth and easy I have to watch the speedo so I do not get a performance award. Just my impression. 

[Kev m]

To me the BS engine is way different than my Bassa, The BS is very smooth and likes to rev and seems to spin up quickly.  My Bassa was not as smooth, reved lazily and the speedometer moved faster than the tach. The Bassa engine was overflowing with that special "character" that made riding it so much fun. To me the BS is a bit of a hooligan bike. The way the engine revs up so smooth and easy I have to watch the speedo so I do not get a performance award. Just my impression. 

What was wrong with your Bassa 

Yeah, it's not exactly the same, but it's the closest thing I found.

And although I LOVE our V7s I wouldn't call them hooligan bikes by a long shot - why? Because though they spin up quick enough, they don't have the same push/punch that the V9 has.

It was a much bigger difference than I expected. That said, the V7III is closer to the V9 than my MKI so it is a matter of degrees.

[Caffeineo]

What was wrong with your Bassa 

Yeah, it's not exactly the same, but it's the closest thing I found.

And although I LOVE our V7s I wouldn't call them hooligan bikes by a long shot - why? Because though they spin up quick enough, they don't have the same push/punch that the V9 has.

It was a much bigger difference than I expected. That said, the V7III is closer to the V9 than my MKI so it is a matter of degrees.

Absolutely nothing was wrong with the Bassa other than the owner getting an itch to ride something else. Big mistake, That is the one bike I really wish I had kept.

Just got a Beetle map  for the BS to go with the Zard pipes lost between Italy and me. :(  First thing I noticed was my MPG is almost 60!!!!  Went on a little ride after putting the bar risers on and twisted it a bit. WOW. Glad I did that before the pipes as now I know it "seems" like a real improvement and not just because of the sound. The bike just tempts me to ride it fast where the Bassa was fun to cruise on. I just find myself going a bit faster than usual because it is so fun. 

[kballowe]

I have a Roamer fitted with Givi racks and hard cases, the cases are the Trekker Dolomiti in I believe 30L and if you got much larger they would look really bulbous. The original owner installed them so I do not know the origin of where they were purchased. Pic attached

I'm the original owner of that bike.

Note that they no longer manufacture those mounting brackets for the V9.

The boxes and hardware came from "Tour and Ride". They carry the full Givi line.

[kballowe]

The V7 is prettier and the V9 not as pretty.
The V9 feels a bit bigger and a bit more horsepower and better suspension than the V7 III.

Having owned a couple of V7's and V9's.

[TalbotMatra]

Here you find a German guy who travelled with his Roamer to Italy:
https://www.guzzisti.de/forum/topic/3472-erfahrungen-mit-der-v9-roamer-und-bobber/page/2/

Note the pictures with the luggage. Sidebags are SW Motech Legend Gear.

Ciao
Lars

[Jackr]

Tris...I have a 2017 Roamer that I bought new in 2016. Have about 50k mi on it today. I installed the Hepco Becker C-bow mounts and the Orbit Side cases. These side cases are small (22L). I have a large Helen 2Wheels Motorcycle bag that I strap across the rear fender and side cases when I am camping or just need to take along the kitchen sink. I ride my Roamer cross country for rallies and camping (not so much this summer), and with the Helen 2Wheels bag strapped on I have no problem taking as much stuff as I want/need.

[tris]

...... and that Jack exactly what I was thinking of - thankyou

I broached the idea with domestic management today as my 60th birthday present and it looks like that hurdle has been crossed.

Just need to find one now!!!

[ohiorider]

Tris...I have a 2017 Roamer that I bought new in 2016. Have about 50k mi on it today. I installed the Hepco Becker C-bow mounts and the Orbit Side cases. These side cases are small (22L). I have a large Helen 2Wheels Motorcycle bag that I strap across the rear fender and side cases when I am camping or just need to take along the kitchen sink. I ride my Roamer cross country for rallies and camping (not so much this summer), and with the Helen 2Wheels bag strapped on I have no problem taking as much stuff as I want/need.

Beautiful bike!  The bags look perfectly proportioned to the size of the bike.  Yellow/Yellow-Orange drags me in like a bee to honey!

Bob

[TN Mark]

This site lists a few things for the V9: http://www.accessoryinternational.com/category/cruiser-motoguzzi-v9-main.html

I have no idea what, if anything, Piaggio actually makes available for the V9.

I stopped at a Guzzi dealer last week. No 1400’s at all, two V85’s and some V7 varieties. IMHO, the V9 BS was the best of anything Guzzi they had on the floor.

[menzies]

This site lists a few things for the V9: http://www.accessoryinternational.com/category/cruiser-motoguzzi-v9-main.html

I have no idea what, if anything, Piaggio actually makes available for the V9.

I stopped at a Guzzi dealer last week. No 1400’s at all, two V85’s and some V7 varieties. IMHO, the V9 BS was the best of anything Guzzi they had on the floor.
[/quote

I purchased my centerstand from them, free shipping over $99, a couple of the vendors wanted $50 bucks to ship. The stand was actually drop shipped from Moto Machines.

[MotoG5]

AF1 Racing in Austin, TX lists a full line of accerses for the Romer both factory and after market. I have purchased many of my V9 parts and add ons from them.

https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=3013&description=V9+Roamer+Accessories

[Bpreynolds2]

I've written about it extensively. I went out of my way to take multiple rides on the V9 BS BECAUSE I was so surprised/taken by it when I rode it on a whim (the same day I rode the V85). The best way I can describe it is that it had the same "feel" of my Jackal from a motor/torque/flywheel standpoint. The difference between it and the V85 and V7 was staggering.

But I found the characteristics of the motor felt more like a big block than my V7. It's a big enough difference that I have toyed with selling my V7 to replace it with a BS. But I have better tools in the box right now for that kind of bike and I don't "need" to do that. Still tempted.

Again, this.  I feel the V9 engine in the Roamer/BS is almost like a direct descendant from the 1100 Calis I owned whereas the V7s I had felt like different, but still wonderful, animals.  To me, the V9 as it sits in the R/BS IS the Goldilocks Guzzi engine.  Strangely, I didn’t care for it much in the V85 when I test rode one, but that’s just my impression.

Also, I actually think the V9 models are prettier 

[inditx]

Not a small block not a big block rather it’s the Goldiblock!

[ff73148]

I own a 2017 V9 Bobber. IMHO I have changed this bike into a light tourer. Here are the changes I've made.
-Suspension - K Tech Razor III rear shocks and Tracker Fork cartridge kit. I felt this was an absolute necessity. Stock set up was crap.
-Corbin seat for comfort.
-MG rear luggage rack
-C Bow system with the Hepco & Becker Oval Street Soft Bag Set
-Dart windscreen
The Bobber handles completely different than the Roamer. Test ride them both. Love the engine.

[Bpreynolds2]

Not a small block not a big block rather it’s the Goldiblock!

 
Can’t wait for the Goldiblock Anniversario Bobber Special Sport Stone Racer Lemans variant 

[inditx]

 

[bad Chad]

I just got back from an 1800 mile jaunt on my Roamer yesterday.  Took the long way to get to the WI rally.  The Roamer was great.  More comfortable for me, than my b1100.

The motor is substantially more powerful than any v7, really a Gem.  The suspension may need up grading depending on your expectations.  I used a Rev Pack deluxe soft saddle bags tossed over the rear seat, worked very well along with a magnetic tank bag.

I like my Roamer a lot.