Some of you know that I totaled my 2016 Eldorado on March 8 getting a broken right tib/fib in the bargain.
About 6 weeks later, a local fellow was selling a 2017 Roamer that is highly customized for a very fair price. The bike is current on service, tires about 50% but look very good. My seller kindly delivered the bike to my garage so I could drool over it while my recovery continued.
I had a look at the bike even though I was still wearing a boot and walked with a crutch at the time. It appeared and still does very close to new.
It had just turned 15,000 miles. For a bike of that vintage, I really prefer to see some miles to prove it has not just sat around in a garage, but that's just my personal taste. Tires are about 50% but look good.
Upgrades - Front Suspension by Hamlin; rear shocks aftermarket; Ago exhaust; a real horn; Guzzi branded large and small screens; Guzzi branded Givi top case; Hepco/Becker detachable leather side bags; maybe more, but can't remember.
My impressions apply in general to a Roamer of that vintage, but because of the suspension improvements, I believe that aspect is completely different, however, these upgrades are available even now but they are expensive. So, what do I think, would I do it again.
The first difference of course is the 250 lbs and 9 inch shorter wheel base. It feels like a dirt bike to move around the garage. Of course, this has its pros and cons. On a long interstate slog, the extra weight and stability will be missed, but I don't do much of that anyway. The real dividend is on pretty much any other road. Even with the wear on the tires, it feels very nimble and the suspension keeps it stable and planted.
Another good feature is the lightness of all the controls. The shifting is very easy and engagement positive, neutral is easy to get.
The engines are very different in character even taking into account the size difference. Both of my 1400s were super smooth at nearly any speed or rpm. I think the roamer engine is very different from any Guzzi I have ever tried and to be fair, I don't really know the older ones. It really lets you know you are on a machine. It will vibrate, but once you learn the sweet spots, it smooths out, but not entirely. 60 mph in 4th or 5th gear is really nice but you must adjust your thinking about higher revs. It returns about 55 mpg no matter what you do with it.
The back brake is useless. It reminds me of my 84 R100RS Beemer. I will search out some organic pads for it.
The seat is another area of question. I love the simple flat look, it's so retro, but it is a good thing that I can move back and forth on it. I am investigating the "Canadian" seat that is recommended by Enzo. For now, I have added a sheepskin which helps.
In general, although I have a descent amount of room from seat to pegs, the position rolls my spine rearward so that I have to fight against this to sit straight. It doesn't help that I am at least 10 lbs overweight and coming off the wreck was not able to excercise and as a result, my core muscles are a little out of shape. A different seat may cure this and also, I am able to start slowly to exercise my core muscles again and if I can lose some blubber around the middle, it may be fine.
Overall - this is a great way back into the sport again. This spring, I was coming to the realization that it might be my last season on a heavyweight bike. I guess Fate must have heard this as I had visions of trading the 1400 and not selling to the insurance company.
Compared to the new V7 Sport, it is not as polished and lacks cruise control and is down 10 hp
. On the other hand it was less than 1/2 the cost.
These bikes are terrific bargains right now and I think should be considered by anyone looking to downsize but continue to enjoy the Guzzi character. Notice the boot in the top picture.
