V9 Review Thread. Merged Threadfest

[kingoffleece]

Several of us posted already.  Cam and I, among others, rode one at the WNY rally.  We all liked it well enough.

[Moto]

I keep clicking on this thread hoping to find actual reviews of the V9 by, you know, an ordinary person who has actually ridden it...

Look harder. For example:

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=82302.msg1327875#msg1327875

(And don't fill up the thread with such complaints.)

[Penderic]

Obviously, the new models are marketed for the younger urban rider.





Next, for the even younger suburban riders, Guzzi is going to go juvenile! 



 

[Toecutter]

That is awesome.

[canuck750]

I rode the Bobber demo at the John Day rally, a quick 20 minute ride up and over the hills through the twisty parts and a short blast on the highway.

My thoughts are it was reasonably comfortable, decent power, handled the tight curves without much effort. It felt small, light, minimal. I would consider it for a city bike, short commutes.

[lucydad]

Canuck,

Thank you for posting your Bobber impressions!  Any comments on the brakes to make?  Geometry?  I remain in lust, yet waiting for planets to align.  Should be sometime late July for a test ride. 

[lucydad]

Saw Moto Guzzi had another nice V9 Bobber full page ad in Cycle World.  Wonder if the bikes are flying off the shelves?

Also wonder if the thin seat is a real plank after 100 miles.  Anyone have a comment on that question please?

[jas67]

I laid eyes on one in person yesterday at the Ephrata First Sunday Breakfast.

Europa Macchina was there with a Bobber and their V7II Racer w/ Record Fairing.

I sat on it.   As I already knew, the foot pegs were too far forward.   The position of drag bars wasn't awful.

The motor is the best looking motor Guzzi has made in a long time.   The rocker covers are attractive, as are the spark plug wire covers, which are metal attached withe screws vs. the snap on plastic affairs of the V7.

I'll wait for Nuevo 850 Le Mans.

The frame, while somewhat bases on the design of the V7 frame is different.    The tail section is definitely different, and the foot control mounting bosses are several inches (about 5) forward of those on the V7 frame.   So, it isn't a simple matter of bolting V7 parts on a V9 to make it into the bike we V7 fans want with the V9 motor.   It would likely be easier to transplant the V9 motor into a V7.

The big question will be can the V9 motor and transmission, as well as the sing arm be transplanted onto a V7 frame.   The swing arm is substantially beefier than the V7 one.

Some other notes, the overall build quality seems a step up from the V7, with metal side covers and fenders, plus the foot controls look like nice quality pieces.    The fuel cap, however, looks to be an afterthought that came from a Chinese scooter parts vendor on eBay.   The small (in the vertical dimension) side covers seem unfinished, leaving exposed wiring in the lower part of what was covered on the V7.

I hope that they sell tons, and hope that they build the Nuevo 850 Le Mans to replace the V7 Racer (Cam gets credit for the idea, as I had been discussion just another V7 Racer style bike, but, I like his idea of building a bike that looks like the 850 Le Mans, complete with the same colors, etc).

[lucydad]

Far forward pegs are a big nope for me.  Still, I will sit/ride a V9 before making a decision.

Thanks!

[Kev m]

Far forward pegs are a big nope for me.  Still, I will sit/ride a V9 before making a decision.

Thanks!

Keep in mind that "far" is very subjective, and Jay's perspective is somewhat skewed by a few vary painful vertebrae in his lower back.

[jas67]

Keep in mind that "far" is very subjective, and Jay's perspective is somewhat skewed by a few vary painful vertebrae in his lower back.

Yes, my comment is definitely a personal, subjective comment.   They are too far forward "for me."    They're definitely mid-mounts and not forwards.  Many here may like them.

They're about the same as Kev's 2000 Jackel was.    I will certainly take one for a test ride given then chance, and still think both the V9 models will be good sellers for Moto Guzzi. 

The crowd looking for Nuevo Le Mans (myself included) are going to have to wait for build their own.

[lucydad]

Kev, Jay:

Thanks for the peg placement comments, much appreciated.  I tested an Indian Scout last fall:  concluded there was no way I fit the bike. 

Somewhere there is a website with motorcycle geometry info.  Wonder if the V9 could be added?  Yeah, about 3 weeks away from freedom to travel to Austin. 

[jas67]

http://cycle-ergo.com/

.....
Somewhere there is a website with motorcycle geometry info.

[bad Chad]

Just speaking from personal experience and comparing models that I'm familiar with, I'm not sure cycle-ergo.com is completely accurate.  I'm not sure how they get their data, but some of it does appear correct.

[lucydad]

Jas, much thanks for the ergo website.

For what its worth, here is a comparison of the V7R, my Triumph STR and the V9 Bobber. 









I know for a fact the Triumph is much more upright, and less stress on my back.  The V7R and V9 comparison, if accurate, shows the very upright stance of the V9.  Bet the V9 would benefit from a good flyscreen.

Interesting, at least to me.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I posted my review in the Nationals thread..

I rode the Bobber on the twisties on 395 south from the rally. I really wanted to like it.. but.. it's a cruiser. Meh. Feet forward, and with the tank shape, absolutely no place to get a grip with your knees. You can sort of put your calves against the  intake covers, but it is a pretty uncomfortable feeling sitting straight up with no real way to get your weight forward. 
The engine/drivetrain did feel pretty high tech.. but with no tach, it was hard to tell how hard I was running it. Soon learned to ignore that stupid flashing red light. Never did hit the rev limiter, so I assume I wasn't hurting it.
The chassis was ok, and surprisingly I didn't mind the fat front tire. It turned in pretty well. Brakes were good.
Power was down compared to the Aero engine, surprising me again. Maybe strangled with emissions? Dunno. Smooth and refined, though.  For the kind of riding I like, the Bobber was a distant third to the Aero Lario or MZ.
It would make a fine bar hopper. I fear that Guzzi has lost their way.

[Kev m]

Kev, Jay:

Thanks for the peg placement comments, much appreciated.  I tested an Indian Scout last fall:  concluded there was no way I fit the bike. 

Somewhere there is a website with motorcycle geometry info.  Wonder if the V9 could be added?  Yeah, about 3 weeks away from freedom to travel to Austin.

Jay and I have ridden the Scout.... The V9 is nothing like the Scout

[jas67]

Jay and I have ridden the Scout.... The V9 is nothing like the Scout

The Scout's controls are much more forward.

Now, the Scout's engine in a standard, now that would interest me.

Nuevo 850 Le Mans please!

[Lcarlson]

Just speaking from personal experience and comparing models that I'm familiar with, I'm not sure cycle-ergo.com is completely accurate.  I'm not sure how they get their data, but some of it does appear correct.

Cycle-ergo just uses side-view photographs to provide estimates of the dimensions, based on the rider's height.

[Muzz]

Just speaking from personal experience and comparing models that I'm familiar with, I'm not sure cycle-ergo.com is completely accurate.  I'm not sure how they get their data, but some of it does appear correct.

Must admit to using it when my son got his HD 1200 Sporty. He was not happy with the riding position. Put the HD and the Breva side by side and scrolled a comparison between the two. By shifting the non-standard handlebars we were able to get a position that he is really happy with, and is closer to the Breva position.

A very useful tool.

[averb]

Don't think I've seen this review posted yet
http://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bike-reviews/moto-guzzi/moto-guzzi-v9-roamer-and-bobber-2016---first-ride-review/#.V33MA6JSOJj

[gentlemanjim]

I'm a big Guzzi fan and glad to see new models coming out as well as getting some much deserved press.  For the V9 to be truly successful it needs another sibling.  More along the lines of a Breva or Griso.  Triumph has multiple versions of the Bonneville and Yamaha with the FZ line providing broader appeal.  As I read through this thread it seems most responders were trying to make the Bobber and Roamer fit all riding styles.  While I believe they are great bikes, I'd prefer a more sporty version.  17" wheels maybe a V7 tank, two piece saddle a parts bin make over.  Just my $.02. 

[Muzz]

LD, just looking at the pic of the Racer, it looks very much like the riding position of the Breva, which I find most comfortable and with no strain on the back.

[lucydad]

averb,

Thanks for that new review.  Yes, it is one of the best I have seen.  Reviewer clearly knows Guzzi designs, history and themes.  His last statement may be key:  "more to come" out of Mandello?   I remain keen on a test ride for myself. 

The V7R, for me:  fine out to about a 150 mile day.  After that the forward pitch gives my back muscles fits.  Hence interest in a more upright geometry.  The V9 Roamer might tick all my "Guzzi want" boxes.  Its still beautiful!  Luigi knows design. I think a few details could be better on the bike, especially the side panels. 

[Adan]

Sat on a Roamer yesterday at Kustom Workz in Buffalo.  As others have noted, the quality of the V9 is clearly a step above the V7, and is evident just from sitting.  The suspension feels much better, though very firm. 

The odd things that leap out based on a sitting how hard the seat is, and the rearward bias of the weight.  Turning the handle bars on the showroom floor it feels like they pivot much too easily.  These might prove not to be problems when riding, but they certainly are a concern.

King of Fleece was kind enough to lend me a helmet while I'm here staying with my in-laws, so hopefully can test ride it next week. 

Last week I bought a Turismo Veloce.  Didn't intend to do something like that so soon, but the test ride wow'd me, and they offered a great deal on a new one.  Probably have incentives to move MV's during the bankruptcy, so I decided to take advantage of that. 

But I still have room in the garage for a lightweight runabout Guzzi, and the V9 might be perfect.  Even before test-riding I'm leaning towards the Bobber to have a more planted feel in the front.

[Adan]

I should add that to me the rider's triangle felt very comfortable and inviting.  I suspect it will feel great on the road once you take some wind off the chest.

[pmillar]

I wouldn't read too much into how easily a bike turns back and forth while parked. It could be something as simple as over-inflated tires or a slick/slippery showroom floor.  A test ride with good tire pressure is the only way to really get a feel for it. Many years ago I test rode a Ninja 750 with very underinflated tires. Needless to say, the ride did not mesh up with everything I had read about it. After purchasing the bike (it was a great deal) and mounting new tires it was a new machine. (The front end never was never confidence inspiring but it had a great engine - in the years before I discovered v-twins)

[Adan]

It's obvious, especially after seeing it, that the V9 is designed to be ridden at a leisurely pace (by today's standards).  So if the steering is a little too light that shouldn't break the deal for anyone who is interested in the bike for it's intended use.  I'm not sure the hard seat should be a deal-breaker either, and in any case that can be fixed.

I'm even more interested now that I've seen it.  A charming runabout would be a good complement to the world-beating MVTV.  But having just spent most of my discretionary cash, my next big purchase is probably pushed down the road at least several months, and by then we'll know what else Guzzi has planned for the 850 engine.

[kingoffleece]

Cam and I both rode the bike you'll demo next Tuesday.  The helmet's at the paint shop BTW waiting for you.
I found the V9 to be quite nice on a test lop that included a few sweepers and twisties.  The stock seat is vastly superior to the stock V7 seats.

The overriding impression I had when I returned was that the OEM suspension at both ends was MUCH better than my V7 in stock form.
Granted, that's not a tough standard to beat but nonetheless it may actually be rideable in stock form, which IMO the V7 is not.

Then again, I get my bikes, no matter the brand, set up and modded by Jim Hamlin in CT.  It's a funny thing.  After having had the experience of proper kit at both ends set up correct it's very easy to get spoiled!

[Kev m]

It's obvious, especially after seeing it, that the V9 is designed to be ridden at a leisurely pace (by today's standards).  So if the steering is a little too light that shouldn't break the deal for anyone who is interested in the bike for it's intended use. 

I'm not sure I accept that characterization, but it's likely a disagreement in semantics.

In my experience bikes like the various current smallblocks can be ridden at paces exceeding most speed limits and certainly most reasonably prudent cornering speeds.

Conversely today's sport bikes greatly exceed any reasonable limits on the street.

As such I wouldn't characterize smallblocks as designed for leisurely paces as much as I'd call them sporting paces, while I'd characterize sportbikes as more frenetic.