I'm jonesin' for a V9 Bobber

[Buddy Shagmore]

I sold my Aprilia Shiver last week, on account of I'm looking for something "less sporty". My initial interests were: Triumph Street Twin, Triumph  T120, and the HD Dyna Street Bob. Then I came across the V9 Bobber...I do believe this one is potentially "it". I'll have to test ride one, but the grey/red version is Rising. Guess I'll have to test ride them all.

[Kev m]

Interesting list, I do believe your plan is solid lol!

I'm pretty interested in all of them too.

Street Twin and T120, I think I'd have to go with the T120 out of those for things like the dual discs and heated grips, and cosmetically I prefer the T120 (black).

V9 Bobber is getting my attention for sure and I LOVE my V7 so I completely understand that. If I was looking at your list the shaft drive, simple valve adjustment, and light weight V9 would be a very strong contender.

Dyna is sorta the odd man out on this list as it's a good what almost 200# heavier than the rest. And I'm not a fan of the mini apes or single disc on the Street Bob. I'd probably lean towards a Fat Bob or Low Rider for the dual discs. The advantage of the Dyna would be more room and comfort for long haul or 2-up though.


All good choices. You'll have to let us know what you think.

[thepittsburghguzzi]

 If I was looking at your list the shaft drive, simple valve adjustment, and light weight V9 would be a very strong contender.

:1:

Exact reasons I chose my V7 over the equally lovely, but in different ways, Triumph Bonnie :)
The V9 has me salivating - I love the looks of it, the fact that it isn't huge, and the extensive use of metal and 'real' bits as opposed to plastic. It'll be the next "new" or newish bike I go for :)

[bad Chad]

The press is reporting they will be here in April!

[Buddy Shagmore]

Last Saturday I went to ask for a test ride on the T120 and Street Twin, but the dealer had not prepped them yet. I sat on both. The ST feels, and is, smaller, but in a good way. Light is right. The pegs are back a couple of inches on the ST, as compared to the T120, therefore the ergos have a bit more knee bend as compared to the T120, (which feels a bit more comfy, IMO). The tank is wider on the T120. I really dig the seat and pipes on the ST. The T120 seat has raised piping around the edge of the seat, which I felt on my thigh...seemed bothersome just sitting on it. Also, I think the pea shooter pipes are fugly compared to the ST's beautiful pipes.
As far as a Street Bob, the ape hangers would have to be replaced with street trackers. No interest in riding with my fists high in the wind, lol. I would stick with the mid controls, but not too sure about how the ergos would be. Also not too sure that such a heavy bike is right for me. Lastly, the hit to my checkbook would be fearsome. Somehow though, the SB big twin seems like a "bigger Sportster", plus I like the minimalist look, and lack of chrome.
When I saw the first pics of the V9 Bobber, I thought "oh great, another blacked out bike", but with the cool graphics on the tank and fender, that somehow makes it look right, especially the gray/red version. Guzzi's I've owned in the past: '02 Ballabio, and first year V7 Classic.
Anyways, I am in no hurry, I have a backup ride ('08 HD XL1200R) that is here to stay. Let the test rides begin!

[Kev m]

That's interesting. When you say the ST feels (and is) smaller than the T120 are you talking about the weight and seat height?

And the tank on the T120 is wider? I didn't realize they had different tanks, does that mean different capacities.

OK - just looked it up. I'm surprised at the differences.

ST - 3.2 gallon tank (rated for 60 mpg US) and 437# dry
T120 - 3.8 gallon tank (didn't have mpg listed) and 494# dry

I didn't realize the T120 was so much more hefty.


As for the Dyna, well, if you have a XLR then honestly UNLESS you're looking to do more long distance riding and 2-up, there's not a lot that the Dyna is going to offer you. It's a little more comfortable (especially on the highway) but there's the additional heft and it's not going to corner as well as an XLR. Calling it a "bigger sportster" is pretty accurate if you know the history of the Dyna (which evolved from the FX and FXR line). I'm sure you've heard the story before, but just in case, the FX line was basically created when they decided to mate the Big Twin (F) with the smaller front end of the Sportster (X) and the first boat-tail Superglide was born.

Now here's the real irony. If you go back to the original Superglide and the early FX, FXE, and later FXR they were in many ways closer in size to YOUR SPORTSTER.

I actually feel like rubbermounts like yours and mine are the real inheritors of the lineage.

Those original FX's were 1200cc, weighed around 580-600# wet, had 4-5 gallon fuel tanks, heck even had the same size front wheel (100/90-19) and a rear (130/90-16) closer in size to ours (150) than anything a Dyna ever wore. Heck I downsized mine to a 140 getting it even closer (and I'm told we could run a 130 on our real wheels).

Anyway, maybe it's just me - but I'd concentrate on the ST, T120, and V9 depending on exactly what you want. The ST and the V9 being the more different from your Sportster bikes, though the T120 has a lot to offer if you're not put off by the additional weight.

[Buddy Shagmore]

Kev, when I sat on the ST, it felt like I could have been on a 500. It is smaller and narrower, and lighter than the T120. It likely will be a very fun ride. It has the edge over the V9 in the torque dept, but the V9 is lighter and has shaft drive. I'm looking forward to my test rides, then I'll let my Inner Rider guide me.

[Toecutter]

"V9 Bobber"... I love the look of the bike, but I *hate* the name.

[Buddy Shagmore]

Well, after thinking about what I want fir a spell, I decided a big twin is too heavy, and the V9s are too harleyesque. I took a test ride on Street Twin, and I can't wipe the grin off my face! Nice standard ergos, lotsa torque, 17/18" wheels, very comfy seat, killer exhaust looks & sound, nice big dial...$10500 otd. I pick up my silver one when it arrives in a few weeks.

[lucydad]

Man, I would be sooooooo interested in a V9 if HOUSTON, TEXAS had a fracking Moto Guzzi dealer.

[Buddy Shagmore]

There are 4 Guzzi dealers here within a 40 min drive. I do wish MG would have offered up a standard version of the V9. I already have a cool Sportster. I decided I need a cool modern retro standard.

[Kev m]

Well, after thinking about what I want fir a spell, I decided a big twin is too heavy, and the V9s are too harleyesque. I took a test ride on Street Twin, and I can't wipe the grin off my face! Nice standard ergos, lotsa torque, 17/18" wheels, very comfy seat, killer exhaust looks & sound, nice big dial...$10500 otd. I pick up my silver one when it arrives in a few weeks.

Hard to argue. Enjoy!