Author Topic: If Moto Guzzi makes V9 racer, are you going to ditch your V7 for it? (Read 10603 times)

Seamaster · « **on:** July 19, 2016, 11:09:05 PM »

There are a lots of very positive reviews about the new model (V9). The new engine seems better than the one in V7 in terms of performance and flexibility. The V9 only about $2000 more than comparable V7 models, to me personally, I would rather pay a little more to get the V9 engine. If Moto Guzzi makes V9 Racer, I would trade-in my 2016 V7II for it. How about you?

JeffOlson · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2016, 12:46:06 AM »

I don't have a V7 II, but if I did, then yes, I would! I need another cafe racer...

waxi · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2016, 02:13:07 AM »

Well, if I wouldn't have V7 II already I would probably get V9. But now... I don't think its worth it. Not really much gain in horsepower and torque...

pete roper · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2016, 02:16:04 AM »

Well I tipped some dollars into buying some of the 'Specific Tooling' for them today so I'm hoping they're popular....

fossil · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2016, 03:11:43 AM »

As you know, I probably was the first in this forum who had the opportunity to test ride the Roamer and I was VERY satisfied with the engine. But - to answer your question - no. My V7 Stone is exactly what I like. The better engine would be nice, however it does not make the 750 ccm engine undesirable. If I would be in the market for a new bike now - then I would buy one at once.

But not the racer! A version like the Stone / Special again.

Regarding the 900 ccm engine: in one of our German magazines there was a comparative test between the Harley 1200 Roadster and the Roamer. Together with power - and torque diagrams. The Roamer was regarded very positively, the bikes had identical speed, acceleration was identical, road holding of the Guzzi was better, as was the fuel consumption. They reached more than 330 km with one filling. And the Guzzi was much cheaper. They think it is a real alternative even for the Duc Scrambler series.

The power at the rear wheel was 60 hp, the torque 70 Nm. Both significantly stronger than announced from Guzzi. These data correspond with what I experienced. The torque curve runs between 2500 and 6500/min constantly beween 67 and 70 Nm. Very nice.

Seamaster · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2016, 04:16:55 AM »

In order to get better power delivery out of my V7II, I installed a BMC filter, a pair of Zard slip-on, and of course two FatDuc on each side. The result is simply amazing. Power is much smoother and the power gain can be felt throughout the range. The bike now is little too loud and I have to wear ear plugs for longer trips.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2016, 05:35:30 AM »

Quote from: Seamaster on July 20, 2016, 04:16:55 AM

In order to get better power delivery out of my V7II, I installed a BMC filter, a pair of Zard slip-on, and of course two FatDuc on each side. The result is simply amazing. Power is much smoother and the power gain can be felt throughout the range. The bike now is little too loud and I have to wear ear plugs for longer trips.

Oh no, he's poking the bear wearing a fezz...

kingoffleece · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2016, 05:57:38 AM »

I have a V7 2015 and have had about 10 miles on the V9. The V9 is a very nice motor but I would not change my V7 for it. First, not enough difference to warrant the change, and second, I knew what I was getting with the V7 and I'm fine with it.

As always, YMMV.

ponti_33609 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2016, 06:00:29 AM »

I wouldn't but I might consider trading for a V5.

My V7 is the perfect size for city driving and I would only go smaller not larger for my application.

pete roper · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2016, 06:15:46 AM »

'Fat-Duc's' and other such nonsense work fine if you have no idea of the way modern engine management systems work and the damage they can cause. Knock yer selves out. Modern systems are not simple and linear, simple, linear, inputs won't work.

fossil · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2016, 06:30:16 AM »

Quote from: pete roper on July 20, 2016, 06:15:46 AM

'Fat-Duc's' and other such nonsense work fine if you have no idea of the way modern engine management systems work and the damage they can cause. Knock yer selves out. Modern systems are not simple and linear, simple, linear, inputs won't work.

I really hoped you would answer. Detuning an aligned system for better performance: it will not work.

pikipiki · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2016, 06:39:49 AM »

think people are already postponing v7 orders waiting for this.

pete roper · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2016, 06:53:45 AM »

I can't, at the moment, (And I haven't yet ridden one.) see what improvements the V9 will have, engine wise, over the V7. Both cylinder head designs are primitive and dirty, the power output on the V9 seems to be nothing to crow about? Yes there are some driveline improvements but most of it is styling.

Despite not being a 'Smallblock' person I actually like the V7 motive package and I'm sure the V9 will be no worse. It would be 1000 times better with a hi-cam top end and a decent chassis and perhaps the new driveshaft and swingarm hints at that but until it gets a new frame and 21'st century suspension it won't be on my list.....

Pete

Kev m · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2016, 07:12:08 AM »

I am absolutely in love with my V7 and have no plans of getting rid of it...maybe even *ever* (though that's a long time).

And to be perfectly honest, I'd be VERY tempted to ADD a V9 Stone to the fleet as an additional bike.

Unfortunately, and the irony of Fossil's comments is not lost on me, Harley came out with the CX Roadster this year and if there is some way possible in the next year or so, I think that TRUMPS (ha ha ha) the V9.

But I feel I must explain.

If we rewind 3 1/2 years I had a decision to make. I needed to EITHER buy a new White V7 Stone (for which I had been pining since learning about the then new version of the smallblock) OR buy a BEAUTIFUL leftover denim white pearl XR1200. And at the time the XR had been discontinued so I knew it was my one and only chance to get a bike like that brand new, one that I figured Harley might never produce again in my lifetime. I obviously chose to the Stone and don't regret it.

So fast forward to today and I think Harley has addressed everything I didn't like about the XR (the plastic tank, and honestly the rearset controls, not to mention I wasn't really a fan of the tail section aesthetics). And let's face it, with Harley's history, I won't have too many years to order a CX.

No I gotta get a job and buy a CX!!!!

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2016, 07:14:23 AM »

I was unimpressed with the Bobber I rode at the nationals. Quality control was good, and it was nicely built. I'll give it that.

Quote

The power at the rear wheel was 60 hp, the torque 70 Nm. Both significantly stronger than announced from Guzzi.

I'd like to have some of what their dyno operator was smoking..

Kev m · « **Reply #15 on:** July 20, 2016, 07:18:15 AM »

Quote from: Chuck in Indiana on July 20, 2016, 07:14:23 AM

I'd like to have some of what their dyno operator was smoking..

Yeah, I missed that when quickly reading this thread... 60 rwhp? Yeah, no... but I will say the reviews are starting to quote an impressive 50 rwhp, which sounds fine to this guy who loves his 40 rwhp V7!

jas67 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 20, 2016, 08:10:52 AM »

If I didn't already have two V7's, and was considering buying one, I'd be very tempted to hold out for a V9 Special or Stone. And, I'd certainly pony up a little more money for the V9 engine over the V7 one.

As for a V9 Racer? I sold my V7 Classic to buy a V7 Racer. I put 8k miles on my V7 Classic in the two years that I owned it (one of many bikes in my fleet). I only put 4k on the V7 Racer in the first two years that I owned it. Bottom line for me, is that a bike with hard luggage (which doesn't work out with the up-swept exhaust on the racer) gets used a lot more, as a lot of my riding is commuting, and errand running. I really missed the more practical V7 Classic, so, I bought V7 Special in November, and have already put 2,400 miles on it, and will likely be averaging 4k miles/year as I did with the V7C.

I still have my V7 Racer (with Record fairing now), and have no intentions on getting rid of it. I don't see the V9 Racer being enough of an upgrade to pay the difference between selling my V7R and buy it, esp, since I put all the money into the Record fairing, which certainly won't just bolt onto the V9 Racer.

Also, for the money that a V9 Racer would sell for, my money would be on the Thruxton R. It has way better everything, suspension, brakes, power. It looks are drop-dead gorgeous. The only detractor is chain drive vs. shaft drive, but, a cafe-style bike sees a lot less use in my fleet anyway, so, the chain maintenance is no big deal. The belt-driven F800GT and shaft-driven V7 Special, both with hard luggage get the most miles in my fleet.

I'm really enjoying both my V7's. I've got faster bikes, Ducati Monster 796, BMW F800GT, both faster than a V9. But, I enjoy the V7's for what they are, and given the chassis, I don't really want for more power when riding them, not enough to pay the difference between what I can sell them for (used, obviously), and the new price of a V9.

Kev m · « **Reply #17 on:** July 20, 2016, 08:35:21 AM »

Quote from: jas67 on July 20, 2016, 08:10:52 AM

Bottom line for me, is that a bike with hard luggage <snip> gets used a lot more

And this sums up my complete philosophy on what works for me.

IF I do manage to get a CX, there will be a set of C-bow racks in its future.

kevdog3019 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 20, 2016, 09:05:50 AM »

I'm not here much lately on WG. This "racer" scenario is a hypothetical right? I would reserve the "racer" for a high cam 4-valve head with water jacket. I think the bobber, etc. are perfectly suited to this torquey upgrade.

tonUPRacer · « **Reply #19 on:** July 20, 2016, 09:12:35 AM »

I seriously doubt it. I'd have to have the opportunity to try the V9 first. I did get a chance to see the V9 in person at our new dealer recently and I was impressed. Like Pete mentioned aesthetically they've made it a very nice looking engine, nice finishes and machining. They would have to do some serious upgrades on the suspension in addition to the new powerplant to sway me. Here's the package that I would consider ditching my V7 Racer for a V9 Racer:

Upside-down fully adjustable high quality fork, fully adjustable rear shock (higher quality than current Bi-Tubo), Record fairing (or equivalent) installed, standard Arrow or equivalent exhaust, those upgrades and the new engine would then most likely get me to make the jump. Do it for under 14K. Oh and it better be a looker, too!

JeffOlson · « **Reply #20 on:** July 20, 2016, 09:21:11 AM »

^ Yep, the Thruxton R would do it for me. Oh, wait, that's not a Moto Guzzi.

If the Thruxton R were assembled in England, I'd be more interested. For me, country of assembly or origin is important. Moto Guzzis are assembled in Italy, not Thailand. That bit is important to me. So, if (when!) MG comes out with a V9 Racer, I will be keenly interested.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 20, 2016, 09:48:13 AM »

Forget a V9 Racer. Give me a new "850 Lemans" - Retro paint on V7 style tank and side covers/fenders (Red, Blue or White), clip-ons, alloy wheels (same as Stone), black exhaust, and no goofy number plates.

No brainer!

bad Chad · « **Reply #22 on:** July 20, 2016, 10:21:18 AM »

I road the v9 Roamer. I enjoyed the motor and drivetrain quiet a bit. Those extra 10hp to the tarmac are significant, on a bike that weighs about what the v7 weighs.

The current frame is to small for my liking, but I think dropping the v9 motor and drive into a modern LeMans would be super cool. Find away to boost power for the Lemans by another 4-5hp and folks would go crazy for it.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 20, 2016, 10:47:34 AM »

Quote from: Cam3512 on July 20, 2016, 09:48:13 AM

Forget a V9 Racer. Give me a new "850 Lemans" - Retro paint on V7 style tank and side covers/fenders (Red, Blue or White), clip-ons, alloy wheels (same as Stone), black exhaust, and no goofy number plates.

No brainer!

And let's not forget the bikini fairing! No way they'd manufacture another frame when they have the new V9's ready to go.

Adan · « **Reply #24 on:** July 20, 2016, 10:59:00 AM »

No, if I had a V7 racer, I would not upgrade to the same bike with the V9 engine dropped into it. I've owned a V7 racer and test drove the V9 Roamer. Although the V9 engine is more powerful and just plain fun, it's still a retro-bike experience, not vastly different than the V7, not worth upgrading IMO.

Neither the V7 nor the V9 is really meant to go fast. The V9 engine delivers more of a thrill, but that's about it. The V7 still has a character and charm of its own and frankly I don't think it necessarily takes a back seat to the V9 (can I even use a car metaphor to describe motorcycles?)

But the hypothetical question was very specific. We don't know what the next V9 will look like. Put it in an interesting and somewhat more capable chassis and the equation could well tip in favor of trading up.

Toecutter · « **Reply #25 on:** July 20, 2016, 11:24:12 AM »

1) Not a fan of the racer. Too flashy for me.

2) I would not ditch my Special for a V9 Version.

Now, if the time came to move on, and sell the V7 for an "upgrade" I might consider it, if it existed. But to ditch it for a few more horsepower? Nah. I don't see the need.

Quote

Moto Guzzis are assembled in Italy, not Thailand

Is this good, or bad? The emotional part of me says good, but the logical part of me wonders sometimes. I'm pretty sure my Special was a "Friday Bike"... more specifically, a "Last Friday in July" bike. I expect some issues with hand-assembled bikes, but Piaggio needs to work on their quality control.

Seamaster · « **Reply #26 on:** July 20, 2016, 11:57:23 AM »

You all have valid points, I like to own a cafe racer, but not with that flashy red frame and paint.

kirkemon · « **Reply #27 on:** July 20, 2016, 01:00:50 PM »

Quote from: Cam3512 on July 20, 2016, 09:48:13 AM

Forget a V9 Racer. Give me a new "850 Lemans" - Retro paint on V7 style tank and side covers/fenders (Red, Blue or White), clip-ons, alloy wheels (same as Stone), black exhaust, and no goofy number plates.
No brainer!

:1:
I would have to see the V9 Racer first. The current V9 front forks look extended - if they would lower the front I think it would look better.
Of course our dealers here in Calif. don't have them yet, so I've never even seen one in person.

Beerman · « **Reply #28 on:** July 20, 2016, 04:12:14 PM »

In a word, no. I don't have the racer but a 2016 Special; I looked at the V7 and the V9 and went for the V7. Different for different people; I just love the V7 - the look, the weight, the size - and It has all the power I want and more than I need. I'm with Kev m! However, as a second bike...but my other half would have a view on that.

Beerman

Perazzimx14 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 20, 2016, 04:51:19 PM »

I've been trying to "ditch" mine for the last 8 or 9 months.

News:

Author Topic: If Moto Guzzi makes V9 racer, are you going to ditch your V7 for it? (Read 10603 times)

pete roper

ponti_33609

pete roper

pete roper