Finally rode a V9, and actually bought one!

[Huzo]

How about two guys that live close enough to each other, get together and do a one week ride somewhere, one on a V9 and one on a V7 111, that'll give you a better real world comparison than a hundred Dyno comparisons digested on a sofa. From loading the bikes, 500 or so miles a day "side by side," and finish the comparison when you've washed the bikes and put them away. What really matters is how you and the bike "find" each other and blend after a long time. The books and the dyno can not tell you that and if the try they sometimes lie.

[Zoom Zoom]

How does the V9 feel cruising on U.S. highways, esp. compared to the older bikes of similar displacement? I've always been impressed at how well my T3 feels on the highway, even up into the 70 or even (indicated) 80s mphs, in terms of stability and smoothness and, with a windshield, reasonable comfort. I you start from the notion that a T3 is a more-than-adequate US-highway cruiser, how does the V9 compare? Slightly more adequate, slightly less?

Jason
Madison, WI (but currently Bangkok)

When I spent some time with a Roamer last Summer, I did a little highway with it (Rt 2 to Rt 44 near Mentor, Ohio, 4 lane). Speed limit on that is 60. When I hit the merge ramp, I easily merged onto the highway and was doing 70 when I looked down. I backed off and moved into traffic. No problem at 60/65 wicking it up just to see what it still had. The engine and transmission work well together.  Through all of that, it felt stable. No drama. Now, I wish I had done a brief stint on I-90 just to see. There was no windshield on the one I rode if that is something to take into account. All in all, I really liked the bike. Even though the seat appears thin, I felt more comfortable that I ever expected. I would like to see a tach on them, but otherwise I really could find anything to nit pick.

John Henry

[Darren Williams]

When I spent some time with a Roamer last Summer, I did a little highway with it (Rt 2 to Rt 44 near Mentor, Ohio, 4 lane). Speed limit on that is 60. When I hit the merge ramp, I easily merged onto the highway and was doing 70 when I looked down. I backed off and moved into traffic. No problem at 60/65 wicking it up just to see what it still had. The engine and transmission work well together.  Through all of that, it felt stable. No drama. Now, I wish I had done a brief stint on I-90 just to see. There was no windshield on the one I rode if that is something to take into account. All in all, I really liked the bike. Even though the seat appears thin, I felt more comfortable that I ever expected. I would like to see a tach on them, but otherwise I really could find anything to nit pick.

John Henry

Not to be disparaging or sound like I am, but different parts of the world/country has different speed limits and road conditions such that 70 to us fly over states dwellers is secondary roads and just getting started. Out interstate highways have 75 mph posted and most are running 10 over, and then to visit Texas regularly with its 85 mph limits where folks are running 10 to 15 over. I can't go anywhere around where I live that 80 mph won't get you tailgated by cars and blocked in by trucks.  And if a road bike doesn't have "brisk" acceleration up to at least 90, it's not a contender for garage space. Yes, I have heard and understand the arguments that I don't "need" that kind of performance, but life's too short to settle for a slow bike. I'm too old to go slow!

That said, the little 750 Breva I have pulls well at 80 and above when asked to get around a couple cars and trucks and you keep it in the happy zone.  I would expect the V9 to be even better.

[leafman60]

I rode the V9 soon after its introduction and liked it.

For a cruiser-type bike I would opt for an American Big Twin but I liked the V9 motor.

I really expected Guzzi would transfer the V9 engine into the current V7 platform but they have not.  A V9 Stornello would be very attractive for me.

I just do not understand the V7III.  What is the reason for two bikes with similar but different engines?

[Kev m]

Not to be disparaging or sound like I am, but different parts of the world/country has different speed limits and road conditions such that 70 to us fly over states dwellers is secondary roads and just getting started. Out interstate highways have 75 mph posted and most are running 10 over, and then to visit Texas regularly with its 85 mph limits where folks are running 10 to 15 over. I can't go anywhere around where I live that 80 mph won't get you tailgated by cars and blocked in by trucks.  And if a road bike doesn't have "brisk" acceleration up to at least 90, it's not a contender for garage space. Yes, I have heard and understand the arguments that I don't "need" that kind of performance, but life's too short to settle for a slow bike. I'm too old to go slow!

That said, the little 750 Breva I have pulls well at 80 and above when asked to get around a couple cars and trucks and you keep it in the happy zone.  I would expect the V9 to be even better.

Well, not for nothing, but if your B7 is fine, then the V7 would be too and the V9 even better. Nuff said.

I rode the V9 soon after its introduction and liked it.

For a cruiser-type bike I would opt for an American Big Twin but I liked the V9 motor.

I really expected Guzzi would transfer the V9 engine into the current V7 platform but they have not.  A V9 Stornello would be very attractive for me.

I just do not understand the V7III.  What is the reason for two bikes with similar but different engines?

* Tiered licensing
* Price point
* Size
* Styling

[oldbike54]

 Darren , say what now ? I need a translator 

 Dusty

[Darren Williams]

Darren , say what now ? I need a translator 

 Dusty

Early and on cold meds!  What I meant was response to highway speeds of 60 to 70 doesn't cut it out here where flow is 80 to 90.  And My B750 does OK at those 80 to 90 speeds, so the V9 should be even better.

[oldbike54]

Early and on cold meds!  What I meant was response to highway speeds of 60 to 70 doesn't cut it out here where flow is 80 to 90.  And My B750 does OK at those 80 to 90 speeds, so the V9 should be even better.

 It's OK Brother , we understand  Actually , the part of Ohio Zoom Zoom lives in has some damn fast traffic also .

 Dusty

[kevdog3019]

I have to say I'm a little surprised Guzzi is modifying the 750 mill when they have the new V9 in the same niche.  They are both sb and not far in hp.  A little baffling to say the least unless the Euro-friendly 750 meets requirements an 850 (or whatever the V9 is?) doesn't.  Other than a number I don't see how it fits in any longer.  If it was a cakewalk for Guzzi to modify, then I go back to my original statement of continuance to sell a bike that hits the numbers while saying they made some significant changes (V7III "Oh my!!").  When that dries up and they continue to sell 750 mills I will beat my head with a rolling pin. 

[pete roper]

I rode the V9 soon after its introduction and liked it.

For a cruiser-type bike I would opt for an American Big Twin but I liked the V9 motor.

I really expected Guzzi would transfer the V9 engine into the current V7 platform but they have not.  A V9 Stornello would be very attractive for me.

I just do not understand the V7III.  What is the reason for two bikes with similar but different engines?

My guess it's some sort of weird Piaggio lurch at tapping into Guzzi 'History'. Remember that their 'Cooking' bikes in the seventies and early eighties were 948cc, ('Vert, SP1000 etc.) while their 'Sportier' models were 850cc, (LeMans.).

That may sound odd and implausible but remember we are looking at a company that when the V9 series was first launched filled it's blurb with references to the 'Iconic' Nevada. When I read they I nearly shat myself! No offence to Nevada owners but they are a popular as herpes and about as 'Iconic' as a three week old mouldy cheese sandwich! Piaggio suits just don't 'Get it' and it may yet kill the marque.

Pete

[bad Chad]

The Nevada was never a popular seller here in the US, not even by Guzzi standards.  But somewhere I read that world wide, it was the Nevada and similar small block derivatives, that kept the company going when times were really thin?

[Adan]

Piaggio suits just don't 'Get it' and it may yet kill the marque.

The V7 is usually credited with saving the marque. 

The V9 has been out long enough, shouldn't there be some sales figures by now?  My impression is that it hasn't taken off.

[JJ]

A guy from Colorado had a nice looking V9 Roamer last year at Datil.  He said he liked it.

The Stornello is starting to grow on me also... :1:








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[jas67]

The V7 is usually credited with saving the marque. 

The V9 has been out long enough, shouldn't there be some sales figures by now?  My impression is that it hasn't taken off.

Word from my local dealer is that they have indeed no taken off, for the, or any other dealer.

[bad Chad]

I rode one, it was pretty darn good.  Pegs were to far forward, but they fixed that for this year.

A friend here in IL bought one, loves it.

[LowRyter]

Mike,  since you started this conversation, you might finish it:

You own a Sportster, how does it compare to it?

[mjptexas]

Mike,  since you started this conversation, you might finish it:

You own a Sportster, how does it compare to it?

My Sporty is the Roadster which has a great suspension, where as the V9 suspension is bargain basement.  First impression is that's the only area where the Sporty beats the V9.

Performance wise it's a draw. V9 is 10 hp down but a 100 lbs. lighter than a Sporty. V9 feels a little roomier.  Both are very stable on the freeway.  Can't comment on performance in the twisties as I didn't get a chance to ride the V9 on any of my favorite roads.

Actually the V9 is more like the last generation Triumph  Bonneville T100, but with Italian panache.

[Bulldog9]

I really like the V9 but 'not enough'. I love the style/all metal panels, back to basics with modern upgrades approach, but  I'd like a bigger tank, better suspension, better seat and fairing/bag options. Hopefully they will develop these.  In other words, I'd like to see  the V9 line rounded out in similar fashion as the 1400 series.  The V7 just feels so insubstantial to me.  VERY happy with my CARC bikes, want to add a V11 sport.  Unfortunately, will likely not be riding much in the next few years, considering a side car to my Griso or Norge.  But back to the V9, I REALLY like the V9 in Red..... Would love to see that or a pearle white in the USA

[Kev m]

The V7 is usually credited with saving the marque. 

The V9 has been out long enough, shouldn't there be some sales figures by now?  My impression is that it hasn't taken off.

Jay mentioned to me lately that the local dealer had not sold one, and they hadn't even heard of a dealer who had!

Edit- I should read the rest of the thread before replying lol...

... As for the poster who used the term substantial...I get that... But it could go either way. I mean I DO enjoy that feel sometimes (on the highway), but I also enjoy the light feel of my V7.

[ohiorider]

Has anyone seen sales results for the V9 Roamer and Bobber in worldwide sales?  Perhaps it does better in Europe than here.  The Fiat 500 Series hasn't knocked it out of the park in the USA, but is apparently selling fairly well in Europe (only mention this since it may parallel the V9 in the USA vs in the rest of the world.)

[Kev m]

Has anyone seen sales results for the V9 Roamer and Bobber in worldwide sales?  Perhaps it does better in Europe than here.  The Fiat 500 Series hasn't knocked it out of the park in the USA, but is apparently selling fairly well in Europe (only mention this since it may parallel the V9 in the USA vs in the rest of the world.)

I'd be shocked if Piaggio made that public.

[ohiorider]

I'd be shocked if Piaggio made that public.

Do you think it's that bad?  May be .... I don't know. 

It seems to me that if this forum provides any useful info that Piaggio marketing should consider, their answer in the form of the V9 was not the answer we wanted.  I realize "we're" not the do all end all, but I think we do offer some insight into what many forum member would buy.  And I don't remember any of us saying 'please, punch out the V7 engine to something a bit larger, give us a bike with cruiser ergos, a hemi head, and make sure it has a fuel tank reminiscent of the older T series bikes.  However, I do think many of us asked for a big block standard .... a bike with V7 styling powered by a big block engine.  Those Mandello bikerz just don't listen, apparently.

[Xlratr]

That may sound odd and implausible but remember we are looking at a company that when the V9 series was first launched filled it's blurb with references to the 'Iconic' Nevada. When I read they I nearly shat myself! No offence to Nevada owners but they are a popular as herpes and about as 'Iconic' as a three week old mouldy cheese sandwich! Piaggio suits just don't 'Get it' and it may yet kill the marque.

Pete

I've said this before, I really do like the V9.
But that just made my coffee come out my nose! :-).



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[kevdog3019]

I think this whole cruiser excercise is a joke Guzzi's putting on. They are catering to Mr. Nevada. They missed the boat with the V9. Now they're re-tooling for the V7 so it can come within a few hp of the V9. What the hell??  When they made the LM 1000, did they still make the 850?  To me they are denigrating the V9. It probably should have never happened.

[Kev m]

Do you think it's that bad?  May be .... I don't know. 

Yeah, like Jay was saying about what a local dealer said (I.e. that not only they'd not sold a single one but they hadn't heard of another dealer who had). So yeah, I think it's that bad.

That said, a lot of motorcycle manufacturers seem to keep sales figures (especially on individual models) close to the chest.

For the record I kinda like the V9, but even I prefer the looks and probably even ethos of the V7.

[charlie b]

OK, so I just looked at the Guzzi website where they have a picture with a slider bar.  The pegs for the bobber and roamer are in the same place.  The bars and seat are slightly different.

So, why is the impression that the bobber has a cruiser foot forward position and the roamer does not?  Or am I reading people's impressions wrong?

Just seems like the V9 would be comparable to my old T5 (but with smaller gas tanks).

[Xlratr]

I think this whole "V9 is a cruiser" thing is completely over exaggerated. I've not ridden one, but I have sat on one. To me it looks and feels like a "standard" motorcycle.


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[Kev m]

I think this whole "V9 is a cruiser" thing is completely over exaggerated. I've not ridden one, but I have sat on one. To me it looks and feels like a "standard" motorcycle.


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Agreed.

[Dean Rose]

They need to ditch that tank on the V9, put a V7 tank on it.

Dean

[Kev m]

Looks like Eurosports in Coopersburg has one sold .....

Ah do tell, to anyone we know?