Ordered a V9 Bobber today - 8/2/17 updates

[decotriumph]

Well, I've decided to trade my '14 Stelvio for a gray V9 Bobber.

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd need to go to a smaller bike because of age-related reduction in physical abilities (I'm almost 67), but the time has come. I love the Stelvio when I'm riding it and always return home with a smile on my face, but with as high as it carries its weight, and my reduced upper body strength, it's a handful moving it around in the garage, etc. I've been afraid I would drop it on more than one occasion.

The V9 seems to fit me and it feels lighter (or carries it lower anyway). I love the look of that big front tire and wheel, so I chose the Bobber over the Roamer, but it was a struggle deciding which one to get. The dealer had to order it, but it should be in next week sometime.

[malik]

From what the others who have made that jump say, it seems unlikely that you'll have any regrets. Do let us know how it goes.

[Lee Davis]

You sure hit home with me... I am 67, and a month ago bought a new V9 (I went with the Roamer because of the reviews that said that the riding stance was less racer like on that bike, compared to the Bobber). While at the dealer, I saw the new 2016 Stelvio, and just had to have it. The Roamer is a great around town, or weekend trip bike, although I would not shy away from riding it to Mongolia. But for the Alaska trip this summer, I shall take the Stelvio. Cheers to you!

[Aaron D.]

A friend may be trading a Cali 1400 on a Roamer soon.

Could be Piaggio/Guzzi ain't so dumb after all.

[twowings]

Keep us posted...

[Adan]

Surely all these posts recently praising the V9 must be fake news.  Everyone was so sure when the V9s came out that they must be the worst thing ever to bear the Moto Guzzi name.  How could the experts be wrong?

The V9 isn't a strong choice for long days in the saddle.  Other than that, I don't think there's much not to like. 

[Rick4003]

Congrats with the new bike! I'm sure you'll love it. I am yet to see a V9 in the flesh, but please post a bunch of pictures of your new pride and joy!

-Ulrik 

[twodogs]

Congrats on your new v9, do they have the red v9 out? Anybody out there know?

[pete roper]

You can't give the things away over here. They sell like rat sandwiches.

Pete

[decotriumph]

Congrats on your new v9, do they have the red v9 out? Anybody out there know?

In the US, they only offer the V9 Roamer in yellow or white; the Bobber is in matte black or matte gray.

[decotriumph]

You can't give the things away over here. They sell like rat sandwiches.

Pete

Where is "over here," Pete?

[Aaron D.]

Pete is in the Land Down Under.

From Australia's government re 2016 road bike sales

"Road bike sales were again healthy across the industry, increasing 5.3 per cent over the 2015 result and accounting for 41.6 per cent of the total market. Australians rode home with a total of 47,753 new road bikes in 2016.

Harley-Davidson took out the top sales position in the road bike category. The Milwaukee (USA) based manufacturer sold 10,282 new road bikes across Australia in 2016 to claim a leading segment share of 21.5 per cent."

Piaggio and Vespa brand hold #1 and #2 in sales respectively.

So to sort of reiterate, I think Piaggio is making some good moves with Guzzi. I like the current offerings quite a lot. I only wish they'd make a street 350 horizontal single, but I know it would be a sales bomb.

[Adan]

How many aussies buy sportsters?  I'm sure more than buy V9s, by a large margin.  Yet the V9 is a better bike.  It's the brand, not the bike, that's driving the difference. 

[menzies]

Alan, did you trade at Sloan's if I may be so bold to ask.

[Aaron D.]

How many aussies buy sportsters?  I'm sure more than buy V9s, by a large margin.  Yet the V9 is a better bike.  It's the brand, not the bike, that's driving the difference.

Though I love Guzzi and I'm a fan of the V9 series, I don't see how I could say a V9 is better than a Sportster. Or the other way 'round.

[Adan]

I would point to the weight difference that gives the V9 a big advantage.  But I admit they're very similar and it's a close call.  The difference in sales numbers does not correlate to a difference is quality or performance.

[Aaron D.]

Again, I m a Guzzi guy from way back.

I haven't spent a lot of time on a small block or a Sportster but they both seem pleasant enough-from a utility standpoint they may be a draw, for handling I suspect the Guzzi should be more fun when pushed, for reliability I think I'd give the nod to the HD.

So I wouldn't call one better. The popularity thing has its plus/minus sides.

[M0T0Geezer]

Well, I've decided to trade my '14 Stelvio for a V9 Bobber. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd need to go to a smaller bike because of age-related reduction in physical abilities (I'm almost 67), but the time has come.

Know whatchamean.   I went from a GL1800 to a used Breva 750 (by way of a 400cc Yamaha Majesty scooter) for the very same reasons.  Only difference is that I was 73 when I did it.

Still don't know what 'they' mean that 'A 750 is too little to tour on."  Odd idea to me, when I've been on a number of 1000+ mile road trips on my wee Goose.

 Hope your 850 V9 will spare you from being assailed with this incorrect too little notion. 

You are bound to love its more nimble form.

'Geezer

[menzies]

I have done several tours on an 865cc Triumph Scrambler, from 1200 to 2000 miles.

[Zinfan]

Trip I took on my V7 into Mexico last year, I had planned on going much farther but ran into health issues.  This is around 2000-2200 miles I think??  No problems with the bike or it's size at all.

[jbell]

You can't give the things away over here. They sell like rat sandwiches.

Pete

Have you tried deep frying them?  Makes everything taste better.

[Penderic]

wrapped in bacon.

[Arizona Wayne]

Know whatchamean.   I went from a GL1800 to a used Breva 750 (by way of a 400cc Yamaha Majesty scooter) for the very same reasons.  Only difference is that I was 73 when I did it.

Still don't know what 'they' mean that 'A 750 is too little to tour on."  Odd idea to me, when I've been on a number of 1000+ mile road trips on my wee Goose.

 Hope your 850 V9 will spare you from being assailed with this incorrect too little notion. 

You are bound to love its more nimble form.

'Geezer

Hell, I've ridden to more western states (7) the last couple years on my Piaggio 400 MP3 than any of my larger bikes in my garage at 73 yo.  I don't care what anybody else thinks and ride what I prefer at the time. 

[Huzo]

Where is "over here," Pete?

Australia.

[Kev m]

I would point to the weight difference that gives the V9 a big advantage.  But I admit they're very similar and it's a close call.  The difference in sales numbers does not correlate to a difference is quality or performance.

I dunno man.

I love my smallblock and by all reports the V9 is even better... BUT my Sportster is fantastic and is BETTER at certain things than my smallblock for sure.

My Sportster is a better 2-up bike, it's better on the highway, and better in cross winds.

The smallblock is certainly more nimble and more efficient.

They both have their merits.

[jas67]

Congrats on the new purchase, can't wait to hear what you think.

They seem like great bikes, I'm glad to see that people is buying them and enjoying them.  Personally, I still prefer the ergos and aesthetics of the V7, and wish the new V7's had the 850cc engine.   

I'm still very happy with my 2014 V7 Special, and will stick with it until the V7-IV comes out with the 850cc engine.

[decotriumph]

Alan, did you trade at Sloan's if I may be so bold to ask.

Yes, Sloan's. My next closest Guzzi dealer is in Atlanta, three hours away. As long as I can deal reasonably with Sloan's they will be my dealer of choice. So far, I have no complaints with any department there. My salesman is Frank Poag if you ever want to go there.

[decotriumph]

Congrats on the new purchase, can't wait to hear what you think.

They seem like great bikes, I'm glad to see that people is buying them and enjoying them.  Personally, I still prefer the ergos and aesthetics of the V7, and wish the new V7's had the 850cc engine.   

I'm still very happy with my 2014 V7 Special, and will stick with it until the V7-IV comes out with the 850cc engine.

I'm 6'2" tall with a 33" inseam. The V7 feels physically too small for me. The V9 seems to be about right.

It's funny that people consider a 750 or 850 "too small to tour on." Touring bikes not too many decades ago were in that size range or even smaller and beginner bikes were in the 125 to 250 range. I've done lots of long trips on 750s, 550s, and 850s. I know a guy who used to tour two-up on a Yamaha 650 Special.

[menzies]

Yes, Sloan's. My next closest Guzzi dealer is in Atlanta, three hours away. As long as I can deal reasonably with Sloan's they will be my dealer of choice. So far, I have no complaints with any department there. My salesman is Frank Poag if you ever want to go there.

I have been speaking with Frank and am very familiar with Sloan's. I am about 130 miles from them and about 80 miles from the dealer in Marietta and prefer Sloan's. There is a lot to like and especially the fact that 3 generations of Sloan's are there in the building.

I bought the 73' Commando from you and you delivered it down to Alabama back in 05'.

[decotriumph]

I have been speaking with Frank and am very familiar with Sloan's. I am about 130 miles from them and about 80 miles from the dealer in Marietta and prefer Sloan's. There is a lot to like and especially the fact that 3 generations of Sloan's are there in the building.

I bought the 73' Commando from you and you delivered it down to Alabama back in 05'.

I remember you! That was a sweet Norton!