V9 accessory questions

[wittangamo]

Took a 40-mile test today on a Roamer on a mix of tight twisties and open highway. I liked it. Thinking seriously about trading in my Griso.

But during the negotiations, the dealer was looking up accessory prices and made the bizarre statement that the rear rack only comes as a package with the comfort seat and pillion. I've seen photos and videos showing the original Roamer seat with the rack. But with three different seats available -- original, comfort and redesigned dual -- I don't want to make a mistake.

Not only that, but the photos of the rack and tail bag for the Roamer and Bobber appear to be identical -- yet they carry different model numbers. On the AF1 site, the only one where I see prices, the Roamer parts are significantly higher.

Can anyone help me untangle this Mandello madness?

[bad Chad]

Did you down load the PFD Accessory catalog from the US Guzzi web site?

[wittangamo]

I have the accessory PDF. Photos are identical and show them with the original seat. But I've had parts guys at two dealers tell me the rack won't fit unless I buy the comfort seat and pillion, which adds $700 to the cost.

They admit it sounds ridiculous, and can't explain why the part numbers and prices for the same pieces
on nearly identical bikes are different.

[flip]

Would the Hepco Becker rack work for you ? $255.44 at Moto International.

http://www.motointernational.com/store/accessories/h-b-black-luggage-rack-for-v9-roamer

[mjptexas]

Took a 40-mile test today on a Roamer on a mix of tight twisties and open highway. I liked it. Thinking seriously about trading in my Griso.

Don't.

You will live to regret it.  I know I did.

[wittangamo]

Mike, I'd love to hear your reasons. The Griso is a beast, and after five years and 23K miles I'm in the mood for something lighter.

Flip, as for H-B, it's a style thing. Not crazy about the raised rail in front or the choice of tail bags. Undecided for now on panniers. The MG choices are ridiculously expensive and fugly.

[Scott DeRoss]

Took a 40-mile test today on a Roamer on a mix of tight twisties and open highway. I liked it. Thinking seriously about trading in my Griso.

But during the negotiations, the dealer was looking up accessory prices and made the bizarre statement that the rear rack only comes as a package with the comfort seat and pillion. I've seen photos and videos showing the original Roamer seat with the rack. But with three different seats available -- original, comfort and redesigned dual -- I don't want to make a mistake.

Not only that, but the photos of the rack and tail bag for the Roamer and Bobber appear to be identical -- yet they carry different model numbers. On the AF1 site, the only one where I see prices, the Roamer parts are significantly higher.

Can anyone help me untangle this Mandello madness?

Yes, when I purchased my v9 and bought the rear rack. I had to buy the 2 piece comfort seat with it. I was told that the rack would not fit with the original seat. Yes, all MG accessories are expensive!

[wittangamo]

OK, there's a new dual seat that's longer and has a raised pillion. The original seat was thinner and shorter. I could understand how the new seat wouldn't fit, I can't figure out why the original wouldn't especially since I've seen it in photos with the rack installed.

Original seat with rack and bag:





Dual:




And when I look at how it's mounted, it appears the rack just slides into the frame ends and is attached by two bolts -- which would seem to be identical on both bikes. What am I missing here?

[PasoDuc88]

Wittangamo,

I don't think you're missing anything.  I suspect your dealer is relating information pertaining to the models with the newer dual seat, which I understand to be standard in Europe for their MY17's, but not in the US until next year (MY18)... Perhaps Moto Guzzi's accessory literature available to US dealers doesn't distinguish?  Though I'm not in the market for the rack myself, I recently purchased a V9 Roamer and my dealer mentioned the same thing as we were discussing other luggage options...  I'm inclined to believe the rack will fit just fine with the standard seat on the US MY17 Roamers; US MY18 Roamers will likely require the seat change to accommodate the luggage rack.

[bpreynolds]

Here's mine with the less $$$ Givi rack installed with adaptor plate.  I'll be the first to tell you that I don't like the look of the Givi stuff as well as Hepco Becker but overall it's fine and it does the job certainly.
IMG_20170719_205721_resized_20170721_080259200 by Brian, on Flickr
IMG_5705 by Brian, on Flickr

[wittangamo]

Well, I took the plunge. Bought the bike and ordered the rear rack and bag.

I'm confident it will fit, but I'm often wrong. Either way, I'll post a follow-up and photos when it arrives.

[wittangamo]

While I'm waiting with fingers crossed for the rear rack and tail bag, does anybody have the OEM saddlebags?

I'd like to know the exterior measurements. I'm looking at some inexpensive throw-overs and wondering about size.

Thanks.

[mjptexas]

Mike, I'd love to hear your reasons. The Griso is a beast, and after five years and 23K miles I'm in the mood for something lighter.

The V9 is a nice bike for what it is.  I'd call out 3 major differences:
- First (obvious) is power.  You don't have to use all the Griso power but it's nice to have.
- Suspension.  You could spend a lot of money on the V9 suspension with a 50-50 chance of reaching anything near the level of the Griso suspension.
- Solid feel.  Hard to quantify, but the Griso is just 'feels' more solid/planted than a V9.

The V9 is about 50 pounds lighter than the Griso.  I bought a Roamer to be a potential lightweight tourer to eventually replace my 1400 Custom.  The V9 is about 260 pounds lighter than the Custom.  My reasoning was that at some point the 1400 is just going to be too darned heavy for me to push around (I ain't a spring chicken).  Verdict is out as to whether the V9 is the right choice.  The Griso fitted with a flyscreen and H-B CBows may have been a better solution for me.  I know, there's folks out there that say the range on either is too short, but my tired old ass needs a break about every 150 miles, and either bike will do that nicely.

Having said all of that, the V9 Roamer is more pleasant for around town riding, and, the seat is a little lower so it's a bit easier to paddle around in parking lots and the garage. It is much like the 2011 Triumph Bonneville that I owned for several years.

Guess it comes down to what you really are after.  I personally miss the power characteristics of the Griso and the way it fit my weekend riding requirements.  I should mention that the Griso was a near perfect ergonomic fit for me.  I could ride all day without any serious discomfort. 

If you are in the mood for something lighter I'd suggest you go ride the two smallest Ducati Monsters before you make a decision. 

[wittangamo]

Thanks, Mike.

I agree with almost everything you said. I will miss the Griso power, but only when I'm trying to pass a farm truck and two cars at once on a two-lane road. I won't miss the bulk. The V9 feels much lighter and carries the weight lower, so it's much easier to maneuver around a parking lot or garage. I haven't pushed it hard enough to fault the suspension, so far so good.

For me, the Roamer is a Goldilocks bike, stronger than my old V7 Cafe and easier to toss than my former Griso. The ergos are almost perfect. I'm comfy on short hauls and I suspect I'll be happy on long ones with a flyscreen and some break-in time.

I enjoy looking at it almost as much as riding it, and when the Agostinis I ordered arrive it should be fun to listen to as well.

[passator cortese]

I really enjoyed your thoughts about switching from a Griso to a V9, I just sold my V11 but I previously owned a couple of Grisos and my next bike will be a V9 Bobber,

[KiwiTones]

Here's mine with the less $$$ Givi rack installed with adaptor plate.  I'll be the first to tell you that I don't like the look of the Givi stuff as well as Hepco Becker but overall it's fine and it does the job certainly.

I just found this thread. I'm looking to use the same Givi rack with a Givi soft tail bag that is 54cm (21") long  and 27 cm (11") deep.

Here's the bag:
.
And the link to the product on Givi's web site: https://www.givi.co.uk/soft-bags/Tail-Bags/EA115KG

Has anyone used the tail rack for a soft tail bag? Does it strap on well, and is it secure?

Tony

[Joliet Jim]

Looking at that nice accessory seat, I can't help but wonder if they'd sell more bikes if the put a good two-up saddle on it from the start.

[Aaron D.]

For reference-my V9 riding friend has some of this

[grame99]

For reference-my V9 riding friend has some of this

These look great - who makes them?

[Aaron D.]

Pack Animal. Nicely made in Washington or Oregon, I forget. Not "cheap".

[wittangamo]

I initially went with the Guzzi tail rack and bag, adding some relatively inexpensive Tourmaster throw-over bags for longer trips.





But the Tourmasters were a pain to take on and off and wanted to rub the tire when loaded.

I recently decided to spend the bucks for Hepco-Becker rugged bags. Had to source longer bolts to mount C-Bow supports over the OEM tail rack, but these bags match the bike’s retro aesthetic and click on and off easily.

[tasdisr]

Here is my recently purchased Roamer. No rear rack but Hepco & Becker C-bows.

[twowheeladdict]

Pack Animal. Nicely made in Washington or Oregon, I forget. Not "cheap".

Looked them up.  WOW!

[Aaron D.]

They seem to be having fun. My friend said they are quite responsive, and was pleased with the price of the bags-then when his package arrived he realized the price was for one.

He did order the second, and he's very happy with them.