New Member - 1st Street Bike?

[Cory]

     Just joined today and am on the verge of my first street bike.
     Used to race motocross, a lot, and was a better-than-average amateur.  Landed on my knee at a National driving my femur out the back and married an orthopaedic trauma nurse so it wasn't all bad.
     25 years later - went to Italy a few months ago and have since been unable to get a bike out of my head.  My wife not only gave approval, but wants to ride with me.
     After a massive amount of research the V9 Roamer might be "it".  I'm taking a look at a shop tomorrow morning.  It's an hour and a half away which might be ridiculous, but I guess that's part of the price of admission.  The local shops are Harley, all 4 Japanese bikes and KTM, but Moto Guzzi is speaking to me for some reason.  Maybe it's because I left my heart in Cinque Terre.
     Anyway, is the V9 a good choice?  It's my first bike and I'd prefer something unique and cool that I can ride slow if I wish, tour a bit and just be different and great.
     Thanks.


     

[Xlratr]

Not ridden one yet but I'm a fan. I can see a V9 in my future one day.
Looking forward to hearing what you think after your test ride.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[bad Chad]

Welcome,   I've ridden one, liked it a lot, should fit your needs easily.

[Perazzimx14]

May I interest you in a very low mileage 1 owner well cared for V7 Racer located in Chambersburg PA. Clean clear title in my name ready to go. The no haggle price is $5,400 cash.

[Cory]

May I interest you in a very low mileage 1 owner well cared for V7 Racer located in Chambersburg PA. Clean clear title in my name ready to go. The no haggle price is $5,400 cash.

My first thought was (a positive) holy cr*p, but I've been told that a V7 might be slightly too small for 6'1" and I'd need an area for a passenger.  If it were just me, though, at that price I think I'd do it.
Thanks and good luck.  Plus, the drive to Chambersburg is very nice.

[TimmyTheHog]

My first thought was (a positive) holy cr*p, but I've been told that a V7 might be slightly too small for 6'1" and I'd need an area for a passenger.  If it were just me, though, at that price I think I'd do it.
Thanks and good luck.  Plus, the drive to Chambersburg is very nice.

It might, but with lower pegs which can be easily done without sacrificing the ground clearance, it can be quite comfy for 6'-1"...

it is 2-up + luggage that I find can be a tad challenging...assum ing when you said "ride with you" means 2 up...

[guzzisteve]

Got to speak up for the Big Block, I think you would be perfect on a Griso, try it you'll like it!!!

[Perazzimx14]

Any of the small blocks are going to be a bit/very cramped riding 2-up wit or without luggage.

[twowheeladdict]

Got to speak up for the Big Block, I think you would be perfect on a Griso, try it you'll like it!!!

Griso for a returning rider and first street bike? 

I haven't ridden a V9, but sat on one and prefer the standard riding position of the V7. 

[Rhodan]

Talented off road rider and fairly tall.  Want 2 up comfort and a Guzzi.  Stelvio?

Cory, FWIW, I found the V9 quite nice on the test ride I took.  Plenty of power and civilized without being too civilized.  Go have a test ride.

For me, I'm not sure about the foot forward position but that's a very individual thing.

[Johncolleary]

I just got back from Cinque Terre & Stelvio pass last week awesome place!
take some test rides I ended up with the Stelio and love but have been thinking about a V9 recently to add to the garage test ride them all.
good luck.

[Guzzistajohn]

Get what you like and enjoy. Have fun and be safe. Take the safety class, you'll be glad you did.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Any of the small blocks are going to be a bit/very cramped riding 2-up wit or without luggage.

Dang it, Perazzimx.. you'll never sell that bike telling people the truth. 

When I had the Strada for sale, a guy called me saying he wanted it for 2 up travel. I told him Dorcia didn't like it, and his wife probably wouldn't either. He said, "Not a very good sales pitch." I told him, "I'm not trying to *sell* it to you, I'm telling you what I think. It will sell itself eventually."

[JeffOlson]

Welcome! And welcome back to riding.

The V9 Roamer has caught my eye, too! That, or a standard V7 III.

[Lee Davis]

I have 4 bikes that I ride right now... A new Harley Heritage Softail, a New Stelvio NTX, a 1970 BMW R50/5, and a V9 Roamer. If I want to ride to the Post Office, I will take the V9 most of the time, the R50 occasionally. If I have to ride the 40 miles to Albuquerque, I take the V9, or occasionally the Harley. If I want to take a weekend trip of 500 miles, I take the V9, or occasionally the Stelvio. If I were to ride to Alaska again, I would be hard pressed to decide which bike to take. Maybe the V9 if I can get the wind screen figured out a little better. I am a big fan of the V9! Have the replacement pegs provided by the dealer, and it is a very comfortable ride for me. I like the retro styling, and I guess I am with Jay Leno who said "I don't care for any motorcycle I can't see through". I also have owned BMW R1150 RTs and Vstar, small Yamahas and British thumpers... I think the V9 suits me just fine.

[Cory]

I had a suspicion that forum membership might be a problem - just took a look online at the Griso and got a little emotional.
Checking out whatever's in stock tomorrow in Wayne, NJ.

[alanp]

Maybe the V9 if I can get the wind screen figured out a little better.

Lee, I am sending you a PM regarding wind protection.

[pete roper]

I had a suspicion that forum membership might be a problem - just took a look online at the Griso and got a little emotional.
Checking out whatever's in stock tomorrow in Wayne, NJ.

Taking into account you are a returning rider but also have some track experience things worth considering with regard to the V9 vs. the Griso are that with the V9 you are essentially buying a 1970's motorbike with a crude fuel injection system. Buying a Griso you are at least buying a motorbike for the twenty first century.

Griso is a much heavier but better engineered machine but the V9 is less effort to ride in a relaxed and casual manner. Biggest difference and this is important, is the suspension. The V9 has a massively obsolete 'Poverty Pack' set of suspenders. The Griso, while less than perfect stock, at least are readily tuneable.

Oh, the Griso also produces twice the power and torque. Not that that is relevant to riding enjoyment but if you are wanting something that goes hard when asked the G8 has it all over the Smallblock.

Pete

[Perazzimx14]

Taking into account you are a returning rider but also have some track experience things worth considering with regard to the V9 vs. the Griso are that with the V9 you are essentially buying a 1970's motorbike with a crude fuel injection system. Buying a Griso you are at least buying a motorbike for the twenty first century.

Griso is a much heavier but better engineered machine but the V9 is less effort to ride in a relaxed and casual manner. Biggest difference and this is important, is the suspension. The V9 has a massively obsolete 'Poverty Pack' set of suspenders. The Griso, while less than perfect stock, at least are readily tuneable.

Oh, the Griso also produces twice the power and torque. Not that that is relevant to riding enjoyment but if you are wanting something that goes hard when asked the G8 has it all over the Smallblock.

Pete

Actually old style damper rod forks can be made very tolerable with proper springs, Gold Valve or Ricor Intiminators and fork oil to match.

On my DR650's (known for exceptionally shitty front suspension in stock trim) both have springs to match my weight/riding style. One has Gold Valves tuned to match and the other has Ricor Intiminators and proper weight oil. While the forks certainly aren't are $2,500 high end Ohlins they are light years ahead of stock, quite acceptable and all for about a $300 investment.

[Kev m]

I had a suspicion that forum membership might be a problem - just took a look online at the Griso and got a little emotional.
Checking out whatever's in stock tomorrow in Wayne, NJ.

OMG that's hilarious. Indian Wayne has added Guzzi.

WAIT WAIT - IF IT'S NOT TOO LATE - DO NOT GO TO WAYNE.

You've got Coopersburg Eurosports just north of you and they have had the brand FAR longer than Indian Wayne.

Most locals here on the board have had great experiences with Coopersburg. They are a multi-line EU-brand dealer (also carry Triumph and Ducati) and they have a decent service department too.

I have nothing in particular against the Indian dealer, though the location sucks. But the fact that they only recently added Guzzi means they probably know jack about them.

As for your original question - the Griso might be a bit much and there is much you need to know about them first.

Yes the V7 line is likely a bit small for you (though you would likely fit ok solo, but definitely a bit small 2-up).

The V9 might work two up and is worth a look.

I might also suggest you look at the Triumph neo-classic line as well.

Good hunting.

Kev

[Perazzimx14]

OMG that's hilarious. Indian Wayne has added Guzzi.

WAIT WAIT - IF IT'S NOT TOO LATE - DO NOT GO TO WAYNE.

You've got Coopersburg Eurosports just north of you and they have had the brand FAR longer than Indian Wayne.

Most locals here on the board have had great experiences with Coopersburg. They are a multi-line EU-brand dealer (also carry Triumph and Ducati) and they have a decent service department too.

I have nothing in particular against the Indian dealer, though the location sucks. But the fact that they only recently added Guzzi means they probably know jack about them.

As for your original question - the Griso might be a bit much and there is much you need to know about them first.

Yes the V7 line is likely a bit small for you (though you would likely fit ok solo, but definitely a bit small 2-up).

The V9 might work two up and is worth a look.

I might also suggest you look at the Triumph neo-classic line as well.

Good hunting.

Kev

WAIT WAIT - IF IT'S NOT TOO LATE - DO NOT GO TO COOPERSBURG EUROSPORTS

Having bought my V7R at Coopersburg Eurosports I can tell you I will never do business with them again.

[Kev m]

WAIT WAIT - IF IT'S NOT TOO LATE - DO NOT GO TO COOPERSBURG EUROSPORTS

Having bought my V7R at Coopersburg Eurosports I can tell you I will never do business with them again.

And you're the one I was talking about.

The rest of us have had great service there, despite the fact that many of us bought elsewhere. Go figure.

Certainly still makes more sense for the OP to check it out than the Indian dealer who has been a Guzzi dealer for 5 minutes and wouldn't know a flat tappet from a rollerized Griso. Yeah, this used Griso is just fine....

[blu guzz]

Cory:  Based on your original post, it sounds like the V9 will suit you fine.  Unlike another poster, I see nothing wrong with a mature design in the engine.  Several famous makers (HD and BMW) have been building on ancient designs for years.  As for a dealer, go and meet any that are in your sphere of travel.  The fact is that you do not have to have the bike serviced where you purchased it.  Also, these bikes are very versetile (sp), so you can upgrade the suspension if you choose, change the pegs, seat, bars, add wind protection and luggage.  It can be your canvas.  Take a long test ride. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Guzzi Gal]

     After a massive amount of research the V9 Roamer might be "it".  I'm taking a look at a shop tomorrow morning.  It's an hour and a half away which might be ridiculous, but I guess that's part of the price of admission.  The local shops are Harley, all 4 Japanese bikes and KTM, but Moto Guzzi is speaking to me for some reason.  Maybe it's because I left my heart in Cinque Terre.

Welcome to the forum.
Someone here told me to get what you love, and you won't go wrong.  As long as the bike fits you, go for it!
I walked into a local motorcycle dealership in June, my eyes landed on a 2017 Stone, and I was promptly infected with the Guzzi virus.  I received my "Anni" just over a week ago, and I'm loving every minute I spend with her.




   

[stonelover]

Pick the one that you like and go for a ride.  Your "gut" will tell you if its right for you. 

[Cory]

Many thanks.  Checked them out today; especially the V7's, V9 and Griso. 
Even being slightly tall the V7 was perfect.  Just fit better as is (although all three were remarkable with the Griso just a little more aggressive).
There were also some unique V7 variations, but just liked the basic Stone the best.
The dealership seemed to really understand that it's my first bike, that I really don't know what I'm doing and that there's nothing wrong with that.  Sort of helped to guide me exactly where it seemed like I wanted to go.
Can't say a bad thing about anyone, but I think I was maybe being too much effort at one place.  It was like when I call up a company for some customer service and no one's available because they're in a meeting about customer service.  There's always a chance that I'm just ****** up, but nothing wrong with that either.
The other shop would be more convenient although both are pretty inconvenient.  Just happened to have an appt. in Denville so a quick shot across Rt. 80 and I was there.
Not entirely ruling out a Suzuki SV650 or the soon-to-be US release of the XSR700, but I think it'll be worth the hassle to go with the Moto Guzzi rather than just getting a bike to get a bike.

[Huzo]

Does it have to be new?
I'm only about 5'9" and can easily reach the ground both feet on my Norge.
Is that something you'd consider? Would do the two up thing that's on the horizon.

[Cory]

Does it have to be new?

Not at all - probably better if not, but new can't hurt.

[Huzo]

Not at all - probably better if not, but new can't hurt.

Your wallet might disagree...there's a nice red '07 Norge on the forum for bugger all.
I reckon one of those'd be good!

[Huzo]

I think it's that n9iz "ready to part with my bike" post