V9 a sales failure?

[Smithy]

I have liked the look of the V9 Roamers since they were released and have always thought they would be a good around town bike. Now the Australian price has been lowered to where it should have started I am very tempted.
Sales dont seem to have taken off though in any market.
Anyone care to share their thoughts or any owners like to share your review?

[rodekyll]

900cc small block.  Remember what happened with the Ford T-bird?   It started out small,  like the V35, and got ridiculous.   Now guzzi has made the small block huge.   History might not always repeat itself, but it always rhymes.

[Warren Rhen]

900cc small block.  Remember what happened with the Ford T-bird?   It started out small,  like the V35, and got ridiculous.   Now guzzi has made the small block huge.   History might not always repeat itself, but it always rhymes.

Amen I don't mind not having excess HP but I want lighter not bigger

[pete roper]

There are a variety of reasons why the V9’s sell like rat sandwiches, tiny tank, weird ergos, stupid tyre sizes, lousy suspension and odd looks but the main reason is when anyone who isn’t a Guzzi tragic does a comparison between the V9 and other machines in the *Niche* market it is aimed at it is abundantly clear that the V9 offers considerably ‘Less’ in almost all ways than its competitors.

While some will say this is just my dislike of smallblocks, (Which in itself is a red herring, there are aspects of them that I really like.) this isn’t the case at all. John at Motocicolo in Sydney has had a demo on the floor since their launch several years ago and the last time I saw him it was still there hanging around like a stale bottle of DA. He said very few people had taken it for a test ride and those that had had come back with a bemused look on their faces and asked “Who would actually buy one of them?” And then rushed forthwith to the nearest Triumph dealership to purchase a Bonnie or some such.

The V7’s sell much better. Why? Well because they address at least some of the problems listed above and most importantly they *Look* right! They do after all have the facsimile of an early Sport/LeMans tank which was and remains a style icon rather than the V9’s rather odd looking pessary! You can also ride them as the ergonomics are good and for most people looks and comfort are very important.

Pete

[mjptexas]

4,600 miles on my Roamer in the last 16 months.  My Cali Custom gets most of the riding attention, so do not discount the the low mileage on the Roamer.

My enthusiasm about the Roamer has been on rolller coaster.  Currently it is on the upswing.  I have added the OEM rear sets and have replaced the stock handlebars and risers so the riding position differs significantly from stock.

I am convinced it is impossible to get less than 50 mpg out of the bike, regardless of how hard you ride it.  Handling is similar to the last generation Triumph T100 Bonneville, not spectacular but adequate for most riding situations. It is great around town, it is not a canyon carver but is enjoyable in the curves if you do not push it to the limits.  Performance is comparable to the aforementioned Triumph or a 1200 Sportster.   Seat is ok for about 2 hours.  I have owned a V7 and feel the V9 is a better motorcycle in every way.

I am looking to build out a lightweight touring bike as an alternative to my 700 lb Cali Custom.  I love the Cali, but I am not a spring chicken, so I want to build out a sub 500 lb tourer.  I had hoped the Roamer might be a good base to start with.  Weight is correct, 450 lbs.  Range is adequate, 180 miles.  The Roamer will need a serious suspension update and a better seat.  I have a number of Hepco-Becker CBow bags so I will add the mounts to the Roamer. I am thinking I will do this,  just need to do the cost analysis vs the options.

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

Sales don't seem to have taken off

Could a contributing factor be that motorcycle sales in general are declining?  Apparently younger folks just aren't interested.

[Shorty]

They  (V9s) seem to answer a question that was not asked.....

[Murray]

They  (V9s) seem to answer a question that was not asked.....

The Ducati Florida of our time.

[LowRyter]

I don't know why they built both V7 and V9.  I'd thought they would just convert most of the V7 line into the V9 line.   Seems redundant to have both.

Same bike + better power

Now they are going to throw that 85HP small block in the mix.  A lot to sort out.  But why have anything but an 85?

[fossil]

"Now they are going to throw that 85HP small block in the mix.  A lot to sort out.  But why have anything but an 85?"

Because people like me do not need 85 hp to have boatloads of fun.

[fossil]

There are a variety of reasons why the V9�s sell like rat sandwiches, tiny tank, weird ergos, stupid tyre sizes, lousy suspension and odd looks but the main reason is when anyone who isn�t a Guzzi tragic does a comparison between the V9 and other machines in the *Niche* market it is aimed at it is abundantly clear that the V9 offers considerably �Less� in almost all ways than its competitors.
Pete

Well, in our German magazines the V9 has been compared to Sportster 1200 and Triumph Bobber a lot of times. And in each single case the Guzzi stood out favourably against it competitors. It was well-build with a lot of attention to details, and the ride was in each case absolutely the best. Of course the V7 III is the better ride, but people do not always by the better ride for obvious reasons. Otherwise everybody would ride Street Triple RS or Aprilia Tuono.

[Murray]

Well, in our German magazines the V9 has been compared to Sportster 1200 and Triumph Bobber a lot of times. And in each single case the Guzzi stood out favourably against it competitors. It was well-build with a lot of attention to details, and the ride was in each case absolutely the best. Of course the V7 III is the better ride, but people do not always by the better ride for obvious reasons. Otherwise everybody would ride Street Triple RS or Aprilia Tuono.

Both bikes are an entry into a more extensive range which Guzzi simply doesn't have.

[fossil]

There will be a more expensive range in the future. Will I buy a bike out of this range? I think not. Why not? Because my V 7 Stone is exactly the bike I want to own and to ride.

[timax]

Looks like a mini Harley to me which i hate. The tank is too futuristic looking , the seat looks horrible ,wheels look horrible and  therefore i couldnt care less if its a good bike. I have never even read or watched a review because i just dont care. I love my V7 though.
Young guys are not buying bikes like they used to but seem to like 2 types. Sports bikes which Guzzi should steer clear of and Cafe/scramblers like the Triumph or Duke Scram. Why do they pick a Triumph over the V7? Thats what Guzzi should be asking.

[Murray]

Sports bikes which Guzzi should steer clear of

In the words of an oxygen thief, plz explain?

[JohninVT]

I honestly think it’s the tank.  It’s like a turd in a punch bowl.

[chuck peterson]

Yeah, I can't wait to get a Roamer in five years with 1000 miles at 1/5 of the retail price...I'm doing the best I can to support the brand!.......... (snapping red suspenders)

I think it'll make a great smaller tourer...take the money you saved, build the seat and suspension, clear plexi shield out front, decent bags, your good to go...

[elvisboy77]

Does anyone have actual sales numbers to support the claim of poor sales?

I suppose all Guzzi bikes ever made could be "sales failures" if compared to Harley or Triumph etc.  Sheesh.

[Canada72]

I’ve yet to see one on the road. Personal taste, but not an aesthetically attractive bike like the V7. No offence meant to owners.

[timax]

In the words of an oxygen thief, plz explain?

Because they cant compete against the rest of the sport bike market. They can in the retro market though. Naturally this is purely my opinion. there is a huge market in the cafe /scrambler style bikes but on paper and perhaps off the showroom floor the guzzis are not as good as their competition.  The need a V7 1100 or something. Look at the range of Ducati Scramblers available and also the BMW Nine T bikes. Retro is selling .

[jas67]

The need a V7 1100 or something.

The V85 motor will likely end up in a V7-styled bike -- hopefully 

[JohninVT]

Because they cant compete against the rest of the sport bike market. They can in the retro market though. Naturally this is purely my opinion. there is a huge market in the cafe /scrambler style bikes but on paper and perhaps off the showroom floor the guzzis are not as good as their competition.  The need a V7 1100 or something. Look at the range of Ducati Scramblers available and also the BMW Nine T bikes. Retro is selling .

Agree 100%.  The V7's are honest machines.  They're elegant little bikes that have a pedigree going back 50 years.  Riding one is a choice that's a lot like deciding to wear a mechanical watch when everyone else is wearing quartz. 

I find the V9 discordant with Guzzi's past and present.  I understand why the company introduced them.  The bobber thing is popular and they're trying to expand the product line but I believe they missed the mark and for me, the tank is just so goddamned ugly I could never own one. 

A gentleman's express in the tradition of the Le Mans would make sense.  The Griso and 8 valve Sport only got about 60% of the way towards one.  The Norge is a fantastic bike.  The Stelvio is a pig but if the V85 reality is as good as the buzz it'll also be very, very good indeed.  My Touring has an incredible engine and it looks good but the handling could be a lot better.  The more I ride it the less I like how it wants to wander in corners.  I'm also not convinced the 1400 engine would be the best choice for a Le Mans tribute bike.

IMHO, thinking Guzzi can introduce a sportbike is sheer fantasy.  The drivetrain is simply not suited to the role in the modern world.  If they'd paid homage to their rich history, the way they have with the V7 line, and introduced a big block, gentleman's express Le Mans...I think it would sell.  I'd certainly buy one.  I'd buy a new one, without waiting 5 years for secondhand ones to start selling at a 30-50%% discount from new like I did my California.  Of course, this is all just my opinion, which is worth just about nothing in the grand scheme of things.         

[Huzo]

Pete...
DA..?
If they'd done a homage to the Le Mans', same orange/black, triple discs, stand off similar styling and called it a V8, no black on the motor/drive train, but dragged it kicking and screaming into this milenium, they'da sold much better.
At least they'd have sold one for sure..!

[Murray]

Because they cant compete against the rest of the sport bike market.

All they need to do is flush the ancient platform they are hanging onto for sentimentally's sake and go back to been a engineering company like when they started out.

[Huzo]

Whether it's "possible" or not to have been able to produce an MGS 01 with a warmed up Griso donk or not, every sportsbike does not have to be the most powerful on the road.
If that was the case, there'd only be one sportsbike make/model registered.
If there were 50 MGS 01's and 50 Panigales in a super dealership and both were ready for the road, what would be the % spread between the two sales wise ?
If I were in that position, I wouldn't stop to take a leak on the Duke as I rode past on the Guzzi.
'Cos these days, if you're caught above 130 k's, you're gunna lose your bike here in Oz. The Guzzi has raw appeal the the perfumed Duke can't match.

[blackcat]

The V9 is a Nevada with a better pair of shoes, but it’s still a Nevada.

[mjptexas]

...If that was the case, there'd only be one sportsbike make/model registered.
If there were 50 MGS 01's and 50 Panigales in a super dealership and both were ready for the road, what would be the % spread between the two sales wise ?....

Ride any new Ducati, other than the Scrambler, and you will answer your own question. 

[blackcat]

New Panigale V4: 12,000 km (7,500 mi) / 12 months.  Every 7,500 miles I have to take the bike and give the local dealer $1,000?  OK. Granted, I’m not going to put a lot of miles on the bike, but.....

[Murray]

Whether it's "possible" or not to have been able to produce an MGS 01 with a warmed up Griso donk or not, every sportsbike does not have to be the most powerful on the road.

In 2004 when the MGS came out and the 8valve griso didn't exist that may have been a thing 14years latter a clean slate design is the only way forward IMO instead of stop gap measures.

[bad Chad]

The v9 is certainly not discordant with Guzzi past. The Nevada and other similar cycles sold only in Europe and elsewhere kept Guzy of float through much of the lien 80s and 90s.  They sold a far more of these lovable work horses live they ever did any of Le Mans or even California models.

I find the bike kind of cool, and many of you ripping on it  have yet to see one on the road.   You might find it's not the abomination you think it is once you see one up close