2 year 35k miles V9 Roamer Report

[Jackr]

I bought my V9 Roamer in July 2016 and am now approaching 35k miles. I thought I'd offer my thoughts as a long-time Guzzi rider. The V9 is my first small block. I've ridden big block Guzzis for years, so that is my frame of reference.

I was not in the market for a new bike two years ago, but I was at the dealer having a look around and was immediately drawn to the design and looks of the Roamer. For me the design is beautiful in its insistence on highlighting the simple, basic motorcycle. Engine and frame stand out; even the cut of the tank allows those big heads to steal the show. Not much is hidden on this bike. What you see is what you get and I find the visual simplicity appealing. Heck, when I look at the bike from the side, I can see right through in several places.

Because I like the bike as is I haven't done much to it: removed the California environment-saving canister and associated plumbing, removed passenger footpegs, removed the two rubber knee guards (I guess that's what they are) on the rider side of the heads, replaced the silly stock horn with an air horn, replaced stock seat with a solo seat, removed decals and cheap plastic logos glued to various surfaces, and added Hepco Becker mounting brackets and hard bags.

 One of my concerns with the V9 was weight. It weighs over a hundred pounds less than the big blocks I'm used to and I like a bike with enough weight to feel stable in high winds. I live in the mountains of Colorado and, like most of us, I sometimes find myself riding through high crosswinds and against stiff direction-changing headwinds. After two years riding around the country I can report that the Roamer feels stable in the wind. At the New Mexico rally last month, I was talking with Stephon about riding in high winds and he shared his thought that a bike with a more flow-through design helps with stability in the wind. Maybe so. I know I have ridden my Roamer through, against, and across some serious winds. Even rode through a haboob down in Arizona this summer. Not pleasant, but the Roamer & I made it through safely. I just returned from a ride back east and rode through a driving rain storm for a couple of hundred miles on Interstate 80 through Nebraska, mostly riding half blind passing cars and big rigs. This type of riding and road is not my usual, but I was in a time bind and the Roamer performed beautifully.

As most know, the fuel tank on the V9 is small (4 gal). With less weight and more efficient technology, I get about the same range on my Roamer as I did on my Jackal. I know that ain't saying all that much, but I guess I'm used to that range, about 180 mi/tank. When riding on deserted open roads at 85-100 mph (which is getting close to the top) the Roamer guzzles the gas, but for most of my riding I average a bit more than 45 mpg.

As for the mechanics, I had a faulty stator last spring, which was replaced under warranty. Also I had the throttle cable recall done a while back. The plastic taillight lens frame broke last year (probably from riding off road for camping). I was able to find an entire brake light/blinker assembly online for a good price and used the broken receptor part for repair and kept the rest for future needs.

This summer the kickstand assembly developed a problem. The problem is not the kickstand itself, but the hole on the left lower frame down tube bar to which the kickstand attaches. The hole got deformed so the kickstand can't tighten up properly to the frame at the attachment point. This results in the kickstand sliding too far up underneath the frame when it is up, so the end of the kickstand disappears under the muffler where I can't reach it with my foot. When deployed down it works fine; nothing is cracked or broken, just deformed at the attachment site. There were a couple of times at a gas stop where I had to dismount the bike, hold it up with one arm and reach down with my other arm to engage the kickstand. This works (careful with that hot muffler!) but can be tricky when the bike is fully loaded with gear. There are several solutions for this; the one I am doing is replace the left lower frame piece and kickstand. I found both online (used) for a good price.

For me these issues are just part of the break in period. The motor is strong and reliable, and the bike itself feels quick and athletic. For me the most important aspect of riding a motorcycle is FUN. Unlike many of my bike-riding brethren (who I admire and respect for their skill and experience, and their unfailing willingness to help me out of a jam), I prefer not to spend time in my garage with my bike. Out on the road is where it's at for me.

The V9 is no big block, for better and for worse. I've had mine up to about 105 mph on the road and I don't think there's much more there. It ain't no speed demon and it won't win many races, but with me aboard, riding around the mountains, through the canyons, and on cross country treks, this bike fits well and puts a smile on my face.

Oh, about the seat: When I got this thing I assumed I'd have to get a decent seat. I've had custom seats made for other Guzzis I've ridden because the stock seats were unbearable. I always ride solo so one of the first things I got was the Guzzi V9 solo seat and much to my surprise it feels fine. I don't understand how that can be (just look at it), but it works for my keister.

All in all, after two years and 35k miles I can say I really like riding this V9 Roamer. It's Guzzi through and through in the way it feels and responds and looks. It's not for everyone, but what motorcycle is?

[Kev m]

Great report and glad to hear it's such a good bike and a seemingly great fit for you!

One of my concerns with the V9 was weight. It weighs over a hundred pounds less than the big blocks I'm used to and I like a bike with enough weight to feel stable in high winds. I live in the mountains of Colorado and, like most of us, I sometimes find myself riding through high crosswinds and against stiff direction-changing headwinds. After two years riding around the country I can report that the Roamer feels stable in the wind. At the New Mexico rally last month, I was talking with Stephon about riding in high winds and he shared his thought that a bike with a more flow-through design helps with stability in the wind. Maybe so. I know I have ridden my Roamer through, against, and across some serious winds. Even rode through a haboob down in Arizona this summer. Not pleasant, but the Roamer & I made it through safely.

I'm just going to go with a SWAG here, but I suspect how a bike deal's with crosswinds will be a combination of factors:

* Profile (a solid fairing vs something that allows some pass through)
* Height (higher center of gravity effected by the cross wind more)
* Steering (rake and trail, front suspension, etc.)
* Weight (sure, it's gotta play some factor)

I come to some of these conclusions from different bikes I've owned. The R1100RS and Breva 1100 were definitely more of a handful in heavy crosswinds than say RK, Sporty, Jackal etc.

But the Duc 696 is pretty damn solid in crosswinds while the V7 gets blown around a little easier.

[guzzisteve]

Nice feedback. A hole lot better than reading all the negative glitches. Reliable too.

[Unkept]

Nicely written, thanks for the report! :) The kickstand issue is a bit of a bummer, hopefully that won't happen to everyone. Good to hear you have a solution planned.

[Rhodan]

   Nice report and beautiful pic.

[tasdisr]

Great feedback! I am hoping to test ride a V9 soon.

[wittangamo]

Great review, and absolutely consistent with my year in the saddle of a Roamer. I haven’t had a problem with the kickstand, or anything else for that matter. It’s not about speed or posing, it’s just about the joy of riding!

[usedtobefast]

How have the valve adjustments gone?  Need adjustment each time?  Or just checks?  Does the 6,200 mile interval sound about right for checks?

[Aaron D.]

JackR, how many miles do you get out of a set of tires? And what tires? I have a Roamer riding friend who is curious.

[malik]

Great report. And as the tank's range doesn't worry you unduly, you're in clover.vwell done.

The V7C has kickstand problems too (but strangely, not the V7S) - as you're riding along, the stand works its own way down until the engine cutout is activated. Inspection shows that a groove is worn in the pivot bolt, and the hole for it in the tab welded to the bottom frame rail is ovalled. Next time I have the bottom frame rail off, I'll bush that hole & see. Bottom frame rails here are $AUD250 each, so I'd better try that first. Some other V7s have had the same problem and for some of these, stronger springs fixed fixed it. At least, temporarily.

I don't know if the Roamer kickstand is similar to the V7's & Breva's wire foot actuator (possibly not) that bent around the muffler & tended to disappear. I put a big nut & bolt in the end bit - just makes it easier for the boot to find it unsighted. There's photos in old posts here, & if you're interested I could find one for you. V9s are not common here, but the distributor is having a big V7 III bash in Sydney on Sunday & I'll check that kickstand out there, if they bring one along.

Keep on truckin'.

[JJ]

Good, objective, first-hand report... ...and here is the bottom-line!

[twowheeladdict]

Nice report. 

Doubt I will ever see 35k miles on my V7 unless I get to retire early or keep it a long time.

Averaged less than 300 miles a month since I bought it.

[ohiorider]

Excellent report from someone who has put in the time and miles to write their review around a substantial time line.

Thanks

Bob

[Jackr]

Kev m - I agree with you, stability in wind is a result of several factors, and bike weight is certainly a big one. With my Roamer I would say all factors result in a stable ride for me, but the 440 lbs for the Roamer is about as light as I would dare to go.

usedtobefast - I'm not a stickler for valve adjustments unless I sense something not right, but mine get checked about every 6,000-7,000 mi. The first few thousand miles I had the dealer where I bought it do the scheduled maintenance. I still use them occasionally, in conjunction with independent service.

Aaron D. - I've experimented with different tires on this bike. Came with Pirellis of course, which I stayed with for several tire changes. Got around 6,000 mi on rear, which is not good enough for me. I then tried Bridgestone BT-45 front and rear. Again mileage not what I expected. I recently went with Michelin Commander II on the rear for a trip I took. It's a cruiser tire (speed rated H), but I've ridden on it up and around some of my tester mountain routes and it seems to be fine for how I ride. I know it works fine in the rain! Michelin claims great wear. So far so good. When my front tire (still the Bridgestone) wears out, I plan to match the Michelin. As you can tell, I'm still experimenting.

malik - Thanks for the info on V7 kickstands. The issue sounds very similar to my V9 setup, especially the ovalling of the hole. I just received the left frame tube and kickstand I found online. I'm going to replace the works, even though I probably don't need a new kickstand, maybe just the bolt at the attachment point. It seems to me there should be a bushing there where the kickstand pinches down on the frame hole, but there ain't one. There is a specialized bolt that I guess functions as a bushing. Not sure what that type of bolt is called. I appreciate your feedback on possible solutions. My concern is I replace these parts, then in two years I have the same problem. If so I will employ another solution such as you suggest. V9s are not common around here either. In the two years I've been riding mine to rallies (not that many), I'm the only V9 I've seen. Seems V9s are not a hit for Guzzi. A hit for me though. Enjoy the big bash in Sydney!

[Sheepdog]

Nice looking bike that looks even nicer “in the flesh.” Yours looks great with the solo seat and the HB Juniors. Thank you for the report...

[Testarossa]

I'm just going to go with a SWAG here, but I suspect how a bike deal's with crosswinds will be a combination of factors:

* Profile (a solid fairing vs something that allows some pass through)
* Height (higher center of gravity effected by the cross wind more)
* Steering (rake and trail, front suspension, etc.)
* Weight (sure, it's gotta play some factor)

I come to some of these conclusions from different bikes I've owned. The R1100RS and Breva 1100 were definitely more of a handful in heavy crosswinds than say RK, Sporty, Jackal etc.

But the Duc 696 is pretty damn solid in crosswinds while the V7 gets blown around a little easier.

Agree with above but there are some other considerations: A slab-sided frame-mounted fairing is likely to push the front end downwind and in particular to lean the bike downwind, increasing the destabilizing effect (this is the main reason dustbin fairings were outlawed). A steering-mounted fairing, oddly enough, may be better: pressure there has the effect of countersteering, leaning the bike into the wind and therefore may actually help to stabilize the whole system. It all depends on the shape of the fairing and its lever arm relative to the bike's center of gravity and/or steering head. And cross-winds are the main reason you don't see solid-disk front wheels on bicycles or motorcycles (a few Harleys notwithstanding).

[Aaron D.]

Thanks Jack, I'll pass it on.

I am using the Michelins on my Indian, seem fine but I'll know more in a year.

[Kev m]

Kev m - I agree with you, stability in wind is a result of several factors, and bike weight is certainly a big one. With my Roamer I would say all factors result in a stable ride for me, but the 440 lbs for the Roamer is about as light as I would dare to go.

I hear ya, but just as a frame of reference that Duc 696 is VERY stable and only ~408 wet.... of course put ME on it and well, it's a lot heavier! 

[Groover]

Thank you for the great report. The bike looks great as well!

[Tkelly]

fixed v7 sidestand by keeping it well lubed with gear oil and replacing too stiff shocks.seems like jolts on bad pavement caused it to swing out and dry joint overpowered the return spring.

[malik]

Interestingly, the Breva 750 owners manual has a section on the care & maintenance of the side stand (it's the same as the V7) and recommends greasing the pivot - Agip Grease SM2, or "a top brand roller bearing grease that will resist a temperature range of -30C +140C with a dripping point 150C -230C, high corrosion protection, good resistance to waster and oxidisation".

I haven't followed those instructions precisely yet - to get to the pivot the header needs to come off - and I keep forgetting, just been using (unsuccessfully) spray on lubricants.

There's going to be a V9 at tomorrow's do.

Found a photo.

[Fnq1000]

Hello Jackr
I had no desire for another bike, but the 1200Sport just may have to find a new home.

The single seat sets your bike off and the colour scheme is stunning. Been years since I set foot in a dealership.

That side shot that you have taken has been working through my brain........

But the dark maroon looks great in photos too.

I think there are design elements, particularly the tank, that relate to the Triumph Hurricane.

Anyway I'll try hunting down a test ride and I'm sure there are 2 year old examples gathering the dust on dealer show floors. I have never seen a V9 but am now keen to check it out.

[Kev m]

Ha ha these are the real rebels.... Who decide even the approval of the majority of the minority (Guzzi owners), in the minority (motorcycle owners) is still too common!!!

[Muzz]

Interestingly, the Breva 750 owners manual has a section on the care & maintenance of the side stand (it's the same as the V7) and recommends greasing the pivot - Agip Grease SM2, or "a top brand roller bearing grease that will resist a temperature range of -30C +140C with a dripping point 150C -230C, high corrosion protection, good resistance to waster and oxidisation".

I regularly use WD40 on it, followed by engine oil.

Sidestand still goes ok.  Might do it properly while the geabox is out.

[malik]

Went to the big bash yesterday






Saw a Roamer there - the side stand is different - same as the V7 III, but not the same as the earlier V7/Brevas. You might have to figure out a way of putting a bigger lump on the end of the ball.

[faffi]

Hi! Do you still have the bike? If yes, any updates?

B/R another Roamer owner

[motogoro]

 

[kingoffleece]

FYI-point your knee that faces the wind into the wind on crosswinds.  Huge assist in stability.

[Jackr]

Faffi...Just went over 70,000mi this summer. Bike is running better than ever, feels like it is broken in. I got my side stand issue resolved, finally; a local welder added some length to the end of the side stand so it sticks out enough from around the muffler that I can easily reach it, also aligned the stand and the post on the bottom of the frame where the stand rests when it is tucked up under while riding, and I keep the pivot point of the side stand well lubricated. I replaced the chrome bar ends, chrome mirrors, and chrome headlight ring with the same but black pieces from the Bobber catalogue. Also had the seat rebuilt last summer for a bit more comfort. This thing remains mostly stock in the major ways, no new pipes, new springs, any of that. I liked it the day I bought it and rode it home and I like it this morning.

[faffi]

Thank you for the update I have only done 3800 km on mine so far - odo went past 8000 km today - and I hope for many more without issues. The most important part for me is that I finally have found a bike that I just want to trundle around on, instead of leaving metal traces around every corner. I find the Guzzi very relaxing (apart from the stock seat, which numb butts better than anything this side of a church bench) and satisfying.