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Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer and Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in the driving report

Classic or beefy

With the V9, Moto Guzzi continues its good mood course and brings two versions of the new ones: the classically elegant Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer and the trendy beefy Moto Guzzi V9 Bopper.

Since 2008 M.oto Guzzi made many friends with the V7 and later the V7 II. The simply constructed machine with its not even 50 HP does not heat the gas hand, but the heart with its classic look and its friendly character. German Guzzi fans in particular complained about the lack of pressure and space – with a tall Central European in the saddle, the petite V7 sometimes seems a bit overwhelmed.

Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer and Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in the driving report

Classic or beefy

Moto Guzzi V9 in two variants

The Moto Guzzi V9 comes in two versions, namely as a classic Roamer, in German “vagabond”, and as a brisk bobber. But if you now believe that the two new ones are just drilled and pimped up V7 offshoots, you are wrong. The Guzzi technicians really worked hard, the development of the 850 cm³ engine alone took a good two years. Compared to the V7, practically everything in the two models Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer and Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber is new, from the crankcase and the combustion chamber to the aluminum pistons, heads and cylinders to the oil circuit. The torque curve is now extremely flat, with 95 percent of the maximum torque of 62 Newton meters already at 2500 rpm.

That sounds promising and proves to be convincing in practice. With the inimitable typical Guzzi shaking, the V2 of the new Moto Guzzi V9 shakily comes to life and immediately pulls out of the cellar; the first gear, which is longer than that of the V7, makes the start even more harmonious and refined. In the course of the Euro 4 homologation, the engine became quieter, but luckily it retains the characteristic bassy sound and the slurping intake noise. The V2 does not climb mountains of torque with its flat curve, but it always remains present and powerful and allows a smooth, relaxed glide without much switching. This does not only apply to the more straightforward panoramic roads along Lake Como around the Guzzi plant in Mandello, but also to the challenging thicket of curves such as the Ghisallo Pass on the other side of the lake.

Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer is doing well

First up is the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer, and it does well. Gentle pressure is enough, and she willingly leans into the curves, making herself stable and agile at the same time. The fact that it weighs a good 210 kilograms with a full tank cannot be seen in the hairpin bends that line up in quick succession. You shouldn’t overdo it, however, because otherwise the fear nipples grind against the footrests or the side stand. But for a cruiser the idea is more than successful.

The 19-inch front wheel with Pirelli tires ensures good feedback, the newly tuned telescopic fork ensures a stable line and the wide, thickly padded bench seat ensures a comfortable seating position. The single-disc brake at the front is completely sufficient for the deceleration, especially since it is easy to dose. The suspension struts of the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer, however, seem very tightly coordinated, with some bumps reaching through to the spine.

More driving fun on the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber?

But now quickly to the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, which arouses curiosity with its unusual appearance. Because of the flat handlebars, you sit more gathered on it and, if possible, further back, otherwise your shins will hit the cylinder heads. As expected, the first corners are not really harmonious, but you get used to the broad-shouldered balloon tires and the small 16-inch wheel at the front surprisingly quickly. This makes the bobber more wobbly, but also more agile. Directed energetically, it is almost more fun to ride than in the saddle of the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer – perhaps because it challenges the driver more.

But a convincing performance on the road is not enough for motorcycles like a Moto Guzzi V9, they should also look good. Guzzi has done a great job and brought a lot of aluminum and metal parts into the spotlight, from the fenders to the wonderfully decorated fuel tank cap to the cylinder heads in the new, softer design. Both models can be further refined with numerous parts from the large accessories catalog. As standard there is a USB connection for the mobile phone, which can be used to display additional data, from torque to lean angle, using a special Guzzi app. There is also a two-stage traction control on board.

Cool driving fun with both variants

The Moto Guzzi V9 allows itself a few small quirks. In spite of the revised six-speed gearbox, the gears click audibly when the gear is engaged, but click into place precisely. Idling is a case in itself, with some test motorcycles that were available during the presentation on Lake Como it could be found without any problems, with others only after a brief search.

In addition, a mechanical noise occurs every now and then when starting up, which is probably due to the shock absorbers in the new clutch. They come from the V7 and are a bit too small for the higher torque of the V9. But to be honest: these are all trifles. The cheerful prospects for cool driving fun with the two new Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer and Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber do not affect you.

Technical data Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer / Bobber

Moto Guzzi

The differences between the two V9 models: flat handlebars and an equally flat seat for the bobbers, plus a 16-inch wheel at the front, wide-shouldered balloon tires, short rear mudguards and dark paintwork.

engine

Air / oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 90-degree V engine, each with a chain-driven camshaft below, two valves, hydraulic valve lifters, bumpers, rocker arms, wet sump lubrication, injection, 2 x Ø 38 mm, regulated catalytic converter, 230 W alternator, battery 12 V / 18 Ah, mechanically operated single-disc dry clutch, cardan, secondary ratio 4.125.

Boron x stroke 84.0 x 77.0 mm
Displacement 853 cc
Compression ratio 10.5: 1
rated capacity 40.4 kW (55 PS) at 6250 rpm
Max. Torque 62 Nm at 3000 rpm

landing gear

Double loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork, Ø 40 mm, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum, two spring struts, adjustable spring base, front disc brake, Ø 320 mm, four-piston fixed caliper, rear disc brake, Ø 260 mm, double-piston floating caliper, traction control, ABS.

Cast aluminum wheels 2.50 x 19 (3.50 x 16); 4.00 x 16
tires

100 / 90-19 (130 / 90-16);

150 / 80-16 (150/80 B 16)

Dimensions + weights

angle 63.6 degrees, caster 125 (116) mm, spring travel front / rear 130/97 mm, seat height 785 (780) mm, empty weight 210 kg, permissible total weight 420 kg, tank capacity / reserve 15.0 / 4.0 liters. 

guarantee two years
Colors

White, yellow, red

(Matt black, matt gray)

price including additional costs  9.990 (10.390) euros

Differences to Moto Guzzi V7 II

Manufacturer

The Moto Guzzi V7 II has also been thoroughly renovated for the 2015 model year.

engine

  • Crankcase, pistons, cylinders and heads new
  • Displacement increased from 744 to 853 cm³
  • Peak power increased from 48 to 55 hp
  • Torque increased from 58 to 62 Nm

landing gear

  • Steering head angle steeper
  • Swing arm extended
  • Seat height reduced from 810 to 785/780 mm
  • Tank reduced from 18 to 15 liters

miscellaneous

  • less plastic, but many metal and aluminum parts
  • Euro 4 homologation instead of Euro 3

Used Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber and V9 Roamer in price comparison

1000PS marketplace app

Used V9 Bobbers and Roamers are surprisingly cheap.

Used Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber and V9 Roamer make a very attractive impression on the used market. The prices of the rare motorcycles start surprisingly low and the selection is large enough to cater to every budget. A current price comparison is available here: used Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber and V9 Roamer in Germany.

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