2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber | First Ride Review

Moto Guzzi's new-for-2017 V9 Roamer (left) and V9 Bobber (right) are the first models powered by an 853cc version of the venerable "flying V" longitudinal, 90-degree V-twin. (Photography by the author & Milagro)
Moto Guzzi’s new-for-2017 V9 Roamer (left) and V9 Bobber (right) are the first models powered by an 853cc version of the venerable “flying V” longitudinal, 90-degree V-twin. (Photography by the author & Milagro)
Behind this gate stands 95 years of motorcycling history - Moto Guzzi's factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy.
Behind this gate stands 95 years of motorcycling history – Moto Guzzi’s factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy.

Behind the big red gate at its Mandello del Lario factory, which bears the iconic soaring eagle logo, Moto Guzzi is in the midst of a major revival. During its 95th anniversary, the legendary Italian company introduced two neo-retro cruisers at its historic home on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, Italy. Powered by a new 853cc version of Moto Guzzi’s venerable “flying V” longitudinal V-twin, the classically-styled V9 Roamer and aggressive-looking V9 Bobber fill the void between the 744cc (V7 II models) and 1,151cc (Griso, Norge and Stelvio) engine families. Although they share the same platform and are aimed at the next generation of young, hip riders, the Roamer and Bobber differ in their style and riding personality.

With ’70s-era styling, the Roamer exudes old-school cool with a pullback handlebar and chrome vintage-style mirrors, exhaust pipes and dual shock springs. Its thick, wide bench seat is just 30.9 inches high and, with midmount footpegs, offers a neutral riding position that’s comfortable enough for long rides. The Roamer rolls on cast aluminum wheels painted matte black with a diamond-cut finish, with a 19-inch front shod with a narrow 100/90 tire and a 16-inch rear carrying a chunky 150/80. The large front wheel rolls smoothly over imperfections instead of plowing straight through them, which, along with the Roamer’s longer trail (4.9 inches vs. 4.6 on the Bobber), help it feel more comfortable and stable on the road.

The V9 Roamer has a relaxed riding position and is suited for longer rides.
The V9 Roamer has a relaxed riding position and is suited for longer rides.

Compared to the Roamer, with its gleaming chrome and gloss paint, the Bobber is its dark nemesis. Nearly everything is blacked-out, from the drag-style handlebar to the mirrors, springs and exhaust pipes. True to its name, the Bobber has a chopped rear fender, and its narrow, thinly-padded seat and flat handlebar give it a more aggressive, forward-leaning riding position. It has black 16-inch wheels front and rear with oversized tires (130/90 and 150/80 respectively). Perhaps due to the larger contact patch of its fatter front tire, the Bobber held its line better than the Roamer in tight turns. Whereas the Roamer’s front end felt vague after initial turn-in, the Bobber felt planted and predictable. Both of these bikes are compact, with a 57.7-inch wheelbase and claimed dry weight of just 439 pounds (which includes all fluids but fuel, so they should weigh about 465 pounds with their 4-gallon teardrop tanks full), which makes them easy to toss back and forth through bends.

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Chunky tires and an aggressive riding position make the light, nimble V9 Bobber feel right at home in tight corners.
Chunky tires and an aggressive riding position make the light, nimble V9 Bobber feel right at home in tight corners.

The bikes’ shared air- and oil-cooled 853cc OHV V-twin is carried in a steel twin-tube cradle frame and has 2 valves per cylinder, new aluminum crankcases, heads, cylinders and pistons, and the engine is Euro 4 compliant. A new oil sump, vent system and oil lubrication circuit help reduce heat and frictional losses for better performance and fuel economy. In addition to their light weight, what makes the Roamer and Bobber such user-friendly motorcycles is a torque curve as flat as the surface of Lake Como. They pull strongly from 2,500 rpm up to 6,500 rpm, and it’s lights out by 7,000 rpm. At the crank, Moto Guzzi says they make 55 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 46 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. While cruising around the perimeter of the deep-blue lake, both bikes exhibited excellent response from the Magneti Marelli fuel injection system. But when we transitioned to technical mountain switchbacks, throttle response felt slightly abrupt. Shifting the 6-speed transmission was spot-on; the engine pulse and every gear change could be felt and heard during the entire ride.

An all-new 853cc version of Moto Guzzi's trademark longitudinal, air-cooled V-twin, with roots that go back to 1967, churns out user-friendly torque throughout the rev range.
An all-new 853cc version of Moto Guzzi’s trademark longitudinal, air-cooled V-twin, with roots that go back to 1967, churns out user-friendly torque throughout the rev range.

Suspension on both models is basic, with a non-adjustable fork with 5.1 inches of travel and a pair of preload-adjustable rear shocks with 3.8 inches of travel. At modest speeds the suspension delivered a comfortable ride, but at higher velocities the shocks became easily overwhelmed with hard hits and bottomed a few times. A pair of Brembo brakes, with a 4-pot front caliper squeezing a 320mm disc and a 2-pot rear caliper squeezing a 260mm disc, provide predictable stopping power at a peg-scraping pace. Two-channel ABS by Continental worked perfectly in simulated panic situations on wet pavement. The front tire on the Bobber chirped momentarily before releasing and reapplying. Standard traction control has two modes, “1 – dry” and “2 – wet,” or it can be turned off, but at full throttle in wet conditions I was hard pressed to get TC to engage.

Both the V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber have 4-gallon teardrop tanks and neo-retro instrumentation. The Roamer (shown) has a pullback handlebar and the Bobber has a flat drag-style handlebar.
Both the V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber have 4-gallon teardrop tanks and neo-retro instrumentation. The Roamer (shown) has a pullback handlebar and the Bobber has a flat drag-style handlebar.

Retro meets modern on the instrumentation, with a classic analog speedometer that has an inset digital multi-function display with odometer, fuel consumption, ambient temperature, gear position, shift indicator and more. Both bikes are configured with a multimedia system that allows you to wirelessly connect the bike to your smartphone. From a large menu of options, five parameters can be viewed simultaneously, such as a rev counter, instantaneous power, instantaneous torque, acceleration and more. There’s also a USB port on the right steering head for charging your device. There is a wealth of information at your fingertips, or you can do what I did and just stick it in 4th gear and enjoy the IMAX view through the Italian countryside.

Even though they’re at moderate price points, fit and finish on the Roamer ($9,990) and Bobber ($10,490) are superb. Moto Guzzi didn’t cut corners with plastic bodywork; the tank, side covers, levers and fenders are all made of steel or aluminum. In addition, Moto Guzzi offers more than 40 accessories to fully customize these bikes, all of which have been R&D tested and covered under warranty.

To go with its aggressive riding position, the V9 Bobber has blacked-out styling and oversize tires.
To go with its aggressive riding position, the V9 Bobber has blacked-out styling and oversize tires.

In life, you can’t always have it all. The Roamer has more comfort for the long haul, while the Bobber has a distinct advantage in the mountain passes. Sign me up for the Bobber, which manhandles the corners with plenty of attitude.

The V9 Roamer's styling is inspired by Moto Guzzi's Nevada cruiser. It's gloss and chrome contrasts with the Bobber's dark look.
The V9 Roamer’s styling is inspired by Moto Guzzi’s Nevada cruiser. It’s gloss and chrome contrasts with the Bobber’s dark look.

Specs: 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer / Bobber
Base Price: $9,990 / $10,490
Website: motoguzzi-us.com
Engine Type: Air-cooled, longitudinal 90-degree V-twin, OHV, 2 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 853cc
Bore x Stroke: 84.0 x 77.0mm
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated dry clutch
Final Drive: Shaft
Wheelbase: 57.7 in.
Rake/Trail: 26.4 degrees/4.9 in. / 4.6 in.
Seat Height: 30.9 in. / 30.7 in.
Claimed Dry Weight: 439 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gals.
MPG: NA

The V9 Roamer's bench seat has thicker padding than the one on the V9 Bobber.
The V9 Roamer’s bench seat has thicker padding than the one on the V9 Bobber.
The V9 Roamer's 19-inch front wheel with narrow tire feels vague in tight corners.
The V9 Roamer’s 19-inch front wheel with narrow tire feels vague in tight corners.
Both bikes have a single Brembo 4-piston front caliper with standard ABS.
Both bikes have a single Brembo 4-piston front caliper with standard ABS.
The large contact patch on the V9 Bobber's fat front tire helps it feel planted and stable.
The large contact patch on the V9 Bobber’s fat front tire helps it feel planted and stable.

17 COMMENTS

    • Oops, you’re right. Moto Guzzi’s press release says “The suspension is also new, using traditional long-travel (130 mm) inverted forks,” but that’s clearly not the case. We’ve corrected the text. Thanks for keeping us honest!

  1. SHODDY Workmanship – NO Quality Control – NO Customer Care

    My new V7 Special came with a compromised clutch, machining waste (swarf) in the engine, and no O-ring seal in the final drive unit (yes, it leaked all over rear wheel!). I wrote, emailed and called customer care but never got a reply. So, I would recommend looking elsewhere for a new motorcycle.

    • How’s your Italian?
      While those are notable problems you list, customer care should be handled first by the dealer. The dealer is the manufacturer’s customer.

    • My street twin is a blast to ride……too bad after 500 miles it blew coolant all over the place. Been in the shop 3 weeks still waiting for parts.

  2. Didn’t that engine come out of an airplane? For christ sake, let’s get a better more contemporary engine some day.

  3. Every manufacturer has its glitches in production. Hopefully those mentioned here are just glitches and not the norm.
    I’ve been very interested in the V7, now the V9 has my attention. A bit more power, updated instruments and ABS. Just wish the V7s 5.8 gallon tank was available on the V9. In Alaska and the west gas stations can be stretched out some.

  4. Check your article. You mention new V9 has an overhead cam engine. Don’t think so …… it does have 2 valve hemi heads, instead of the nearly-flat Heron heads used on the V7 and V7 ll, but it is a pushrod design with a single camshaft located in the block.

    Bob

  5. The only thing missing is a tachometer. Love my Roamer. As to shoddy workmanship, I have seen nothing of that so far and the dealer (Moto International in Seattle) has been a pleasure to work with.

  6. Changed my bike because I wanted something different and kinder to my aging back and knees than my Z1000. I also wanted to go back to basics without slipper clutches and launch control and all the other gadgets they fit nowadays. I have always had a soft spot for Guzzi’s and having seen the V9 Roamer I took the plunge. Its very well put together and looks great, its comfortable and fairly easy to ride. The engine runs superbly with great exhaust note on standard exhausts. Its willing and able enough but not memorable. For an 850 I would expect more because at 55bhp this bike is underpowered. I dont know why it has traction control although you can turn it off. Unfortunately if you do then you have an annoying light telling you off. I am a big lad which probably doesnt help matters but I’ve had enough of it. I know people will tell me I’m not getting the whole retro/cruiser thing and you are probably right. Overtakes on our crowded British roads are planned well in advance. On the twisties its fine and fairly respectable but I would hate to do long motorway miles on it. Fitting a genuine guzzi screen helps protect you from the worst of the wind. Its had its first service so I can open it up a bit more without the annoying gear change light flashing at me and maybe it will improve as the engine breaks in a bit more but enough is enough and sadly it has to go. They should have fitted the 1100 engine and made it euro 4 compliant. Like I said, I’m probably missing the point and have made an expensive mistake because I let my heart rule my head.

  7. Although I don’t own one I am considering buying a new ’17 from my local dealer, the brochure I downloaded states that it IS Euro 4 compliant.

  8. I have a 17, put Ikon shocks on, and RaceTech redid the forks, and it’s absolutely lovely!! It’s torque is always right there. Zero to 85 is pleasently brisk, not quite fast, but it will do a indicated 110. But all and all, it is the most satisfying motorcycle I have ever had, and I have had a few.

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