Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Review (2016)
What Is It?
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber is a retro style bike with a shaft drive and is powered by a Euro 4 compliant air / oil cooled 853 cc 90° V-Twin engine, producing 54.2 bhp at 6,250 rpm and maximum torque at just 3,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (808 mm / 31.8 inches)
- Dry Weight: Heavy (199 kg / 439 lbs)
- Economy: Average (55 mpg / 5.1 l/100km / 19.5 km/l)
- Range: High (180 miles / 290 km)
- Top Speed: Average (80 mph / 129 km/h)
Pros
- Low down torque
- Build quality
- Brakes
- Style
Cons
- Basic electronics
- No fuel gauge
What Is It Like?
A bit about you
I'm a 60 year old male, 6'1". I rode way back when, then came back to it a few years ago. The V9 is my third "big" bike and I'm also a Vespa enthusiast.
Why did you choose it?
I traded in my V85 TT for the Bobber as I wanted a lighter, more nimble and individual machine for A and B road use.
What is good about it?
The build quality is excellent. Superb torque, easy on the eye - to my taste anyway. I see it as a modern rendering of a classic bike.
What could be improved?
Taking it for what it is, not much. However the absence of a fuel gauge is just ridiculous. The gears are quite close and 6th should be more of an overdrive.
What's the economy like?
Around 60 mpg.
Any mods or upgrades?
Crash bars: those cylinder heads stick out a long way!
How is the engine?
Beautiful. Classic big twin. More torquey even than the V85.
How does it handle?
Good, but not outstanding, in that the front can lack a bit of precision, perhaps due to that vast front tyre.
What are the brakes like?
Excellent front and back: the single disc up front is perfectly good.
Is it comfortable?
Whilst not a tourer it's longer legged than I expected, and 2-3 hours in the saddle before a stop is fine.
How reliable have you found it?
All good so far. The dealer spotted seepage from the front forks and replaced the seals under warranty straight away - great service Mototechnics of Stowmarket, thank you.
To sum up
Individual, quirky and charming roadster. If you want a H2 or a GS1250 you wont be remotely interested, but if you just want to enjoy the ride in style, it's great.
- Trevor S, 2020
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Sport - Premium version of the Bobber with Ohlins rear shocks, solo seat, slash cut exhaust, mini fly screen, fork gaiters and lower bars.
Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer - Entry level V9 with less chunky tyres, Chrome exhausts and a bench seat.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.