Motorcycles

Moto Guzzi rolls out new V9 cruiser family

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Moto Guzzi introduces a new engine platform, initiated by two new models, the V9 Roamer and Bobber
Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi introduces a new engine platform, initiated by two new models, the V9 Roamer and Bobber
Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer
Spiros Tsantilas/Gizmag
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
Spiros Tsantilas/Gizmag
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in Nero Massiccio (black)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in Nero Massiccio (black)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in Nero Massiccio (black)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in Nero Massiccio (black)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in Nero Massiccio (black)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in Grigio Sport (grey)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in Grigio Sport (grey)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in Grigio Sport (grey)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber uses straight, low handlebars
Moto Guzzi
The fuel tank on both Moto Guzzi V9 models holds 15 liters
Moto Guzzi
The 16-inch front wheel of the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber uses a 130/90 tire
Moto Guzzi
Black matte exhaust cans for the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 uses a new 850 cc engine with two-valve heads and pushrods
Moto Guzzi
The seat of the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber is slightly longer than that of the Roamer
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer in Bianco Classico (white)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer in Bianco Classico (white)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer in Bianco Classico (white)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer in Giallo Solare (yellow)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer in Giallo Solare (yellow)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer in Giallo Solare (yellow)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer in Giallo Solare (yellow)
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer in Giallo Solare (yellow)
Moto Guzzi
A 19-inch front wheel with 100/90 tire for the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer
Moto Guzzi
Braking in both models is handled by a Brembo four-piston caliper gripping on a single 320 mm disc
Moto Guzzi
A brand new drive shaft has been introduced with the Moto Guzzi V9 models
Moto Guzzi
There is no difference in the engine between the two Moto Guzzi V9 variants
Moto Guzzi
A shorter seat for the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer
Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi designed the new V9 Roamer and Bobber cruisers with input from the Piaggio Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, USA
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber kitted with some official after-market parts like the screen and bar-end mirrors
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer fitted with official accessories
Moto Guzzi
The Moto Guzzi Garage is an online hub for official accessories for several models, including the new V9 Roamer and Bobber
Moto Guzzi
View gallery - 34 images

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Motto Guzzi introduced two models at EICMA built around a brand new 850cc engine. The V9 Roamer and Bobber represent the evolution of the Nevada 750 – one of the longest running models in Moto Guzzi's contemporary range – and signal a fresh take on the company's trademark air-cooled transverse twin tradition.

As Europe braces itself for the gradual introduction of a new set of emission laws, with the forthcoming Euro 4 norms unofficially dubbed "the death of the air-cooled engine," Moto Guzzi is swimming against the current by unveiling a brand new air-cooled, pushrod V-twin. It's a somewhat surprising move at a time when motors like BMW's boxer and Triumph's in-line twin have turned to liquid cooling.

Manufacturers are not banned from building air-cooled engines, but in order to comply with the new emission laws they would have to be seriously underpowered. Apparently this fact doesn't really trouble Moto Guzzi, whose new 850 cc twin produces just 55 hp (40.4 kW).

But the company boasts a record of solid sales from similarly underpowered machines like the Nevada 750, Breva 750 and, most notably, the V7 series. Its 744 cc engine in these models humbly produces 48 hp (35.8 kW), proving that horsepower is not the only way to success.

Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer
Spiros Tsantilas/Gizmag

With the new V9 engine Moto Guzzi is shifting the focus to torque and elasticity, offering peak torque of 62 Nm (45.7 lb-ft) at as low as 3,000 rpm. The 90-degree air and oil cooled transverse twin has been built on the same blueprint that Moto Guzzi has been developing since 1967, applying some modern know-how in order to improve economy and emissions figures.

Two valves per cylinder are commanded by pushrods and fed via a Marelli electronic injection system, as power is channeled through a single-plate dry clutch and a new six-speed gearbox to the final drive, a new double-jointed shaft. As such, Moto Guzzi remains loyal to its roots.

Under the hood, though, there's some modern technology. A collection of electronic systems includes a two-channel ABS, traction control (adjustable in two levels and deactivatable), immobilizer and a USB port hidden under the steering head. There's also an optional Multimedia Platform (MG MP) on offer that connects wirelessly to a smartphone and allows the rider to monitor a variety of vehicle information. The MG MP includes several interesting features like "Eco Ride," where the rider can access fuel consumption data in order to define an economical riding pattern, or simply record trip data and study them later.

There's also a "Grip Warning" system that compiles data from the bike's sensors and informs the rider when they're approaching the traction limit (apparently assessed by the level of traction control involvement). This system also reports on the lean angles achieved during the ride, thanks to a new software algorithm specifically developed for this model. Another intriguing feature is the ability to locate where the bike has been parked, as the system records the location where the engine was last switched off.

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
Spiros Tsantilas/Gizmag

As for the differences between the two models, these are mostly cosmetic. The Roamer is the basic cruiser model with a relaxed riding position and a combination of a 19-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear. The Bobber uses a 16-inch front wheel as well, equipped with a fatter tire. Mated with lower, straight handlebars, this variant offers a more aggressive riding position with more weight bias to the front.

There is no information on pricing or availability as yet, but Moto Guzzi has made sure there is ample room for customization. At EICMA the Moto Guzzi Garage was introduced as a central online hub where customers can find a wide variety of aftermarket parts to personalize their ride – and naturally the V9 family is supported by a long list of goodies to further this cause.

The promotional video below reveals more on the new V9 Roamer and Bobber.

Source: Moto Guzzi

View gallery - 34 images
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4 comments
RangerJones
Appearance: C- Power : C Tech. : D Video : F Why show a video without demo'ing performance? Must have a good reason...
Dan Lewis
"The promotional video below reveals more on the new V9 Roamer and Bobber."
NO, the video did not reveal anything more. Phooey.
Martin Hone
Back to their roots in more ways than one. 850cc was the capacity of the LeMans I back in the late '70s
BradSinn
Oh, goody. Another cruiser. Where's the v9 cafe, Lemans I lookalike that we want?!