Moto Guzzi has made a new addition to the mid-sized light motorcycle segment by introducing two new bikes, the V9 Roamer and the V9 Bobber. The V9, according to the Guzzi is 90% new and picks up on the legacy of the legendary Nevada 750. The V9 Roamer is a classic motorcycle which gets modern finishings. The V9 Roamer is a mid-sized custom motorcycle made for the custom made cruiser lovers. The V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber are based on the same platform and also share key parts with each other but we will be focusing on the more cruiser-like bike, the V9 Roamer here.
Price of the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer – Rs. 13.60 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Pune)
Its Styling: Te V9 Roamer is a handsome looking motorcycle. It is shinier with lots of chrome. It’s a typical Moto Guzzi with those retro looks, simple and decent. It is more of a ‘70s style mid-sized motorcycle. It gets a single circular headlamp at front and an oval taillight at rear. The instrument cluster is present in a single circular dial’s form, which hosts a small digital display too. Its seat is what attracted me more. It is simple, comfortable and gets the Moto Guzzi logo stitched in silver thread at the rear. Its switchgear look pretty nice and have a good feel too. The fuel tank sweeps down to the seat and looks fabulous. There is a USB port under the tank. The chromed out twin silencers of this bike compliment to the beautiful design language of this bike.
Its Switchgear and Instrument Cluster: The instrument cluster is a single pod with a digital display. It is treated in chrome and shows speed in km/h and mph. It being a single circular dial, its digital display still manages to show a lot of information like engine temperature, traction-controls, odometer and two trip-meter readings.
The switchgear arrangement is simple, on the right there is the start button, ignition kill switch and the hazards button. On to the left there is a horn button, pass light switch, mode selector switch which lets you toggle the display, a small button to switch between the two traction control modes and the turn indicator’s switch.
Its Ergonomics: Once you are astride the V9 Roamer, you will immediately notice the comfortable seat and the upright seating position. The saddle height is at 785 mm and the chrome handlebar has been raised for your relaxed sitting posture. Once you move off the line, the aluminium footrests are there for more of your comfortable riding. But, the engine heads do not provide the ideal leg space as the tank is not carved out to tuck in your legs. As my shins occasionally kept touching the cylinder heads, I did not feel much discomfort as there was a heat proof pad to keep me prevented. The seat is padded for more comfort and is comfortable for a single person, i.e. the rider, when you seat a pillion behind you, things may not work out properly for the both of you as there is no much pillion space. The lid of the fuel tank gets no locking system, and you, not just you; anybody can simply open it by twisting. If you want a lid that can be locked, you will have to select it from the extra accessories which Moto Guzzi offers with this motorcycle. The V9 Roamer weighs 199 kgs.
Its Engine and performance: The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer gets a new power unit which is built at Mandello del Largo, Italy. It is an 853cc, 900 transverse, V-twin, air and oil cooled engine. This engine is built into compliance with EU4 standards. It produces 55 BHP at 6250 rpm and maximum torque of 62 Nm at 3000 rpm. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The final transmission of the V9 roamer is driven by a double-jointed drive shaft. The engine does make a rich exhaust-note.
As you will thumb start the V9 Roamer, it will come alive with a roar. Release the clutch and the V9 Roamer will move off the line instantly. Shifting through the six-speed gearbox is smooth as its clutch requires a lesser effort. The V9 Roamer being powered by a shaft drive which runs through a new swingarm results into a responsive, quick and smooth throttle response. This also kicks in early the 95% o the Roamer’s torque at 3000 rpm.
Its Riding Dynamics: The bike’s behavior feels challenging at first as it wants to gush forward with all of its torque. But it will smoothen as you will get used to it and adjust your inputs of wrist and clutch. The V9 Roamer rides on 19” front wheel and 16” rear wheel. Whereas the V9 Bobber rides on same 16” wheels at both front and rear. So, the V9 Roamer offers a more pleasurable ride. The tyres are Pirelli Sport Demon, they are grippy and at corners they keep the Roamer stable and planted. It is also a good motorcycle to ride through city traffics. The 40 mm traditional forks at front soak up bumps effortlessly and the adjustable double shock absorbers feel a bit firm but they do perform up to your expectations. The V9 Roamer comes equipped with dual-channel ABS which is integrated with Motot Guzzi Traction Control system which has two settings, one for wet and one for dry. The 320 mm single Brembo disc brake upfront and 260 mm single Brembo disc brake at rear do their job well of getting this 853cc motorcycle to a perfect stop and these all combine to give a lot of confidence of safe riding.
Its Verdict/Conclusion: The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer does make out to be a rider-friendly motorcycle and Moto Guzzi hasn’t failed to produce a great cruiser. Here the Moto Guzzi surely offers a ‘70s style mid-sized cruiser. So, it is for sure that it will attract many of the Guzzi fans out there. The company with this product is more focused on the female and young riders all over but the seat-height alone does not make a perfect bike or a female-friendly motorcycle. But the Roamer’s reasonable power, strong torque and effective brakes makes it a good choice and an enjoyable ride. Not to forget, the sound and the character of the engine make this bike more soulful to ride.
Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Technical Data:
* Engine: 853cc, 900 transverse, V-twin, air and oil cooled, EU4 compliant
* Power: 55 BHP @ 6250 RPM
* Torque: 62 Nm @ 3000 RPM
* Transmission: 6-Speed/Shaft Drive
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: ALS steel twin tube cradle frame
* Suspension: 40 mm Traditional Forks (Front), Adjustable Double Shock absorbers (Rear)
* Tyres: 100-90 19” (Front), 150-80 16” (Rear)
* Brakes: 320 mm single Brembo Disc (Front), 260 mm single Brembo Disc (Rear)
Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Dimensions:
* Length: 2240 mm
* Width: 865 mm
* Height: 1165 mm
* Wheelbase: 1465 mm
* Seat Height: 785 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 liters (Reserve: 4 liters)
* Kerb weight: 199 kgs
Rider – Viraj David
Photography – Avdhoot Kolhe, Saurabh Sutar
