Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber: Not For Long Trips

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Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber: Not For Long Trips
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber: Not For Long Trips

Video: Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber: Not For Long Trips

Video: Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber: Not For Long Trips
Video: Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Sport '20 | Taste Test 2024, March
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With the V9 Bobber, Moto Guzzi brings a new customizing bike onto the market. However, it only produces 55 hp. Is that enough to have fun too? Our driving report gives the answer.

The traditional Italian motorcycle brand Moto Guzzi will be 95 years old this year. In keeping with this date, a new mid-range motor was developed that totally corresponds to the brand essence: a 90-degree V2 cooled purely with the airstream, which is built into the steel double-loop frame lengthways. The two-valve cylinder heads stand in front of the driver's knees in the airflow, as has been typical for Guzzi since the late 1960s.

Because the new 850 cubic unit naturally has to meet the current emission standards, with such an "antiquated" engine concept the output of 55 hp is of course rather modest. Is that enough for great driving pleasure? The new V9 Bobber has to show its capabilities on the country and mountain roads outside the gates of the Mandello del Lario plant.

Fashionable appearance

Unlike the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer, which is classically designed, the Bobber version is more fashionable with its small, thick front wheel and fairly straight handlebar. In its basic version, this bobber is a pure pleasure vehicle that has nothing to do with longer trips. However, Moto Guzzi has also recognized that the trend towards customizing, the individual modification of the bike, is a powerful one (and profitable for both dealers and parts manufacturers). If you want, you can also design your bobber in such a way that it not only impresses with its appearance, but is also more versatile.

But first to the engine. While the zeitgeist is clearly towards water-cooled engines with four-valve cylinder heads, Moto Guzzi continues to rely on the two-valve principle and air cooling. Nevertheless, the V2 engine meets the requirements of the new Euro 4 emission standards. Only the engine and gearbox are from the V7 model (744 cc), all the engine internals have been completely redeveloped. With 40 kW / 55 PS, however, the power of the pleasantly smooth running engine is kept within limits; thanks to the very flat torque curve, however, it is available from 2,000 rpm. enough power is available, which is why the well-stepped and easily shiftable six-speed gearbox does not have to be exerted too often in order to be on the move quickly - a drive that perfectly matches the character of the Bobber.

It is helpful if you complete serpentines with light pressure on the rear brake, because the throttle response of the V2 engine from the push mode is a bit hard. Otherwise, the engine operates pleasantly and free of defects and, with a consumption of well under five liters, is also contemporary and economical.

Good handling

This Italo-Moto of the 200 kilogram class should be characterized by easy drivability and high user friendliness. Destination achieved - this can be seen after the first trips in the mountainous hinterland as well as on the shores of Lake Como. However, the Bobber version places higher demands on the driver than the V9 Roamer; Due to the design (thick, smaller front wheel, almost straight handlebar, changed seating position) the bobber does not turn into corners that easily. However, it retains the selected radius without any problems. Since the lean angle is slightly smaller due to the footpegs mounted a little further forward, driving the Bobber fast requires a little more attention than with the Roamer version of the V9. No problem of any kind results from this.

On the other hand, bobber riding is not a real pleasure on bad passages: The almost ten centimeters of suspension travel on the rear wheel is quickly used up, and bumps then find their way directly into the driver's intervertebral discs. This characteristic is due to the conception, not a lack of care when setting up the chassis. The brake system is absolutely convincing with a disc brake in the front and rear wheel; the ABS regulates sensitively in a contemporary way.

Extensive equipment

Moto Guzzi Bobber
Moto Guzzi Bobber

The equipment is good: In addition to electronic traction control, there is also an immobilizer, a USB port and an automatic turn signal reset. The newly developed handlebar switches are an eye-catcher, which is not only stylish, but also fits functionally. The centrally arranged round instrument has a pleasantly discreet design; A small LC display shows further information at the push of a button on the handlebar - everything you need for relaxed motorcycling is available.

10,390 euros may not be a sticky stick for a 55 hp bike, but still not unfair: Because the V9 Bobber is not a mass-produced motorcycle, but a small-series, beautifully crafted vehicle that reveals at first glance where it was made: Namely where all Guzzis have been built since 1921, in the “sacred halls” of this unique company right on the shores of Lake Como.

In the first three months of this year, the recently presented new models have not yet had a positive effect on dealers; they have only just been delivered. For this reason, only just under 300 Guzzis were registered for the first time this year in Germany during the first quarter instead of the 350 units of the previous year. By the end of the year, however, thanks to the new V9 models, the 15 percent minus from January to March will have turned into a 15 percent plus. Betting? (SP-X)

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