06-07-2020, 12:05 AM
I’m 6’6” (36” inseam) and went the other way — from a 2010 V7 Cafe Classic and 2011 V7 Classic to my 2014 CB1100 DLX. The V7 was a fabulous bike for the roads I enjoy (no freeways), handled great, and had ample torque, but it wasn’t a bike that I could sustain a long-term relationship with, primarily due to its harsh, ineffective suspension and dismal dealership network and service support. For me, it was too small and too underpowered for comfortable two-up riding, but for solo 300-400 mile rides in the mountains, it was a real charmer. My CB easily solved all of these issues, is considerably roomier, has much better suspension and engine performance, and provides an even more satisfying and enjoyable ownership experience. Your mileage may vary.
I’ve not yet ridden a V9 Roamer or V9 Bobber but understand they’re a bit lustier than the V7. However, the foot-forward styling doesn’t appeal to me. If Moto Guzzi put the V85TT engine in a more conservative looking bike, that would be more appealing to me, but until they addressed their U.S. dealership network, it’d be a non-starter.
![[Image: 0b494b5576f65da94bc3f0b9d6659a3b.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202006/0b494b5576f65da94bc3f0b9d6659a3b.jpg)
![[Image: 881de2b328916707176664cf24cfa90f.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202006/881de2b328916707176664cf24cfa90f.jpg)
I’ve not yet ridden a V9 Roamer or V9 Bobber but understand they’re a bit lustier than the V7. However, the foot-forward styling doesn’t appeal to me. If Moto Guzzi put the V85TT engine in a more conservative looking bike, that would be more appealing to me, but until they addressed their U.S. dealership network, it’d be a non-starter.