Moto Guzzi V9

[SportsterDoc]

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.

I enjoyed my Moto Guzzi V7II, at first. Great torque, 5.8 gallon tank gave good range, shaft drive smooth. No issues in heat (up to 116F).
Rode 500 mile days.
Seat comfort better, much better, than stock 2012 Triumph Bonneville...but,

1. Behaved cold upon warm starts, even after ECU reflash, just not as bad
2. Had intermittent no idle issues
3. Rear suspension was harshest I have ever owned.
4. I will never again do business with the Las Vegas dealer, ever.

CB1100 far superior, other than weight.

If that does not deter the OP, then this was my ride report, Feb 2017

540 mile / 17 day report:

1. Love the low end torque...and I am already accustomed to H-D Sportsters.

2. Love the 5.8 gallon fuel tank

3. Love the light weight (417#)

4. Love accessibility for checking spark plugs

5. Love the black powder coated alloy wheels (does not show grime and I really appreciate tubeless tires)

6. Love key access to seat removal (two bolts on Bonneville and one bolt on Sportsters)

7. Love the seat height...not too low...not to high

8. Love the storage under the seat for a small tool bag, spare fuses, spare spark plugs, 6x9 zip lock bag of schematics, etc.

9. Love readability of the gauges...although the numbers could be a tad bigger for 70 year old eyes

10. Love the ground clearance and lean angle capabilities

11. Love the shaft drive

12. Air filter (AP8104924) is inexpensive at $8 - $9

13. Spark plugs (NGK CPR8EB-9) can be ordered from O'Reilly's for $4.49 each

14. Yuasa YTX14-BS battery equivalent is stocked at my local O'Reillys (ETX14), a factory filled AGM for $102.99

15. The 3 relays (headlight on after startup, start and injectors) are the same part number (AP8224462) and are only about $7

16. Appreciate easy access to air filter, fuses and battery, although 3 relays are under the fuel tank

17. Most sensors (and injectors) are easy access (right head temp, oil pressure switch, engine RPM, etc), but some are not (neutral switch, TPS, coils)

18. Seat has been comfortable for up 6 hour days, thus far; whereas both Sportsters and Bonneville seat required upgrades for more than 50 miles. Can better evaluate after a 300+ mile, 5 hour+ run to Stove Pipe Wells in Death Valley, planned for the end of March.

19. This is the first bike which may remain absolutely stock, other than a Dart Marlin flyscreen, removal of decals and stickers and LED tail/stop 1157.

20. Only negatives are:
Major
A. the lean mixture, both cold start (likes 2 minutes +) and even after a "warm" start after only a few minutes shutdown, which likes almost a full minute after re-start.
Minor
B. a few things are crowded under the tank/between the heads (throttle body, coil, etc.)