Motorcycle specifications Moto-Guzzi850 V9 Roamer 2018 Tradition takes over

A bike that evolves every year?! That's exceptional, and that's what's happening with the V9. The Roamer has decided to take a slightly rougher road turn, while the Bobber sibling takes a more..... let's say 'sporty' route.
How do you assert your profile? The V9 gets a smaller windscreen and a more comfortable pair of shocks. That's all, and that's enough. Because, like all Guzzi bikes, details have a different importance on this kind of machine.

And what changes were made last year? Minor, but they prove that Guzzi listens to feedback and reacts quickly. The most important is the repositioning of the footrests. Shifted 100 mm to the rear and 35 mm higher, they prevent knees from flirting too much with the twin's cylinder heads. The V9 also features a new, thicker and more comfortable seat. Guzzi specifies that these improvements can be adopted by previous V9 models. All you have to do is get out your checkbook, buy the parts and do a little tinkering. These improvements in no way alter the layout of the V9 Roamer, but they do make it more pleasant to ride. Essential for a motorcycle that requires a minimum of passion and philosophy.

Cultivate your identity, do what you know how to do... or rather, do what is attached to your image. This is how some brands have to keep up with the pace of progress, and some draw on a classic aura to establish their presence. Such is the case with Guzzi, whose retro side has never been so much in evidence. We don't expect the Italian manufacturer to produce a pistarde or a bloody streetfighter; the Piaggio ownership group lets Aprilia get excited about it. For Mandello, the roadster tastes of custom, and to enrich the range, this V9 Roamer will be tasteful for enthusiasts.

guzzlers discover the pulse of the transverse V2 with the V7. Except that after a while, its small block seems weak. The V9 will fill the gap, with a new 853 cm3 block.
There's no question of taking over and inflating the V7's twin. The latter can no longer evolve towards greater displacement. So the manufacturer has come up with a new mill, halfway between the V7 and the Bellagio.
No liquid cooling, no unsightly radiator, but technology nonetheless, especially with the aim of making a compact engine. A single injection unit with a Y-pipe, work on the clutch and gearbox, a marked depollution (injection of fresh air into the exhaust pipes, lambda probe and catalytic converter), and these special features from another era. The Guzzi engine still features 2 valves per cylinder and tumbled valve timing.
New crankshaft, revised gearbox, new transmission, reworked fuel injection, and significantly more power than the V7. The V9 block produces 55 hp at 6250 rpm, 7 hp more than the 744 cm3. With 3 Nm more, torque evolves less spectacularly, peaking at 6.4 mkg at just 3,000 rpm. All figures for a smooth ride, lulled by the charm of the engine. Don't try to compare or relativize with an engine of a sportier philosophy. Some (most) will always wonder why Guzzi produces half the power of a Japanese engine with equivalent displacement... The tempo, the character, the patina, the hammering of the twin-cylinder cylinder heads on the knees are quite different. A temperament to be appreciated beyond performance, with a deep, personal vigor. A trembling hand that takes you on vacation to the shores of lakes and time.

The Roamer is above all a personality. More mature, more classic, more grounded than the V7. The tank alone speaks to its charm. Guzzi intends to raise the level of finish, and offer a machine with enough cachet to counter the strong influence (and success) of BMW, master of the neo-retro, and Triumph, lord of the Classic. This V9 can be enjoyed with old-fashioned technology, featuring a classic double-cradle steel frame. A first for the range, it is claimed to be stiffer than the V7 II. There are no surprises in the chassis, with a 40 mm fork, a set of two shock absorbers and a single front disc for braking. The 320 mm disc with 4-piston caliper and ABS will be sufficient for the Roamer's performance. The rear brake, with a 260 mm disc, will provide a degree of comfort to help you slow down smoothly.
Honor to the metal, to a time-honored engine, to a simple and sufficient chassis. But Guzzi doesn't shy away from visiting the Piaggio garage, where technology abounds; cousin Aprilia loves Superbikes and is developing a stuffing-full of electronics. Thus, surprisingly enough for a motorcycle of this opus, the V9 features a two-position adjustable and disconnectable traction control. A USB socket is also available for connecting GPS, accessories or smartphones. In fact, the Roamer can be optionally equipped with the MG-MP multimedia platform. The app displays a wealth of information, complementing the single on-board speedometer. A chrome circle housing a mother-of-pearl tachometer map, complemented by a digital window. All in all, the V9 is far more modern than it looks.

with its large handlebars, thick, welcoming saddle, obvious good breeding and suavely Italian chic, the V9 Roamer is clearly an invitation to beautiful rides. The kind of bike you choose because it tells you a story. The competition is tough. Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Street Twin, Harley-Davidson 72 and others are putting forward serious arguments, if not better. But a Guzzi doesn't follow the same logic as the market.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos