Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
& Roamer
The current craze for retro bikes should
be playing right into the hands of Moto Guzzi as few two-wheeler manufacturers
can call on such a wealth of heritage. So, with this in mind, Guzzi have played
the retro card again for 2016 with the launch of two new models – the V9 Bobber
and V9 Roamer – and MCN is at the world launch for the duo, taking place in
Mandello del Lario, the home of Guzzi since 1921, right now.
Both bikes use the new 853 cc V9 Guzzi
motor, which is essentially a revised – and increased capacity – V7 transverse
twin, but each bike has a very different outlook on life. The Bobber, as its
name suggests, takes its styling inspiration from American street cruisers and
comes with matt black features and huge ‘balloon’ tyres. Quite what this will
do to the handling is yet to be discovered.
The Roamer is far more conventional
Guzzi bread and butter bike, and is a mid-range retro-styled naked bike. Both
V9 models come with traction control and ABS as standard fitment, while the new
engine boasts a healthy 54 bhp with 45.8 lb-ft of torque, which should be more
than enough to make them enjoyable road bikes.