2016 Moto-Guzzi V9 Bobber ride and review

Tonight:
- 2016 Moto-Guzzi V9 Bobber takes the center stage
- We get a feel for a classic cruiserish bike that is über-cool
- ElectroMoto scrapes a peg
- Black v-ropes
- Honourable mentions: Honda CB600f Hornet, Ducati Scrambler, gravel
- Back on a road to nowhere
- 853 cc, 90° V-twin fun!
- Just realised.. The tires are a special make and there's a slim chance to find a more off-roader tire...
--
Twitter: / electromotovlog
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The helmet: The Dumo
The bloke: ElectroMoto
The bike: 2003 Honda CB600f Hornet "Matilda" and 2016 Moto-Guzzi V9 Bobber

[@DjurDjinZabugen]

One of the best KZbin bike reviews I've seen. Hard to believe you'd only been riding four months. Very helpful

[@MargusMoto]

Thanks, man! When I feel a passion for something, I'm in it so deep, every second feels like an hour.. every week like a year... so in the end the time doesn't matter :D

[@jupitersamjk]

Great review Electromoto. You covered all the points about the v9 and I appreciate your comparison with the scrambler

[@MargusMoto]

+Jonathan Kumar Thanks, Jonathan. I want to make a more thorough comparison of the two at some point.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Just watched this excellent review again. A really desirable bike.

[@nickcummins6157]

Brilliant review. Really helpful. I'm getting a V9 Bobber tomorrow!! Can't wait.

[@MargusMoto]

You are a lucky man! I'd be interested to hear, after riding for a while on it, how does it feel in a long run..

[@nickcummins6157]

I'll let you know!! I think it's a great looking bike. You obviously liked it?!

[@MargusMoto]

It took a while to get used to it's character, as I was used to an edgy naked bike and this one was somewhat tamer cruiser.. But the more I rode it, the more it started to show it's unique.. soul, I guess one could call it - something my naked lacked. It started to grow on me real fast...

[@JeffJohnson247]

Thanks for taking the time to make this review. Witnessing your experience on it was what really sealed the deal for me when I was considering bikes to purchase... I went ahead and bought it, albeit in grey/red! It was either this or a Bonneville, and I feel that this has a bit more character and authenticity. Keep up the good work!

[@MargusMoto]

Glad it was helpful. I must say, I have yet to ride a Bonneville, but I can't imagine anything having much more character and a badass feel than the Bobber. I rode it a while back and it still gets my heart racing thinking about it..

[@nikos-giorgos]

ElectroMoto Never underestimate a Bonneville!

[@tpv59]

THANK YOU. LOVED your review. 10/10. WELL done.

[@MargusMoto]

Thank you!!

[@Koomavideo]

Really good review! Especially good because of the comparison to Scrambler. Those are the bikes i would choose from if i had the money for a new bike right now. After this review im more sure i would get the V9 Bobber!

[@MargusMoto]

Then be sure to wait up for the back-to-back review of those two, as whenever I'm ready to buy a new motorcycle, I'm gonna test both of those again.. As both of them are as different as they are similar... Tell you the truth, riding back from the test, I recorded three different conclusions.. Partly 'cause I wasn't sure any of them was the correct one... But we'll see.. ;)

[@MegaSchwartzy]

Nice video, good commentary, impressive insights for a newbie rider.

[@MargusMoto]

+Adan adawn Thanks! :) It really means a lot to me

[@jamesnickel4748]

Great review and VERY nice bike! I can tell you luv' it! I'll purchase a new V7 soon...can hardly wait. Safe riding!

[@MargusMoto]

Thank you James. The Guzzi's are really wonderful bikes!

[@markjones7864]

I bought one (well the Roamer version) - to some extent on the strength of your review and journeying with you. Thanks mate

[@MargusMoto]

I'm happy I could be of help :) Just had the chance to sit on a Bobber last week at a Motor Show and it brought back all the fond memories of this bike

[@MauricioRafaelGonzalez]

Very nice review. Considering a 2017 now - this helps!

[@MargusMoto]

I'm glad it helped. It's a wonderful machine!

[@RummyKegstealer]

I love my Moto Guzzi V7 II. The sound is amazing!

[@MargusMoto]

+Rummy Kegstealer Where do you ride it?

[@RummyKegstealer]

USA virginia. Got done with a 400 mile ride yesterday to the mountains and back. 8 and half hour on the saddle. No motorways as you call them. Only back roads. I don't like the views from them =)

[@MargusMoto]

Nice! I lived in Virginia for a little over a year.. Absolutely loved the scenery. Especially the ride to Luray caverns.. Though that was almost 10 years ago.. :D So I take it, 8 hours is no problem in the saddle of a Moto-Guzzi?.. That sounds promising...

[@leszekgajewski8131]

Perfect. Thx.

[@Skuglyft]

Just bought a 2016 V9 bobber with 2000kms on it, what a machine! never felt anything like it.

[@jimellis2778]

I disagree, a Vulcan 900 is just like it on the highway. Absolute agony from any road imperfection. I got rid of my V9 and feel sorry for the bloke who bought it, but I did warn him, and he agreed after he went for a "cruise". About the traction control, on dew wet grass the abs was so savage that I thought that the motor had damaged the black box, switched the abs off and back to normal drive. What a disappointment! It was my third Moto Guzzi and I loved the first two.

[@PucketyCrik]

I really like your style of review. You tell it the way you ride it. I'm 6'2" and was looking at the V7, but your review has me seriously thinking about the Bobber.

[@MargusMoto]

I'm real glad you found it useful. :) Everyone I talked to over at the dealership said that the power difference between the V7 and the Bobber is quite remarkable. But I would strongly advise you to try out the Roamer version as well. Even if only for the better choice of tires later on (the Bobber has quite unique ones that might be more difficult to replace in the long run...) ;)

[@PucketyCrik]

That's a good point about the tires. I'm just waiting for my local shop here in Victoria, BC to lower their prices. They have a bunch of 2016's sitting in the showroom just begging to be bought, but they haven't dropped the price. I might wait for a deal.

[@MargusMoto]

You are stronger man than I am.. :) I could never wait. Then again, for some reason these new models arrived over here with a 1K discount.. Or so they say at least.. regular list price of 10 490 eur (that is 11 108 usd) is permanently discounted to 8 990 eur (9520 usd)... Rather odd..

[@PucketyCrik]

I wouldn't say stronger, more like cheaper. In Canada the Bobber is $10,477 and the Roamer is $10,577 at my local dealer. It's our rainy season here on the West Coast, so I can justify to myself to wait. Cheers

[@sorebutt9906]

I just bought this. I was considering the Scrambler too but this sounds better than the Scrambler.🤣🤣🤣

[@MargusMoto]

Yeah, the scrambler is a toy next to this one

[@luigidimarzio142]

la guzzi e la migliore moto del mondo

[@MargusMoto]

+Luigi di marzio sono d'accordo :)

[@krunotdotfi]

Doing a review with Swedish accent in Estonia on an Italian bike. Neat.

[@MargusMoto]

Indeed :D And riding like a German - strictly by the rules! ;)

[@ManiPulatoR84]

There aren't many v9 riding videos on YT yet, so thanks for sharing :) BUT... I heard you talking in the first couple of minutes about how you're tall and are looking for a bike where you don't feel cramped and which is capable of some off-road and I couldn't help thinking "why the hell would you try out a v9 then??" These are (at least to my understanding) bikes made solely for the purpose of cruising on well built roads and looking good at it... if riding on gravel is a prerequisite, I'd be looking at a Triumph Tiger 800XC, A Honda Africa Twin (my two personal favorites) and a BMW F800GS, among others. These bikes should have way better ergonomics for someone of your stature, as well. But then again, if you're rather into vintage bikes, you may want to take a look at the Triumph Scrambler, as well. Should have better off-road capabilities than the V9. Anyways, great video, keep it up and ride safe!

[@MargusMoto]

Thank you for the feedback! It might be I wasn't quite clear enough on what kind of bike I'm looking for.. I still want a bike that would be about 80% street, 15% cruising and 5% off-road(ish). When I say I'm looking for an off-road capable bike, I'm actually referring to hard surfaces like gravel roads and dry trails.. (I know.. not really off road..) My ideal bike so far has been the Ducati Scrambler, which has all the right boxes ticked, except the size.. I've ridden a G650GS (my Spain travel vid), and as it did fit me a little bit better, I found it a little bit too tame and.. well not exciting... I do acknowledge though, that I was riding two-up and in unfamiliar conditions, and I need a second go on it to decide. I also sat on a TransAlp, and it felt a bit too big for my 80% street requirement... The Triumph Scrambler has been on my list for a long time, but our local dealer has Triumphs only on order, none in the store.. :( I know I'm being stupidly picky, but since I'm not rushing to buy just yet I can afford to try out all the options.. :D And the list is long!

[@ManiPulatoR84]

Well, at least I think it's better to be picky than buying a bike and regretting it afterwards because it's just not what you were looking for... besides, it's not like trying everything out you can get your hands on wouldn't be fun, too ;)

[@MargusMoto]

+ManiPulatoR84 Yeah, exactly my point! :D

[@jamesbatten6609]

For a brilliant all rounder can’t beat a Suzuki Vstrom 650 . Ride safe bros 😀🇬🇧🏍

[@frankjirmann7426]

Thx.. Good job!!! I will downgrade from supersport,Looks like a good alternative 4 me

[@MargusMoto]

+Frank Jirmann That is quite a switch, but a good change if you're looking for more comfort. :)

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Great review. I prefer this to the Ducati, too.

[@MargusMoto]

Thanks. Somehow this one simply feels more special indeed..

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I had to google one of the town names on a passing sign to find out this was Estonia. Your English is very good.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I should add I bet the Bobber is more reliable than the Ducati.

[@MargusMoto]

The video was made back in a day when I was still a bit worried about the reception of videos made by non-English-speaking countries and so I never really advertised where all of this is taking place... These days I don't give a hoot anymore.. :D I've heard about the reliability issues with Ducati's, but people be saying that times have changed and since they assemble some of these things in Indonesia now, the quality is not too bad.. I used to sit day and night in a Ducati Scrambler forum when I was still fascinated by that thing and besides some minor issues folks mostly were surprised by the quality... Now that I own a BMW bike, I sit in that bike's forum and there are surprisingly many issues with that particular machine. Then again, as Ducati's are mainly fashion items, these BMW's are travelling and enduro bikes and thus get a harder beating... :) I guess what I'm trying to get at here, is that I'm still learning... :D

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Did you buy the MG Bobber? The Ducati Scrambler is made in Thailand.

[@nebelmauer]

I've got my V9 Bobber a couple of weeks ago. I'm still getting used to it, but I'd like to point out that it's absolutely incorrect to compare this machine to a Ducati's Scrambler. Try to test ride a Harley's Sportster (not 883, but 1200). I assume Forty-Eight... This year's Harley on Tour in Estonia will take place in Tartu and the list of bikes can be found at HD Tallinn. Drop them a line to register for a ride.

[@MargusMoto]

I think I'm trying more to compare these two in terms of what they possibly could do more than what they were designed for rather than what they were actually built to do.. :D I'm looking for a classic, that could do dirt, not a cruiser. And I know V9 is built to be a cruiser, but I'm wondering, if it could be more...

[@jroberthadden]

Are you going to buy one? I helped lead demo rides for Guzzi at the Sturgis Rally this past August. I got to ride the Bobber and Roamer back to back. I liked the Bobber better so I used it to lead groups up Vanocker Canyon several times that week. The more I rode it the better I liked it. I'm about 250 lbs so I prefer the 1400 bikes. The Bobber is a fine bike, however, and I hope you get/got one...

[@MargusMoto]

To be honest, I haven't decided yet. I really want to try out the Roamer, but our dealer here hasn't received one yet. My main worry with the Bobber is the unique tire size which really limits the options.. Say if I wanted to get something more knobbier ..

[@jasminm8388]

I have seen all reviews of this bike and yours is def the best. Now I want it even more than before, I only have one question for you. This is my first stronger(bigger) bike(more then 300cc) and what do u think will it be hard for me to handle it, btw i am 180cm tall. Thnks

[@MargusMoto]

Thank you! :) I started on a 600cc Honda Hornet, a quite nervous little naked and I'd say it was a handful at first. But that's the difference between the motor-setups. The Hornet has an in-line 4 engine like a lot of the sports bikes. That makes it quite lively, that is every millimetre or a fraction of an inch you move the throttle, it reacts quick and harsh. The V-engines, like the Moto-Guzzi has, are a bit more tame in that sense - you have to yank that throttle good to make it go. Of course, do it too much and it will pull real strong.. So, I'd say it is not a bad bike to upgrade from 300cc. Guess it also depends on what the 300cc bike was. If a sports bike, then it will be very different. If a cruiser, then it will feel quite familiar. If a dirt bike, it's from another world :D In my mind, the only thing that could be scary with this bike, is the lean-angle. Never ever have I before nor after riding this thing scraped a foot-peg.. :D Then again, my dad does this all the time on his big-ass cruiser, so I guess it's perfectly normal...

[@jasminm8388]

ElectroMoto thanks again for your answer...

[@magnom5073]

i hope you can still read this. how is the v9 after 2 years? any info on the reliability and your experience

[@MargusMoto]

I never bought the bike since I wanted something more dirt-capable, but I haven't heard anything bad or worrying about the bike in later years... Could be the owners aren't all that vocal about the short-comings of the bike or there simply aren't any major issues to report.

[@darlingimscared]

I've got the v9 bobber it's pretty nasty anything above 60mph for wind. I put a dart screen on it that I don't like the look of that I consider necessary for high ways. I'm in the UK I believe these moto guzzis are even rarer in US, if anyone has a guzzi dealer near them just get a guzzi you'll be one of few US citizens to have one

[@MargusMoto]

Yeah, over here I've only seen one riding around, thought I'm pretty sure there are a couple more sitting around somewhere, just not being ridden as often, unfortunately..

[@darlingimscared]

@@MargusMoto interesting. USA those huge roads I'll admit I'd probably end up a harley rider or bmw GS 1200. Saying that moto guzzi's flying fortress or California would be ideal for going around you're country

[@frankjirmann7426]

Did u used aus well the roamer for compare?

[@MargusMoto]

+Frank Jirmann No, unfortunately our dealer only got a Bobber for testing..

[@sarathkumarmulugurthi9206]

I am 5'2" 😭 I can increase it by heels or whatever shoes ... do you think it will be comfortable for me ? I never tried a guzzi

[@MargusMoto]

+Sarath Kumar Mulugurthi Hmm.. It actually might be quite okay for you on that bike. But there is only one way to find out 😉 If you can find one, definitely try it out!

[@jakeyb6453]

I’m only 5 8 and had a real bend in my knees so I think you would be fine on this bike Motto Guzzis are beautiful you’ll fall in love a bike that puts a smile on your face on or off it V9 bobber my next bike Tried Ducati scrambler had very jerky throttle and feels like a kids bike but the Guzzi is a real bike and looks awesome usable speed and torque in the real world.

[@charlesrenniemacki]

I used to ride about 25 years ago in the UK but never passed my test so I only had bikes up to 125cc. I got married and cars were the order of the day and that was that...until I saw the V9 Bobber and I just want one, no other bike, just one of those. If I pass my test would it be stupid to buy an 850cc bike bearing in mind that it's not a high performance racer and I've no intention of being one?

[@MargusMoto]

I am fairly sure you'd be fine with the Bobber. Setting aside that a V-engine isn't as snappy or as unforgiving as an inline-four for instance, Moto-Guzzi's V9 also has traction control as a safety net. Bear in mind, I recorded this video about 4 years ago when I had gotten my license rather recently and I was anything but a confident and seasoned rider. Still, I felt quite confident on it.

[@ripmax333]

Ducati Scrambler or Moto Guzzi V9? A really hard decision for sure, I like both bikes too although i didn't tried them, they all get positive reviews about them. The Scrambler is super cool, it's small, fun and has just the right amount of power, the one big problem drawback that I see for it is the valve check of its desmotronic valve system, as a 2 valve per cylinder it might be doable as I like to service the bike's myself but it's a very time consuming, Vs the V9 bobber it's a breeze to do it your self. The Ducati can go a bit off road and it's lighter but the parts are too expensive, for example. and engine casing for the scrambler is about 400 euros each if you damage it off road, the tank alone is about 1700 euros!! yikes! dropping this baby is really expensive, comparing my CRF250L to the scrambler, the cost are really really cheap. about the bobber i dont know, but maybe they are less expensive.....maybe.

[@MargusMoto]

+ripmax333 I think both the Bobber and and Scrambler are the kind of toys that you really have to be able to afford.. You won't pitch in your savings and loans only to spend almost the same amount in following years. That's why for now I myself will settle for used bikes. At least I won't break a bank riding 'em. But doesn't mean I won't be drooling test riding these 🤤

[@ripmax333]

its' not that i dont have the money right now to buy one but the thing is that 10000 to 11000 euros is a big investment. the road licence fee after 4 years will start to get higher plus insurance would cost me about 300 to 400 euros per year. the other problem is that i have 2 others bikes which i really love and i know i would miss them a ton if i ever decide to sell them and stay with only one bike. but if i end with 3 bikes then i have another 300 to 400 euros more to pay per year and you have to consider things like how much are the parts for a particular bike, because one day or the other you will eventually drop the bike.

[@MargusMoto]

+ripmax333 Yeah, I can totally understand. I'd probably pick more than one bike over one "perfect" bike. Especially if that "perfection" would come with terms. Though over here where I am, we have no additional fees and insurance is still really cheap. God knows if that'll last..

[@Theophilus1968]

Kind of weird comparing a Moto Guzzi v9 to a Ducati Scrambler? Other than that fun and informative review. I bought one just so I can say Moto Guzzi (Moto Gootsee) everyday! 👍 Lol.

[@MargusMoto]

That is a good reason (among others) to buy one :D But yeah, I agree, a weird comparison. In my defence, back then these were the few bikes I had had an experience with so I didn't have many other bikes to compare it with... XD

[@iSlanderEST]

"Theres more to riding than pavement" :P

[@MargusMoto]

Ha!.. You should trademark that quote! =D And I couldn't agree more

[@iSlanderEST]

ElectroMoto I think I read it from somewhere actually :P

[@leszekgajewski8131]

How tall are you?

[@MargusMoto]

I am 1,84 m (6 ft)

[@freddieriboni716]

Guzzi

[@carolusrex6171]

You know it has six speed don’t you? I kept waiting for you to shift.

[@MargusMoto]

:D In all that excitement I probably forgot...

[@carolusrex6171]

That’s forgivable. I love my V9 Roamer. Guzzi quality shines.

[@arakg6797]

I felt so sad for that beautiful moto guzzi, you treated it like a cheap old bike.

[@MargusMoto]

I do apologise. In my defence, I did not know better back then. If I could go back, I would show it the love and respect it deserves.. :)

[@geraldking967]

OK the problem I have with your review is your lack of experience. By that I mean that you obviously have little experience with different types of bike styles, bike roads and bike purposes for which to draw your comparisons. The Guzzi in all its forms is not a sports bike and its unfair and unrealistic to compare it to one. Its not an adventure bike either so suggesting fitting it with adventure tyres and doing some off roading is going to end in disaster. Contrary to your comments, there is indeed a gear indicator on this bike which you would have found had you properly researched the bike before riding it; all you had to do was flick the mode switch on the left side switch mount and a whole list of functions will appear on the dash. The twist to the right when blipping the throttle is an inherent trait of the engine design and layout, something else you would know if you had any mechanical knowledge. Likewise with your comment that there is no engine braking, there definitely is and it is noticeable if you have an actual feel for the bike which comes with experience. Moto Guzzi engines are inherently strong in the mid range where they develop the majority of their horse power and torque, in the case of a Guzzi that power is transmitted in a useable and predictable manner due to the nature of the design which means this bike is never going to out accelerate a sports bike but its not going to throw you off mid corner either when you open the throttle and the power comes on in a predictable and controlled manner - not all at once as it does with high powered high revving sports bikes. If you had an honest assessment of your own capabilities and skills you would realise that the Moto Guzzi is ideal for the average rider, with average skills because it does not force you to ride "on the edge" the way a high powered sports bike does but at the same time you can actually use the properties of the engine, gearbox and geometry to have fun. As to the air turbulence you experience at higher speeds, thats exactly what an experienced rider would expect when riding a naked bike at speed. Before you post reviews of any bikes you need to assess and appreciate the nature of the bike you review, where it fits into the market and what it was designed to do. Instead of emphasising its limitations try looking for the benefits of what you have. You got nearly everything wrong reviewing the Guzzi. The only thing you got right was that they are fun to ride.

[@MargusMoto]

Yeah, all fair points. 5 years later I have a bit more experience and agree with most of what you’re saying. In my defence, it was pretty much the first thing that I said in the video, that I don’t have any experience, so why did you expect and expert opinion from a dude that had been riding for four months is beyond me.. 😄