Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Review | Centenario Edition

For those after a characterful European cruiser with unquestionable heritage, a great overall package and the added benefit of Bobber appeal, look to Moto Guzzi's V9 Bobber, which I was lucky enough to review in Centenario Edition form.
Featuring the new generation 853 cc 90-degree V-twin pumping out a boosted 65 hp and 73 Nm of torque, the latter comes on from as low as 3000 rpm, ensuring thrills alongside that character.
Brembo provide the brakes, with limited adjustment on the stock suspension belying a very well set up system for my 70 kg or so.
Attention to detail is a strength with a strong commitment to Moto Guzzi's history, reflected in the looks of the bike, while adding features like traction control and an LCD dash.
Here's my overall thoughts on the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber.
Images courtesy of Moto Guzzi Australia, by Dean Walters.
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[@bruceleong9534]

I’ve never liked cruisers or bobbers but I have to admit that I find the V9 Bobber to be a very good looking bike. I’ve also read that Moto Guzzi cruisers have always handled better and have better suspension than most cruisers, even as far back as the 850 El Dorado from the 70s. Thanks for reviewing a “different” bike Kris. Have to agree, it looks and sounds like an impressive bike.

[@MotoJournoKris]

It doesn't really feel like a traditional 'cruiser' in that way, which if you're not a fan is definitely a win, and the greater ground clearance and handling definitely further help. The V9 Bobber was a bit like the W800 I tested, I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but came away extremely impressed.

[@bruceleong9534]

@@MotoJournoKris how perceptive of you. The other bike I would buy if I was looking for a “cruiser” for myself is the WA800. Beautiful looking bike.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@HahrtDood It's pretty subjective really, I thought the W800 was adequate and enough to have fun, but that's in the context of it being very relaxed overall and doing so at 80/90 cruising. The Guzzi I'd have said was sportier, but if you found the W800 underpowered I wouldn't be surprised if it was the same story on the Guzzi.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@HahrtDood Exactly, even coming from a different bike can totally change how you feel about something else, plus just local riding conditions. Here people drive on the freeways fairly slow, so it's rare you'd feel left behind on the smaller machines. But other places in the world it's totally different and what's needed to feel comfortable is of course based on that.

[@k3b729]

Just perfect..simple yet good looking..

[@BikerTorque]

I really liked the V9 when I had a chance to ride it, great middle weight cruiser. Nice review man.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nice, I'll check out your review!

[@junglejota2]

I got a V9 2017, it is a great bike. Relaxed driving, not made for speed but to cruise. Love the looks and uniqueness.

[@MotoJournoKris]

They are definitely something special!

[@nickbasiliou5744]

I’d love one of these. They would be easy to service too

[@MotoJournoKris]

I've heard that, which is definitely a bonus these days.

[@vmac11k99]

Great review. It would be interesting to compare it to V7 850. I'd expect that handling and ergonomics would be substantially different, while the performance would be almost identical.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd imagine so! After last riding the V7 I was surprised when I found out the V9 runs the same engine, although this is the updated larger capacity version, which seems to have a bit more pep.

[@jfro5867]

They are. I have both. V7 is more comfortable to ride, the V9 feels a bit more ‘bad ass’ because of the seating posture. Handling is great on both. Both very light and agile. Top speeds irrelevant really, keep it under say 65mph where wind blast is minimal and they are both an absolute blast to ride.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@jfro5867 Definitely not speed demons, but so much fun regardless at more normal speeds!

[@Airborn.74]

Excellent and very helpfully video. Thank you very much for sharing. I have bug ADV bike, but in the future i looking for weekend cruise ride, maybe 200km per day. Please, what is your opinion, is this bike too much low for 190cm tall biker ? Thank you and kind regards.

[@user-qj6xf3lw6e]

I really enjoyed your presentation of this gorgeous bike. I watched it because I’m returning to riding and wanting to buy this machine. As I need gear too, I’m interested in the clothing you wear as I haven’t found anything appealing so far. Can you please give me the brand name of your jacket and pants? Many thanks!

[@MotoJournoKris]

For sure, that's my Merlin Sandon waxed cotton jacket, I've had it six years now and it's still going strong. The jeans were a set of DRIRIDER Rapid jeans, I don't think they produce them anymore, but they suited the jacket well in the brown. Great to hear you're getting back into riding!

[@andreaianne1579]

Moto Guzzi ❤️❤️

[@jarielgt-r7850]

Great video brother! Thats the bike i want. May i ask how tall are you?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm 180 cm, with a 32 inch inseam for reference.

[@_sv1]

Hei, nice review! Fantastic bike. I am close to my 50's and I ride a CBR 250R mostly for commuting and I have a chance to get a older version V9 with 54hp. I've been riding for bit more that a year so I'm not so experienced. Also I have to move it around a bit by hand when parking at home and I'm not the strongest person 🙂. Would you recommend it for a begginer? Thanks. Greetings from Norway 😊👍

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd definitely recommend the V7 or V9 with a year's riding under your belt, particularly the last generation, which I thought was a little more relaxed. They've got great riding manners and are plenty of fun, without being intimidating, or likely to catch you out if you make any small mistakes, so it should be a good platform to continue expanding your riding skills on!

[@_sv1]

@@MotoJournoKris thank you for replying! 🙂👍

[@silviofontana5144]

hey, I am 69yo and ride a 2007 Honda Hornet 919F, its fast, real fast, but too overpowered for today's road riding, such a lovely bike, But, I am going for a change to a Guzzi V7 racer, looks like its a chilled out ride, but a good handling machine, Go for it, test ride them and find one that speaks to you, have some fun

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@silviofontana5144 Yep that's the trick, finding the right bike that you'll have fun on. Those V7 Racers look great, especially with a bikini fairing added!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I like this bike. Out of interest, have you ridden a Honda Rebel 1100? Good review. Nice jacket.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Not yet I'm afraid, it'd be an interesting comparison. I've heard really good things about the big Rebel.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@MotoJournoKris So have I. I'd like to try out the DCT version. I like the sound of that AT engine with a beefed-up crank.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@user-sw2lv3zp6o That sounds like the perfect use-case for the DCT too, I haven't had a chance to test any of the DCT versions yet. Only the first gen regular AT.

[@yomofoindahouse]

The bar cries for rising.

[@deadmessengers]

Would this be good for a tall guy, 190cm? Or is there another bike this style I should check out? Cheers!

[@MotoJournoKris]

I would think so, just sit on one and make sure your knees/shins aren't hitting the heads!

[@deadmessengers]

@@MotoJournoKris Cheers!

[@tpv59]

Thank You. Great review, Appreciated. WELL done. I was told it was Goosey/Goot-see. Potato/potato and tomato/tomato????

[@MotoJournoKris]

The Moto Guzzi club guys had a different pronunciation, 'Gootsee' seems to be the proper way of saying it from a few comments, but I'll admit to terribly mangling European names and pronunciations. I'm normally typing the words out not saying them, which probably reinforces bad habits.

[@tpv59]

@@MotoJournoKris Thanks Kris, ALL the Very Best.

[@Nellis202]

No question it’s a beautiful bike , but it really needs two rotors up front.

[@colinoz]

Looks almost like the new Harley Forty Eight, which I owned and was a terrible bike to ride anything around 100-100kmh.. Awful riding two up as the suspension is not the greatest. I'm wondering if this Moto Guzzi is a better option 🤔

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's definitely more high tech than the last Forty Eight I rode, a bit smoother overall and the suspension was surprisingly good for this style of bike. Decent on the highway at 100-120 too all things considered. Maybe not quite as characterful and brash as the Harley though.

[@keloniomannamoinolk7153]

@@MotoJournoKris Hey! I have this bike and it has a tremendous character!! how not?

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@keloniomannamoinolk7153 The Guzzi has great character too, I think the Harley is just a bit more in your face about it.

[@mkaufmandev]

I sat on one of these yesterday and the way they placed the air outtake on the left of the engine just above the gear shift is the dumbest place in the world!! I would need stitches in my leg after hitting it every time I shifted. Was a deal breaker.

[@captainwin6333]

Gootsi.

[@glennmorris9337]

It's pronounced 'Gut-zi' - in as 'Pit-za'. Stop pronouncing it as 'goozi' - it makes you sound like a bogan.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Not really an Australian if you're not a little bit bogan! I'll try and remember for next time.

[@tpv59]

Hello Glen, I was told, Goosey, and Goot-see. I do not know which is correct - if any. I am very happy to learn tho. It is probably like tomato/tomato and potato/potato if you know what mean. Hav a gd 1.

[@terje4135]

I scrolled down expecting someone to comment on this. Congrats - you won. This is not meant as a complinent.

[@silviofontana5144]

In italian, zz is pronounced T, not tee, T as in Too, but no oo, got it, or Tz but dont pronounce the z too much. Now the Gu is not Gut, its G as in Goo without the oo. Got it Guzzi If you cannot use your tongue, you will never win this word, if you are not a Wog, (like me) we will always make fun of your pronunciation. LOL

[@zenermaniac2571]

An old man called my V9 Roamer a “motor goosey”.

[@VJ-lx7lt]

Beautiful,... but this bike does not evolve!

[@MotoJournoKris]

I think that's probably part of the appeal to be honest. I did really appreciate the power boost from the new engine though.