V9 BOBBER: MOTO GUZZI CREATES A NEW SEGMENT
When used in motorcycling, the “Bobber” name provokes unique concepts: essentiality of line, purity of design and original sportiness.
When used with the V9 name, these concepts take on deeper meaning, which are evident from the first look at the matte-black Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber.
Bobbers appeared in the United States after World War II, created by passionate riders who stripped away all details that were superfluous to their goal of running fast on dirt tracks.
To compete in these conditions, these riders mounted oversized tires, giving the bikes a wider footprint for traction. Next was no-nonsense styling; just like the Bobbers of lore, the V9 Bobber abandons all chrome plating and glossy finishes for matte-black details.
The V9 Bobber’s side panels and fuel tank are pure black, with just a few graphic details in yellow or matte red. The exhaust, mirrors and both metal fenders are also painted in dark matte. Additionally, the fenders were shortened, contributing to the minimal look of the V9 Bobber.
The 16” matte-black rims are decorated with a grey Moto Guzzi logo and fit larger tires (130/90 front, 150/80 rear) over the base V9 motorcycles. Even with the fatter tires and distinctive design, the V9 Bobber still provides exceptional riding pleasure and handling, regardless of its sportier riding position and low drag handlebar. The V9 Bobber is a true Moto Guzzi, and does not trade rideability for beauty.
The ground clearance of the Bobber is only 30.3 inches, and if you add to this the exceptionally low curb weight of 438.7 lbs., you can easily imagine the level of comfort, control and rider pleasure offered by the V9 Bobber.
V9 BOBBER: 850 TWIN-CYLINDER MOTO GUZZI ENGINE
The V9 Bobber arrives with a 90° transverse air- and oil-cooled 850cc v-twin engine that is tweaked for the all-around performance.
Starting from the bottom of the engine, the new aluminum crankcase, which was stiffened at the key points, is complimented by a new oil pan and an inertia-calibrated crankshaft for easy revving and optimal engine braking.
For better performance and fuel consumption, the lubrication and ventilation systems were overhauled. Other lower-end engine improvements include new piston cooling oil jets with check valve and flow management, and a redesigned alternator cover with a blow-by gas output.
The upper part of the 850cc twin features new aluminum heads, pistons and cylinders, along with a one-piece Marelli electronic injection system.
When combined with the three-way catalytic converter, the double oxygen sensor and the total redesign of the engine, the new auxiliary air system brings the twin 850 Moto Guzzi into compliance with EU4 standards.
The V9 Bobber’s engine produces 55 horsepower @ 6250 rpm, and 45.7 ft/lbs of torque @ 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a single dry-plate clutch and six-speed transmission that delivers the power to a double-jointed drive shaft offset by a new bevel gear, which provides solid and reliable management of the powerful torque supplied by the twin engine.
The cast aluminum swingarm has been designed and sized to support engine performance, as well as to accommodate the new 150mm tire.
V9 BOBBER: CHASSIS ARCHITECTURE BUILT IN MOTO GUZZI TRADITION
Carlo Guzzi was one of the first motorcyclists to grasp the importance of a chassis that responds perfectly to the imperfections in the road surface.
This led to the design of the Norge GT of 1928--the first motorcycle with a "spring frame" that was equipped with front and rear suspension, bringing enormous advantages in terms of safety and riding pleasure.
This tradition continued from that day on. It’s worth noting that the 1970 California, under the name V7 Police, was bought by the Los Angeles Police Department after a series of tough tests.
Following in the footsteps of the V7II and the big 1400s, the V9 Bobber is the latest bike from Moto Guzzi that continues the tradition of safety and riding pleasure.
The new steel twin tube cradle frame creates optimal weight distribution on the front and rear of the engine, which provides the rideability and dynamic balance typical of all motorcycles built at Mandello del Lario.
The designers paid special attention to the front, which has gussets in the steering head and new slope and trail abilities, making for a superb ride with the perfect combination of handling and stability, as well as precision and feeling. In addition, the entire chassis benefited from care and finishing of the details, including welding and painting.
The suspension is also new, using traditional long-travel (130 mm) inverted forks and a new pair of spring preload adjustable shock absorbers that connect to the frame. The design provides a gradual and controlled response at all times.
The V9 Bobber’s braking system utilizes nothing but the best: Brembo four-piston calipers squeezing a 320mm steel disc up front, and a two-piston caliper squeezing a 260mm caliper out back.
V9 BOBBER EQUIPMENT: DESIGNED FOR SAFETY AND RIDING PLEASURE
Like all modern Moto Guzzis, the V9 Bobber is equipped with advanced electronic systems for additional safety. The Bobber arrives with a standard advanced two-channel ABS and MGCT (Moto Guzzi Traction Control) that’s adjustable in two levels of operation and can be turned off. Other standard features include an immobilizer and USB charging port located under the steering head.
The new electronic instrumentation, with a single circular dial, is also consistent with the style of the modern V9s. The speedometer has an analog dial, and all other information is displayed digitally: odometer, partial trip and daily trip (with automatic reset after eight hours after shutdown), trip time, instantaneous and average fuel consumption, clock, outside temperature, average speed, MGCT level, in addition to the gear position and shift indicator (idle and maximum shift rpm can be adjusted by the user).
The extensive catalog of accessories for the V9 Bobber includes the MG-MP, the Moto Guzzi multimedia platform that connects a smartphone to the vehicle to provide an exceptional quantity of information useful for the journey.