This motorcycle review was conducted in southern Oregon over a period of months, living with the motorcycle to get a more thorough understanding of it’s characteristics. Moto Guzzi allowed us to hold the bike on loan until the review was complete. Excerpts from the article are included below. To see the complete text and video review, follow this link: 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Review.
“Rebellion against the trappings of contemporary life.
It’s an impulse that crosses cultural boundaries, has stirred individuals throughout history to achieve remarkable things and continues to drive trends today. A long-standing, natural urge, in other words that, if you’re thinking from the vantage point of a marketing executive, can be exploited. With motorcycles in particular, the old-fashioned look might be there but the substance of what actually made them special is gone. However, there are authentic examples of the past living in the present and not as some cheap imitation. Italian manufacturer Moto Guzzi is a prime example…”
“…And it’s a head-turner. I’ve had plenty of people want to talk bikes at stops before on other makes and models, but not with such predictable regularity as with the V9 Roamer. The striking display of the V-Twin, the gloss white and red pin striping, the low, broad shape of the fuel tank, the blacked-out elegance of its mechanical innards. They all combine to create a motorcycle unlike most anything on the road aside from one-off customs…”
“…Beyond that, the V9 Roamer is easy to manage at the controls and the mechanical character of the machine is endearing. The sound of the exhaust note, the vibration of the engine low in the rev range, the way it smooths out as engine speed increases, the certainty of gear changes all have an at times raw, but primarily well-sorted charm. The additional contemporary refinements from the precision of the fuel-injection system to TC and ABS make for a thoroughly satisfying motorcycle…”