Italian motorcycle manufacturer Motto Guzzi introduced two models at EICMA built around a brand new 850cc engine. The V9 Roamer and Bobber represent the evolution of the Nevada 750 – one of the longest running models in Moto Guzzi's contemporary range – and signal a fresh take on the company's trademark air-cooled transverse twin tradition.
- As Europe braces itself for the gradual introduction of a new set of emission laws, with the forthcoming Euro 4 norms unofficially dubbed "the death of the air-cooled engine," Moto Guzzi is swimming against the current by unveiling a brand new air-cooled, pushrod V-twin. It's a somewhat surprising move at a time when motors like BMW's boxer and Triumph's in-line twin have turned to liquid cooling.
Manufacturers are not banned from building air-cooled engines, but in order to comply with the new emission laws they would have to be seriously underpowered. Apparently this fact doesn't really trouble Moto Guzzi, whose new 850 cc twin produces just 55 hp (40.4 kW).
But the company boasts a record of solid sales from similarly underpowered machines like the Nevada 750, Breva 750 and, most notably, the V7 series. Its 744 cc engine in these models humbly produces 48 hp (35.8 kW), proving that horsepower is not the only way to success.
With the new V9 engine Moto Guzzi is shifting the focus to torque and elasticity, offering peak torque of 62 Nm (45.7 lb-ft) at as low as 3,000 rpm. The 90-degree air and oil cooled transverse twin has been built on the same blueprint that Moto Guzzi has been developing since 1967, applying some modern know-how in order to improve economy and emissions figures.
Two valves per cylinder are commanded by pushrods and fed via a Marelli electronic injection system, as power is channeled through a single-plate dry clutch and a new six-speed gearbox to the final drive, a new double-jointed shaft. As such, Moto Guzzi remains loyal to its roots.
Under the hood, though, there's some modern technology. A collection of electronic systems includes a two-channel ABS, traction control (adjustable in two levels and deactivatable), immobilizer and a USB port hidden under the steering head. There's also an optional Multimedia Platform (MG MP) on offer that connects wirelessly to a smartphone and allows the rider to monitor a variety of vehicle information. The MG MP includes several interesting features like "Eco Ride," where the rider can access fuel consumption data in order to define an economical riding pattern, or simply record trip data and study them later.
There's also a "Grip Warning" system that compiles data from the bike's sensors and informs the rider when they're approaching the traction limit (apparently assessed by the level of traction control involvement). This system also reports on the lean angles achieved during the ride, thanks to a new software algorithm specifically developed for this model. Another intriguing feature is the ability to locate where the bike has been parked, as the system records the location where the engine was last switched off.
As for the differences between the two models, these are mostly cosmetic. The Roamer is the basic cruiser model with a relaxed riding position and a combination of a 19-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear. The Bobber uses a 16-inch front wheel as well, equipped with a fatter tire. Mated with lower, straight handlebars, this variant offers a more aggressive riding position with more weight bias to the front.
There is no information on pricing or availability as yet, but Moto Guzzi has made sure there is ample room for customization. At EICMA the Moto Guzzi Garage was introduced as a central online hub where customers can find a wide variety of aftermarket parts to personalize their ride – and naturally the V9 family is supported by a long list of goodies to further this cause.
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