Piaggio India will launch the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber and Roamer this month, through its MotoPlex showrooms across the country.
“Moto Guzzi” is the third oldest motorcycle manufacturing company in the world, and that legacy will soon be accessible to a larger audience on the Indian Peninsula. The Piaggio owned Italian marquee has already set foot on our shores, but currently only offers its flagship models.
The new V9 Bobber and Roamer are a part of the mid-range series of Moto Guzzi motorcycles that should help fill the cash registers. The bikes are expected to be launched in the coming weeks of August after being showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo earlier this year.
Powering the V9 motorcycles is a signature Moto Guzzi transverse mounted 865cc V-twin. The new motor is capable of 55 HP and 62 Nm of torque. Just like most Moto Guzzis, power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a shaft drive rather than a chain driven setup. This adds to the rather unique charisma and character of these motorcycles. It helps in improving reliability and reduced maintenance of the rear drive.
Moto Guzzi is offering the V9 brand in two avatars to cater to different audiences. The Roamer and the Bobber are the two V9 series motorcycles and both are expected to appear in the Indian market. The Roamer is a classic Moto Guzzi cruiser that is comfortable and elegant. The Bobber is a far more aggressive motorcycle that carries the charisma of the Italian brand and features stripped down and gritty body work and fatter high shoulder tyres. A classic American bobber recipe.
The Roamer is the civilized motorcycle of the two and offers a standard 100/90-19 Pirelli front tyre while the Bobber features a ridiculous 130/90-16 tyre while both share a common 150/80-16 rear tyre. The Roamer offers a lot more chrome detailing on the exhaust and body work while the Bobber is completely covered in Matt Black. The Roamer also offers a more comfortable riding position thanks to its relaxed handle bar setup. The Bobber has a far more sporty setup and encourages more aggressive riding.
We expect both bikes to hit the MotoPlex showrooms within August 2016. There are no official details on the pricing but we anticipate it to be north of Rs.13 lakh. The V9 series will go head on against the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, the Triumph Street Twin and probably even the HD Forty-Eight. However, expect the Moto Guzzi to command a major premium over these motorcycles.
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