Clean, simplistic and undeniably Moto Guzzi, the 2022 V9 Bobber Centenario is a great way to experience two wheels, without complicating the journey, in any way, whatsoever. There’s a lot to like about that fact, but it has its downsides too.
With its instantly recognisable Italian lines, and beautifully laid out colour scheme and intrinsic details, the V9 Bobber packs some serious kerb appeal that’s guaranteed to get bystander admiration.
Generally, that’s followed by conversation about the bike and its performance. So let’s start there shall we. It’s a good looking ride, from the green, silver, brown and black colours to the 15-litre sculpted fuel tank with its golden Mandello eagle.
The twin-cylinder 90-degree 850cc V-engine protrudes from beneath the tank, not in an obtrusive manner but rather it feels almost like it teases what the rider has instore when they climb aboard the 194kg motorcycle.
That powerplant produces 47.8kW of power and 73Nm of torque. It sports that unique Moto Guzzi rumble and while the get up and go is not overwhelming, the V9 Bobber does scoot along nicely in the twisty stuff.
While it’s no performance bike, it’s capable enough to deliver good manageable acceleration. Whether in the city scooting between your favourite cafe spots or on a backroad flicking through corners, you will be doing it in style, with a smile on your face.
With a user friendly seat height of 785mm, the V9 Bobber is nice and manoeuvrable for parking as well. An improved frame, that has been strengthened at the headstock for 2022, sees the ride characteristics benefit from increased stability and sharper handling.
This chassis improvement is most noticeable on the backroads, with the rider benefiting from increased confidence in the bike’s handling dynamics when changing direction at higher speed.
The bench style seat is comfortable too, and not too firm, maintaining that traditional Bobber feel. The rear suspension aids this thanks to a set of pre-load adjustable shocks, which again keep with that minimalistic theme, but do a good job.
The front of the 2022 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Centenario also gets the job done with a minimum of fuss, utilising a hydraulic telescopic 40mm fork. Braking is taken care of by a single steel 320mm floating disc up front.
It’s fitted with a Brembo calliper and four differentiated and opposed pistons. The setup works well without being sensational, but in all honesty, the V9 Bobber is a bike you are meant to enjoy, not race.
The rear brake setup sees a single 260mm steel disc with a 2-piston calliper doing the stoppage work. There are some nice new splashes of technology as well, including a double channel ABS system to assist.
Full LED lighting and an LCD speedo with phone connectivity provide the remainder of the tech updates, but the latter is a little bit of a let down. It’s a bit too basic, with a too much emphasis on style over function.
The display layout, in our opinion, could have been utilised better and provided more rider info. On the road, the riding position of the Moto Guzzi nice and relaxed. There’s a good ergonomic triangle between the handlebars, foot pegs and seating position.
On the foot peg front, we found a bit of an issue when placing our feet on the ground at the point where you’re coming to a stop. They’re a little too well positioned, and we ended up constantly hitting our ankles, wanting to put our feet where the foot pegs were.
In fairness, this is perhaps more of a rider issue than bike issue, but it was an annoyance during our riding test. Apart from that, the rider friendliness of the V9 Bobber gets a massive tick from us.
All the switches are nice and big and easy to operate in gloves. Self cancelling blinkers would be nice though. When all is said and done though, the 2022 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Centenario (100th Anniversary limited edition) delivers a uniquely Italian riding experience.
It’s a bike with charm and quirkiness, that’s user friendly and a ball to ride. The only argument you’re likely to have with yourself is justifying the $19,330 ride away premium price tag.
Our test bike was supplied by Moto Guzzi Australia. To find out more about the 2022 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Centenario, contact your local Moto Guzzi dealer.
That coin for that low power – no wonder they sell fuck all
Hi Allan – I suppose as you elude to mate it is horses for courses and some riders prefer style over straight out speed.