Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 2022 — Specifications

You turn the key, the transverse 853 cc V2 shudders to life with a hoarse rumble, and the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber rocks from side to side on its mounts. That famous torque reaction, the signature of every twin from Mandello, immediately reminds you that you're not riding some sanitized Japanese machine. You're on an Italian with character, born from a century-old heritage stretching back to 1921, when Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi laid the foundations of what would become a legendary brand.

The 2022 model year marks a turning point for the V9 range. The shift to Euro5 compliance pushed engineers to dip into the V85 TT's engine toolbox, exactly as they had done for the V7. The result speaks for itself on the spec sheet: 65 hp at 6,250 rpm and, more importantly, 73 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm — a gain of 10 horsepower and a meaningful bump in torque over the original 2016 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber. The tubular steel frame was also reinforced around the steering head to handle the added power. The trade-off is that peak torque now arrives higher in the rev range than before. It's a compromise you can feel in city riding, where you sometimes miss the instant availability of the 2017 or 2018 versions.

On the styling front, this Bobber plays the retro card with intelligence. The clean lines evoke 1960s customs, the low seat perched at 785 mm accommodates all body types, and the full LED headlight adorned with Mandello's illuminated eagle gives it real nighttime personality. The aluminum side panels, the shortened front fender, the understated yet readable LCD gauge cluster — every evolution since the 2019 and 2020 versions reveals a desire to progress without betraying the original spirit. Those looking for a custom Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber will find a generous accessories catalog to personalize the machine. The riding position, halfway between custom and roadster, requires you to settle toward the back of the seat to avoid pressing your knees into the cylinders. The rearset footpegs, adopted from 2017 onward, significantly improve the seating posture. It's still far from the comfort of a Bonneville T120, but the intent is different.

Let's talk frankly about the flaws, because the V9 Bobber has them. Comfort is spartan. The seat lacks padding, the suspension filters road imperfections poorly, and the large 16-inch balloon-type tires make the steering heavy. At 210 kg wet, it demands committed riding, especially over the first few kilometers of a test ride. This is not a motorcycle that forgives carelessness. The 130/90-16 front tire justifies the Bobber label but compromises steering precision compared to a Triumph Bobber or even a Sportster S, both sharper in that department. The 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive, on the other hand, remain a genuine strong point: reliability, minimal maintenance, no chain to lubricate or adjust. For daily use, that's a compelling argument.

With a price tag of 10,999 euros, the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 850 cc positions itself as a direct competitor to the Sportster 883 on the used market and the Triumph Street Twin when bought new. It targets riders who prioritize character and mechanical uniqueness over raw performance. Its top speed of 170 km/h and restrained fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100 km also make it a credible touring option for weekend rides. A2 license-compatible with a restrictor kit, it can even serve as a first "real" motorcycle for a rider who wants to go off the beaten path. You don't choose this Guzzi based on a spreadsheet. You fall for the vibration of its 90° twin, for its Italian rebel attitude, for that unique sensation of riding a motorcycle with a soul. Its flaws exist, but they fade behind the raw pleasure it delivers every time you take it out.