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Moto Guzzi’s new Bobber Job!

Bertie Simmonds
October 5, 2018

Bobbers are part and parcel of the specials scene now, and it’s the case that the major manufacturers have been producing these retro-styled factor specials for the last few years.

In the December issue, we will be having a go on the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber – so we figured it prudent to show you this 2019 take on the base model: this is the V9 Bobber Sport. Guzzi says that the Sport gives the basic Bobber a more aggressive, racing-style, drawing inspiration from the flat-track racers that originated the Bobber phenomenon.

On paper the Sport has a lower seat height, gorgeous twin Ohlins shocks, a slip-on end-can for more sound and updated aesthetics, including a solo-only single seat vibe…

We won’t say too much about our ride on the current version as that’s coming in the December issue – but we like the fact that the lovely Swedish shocks are propping up the rear-end of this version and come with adjustment for spring preload, rebound and compression, which we think will add big time to the overall riding feel of this Bobber.

At its heart is still that unmistakeable and design classic 850cc, longitudinally-mounted 90-degree V-twin. Again, it is style and function here, with matt black and aluminium details to make this motor stand out. It wants to be heard, too, thanks to that raucous but legal slip-on silencer. For more on the retro Moto Guzzi range, go to: http://www.motoguzzi.com/uk_EN/

AND don’t forget – if you’re the lucky owner of a true, classic Moto Guzzi then you really need to join the club! The Moto Guzzi Club GB is one of the busiest and friendliest in the country. They hold regular rallies across the UK and Europe, have their own members’ magazine and can help with any technical queries on these lovely machines. For more go to: www.motoguzziclub.co.uk and check them out on social media.

About the Author

Bertie Simmonds

As a child Bertie (well, Robert back then… blame his sister for the nickname) was exposed to motorcycles thanks to his uncles. They would show up at his house with a lovely lady as pillion throughout the 1970s and 1980s. After a naughty time on field bikes (it’s what we did back then) Bertie passed his test in the early 1990s and became a reporter for MCN in 1995, moving to the sports desk and covering World Superbikes in 1996. With a change to Bike Magazine in 1997, he stayed until 2000 as news, features and road test editor. Moving into PR with Cosworth, Bert was bored with cars and returned to bikes in 2001 with Two Wheels Only, becoming editor in 2002 and leaving to be freelance at the end of 2004. With almost a decade freelancing, Bertie joined Mortons in 2013 and became editor of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, a post he’s desperately clung to, to this day. And no, he’s never had a pretty girl on the back of his bike. BSimmonds@mortons.co.uk

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