Moto Guzzi first showcased the bikes at the 2016 Auto Expo, announcing its plan to launch them in India in the second half of 2016. In fact, the company had even started accepting bookings for both the Roamer and Bobber bikes in the month of May for an initial token amount of Rs. 5 lakh. Currently, Piaggio has four Motoplex showrooms across India, which will exclusively retail these motorcycles in the country and the company is planning to come out with more showrooms in other metros as well.
Coming to the bikes itself, both the bikes are built on the same platform and thus use the same chassis and engine. Powering the V9 range is the transversely mounted 850cc V-twin motor, a signature Moto Guzzi setup. The bikes use a shaft driven engine that churns out a maximum of 54bhp and develops a peak torque of 61Nm, while the transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed gearbox as standard. In terms of looks, both the bikes have that classic Italian cruiser look, with the upright seating position, wide handlebars, slim single unit seat, and a long fuel tank that goes well with the bike's sleek profile.
Upon launch, the bikes will go up against the likes of Harley-Davidson Iron 883 and Triumph Street Twin. Moto Guzzi is likely to price the Roamer and the Bobber between Rs. 13 lakh to Rs. 14 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune) which is more than even some of the bigger bikes like the Triumph T120 and Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight.
