Griso - 100 vs 1200

[kmartin]

I have terminal Griso lust (TGL), but haven't been able to justify one as a second bike.  I have a short ride several years ago on a 1200 8V, and have 55,000 + mi on a Stelvio.  I have wondered for some time how the 1100's and 1200's compare. 

Should I consider the 1100?

Have I been spoiled by the 1200 in the Stelvio?

Should I just wait for a V9?

Thanks for the insights, Keith 

[not-fishing]

I got a G11 and love it.

No valve worries and the bike is faster than I am.

Besides if I want to more than 150 I'll take my CTS-V or and airline ticket

[Moto]

I have an 1100 and have test ridden a 1200.

To me, what makes a Griso unique and enjoyable is found outside the engine: the overall style and configuration, the suspension, the fairly substantial mass, the responsive steering and good tracking. The look, and to some extent the sound.

The 1200 has a much stronger engine, especially above 5000 rpm. If that is where you expect to spend a lot of time, maybe it should be your choice. But by all means avoid one with flat tappets, and good luck avoiding a converted roller tappet example that was converted too late!

I do miss the extra horsepower sometimes, but I think I do my best riding when I'm not making up for poor cornering by whacking up the throttle on the straights.

They're both great bikes, and essentially identical ones at moderate throttle. The 1100 is every bit as good as the 1200, so long as you don't need that extra rush.

[keener]

I have an 1100 and have test ridden a 1200.

To me, what makes a Griso unique and enjoyable is found outside the engine: the overall style and configuration, the suspension, the fairly substantial mass, the responsive steering and good tracking. The look, and to some extent the sound.

The 1200 has a much stronger engine, especially above 5000 rpm. If that is where you expect to spend a lot of time, maybe it should be your choice. But by all means avoid one with flat tappets, and good luck avoiding a converted roller tappet example that was converted too late!

I do miss the extra horsepower sometimes, but I think I do my best riding when I'm not making up for poor cornering by whacking up the throttle on the straights.

They're both great bikes, and essentially identical ones at moderate throttle. The 1100 is every bit as good as the 1200, so long as you don't need that extra rush.

i would have to say Moto has taken the words from my mouth, i will add that the 1100 engine is, i think the most refined version of its generation, the best of the 2 valve head pushrod engines , its old school but its also at the top of its class.

[mjptexas]

Oh those big, voluptuous, natural jugs on the 1100, just jutting  out there in their nakedness...

Sigh, what a sight to behold.

[fotoguzzi]

Should I just wait for a V9?

is that a joke?

[Doppelgaenger]

I'm not sure if the engine in the Griso 1100 is the same as the one in the Breva 1100 (what I have), just with a different look... but Dave Richarson likes to go on record every time I take the bike in to MI that the 1100 is possibly the best motor Guzzi ever made.

[kirb]

I have a 1100 griz- love it
I have a 1200 NTX- love it

I never looked back on not getting a 1200 8V Griz. I enjoy the 1100 and don't miss a thing. The top end rush would have been nice on that track day I took the 1100 to, but I don't feel I need it anywhere else. I take out the Diavel if I want to flatten my eyeballs and risk my DL...

I have terminal Griso lust (TGL), but haven't been able to justify one as a second bike.  I have a short ride several years ago on a 1200 8V, and have 55,000 + mi on a Stelvio.  I have wondered for some time how the 1100's and 1200's compare. 
Should I consider the 1100?
Have I been spoiled by the 1200 in the Stelvio?
Should I just wait for a V9?
Thanks for the insights, Keith

[Moto]

I'm not sure if the engine in the Griso 1100 is the same as the one in the Breva 1100 (what I have), just with a different look... but Dave Richarson likes to go on record every time I take the bike in to MI that the 1100 is possibly the best motor Guzzi ever made.

I have looked carefully at the specs. The Breva and Griso 1100 share the same engine. All the internal components (e.g., valves and camshaft) are the same, as are the fuel injectors. And I think, but can't check now, that the separate workshop manual for that 1100 engine applies to both bikes.

They do have different airboxes and filters, with the Griso's filter being the wide, flat type retained on the 8 valve Griso, and possibly more free-flowing than the Breva's cylindrical one. The exhaust systems also differ. Those differences, plus the lower gearing and slightly lower weight (~19 lbs.) for the Griso, seem to give it more gusto. It tests about 0.5 seconds quicker in the quarter mile.

By the way, a corporate slide presentation at the time of the introduction of the 1100 Breva/Griso motor makes it clear that it has a lot in common with the previous 1100-series engine for the spine frame models. So I would guess longevity would be similar.

Anyway, back to the issue at hand: Yes, Dave Richardson's assertion about the Breva 1100 motor would extend logically to the Griso 1100, since they are the same.

Moto

[kmartin]

is that a joke?

Yes, actually it is, though I really don't understand what people here don't like about it.

[kmartin]

Thanks Guys,

I've been tempted to go after the 1100 due to costs, and flat tappets.  I guess I need to track one down to ride.  I'd call Richardson and have him send their '06 down but need to try one first.

I'm probably better off pretending I didn't ask and ignoring them, but its been 7 years already and I know there's a Griso in my future somewhere.

Keith

[kirb]

It's hard to deny the price of a 4V Griz...
I wouldn't shy away from a rollerized 8V...provided it was caught before a failure or already factory installed. I might question a post-failed one.

[jas67]

Thanks Guys,

I've been tempted to go after the 1100 due to costs, and flat tappets.  I guess I need to track one down to ride.  I'd call Richardson and have him send their '06 down but need to try one first.

He has a '15 Red & Black Griso marked down $3k to $9,999!