Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: radguzzi on September 07, 2015, 12:50:05 PM
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As I sit here in the garage surrounded by motorcycles, Guzzis, the HD, Honda and others I started thinking about the next few years and retirement, cutting back on a little of the excess that I have indulged in other the past, oh thirty five years.. And I am running down the possible candidates of a smaller stable of motorcycles.
For years I have wanted another Triumph Trident, a T-160 from’76 to be exact, I had one and let it go, no idea why, I have missed it ever since. But why…? Just to be on something with real character and charm to be used once in a bit to ride around the back roads here…? I can do that on any one of these machines here.
I recently turned my thoughts to a modern Triumph, Hinckley Bonneville in fact, I like those, they make pretty decent power, it could be my everyday ride when not on the HD.
Not wanting to forsake the Guzzis that have been so good to me for years I began thinking about the Griso. The Stelvio is really too tall for me, I do love the power delivery from that engine so naturally the Griso popped into me head.
So I think I will seriously downsize, sell the Hawk GT as I cannot bring myself to use that on the track which was the intent when I bought this one, I have owned four of them previously. Plus I just do not ride it much anymore.
The V11 Jackal might stay but that too can be replaced with say a slightly newer EV if I choose to go with that engine and model as the second, regularly used motorcycle.
The Stelvio should leave as, again, it is way too tall for me and the older I get the shorter I become… Lol
Some of the other candidates available that I would pick up, there are a few all have their pros and cons, chain drive, soft suspension, seat too soft, under powered ( I like good power… I cannot lie)
Now, for the opening line question… Are there any years that the Griso was not victim of an engine related recall …?
Thanks,
Rob
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2016, maybe
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I don't remember any engine related recalls on the early 2 vpc engines.
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I have heard of no recalls on anything after late 2012, post roller tappet upgrade, Sounds like it would nicely fill the void you are contemplating creating. Once you've ridden the 8v you will likely not want to go back to the 2 if it's power you like. I have always admired the sturdy construction of the MG's past and present. Can't imagine not having an air cooled twin in some form.
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Never been a recall on the Griso 8V. Yes there have been issues with the flat tappet models but there has never been an official recall, it's one of the things that shits me to tears as I believe they should replace the flat tappet top ends prior to failure but it ain't gunna happen.
Since the advent of the roller top end they have become tiresomely reliable although many people never had any problems with the flat tappet top end either. Any 2013 on G8 should have rollers. If buying an earlier bike factor in the cost of the conversion to the purchase price.
Pete
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I have heard of no recalls on anything after late 2012, post roller tappet upgrade, Sounds like it would nicely fill the void you are contemplating creating. Once you've ridden the 8v you will likely not want to go back to the 2 if it's power you like. I have always admired the sturdy construction of the MG's past and present. Can't imagine not having an air cooled twin in some form.
Lucian,
Yes, I thought the Griso would make a great all-arounder. The thought of a Triumph still intrigues me but I cannot get past that chain drive.
When I speak of power I mean the huge bag of torque that the Guzzis deliver that lower displacement engines just don't seem to have.
Example is the Trans Alp that I wanted so badly for years, bought one and was sorely disappointed with the output of the 600cc engine. Great little back road and dirt road rig but I ride longer distances and like having the power at the ready when needed.
And yes I too cannot see being without an air cooled twin namely a Guzzi, I have been riding them since 1983. So this is more of an exercise in trying to figure out what I will down size to, half the fun is the research.
Best,
Rob
Never been a recall on the Griso 8V. Yes there have been issues with the flat tappet models but there has never been an official recall, it's one of the things that shits me to tears as I believe they should replace the flat tappet top ends prior to failure but it ain't gunna happen.
Since the advent of the roller top end they have become tiresomely reliable although many people never had any problems with the flat tappet top end either. Any 2013 on G8 should have rollers. If buying an earlier bike factor in the cost of the conversion to the purchase price.
Pete
So Pete,
You are telling me that the roller conversion is imminent with the pre-roller engines... period.
Thanks,
Rob
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I wonder also if I would be satisfied with a V 7... they are really more my size but obviously not the same power as a larger displacement engine.
Motorcycle Daily has an article on what appears to be the new Bonnieville sporting an 1100 engine...! :)
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2015/09/is-this-the-2016-triumph-bonneville-1100-with-david-beckham/
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Got a 2015 in here right now with 5K on it and bad rod bearings. Damage is bad enough it ate the front and rear mains as well. Front main not available as a separate part, have to replace the case. Good for him it's under warranty.
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Not sure what the owner is capable of. He was told, they all make noise, just ride it.
The last Griso that had a problem was started in the garage (with the door open) and left on fast idle so it could charge the battery while the owner went back in the house for a shower and coffee. He came back out and it had stopped running and he had do idea why.
Can't always blame the bike or the manufacturer.
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Not sure what the owner is capable of. He was told, they all make noise, just ride it.
The last Griso that had a problem was started in the garage (with the door open) and left on fast idle so it could charge the battery while the owner went back in the house for a shower and coffee. He came back out and it had stopped running and he had do idea why.
Can't always blame the bike or the manufacturer.
That sounds horribly familiar........
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Radguzzi,a Griso will definitely grow on you, I have never owned a bike that has so much personality. Once you figure out how to properly tune the 8v , and dail in the suspension, it will be very hard to find another standard to compare it to. Mine , an 09 came with all the common maladies. The slack throttle cables, the messed with sacred screw, both air bleeds open and a pitiful original factory map. Thanks to Pete, Mark, Leafman and others on this site I was able to sort it all out and install a roller tappet kit myself. I previously had a t100 Bonneville which couldn't hold a candle to a griso. Don't be distracted by the stories of the un cared for bikes and find a griso with a clean service history and you won't be disappointed. dave
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A Griso is my style of bike but I rode the Cali 1400 Custom at the National Rally in HI. :evil:
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Wow, and just when I was thinking about trading my RNineT on a new Griso.......
You still can. I wouldn't worry about one anomoly that had god knows what done to it. I've yet to hear of a new Griso with the roller top end grenading.
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Been wanting a Griso ever since they hit the showrooms, But after a bad cam on my Coppa Italia and a 07 Vintage owned by a friend with lotsa niggling issues, I have been shy around modern Guzzis. Roller Grisos however do sound promising and hopefully I will be a proud owner soon