So, I'd like to get a Griso

[guzzista]

Always liked the Griso, ever since its inception, but after the  cam on my Coppa Italia self destrutced at 800 miles, I have been shy on more recent Guzzis and have been  instead enjoying my older Tontis.  Since I don't need the latest and the greatest ( although the Tenni Griso is one sweet looking bike), I have been thinking about a earlier version. Would love to hear some opinions as how the earlier bikes are faring at this time and also if perhaps the later bikes are a better , not just  more powerful option . Cheers

[alanp]

I bought a new 2007 Griso from Moto International in Seattle in 2009.  It never needed anything but gas, oil and tires.  I put about 12,000 miles on it and sold it last summer to a guy who rode it back to San Diego from Denver. 

Personally, I like the 1100 motor better than the 1200.  The 1100 has plenty of power for me, and the powerband is more user friendly (better low end).   No Tenni Green versions though....

I miss it, but I am really enjoying the 2002 V11 Lemans that replaced it.  Why did I make the switch?
1.  I tend to switch bikes out with some regularity as it just makes life more interesting.  Always fun to look for something different, and every now and then I get the bug to try something else.
2.  I don't know if it was just particular to my Griso, but there always seemed to be something weird in the front end/handling.  It had a tendency for the front tire to feel like it was going to slide out from under it, and it is the only bike I ever crashed (minimal damage to man or machine).  I had the suspension setup locally by someone who seemed to know what they were doing, and it was "better", but the problem was still there and it made me tentative.  That was my only issue with it, and from what I read it doesn't seem to be a problem that others have. 

[kirb]

I have a '07 4V that has been rock solid. I bought it in 2010 with 2500 miles on it. It now has 25k on it. Consider the tappet problem on 8V engines without rollers before you pull the trigger on a Tenni...

I have never heard of any issues with anyone who has had a 4V. They are a great bike.

[beetle]

the powerband is more user friendly (better low end).

Lips, don't unpurse.... 



The only consideration you need to make is whether you want to go through the roller tappet conversion if you buy a 2009-2012 8V Griso. Obviously cost comes into play when you consider a brand new one, but as far grins per mile are concerned, either will give you give you more than your mouth can bare...


A couple of small things: the 1100 had wider bars than the 1200. IIRC, the early 1100's had some sort of self-destructing oil pump. Pete will be along shortly to correct me I'm sure.

[pete roper]

The bad batch of pumps seem to have been confined to a short run of Norges. Early 1100's used the old style spur gear pump. Later ones the trochoidal 'Gerotor' type.

Only major issue with early, 2005/6 Grisos and Brevas was the bad bearing in the CARC. This should of been addressed by now but I had one in last week that had never been swapped so be aware.

As Mark sez approach any early, pre-mid 2012 8V with caution and be willing to drop $2,000 into rollerising it if it doesn't have a FSH. Otherwise just buy a 2013 on roller model and be happy.

The 1100 is a great bike. Once you've ridden a correctly set up 8V though you'd never want to go back to the pushrod lump.

Pete

[Dilliw]

I just bought an '11 Tenni SE after looking at a bunch of Griso's.  You have to go into it knowing if the bike already has rollers, needs a Kit C or needs a Kit B.  Unfortunately there are a lot of low mileage '08/'09 bikes out there and the owners don't know about the problem.  Because those bikes take Kit C they require more parts and more work to address and I'm certain my limited mechanical abilities would not be able to perform that one.  So I took all of the '08/'09 off the search list and stuck with bikes that came rollered (mid 2012), were either already rollered, or just needed Kit B. 


You can find the 2014 black/silver (black devil) ones that came from the factory rollered for about $9k in the U.S.  There are a couple on Cycletrader right now.  That to me is the used Griso reference price and if you take a chance on a green one then you need to at least $1k to $2k less than that.  How far depends on condition, miles, accessories, and most importantly does it have documented Guzzi service history.  My bike did not have any service records, was sold by a dealer no longer in business, and I didn't know the original owner's name.  I rolled the bones and got lucky because there was enough information in the system for them to accept the claim for the parts.

[keener]

Ive a 2007 1100 Griso ..lovely bike its a keeper  decent power and like all Grisos they are beautiful ..never have had any issues with the handling but then then again i have it set up
As to the Griso 1200 if you find the right one ....set up and with the newer top end.. go for it ...shop them well and see that they have a good map.
For me i will stick with the 1100 ..it just works so well for what it is...... 

[molly]

I have a soft spot for the 1100 Griso, the first time I saw one I was blown away with it's looks. I would jump at the chance to buy one but they don't come up very often. Failing that I would go to the other extreme and buy a recent factory built 8V roller bike and avoid anything in between.
 

[Perazzimx14]

My 2007 Griso is what got me into Guzzi's. At the time I wasn't shopping for a Guzzi's but in 2011 the 07 leftovers were too attractive a price to pass up.

Likes:

1100 motor
Looks (they are beautiful)

Dislikes:

Fueling was terrible
Fuel range was limited
Bike was wide and long

The Griso ended up being a bit of an oddity for me. It had too limited fuel range and cramped ergo's to tour on and was too big, wide and long for spirited exploration of the local back and mountain roads. I sold it after about 5,500 and have never looked back. 

If I had to choose between a Guzzi that was offered in a 2V and 8V the 2V wins every time. Especially against a converted flat to roller motor. I'll avoid these like the plague for all time. Heck Guzzi can't figure out 80+ year old hydro lifter technology not sure they can be trusted with new fangled tech of a roller lifter.

[yrunvs]

Wasn't there an issue with the speedo's frosting up going blank and shutting the bike down?

[pete roper]

No. And there aren't communists under your bed either.

[canuguzzi]

They no longer do that, depending on where you are they just rent the house or apartment next to you and sleep in the beds not under them.

[Moto]

Wasn't there an issue with the speedo's frosting up going blank and shutting the bike down?

Frosting up may not be the best description, but, yes, this can happen. Often it reverses itself.

I believe the dash used on the Breva 1100 (and others) was more susceptible to this, based on comments on this board.

Moto

[Adan]

The Griso ended up being a bit of an oddity for me. It had too limited fuel range and cramped ergo's to tour on and was too big, wide and long for spirited exploration of the local back and mountain roads. I sold it after about 5,500 and have never looked back. 

Similar feelings here.  On the one hand, gorgeous bike with almost overwhelming charisma that causes people who never even notice motorcycles to stop and stare.  A symphony of mechanical noise and vibration that's thrilling to take anywhere.  A bike about which you can be proud and happy just to have in your garage and ride around the block once a week.

On the other hand, not much fun muscling it through the city or twisties.  If the roads in your region are all long sweeping curves, the Griso might be the perfect bike for you, and by the way, I want to know were you live so I can move there.  Most of the great California roads I've been on are a mix of sweepers and twisties.

I enjoyed the light touring that I did, but if you're serious about touring, you'd be much better off on the Norge or Stelvio.  Me, personally, I'd rather tour on a V7 than the Griso.

Bottom line, it's a one of a kind bike for an enthusiast/collector, but is far from being the best tool for most types of riding. 

[canuguzzi]

The border between California and Oregon are Griso country. If you have a Griso and haven't ridden there, you're missing one of the great opportunities.

Someone ought to set up a Griso rental station with video of the rides and make a killing.

[tazio]

I've got only 600 miles on the new Griso, but have become fast smitten by it's torque and
unique good looks. Nothing sold today looks remotely like it in my opinion.
A locomotive on two wheels!
It is what it is, no apologies. A true roadster.
I put 20k miles on the '97 1100 sporti (The most beautiful bike I've ever owned) and I already
feel smoother and more relaxed hurding the Griso around corners.(18 years of "progress"
aught to yield something- Lol).
Big, long and low with a wonderful sound on or off the throttle. You can't duplicate the rush
of thrusting your way up through the gears on any smaller displacement bike in my opinion.
O.K, enough of this. I'm all worked up and need to take a cold shower..
YMMV, but not mine!

[Adan]

The border between California and Oregon are Griso country. If you have a Griso and haven't ridden there, you're missing one of the great opportunities.

Someone ought to set up a Griso rental station with video of the rides and make a killing.

Now that you mention it, I think my second-best Griso ride ever was on an Oregon road between Highway 1 and I-5.  Can't remember the # now, but it tracked a river (most do in that region).  One long sweeper after another, and the Griso just eats that stuff up.

Best Griso ride ever was around the Olympic peninsula.  No cops out that day, thankfully, because I wasn't holding back much.

[bigtex]

Awfully pretty one for sale in Boulder:

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/5483422577.html



2015 Moto Guzzi Griso Special Edition Diablo Rosso. I

[Dilliw]

Awfully pretty one for sale in Boulder:

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/5483422577.html


2015 Moto Guzzi Griso Special Edition Diablo Rosso. I

Yeh I just don't get guys like that but hey everyone rides their ride.

[beetle]

Awfully pretty one for sale in Boulder:

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/5483422577.html



2015 Moto Guzzi Griso Special Edition Diablo Rosso. I

I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. He clearly drank the kool aid.

[pete roper]

I'm always amused by people who buy the whole 'Package' and then the bike goes up for sale almost immediately. It speaks volumes.

[ohiorider]

I'm always amused by people who buy the whole 'Package' and then the bike goes up for sale almost immediately. It speaks volumes.

Unusual .... almost as though they don't give the bike a fair chance.

[Perazzimx14]

Aren't there at least 3 "special edition" Griso's? What's so special about a paint job??   

[Dilliw]

Aren't there at least 3 "special edition" Griso's? What's so special about a paint job??

It could be the Griso Standard Edition :)

I wonder how that bike would fare vs. a stock 2015 with nothing but Beetle's map?

[pete roper]

I don't think we'll ever find that out.

[MotoG5]

If I had to choose between a Guzzi that was offered in a 2V and 8V the 2V wins every time. Especially against a converted flat to roller motor. I'll avoid these like the plague for all time. Heck Guzzi can't figure out 80+ year old hydro lifter technology not sure they can be trusted with new fangled tech of a roller lifter.

Does this mean I have to shoot my converted 12' NTX 8V.   

[bpreynolds]

Similar feelings here.  On the one hand, gorgeous bike with almost overwhelming charisma that causes people who never even notice motorcycles to stop and stare.  A symphony of mechanical noise and vibration that's thrilling to take anywhere.  A bike about which you can be proud and happy just to have in your garage and ride around the block once a week.

On the other hand, not much fun muscling it through the city or twisties.  If the roads in your region are all long sweeping curves, the Griso might be the perfect bike for you, and by the way, I want to know were you live so I can move there.  Most of the great California roads I've been on are a mix of sweepers and twisties.

I enjoyed the light touring that I did, but if you're serious about touring, you'd be much better off on the Norge or Stelvio.  Me, personally, I'd rather tour on a V7 than the Griso.

Bottom line, it's a one of a kind bike for an enthusiast/collector, but is far from being the best tool for most types of riding.

 :1: :1:
I only have about 1k miles on the 2015 Griso I obtained when I traded in my V7 Stone.  Thus far, however, I'd agree with everything stated here.  Especially about the V7 being a preferred touring mount for me personally, this even after putting 2" lowered pegs on the Griso and Rox risers on the bars.  The geometry of the bike is almost diametrically opposed to my own personal frame with long inseam and shorter arms.  That being said, it is a bike that is impossible to deny.  It is gnarly, hoary bike that is somehow both modern and crude in a very special way.  It is a man's man's bike.  I think it might have more testosterone than me.