Griso 8V vs. Aprilia Tuono [2nd Generation] - Opinions Wanted

[CT Dharma]

Looking for some comparison opinions from anyone that might have ridden both a Griso (8V) and Aprilia Tuono V2. Being both a Guzzi and Aprilia owner I'm fans of both but have not had the chance yet to test ride either one.

Thanks

[jackson]

I have owned a Griso (4 valve) and a 2008 Tuono.  I enjoyed both bikes but they're very different.

The Griso was a little top heavy but manageable.  I also wasn't crazy about the seating position/ergonomics. I sold it when my heart problems got so bad that I could no longer ride for over two years.  Fortunately, I have recovered enough so that I can now ride for a couple of hours at a time without putting myself or others in peril.  I sold the Griso and my Breva 750 at the same time.  If my health had not been an issue, I would have kept both bikes.

The Tuono was the most powerful bike that I've ever owned (out of 45 plus, since 1969).  I liked the seating position, the ergonomics and the weight distribution.  It was a very nice bike.  I sold it because the bike scared the hell out of me.  If you gave it too much throttle, it would literally stand up on the rear wheel and after this happened several times when coming out of a curve in the mountains, I decided that I was too old to handle this much torque & power.  If you like gobs of power, the Tuono is a really nice bike with a rock-solid engine & transmission.  The bike is well designed and IMO, a better bike than it's successor with the 4 cylinder engine.  The V2 provided plenty of power.

[Lcarlson]

I found the Griso 8V to be pretty comparable to my BMW R1150R -- a little quicker, but not all that much. I haven't ridden the Tuono, but recently sold my Ducati Diavel, which is more like the Tuono. The Diavel was a ferocious motorcycle, but not a particularly good daily rider, being so aggressively tuned that I would seldom see fourth gear in normal local riding. If you're looking for thrills, the Tuono would be the way to go; the Griso would probably be easier to live with. JMO.

[LowRyter]

Tuono is a freaking rocket ship by comparison. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Tuono is a freaking rocket ship by comparison.

Absolutely. The only time someone has come up on me in the Snake in the last few years was on a Tuono. I pulled over and waved him on, of course. He was a magazine test rider and said it was pretty fast. 

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

I agree with the comments.  I'd add that if you plan to ride in the city the Griso would be better compared to the Tuono.  The Griso isn't  a city bike either, but it's  better than the V4  Tuono.
The Tuono runs hot and city traffic would be a pain - it tends to burn up stators unless you're on the open road to keep it cool. The power is like crack, it's addicting.  The sound of both Engines at full song is incredible.  Come to think of it, buy one of each.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Come to think of it, buy one of each.

I like the way you're thinking.. 

[Nick]

Tuono is a freaking rocket ship by comparison.

Yep...

[Mile High Guzzi]

If only I were younger, a KTM 1290 Super Duke or Tuono look like lots of fun...and trouble.....

[Vasco DG]

By Gen II do you mean the last of the twins or the V4?

I've never been a fan of the Rotax motor. No reason, I just didn't like it. The V4 is a truly fantastic engine and the Tuono is barking mad. I'd love to have Ne and a few years ago I came within a bee's dick of buying one. I'm glad I didn't because if I had I'd probably be dead or in gaol! It is an insane amount of fun though, really characterful and when you open the throttle it's just like you have an enormous rubber band connected to the horizon!

Pete

[lucydad]

"Tuonos" are the terrors of Houston.  Only thing faster, maybe are the Panigales....maybe. ..V4 astonishing.

Then there are the MV Agustas...

[drw916]

Had them both.  Completely different engine characteristics.  The Griso is hell for strong throughout the range. The Tuono is a different beast. I never found it unmanageable, but you had better learn throttle control because it was a monster at higher revs.

Both were very comfortable to me, with 400 mile days well within my comfort zone.

Given a choice, I would go with a Griso again.  Just because.

[CT Dharma]

By Gen II do you mean the last of the twins or the V4?

I've never been a fan of the Rotax motor. No reason, I just didn't like it. The V4 is a truly fantastic engine and the Tuono is barking mad. I'd love to have Ne and a few years ago I came within a bee's dick of buying one. I'm glad I didn't because if I had I'd probably be dead or in gaol! It is an insane amount of fun though, really characterful and when you open the throttle it's just like you have an enormous rubber band connected to the horizon!

Pete

Second generation Tuono is the V-twin, years 2006-2011

[CT Dharma]

Had them both.  Completely different engine characteristics.  The Griso is hell for strong throughout the range. The Tuono is a different beast. I never found it unmanageable, but you had better learn throttle control because it was a monster at higher revs.

Both were very comfortable to me, with 400 mile days well within my comfort zone.

Given a choice, I would go with a Griso again.  Just because.

DRW
Thanks for the input. Thinking along the same lines myself but will try to get rides on each bike. Being 6'-5" ergonomics may play a role, though it hasn't stopped me in the past [SP1000!, really?]