Another V11 vs Griso Thread

[Rox]

Kinda on the fence on making a decision. Ive been wanting a V11 Scura and finally found one. Good price but needs tires and maybe some pipes. Been waiting for my one bike to sell to buy the Scura. Mind you I also have a V11 Lemans.
    While neandering at my local dealer I stumble upon a 2010 Griso . Offered a good trade value and with a trade and about $1600 I can roll out with a nice Griso with the essential farkles like a Termi pipe, Rizoma this and that, etc.
   Either do the Scura and drop about $1200 to go with my v11 Lemans or should I trade in and get the Griso that needs nothing really and cut the check for 1600? 
    I keep swinging back and forth. Have 2 v11s or switch it up with refined Guzzi to hairy chested Guzzi...
Both awesome bikes and a tough decision. Thoughts?

[Vasco DG]

The two are as different as chalk and cheese. Ride both and make your decision on your own terms.

Pete

[Aaron D.]

I can't understand why you would want another V11, I've ridden both, and they are nice bikes, but why would you want two bikes that are so similar? When would you take one over the other?

The Griso would give you something different to ride when you felt..well, different.

[mjptexas]

Guess it's personal choice.  I've got a V11 and a Griso.   If I had to choose I'd keep the Griso.  More comfortable ride for me.  Both meet my desire for exclusivity. 

[markw]

Do your research on 2010 Griso...know what you are possibly getting into-knowledge is power.

[Chuck in Indiana]

As Pete sez.. they're completely different. I like them both. Your choice.
That said, I think that the 10 is a flat tappet 4 valve that will most likely need updated. (?)

[Travlr]

When I buy a new bike I don't sell one immediately.
I have a "garage fight".  See which one I ride before I decide which one to sell.

When I bought my Scura it had a big shoot out with my 8 valve Griso. 
2 very similar bikes.  The Scura won my heart and the Griso was gone.

I don't see having a LeMans and a Scura as a big issue they are 2 different bikes.

Mike

[Chuck in Indiana]

When I buy a new bike I don't sell one immediately.
I have a "garage fight".  See which one I ride before I decide which one to sell.

When I bought my Scura it had a big shoot out with my 8 valve Griso. 
2 very similar bikes.  The Scura won my heart and the Griso was gone.

I don't see having a LeMans and a Scura as a big issue they are 2 different bikes.

Mike

I had a LeMans and Scura, too. After the garage fight, the Scura won.

[blackcat]

I had a LeMans and Scura, too. After the garage fight, the Scura won.

The Daytona won in the garage fight with the Lemans though I miss that bike.

[MGrego]

When I buy a new bike I don't sell one immediately.
I have a "garage fight".  See which one I ride before I decide which one to sell.

That was my plan too, except the fight has been going on for 27 years without a winner. 7 bikes and counting.... "No bike left behind !"

[rocker59]

The garage fight between my Sport 1100 and V11 Nero Corsa lasted nearly eight years, but the Sport 1100 eventually won.

It has banished all the other challengers much more quickly.

 

[redrider]

Question Rocker- did or does your sport have iffy carburetion below 3K? Mine needs careful application of throttle.

[rocker59]

Question Rocker- did or does your sport have iffy carburetion below 3K? Mine needs careful application of throttle.

I have always thought that the 3000 rpm light switch thing was related to the camshaft and/or the ignition.

Mine has Keihin FCR41 carbs and it worlds better than it was with the Dellortos.

The bike definitely comes to life at about 3000 rpm, but is manageable below that.

I rarely ride it below 3000, though.  Only when accellerating away from a stop.

Lots of 1st and 2nd gear riding in town, since its geared so tall.

[WitchCityGuzzi]

We have both a V11 Sport Ballabio and a Griso SE. They're both great bikes and like Pete stated, vastly different. I would have a hard time choosing between the two for different reasons. The V11 is a visceral, raw, attitude bike. The Griso is smooth, faster, probably handles better, and feels very modern in comparison.

If I were to try to define the difference between the two, I would say the V11 is a sledge hammer, and the Griso is a surgical scalpel.

[rocker59]

If I were to try to define the difference between the two, I would say the V11 is a sledge hammer, and the Griso is a surgical scalpel.

That's funny, considering the Griso's 4+ inches of extra wheelbase over the V11 series.

[Scud]

Hey Rox -

Why not get the Scura, have two V11 for a while? Then, if you decide you really want a Griso, you can decide which V11 to keep, and which to sell.

My Scura and Lemans are playing nicely in the same garage - no fighting. If it comes down to keeping one V11, it'll be the Scura.

[WitchCityGuzzi]

That's funny, considering the Griso's 4+ inches of extra wheelbase over the V11 series.

The frame on the Griso is so stiff though. Great steering geometry, great forks. Hard to explain. To be honest, I think my Stelvio is actually a better handling bike than the V11 too.

[rocker59]

The frame on the Griso is so stiff though. Great steering geometry, great forks. Hard to explain. To be honest, I think my Stelvio is actually a better handling bike than the V11 too.

Not intending to be argumentative, here, but...

If you like a Griso and Stelvio better than a V11, there is nothing wrong with that.

I guess we would have to know your definition of "handling".  It can vary.  Different people put different emphasis on different aspects.

Generally, "good handling" in a street bike would translate into good lap times on a racetrack.  Although Griso and Stelvio are nice bikes, I have to believe that a good rider taking turns on all three would have measurably faster lap times on something like my former V11 Nero Corsa.

The Nero Corsa's steering may feel heavier than the Stelvio's.  And it may not feel as planted as a Griso, but it's a race bred machine that excels among Guzzis in high-speed pavement work.

[brenwin]

We have both a V11 Sport Ballabio and a Griso SE. They're both great bikes and like Pete stated, vastly different. I would have a hard time choosing between the two for different reasons. The V11 is a visceral, raw, attitude bike. The Griso is smooth, faster, probably handles better, and feels very modern in comparison.

If I were to try to define the difference between the two, I would say the V11 is a sledge hammer, and the Griso is a surgical scalpel.

I see you have a Stelvio as well . Which bike do you ride the most ? I had a Griso and found the ergos too tight for my inseam . The Stelvio handles just as well as the Griso did , for me anyway . 
I just passed on buying a Rosso Corsa and am currently looking at a V11 for sale . Interesting whats being said about these bikes , good timing for me . Cheers   

[WitchCityGuzzi]

Technically, the Griso SE is my wife's bike. I love taking it for a blast as it is an exhilerating ride, but I wouldn't trade the Stelvio for a Griso. For me, the Stelvio is the perfect bike. Plenty fast, handles beautifully and is nearly as much fun ripping down dirt tracks as it is on the road.

[brenwin]

Technically, the Griso SE is my wife's bike. I love taking it for a blast as it is an exhilerating ride, but I wouldn't trade the Stelvio for a Griso. For me, the Stelvio is the perfect bike. Plenty fast, handles beautifully and is nearly as much fun ripping down dirt tracks as it is on the road.

Guzzi sure got it right with the Stelvio . The only complaint I have are those darn utilitarian side panniers . When at speed they can cause some swaying . I'm thinking of picking up something a little more streamlined .
The V11 I'm looking at right now is a 2004 Ballabio but without the Ohlins suspension which is a pretty important feature ! I love the look of the bike . It's a low miler , very clean and has been well looked after . 

[Jim Rich]

I think the best advice was to ride them both and decide.  I did that when deciding between a Sport 1100 and a V11 LeMans.  The choice was pretty simple for me after that.  The raw mechanical nature of the V11 appeals to me as that type of thing is being refined out of the newer bikes.  Makes me realize I have machine underneath me.

[AH Fan]

Not intending to be argumentative, here, but...

If you like a Griso and Stelvio better than a V11, there is nothing wrong with that.

I guess we would have to know your definition of "handling".  It can vary.  Different people put different emphasis on different aspects.

Generally, "good handling" in a street bike would translate into good lap times on a racetrack.  Although Griso and Stelvio are nice bikes, I have to believe that a good rider taking turns on all three would have measurably faster lap times on something like my former V11 Nero Corsa.

The Nero Corsa's steering may feel heavier than the Stelvio's.  And it may not feel as planted as a Griso, but it's a race bred machine that excels among Guzzis in high-speed pavement work.

Im with ya on that ..............

Ciao.

[Rox]

I think the best advice was to ride them both and decide.  I did that when deciding between a Sport 1100 and a V11 LeMans.  The choice was pretty simple for me after that.  The raw mechanical nature of the V11 appeals to me as that type of thing is being refined out of the newer bikes.  Makes me realize I have machine underneath me.

Very true. Sadly too much  refinement can hurt character. Well put.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Very true. Sadly too much  refinement can hurt character. Well put.

Gearheads love to "operate a machine." My main knock with the Norge was it was just a little too..er.. civilized  for my taste. My Aero Lario has "character" in spades.. as does the hot rodded Scura. Just rode the Kid's early 1100 Spot, and it never lets you forget you are operating a machine, either. <snapping suspenders> Don't need no bland motorcycles. 

[mjptexas]

Very true. Sadly too much  refinement can hurt character. Well put.

'Refinement' is not a word I'd typically use in the same sentence with 'Griso'.  It may be more refined than a V11, but it sure the hell ain't a Honda.

[Vasco DG]

The last of the 2 VPC models are very smooth compared to their predecessors. There are a variety of reasons for that but the 4 VPC engine is a different kettle of fish. Yes you can make it perform spectacularly and smoothly but 'Refined' and 'Lacking in character' are not words/phrases that spring to mind.

Pete

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

OK Rox, it's Saturday and time to go to the dealer and demo ride the Griso, waiting to hear your decision.

[Rox]

Finally got to it. Long story short Im gonna move on the Scura..
Really liked the Griso but honestly the V11 is much more....Guzzi... Power wise I felt they're both spot on. The Griso ( at least this one) didn't fell faster than a V11. Hangling wise ? Dead tie...  Then it goes to other things like maintenance and such Im better off v11 since I already know the field. Then there is the rarity of the Scura. There you have it.

[Scud]

Scura. There you have it.