New Griso or Lightly Used R1200R ?

[Bradkap]

Fellow Guzzi enthusiasts I need your wise advise. I want a bigger motorbike than my current V7ii. While I do most of my riding in the city I do often ride long distances on the highways. Hence, I am thinking I would like to get a larger ride.  If the Griso had a center stand, heated grips, GPS prep, abs, cruise control and a larger fuel tank it would be a no brainier: get the Griso.

I find the riding positions similar and while all of the BMW gadgets are nice, I can live without them. The BMW is more tame compared to the Griso heart stopping excitement. But the one thing which will become a real annoyance is the Griso tank range.

I would really appreciate your thoughts and comments.

B

[Lcarlson]

I bought my R bike new 14 years ago. Many other bikes have come and gone over those years, but I still ride the Roadster all the time. They are very versatile and satisfying machines.

[cookiemech]

Given that this is a Guzzi site, you'll likely receive more positive votes for the Griso. But I'll give the opposing view . . .

I have eight bikes, three of which are (older) BMWs, a K75, K75RT, and R1100RT. I've owned and ridden airheads in the past as well. For my money, if I want to NOT be irritated, I'll ride a BMW. Now note that I have not ridden an R1200R, but it's not far removed from my oilhead, and that bike is close to seamless perfection on a trip (I didn't mention excitement or "soul", so if you've gotta have that . . .)

Does the BMW have cruise control? I find it indispensible on a trip as it reduces hand discomfort and also allows you to stay as close to the speed limit as you choose, particularly near small towns. Luggage (or luggage choice) is probably better on the BMW. Gas mileage on the later BMWs is terrific as well.

Parts support is excellent for the BMWs. I can buy anything except special body pieces for very old BMWs. I don't think even Harley-Davidson supports their old bikes as well (though they have a phenomenal aftermarket).

BMWs in general are just great bikes if you are really going to ride and not just polish and admire (I'm not speaking about Guzzi folks, I'm thinking of H-D. And I love my two Harleys). If you need to have a "relationship" with a bike, maybe you want the Griso.

[roofus]

A friend has a 2013 R1200R and a 2010 V7 Cafe. She thinks its the perfect combo.

[Bradkap]

I thought about keeping the V7ii as it does work so well as a commuting and urban bike. I was looking for a do all-Swiss army knife bike.  But perhaps I should consider having both.

[radguzzi]

The BMW is more tame compared to the Griso heart stopping excitement.

Brad,
I recently sold the Stelvio to purchase the R 1200 RT Cam Head Beemer and the analogy that you draw is spot on. 

I loved the visceral power of the Guzzi 1200 engine, raw yet still graceful in it's power delivery and the RT is more linear and still powerful, just in a more sedate method.

Having long admired the Boxer Twin design I have no regrets at all for making the change.

Best,
Rob

[Kev m]

You answered your own question.

Keep the V7 and buy the BMW.

I'd have suggested the Griso if it were not for your own list of requirements, not the least of which was range.

[pyoungbl]

If you want a super long distance ride it's hard to beat a Stelvio.  You have the same drive train as the Griso but also get ABS, center stand, hard bags, aux lights, good weather protection, and lots of range (8.5 gallons worth of range).  You can pick up a Stelvio for about $5K less than the BMW if you shop around for a new '14 or '15.  This is not to dis the BMW, just a comparison of features and value.  The only downside to the Stelvio is that it's heavy.

Peter Y.

[jas67]

I thought about keeping the V7ii as it does work so well as a commuting and urban bike. I was looking for a do all-Swiss army knife bike.  But perhaps I should consider having both.

THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I was looking to replace my Breva 1100 with an R1200R, but, a friend gave me a good deal on my F800GT, which I'm very happy with.    I would have been equally happy with the R1200R, it is a great do-all bike.

That said, I very much enjoy the character of my V7 Special, and definitely have room in my heart (and garage) for both.   Since the F800GT is a fully-faired bike, the V7 Special will be the go-to bike for hot weather commuting, a role that the R1200R will be better than my F800GT, since you can make it completely naked.

I haven't ridden an R1200R in town, and don't remember what the gearing of 1st was like, but, the Breva 1100 had a pretty tall first gear, which I found annoying for stop and go traffic in town.    I owned a 2009 V7C at the same time as the Breva 1100.   Whenever I had to go into town to run errands, I always chose the V7C, it was much better town bike.

Buy the R1200R, but, keep the V7II as your city bike.  They are certainly different enough to appreciate both.

Plus, it is always nice to have a second bike if one is ever down for any reason (waiting for a part, etc).

I've been seeing some low miles ( < 10k miles ) R1200R for some really good prices.     Cam head models, 2011-2104 for $8-$10k, usually with bags.     Hex head models (2007-2010) with < 20k miles are often in the $6-$7k range.

[jackson]

I used to own a Griso and it was a very fine motorcycle.  I have not ridden the R1200R but I have a good friend who owns one and he has nothing but good things to say about it.  Out of the 45 plus bikes that I've owned since 1969, my list of favorites starts with BMW twins.  I had to quit riding (heart health reasons) for 2 1/2 years but recovered enough to "get back on the horse" almost a year ago.  I had sold all of my bikes so I decided to buy another Guzzi V7 variant and quickly found a super nice used one.  After six months of riding the little Goose (which I am quite happy with), I decided that I wanted to add a larger displacement bike with a full fairing for those not-so-nice days when the wind is blowing or it's too cold for riding a naked bike; so, after a lot of deliberation between a new Norge (at the giveaway prices they're selling for) or a low mileage BMW R1200RT, I went with the Beemer. 
As others have recommended, keep the V7 and add the heavier, more powerful bike and you'll have a great combination.  I'm truly enjoying riding both of mine.
Whatever you decide; Enjoy! 

[Sheepdog]

I spent a bit of time on a R1100R and found it to be a very nice machine...perhaps my favorite in the BMW lineup. The Griso is a sensational bike, but you're correct when you suggest that is is not as well suited to the open road. Considering the two bikes that you have named, I would give the Beemer the nod...

[bpreynolds]

Fellow Guzzi enthusiasts I need your wise advise. I want a bigger motorbike than my current V7ii. While I do most of my riding in the city I do often ride long distances on the highways. Hence, I am thinking I would like to get a larger ride.  If the Griso had a center stand, heated grips, GPS prep, abs, cruise control and a larger fuel tank it would be a no brainier: get the Griso.

I find the riding positions similar and while all of the BMW gadgets are nice, I can live without them. The BMW is more tame compared to the Griso heart stopping excitement. But the one thing which will become a real annoyance is the Griso tank range.

I would really appreciate your thoughts and comments.

B

I just traded in my 2015 V7 Stone for a 2015 Griso.  I only have about 500 miles so far on the G.  A few things. 

1) I personally do not find the riding positions at all similar between the R bike and the Griso.  In fact, they are greatly more similar between the R and the V7.  Thus far I have added Vario 2" lowering and rearward pegs to make the Griso more to my 32" inseam whereas the R1200R bikes I've test driven were instantly as comfortable or close to as comfortable as my previous Stone right out of the box.  Also, you're going to be leaning a decent bit more onto the bars with the Griso.  Not entirely a bad thing if you have a bad lower back like me and leaning forward is actually a good thing, but you are not nearly as upright as on an R bike.  Also, the R bike, like the V7, is a much, much narrower bike at the knees than the G.  Again, all of these things can be amended or changed somewhat; they are merely ergos observations.

2) If you're coming off a V7 to a Griso, yes, the range is going to be a big change for you, or at least it has been for me thus far.  How much this bothers you depends on how much you appreciate and enjoy that big stonking 8V beneath you:  the rumble, the zoom zoom at 6 grand, the gorgeous ride in general.  That much meat and potatoes has its price.  I love the meat and potatoes but yes, the range still annoys me a small bit coming off the V7.

3) The G also makes a good bit more heat than the V7 and the R1200R test rides.  This was a big issue for me with the previous 2011 Stelvio I owned but I find the Griso has less body work and more heat gets carried away than with the Stelvio.  Many, I would even say the majority of 8V owners do not remotely mind the heat so take my comments here with a big grain of subjective salt.

4) I might here argue the opposite of what some others are saying whereas I might say the V7 and the Griso, there is your perfect combo.  To me and my time in the saddle, it seems like the R bike and the little Stone have more in common than the Griso and the V7.  The R and Stone are both comfortable upright bikes with a kind of linear power delivery that are easy to ride and manage from the get go whereas the Griso is a gnarly animal that I still can't really compare much to any bike I've ever owned nor driven.  I'm still not totally sure if this is a bad thing or the most wonderful thing ever.  Does that make sense?   

[Kev m]

4) I might here argue the opposite of what some others are saying whereas I might say the V7 and the Griso, there is your perfect combo.  To me and my time in the saddle, it seems like the R bike and the little Stone have more in common than the Griso and the V7.  The R and Stone are both comfortable upright bikes with a kind of linear power delivery that are easy to ride and manage from the get go whereas the Griso is a gnarly animal that I still can't really compare much to any bike I've ever owned nor driven.  I'm still not totally sure if this is a bad thing or the most wonderful thing ever.  Does that make sense?   

The problem is you're answering for YOU and not HIM.

He hasn't said he wants the bigger bike to be more different than similar to the V7, just that he's looking for a bigger and more power with a list of other requirements (much of which the Griso doesn't directly address).

[Darren Williams]

R1200R and 1200 Sport seemed very similar to me.  Both make excellent sport touring bikes.  Newer BMW has lots of conveniences over the older and lower tech Guzzi, ABS, CC, and ride modes...  Plus, the BMW ramps up the wind protection with the RS and RT models.

Griso is more of an "adult" hooligan bike that is better suited to local riding.  But hey, you can mount a windscreen and strap down a bag on the back seat and tour on anything.  All IMHO.

[bpreynolds]

The problem is you're answering for YOU and not HIM.

He hasn't said he wants the bigger bike to be more different than similar to the V7, just that he's looking for a bigger and more power with a list of other requirements (much of which the Griso doesn't directly address).

Haha.  Perhaps you are correct.  More than once have I missed little Greeny.  But to the point, I don't think there's any more "problem" nor less validity here in my stable recommendation as Brad himself says he may have been thinking too much Swiss Army Knife and seems to hint he could be going in a different direction. 

So Swiss Army Knife (R bike) meet ivory handled African Buoy Knife (Griso). 

In fact, I'm going to start using this in all my posts henceforth.  They will begin as such, "The Griso is a real African Buoy knife of a bike.". 

[Kev m]

It all boils down to what you're looking for in a bike.

But Brad seems to specifically asking for things that the Griso doesn't address and you don't seem to want/care about.

[bpreynolds]

It all boils down to what you're looking for in a bike.

But Brad seems to specifically asking for things that the Griso doesn't address and you don't seem to want/care about.

But from his initial post you can clearly see he already knows the Griso doesn't have these "things" but he's still asking for opinions as to which to buy. 

[ohiorider]

Brief comment ....... if you're considering either a 2014 or 2015 R1200R, there was a major design change in 2015.
Chassis: 
2014 and prior:  Telelever front fork
2015:  Upside down 'conventional' fork.  BMW seems to be using telescopic forks on several newer models

Engine
2014: air/oil cooled
2015: air/oil/water cooled

Powertrain
2014: Conventional shaft drive layout (engine, dry single plate clutch, separate transmission)
2015: Clutch on front of engine, wet, multi-plate, slipper type, transmission and engine integrated vs separate tranny

[blackcat]

I'd bank the cash and buy a late model new Norge.

[LowRyter]

depends on the R.  If it's a newer water-cooled machine, I'd go for it.  They're really sporting standard machines.


If it's air cooled, then the Griso is the sportier ride.

[Chuck in Indiana]

2015:  Upside down 'conventional' fork.  BMW seems to be using telescopic forks on several newer models

That would be a big plus to me. I've disliked the telever's light steering and no road feel from the first time I rode one. YMMV, of course.

[bpreynolds]

That would be a big plus to me. I've disliked the telever's light steering and no road feel from the first time I rode one. YMMV, of course.

:1:

[Kev m]

But from his initial post you can clearly see he already knows the Griso doesn't have these "things" but he's still asking for opinions as to which to buy.

Good point, I guess in saying that even though he's asking he's listed too many reasons why he should eliminate the Griso.

[LowRyter]

yep, the water cooled bikes don't have the telelever either. 

[Lcarlson]

:1:

My mileage does vary: I have had telelever bikes for the last eighteen years, and consider this feature to one of BMW's best for street use. Separating the steering forces from suspension forces is a good thing. It eliminates 90% of brake dive (and preserves valuable suspension travel under hard braking) without requiring any complex electronics. Also allows the use of top quality front shock (I use Ohlins) with no need to replace the fork. I'm sorry they dropped it on the R1200R/RS watercooled machines.

[bad Chad]

OP said, "While I do most of my riding in the city I do often ride long distances on the highways. Hence, I am thinking I would like to get a larger ride.  If the Griso had a center stand, heated grips, GPS prep, abs, cruise control and a larger fuel tank it would be a no brainier: get the Griso."

The Griso has about 4.4 gallon tank, what is the average milage on highway, say 34mpg?   So you could roll along the highway for 140 miles, between stops and still have about a 1/2 gallon left in the tank.  Do you like to ride more than 140 miles a crack without stopping?   You can very easily have a nice set of heated grips added for not a lot of money, also there are some pretty neat cruise control devices now on the market, that are easy to use, and well made.

You said you could live without the BMW gadgets, I think I just knocked two of them off the list of negatives, buy the Griso, don't settle for something less than passion when buying a motorcycle.

[Darren Williams]

My mileage does vary: I have had telelever bikes for the last eighteen years, and consider this feature to one of BMW's best for street use. Separating the steering forces from suspension forces is a good thing. It eliminates 90% of brake dive (and preserves valuable suspension travel under hard braking) without requiring any complex electronics. Also allows the use of top quality front shock (I use Ohlins) with no need to replace the fork. I'm sorry they dropped it on the R1200R/RS watercooled machines.

I concur.  Took me several thousand miles with the GS to get used to it, but on real world roads it just works.  And I can now "feel" brake pressure and road grip as well as a conventional telescoping forks.  Neither setup would be a deal breaker for me.

[Bradkap]

Thanks guys for all of your comments.

Decided to keep the V7ii for now and not trade it.

Got to make room in the garage now for two bikes !

Went with a 2015 R1200R WC/LC.

[Kev m]

Thanks guys for all of your comments.

Decided to keep the V7ii for now and not trade it.

Got to make room in the garage now for two bikes !

Went with a 2015 R1200R WC/LC.

Awesome, can't wait to hear more!!!

[boatdetective]

The decision is made, so opinions don't seem to matter. However, in the interest of agreeing with the OP's choice- I don't remember breaking 100mi per tank on my G11 before the light went on. It was a very noticeable PITA- something that would've bugged you. At the same time, the ergos are weird (the "knees splayed out" thing was tamed a bit, however, in the G12). If I were to get a Beemer- it would be the R1200R. You done zer gut.