Which is the best built CARC bike?

[flip]

Okay, I'm bored. I've been unable to ride for too long so I'm thinking up what are probably stupid questions.

For you guys that have owned different CARC bikes, have friends with CARC bikes or work on CARC bikes, which model seems to be the best built. For instance, some models have a reputation for water getting into instrument panels and shutting down the bike. Some have engines that are destroying themselves. I guess the at the heart of what I'm asking is this: If you generally like the CARC bikes and wanted one that you would hope to still own and ride 20-25 years from now, which model and perhaps what year range in particular would you buy?

[AH Fan]

2014 Norge ......... but as far as the most robust overall would have to say the 2014 or newer Stelvio.

Ciao

[beetle]

If you generally like the CARC bikes and wanted one that you would hope to still own and ride 20-25 years from now,

The 2010 Griso I currently own.

[Phang]

This, 2009 Griso in funny colour

[pete roper]

Particularly Breva and 1200 Sports have dash problems more than others. Any 8V built before mid 2012 with flat tappets will destroy its top end unless rollerised. A few early 2V Norges had dodgy oil pumps and there was a bad batch of clutch friction plates that all seem to have gone in 2012 Stelvios a vey few of those Stelvios from the same year may also of had dodgy swingarm castings. Very early B11's and G11's had bad bearings in their bevelboxes.

Those are the only real issues I can think of at 5.00AM in a foreign country. Generally speaking they are as reliable as an anvil.

Pete

[Travlr]

 >If you generally like the CARC bikes and wanted one that you would hope to still own and ride 20-25 years from now, which model and >perhaps what year range in particular would you buy?

I had a Breva and a Griso.  With the dash issues resolved, the Breva.  A wonderful all arounder I could ride for 20 years.
Maybe I should start a thread: "How to replace a Breva dash" then buy another.

M

[Huzo]

Particularly Breva and 1200 Sports have dash problems more than others. Any 8V built before mid 2012 with flat tappets will destroy its top end unless rollerised. A few early 2V Norges had dodgy oil pumps and there was a bad batch of clutch friction plates that all seem to have gone in 2012 Stelvios a vey few of those Stelvios from the same year may also of had dodgy swingarm castings. Very early B11's and G11's had bad bearings in their bevelboxes.

Those are the only real issues I can think of at 5.00AM in a foreign country. Generally speaking they are as reliable as an anvil.

Pete

Excuse me but would that be a good American anvil or a cheaper Chinese one?

[pete roper]

Test their efficacy by dropping one of each type on either foot! Simples!

[Huzo]

Test their efficacy by dropping one of each type on either foot! Simples!

Simples.... I like that mongoose on the ad too.

[RANDM]

Simples.... I like that mongoose on the ad too.

Uuummm ain't that a Meercat?

Maurie.

[ITSec]

My Norge, of course.

It might not have started that way, but it certainly is now!

[bad Chad]

The Breva line is very, very good.

[Huzo]

Uuummm ain't that a Meercat?

Maurie.

Oops yes. You spotted the deliberate error, you passed !!! 

[zebraranger]

I have to 2nd the Griso, except the 2016 model since its most likely the last.

[Huzo]

I have to 2nd the Griso, except the 2016 model since its most likely the last.

Probably depends a bit on what you want to do with it Zeb.

[Bulldog9]

IMO, the Griso is one of the best built motorcycles I've seen period. The bike exudes quality in every body panel and part.

[Moto]

Particularly Breva and 1200 Sports have dash problems more than others. Any 8V built before mid 2012 with flat tappets will destroy its top end unless rollerised. A few early 2V Norges had dodgy oil pumps and there was a bad batch of clutch friction plates that all seem to have gone in 2012 Stelvios a vey few of those Stelvios from the same year may also of had dodgy swingarm castings. Very early B11's and G11's had bad bearings in their bevelboxes.

Those are the only real issues I can think of at 5.00AM in a foreign country. Generally speaking they are as reliable as an anvil.

Pete

That sums it up. Except for the dashes, those concerns are all history. The Norge seems to share the same dash printed circuit board (PCB) with the Breva/1200 Sport, and the Stelvio the same with the Griso. The two types of PCB are very similar in components and construction. One thing that may account for a greater tendency of the Breva dash to fail is the greater volume of air in its enclosure -- this provides a greater quantity of water to condense and settle on electronic components when the temperature drops. If you're willing to get your PCB coated, both types should be as durable as anvils containing coated PCBs.

Moto

[LeakyLogic]

I would like to get my Breva 1100 dash coated, but I emailed Carmousa.com and they said they would not do a preventative nonconformal coating. I am hesitant doing it myself. Anyone had it done recently and where? Currently, I have no signs of condensation, but that doesn't provide me with any confidence. However, if it ain't broke don't fix it may apply.

[Moto]

I did my Griso's. It wouldn't be much different to do the Breva.

[Moz]

no mention of the Bellagio?!?





Rock solid last of the push rods   

[ken farr]

Mine.



kjf

[waxi]

What do you guys think about CARC bikes? Is it possible that we will get another opportunity later or should we grab one now? Just thinking if this is last chance...

[Darren Williams]

I think the overall frame and drive train design are wonderful. Brakes and suspension are really good and well above average respectively. I've had two and the reason I don't have a third CARC is all the accessory item failures that we all have to sort to get the bike right and dependable. I've heard a guy that's owned several dozen motorcycles say his was the most pleasurable to ride and frustrating to own bike he has ever owned. That said, I would really like to trade a couple of my current bikes for a new Griso at the local dealership.

The one thing not being mentioned much here is the lack of a thermostat valve in the oil cooling resulting in overcooling in winter riding. My cold weather commuting left them with mayo in the oil several times. No apparent damage, but something else to worry about.

[MadMike]

What do you guys think about CARC bikes? Is it possible that we will get another opportunity later or should we grab one now? Just thinking if this is last chance...

One more reason to hold onto my Stelvio! I have a suspicion if you want an adventure tourer from Moto Guzzi, the Piaggio Group will quickly steer you to the Aprila Crapanord, which is a great bike but by no means has anywhere close to the personality exuded by the Stelvio.

Conspiratorially thinking also leads me to believe that the Stelvio name was released for use by the Piaggio Group to Fiat so that every time someone mentions the name, it will be a reference to an Alfa Romeo and not the best CARC bike ever, even though its basically a jacked up Griso.

In addition, if you look behind the grassy knoll, you can clearly make out...well, ok, I'll pipe down now...

Long live the CARC Stelvio

[Moz]

What do you guys think about CARC bikes? Is it possible that we will get another opportunity later or should we grab one now? Just thinking if this is last chance...

it pretty much is the last chance from all reports and all we're seeing from Piaggio, at least at the moment are small and (very) big blocks with outdated suspensions and final drive train..

Remember, the whole point of the CARC (Cardano Reattivo Compatto - Compact Reactive Shaft Drive) was to compensate for the reactiveness in shaft drives - function leading form - the fact it also gave us a beautiful single sided wheel was a bonus.

This seems to have been junked with the newer bikes going back to 1960s technology..

The Bellagio, in particular, is a great platform for continued daily use and, should the fancy take you, customising.. 

[zebraranger]

What do you guys think about CARC bikes? Is it possible that we will get another opportunity later or should we grab one now? Just thinking if this is last chance...

Exactly why I purchased a Griso 6 weeks ago, there were only two left in the state.