getting the Griso - What else to do at the Dealership?

[Pisano]

This weekend I'll be going to the dealership to pick my 2014 Griso!

I've already asked for non-ethanol - hi octane fuel be put in at start up,  but what else should I inspect / ask for?

It's new with warranty and I figure I'll have the rear linkage bearings greased at first service or give it a go myself ( thanks for that bit of advice Pete ).  Is there anything else you guys can think of before I ride off into the sunset ( well, actually trailer it away).

Thanks!!

Norm F
 

[PJPR01]

Check the tire pressure!  Congrats on the Griso!

[pete roper]

If you're confident the PD was done correctly just ride it. First service get the swingarm bearings and linkage packed with grease. Make sure it's tuned properly. Ride it some more. Start farkling it.

[Kiwi Dave]

If this is your first Griso, I can offer some advice as I bought my first one around a month ago.

Everything is different compared with a Breva, Norge or 1200 Sport.  Download the manuals, and start from scratch.

One thing that had me stumped was the location of the toolkit.  The manual says "under the seat", so I remove the seat and start rummaging around the rear where there is a tiny bit of room (more now that I have removed the rubber snorkel).  Nowhere to be found, dealer couldn't help.  Then I looked under the seat itself, and there was the toolkit and helmet strap hidden in a little cubbyhole built into the seat itself.  I felt so silly!

Then it was time to remove the tank to install some additional wiring (radar detector).  Manual said remove the side panels, so diligently started to undo all the screws that held the side panels on, until it got very hard at the rear.  Then I realised they meant the side panels on the tank itself.  I felt so silly again!

It takes some time to become familiar with this beast.

[Dilliw]

Practice smiling maybe?

As Pete says you are pretty much moving into farkle territory with this bike. 

As for fuel yes if you can find ethanol free that's best.  The bike runs fine on E90 and I don't think there are any fuel line issues like other models, but my tank has two dimples and a small "hump" as a result of the swelling.  I don't worry about it much on the road but just make sure before I put it up I stopped by the ethanol free store by my house so it sits without that stuff in there. 

I haven't noticed any octane differences and I've run 87 to 93 (U.S.)

At 14k my bike has now cracked the plastic headlight bucket.  I guess I should complain but...

[Bill Hagan]

****

At 14k my bike has now cracked the plastic headlight bucket.  I guess I should complain but...

Yes, that plastic bucket is a POS.  Replacing mine cost $120 or so. Grrrr.

OTOH, any way you can pin that on Wayne?   

Oh ... congrats to the OP.  If you haven't been to https://www.grisoghetto.com, you might.

Best,

Bill

[Dilliw]

Yes, that plastic bucket is a POS.  Replacing mine cost $120 or so. Grrrr.

OTOH, any way you can pin that on Wayne?   

Oh ... congrats to the OP.  If you haven't been to https://www.grisoghetto.com, you might.

Best,

Bill

No I saw it on the walk around right before he showed up.  There's a generic metal one on Ebay I'm going to try.

[Rolf Halvorsen]

Check the production year. Are you sure it was produced in 2014.
The frame numbers and engine numbers will tell.

Just to be sure that it has no flat tappets problem.

Rol

[lucian]

Congratulations from an 08 owner, great bikes. I would ask for a connector for a battery tender and also to go over suspension set up for your weight and riding requirements. The stock forks and shock can be made to work nicely but takes some time to check sags and set the adjustments up right for you. Also go over your dealers vs. factory recommended break in procedure. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on this and they should be able to give you clear guidance on that. 

[jpv7]

Congrats Norm!  You buy it from the guy in Guelph or in Vaughan?

[Lannis]

While you're there at your local dealer, consider whether it's time to get a new helmet based on how old your old one is.

I'm picking up my bike at the dealer today after a few repairs, and Fay and I will be trying on helmets while we're there.   We just realized that the helmets we have, we bought before a 2010 tour we took.   Seven years is long enough for any helmet!   Degradation, loose padding .... not worth taking a chance.

Go ahead, while your bank account is still numb from the bike.   Another 5% or so on the price, who'll notice ....   ?

Lannis

[not-fishing]

2014---- greasing the headset will make a difference as well as lowering the forks.

If / when you buy a rear rack get a stucchi rack that attaches to the four tie-down posts underneath the seat.

I put a Dart Marlin screen on mine, the Dart's to small.  I use soft bags without a pannier type rack for touring so as not to spoil the lines when not touring.

I put in an LED headlight and done the tail chop.

Right now my 48,000 mi Griso 1100 is down due to a short in the fuel pump circuit.  Since I had to remove the tank I sent the Injectors off to AF1 Racing for service and have replaced the old oil pressure sending unit.

Now if I can just find that damn short.

Good thing I have the Lemans to ride in the mean time.

[kirb]

Drop the forks in the trees to the lowest line- helps handling. (not required)
SET UP THE SUSPENSION PROPERLY! sag, comp damp, rebound damp, etc. front and rear.

Grisos used to come from the factory with jewel crushing comp damping. They would ride harsh and would turn off would-be buyers. Set it for your comfort level and you will be golden. The Griso has some very adjustable suspenders. Make use of them.

[Bill Hagan]

Drop the forks in the trees to the lowest line- helps handling.

****

OK, color me confused.

Inasmuch as the Griso has a long wheelbase and thus has heavy steering (or certainly heavier than I like), would it not be "drop the trees on the forks" rather than vice versa?

That would seem to me (albeit an admitted ignoramus WRT handling) to make turn-in easier, which I view to be a desirable goal in helping handling.

OK. Flame-retardant suit on now; have at me.   

Bill

[Pisano]

thanks for the tips!  All good

jpv7,  I bough it from the Guy in Ottawa.

Rolf, VIN 10th digit is an "E" so I think it confirms that it was manufactured in 2014.   Bill of sale says it's a 2014. If you get a chance, let me know if I got this one correct. 

Lannis, I recently figured out that my 17 yr old helmet might need replacing  ( haven't been riding for awhile) so I got one.   

[Huzo]

Is it Red ???

[Pisano]

Hi Huzo,  it is silver and black.  I like the red ones too.  Hell I like them all.

[Rolf Halvorsen]

Production year 2010 had an A as the 10th digit in the frame number.
So letter E should mean that the bike was produced in 2014. You should be safe regarding to the tappets question. Bill of Sale does not mean anything. It could a bike not sold for several years.

Happy you.

Rolf

[Pisano]

Thanks Rolf, so without pulling a cover off and actually "seeing and believing"  I think I'm OK with the cam followers being the roller version.

yesterday before looking into the VIN date, I actually asked the Mechanic setting it up to pull a cover but he mentioned that he did not have the gasket in stock to replace it and would want any chance of oil leaking.  He looked at the parts catalogue per the VIN and is confident that they are rollers.

 







 

[Bill Hagan]

****

yesterday before looking into the VIN date, I actually asked the Mechanic setting it up to pull a cover but he mentioned that he did not have the gasket in stock to replace it and would want any chance of oil leaking.  He looked at the parts catalogue per the VIN and is confident that they are rollers.

 

FWIW --code for you might ask someone who knows or rely on what knowledgeable others here say after chiming in -- it is my understanding that the rubber gaskets on 8v engines such as your Griso (and my faster red one  ) can be reused multiple times.

OTOH, the 8 rubber o-ring/grommets do need to be replaced after popping off valve covers.  They are the seals under real torqued pressure, not the larger seals.

Bill

[nc43bsa]

The bike runs fine on E90 and I don't think there are any fuel line issues like other models, but my tank has two dimples and a small "hump" as a result of the swelling. 

Where do you get E90?  The highest ethanol content in gasoline I've heard of is E85.

[Dilliw]

Where do you get E90?  The highest ethanol content in gasoline I've heard of is E85.

Sorry I'm backwards (not uncommon for me).  E10 or 10% bad/90% real.

[nobleswood]

FWIW --code for you might ask someone who knows or rely on what knowledgeable others here say after chiming in -- it is my understanding that the rubber gaskets on 8v engines such as your Griso (and my faster red one  ) can be reused multiple times.

OTOH, the 8 rubber o-ring/grommets do need to be replaced after popping off valve covers.  They are the seals under real torqued pressure, not the larger seals.

Bill

Bill's right the covers have a vitron gasket that can be reused. Mechanic obviously didn't know this & needs a Dope slapping !

[kirb]

OK, color me confused.

Expose more lines on the forks by dropping the front of the bike (tree) in the forks for those who don't read manuals (workshop manual for Griz 1100):
Like all suspension adjustments, take these with a grain of salt and explore on your own...

[jpv7]

As someone who lives in the great white north, I can attest to the insanity of any dealership in the Spring when the weather gets nice...I learned my lesson a long time ago.

So I would suggest that you buy whatever tools you need to do the work yourself, including the first service.  You will be assured that the work was done correctly, and you'll feel better about it.  Lots of help here too.

And don't fall for that warranty bullshit...just keep your receipts and you'll be fine.

[Kiwi Dave]

I've owned my Griso for less than a month, and about to go for the first service.

I'm surprised the handling "improves" by dropping raising the forks in the triple tree (steering head).  This apparently will make the steering quicker or more responsive, but I found simply adding a couple more psi in the tyres made a helluva difference.  I'm now running 36F/39R.

I also reduced my compression dampening in the forks by half-turn, as I thought the ride was a little harsh.  Improved, but I might have to go with a thinner fork oil to achieve the results I'm seeking.

YMMV.

[Kiwi Dave]

And don't fall for that warranty bullshit...just keep your receipts and you'll be fine.

Unfortunately, not all of us live in the USA.  The NZ Importer will not entertain a warranty claim if the service has not been done by a dealer.  Bastards!

However, they did replace my cracked pipes on my Cali 1400 Custom, after I pointed out the first self service was performed in the USA (where I purchased it).  They get a little kudos for that.

[pete roper]

I've owned my Griso for less than a month, and about to go for the first service.

I'm surprised the handling "improves" by dropping raising the forks in the triple tree (steering head).  This apparently will make the steering quicker or more responsive, but I found simply adding a couple more psi in the tyres made a helluva difference.  I'm now running 36F/39R.

I also reduced my compression dampening in the forks by half-turn, as I thought the ride was a little harsh.  Improved, but I might have to go with a thinner fork oil to achieve the results I'm seeking.

YMMV.

Griso Showas are under sprung and grossly over damped. When I had my forks set up by my location suspension tuner apart from revalving the biggest improvement was made by running lighter and less fork oil than the factory specifies. I continued with that set up for a long time until I got the full Matris set up and ran the spring preload wound up almost as high as it would go and both compression and rebound almost fully out. While not nearly as nice as the Matris set up it worked really bloody well and was streets ahead of the stock oil and settings which were real filling looseners!

Pete

[not-fishing]

Griso Showas are under sprung and grossly over damped. When I had my forks set up by my location suspension tuner apart from revalving the biggest improvement was made by running lighter and less fork oil than the factory specifies. I continued with that set up for a long time until I got the full Matris set up and ran the spring preload wound up almost as high as it would go and both compression and rebound almost fully out. While not nearly as nice as the Matris set up it worked really bloody well and was streets ahead of the stock oil and settings which were real filling looseners!

Pete

Yeah, a year ago the local Eyetalian Racing bike Repair shop that I had my Griso 1100 forks rebuilt at I won't do upside down forks told me the same thing.  His adjustments really helped the Grizz but I'm working on 'lightening the load by 50 lbs".  Once that is done I'll breakdown and upgrade the front & rear.  Hopefully I'll Get 'Er Done before the Grizz passes the 60,000 mile mark.

Mark

[Bill Hagan]

Expose more lines on the forks by dropping the front of the bike (tree) in the forks for those who don't read manuals (workshop manual for Griz 1100):
Like all suspension adjustments, take these with a grain of salt and explore on your own...

<snip>

Thanks.

I wasn't as confused as I thought as this seems to have a been a bit of a symantical thing. 

The forks, of course, don't move at all, but the triple trees slide down and expose more "lines," all with the effect of making turn-in a bit quicker.

Bill