Aprilia Moto Guzzi of Portland was having Test Ride day. Sure it was warm but what the heck!
There was a wide range of bikes available.
First up for me was...
The Mighty Griso. It just has power everywhere in the band, hi, low, in between. And it really doesn't care what gear or rpm. You do sit up much more than my V11 Sport, not that's it's unexpected.Pretty comfortable. Easily cross the country at high rates of speed. What didn't I like? It is heavy for it's size. And the clutch lever was heavier than the brake. Still, way too much fun.
I then took a V7 Stone out. I was expecting a lighter, lower powered bike and I wasn't disappointed. Not enough power for me, it had a hard time keeping up with the other bikes. No tach, just a red light that kept warning me to shift. I'll take a tach please. This is an excellent beginner bike. I thought I might like one for running around town but I'll pass.
There were two other V11 Sports at the shop for service. I think that's the most I've seen in one place.
I thought the guy on the Kawi was going to drop to one knee and propose to one of the Aprilias... I think he was ready to sign the paperwork right there. He had just picked up a non-running 93 California for $250 and wanted to check out some other Guzzis.
It was disturbing getting back on the V11 Sport and it feeling like a lightweight after riding the Griso.
I had a good time trying out a couple bikes. Maybe I'll throw a leg over a V9 one of these days.
