Author Topic: Just curious - anyone provide some comparative opinions about a couple of Guzzis  (Read 3116 times)

Offline ohiorider

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I still own and ride my 2008 1200 Sport, equipped with HB hard bikes for traveling.  I spent 3 seasons and 10k miles on my 2012 Griso 8vSE before selling it.  I felt the suspension was overly-harsh, though the ergonomics weren't horrible and were helped with adjustable foot pegs.

Every now and then, a nice V11 pops up for sale, many are relatively low mileage, and appear to have been sorted out over the years.

A few years ago, Rocker provided me with a list of the V11s by year, which would provide me with a starting point of what models to shop and what to avoid.  I still have the list.

Of the various V11 models, which of these would compare most favorably with:
- the 1200 Sport?
- the 8vSE Griso

General question ..... are the V11 bikes generally more compact than the CARC bikes?  In other words, are they cramped, with a short seat to peg distance, combined with a long reach to the handlebars?  Or are their ergonomics more conventional?
Even the Sport, with stock handlebars and footpegs and too soft saddle was a killer for me until I installed Mana bars, adjustable pegs, and had Sargent re-foam the saddle with their firm Atomic foam.  Unfortunately, I didn't put that level of effort into the Griso.

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline Sheepdog

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The V11 Sport Series were gorgeous machines with good fuel mapping and a smooth transmission. Though the ergonomics are a little aggressive, I found the (naked version) bike to be pretty comfortable once you get up to speed. I never put a tape on it, but the reach to the bars on the V11 Sport seemed less than I remember on the 1200 Sport. Though I have a few bikes and a car in the “resto-queue,” I would love to have a silver ‘82 V11 Sport in my garage...

"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." John C. Maxwell

Offline blackcat

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"Even the Sport, with stock handlebars and footpads and too soft saddle was a killer for me until I installed Mana bars, adjustable pegs, and had Sargent re-foam the saddle with their firm Atomic foam."

You will be looking at a similar route with a V-11. I would look at the 03-04 bikes in the V-11 series, preferably the Ohlins supplied bikes though there is nothing wrong with the early bikes too, as it is likely the bike issues were addressed by the original owner's.
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Offline RinkRat II

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 Hi Bob, here's a nifty simulator to show the differences between bikes . you"ll need to change some of the data to suit you but It'll give you a pretty good idea.http://cycle-ergo.com/

             Paul B :boozing:
A Miller in the hand is worth two in the fridge.

Offline Phang

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Hey Bob, my V11 Sport felt like a smaller and lighter bike comparing to my G12SE although on paper they are very close in dimensioins and weight

G12 has a more comfortable saddle but it spread my legs further apart than the V11

riding postures are quite similar for both mainly because the G12 has wide handle bar spreading the arms so it is as incline forward as the V11 Sport with clip on



2009 Griso 8V SE Tenni (Green)
2000 V11 Sport (Green)
1973 V7 Sport (Green)

Offline swooshdave

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I test rode a Griso this summer and then hopped on my V11 Sport. While the specs say they are similar the feel was shocking. After riding the Griso the V11 felt like a 600 sport bike. Power wise the Griso has more grunt and is definitely more refined. But the V11 is way more fun.


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Offline Yeahoo Whoyah

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I had a 2004 V11 Cafe Sport.  I'm 6' tall, I felt my legs were cramped.  The Cafe Sport had the higher bars, not the clip-ons. With the clip-on my saddle time limit would have been, I'm guessing, 30-minutes.  With the higher bars I could ride the V11 for an hour or two. A fun bike but not comfortable for a senior citizen like me. 
Greg Tillitson
El Dorado Hills Calif.

Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Everyone's ideal ergos are different, of course. In comparison, the 1200 sport is a longer reach to the bars for me.. but.. I have risers on the Mighty Scura. The V11S turns in quicker than the Grease O, as far a handling goes.
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In other words, are they cramped, with a short seat to peg distance, combined with a long reach to the handlebars?
I'm fine with the seat to peg distance.. but.. Pete calls me a disgusting midget. I *am* Italian sized.. except for carrying 20 lbs too much weight.
I, too, would opt for an Ohlins bike. They don't command that much of a premium, and .. uh.. they have Ohlins suspension.  :smiley: The Mighty Scura even has an Ohlins steering damper.
The 99-2000 red frames steer a little quicker..
02s have the flaking wrinkle paint. Scuras, Rosso Mandelo, and Tennis have the exploding single plate clutch. Be aware.
03s and newer have the best sorted fuel injection, and are considered the best of the lot. Except by me.  :grin:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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Offline Travlr

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>Of the various V11 models, which of these would compare most favorably with:
>- the 1200 Sport?
>- the 8vSE Griso

8V Griso = Scura  Both are hot rods.

1200 Sport: a bit tougher here.  I use my 1200 Sport for touring so i might suggest a LeMans.

Mike
1984 LeMans 3 Cafe Racer
1977 BMW R100S

Offline nobleswood

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Ohiorider,

I have both bikes & so can probally offer an opinion here. The Griso feels more like a cruiser from the way you sit, but the engine being 'relatively' smoother it gets you up to silly speeds without much effort.

The V11 is a fun bike, it does seem narrower & have more engine noise than the Griso. They both steer differently, while the Sport is hardly a flickable bike it seems so by comparison.
I have flatter bars on my Sport & the Cafe/Scura bikini fairing which make it just right for my 5'9" height.

I have taken both on longer weekend trips & the only difference that I remember was being bored on the Interstate on the V11. While the Griso swallowed the miles & I didn't notice.

What we should arrange is that I meet you halfway between Hudson & Columbus & you ride the V11 for a few hours.
2004 V11 Sport Naked / Ballabio
2013 1200 8v Griso

Offline Chuck in Indiana

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^^^^ There ya go. Gotta love WG and it's denizens.
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
25 Triumph Speed 900
 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

Offline ohiorider

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Thanks all, for your observations. 

Nobleswood, quite a generous offer.  I may have to take you up on this sometime in the springtime.  Maybe we meet up somewhere near SR95 (Lexington OH area.)  I ride down in that part of Ohio frequently.

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline Kiwi Dave

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I have all three versions, a 2002 V11 Le Mans, a 2008 1200 Sport (actually 3), and recent addition 2015 1200SE Griso.

They may all be of similar weight, but the order above reflects the size and weight that I perceive.  Obviously, the 1200 Sport is a favorite, but all do their job very well.  Luggage capability means the Le Mans is more limited in how far I would travel on this choice.

Offline ohiorider

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I have all three versions, a 2002 V11 Le Mans, a 2008 1200 Sport (actually 3), and recent addition 2015 1200SE Griso.

They may all be of similar weight, but the order above reflects the size and weight that I perceive.  Obviously, the 1200 Sport is a favorite, but all do their job very well.  Luggage capability means the Le Mans is more limited in how far I would travel on this choice.
Three of 'em?  Wow! I'm more than slightly addicted to my 1200 Sport.  Three of them spells another whole level of dedication to that particular model.  All of your 1200S two valve models?  If all 2008's, I guess they are.  I will admit, it is one hell of a great road bike.  And they pop up every now and then for not a whole lot of money.

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline mjptexas

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I had an 06 Griso and an 04 Ballabio in the pack at the same time.

The Griso felt like it had a bit more grunt, although the specs on the two engines are similar.  I had no complaints about the Griso. I liked the way it handled, the way it went, the way it fit, and, the way it looked.  Wished I had not sold it.

The Ballabio feels less refined than the Griso, perhaps a bit more visceral.  It has an  upright seating position with handlebars and not clip-ons, similar to a Griso and quite comfortable.  The small, frame-mounted fairing is amazingly effective.  It produces virtually no turbulence.  This V11 is sneaky fast.  The Griso always felt faster but I am not sure it was.  I never felt as confident riding the V11 as hard as I did the Griso.  The Griso just felt more planted.  Biggest disappointment with the Ballabio is the level of vibration at highway speed, leaving the mirrors useless and numbing my hands. 
Mike

'18 R Nine T Urban GS
'17 Griso
'16 XL1200 Roadster
'15 Monster 821
'14 Cali Custom
'14 Vespa GTS300 Super
'15 Vespa Primavera
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'76 CB550F

Offline Kiwi Dave

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Three of 'em?  Wow! I'm more than slightly addicted to my 1200 Sport.  Three of them spells another whole level of dedication to that particular model.  All of your 1200S two valve models?  If all 2008's, I guess they are.  I will admit, it is one hell of a great road bike.
Bob

They were purchased at different times, two of them in the USA (I needed transport).

They are now in my rental fleet.  When cabin fever kicks in Bob, come on down to New Zealand, it looks like it's going to be a stunning summer this year.

Offline JohninVT

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I had a 2002 Le Mans and a 2008 1200 Sport.  I'll concur with others who say the V11 turned in a little quicker.  The Le Mans wasn't as comfortable without risers and the seat was overly soft for me.  I could feel the edges of the pan and the bike only had 12-13k on it and I weigh 175lbs.  It shifted about the same as the 1200 Sport.  Stock vs. stock, I didn't think the Le Mans stopped nearly as well and the handling was a wash other than quicker turn in. 

The stock HP and torque is about the same.  I installed a Mistral, PC-V, open airbox and O2 Optimizer on my 1200 Sport and it was a dramatic change in torque.  It pulled very, very hard and in roll-ons from 40-80 against a Griso 4v it was neck and neck.  I don't know if similar mods would net the same results on a V11 since the Sport has a slightly larger displacement but it would probably be close.     


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