Replace my crashed GSXR with Griso - 1yr 35,000 miles later.

[et]

While my ankle is still healing from crashing my GSXR.
One of the motorcycles I'm considering replacing it with is a Moto Guzzi Griso.

If I get Griso; it will be the first naked, non-rice-rocket for me in 20+ years.
And my first non-Japanese motorcycle ever.
So some thoughts have been running through my mind as to how to make a Griso a bit more sportier.
(Too bad a MSG-01 Corsa isn't possible.)
Such as replacing the handle bar with clip-ons, replace footpegs with rearsets, and replace stock exhaust with Guzzi's own Termignoni exhaust.

So I've been searching; but have been unable to find answers to a few questions.

• Clip-ons I could probably get a set from Woodcraft.
  But I have not been able to find any rearset pegs for the Griso.
  Does anyone know of a source of rearsets for the Griso ?
  
  
• Are there any frame sliders (or similar products) available for protecting the engine ?
  
  
• 
  The kickstand on the Griso seems to be very low to the ground.
  Does it (or any other part) create a ground clearance issue when cornering ?
  
  
• 
  With my GSXR I was averaging ~42mpg.
  What mpg should I expect from a Griso ?
  
  
• 
  With all my Suzuki's. I was able to order a Service Manual directly from Suzuki.
  Does Motto Guzzi offer similar service manuals ?
  
  

Thanks;
--ET

Edit: 1 year review here: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,68335.msg1762251.html#msg1762251

[atadaskew]

Just get a Ducati 1198.

It seems that is what you are trying to build.

The Griso is perfect as is.

[Rincewind]

Here's a pic I googled of a Griso with clipons and rear sets, but I have no idea where they were sourced.  Googe "Griso Zero"



Also seen are the equivalent of frame sliders - rubber bits on the jugs.



I have no idea about cornering clearances.  

Fuelly.com does not yet have a Griso listed, but for the Breva and Norges it is about 40mpg.

[nater]

While that thing looks neat, it won't come close to the performance of your beloved GSXR, may it rest in peace.  My vote would be for a Duc 848, another GSXR 750, or a Triumph 675.  Those three are pretty similiar in performance.  I personally would just go with another 750.  I'm a big fan of them myself.

[WitchCityBallabio]

Get an 8v Griso and see what you think before you start messing around with it. The motor is wonderful. The character of the Griso will be unlike anything you've ridden. They handle really well stock. The wider bars give you a lot of leverage to toss the thing around with.

Forget the Termi exhaust. I tried getting one and waited 6 months to be told it wasn't available and they didn't know if or when it would be. The Mistral is just as nice and way less money. Won't win you any points at the coffee shop with the Ducati guys though.  

Here's a crappy picture of my wife's Griso SE with the Mistral pipe.



The fuel mileage runs about the same 42mpg unless you're beating the snot out of it, in which case it will drop to 34-36mpg.

The Shop Manuals are available on Guzzi forums to download.

[nevinfs327]

That's a good looking Griso.    Probably a handful at parking lots speeds without the leverage of the regular bars.

I "settled" for a Griso 4V at a demo several years ago and was impressed with the engine.  The suspension and brakes were definitely far better than my Superhawk too.  It was stable and planted, but I wanted something physically smaller and lighter.  The Griso feels very substantial when lifting  it off the stand and when riding it.  

It would be very different from the GSXR and you would definitely want to demo it.  Only warning on demos - you will eventually own a Guzzi.  The Griso wasn't what I was looking for, but the V7 Cafe was an ideal "second" bike for me.  The Mistrals sound great.  I bought machined aluminum head guards o Ebay for ~$60 as frame sliders.

[Orson]

So some thoughts have been running through my mind as to how to make a Griso a bit more sportier.
(Too bad a MSG-01 Corsa isn't possible.)
Such as replacing the handle bar with clip-ons, replace footpegs with rearsets...

There are whisperings of a new sporty Guzzi coming in 2012, although it might be late 2012

Although in comparison to a GSXR, it will probably lean more towards the sport touring end of the spectrum

(think revamped V11 Le Mans)

[atadaskew]

There are whisperings of a new sporty Guzzi coming in 2012, although it might be late 2012

Although in comparison to a GSXR, it will probably lean more towards the sport touring end of the spectrum

(think revamped V11 Le Mans)

So, we (the US) will see it about 2016...

 

[Orson]

some of these new-fangled container ships even have swimming pools for their crews  

I don't think Moto Guzzi should pay for such extravagances  

tramp steamers have suited their purposes for 90 years. I don't see any reason to change.

[Biking Sailor]

You definitely need to try one before buying it.  While I love my Guzzi, it is very different from my sport bikes and I think Atadaskew is right about trying to change it would end up being a compromise that may not meet your expectations.

The bars are wide and pretty forward (aggressive) for a standard and the bike does have a lot of mass, compared to your GSXR.  Also the Griso shown with the clipons has a 2V engine and the "sliders" that protect the head won't fit on the 8V.  But there are lots of bars on the market that can be mounted to protect the engine.

Be prepared for it being a totally different feel from your other bikes.

[Pete Roper]

Most clip=oms that I've seen on Grisos have beem home made. These are off my mate John's bike



He made some rearsets too.



The frame slider issue has been covered. There are crash bars available which will fit both 1100's and 1200's but most are butt-ugly.

Yes, it is pretty easy to scrape the sidestand/ Best way to corner hard is to trail-brake and load up the driveline at the same time. It's cruel on brakes and the driveline but will help with clearance. The griso has a wheelbase longer than the keel of a supertanker. You have to FORCE it to do what you want, with the stock wide bars this is not so difficult but it will never be a 'Sports' bike.

I with the factory #68 map get 20 Km to the litre when being sensible. Get up it and that figure plummets.

Manuals are available online at a variety if sites. A model specific version of VDSTS is neccesary for tuningand there are now programmes available that allow you to bugger about with the mapping. I'll come back to tuning ans stuff in a bit,

Pete

[et]

Well I just got back from test riding the Griso.
It is a 2010 left over. It had only 2 miles on it.
And it was the store's only remaining Guzzi in stock.

With only 2 miles on it. And only taking it on a 5 mile test ride.
I really didn't have much of a chance to experience the power that supposedly kicks in at ~6000.
(Although how much "power" could there be kicking in on a 110hp motorcycle ?)
Nor a whole lot of twisty back road riding or high speed interstate travel.

However; it did not feel like a 500lb motorcycle.
The seating position and handling felt more akin to my old '89 GS500. ie. very light steering (almost unstable) and upright seating.
But that could be due to my having so much saddle time on GSXRs.
And the motor felt like larger version of my SV650S's motor. Just with a side-to-side vibration instead of a front-to-back vibration. (Which is what I expected.)

Overall I did like it. I felt no ill shaft drive effect. And I was definitely mesmerized by that famous Guzzi engine.  
I am looking forward to a motorcycle designed for high mileage, with valves that are easier to adjust than my GSXR, a dry clutch,
no chain to mess with, can handle full electric clothing, and a motorcycle for which I don't have to replace a stator or STV actuator every other year.
And I'm really looking forward to a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.

The shop is willing to drop the price by $1000. And add in the Termignoni exhaust with free installation and free ECU reprogramming.
So the total with shipping, taxes, freight, etc... would be $14,600.

The salesman made it a point to say that another person was interested in trading in their 1200 sport for it. He even displayed a post-it with a person's name and phone #.
But that was probably just a high pressure sales tactic.

So I guess now I just have to decide if I want to buy a vehicle without putting 30% down. And owning a naked standard motorcycle instead of an all out sport bike.

[Rincewind]

Too bad the test ride was so short.  I'm pretty curious if you make the switch from sportbike to Griso.  Have you considered a used R1200S?

[et]

So last Saturday 12/3/2011 I test rode a Griso,
two days later Monday 12/5/2011 I applied for a loan,
3 hours later I got approved,
today Saturday 12/10/2011 I am now ~$15,000 in debt. Because I now have this  







40 degrees all day, I rode for ~100 miles, grinning the whole way.  

[Pete Roper]

A few tips.

1.) Target idle is 1200 RPM. That is where it is supposed to be. On no account try to change/lower it by adjusting the throttle stop screw on the LH throttle body. The speed is stepper controlled and all you will do is bugger the TPS refference.

2.) Ex factory they almost all seem to come with both air bleeds on the throttle bodies slightly open. This is WRONG. At first service get the TB's ballanced properly, (his is a two stage affair.) and then get the TPS re-set. There should only ever be ONE air bleed open. The 8V is particularly sensitive to TB ballance.

3.) Get the #68 map installed. Once again, when this is done the TPS HAS to be re-callibrated.

4.) Stick the dB killer in the pipe. It wll run much better.

5.) The suspesion takes a long time to break in an is over sprung and over damped. Don't be afraid to tune it. I pays huge dividends.

6.) Use the specified full synthetic oil or equivalent. The engine is oil cooled. A mineral oil will cook and your tappets will go south. You have been warned.

7.) They respond well to being flogged mercilessly. Don't ride like yer granny!

Enjoy!!!

Pete

[tigertim955]

Nice bike......Who makes it? (get used to questions)

Beautiful bike-congradulations.

[Flying W]

Very nice.  In my opinion about the best looking bike being made these days. I really want one just not in the cards right now so I will  have to enjoy looking at others bikes for now...  beats the hell out of another Gixxer or any other plastic wrapped supersport that will be obsolete in a year or two.

[veefer800canuck]

Congrats!!!

[nevinfs327]

Nice - look forward to hearing what you think about it after commuting for a while.

[Dean]

Ride a GUZZI, you'll never look back.


Dean

[Croak]

Ride a GUZZI, you'll never look back.


Dean

Yep, because everyone is in front of you.  

I kid, a used Griso was on my shortlist for the last couple years for my "local" bike to supplement the Sprint.  Ended up with the Tuono, and don't regret it, but the Griso still causes a bit of lust (especially in black).

Also, et,  if you have $50 or so to spend, pick up a set of 2nd Gen Tuono mirrors on Ebay.  You won't regret it.

[Badclassicist]

So last Saturday 12/3/2011 I test rode a Griso,
two days later Monday 12/5/2011 I applied for a loan,
3 hours later I got approved,
today Saturday 12/10/2011 I am now ~$15,000 in debt. Because I now have this  
...

40 degrees all day, I rode for ~100 miles, grinning the whole way.  

That's really lovely. Good on you for deciding 'what the hell, go for it' - beats regrets for roads not taken any day. I bet that was a big grin.

[Rincewind]

So last Saturday 12/3/2011 I test rode a Griso,
two days later Monday 12/5/2011 I applied for a loan,
3 hours later I got approved,
today Saturday 12/10/2011 I am now ~$15,000 in debt. Because I now have this  







40 degrees all day, I rode for ~100 miles, grinning the whole way.  

Beautiful Moto Guzzi - best of luck with it.  Keep us posted on how you get along, and if you install clip-ons & rearsets.  

[atadaskew]

Congrats!

Best looking nekkid bike around.
Want.

[BobW]

Sexy, sexy, sexy  , you are gonna have a ball with her, Congrats!

[falconati]

Congrats.  Jealous.

[Pete Roper]

Why the jelousy There are many Grisos out there to be had. Not so many 1100's nowadays but a host of 1200's. Yes, there were early problems with soft tappets. That was dealt with effectively by the factory. Yes, in certain markets only, there seem to have been a few other failures. They seem to be 'Market specific', rather than 'Model, (ie 8V.) specific. You make your own minds up. I' get on mine and ride to Perth tomorrow, (about 4,500Km from here.) with nothing more than a toothbrush and credit card.

Get out there. there are some killer deals on '09-'10 Grisos in the USA. all you have to do is look. If you want to make sure it's done right buy one off the 'Good Guy's' rather than the fly-by-night's

Apart from being really brilliantly styled they are a killer 'Road' ride. Not a racebike with lightsbut a genuine 'Road' bike that can scratch, tour and commute with great ease.

Don't look at one. sneer at its 'Mere' 100HP, heavy weight and long wheelbase. Your loss. Not ours.

Pete

[falconati]

I've ridden one, I just haven't been able to sell my racebike for monies.

[MisterSmooth]

et, you've just bought one of the best bikes on the market regardless of the label on the tank.  

Congratulations!    



A couple of years ago I did an 1100/1200 Griso back-to-back comparo here:  http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,31915.0.html    and raved about the 1200.  It's sweeeet.  

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

  Welcome to the club    

[et]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement !

Here's my impressions after one week of ownership and 900 miles:
(I was surprised to read that Guzzi's run-in period is 931 miles instead of the typical 600 miles.)
(Today I dropped it off at the dealer for it's first service. And will be getting it back same day. Cool !)

For the first 650 miles I kept the rpms between 2500 to 5000 rpm, never got above 70mph,
kept changing my speeds on the interstate, and rode two lane county/state roads as much as possible.
I just hope the 20 degree temps we had every morning this week didn't hinder the piston rings seating in correctly.
My fuel usage average was 38mpg during this time.

From 650 to 900 miles. I put db killer in the Termignoni exhaust and started to actually ride the bike as intended.
I was accelerating quicker and getting rpms into the power band. But still kept under 7000 rpm.
Mileage during these couple of tank fulls dropped from 38mpg to 33mpg.
The gas tank is very small. I'm filling up twice per day. Once every 110 to 130 miles.
I'm hoping the mpg improves as time goes by.

It's performance feels rather akin to a larger version of my sv650s; but with an upright seating position.
The handlebar feels too high and far back. I keep feeling like I'm going to fall off the back.
But that could be because I've been riding sportbikes with clip-ons and rearsets for over 20 years.
I still like to idea of installing clip-ons. But without rearsets knees would be jammed into my chest.
And no one appears to make rearsets for the Griso.
And I can see how clip-ons could be too narrow.
Perhaps a handlebar with no rise in it ?
Perhaps I will just leave it as is.

It feels a bit weak on the interstate compared to my 2000 GSXR-750.
At 90mph my 2000 GSXR was just coming into it's power band. And at 80mph the Griso feels like it's nearing it's limit.
But that's to be expected. And the Griso is still new. Need to see what occurs after a few thousand miles.
It almost reminds me of my 1986 Limited Edition GSXR-750.

Very tight fit when lane-splitting in stopped interstate traffic during commute. But that's not unexpected.
Besides; I really shouldn't be lane-splitting in NJ or PA anyway.
There's not enough gas tank to brace yourself against during braking. Must use handlebars; which is bad form.
But I'm certain as time goes by. The seat will probably break-in and give plenty of bracing support.

Last night at exactly 902 miles. I learned about all those Guzzi quirks.
It took me 3 hrs to change motor, transmission, + final drive oils !
I let all three drain for ~45 minutes and had learned which tools I'm missing. Such as 8mm hex socket. T-handle doesn't quite cut it.
The transmission drain too is too close to the charcol canister.
So I had to use aluminum foil to cover the charcol canister.
Same with final drive and rear wheel; had to use aluminum foil.
The transmission is just like an auto transmission. PIA to fill up.
Engine oil fill on "wrong" side. Would be nice if it was opposite side stand; to make it easier to add the oil.
Due to confined space. I was unable to get socket on drains for transmission + final drive.
I was forced to use an open end wrench. So was unable to accurately tighten to specified torque.

Although Intelligently. Moto Guzzi designed all three; engine, transmission, and final drive; to use the same drain plug. A M10x1.
Now if I can just find quickdrain plugs in that size.

All those little issues aside. It handles exceptionally well on the typical two lane county/state roads typical in NJ and PA.
And is a ball to ride. I'm riding those roads grinning the entire time. And at nearly the same pace as I did my GSXR.

I like the voltmeter, outside thermometer, snowflake that appears at low temps, voltmeter, and real time mpg reading that are all available on the instrument display.
And I'm certain I will learn more about the features available on the instrument display as time goes by.

I'm getting compliments everywhere I go. Even from non-motorcyclists.

All-n-all; I have absolutely no regrets. Because this bike is a hoot !

[st2sam]

Way to go et, I'm happy for you!  
I like your idea of a no-rise (or less rise) handlebar until you get accustomed to the new riding position.

[nevinfs327]

 

Maybe Suburban Machinery bars would improve seating position while maintaining leverage for steering?

[BobW]

Sounds like a good honeymoon so far. My Stelvio came with a center stand and obviously has a small shield and different rider triangle, but on every bike I've had I give it a couple 1000 miles before changing seats, etc., most of it is a matter of getting used to each other. Fuel mileage will continue to rise and it took mine 10-12K to break in fully (just like BMW twins). I use tin foil or cardboard to direct oil into the pan on so many bikes, you'd think they would note how simple and clean you can do a service on UJM bikes. On the Stelvio there is a screw in plug the oil dip stick is inserted through, if you have that too, just unscrew that and a bigger funnel will fit and speed up adding the oil. A squeeze bottle with a nipple you can trim (like a caulking tube end) will allow you to pre fill it with needed amount of gear lube and then simply insert and squeeze till done. You are barely touching her erogenous rpm zone and at least for my Stelvio, I found her to be very long legged and very happy to cruise 115-125 (indicated, but she DRINKS petrol over 95-100 mph). I'm sure it hasn't the high end snap of your sport bike engine, but she is the anti-HD twin in design and practice. Not sure where load and aerodynamics limit her/you, but 90 is def "cruising" for this engine IMO. Good info on GuzziTech too.

Let her run and enjoy the engine braking too, makes it a real hoot surfing the curves and mountain roads.

Cheers and Safe Travels

[Mastros2]

Congrats in the bike choice!  

[WitchCityBallabio]

And at 80mph the Griso feels like it's nearing it's limit

 

Yeah, only about 60mph left to go.

[Pete Roper]

Yup, if it feels like its running out of puff at 60MPH thats only about 3,500RPM. My guess is that yu've still got the #01 map in and if you insist on running it with the dB killer out you'll be running it into the Texas sized hole in the midrange that is caused, principally, by the mapping and pipe.

As I said above, stick the dB killer in and aquire the new map and power becomes linear from 3,000 RPM up although for rapid acceleration keeping the engine spinning above 5,000 is the way to go. When the ECU is remapped you MUST get the TPS re-set afterwards. the 8V's are also VERY sensitive to throttle body ballance. Make sure it is done properly.

Pete

[et]

A few tips.

1.) Target idle is 1200 RPM. That is where it is supposed to be. On no account try to change/lower it by adjusting the throttle stop screw on the LH throttle body. The speed is stepper controlled and all you will do is bugger the TPS refference.

2.) Ex factory they almost all seem to come with both air bleeds on the throttle bodies slightly open. This is WRONG. At first service get the TB's ballanced properly, (his is a two stage affair.) and then get the TPS re-set. There should only ever be ONE air bleed open. The 8V is particularly sensitive to TB ballance.

3.) Get the #68 map installed. Once again, when this is done the TPS HAS to be re-callibrated.

4.) Stick the dB killer in the pipe. It wll run much better.

5.) The suspesion takes a long time to break in an is over sprung and over damped. Don't be afraid to tune it. I pays huge dividends.

6.) Use the specified full synthetic oil or equivalent. The engine is oil cooled. A mineral oil will cook and your tappets will go south. You have been warned.

7.) They respond well to being flogged mercilessly. Don't ride like yer granny!

Enjoy!!!

Pete

Yup, if it feels like its running out of puff at 60MPH thats only about 3,500RPM. My guess is that yu've still got the #01 map in and if you insist on running it with the dB killer out you'll be running it into the Texas sized hole in the midrange that is caused, principally, by the mapping and pipe.

As I said above, stick the dB killer in and aquire the new map and power becomes linear from 3,000 RPM up although for rapid acceleration keeping the engine spinning above 5,000 is the way to go. When the ECU is remapped you MUST get the TPS re-set afterwards. the 8V's are also VERY sensitive to throttle body ballance. Make sure it is done properly.

Pete

When I took in for it's first service; I printed out your first reply and specifically asked them about #2 and #3.

The mechanic who did the work replied:

"
#2 Only if the bike runs in open loop down low, or this #86 map deletes the O2 sensor. Whether U turn the air screws in or out the O2 should compensate. But I did turn them all the way in, and turned the right side out until the TB's were synched. Seems to be a bit smoother !
"

"
#3 Never heard of this map. But it seemed to be an option for download. I could not download the map cause we did not have the pass code. Be we can contact Piaggio & see what they say about this.
"

When I picked up the bike; they said they would do as the mechanic suggested; and call Piaggio about the map.
I do recall one of the parts counter people saying that they had him searching all over for the shop for the box for the Termi exhaust came in because there is suppose to be a new ECU in there.
BUT when he found the box; there was no ECU. And they only had to install a new map.
I wonder what map they installed if they did not know about map #68 (if any) ?

I have to stop by tomorrow night after work or on my day off; Friday. Because the little retainer screw for the dB fell off.
So when I get a replacement screw (they said they have plenty); I'll also re-enforce they have to call Piaggio about the code for downloading map #68.

Thanks for the tips !

--ET

[Pete Roper]

What softwre are they using? Navigator or Axone?

Pete

[Pete Roper]

Oh and a C&P on how to ballance the TB's




The process is very simple.

First re-set the TPS and make sure that the throttle cables are allowing the throttle butterfly to reach the stop screw..

warm the engine up to >60*C and close both air bleeds.

connect guages/ballance tool to ports on manifolds and start motor,

Hold engine speed @ 3,800-4,000 RPM with the throttle and use the screw shown circled in the pic above to ballance the manifold depression at that speed.

allow the throttle to close fully and turn off engine. Check TPS setting and re-set it.

re-start engine and open the bleed screw on the side with the highest manifld depression until the depression equalizes.

That's it. Job done. It has nothing to do with the motor running closed or open loop and the idle speed is controlled by the stepper motor.

Pete

PS. Unlike certain other models there is no ECU supplied with the Termi pipe. It is a simple slip-on.

[et]

I hope this is not signs of things to come.

Dealer attempted to install map #68.
The ECU is now dead.
Supposedly it is failing with an "ECU disconnect" error code.
Piaggio has agreed to replace the ECU under warrantee; since they are the ones who gave the dealer the access code.

So as it stands now; brand new Griso is dead after only ~2,000 miles.  

--ET

[Biking Sailor]

I had some early issues with my dash, but were taken care of under warranty and my 1200 Sport has been good since, currently at 22000 miles.

Hope it works out for you after this is sorted.

[Pete Roper]

As explained on Guzzitech my guess is they interupted the upload in some way. The reboot data is the last thing installed after the mapping process is started. Interupt it and the ECU will need a full reprogramming. Only other thing known to cause ECU's to drop their load is poor earthing, Make sure the earth lead is correctly ositioned and tightened.

In this case though I think it sounds like the person driving the tooling made a mistake.

Pete

[et]

Op here:

In two days it will be exactly 1 year since purchasing my Griso 8V.
In that year I have managed to put 35,000 miles on it.
So the verdict is; I like it !

Being that I have been riding Japanese sportbikes since the mid 80's.
It took a little getting use to a bike that had actual handle bars and no rear-sets.
For the first few thousand miles; whenever the Griso hit it's powerband near redline.
I kept feeling like I was going to fall of the back.

But that feeling is now mostly gone.
It only reappears on a Monday after doing a trackday or a raceday with my race bike; an SV650S with Woodcraft clip-ons and rear-sets.

Comparing the Griso to my previous 2000 GSXR750.
At normal street speeds; my usual 10 to 20 mph over most posted limits.
I really don't see much difference in performance.
The way the Griso handles you would not know it's 100 lbs heavier than my GSXR.
For daily riding the only thing the Griso lacks when compared to the GSXR. Is the amount of acceleration.
And I only miss that acceleration about 10% of the time. Like pulling out onto a crowded interstate during rush hour.
With the GSXR it was simply a matter of twisting the throttle and getting to 80mph in first gear in just a couple seconds.
Whereas with the Griso it takes a couple more seconds and a couple gear shifts.

Don't get me wrong; the Griso is no slouch. It's acceleration will still impress you.
In many ways it feels like a faster version of my '86 Limited Edition GSXR750R.
For being an air-cooled V-Twin; it's got a really nice horsepower rush near it's redline.
And yet still has a huge amount of low rpms torque. And huge amount mid-range torque and horsepower.
In fact I would say the power delivery of the Griso 8V's motor is perfect for the street.

What the Griso lacks in performance compared to my GSXR; it more than makes up for in maintenance.
All I've been doing is changing the oils; motor, gearbox, and shaftdrive (CARC); every 3 to 4 thousand miles.
And checking the valves every 6k miles.
With those jugs sticking out in the open; valve checks are so much easier than any other motorcycle I have ever owned.

At this time in the life of my GSXR; it had left me stranded in the middle of Manhattan 60 miles away from home. Due to a burnt out stator.

Don't get me wrong. The Griso is not without it's flaws.
It's horn and high/low beam switches are in very awkward positions.
For the first 10,000 miles I was constantly giving people angry turn signal cancellations instead of the horn.
The high/low switch requires a nearly complete removal of your grip on the handlebar to switch between high and low beams.
The automatic fast-idle (aka choke) appears to have failed. Causing me to manually elevate it's idle with the throttle in cold (ie 40 degrees F or lower) weather for the first minute or two.
But I haven't looked into that yet. It may be a simple fix.
Besides I've had other vehicles on which the automatic fast-idle never worked quite right.

The biggest complaint I have about the Griso is it's suspension.
It's under sprung and over damped.
Half of it's travel is used just sitting static. And it gives a very harsh ride on less than perfect roads.
In fact on Thanksgiving Eve I hit a pothole while changing lanes.
And this bent both front and rear wheels; and split the sidewall of the front tire.
But to be fair; this very same pothole may have damaged any motorcycle. Because it bounces 18 wheelers.

Even with these flaws; the Griso still has me grinning from ear-to-ear every time I go for a ride.

Here's how it now looks:
(Badly in need of a washing. Sorry but I'd rather ride than bathe it. )







--ET

[Pete Roper]

I'm terribly sorry but you are quite obviously horribly wrong.

*Everybody* knows that Moto Guzzi make motorbikes that are so horribly unreliable and 'Fatally Flawed' that they are only bought by masochists and mental defectives.

In fact everything about Moto Guzzi is just so hopelessly horrible that they should be outlawed! Twice! Maybe three times!

Your start up problem is probably because your bike is incorrectly tuned. I strongly advise you to replace the wheels, get your suspension rebuilt/adjusted by an expert and adjust your tyre pressures by the 10% method.

Then you can either a.) realise that the evidence of your experience is obviously wrong, the bike is a shitter and you are a dupe.

Or

b.) keep on doing what you've been doing and ride it problem free for another 100,000 miles.

I do strongly suggest you grease he swingarm and shock linkage bearings and on my bike which I've just given a major chassis overhaul to greasing the steering head bearings has made the steering a lot nicer but honestly. The only people who seem to be seriously panning the 8V models seem to be those with crappy service agents and mechanics who's bikes have NEVER been right.

I love my Griso. Its a bonkers 'Road' bike. A 'Turn Key' proposition and is so simple to service and tune compared to he opposition that my mind boggles as to why they don't sell by the boatload.

What would I know?

Pete

[st2sam]

Thanks for the update et.  
The Griso is IMO the best looking Guzzi and you have done yours exactly how I'd mod mine, no more no less.
It's to bad my nearest dealer is 150mi. away.....

[jdgretz]

et -

I know my Norge is not a Griso, but after doing the suspension upgrade to my bike, I can tell you it was the best spent $1K I could possibly have spent on it.  It feels like a completely different motorcycle.  Do both ends - rear shock and spring as well as front springs and cartridge emulators (if appropriate).  A world of difference.  Check on the GuzziTech board for complete details.

Listen to Pete Roper - he does know what he's talking about (at least when it comes to Guzzis   )

jdg

[Virginian]

Really good to see you still enjoying the Griso a year later and 35k miles. Welcome to the dark side! Pass the word on to others and start converting.  

Eric

[WitchCityBallabio]

I have to say, I'm not surprised that you've had good luck mechanically with your Griso. I have near 40k on my Stelvio, and my wife has about 30k (also in just about a year) on her SE and neither of them have been to the shop for anything other than tires.

The Stelvio gets thrashed horribly and just keeps coming back for more. Both my wife and I did a 10k mile cross country trip this year including a jaunt up to Alaska and the only failures we had were a broken directional lens (Griso - stone from dumptruck) and a hinge pin on the Trax trunk on the Stelvio that just disappeared (replaced with a small nut and bolt and the next town's hardware store). We never once wondered where the nearest dealer was. Never even bothered to look before leaving.


I have had fantastic luck with all my Guzzi's though so I may be a bit biased. My 04 Ballabio has over 70k on it and it has never been down a day for anything other than a clutch replacement at 56k.

I'm glad to see that you still like your Griso after the first year. I've yet to meet anyone that had one and didn't like it. My bet is that it won't be your last Guzzi.