Trade Ninja 1000 for Moto Guzzi Griso 8V ? Am I insane?

[Bama67]

Guys,
Almost 1 year to the day ago I bought a 2011 Ninja 1000. I love the bike, it an absolute beauty and is perfect for my needs, (I don't get to ride real often, but when I do it is about 100 miles at a time) I would pretty much not change anything about it.

But for the last 3 years or so I have been obsessed with Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE, (in tenni green) I thought about getting one when I bought the Ninja, but my practical side won over, and the Ninja was a few thousand cheaper.

But got damn; I still can't stop thinking about the Griso, and everytime I get on here I just   at the Guzzi threads.
I have yet to even see one in person, but I know if I love it so much in pictures if I ever see one in person I will probably just ruin my underwear.

I know the Ninja is more practical, faster, better handling, more reliable, pretty much beats the Guzzi in everything possible except looks and character. My wife wants to kill me because it has only been a year and I only have 2k miles on the Ninja and I want a new bike already, yet I feel like the Griso SE is one of those bikes that one keeps for a long, long time.


Someone tell me that I will regret it, that the Griso 8V will kill my lower back riding or something (even though it prob won't as I am 27 and very fit) or that maybe it is overpriced, or maybe that its a bad idea as the nearest dealer is like 6 hours away.  Talk me out of it bros.

[TBone]

You might as well just do it, the lust won't go away.  

That Griso is a beautiful bike, if I had a dealer near me I'd probably be in the same boat.

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

you can get a older non SE 8V for about 5,000 off. (i did)
never sell the griso

The griso does nothing perfectly. except get people talking.

[Bama67]

I feel like I am fighting a losing battle.

The real problem is, is that I am "saving" to build a new house.

But who needs a nicer house when you have a new Guzzi, right?  

I know the non SE is alot cheaper. But shit, I can't get over the SE, I feel like if I buy a non SE, I will be in the same boat I am now, wishing I would have got the SE to start with.

[Orson]

I am 27

I think 38 is the youngest Guzzi owner on record.

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

I think 38 is the youngest Guzzi owner on record.

That's funny. When i went to the national meet the 1st guy I met said " I don't think your old enough to be here" (I am 33)



Okay save for the house! the SE will still be there when you are ready. but if you sell the ninja and everything works out to be the same get the Griso and be happy.

[Bama67]

Haha, I may be young, but I have fine taste.  

I am just afraid I wont be able to find one in a year or so, or if I do, they will still be the same prices they are now for a new one (12k or so)

Speaking of that, I wonder how much wiggle room there are on these now that the prices have dropped? Can I pretty much expect to pay MSRP? I know I always get 2-3k off anything else I have bought (Kawi, Suzuki, etc) But I feel like they aren't gonna move much on these SE's.

Doesn anyone know what the next SE colors are gonna be, if there is a next one? I can't imagine one being sexier than the Tenni Green.

On a side note, I think I could still comfortably get one and meet my house saving goal by next year (when we plan to build)

[Bama67]

HOLY HELL!

I was just talking to the wife on the phone (I am offshore at the moment) and I casually mentioned the Guzzi and she said "Ugh, if you want the bike, sell yours and go buy it. I just want you to be satisfied and you have been talking that bike for years and I am tired of hearing about it."  

DAMN, I am a lucky man!  

I really thought I was going to have to work on her harder than that.

I am trying to keep my excitement held in because I have a few days before I get back on dry land, in the meantime, I am going to be burning up some dealers phone lines.

I am anxious to ride one, I hope it is as sweet in real life as it is in my dreams. Oh, one other question, how does the factory exhaust sound on the SE? I would youtube it buy my internet connection is far to lame for that.

[2DFlyer]

HOLY HELL!

I was just talking to the wife on the phone (I am offshore at the moment) and I casually mentioned the Guzzi and she said "Ugh, if you want the bike, sell yours and go buy it. I just want you to be satisfied and you have been talking that bike for years and I am tired of hearing about it."  

DAMN, I am a lucky man!  

I really thought I was going to have to work on her harder than that.

I am trying to keep my excitement held in because I have a few days before I get back on dry land, in the meantime, I am going to be burning up some dealers phone lines.

I am anxious to ride one, I hope it is as sweet in real life as it is in my dreams. Oh, one other question, how does the factory exhaust sound on the SE? I would youtube it buy my internet connection is far to lame for that.

I was just getting ready to say that you haven't been married long enough for the wife to cave and just accept that you need to change bikes more often than you do women.   Just don't lead her to believe that it'll end with the Guzzi.

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

I think the stock sound is fine.    If you do the youtube thing you will find many clips of different exhaust and may find one you like better. I am partial to the big stock can.

[JonS]

Try one out before you buy. This is a major shift in motorcycles. A Guzzi is on my very short list, but I'm 66.

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

I do know how you feel about the Griso. I fell in love   and for a year and a half looked at other bikes. Every time I would look at other bikes i would think about the Griso. After never getting it out of my mind I bought one having never got on one.( I do not recommend this. )

[HipGnosis]

I was just talking to the wife.... and I casually mentioned the Guzzi and she said "Ugh, if you want the bike, sell yours and go buy it. I just want you to be satisfied and...

DANGER Will Robinson!  It's a TRAP!!!   Well, it could turn out to be a sort of one.  I'm just sayin...

[atadaskew]

Get the Griso SE Tenni while you still can.  They have stopped making them and now are making black/silver ones that scream RAIDER NATION!! instead.

I love mine and cannot stop staring at it. Not only does it get crazy attention from all walks of life, but it is a blast to ride.

[Papa Lazarou]

Buy it and lend it to me-just in case the Missus finds out..

[Carbonero]

Riding a Guzzi is not *owning* a Guzzi. Guzzi makes a great second bike.

Guys,
Almost 1 year to the day ago I bought a 2011 Ninja 1000. I love the bike, it an absolute beauty and is perfect for my needs, (I don't get to ride real often, but when I do it is about 100 miles at a time) I would pretty much not change anything about it.

But for the last 3 years or so I have been obsessed with Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE, (in tenni green) I thought about getting one when I bought the Ninja, but my practical side won over, and the Ninja was a few thousand cheaper.

But got damn; I still can't stop thinking about the Griso, and everytime I get on here I just   at the Guzzi threads.
I have yet to even see one in person, but I know if I love it so much in pictures if I ever see one in person I will probably just ruin my underwear.

I know the Ninja is more practical, faster, better handling, more reliable, pretty much beats the Guzzi in everything possible except looks and character. My wife wants to kill me because it has only been a year and I only have 2k miles on the Ninja and I want a new bike already, yet I feel like the Griso SE is one of those bikes that one keeps for a long, long time.


Someone tell me that I will regret it, that the Griso 8V will kill my lower back riding or something (even though it prob won't as I am 27 and very fit) or that maybe it is overpriced, or maybe that its a bad idea as the nearest dealer is like 6 hours away.  Talk me out of it bros.

[misanthropist]

I think 38 is the youngest Guzzi owner on record.

I bought my greaso at age 34, thank you very much!

[zedo]

agreed that they are cool.  however, be ready for some of that guzzi "charm".  This was mine in pieces having to fix the fuel pump at a gas station in new mexico.  After this experience on top of what everyone else called minor things, I traded in.
All that said... I miss it

+1 on second bike

[Flyer]

That pic isn't going to help.
You, being a tad askew, are an "enabler"  

Guzzi are the Crack cocaine of cycles; and you can't go back.
The Ninja Thou is a terrific bike, and you'll rue the day you part with it.
Don't do it.
Listen to me.
Or not.

[Bama67]

You guys made alot of good points, and I am might surely regret it.

I haven't even seen one in real life.  






But that didn't stop me from putting a deposit on a brand new Tenni Green Griso about a half hour ago.  
Chalk it up to me being young and foolish to buy a bike I have never sat on nor laid eyes on.  

It was hell trying to find one, alot of websites show dealers having them, but they really didn't. Even Ridershill in GA couldnt get anymore green ones.

So I finally found a dealer that they would come off the price a little bit (everyone else wanted retail plus $500 or more in fees)

Now, I just need to plan a couple days to make the 801 mile drive to go pick it up  

Be on the lookout for a minty 2011 red Ninja 1000 with 2k miles in the for sale section. I am still kinda bummed because I know I will miss that bike  
But my figuring is that I can always buy another Ninja if I want one, new Tenni green SE will be much fewer and far between.
Nice pics btw guys.

[TBone]

But my figuring is that I can always buy another Ninja if I want one, new Tenni green SE will be much fewer and far between.

I like the way you think.  

Congratulations, and good luck with the new bike!

[staedtler]

[blueridgerider]

You and the wife are saving for a house.

You have a 2011 Ninja

You only put about 2000 miles on your bike in  a year (fewer than 6 miles a day)

You are going to lose the depreciated amount on the Ninja

You are planning on paying near full retail for a bike you have not seen IRL.


Yes, you are insane, and perhaps a bit selfish as well.

[Bama67]

A bit presumptuous there aren’t we? I guess you know my personal situation and understand that the reason I only have that many miles on my bike is because I spent 2/3rds of the last year working overseas to support myself and my family.  

I guess it could be selfish of me to spend 12k on something for myself even though I max out my 401k , my house is paid for, and I made well over 6 figures last year.

But you are entitled to your opinion.  

[Flyover Country Joe]

Got goose bumps from that soundtrack! Uh-oh............is that how it starts??

                                Joe

[Bama67]

Dammit, I waited forever for that video to load on my awful connection and no dice  

[staedtler]

Got goose bumps from that soundtrack! Uh-oh............is that how it starts??

                                Joe

i had one with race M4's a crossover and a bmc filter... it was banned from hell after a brisk deceleration using the gears...

l o v e d   that bike, and i miss it dearly

[Orson]

You will never see Guzzi riders posting in those, "Whut Are The Best Earphones For Music?" threads  

or those,"I got 42 miles per gallon!" threads  

[sprk_sprd]

You and the wife are saving for a house.

You have a 2011 Ninja

You only put about 2000 miles on your bike in  a year (fewer than 6 miles a day)

You are going to lose the depreciated amount on the Ninja

You are planning on paying near full retail for a bike you have not seen IRL.


Yes, you are insane, and perhaps a bit selfish as well.

Definitely not cool.  For someone who is age 27 (as OP stated), he seems financially well ahead of MOST people in this country.  And the dialogue with his wife indicates she's supportive.  Honestly, who cares about the "depreciated value" of his Ninja.  Show me one, ANY, Ninja that doesn't depreciate the second you sign the papers.  So that's a moot point.  There's no law that states one must ride a motorcycle x miles before one may sell it!  Never mind the fact that OP clearly states understanding that buying the Guzzi isn't a financially sound decision.  But, again, since when is that sole reasoning for buying a bike?  Maybe I'm misconstruing some possible sarcasm or humor, but your post is a bit arrogant and hints at jealousy.

To Bama67, as my better half puts it:  Life is short.  If you're doing well financially, and you & your family aren't struggling, GO FOR IT.  It's not like you're contemplating buying a $400K sports car and risk losing the house.  In the grand scheme of things, most bikes can be had for anywhere between a few hundred dollars to $10K.  I don't remember anyone going broke and homeless because they wanted to treat themselves to a Moto Guzzi.  

EDIT:  Just to lighten the tone even further, the motorcycling community should always strive to encourage anyone willing to give up a Ninja for a Guzzi.  (This is coming from someone whose first 2 bikes were Ninjas, and now also lusts for a Guzzi without ever having sat on one!)

[Fourstring]

Show me one, ANY, Ninja that doesn't depreciate the second you sign the papers.  

I guaranty whoever eventually buys my Ninja won't be worried about the depreciation.     That said, I also really lust after a Ninja 1000 so I'd keep it.

As to the OP, life's short, so whatever.  Spend the money before kids enter the equation and you're flat broke anyway.   

[sammyseaman]

You will never see Guzzi riders posting in those, "Whut Are The Best Earphones For Music?" threads  

or those,"I got 42 miles per gallon!" threads  

 

[Hambonee]

Show me one, ANY, Ninja that doesn't depreciate the second you sign the papers.  So that's a moot point.

Well..any vehicle depreciates the second it gets off the lot!

That being said the Guzzi dealership was hot to trot to get my 09' 650R off my hands. He stated the things were a breeze to sell used in good shape.

I drove by less that a week later after buying my Guzzi and it was gone..lol

Am I sad I sold the Ninja? Naaa...but I do miss it a bit just because it was an awesome light weight nfun commuter bike. I do however LOVE my Norge..so all is good!

and that Guzzi engine sound..so yummy

[Carbonero]

agreed that they are cool.  however, be ready for some of that guzzi "charm".  This was mine in pieces having to fix the fuel pump at a gas station in new mexico.  After this experience on top of what everyone else called minor things, I traded in.
All that said... I miss it

+1 on second bike

Bingo. I miss *riding* mine. I do not even begin to think about missing *owning* it.

[Kootenanny]

...the motorcycling community should always strive to encourage anyone willing to give up a Ninja for a Guzzi.

This!!!

More passion, less accounting

[blakebird]

My '12 Stelvio NTX has the same motor as the Griso (105hp updated), and I also own a 2012 Ninja 1000.

I don't think you're crazy - too bad you can't keep them both, they each offer quite a bit of fun.

I don't buy into the 'inline fours have no character' at all.... some of my favorite bikes have been inline fours and character is open to definition.
My ZX-14 was an amazingly smooth, fast, and capable bike....there's character in that design too.
The Ninja's impressive midrange gives it a character that few inline fours can match. I've had triples, flat fours, flat sixes, boxer twins (air & oil), v-twins point every direction possible....all have character.

The three Guzzis I've owned have all had character and were great bikes - and after you have one for a while the drivetrain layout just seems like the way it's supposed to be. Gets under your skin and all that.
But that doesn't take away from the Ninja 1000's excellence or exhilarating ride at all.

The Tenni Griso is beyond beautiful too, you'll spend more nights in the garage just staring at it and all it's gorgeous details than you ever did with the Ninja....that alone can be worth the price of admission.

[dietDrThunder]

It is always better to regret something you have done, than something you haven't done. And, you won't regret this. Nice job.

I don't even like Guzzi's all that much, although I like the V11 in red, a lot. I'm just glad you're following your heart, and not your accountant or whatever. Let's face reality here...if your house plan is horribly impacted by selling one bike to buy a different one, then maybe the plan isn't that great. It's not like you make $7/hr and went out and financed a new offshore racing boat.

Also...it is illegal in 21 states to ride a Guzzi with stock pipes. The sound of that motor with aftermarket exhausts is wonderful. Work a deal to get the dealer to install the good stuff before you pick up the bike.  As you haven't ever seen one in person, there is real value in having the first time you hear it be the pure sex that is a Guzzi on Termi's.

[Carbonero]

Can we PLEASE stop pluralizing with the damned apostrophes? Please?  

[TBone]

Apostrophe's rule!    They s'hould be more common.

[dietDrThunder]

Can we PLEASE stop pluralizing with the damned apostrophes? Please?  

It was an editing mistake...sue me.

I am thankful that we have people like you to post such insightful, meaningful, content-heavy posts like the one above. Without you and your ilk this entire forum would be a terrible place to visit, what with the deluge of bad grammar and errant punctuation that would surely be the result of your absence.

OR:

I can always do a better job of proofing posts. You'll always be a prick.

EDIT: Oh, and you don't even support the site? Even better. Why don't you use your superior grammarian skillz out in the free market and earn some cash, donate a few sheckles to st.n, and then come back to set us all straight regarding punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.

Of course, you'd still be a prick, but at least you'd have earned the right to be a prick to me.

[Carbonero]

Oh, calm down. Senses of humor on this site are in the toilet lately.  

[dietDrThunder]

Oh, calm down. Senses of humor on this site are in the toilet lately.  

You're right...people on forum's (UCWIDT?) correcting grammar are a regular laugh riot. My mistake.

[atadaskew]

Also...it is illegal in 21 states to ride a Guzzi with stock pipes. The sound of that motor with aftermarket exhausts is wonderful. Work a deal to get the dealer to install the good stuff before you pick up the bike.  As you haven't ever seen one in person, there is real value in having the first time you hear it be the pure sex that is a Guzzi on Termi's.

I disagree.
The stock pipe on the 8V Griso sounds really good.  Once over 5K rpms it sounds fantastic.  Guzzi did their work on this one, it flows great and makes excellent powah.

Put some miles on the bike before you start swapping things out.  The only thing I recommend immediately doing is using a hairdryer to remove all those warning stickers, and to set the preload on the suspension.

[X1Glider]

Trade Ninja 1000 for Moto Guzzi Griso 8V ? Am I insane?

Not at all, I just bought a Stelvio NTX yesterday and I own a Ninja 1000, which will be going up for sale after I get a leaky head gasket and cracked swingarm replaced under warranty.


The HD and Beemer are also going. I'm simplifying my life. I've been feeling like a slave to EVERYTHING the last few years and I'm exhausted! The dynos, mill and lathes are gone now too.

Shame as I've only had the N1k for 11 months. But the truth is, I find the bike absolutely boring to ride. The suspension is flabby feeling and the shock options in the aftermarket are simply different colored versions of stock with no option for fork kits at all. Even with the mods I did to bring it to 137 RWHP, I find the power delivery to be lame. I hate power deliveries that build in such a linear, predictable, wind-up-toy fashion.  There's no "stump pulling grunt" that will launch you like only a long stroke twin can.

The Moto Guzzi will likely dyno at 80 RWHP but it delivers power like a 1 ton gasoline powered work truck. I say gas powered bucause it will rev more than a diesel.

Besides, I'll have a 350 tank range which I'll need on my Trans-Lab trip this fall and I also want to get back into more adventurous riding trips on a regular basis.

Oh well, just the nature of a I-4.  It isn't for everyone. The only other 4 cylinder I've had was VF500F Interceptor that actually fired like a twin. Being only a 500cc and 80 crank HP, the firing pattern is what got that bike to launch out of corners. That and I was 150 lbs back in '88. 225 now.

There's a reason I've owned 12 different twins over the years (4 HDs, 5 Buells, 2 BMWs and 1 Duc). While a very cool bike, quick, light and small (why I bought it) it took the N1k to remind me why twins rock!

[X1Glider]

I disagree.
The stock pipe on the 8V Griso sounds really good.  Once over 5K rpms it sounds fantastic.  Guzzi did their work on this one, it flows great and makes excellent powah.

I agree with your statement.  My CRF450X is bone stock (except the RG3 suspension workover), because I suck , and the stock Stelvio exhaust sounds exactly like the 450X, just a bit louder.  Maybe it has something to do with the intake snorkle being under the seat like a dirt bike.  Anyway, love the sound.

Put some miles on the bike before you start swapping things out.  The only thing I recommend immediately doing is using a hairdryer to remove all those warning stickers, and to set the preload on the suspension.

The only sticker that took a lot of work was on the rear subframe tube below the seat.  I think the exhaust heat made it diificult.  It stretches and came apart in micrometer size particles.

The Goose is far from perfect but I'll live with it a bit before coming up with solutions to the things that annoy me, like the extreme noise and buffeting from the windscreen.  It's absolutely deafening.  Don't care for the bend of the bar either.  Even the bar on the Exelcior Henderson Super X wasn't that wide!

[Croak]

There's a reason I've owned 12 different twins over the years (4 HDs, 5 Buells, 2 BMWs and 1 Duc). While a very cool bike, quick, light and small (why I bought it) it took the N1k to remind me why twins rock!

Then what you really needed was a Tuono, not a N1K.  

[X1Glider]

Then what you really needed was a Tuono, not a N1K.  

So I have read in all the mags.

[Dan K]

Then what you really needed was a Tuono, not a N1K.  

Yup.  I miss mine. Found a box of parts for it (OEM sliders, reflectors, etc.)  Need to track down the guy that bought the bike...

- Dan

[Spanky]

No pictures yet?  

[Kneescrubber]

Oh, calm down. Senses of humor on this site are in the toilet lately.  

Pot, meet kettle.

[atadaskew]

The Moto Guzzi will likely dyno at 80 RWHP

Akshully the latest 8Vs dyno at about 95rwhp.

[blakebird]

 there is real value in having the first time you hear it be the pure sex that is a Guzzi on Mistrals

fixed

[Bama67]

Thanks for all the support guys  

I am beyond excited to pick this thing up. But until July 27th or so, that will be pretty hard as I am currently on board a drilling rig somewhere in the southwest Indian ocean, en-route to the Gulf of Mexico but I am getting off this prison on the island of Mauritius. I will overnight there, and then it is home to the good ol' USA. And boy, I will be dying to make that 800 mile ride to Texas to get the thing, as being cooped up on a 400' square steel platform for 6 weeks straight really makes one want to ride.

I have been doing this job for almost 6 years, so that is why the financial aspect is not a real huge deal. Also, my wife is an Registered Nurse, although she hasn't worked much at all in the last 3 years, due to our 3 year old and 1.5 year old  

I am have been a very lucky man, and now with the addition of my dream bike, it would hard for my life to get any sweeter  

As much as I would like to keep the Ninja, but I don't get to ride it enough as is, let alone after I pick up the new Griso.

[Kootenanny]

Can we PLEASE stop pluralizing with the damned apostrophes? Please?  

No.

[Orson]

I'm surprised to learn that someone is still making inline fours  

I had mentally slotted them into my memory banks alongside those 1980s Flock-of-Seagulls hairstyles

[Kootenanny]

I'm surprised to learn that someone is still making inline fours  

I had mentally slotted them into my memory banks alongside those 1980s Flock-of-Seagulls hairstyles

Well, there is this one little company...what was it called?--oh yeah, MV Agusta...

[X1Glider]

Akshully the latest 8Vs dyno at about 95rwhp.

Finding it hard to believe a Guzzi only has a 10% loss.  BMWs run about 15-20%.  95 WHP is likely a very optomistic dyno.  Last Beemer I had was 80 RWHP from 99 on the spec sheet on a Superflo eddy current dyno.  Judging by many Stelvio owners' lower MPG figures compared to GS Adv owners, I get the feeling the Guzzi is closer to 20%.

But I'll reserve judgement until I see an actual dyno sheet and what dyno it was run on.

In the end who cares?  No one buys a Guzzi to race a BMW do they?  If so, I want video!!!   That's like the "arguing on the internet is like winning a race in the special olympics" picture, IMO.

I like the Goose anyway.

[atadaskew]

Finding it hard to believe a Guzzi only has a 10% loss.  

It most probably has the typical 15% loss but it may well be that Guzzi is understating the output of their big blocks.
Just so BMW doesn't feel so bad about their saggy  I mean flat boxer twins.

Ride an R12 BMW, then ride your Griso 8V.  One accelerates nicely when you give it the berries.  The other absolutely takes off, matching the sweet sweet sweetness emanating from the stock exhaust...

[Bama67]

I was wondering that myself. In my last couple days of mass googling of Griso 8V info, I don't think I have seen a single dyno sheet under 95hp, some in the low 100's.

Unless they are really, really efficient drivetrains, they must be sand bagging on the hp #s at the crank, which may actually close to 120ish  

I normally take dyno sheets with a grain of salt, but they all read that way it seems.

Another thing that caught my eye is that a couple people have confirmed that this naked bike will run up to 145mph.   That takes some good hp to do that in this very un-aerodynamic bike and is quite impressive. IMO

[Kneescrubber]

Thanks for all the support guys  

I am beyond excited to pick this thing up. But until July 27th or so, that will be pretty hard as I am currently on board a drilling rig somewhere in the southwest Indian ocean, en-route to the Gulf of Mexico but I am getting off this prison on the island of Mauritius. I will overnight there, and then it is home to the good ol' USA. And boy, I will be dying to make that 800 mile ride to Texas to get the thing, as being cooped up on a 400' square steel platform for 6 weeks straight really makes one want to ride.

I have been doing this job for almost 6 years, so that is why the financial aspect is not a real huge deal. Also, my wife is an Registered Nurse, although she hasn't worked much at all in the last 3 years, due to our 3 year old and 1.5 year old  

I am have been a very lucky man, and now with the addition of my dream bike, it would hard for my life to get any sweeter  

As much as I would like to keep the Ninja, but I don't get to ride it enough as is, let alone after I pick up the new Griso.

Who in Texas are you getting it from? It wouldn't be MPH Cycles in Houston would it?

[staedtler]

I bet is AF1

[HipGnosis]

Ride an R12 BMW, then ride your Griso 8V.  One accelerates nicely when you give it the berries.  

This (the bolded) is going to be incorporated into one of my many passwords!

[sprk_sprd]

Trade Ninja 1000 for Moto Guzzi Griso 8V ? Am I insane?...Shame as I've only had the N1k for 11 months. But the truth is, I find the bike absolutely boring to ride. The suspension is flabby feeling and the shock options in the aftermarket are simply different colored versions of stock with no option for fork kits at all. Even with the mods I did to bring it to 137 RWHP, I find the power delivery to be lame. I hate power deliveries that build in such a linear, predictable, wind-up-toy fashion.  There's no "stump pulling grunt" that will launch you like only a long stroke twin can...There's a reason I've owned 12 different twins over the years (4 HDs, 5 Buells, 2 BMWs and 1 Duc).

So why did you ever sell the Buells?  It sounds like they offer everything you like!  (Current owner of 2 Buells myself for those same reasons.)

[X1Glider]

So why did you ever sell the Buells?  It sounds like they offer everything you like!  (Current owner of 2 Buells myself for those same reasons.)

They do.  And I kick myself in the ass for it at least once a week.  The earliest ones the RR1200 and RSS 1200, I sold because of their rudimentary production design under the bodywork.  They weren't very sophisticated in componentry and hardware and just lacked performance.  Then I started racing in the mid 90s with the S2, then the X1 in both land speed and circuit.  Wore them out in various incarnations.  The 1125R left me cold so I was happy to sell it.  I miss the X1 the most.  But I keep my eye out for good S1 tubers to this day.

[Bama67]

Yeah, I am getting it from AF1.

 I tried to call MPH but I kept getting a line disconnected message.  

[OrangeOkie]

I'm a big Guzzi fan and would love to own an SE.  

[OrangeOkie]

Yeah, I am getting it from AF1.

 I tried to call MPH but I kept getting a line disconnected message.  

AF1 is a great dealership, but so is MPH.

MPH Cycles
16510 Park Row
Houston Texas 77084

Toll Free:- 866-746-1182


Click the photo for a nice video

[Bama67]

Are those your bikes Okie?
  Nice!

[atadaskew]

Click the photo for a nice video

that makes me want to buy another one to have a matching set!

[Dan K]

Guys,
Almost 1 year to the day ago I bought a 2011 Ninja 1000. I love the bike, it an absolute beauty and is perfect for my needs, (I don't get to ride real often, but when I do it is about 100 miles at a time) I would pretty much not change anything about it.

But for the last 3 years or so I have been obsessed with Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE, (in tenni green) I thought about getting one when I bought the Ninja, but my practical side won over, and the Ninja was a few thousand cheaper.

But got damn; I still can't stop thinking about the Griso, and everytime I get on here I just   at the Guzzi threads.
I have yet to even see one in person, but I know if I love it so much in pictures if I ever see one in person I will probably just ruin my underwear.

I know the Ninja is more practical, faster, better handling, more reliable, pretty much beats the Guzzi in everything possible except looks and character. My wife wants to kill me because it has only been a year and I only have 2k miles on the Ninja and I want a new bike already, yet I feel like the Griso SE is one of those bikes that one keeps for a long, long time.


Someone tell me that I will regret it, that the Griso 8V will kill my lower back riding or something (even though it prob won't as I am 27 and very fit) or that maybe it is overpriced, or maybe that its a bad idea as the nearest dealer is like 6 hours away.  Talk me out of it bros.

If you want the ninja but with character, pick up a Sprint ST. Trade for that and you will be practical rather than insane. Too bad I ain't selling.

[blackbuell]

My favorite bike of all time was the one in my avatar: 2000 Buell S3. I now ride mainly Guzzis, and have taken two day-long rides on an 8V Griso. The Griso motor and the general riding experience reminded me of the S3; I loved it! If I had the $ and space in my garage, I'd own a Griso.

If you liked your tuber, you would love the Griso. Buy one and show us the pic!

Jon

[NotDeadYet]

I got the itch for a new (to me) bike this spring as well.  I have owned many makes and models over the years but never a Moto Guzzi.  I landed on an almost new red 2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Lemans (a true garage queen with 2200 original miles).  I bought it sight unseen after having a riding buddy of mine check it out for me.  I picked it up and promptly put almost 2000 miles on it riding home.  I also have a Ninja, mine's a ZX14 that I won't be selling any time soon as I'm sure that bike and I were made for one another.  Having said that I am enjoying the Guzzi immensely.  I have a different mind set when I get on the Guzzi, it's a much more relaxed enjoy the ride head space.  I am very happy to have it in the garage keeping my ninja company.  The ninja and the Guzzi seem to be getting along just fine.  Now if I could just find a deal on a set of conical stainless steel mistrals and a stainless mistral crossover.  

[dietDrThunder]

I disagree.
The stock pipe on the 8V Griso sounds really good.  Once over 5K rpms it sounds fantastic.  Guzzi did their work on this one, it flows great and makes excellent powah.

Put some miles on the bike before you start swapping things out.  The only thing I recommend immediately doing is using a hairdryer to remove all those warning stickers, and to set the preload on the suspension.

The stock pipe might sound ok, but what do you do about those times where you accidentally, you know...see it? Are you able to overcome the revulsion to still be able to ride, or do yo have to give up and try in a week or two?

[falconati]

Hey now, it looks nice.  Not as nice as the guzzitech unit that relocates the exhaust to the other side, but I think it looks nice.  I also agree that the stock exhaust sounds nice - again, I'd prefer the aftermarket solution; however I don't agree with the assertions that the stock exhaust doesn't sound nice.

[atadaskew]

The stock pipe might sound ok, but what do you do about those times where you accidentally, you know...see it? Are you able to overcome the revulsion to still be able to ride, or do yo have to give up and try in a week or two?

I love the way it looks.  Tamburini mentioned it was designed to look like the number 8 in cross section in order to signify the new 8V motor.
I think it's a fantastic piece of industrial art design.  The fact that it also flows really well, and sounds great w/o being loud is just a bonus.

[Bama67]

Im finally back in the good ol' USA. I pick up the Griso on Saturday   .

I have to head out tomorrow because I have to make a detour to central Mississippi to sell a guy my Polaris Ranger, and I am also picking up a mint 2008 CBR600RR with only 1k miles for a song from a buddy of mine.
Probably gonn flip the CBR as I will be to busy riding the Guzzi.

[Spanky]

Congrats! I am looking forward to seeing some pictures, that is a pretty Guzzi for sure.

[Pete Roper]

I'm sure the guys at AF-1 know their stuff. The Havens at MPH are also the only people I've ever countenanced allowing loose on a bike of mine. I sent my A5 engined 2008 Griso 1200 to them for the cam recall and proper set up even though there were numerous dealers closer to where I bought it, (It's a long story.).

Set-up and PD are critical on the new Guzzis, unlike a Japanese bike it isn't just a case of 'Fling the battery and half a tank of gas in.' and push it out the door.

DON'T be tempted to put a 'Loud' pipe on it, it will rob it of about 8 brake horsepower at the top end and give you a flat spot in the midrange. Even if you re-map them what causes them to loose out is the way they are cammed. They simply won't take 'Conventional' mods without cam changes.

FWIW my A5 engined 2008 model with no mods other than the #68 map, (Not easily installed on a post 2010 bike unfortunately but the '03 map is good too, I havent Dyno' an '03 mapped bike yet.) and the factory Termi pipe with dB killer and catalyser in made 104.8 RWHP on a dry, 28 degree Celsius day at 800 meters altitude on a Dynojet Dyno run by a mate in the trade.

Fitting open air boxes and loud pipes will rob you of an immediate 8 HP, give you a midrange flat spot and radically increase your fuel consumption. As I said, it's due to the way the engine is cammed.

Pete

[Dan K]

What bike is that? It's purdy.

[Bama67]

Well, I got the bike home and long story short, I love it.  

It has been raining here the last couple days, and is supposed to do so for another few days  

But I was able to take it out for about 3 hours yesterday morning between the rains and put on 150 miles. It was perfect, and as soon as I get on a real computer and not on a phone I will post a more in depth review.

I am going to spend todays rain pulling of the warning decals, accidently removing the evap canister, and sort out that fugly rear fender.

[Dan K]

Pics please, and congrats.

[ConPilot1]

What bike is that? It's purdy.

Yes it is. That's beautiful. I like the rear fender just the way it is also if that's the bike he's talking about.

Is that a LeMans?

[Croak]

V11 Le Mans Rosso Corsa

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto%20guzzi/moto_guzzi_v11_le_mans_rosso_cor%2003.htm

[ConPilot1]

It's gorgeous.

If I had some extra cash laying about for a "toy" that'd be it.

That's one of the few motorcycles I look at that makes my pulse quicken a bit.

The Griso everybody gets so excited about has NOTHING over than in the looks department,
but I am partial to half and quarter faired classic bikes.

Beautiful Guzz.  

[Dan K]

It's gorgeous.

If I had some extra cash laying about for a "toy" that'd be it.

That's one of the few motorcycles I look at that makes my pulse quicken a bit.

The Griso everybody gets so excited about has NOTHING over than in the looks department,
but I am partial to half and quarter faired classic bikes.

Beautiful Guzz.  

Ohlins, Brembo, Guzzi. Not used to seeing those words together!

What years did they make it?

- Dan

[Orson]

What years did they make it?

Guzzi built 11 variants of the V11 platform. Here is the model year breakdown:

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5691

The V11 forum is littered with remorseful souls who rue the day they sold their V11s.

I will never sell mine  

[Papa Lazarou]

How much?

[Dan K]

The Scura and the Cafe Sport are VERY good looking bikes...


'02 Scura



'03-'05 Cafe Sport


'04-'05 Coppa Italia



'05-'06 Scura R


Huh.  They all show in preview, but not when posted...anyway, gorgeous bikes.

[ConPilot1]

Corso's and the LeMans for me. Those bikes are beautiful.

[Pete Roper]

Looks are very subjective, to be honest I've never been a great fan of the V11 series although the Scura I owned was one of the funnest bikes I've ever ridden. No idea what had been done to it but it was stupid strong for a pushrod Guzzi. Third gear wheelie? Certainly sir, no problem!

FWIW every Guzzi since disc brakes were adopted has had Brembo brakes. Only 'Special Edition' models get Ohlins suspension.

V11's are considerably more fragile than both their predecessors and subsequent models. Even a low speed crash will tend to write them off. The frames, although strong enough for the power of the bike, will tend to bend in the event of only minor impacts. This usually destroys the timing chest as well. Gearbox mounts are also prone to cracking in the event of an accident. Any V11 that has been properly sorted should avoid all the little niggles that the model suffered from when new and post 2003 models are generally better than earlier ones.

They do also have a tendency to expose their oil pick up under hard acceleration which will lead to the motor blowing up but I've built a fix for that.

Pete

[Dan K]

Looks are very subjective, to be honest I've never been a great fan of the V11 series although the Scura I owned was one of the funnest bikes I've ever ridden. No idea what had been done to it but it was stupid strong for a pushrod Guzzi. Third gear wheelie? Certainly sir, no problem!

FWIW every Guzzi since disc brakes were adopted has had Brembo brakes. Only 'Special Edition' models get Ohlins suspension.

V11's are considerably more fragile than both their predecessors and subsequent models. Even a low speed crash will tend to write them off. The frames, although strong enough for the power of the bike, will tend to bend in the event of only minor impacts. This usually destroys the timing chest as well. Gearbox mounts are also prone to cracking in the event of an accident. Any V11 that has been properly sorted should avoid all the little niggles that the model suffered from when new and post 2003 models are generally better than earlier ones.

They do also have a tendency to expose their oil pick up under hard acceleration which will lead to the motor blowing up but I've built a fix for that.

Pete

Pete, I've begun putting together lists regarding my current bikes which I plan to sell (at least one) and replace.  If I am bitten by the Guzzi bug (although the quoted post makes me wonder if I am ready for something like that), I will plan to soak up as much of your knowledge as possible.  Thanks for the info!

- Dan

[Flying W]

After lusting the Griso for a few years I finally jumped...With Guzzi knocking down the price from $14.5 to $12.6 then getting another $1k off of that and a free first 900 mile service I couldnt say no




                                                                   

[Bama67]

Damn, you got a good deal. Good Job  

After lusting the Griso for a few years I finally jumped...With Guzzi knocking down the price from $14.5 to $12.6 then getting another $1k off of that and a free first 900 mile service I couldnt say no


                                                                  

[Flying W]

Damn, you got a good deal. Good Job  :thumbsup

At $11.5 thats what I thought although I really didnt look up any deals on ebay or any other site.. I sure the 900 mile service has to be at least $300. or so..I see you had a Bandit 1250, I have an 07 with the factory bags  and after 50 k miles have not had one problem.. Hope the Guzzi is as reliable.  I debating if I will keep it or not but its not worth much and really is an awsome sport tourer so it will probably stay put with me...

[Pete Roper]

It will be as reliable as any other bike on the market as long as it is set up and serviced correctly. I hope that your dealer understands the importance of and knows the tuning proceedure for W5AM equipped Guzzis? Unfortunately places that offer deep discounts tend to be 'Stack 'em High, Sell 'em Cheap' places with a low budget for staff and training. This tends to lead to disappointed customers.

Pete

[Flying W]

It will be as reliable as any other bike on the market as long as it is set up and serviced correctly. I hope that your dealer understands the importance of and knows the tuning proceedure for W5AM equipped Guzzis? Unfortunately places that offer deep discounts tend to be 'Stack 'em High, Sell 'em Cheap' places with a low budget for staff and training. This tends to lead to disappointed customers.

Pete

I believe its more the case of a dealer who realizes that the economy is still in the crapper and would rather move it than pay flooring cost to let it sit, obviously Guzzis have a habit of overstaying their welcome as new bikes at dealers and the 2013's are just around the corner..Not a mall type dealer, a small shop that's been around a long time in down town San Diego.... BTW, one more left at $11.5

[Kraz]

I believe its more the case of a dealer who realizes that the economy is still in the crapper and would rather move it than pay flooring cost to let it sit, obviously Guzzis have a habit of overstaying their welcome as new bikes at dealers and the 2013's are just around the corner..Not a mall type dealer, a small shop that's been around a long time in down town San Diego.... BTW, one more left at $11.5

Nice - I saw that bike there... looks good, feels great!  Glad they didn't have a green one... I'd be in trouble.  

I used them (GP, right?) for my V7 Cafe service - they did a great job.  Little bit of a 'tude from the salesmen - but that seems normal to me (irritated my wife a lot though).

[Flying W]

Nice - I saw that bike there... looks good, feels great!  Glad they didn't have a green one... I'd be in trouble.  

I used them (GP, right?) for my V7 Cafe service - they did a great job.  Little bit of a 'tude from the salesmen - but that seems normal to me (irritated my wife a lot though).

Same feeling here, made me a good deal but afterwords when returning for my first service acted like he(Mike, salesman) had never met me before and didnt seem to want to be bothered by me...I was looking into buying some accessories but no one seemed interested in taking time to discuss what they have available or can order so Ill go back there if I have a warranty issue but am buying anything else I want or need from other places..Too bad really as they come across as an old school type dealer that cares and is interested in there customer base..Next Guzzi...Pro italia.