How long have I been riding bikes? Been on two wheels since age 8. Been riding on the streets since 1994 age 23.
Why Moto Guzzi? Good Question. Wanted something different sure, but mostly was looking for a bike that was just a bike, not a lifestyle appliance, not a Hair-on-fire Techno rich sport bike. Just a bike, and after about a year long search I found the Guzzi while shopping for an Aprilia. Went and sat on the Griso, fell in love with the seating position and size of the bike. I work at a dealership that sells all the Japanese brands, H-D, Triumph, and Arctic cat/Polaris, so it's nice to be on something different.
How/when I first became interested in Moto Guzzi: Was looking at an Aprilia Tuono which was at the Moto Guzzi/Aprilia dealership. I saw a Griso and few other "Moto Goofies" sitting on the showroom floor, I was struck by the looks, and details. Not to mention that they had the engine in there wrong. I had seen only a couple of Moto Guzzi's out on the streets over the years, though there is a Green V11 that's in my area that I had seen a few times and found it pretty interesting.
My main type of riding is (competition/pleasure/commute/work): If I am out riding it's almost exclusively just for fun. I commute once in awhile but my commute is short so it's often just more practical to hop in the car. We've got a lot of great canyons up here in the Pacific Northwest, so that's where I try to end up most of the time.
About my Guzzi...
What is it (model/year): 2007 Griso
How long I have owned it: 3-4 months
Is this my first Moto Guzzi: Yes
Other Guzzis in my stable: None
Modifications I have made and why: - Tail Tidy, cleans up the rear end nicely. - Termignoni for Moto Guzzi Stainless pipe. Gives the Griso a nice Deep voice. - I've also got some Pro-Taper Evo bars, New Grips and Bar ends yet to go on, as well as new Rizoma Signals on order.
The bike's main purpose is: Fun, getting out there on two wheels and enjoying the ride.
It's quirks: Not specific to the Griso,but the torque reaction is cool, ads a lot of character.
How it compares with other bikes I've owned: The Griso is unique, it's a great combination of sport, cruiser, and standard. It's much slower than my previous bikes, but it's also a lot more comfortable. Handles great though, and is just as much fun as any of the high horsepower machines I've ridden before, maybe even more so.
What it's like to live with: So far easy as can be, no complaints, nothing has fallen off or broken yet.
What it's like to ride: Wonderful, great torque down low, very nimble and loves the twisties. Easy bike to ride aggressively with the tires, suspension, and brakes to handle a brisk pace. Better like attention though, cause you get a lot of it on a Griso.
My bike's most appealing feature is: The Engine, and the styling. It's comfy as well, but the single MOST appealing thing would have to be the styling I suppose, with the Engine a close second.
My bike's best feature is: Covered above pretty well I think, though the Termignoni does really sound amazing.
Would I recommend one like it to my best friend?: Oh yes, certainly.
Would I own another, given the chance: Of course.
General Guzzi stuff...
What I think of current Guzzi models: Nothing but rusty chariots for old men and pensioners... Ha ha... KIDDING, seriously the V7 Classic has my complete attention and the rest of the Guzzi line looks poised to really pull the brand out of the shadows a little bit and become more of a world player.
If I could, the one I'd buy tomorrow: Norge... I need something with luggage...
My all time favourite Guzzi: Why the Griso of course... Although I do really like the Balabio and the V11s.
If I were boss at Mandello I would: Start Marketing in the States more. I know our market is a little fragile, but let folks know our product line is still true to the original recipe in many ways, but modern and very capable...
My multimedia...
DEFINING SHOTS
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