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Demo Ride
I recently managed to obtain a demo ride on a Griso 8V
Enjoyed a test ride on this machine recently. Unfortunately it decided to rain that day which did put a bit of a damper on it. I did find some dry back roads outside of Richmond (Tas) to push it along a bit.
The bike was fitted with the accessory Termignoni muffler (with baffle removed) and sounded glorious.
Suspension was firm but well controlled, with potential to tune it to your weight and ride style.
Handling/steering was light and quite precise, very stable at low and high speeds and on nasty roads. It slipped a bit in the slippery conditions but was easily controlled, certainly not scary no doubt the Metzeler M3s also helped. Never noticed that it was shaft drive. The CARC system obviously works very well. Front brake was strong with plenty of feel, the rear brake supplied plenty of feel and was not lacking in controllable power.
Fuelling was in my view as close to perfect as can be done in these days of tight emission laws. A bit fluffy around 3k revs but otherwise it was crisp and immediately responsive. Did I mention it sounded glorious!!!
Quality was to a high standard, great paint, great fittings, classy looks.
The ergonomics suited my 5'10" and was very comfortable, lovely seat, bar and peg triangle.
The bike produces plenty of low down torque and power climbs steadily and in a very linear sort of way until 6k revs. After 6k it then lifts its skirts and flys into the redline. (Its like it comes on cam, or a turbo cuts in.) I didn't notice any flat spot at all. Love the torque reaction as you blip it changing down gears. I found the gearbox to be light with easy and positive changes, with an easy to find neutral. The clutch lever was fine from my perspective but may be considered a little heavy by some.
Vibration is typically v twin re-assurring and comfortable, gets a bit more buzzy above 6k revs. But not an issue. Did I mention it sounded glorious!!!
The only things I didn't like was the tank is on the small side (16.4 litres) and the instrument panel fogged up a little, no doubt due to the rain. (This has been an ongoing minor glitch with Guzzi and I believe Aprilia instruments.)
I am having a hard time imagining that there will be a better bike for me.
The bike was fitted with the accessory Termignoni muffler (with baffle removed) and sounded glorious.
Suspension was firm but well controlled, with potential to tune it to your weight and ride style.
Handling/steering was light and quite precise, very stable at low and high speeds and on nasty roads. It slipped a bit in the slippery conditions but was easily controlled, certainly not scary no doubt the Metzeler M3s also helped. Never noticed that it was shaft drive. The CARC system obviously works very well. Front brake was strong with plenty of feel, the rear brake supplied plenty of feel and was not lacking in controllable power.
Fuelling was in my view as close to perfect as can be done in these days of tight emission laws. A bit fluffy around 3k revs but otherwise it was crisp and immediately responsive. Did I mention it sounded glorious!!!
Quality was to a high standard, great paint, great fittings, classy looks.
The ergonomics suited my 5'10" and was very comfortable, lovely seat, bar and peg triangle.
The bike produces plenty of low down torque and power climbs steadily and in a very linear sort of way until 6k revs. After 6k it then lifts its skirts and flys into the redline. (Its like it comes on cam, or a turbo cuts in.) I didn't notice any flat spot at all. Love the torque reaction as you blip it changing down gears. I found the gearbox to be light with easy and positive changes, with an easy to find neutral. The clutch lever was fine from my perspective but may be considered a little heavy by some.
Vibration is typically v twin re-assurring and comfortable, gets a bit more buzzy above 6k revs. But not an issue. Did I mention it sounded glorious!!!
The only things I didn't like was the tank is on the small side (16.4 litres) and the instrument panel fogged up a little, no doubt due to the rain. (This has been an ongoing minor glitch with Guzzi and I believe Aprilia instruments.)
I am having a hard time imagining that there will be a better bike for me.
The first shipment of 8Vs that arrived in Australia was sold prior to them landing. This particular demo bike was I presume, one of the media test fleet. It was used to travel down from Sydney by an employee of the importer, who I believe attended the particular dealership for training them in the new Aprilia Mana.
Words and pic by Telman
| Further reading |
1200cc 8v Griso review / Grisoholics / Revlis' Griso / Griso 1100 Brochure
Bikepoint Test / motoaus.com test
"I am having a hard time imagining that there will be a better bike for me"
Latest page update: made by Telman
, Aug 25 2008, 1:32 AM EDT
(about this update
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Another online test
- Telman
3 words added
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Another online test
- Telman
3 words added
view changes
- complete history)
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