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Revlis' Moto Guzzi Griso. An Italian oddity in the Pacific Northwest.

Revlis1 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:23:57 CDT

Moto Guzzi Griso, putting the joy back into riding.

After over a year of riding everything out there on two wheels, from Harley-Davidson to BMW trying to find my next motorcycle I happened across the Griso quite by accident. I found myself at Moto International here in Seattle looking for an Aprilia Tuono.

All I caught was a glimpse of this stretched out "Standard" and didn't really think much more about it, though that glimpse was enough to get me Googling Moto Guzzi and from there I became intrigued. Here was something different, something fresh, no pretense, no silly and license threatening 160+ HP, no this was a genuine Street bike. No race replica body work, no high RPM drama, just a street bike. Interesting.

After 6 years of Suzuki Hayabusa ownership I had been looking for a bike that was comfortable, fun, good looking, and capable out in the real world. The Hayabusa and it's cult like following was and is fun, it's an amazing machine, I'll miss the Hand of god acceleration, and anywhere anytime HP. However, what I've found in my Moto Guzzi Griso is the joy that I've been missing on two wheels for the last 10 years. This is a bike with real character, real capabilities, and most importantly reminds me of why I started riding as a kid. Every time I ride the Griso, I find myself grinning ear to ear... Perfect.

It wasn't love at first sight, it was more like meeting a pretty woman at a party, sharing some kind words, only to meet again a few months later and falling madly in love. I read everything I could find about the Griso and Moto Guzzi for about 4 months before deciding "ok, yeah I'll take a test ride."

While I'd been looking for something different, that enthusiasm was tempered with the knowledge that with little presence here in the States spares and service could be an issue. However, Dave Richardson at Moto International is passionate and persuasive. It was his enthusiasm for the brand as much as the bike itself that convinced me to give it a try.

So I took a test ride on a rain soaked Wednesday afternoon and was struck by the character of the machine more than anything else. Sure the motor is smooth and responsive, the suspension and brakes are effective, and it's comfortable but so are dozens of other bikes I'd ridden lately. This was something different, it had that... something...

I mean the BMW Rockster I had looked at had more power, heated grips, and all sorts of widgets and doo-dads that all added up to an effective ride. However the Griso, had something NONE of the bikes I'd looked at had, real character. Character, that intangible little bit of something that elevates a machine from mechanically effective tool, to something really special, something emotional and endearing. It's in the way the bike lurches to the right upon blipping the throttle, it's the rumble of the big twin motor, the slick shifting tranny, and chassis that manages to make 550lbs feel much lighter on it's feet than it has a right too. It's the attention to detail, and the style, the bold lines, the unique look that is different and strong enough that even at a distance, people out on the road know it's not just another motorcycle, but something rare and special.

After 20 minutes behind the bars of a Black Griso, out in the pouring rain and cold, I knew I had finally found what I had been looking for. I giggled like a little girl to myself cause I knew I was going to be getting one, that my search for a bike that would make riding fun and rewarding again was over. I arrived back at Moto International and asked Dave to find me a Red one, a red one brand new in the Box. About a month later this one was mine.

On the Road.

Finally got the Griso out of town and spent a day riding. Been a long time since I've just hit the road with some friends and went out exploring. Life has a way of getting complicated and on the back of a Motorcycle is a fantastic way to simplify. This wasn't an adrenaline fueled, teeth clenched, sphincter tightening kind of ride like I had been doing in years past. Not having the weight of "Worlds Fastest Production Motorcycle" weighing on your psyche is a very freeing experiance. No more do I hear an Evil Angel and ONLY the Evil angel whispering sweet nothings in my ear about "faster faster, if the GPS doesn't register 180MPH then your a coward and will be scorned by your peers."

Going an entire day and not breaking 120MPH was both new and refreshing. I was able to relax just a bit, ride a true 7/10ths pace and enjoy it, No hair on fire, using Jesus as a corner marker heroics, real or imagined required. Just riding with some friends, out in one of the most beautiful places I've ever lived.

The Griso is one of the most neutral handling bikes I've ever ridden, it's surprisingly agile for it's long wheel base and 550lbs. Calling it flickable might be a little bit of a stretch, but it's very responsive and faster to react transitionally than the Hayabusa while maintaining a similar Sled like stability in long high speed sweepers. It's a true performance bike in terms of handling and brakes though you're not going to scare anyone on a GSX-R 600 with a Griso in a the twisties or in a straight line. But they'll hear you back there and will likely be trying to figure out just what the hell that noise is.

The setup is confidence inspiring, only noticed the setup being a bit on the firm side when running through a rough corner or two and felt some chatter and a bit of moving around beneath me but nothing too alarming. I was a bit suspicious of that huge single sided swing arm being to heavy to be effectively controlled by one little overworked Sach's shock but I've got no complaints. Everything remains composed and stable regardless of what I threw at it the rear end felt planted and well damped. No drive shaft Jacking, and although some lash is evident with a smooth hand in the first few millimeters of throttle it's pretty negligible. I've read in reviews that the front suspension is a bit on the firm side and I'd have to agree, harsh is the right word for it though it starts working better when you're out playing in the twisties this is something I've yet to fiddle with as well.

More to Come...

Words and pics by Revlis June '08

Further reading

1200cc 8v Griso review / Grisoholics / 1200 8v Griso test ride / Griso 1100 Brochure

"After 20 minutes behind the bars of a Black Griso, out in the pouring rain and cold, I knew I had finally found what I had been looking for"

Member Directory

Griso1100 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:11:51 CDT

As Squadra Guzzista continues to grow (in the last six months we have gone from 70 members to 194) I feel it would be good to have a quick reference point for all of us to know where everyone else is.

That way if anyone fancies a bit of a ride or just to know if there are any other local Guzzis for maintenance help etc you can find them here easily. It'll also be nice to know what sort of Guzzis we all own. Once you have found local members you can add them to your friends list!

To add yourself, simply click the "easy edit" button and type the info in as I have done in the yellow table cells. I will then add a link from the username to each member's profile so you can make contact easily with each other!

If anyone needs any help, please let me know. If you would like a link to a photo of your bike, check to see if it is in our Photo Gallery first. If so, just paste the link to the image into your bike name. If your bike isn't there, click "Add photo" and it's easy to select a picture of your bike from your computer. Or, if you get stuck, send me the link and I'll do it for you!

Username	Bike(s)	Location (Town/Country)	Username	Bike(s)	Location (Town/Country)
Guzzista	'01 Jackal 1100	Rochester / UK
jeffers404	'94 Nevada 750	Elgin, Scotland / UK
maxx907	V11 sport	Rowhedge / UK
M/sur.Blanc	'00 V11 Greenie / 2002 EV-80 / 1/2 of an ST4 Ducati	Sydney / Australia
Bobelpfan	04, California Stone	Oxford / UK
progprinter( Lew Fisher)	2003 California EV	Mills River, North Carolina( Near Asheville) / USA
guzziman	'73 Eldorado '02 Stone/EZS rig	Colorado Springs, CO/USA
SalinasDave	'04 Breva 750	Salinas, CA/USA (near Laguna Seca)
Brushwarrior	05 Breva 1100	Bury St. Edmunds, /UK
Londonrob	05 Breva 1100 91 1000S	London / UK
brog	1978 Mk1 Le Mans	Goole / UK
Big Twin	LeMans 1000, 850 T5, V35 II Imola	Aardenburg/The Netherlands(Zeeuws Vlaanderen, near the Belgium border)
zenmoto	07 Breva 1100	Seattle, WA/USA
steveguzziblue	1975 S3	Aylesford Kent / UK
3Guzzis	96 Cal 1100i, Quota ES 1100i, 75 850 T	Lincoln, NE / USA
joscosta	2007 Griso 1100	Houston, TX / USA
ridders	89Cal Quota1100	hinckley, leics England
calamari_kid	'05 Breva 750	Seattle, WA USA
GRISOEARL	2007 Griso 1100	Portchester, Hampshire, UK
cliffy	05 v1100 BREVA	Ramsey Isle of Man
guzzi_vero	76 T3 Cali; 82 V35 Imola; 08 Norge 1200 GTL	Oostduinkerke / Belgium
w3kbs	1980 sp 1000	Wayne Pa. Near Philadelphia
Rays1	1978 Le Mans II 1995 Sport 1100 C	Dover, UK
waspp	03 LeMans Corsa 78 T3 Cafe Montesa 360 H6	Albany, NY USA
rsvgt	94 California 1100i 97 Sport 1100i	Kirkby mallory,Leics,UK.
Hairybiker	07 V12Sport 94 Honda VFR750	Bury St Edmunds UK
Gutsy	92 Magni Sfida 07 Ducati 1098	Glasgow, UK
Voncrump	96 1100 Sport C	Manawatu NZ
Ghostrider522	98 California 1100ie	Buitenpost, Netherlands
keithguzzi	v1000G5 1000S 1100 sporti	chatham kent uk
ozstrider23	V11 Le Mans, ST1100, R75/5	Gowrie Junction, Qld, Australia
lainjue	06 Breva 750	Tuusula, Finland
Griso1100	2007 Griso 1100 (Corsa Red)	Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Demo Ride

Telman — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:12:35 CDT

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 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

"I am having a hard time imagining that there will be a better bike for me"

Fuel your Moto Guzzi passion with Squadra Guzzista

Guzzista — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:53:02 CDT

Welcome! Squadra Guzzista is here for you to fuel your Moto Guzzi passion! Join our interactive website and create your own content and pages to share with the world. This site is unique! Also see here Sitemap / Index / Forum

What's new at Squadra Guzzista?
NEW! We were there...our members at events near you!	We have a proper forum, join now!
History of the Moto Guzzi Cali	NEW! Revlis' stunning Red Griso turns heads in Seattle
NEW! Take part in out photography competition!	NEW! Our first Stelvio! Read Guy's owner's report!
Dave Richardson of Guzziology, an interview	Pages dedicated to Guzzisti, the greatest bike fans in the world!
NEW! First impressions of the V7 Classic by its first owners!	The interactive Events calendar. View and post your event!
NEW! Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8v test ride!	Moto Tubo, broadcast your Guzzi!
Visit our amazon powered bookstore	What on earth is a wiki site? Help to get you started !
NEW! Help charities	Guzzi Resources...what are you looking for?

Squadra Guzzista is nominated for an award out of 1000000 "wetpaint" wikis! Click the image to vote for us!
Vote Squadra Guzzista	First Stelvio owner's report!	Perfect gift ideas

Learn Italian with Squadra Guzzista member Davide . "How to pronounce Moto Guzzi"

Photography Competition 2007

Guzzista — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:48:01 CDT

Show off your photography skills:

In December we shall be celebrating 12 months of Squadra Guzzista.

To mark the occasion we are running this fantastic photography competition.

We are looking for 12 photographs to feature in our 2008 Squadra Guzzista Calendar!

There are plenty of marketing images out there that we could use, but Squadra Guzzista is about people and their motorcycles, so we figure it would be much more interesting to look a a calendar with real photos, by real people, of real Guzzis!

So come on, start snapping and start sending in your photos!

If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at joe@guzzista.com I'll be delighted to help!

The calendar is now published!

The competition has been a tremendous success!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who entered and took the time to submit photographs.

It has been hard work putting this together and even harder choosing the winners but the calendar is stunning and I hope we've done justice to your photographs!

The image on the left shows the cover shot of Bill Hagan's Cali EV.

The winning shots of the competition for the 2008 calendar

The rules of the competition were as follows:

Rules:

There are rules...not many, but there are some rules:

Closing Date:

The competition will end on 20 December 2007. Photographs must be in by midnight on that day; any later and they will not be allowed to take part.

Theme:

The images should illustrate and bring together the following three elements:

Freedom
Adventure
Moto Guzzi

Format:

Images should be digital. It is up to you if you choose to submit colour and/or monochrome, but they should be a minimum of 1600x1200 pixels in a landscape orientation. We will accept the following formats only: png, jpeg, jpg. You may submit no more than two images.

Each entry into the competition should also feature a photograph of the motorcycle with the owner sitting on it.

Judging:

The images will be judged, and the winners will be selected by, a panel of Squadra Guzzista staff members. Persons connected to Squadra Guzzista in a management and/or organisational role or with any direct involvement in the running of this community, will not be taking part...so fairness is assured.

The competition is open to all...members and non-members. Preferential treatment will not be given to any members of this site or of the associated forum and each image will be judged on its own merits, bearing in mind the specified requirements under "theme", and "format" sections. The judges' decision is final.

Prize:

...well it's what a competition's all about isn't it? The winners will all be immortalised in the Squadra Guzzista 2008 calendar. Each of the winners will, of course, receive a complementary copy of the calendar and a selection of Squadra Guzzista goodies!

Submitting:

Please send your photos to joe@guzzista.com ...and have fun!

Thank you and good luck!

Squadra Guzzista reserves the right to make any adjustments/alterations to this competition

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