2008 Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 Review

Introduction

2008 Moto Guzzi Griso 1100

Designing the Griso, Guzzi first started with the 90 degree V-Twin engine that was aimed at backing up the versatile chassis on which it was waiting to be mounted. Technical improvements such as the alternator being positioned between the cylinders, 10 per cent lighter connecting rods, thinner piston rings, shortened piston skirts and new metal head gaskets all ensure a smooth operating monster that ends up putting big smiles on your face when it comes to accelerating strong out of corners on those twisted country roads.

Competition

Of course, there are other machines in this hard to define class. In fact, the Griso has the most diversified competition ever as it stands as the result of blended styles.

2008 Yamaha MT01

For starters, the Yamaha MT01 would be the best thing to put up against the Moto Guzzi Grisso 1100 as it has the looks, the chassis and, oh boy, it has the engine. I guess that after a certain cylinder capacity (let’s say 1000cc) it doesn’t quite matter how much bore and stroke you add to it, but the tweaks that you do in order to get the best out of it. But maybe it’s just me trying to justify the 1,064cc Grisso in front of the massive 1,670cc V-Twin of the Yamaha. And it would all be OK if there wouldn’t have been for the aluminum sports frame on which the powerplant finds its place or the latest concerning suspensions and brakes. It isn’t hard to deduce that the MT01 would eat the ground in front of the Griso, but why don’t we try to find something that would show a better face of it?

2008 Star Warrior

Something like the Star Warrior? Damn, Yamaha again? This last is the most appropriate power cruiser you’ll find to it and it would easily let itself taken by the Guzzi on those tight corners as it doesn’t have the cornering abilities of the bike we’re reviewing. Also in this case the, the air-cooled 1,670cc 48 degree V-Twin; pushrod OHV and four valves per cylinder won’t become a nightmare for our bike as it is tuned to be bulky like on a cruiser, not a versatile bike as the Guzzi claims being.

So we’ve seen how practically a single manufacturer can provide it with two different models that are equally suitable to take its place in a potential customer’s mind, but how will the looks of this baby will influence that decision.

Exterior

2008 Moto Guzzi Griso 1100

Well, it is easily understandable why a Moto Guzzi rider never stops bragging about the way its two-wheeler looks. As soon as you get visual contact with the Griso there’s simply nothing that will take your eyes off it. The magic that will intervene there will also be the result of the combination of multiple styles that this model blends.

Not your average naked bike and definitely not a cruiser, this Guzzi is low and compact, muscular and imposing, exactly everything you would expect not to encounter on it. And the best thing is that nothing of this will ever upset you or have you wanting the classic recipe. With Moto Guzzi there’s no such thing, my friend.

Testimony of the fact that uniqueness is the key is the easy-to-spot harmony between the frame and engine, giving it a rough look while the generous gas tank has it covered when it comes to finesse and union.

Also best characteristics of the Griso are the large headlight, the handlebars and instrumentations. Ending up the bike is the LED rear light cluster mounted in the rear wing. While we’re at the back, there can be no discrimination for the rocket-like silencer which collects the gasses from both cylinders through the headers.

If I would have to characterize it in few words, those would be sleek and well balanced, but in the end it is all a matter of taste and preferences. Personally I adore it painted in Guzzi Black because I believe Red goes to Ducati, but it surely suits it well also.

 1  2 3

Next page