The Griso was the first of the new breed of Guzzis to sport the 1151cc, four-valve-per-cylinder V-twin – the unit replacing the older 1064cc two-valves-per-cylinder unit in the first launching in an eight-valve format towards the end of 2007. The engine is combined with a hydraulic clutch, electronic fuel injection, six-speed gearbox and shaft final drive.

Apart from its capable engine, the strong frame and the sporty wheels the Griso 1200 is also packed with a pretty capable suspension which consist of an inverted 43mm fork and a rear monoshock which are adjustable both front and rear.

The motorcycle is kept under control by a pretty capable braking package composed of twin 320mm wave discs up front gripped by four-piston, radial-mount Brembo calipers backed up by a twin-piston Brembo caliper/282mm disc down the back.

The Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8V is available in the either black or white and has a starting price of $23,990 plus ORC.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8V.

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8V

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8V
• Engine/Motor: 90° V-Twin, 4 stroke
• Horsepower: 40 @ 6400
• Torque: 94 @ 5000
• Transmission: 5 speed, costant mesh gears with built-in cush drive
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press Release

Over thirty-five years have gone by since its introduction, but the Moto Guzzi California continues to play a leading role in the collective imagination of motorcyclists all over the world. When the California was first introduced back in 1971, the market for customs was split between original motorcycles and Japanese imitations. But then Moto Guzzi introduced a machine with a powerful personality, based on the tried and tested frame of the V7 Special and the legendary 90° V twin engine, with a capacity of 757 cc. This frame/engine combination proved such a tremendous international success that it was eagerly adopted by the L.A.P.D. (Los Angeles Police Department), and later by police departments in other American States. The rest is history – and legend. A familiar protagonist in films and advertisements, the California has every right to be considered as one of the few objects of industrial design that have left a permanent mark. The California’s wheels have never stopped, and neither has its development. Year after year, the bike’s looks and technology have been updated without altering its original character and spirit. Now, 35 years after its introduction, Moto Guzzi has decided to pay tribute to the amazing California by creating an exclusive Vintage version, dedicated to modern riders who want to continue the dream. The styling is obviously retro, as you can see from the stunning spoked wheels, redesigned steel mudguards, new Brembo front calipers, supplementary fog lights controlled from the right hand switch block, windshield with stainless steel trim, shiny chrome handlebars and two-tone seat. The fixed panniers are a further sign of distinction. Made from rotational nylon, they are fully waterproof with inner linings, and are protected against impact by robust chromed steel tube of the same type used for the luggage rack.

Specifications

Engine

-intake open 24° B.T.D.C.

-intake close 52° A.B.D.C.

-exhaust open 54° B.B.D.C.

Transmission

-1° 14/28 = 1:2

-2° 18/25 = 1:1.389

-3° 21/22 = 1:1.048

-4° 23/20 = 1:0.870

Chassis

Electrics

Dimensions

Quotes

Bikepoint ---- "With its own unique, Italian take on the naked musclebike theme, Moto Guzzi's Griso 1200 8V comes bristling with attitude and Latin machismo. A stablemate for the bikini-faired 1200 Sport, the Griso is simply naked aggression from every angle, but it packs a performance punch to match the bad boy image."

Bikez ---- "In the book, Griso is a tough and fearless leader of the Bravi, and a man “who naturally undertook all the most daring enterprises”. This description could just as well be applied to the new Griso 8V, the most exciting and spirited of all Moto Guzzi models, designed to create a new, more intense concept of sports riding based on sheer power and four valve cylinder head technology."

Tanshanomi ---- "The Guzzi motor is a strange mix of modern and old-school design elements. Judged against 2011 rivals, it's a bit mild for a bike of this size and style, but it's not bad, overall. It doesn't feel much like an older Guzzi — transmission and clutch action have been improved in recent years, and the 4-valve heads (which increase output noticeably), make the motor a bit peaky; the traditional grunt-y Guzzi midrange just isn't there."