New member from the US - Mid-Atlantic

Figured I would introduce myself. My name is TJ. I've been riding for roughly 10 years now. Started off on a Nighthawk 250 back in 2003. Moved to a Nighthawk 750 for a while and rode the piss out of it. Purchased a badly damaged (yet salvageable) CB1000 in 2006 (I regret selling that one) and put a lot of work into making it ride able. Learned how to wrench on that bike.

In 2009 I went through the sport-bike phase and owned several of them (CBRF4i, CBR600RR, GSXR-600, and then another CBR600RR). The last CBR I bought was also a salvage - it took all of Winter/Spring 2013 to fix. This past fall, I hit a deer at about 55 mph and walked away. After a nice insurance payout (I bought the bike wrecked for 2k, put 2k into it and then got 7k total value after the wreck).

I figured I'm almost 30 and want to slow down and just tour/look at the scenery/carve the twisties when I’m bored rather than just be a hooligan. This led me to searching for the next bike. I knew I wanted something naked. I’ve pretty much stuck with Honda for most of my life and I wanted something with a bit more class. The build on Hondas are fantastic, just - not as much soul as I would like.

After much internet scouring and lusting - I set my sights on a GRiSO. Have never ridden a V-twin, never owned anything Italian. But every review (and picture) I found made me want it that much more. As of right now, I have my eyes on a Diavolo Nero. Spoke to dealers around the country shopping around. I’m waiting for new models to start arriving to see if I can get a good deal on a leftover '13. But I feel like I know what I am getting into.

I’ve been lurking anonymously over here, at guzzitech, wildguzzi and advrider for a while reading and soaking up information - but I think I made the right choice.

Anywho, hello there!

Hello TJ and welcome to the ghetto.

Good luck on your search for the discounted Diavolo Nero.  You may or may not have some luck with that, but they seem to be selling pretty well and there is zero difference between the later 2012, 2013, and 2014 model.  The earlier production 2012 models still had flat tappets, but they were switched to roller tappets sometime in mid 2012.

There is a low mileage Diavolo Nero available at a dealer just north of Seattle for $11K if you want to consider shipping or a nice cross country ride home.

Also, Piaggio is offering some attractive financing and incentives through the end of Frbruary.

Where are you at mid-Atlantic wise?  Do you have a local dealer who has one in stock?

Good to have you here, just fire away if you have any questions.

- Steve

TJ,

You will not regret the siren sound. Look into my eyes, not around my eyes. You are getting sleepy. The GRiSO is calling your name.


As Steak said, Piaggio has great financing on 2014's.

The funniest line in your post: "I figured I'm almost 30 and want to slow down "

Don't get a GRiSO. It is a hooligan in sheep's clothing.

Buy it and don't think twice.

got_griso wrote:

I figured I'm almost 30 and want to slow down and just tour/look at the scenery/carve the twisties when I’m bored rather than just be a hooligan.

ROFL!

I'm way older than you and the GRiSO makes me want to ride faster.... 

got_griso wrote:

This past fall, I hit a deer at about 55 mph and walked away. After a nice insurance payout (I bought the bike wrecked for 2k, put 2k into it and then got 7k total value after the wreck).

GRiSO vs. Elk at 65 MPH.   

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

GRiSOs are sturdy enough, but not deer/elk proof...

  

TJ.
Welcome.
You can't fight it.
Your deepest darkest heart has heard the truth - Italian Twins ARE where it's at and Guzzi's Rock The Universe.
The GRiSO is the coolest and funnest Guzzi.

Do It.

DM

Really.................. nothing quite like these Big iron air heads.

 Cheers;   

Hi Tj
"Have never ridden a V-twin" well welcome to the Moto Guzzi GRiSO.
Fun is the only way to say it.  
Not the fastest, who gives a shit about max speed, anyone can hold a throttle open in a straight line.
The GRiSO isn't the fastest, but gives the smile per mile of any bike.
Enjoy.

Harry

As an update to this -

Last Saturday morning I strolled into the fine establishment that is Europa Macchina in Lewisbury, PA, indifferent girlfriend and her awestruck daughter in tow. Upon entering I saw the line of Guzzi's to my left and a large, in what I assumed to be mahogany, desk to my right. I was greeted by Lori, Dennis' wife, and she soon had my complete attention turned to a leftover 2013 GRiSO sitting third in-line in the row of Guzzi's previously mentioned.

After some small chit chat, and the photocopying of my license, I soon found myself astride the beast, lurching slightly left and right as the motor idled. Never having ridden a v-twin in my life, let alone a transverse mounted one, I gingerly placed the bike in first and hunted for the clutch catch point.

Found it.

Honestly, the GRiSO seemed like a far more docile mount than the CBR did. I exited the premises and turned left onto a 2 mile straight stretch of road. Never having ridden a motorcycle such as this, I figured I would take baby steps.

Within about 30 seconds, I had the gears, shift points, and engine braking pegged. I whipped around and the end of the road and came back to the intersection at which the dealer was located. Lori had mentioned that if I felt up to it, I could turn left at the signal light and find myself a few miles of twisties. I politely declined and said I would run up and down the road a few times to familiarize myself with the bike.

I lied. Both about the route, and the docile nature of the motorcycle.

After the first mile of twisties, I was smitten. Another mile later, I was in love. A third mile after that, I was sure I was having an affair.

Returning to the dealer, I placed a deposit on the bike, chatted with Lori about some of the numbers, general dates, and eventually exited the dealership in exceedingly high spirits.

Gentleman - I have found the one. You were ALL right.

Aah, GRiSO has chosen you, and now you belong to GRiSO.


Welcome to the fold.



  

Lol@ Beetle.

Harry, good for you man, and cool story.
Pretty much what happened to me as well.

beetle wrote:

Aah, GRiSO has chosen you, and now you belong to GRiSO.


Welcome to the fold.



  

Just like The DragonRiders of Pern.

DungeonMaster wrote:

beetle wrote:

Aah, GRiSO has chosen you, and now you belong to GRiSO.


Welcome to the fold.



  

Just like The DragonRiders of Pern.

Is that a DragonLance reference? I read that series in high school/college.

Congratulations on the new bike. You will not be disappointed. You have the MG bug. There will be more in your stable.

Enjoy.

No more Don Abbondio in your future...

Congratulations TJ, your GRiSO has found you.

got_griso wrote:

DungeonMaster wrote:

beetle wrote:

Aah, GRiSO has chosen you, and now you belong to GRiSO.


Welcome to the fold.



  

Just like The DragonRiders of Pern.

Is that a DragonLance reference? I read that series in high school/college.

No.
I never heard of DragonLance. I will have to look into that one

DragonRiders of Pern is a trilogy that grew into a dozen books by Anne McCaffrey

Congratulations, and welcome to the ghetto. I think you'll find the G is not so much a hooligan bike per se (forget about wheelies), but a deep motorcycling experience instead.

I can wheelie mine in first and second easily. No it won't wind up on the throttle unless you time it just right but you can clutch it up in first or second and no probs and even in third if you really abuse it.

Thing is you DO have to abuse it. I can't see much point. Any power you expend lifting it up will slow down the rapidity with which the horizon comes towards you! Waste in my book and eventually expensive.

Pete

Yeah, I was thinking more of those sublime wheelies resulting from a well-executed corner exit... The GRiSO just goes, preferring to keep in touch with the pavement.

Wheelies are an emotional display that can be viewed as fairly immature but I love them.
I'm not very good at them and I have never tried it with a big heavy plonk like a Guzzi.
I'll just have to wait until I get an FZ09

DM