Coming to Amends

Moto Guzzi  GRiSO Story,
I own a pristine 2004 Honda RC 51 that has been in my stable since 2005.  I can honestly say that every time I ride her (I mean the bike for the demented minds) she puts a smile on my face due to her corner carving prowess, and the phenomenal acceleration.     I am 60 Y/o who has been riding motorcycles since the age of 8, and have never been without one.   Frankly, the reason I ride motorcycles is because  I am infatuated with speed, and bikes fulfill that sensational need.
However, I have lusted over Italian bikes for the last 20 years, and have been drawn to Ducati’s since they are all about performance, but I never felt connected when straddling one.   MV’s are just too exclusive and dealer network is sparse, but beautiful to behold.   I have always been attracted to the beautiful engine of the Moto Guzzi  (MG) and the marque in general, especially with the V12 Concept bike that was absolutely stunning.    So, I decided to add a MG to my toys.
I was fortunate to find a pristine 2012 MG GRiSO, Tenni in my Winchester VA area, so I purchased it immediately.   For my first ride I was not impressed, but thought it may grow on me as I get older.  Besides, the GRiSO is one unique looking motorcycle that I never tire looking at.    However, every time I twisted the throttle on the Guzzi, I couldn’t help but notice the lethargic manner in which it revs, which left me wanting on my first couple rides.  Not only is the engine performance profoundly different than my RC, but the new riding position takes some getting used to.
I am pleased to report I have made amends with the Guzzi.  Now that I have adopted my riding style, I find the GRiSO very comfortable.  I am also becoming more accustomed to the handling characteristics,  and the slow but methodical revving nature of the engine.  
Now, the moral of the story.  Last weekend I was riding my favorite curvy roads through the hills of West Virginia, when I noticed I had two liter size sportbikes approach the rear of my bike.  Coming up on some twisty areas I decided to test the Guzzi’s road hugging abilities.     I literally carved through the corners quicker and with more confidence than on my RC.    As the pace picked up, I literally lost the sportbike riders through the turns.    When we finally came to a stop, they pulled up beside me to give me the thumbs up.  I then motored away smiling with a sense of complete satisfaction.    Now, I just wish I would have lifted my visor to show them my snow white mustache and goatee to add more insult to their injury.   Life is now good in Guzzi land.

Good story, Davetti, welcome to the Ghetto.

Welcome. It's good to ride a slow bike fast.

Imagine what you could do with some decent suspension, brakes and carbon wheels.

So, might you share what your "favorite curvy roads through the hills of West Virginia" are?

Suspect I know them, but always happy to learn about those I don't.

Thanks.

Bill

Cool story.

The GRiSO is a very capable bike, especially once you sort out the suspension.
A skilled rider can put a hurt on liter bikes in the twisties and that's the beauty of it and for me, there is nothing lethargic about its engine and again, sort out the engine with Mark's map and you won't be able to get off the bike.

Also, one very important advice since your bike is a 2012...most likely it has the flat tappet engine set up and it's bad news since they will all fail. When? No one knows but sadly, they will fail.
Guzzi went to roller tappets sometimes in the mid term of 2012 and I think that no Tennies were rollers so you'll have to address that issue.
Read about "rollerizing a flatie" on these boards and you'll get the education needed on the subject to assess what you want to do...
In any cases, this mishap isn't enough to spoil the joy you can have on that bike because it's THAT good.

Welcome and great back-story!

The GRiSO mill is a visceral, primal beast compared to the Japs. But for me that is a big part of the appeal.
Once you find your groove on it, nothing is better.
+1 to what Pascal said regarding re-mapping and rollerising. I too have a Tenni and the tappets were toast at 6k miles. Make that top priority because it will eventually destroy the engine completely if not fixed.
Welcome!

Where do I find the "rollerizing a flatie" discussion?     Typed it in the search bar and nothing.     Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Bill,

I believe the route I take primarily is 622 to US 48 to State Rd 55 to 29 to 9 to Berkely Springs.  I seldom pay attention to the road signs, but know where I'm going in that neck of the woods.  Does this route sound familiar?

Davetti wrote:

Where do I find the "rollerizing a flatie" discussion?     Typed it in the search bar and nothing.     Thanks in advance for your assistance.

If there isn't a thread on it here I did a write up for the corn-cob pipists.

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

Pete