New Member, First time Guzzi Owner 2007 GRiSO 1100

Afternoon Ghetto members.

Long time Motorcycle Enthusiast/Rider/Addict as well as a first time Guzzi and GRiSO owner here. Bought my first Guzzi a few weeks ago just 2 days after riding a Guzzi for the first time.  A bit about me.

I've been riding motorcycles since I was 8 years old, was an instant addict. Owned many bikes over the years, my first 'adult' street bike was a 1979 Yamaha XS1100 SF. Rode this from 1984 to 1996 with joy and love in every ride and no regrets. I still own it, and ride 4-5 times a year to keep things working. In 1996, i bought a Kawasaki Concours 10. I put over 95K miles in 8 years. I sold it in 2003, and after my 2nd deployment to Iraq in 2005 bought an 07 Yamaha FZ1 which I wrecked on the Cherahola Skyway in my only motorcycle accident in 35+ years of riding.

As a result I brought my faithful XS11 out of mothballs and rode it until I bought an FJR in 2008 after another deployment. Right out of the box the bike was the fastest most capable and comfortable bike I had ever ridden, but I NEVER loved it, never connected with it, and only rode it because it was what I owned. It wasn't a soul-less BMW or Honda, and had some character.

After just a year I was bored..... Every year I looked, and rode, but felt like goldilocks. Nothing moved me enough to want to make a change and the FJR really is a great bike. Flawless 8 years, never a problem other than battery, brakes tires & routine maintenance. Nothing was worth my $$, and I started to think that maybe my passion for riding was gone.

THEN I saw the GRiSO.......... Was on Craigslist, and caught my eye. Went for a test ride. Rode 5-6 other bikes that week, all over the map. An R1200R, Duc Scrambler & Monster, V Rod, Street Bob, Nine R T, New Victory, Thunderbird, Trophy, Bonneville, the New Yamaha Nakeds, even a couple Adventure Tourers. Really liked the Super Tenere, but NOT ENOUGH to make a change. On the day I rode the GRiSO, I also rode a Norge and thought HOW HAVE I NEVER RIDDEN A MG before? Maybe I wasn't ready years ago, but I was intrigued and enthralled by both. Even though it has just over half the HP I am used to, the LOVE is back.

Was planning on just adding the GRiSO, but decided to trade the FJR. The GRiSO was everything I wanted right now. Classic look, unique, stable, agile . Single sided swing arm, shaft drive, air cooled V twin, comfortable upright seating position.....oozing character and spectacular fit and finish......

I know that a big cruiser is in my future, but Sport Touring is in my past. The GRiSO is a perfect bike for my current needs and wants.  Already bought the knight Design 2" drop pegs, they fit perfect, and give me as much as my FJR did, maybe a smidge more . Also ordered up the MG rear rack and quick detach bag. Will keep the Stock Can, and ride this season. Will deploy to Afgan this winter, and when I get back will likely buy a California Touring Model. The GRiSO is a keeper, and will end up along side my prized XS11.

Sorry for the book......... Glad to be in the Guzzi fold. Will look around the Forum to see if there are Rides/Meets in the PNW. I am in the FT Lewis/Tacoma area.

Hello;

and welcome. It seems that GRiSO speeks to you. Enjoy.

Sven

Welcome to the ghetto!

For your calendar:

1st Saturday of every month: Guzzi club breakfast, 0900 Enumclaw (Krain Corner Inn)
3rd Wednesday of non-winter months: Backfire Moto night, 1700-2100 Ballard/Seattle (Shelter Lounge)
3rd Sunday of every month: Moto International brunch, 1000 - Georgetown/Seattle (Smarty Pants)

June 23-26th Moto Guzzi National Rally, John Day, OR (Fairgrounds)
July 8-10th WA Guzzi club Deep Forest campout, Randle, WA

That ought to get you started.

Moto Guzzi, the motorcycle worlds best kept secret.
You will come to understand the "Hotel California" syndrome very soon.

Welcome!

G'day BD
Welcome from us all down under in Tasmania
I to have an 1100, 06 version with 63k now on the clock and going like a train, I love her/him, name Jo
Mine is a fast red one .....
What great bike, take care and enjoy
Have a read thru this site, there are a few things thats important
Check that the drive splines and swing arm bearings have been regreased, they never bothered at the factory. Check that the PO has not overfilled the engine oil, no more than 3/4 on the stick, not screwed in. Check the battery terminals and main earth for good clean contact.
Please post a pickie, we love pockies.
Anyway, enjoy and stay upright.

Welcome Bulldog!

wardentm wrote:

G'day BD
Welcome from us all down under in Tasmania
I to have an 1100, 06 version with 63k now on the clock and going like a train, I love her/him, name Jo
Mine is a fast red one .....
What great bike, take care and enjoy
Have a read thru this site, there are a few things thats important
Check that the drive splines and swing arm bearings have been regreased, they never bothered at the factory. Check that the PO has not overfilled the engine oil, no more than 3/4 on the stick, not screwed in. Check the battery terminals and main earth for good clean contact.
Please post a pickie, we love pockies.
Anyway, enjoy and stay upright.

+1

(except equally fast black one, with "only" 48k...)

And welcome!  You will love your bike more & more as the miles pass by.

Welcome! As an owner of an '07 1100 I guarantee that your new bike will surprise you and please you. Get to know the gang at Moto International at N 77th and Aurora in Seattle - they are a fountain of information and help.

Thanks for the welcome all.

Knocked off work a bit early today, went for a 2 hr ride with the new Knight Design pegs. They looked a bit awkward at first due to size change, but after a day or two they look natural and match some of the silver on the engine. Give great leg room and no scraping yet, not much of a chance and still learning the GRiSO. Pic of Bike in the garage & pegs.[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Congratulations, I saw that bike at MI. If it would have been there when I bought mine I would have gone for it... looks great in black.

Added the rear rack and bag and Dart fly screen. Ready for Memorial Day Weekend ride! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Welcome and congrats on being chosen by the GRiSO! You'll find lots of useful info and comraderie here. And smaller measures of random nonsense and verbal flatulence.

Welcome Bulldog9! Enjoyed your write up about how the GRiSO moved you, compared to
so many other rides, and how that first impression stuck with you. My bike history is way more limited
than yours, but I can totally relate to your feeling about how the bike made you feel, and how that
just hooked you in. Fantastic! Hope you stick around the site and add your 2 cents once in awhile..