First week with the GRiSO

As the title says, I've just had my first week with the new bike.

I've managed to be on it every day since Pete dropped it off and commuted on it all last week.

To begin with the footpegs felt high, the extra weight was noticible and I kept hitting the horn instead of the indicator switch.
Now the footpegs feel normal, I don't notice the weight and I still keep hitting the horn instead of the indicator switch.

A week ago I was struggling to get my broken little finger curled around the throttle so I wasn't able to get a comfortable grip on the bars.
Now I can manage to curl it enough to grip the throttle with my little & ring finger and leave my other 2 fingers for the brake lever, so I'm starting to try & flick it about a bit more.

My original fears in changing from a V7 to a GRiSO were around it's ability to deal with the peak hour traffic and my ability to deal with the significantly increased power.
I have to say that both the bike & myself are manging extremely well and are very comfortable with each other, even when lane filtering
All I need to do is get some luggage organised and I'm set!

Actually, to be honest, I was surprised how familiar the bike felt to the V7 Stone.
Yes, it's heavier, and yes, it's got gobs load more power, but the engine behaviour below 5K revs is still so Guzzi familiar that I wasn't having to think about it.
I used to think that a V7 & a GRiSO would be ideal stablemates, each filling in the gaps of the other.
But now I can't imagine taking the V7 out over the GRiSO (maybe for graded roads & light touring, but then.....)

The bike needs a new front tyre - sounds like the Michelin Pilot Road 4's are the go (it's got a Michelin Pilot Power 3 currently on the back).
And I'll have to sort out something with the exhaust so I can give Pete the stock muffler back.
But overall I caouldn't be happier.

Next time I'm out I'll try to actually stop for photos - at the moment I don't want to stop at all

Hey Clancy, I've just ordered a new Agostini Hydroformed, so that I can give back the stock con Michael put on mine. Hopefully it will have enough clearance for my H&B panniers. If not, then a little persuasion may be needed. Glad to see you're enjoying the bike. There's a bit more weight on your wrists but that's about it. It's hard to stop grinning, isn't it?

Great to hear, putting 500 miles on mine over the weekend, with camping luggage just reinforces what a great bike it is.

Sometimes i just ride it around, using the torque and short shifting and think maybe it's not that fast, then someone wants to give you a race and you realise just what it is capable of

Well there's a result, Clancy. It looks like the GRiSO found you. Enjoy.

Hey, Mal! I have your bits! Call me.

Pete

Your comments about the GRiSO (congrats, btw!) and a V7 are most interesting.

While I cannot imagine giving up entirely my GRiSO for a smaller motorcycle, I had thought that a V7 or similar machine might be a good choice for day rides on some of our local paved cowpaths.

That said, I don't think I'll mention your review to Kathi, as another motorcycle, even if redundant, is always a good thing.  Besides, it'll keep her "flexible."  

Best wishes for miles of smiles.

Bill