Greetings from Washington

Hello from the northwest USA. I’m new to the forum and considering a GRiSO for my next ride. I’ve Owned several bikes (German, British, Japanese, and American). Out of all of them I liked the quirky ones best which led me to the The Guzzi line up. I’m on the fence between a few choices for my potential purchase but am not sure which is the best option. I’m considering a new 2016 model at the new price. However, in my area there are two 2015 models for sale at a considerable savings. Each one has about 4,000 miles on them and appear to be in good shape based on the photos. Based on my research (correct me if I’m wrong) there’s really not difference between the 15’, 16’, or 17, model years. The question that nags me in the back of my mind when considering the purchase of a used GRiSO is how much was it abused or negelecte during the 4000 miles the previous owner had it and why are they selling them so soon? The bikes in question are at dealerships so I won’t have the luxury of having a face to face meeting with the previous owner. I’ve read that the Guzzi’s are bullet proof where it really counts (minus the small niggles). Would anyone have serious concern about buying this particular bike used ? I’m fairly handy and have done all my own maintenance and repairs on previously owned bikes but I do have my limits on mechanical and technical ability. Thanks again for any input.

Welcome. The GRiSO is one of those bikes that you either love, or leave. Perhaps GRiSO did not speak to the previous owners. At 4000 miles they are not even properly run-in. There shouldn't be any issues with the used models, but one thing to check is the paint on the throttle stop screw. Otherwise known as the sacred screw. If they have been disturbed, run away.


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Just did a quick search on the sacred screw and I see what you’re talking about. Good to know. Thank you.

Welcome to the forum.

Either new or barely second hand will come down to the end cost. Each bike if looked after will still be practically brand new.
As said they are quirky, but to me that is their best feature. They are not a staid German, boring Jap or god forbid a horrid US made bike. Guzzi's are singularly unique but, are a real riders bike. They have a living pulse, are darn pretty to behold and are a delight to ride. The best thing, most or none of your mates will have one.
It would be pulling a long bow however to suggest they are a chick magnet. That said Guzzi riders in their own way are the main draw cards anyway-a step away from the mundane.
Go and get the best deal you can and you wont look back.

There are a number of rabid GRiSO owners -- tho that is a bit tautological -- in the PNW and in Washington, in particular.  They will no doubt come in on this thread and your inquiry in short order.

In the meantime, I'll muddy the water with my take.

First, tho, will be out there with Kathi next May-June.  Three of our thirteen grands are in Edmonds, so Kathi is there often; I ... uhm ... can only take that kind of pandemonium in annual batches!  Anyway, the Sort-of-Kind-of-"National" Guzzi rally will be in Seattle area on 3 June, [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] Hope to see you on whichever GRiSO you choose.

Second, where are you in Washington ... and are any of those choices at Moto-International?  You can take to the bank anything M-I says.  Period.  And, if elsewhere, M-I may know the history of that machine.  They know you'll come there for service or other needs now and then and will be happy to help.

Third, best wishes in your decision.  Post pix.  

Bill

Bill,

I live in the southwest part of the state (in Longview) which is actually much closer to Portland Oregon. They have a Guzzi dealer in Portland, but I know nothing about their reputation. The Seattle dealer is a 2.5 hrs drive from me. On another note, if the "pandemonium gets to be too much, just crack open a bottle of single malt . Anyways, thanks for the input on the Seattle dealer. Its always a crap shoot on dealerships and how they conduct themselves.  Ride safe.

Ray

I think the GRiSO stirs the soul, has enough little issues to keep you a handy mechanic and goes, stops, vibrates and looks like a real motorcycle. If that is what you like them you can't really go wrong.

Welcome to the forum and I see you are already getting some great advice...

Welcome, NWR. I just posted this in Mercato di GRiSO and in reply to someone else looking for a GRiSO - I hope you two don't get in a fight over this one, but it looks like a fantastic deal!

Pete (Street)

CLICKY!

Yeah that's one of the one's i'm looking at. It does seem like a smoking hot deal.

Does anyone in the PNW have any experience with MG dealership in Portland? Good, bad, Meh?

Moto International (HERE) is in Seattle. That's probably a fair distance from you but maybe they could recommend someone...

Got a chance to test ride the GRiSO today at the Portland motto guzzi dealer. Holy crap! What a fun ride. A little bit cramped but... could be fixed with a set of drop pegs. The business owner, “Rick” , seems like a reasonable and chill guy to do business with. Working on a deal. The only thing that concerns me is the bike only comes with a 14 month factory warranty because it’s a demo bike and has been in the dealer’s possession for the past 10 months. That sounded a little weird to me. Anyone know anything about this ?

Technically correct, however I sure you can negotiate with the dealer as a deal clincher. Maybe ask for another 6 months.

I kind of says something about Moto Guzzi though. Any other manufacturer would offer a full warranty on a demo bike being sold as new.

Welcome from Wales.

Looks like I've struck a deal to purchase a 17' GRiSO. She's a demo model for the Portland dealer with 180 miles on the clock. Just trying to do my homework ahead of time and I haven't run across any recent information in the forums about the need to "Grease the steering head bearings, swingarm bearings and rear susp linkage bearings asap". I think the last mention of it in the tech forums was from 2012 and 2013. Is this still an issue on present day new GRiSO's? Just wondering if I should plan a "preventative Maintenance" weekend after I pick her up. Thanks for the greetings and info. Great forum you have here.

Swingarm and shock linkage bearings are a must.

Pete Roper wrote:

Swingarm and shock linkage bearings are a must.

Thanks Pete.

Ok gents my deal got stalled for a few weeks which is a dangerous thing as it gave me time to do more research and contemplate. Two things that bothered me was the seat to peg distance which is a little tight for me (34” inseam). I worry that placing drop pegs on it would hinder cornering ability for riding the mountain backroads somewhat aggressively which is where I ride if I have a choice. The GRiSO does speak to me but I wonder if I’ll end up disappointed with it’s limitations. I’m not a super aggressive rider; but I do like my fun. I tend to “hang a knee” whenever I can. I’ve owned a VFR interceptor in the past and loved that bike as well. This has gotten me to thinking about the Aprilia Tuono RR for the V4. Everybody rides differently. But for those of you with a zeal for spirited riding with the GRiSO, could you comment on its abilities. I can’t run the demo bike like I would want to because, well, it’s not my bike. Thanks to the group for any responses.

1" drop pegs will scrape. This due to the offset. I fixed that by installing custom mounts for rearsets. I've not scraped them. Yet. The sidestand is forever hitting the deck at 7 tenths. Your boot will hit the deck unless you ride tippy-tow. But the howl of the 8V on heat is like nothing else. Don't be misled by the shear unmitigated power of the Tuono. Dragging a GRiSO by its scruff through twisties is like nothing else. Don't give up. The raw, visceral, experience is worth the entrance fee.

Cannot compare the GRiSO to the Tuono. The Tuona will tip in easier but will not hold its line as well. The V4 is a great motor but not nearly as much engine braking as the Guzzi. It really comes down to your personal riding style. In the high country where I live engine braking is a preferred option, the GRiSO would get my nod for here. I have High tech and low tech road bikes and love them all for their individuality and nuances. The Grisso to me is every inch as rewarding to ride as my new Multistrada, just different (viva- la- difference). So you must make an honest appraisal on your needs, skill set and riding location and select around that criteria..
Good hunting.
PS I am your size with size 13 boots and have no issues with the seat/peg/bar ratio. Maybe a sheepskin seat cover will help a tad.

If you feel cramped on the GRiSO, it ain't gonna be better on the Tuono. lol
As for power, I manage to keep up just fine with the locals on sport bikes in the Mountains so if you have similar riding skills as mine or better you shouldn't feel limited by the GRiSO only 110 hp. You do have something wonderful that the coffee grinders don't have and it's torque.
I'd shed weight on the Guzzi way before I add horsepower because more ponies ain't gonna help much in the twisties, but less weight will.

If you wanna be silly, you can get these bikes down to 200kg wet. But if cornering and ground clearance is your thing then the main component that will give you riding pleasure, is a new hi-end rear shock with appropriate spring rate, with added length of about 10mm.

Seat padding and lower pegs/rearsets will then give the comfort without hindrance to the fun factor.

HP can only be used fully, on the open straighter roads, my nimble Guzzi only makes 76rwhp but has no problem with S1RR's in the tight stuff