Hi all,
I'm Olof Ekman, from the south of Sweden. I've just completed the very first 100 km on my brand new 2014 1200SE and could not be happier.
I've been on bikes for 35 years. After a string of Ducatis (998, 748R, MH900e, SSie, 749, Monster, 1000, S2R) I discovered Guzzi. I spent this summer on a V7 Special (very nice quality bike, with lots of character and perfect for real road riding) but then I noticed this GRiSO sitting in the showroom of my local dealership. I had to have it.
It took four weeks to get the deal sorted. This gave me time to read up on the massive history of Guzzi and learn about the amazing GRiSO. I am really impressed with all the knowledge out there, and the kind sharing of everybody, on every possible topic. This is what I came across (and please correct me if you see any errors):
- Engine oil: Stick to 10W60 fully synthetic, e.g. Motul 7100, and keep level between the lines. Try 3 liters to begin with.
- Oil temp: the GRiSO is overcooled and struggles in winter to get above 80C. An RR dipstick thermometer and oil cooler cover is worth trying.
- Gearbox and diff oil: Redline Shockproof Heavy works really well, but needs changing every now and then (5-10000 km).
- Suspension settings: sag (37 mm front, 33 mm rear, reduce factory compression and damping and perhaps raise the fork legs to 5th or 6th line
- Mapping: early bikes were rough but newer behave better as long as they are set up properly (not always the case) and keep the stock airbox and exhaust. Not perfect, however. All run the MM 5AM ECU. Lots of good aftermarket maps for open air and exhausts.
- Technical issues: few, if any, after replacing flat tappets with rollers. Plastic fuel tank swelling seems not to be an issue as for Ducati and KTM (different material, anyone knows?). Make sure to grease the rear splines, swingarm and linkage bearings as they may come close to dry from Mandello.
- Owners: Seems to be a great bunch. What's more, people really seem to fall in love with their bikes, even when plagued by niggles.
With all this in mind I waited impatiently for my bike. I also got the mechanic to do the greasing (and yes, it was close to dry) while it was on the bench for setup.I finally got it this week, but weather effectively ruled out any riding until today. Here's a photo from today, ín front of the local preserved Caltex petrol station (Mörarp, if anyone is interested).
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]Verdict after 100 km:
First impression is that it is really well behaved. Solid idle and not at all vibey, jerky or hunting on cruise. Neither are there any flat spots as far as I can notice. It is really night and day compared to both what I was prepared to put up with, and compared to what I've been used to from the Ducati world. And much better than the V7, which was not bad at all. For the GRiSO, the P.A.D.S. printout from the setup lists the mapping as 2230G803, which I guess is the "03-map" I see people talk about.
Second impression is that this is really a great bike. Well balanced, magnificent engine and featherlight and precise gearbox. Not much driveline lash either. Despite really horrible riding conditions today (+4C, damp and greasy roads with loose gravel) I had more fun than I have had in years. Plus that the build quality and attention to detail is really impressive. So life is pretty much perfect right now.
Thanks for a great forum!
Regards,
Olof
Subject: Hi from Sweden 
Sun Dec 14, 2014 11:07 am
welcome,
What are those 40's or 50's era pumps behind the bike?