Moto Guzzi Griso 1100
Model Evaluation
indifferent mechanical systems, Moto Guzzi
would probably have a winner with the Griso
even if it didn’t work very well. So, how well
Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 does it work?
Griso: trusted henchman. partner in crime, extrovert
Breeding
To briefly recap Moto Guzzi’s perilous recent
past (see our test of the Breva 1100 in the August
MCN for more): On the brink of extinction, its
designs and factory machinery outdated, Guzzi
was purchased by Ivano Beggio’s Aprilia, which
had built one of the most modern design facilities
in Italy. Aprilia’s engineers could see the inher-
ent goodness of Moto Guzzi 40-year-old, 90°
longitudinal V-twin layout, and set to work updat-
ing its technology, eliminating its faults, and sup-
plying a measure of their own handling expertise.
Tragically, Aprilia broke its own bank renovating
Moto Guzzi, allowing the Piaggio Group to buy
both companies—undoubtedly another novel-
worthy story. But, the combined effort succeeded,
Moto Guzzi has risen from the rust.
by Dave Searle
Revised with a dedication to preserving the
authentic look of Moto Guzzi motors past that
NAMEDAFTERTHEfamous character Griso in the classic would do justice to Harley-Davidson’s best efforts, the new engine
Italian tragedy, I Promessi Sposi (“The Betrothed,” published
looks familiar but could hardly be more different inside. Under the
in 1824 by Alessandro Manzoni), it was explained. The story
valve covers, you have the same overhead valve layout that allows
takes place in 1628-1630 in northern Italy (same region as Moto
compact cylinder heads, but the valves and valve seats are new
Guzzi’s Mandello del Lario operations) at the time of Spanish rule
material. Two sparkplugs improve combustion efficiency. Even the
over the Duchy of Milan (Italy was still a group of feuding, inde-
head gaskets are new. Below the decks, nikasil-plated liners hold
pendent city states, constantly changing hands until unified in 1861).
new lightweight slipper pistons that get oil-cooling jets, coated skirts
The story is a classic because its characters still resonate today:
and higher wristpins to match up with longer connecting rods to
An arrogant Spanish nobleman, Don Rodrigo, intends to have his
reduce vibration. Improvements to the oiling system include an
way with the beautiful villager Lucia, who is engaged (betrothed)
easy-access external cartridge type filter. The changes make the
to young Renzo. Don Rodrigo’s chief henchman is Griso (“the gray
new motor much quieter and smoother running.
one”), who, as a commoner, committed murder in broad daylight in
Relocating the alternator from inside the front of the engine to a
the center of town. Griso avoids prosecution after he’s given pro-
new location between the cylinders was a visible change that has
tection, dressed in the livery of Don Rodrigo’s personal guards, a
several advantages: The new unit is a powerful, belt-driven, auto-
situation which demonstrates that both men are above the law.
motive-type air-cooled unit for much better durability and the unit’s
Although Griso’s kidnap attempt of Lucia fails, their escape divides
rotation, in the same direction as the crankshaft, serves to cancel a
the young lovers and the fictional portion of the tale (it’s partly his-
majority of the potent counterforce that used to steer a Guzzi’s
tory) covers the action during their years of separation.
chassis under sudden throttle changes, either accelerating or
Think what sort of character might deserve the name Griso today.
slowing. Plus, the engine could be moved forward and up for
The well-groomed thug in the thousand-dollar suit? The Don’s
better handling balance.
consigliere? The celebrity’s private eye? You get the picture:
The dry clutch is hydraulically actuated and gives great feel in
Muscle with an over-the-top style. That name was an inspired
routine use. But, as we’ve never had good luck with dry clutches in
choice, we’d say. Think of another bike that packs such ’tude in a
our acceleration testing, we made sure not to abuse it more than
look that doesn’t secretly try to imitate Milwaukee. Can’t? No, the
necessary to get a good quarter-mile run. It makes a bit of clatter
Griso is Continental muscle, Armani style. Only an Italian could
(quieter than a Ducati) when disengaged, but is otherwise a model
have fashioned such a coherent look that’s so outrageous in its
of good behavior.
individual details: Exhaust pipes 21⁄4" in diameter sweeping across
An advanced Marelli fuel injection system uses a lambda probe,
to the left side with a gigantic conical muffler capped by a 63⁄4" grill
knock sensor and a three-way catalyst to meet the toughest 2006
that should guard the business end of jet turbine; a 67⁄8"gascap sur-
regulations. Starting is handled automatically, no need to fiddle
round sized for an Indy car; massive 43mm forks inside 53mm stan-
with a choke lever. The engine’s throttle response is flawless, and
chions; handlebars over an inch in diameter at the middle, giant
one of an EFI system’s most telling aspects, its on/off smoothness,
brakes and bodywork with screened vents that play peekaboo like
is also excellent. We had no complaints.
fishnet stockings, to name a few. Exquisite in the smallest detail, the
Perhaps even better than the engine changes are the improve-
effect gives people whiplash on the street. Definitely a custom.
ments to the transmission, one of Moto Guzzi’s worst features years
“Nice bike, what’s that?” we’d hear over and over again—
ago. Using helically cut gears and dog-clutch shifters, the new
coming from guys you’d guess would favor Harley-Davidsons over
six-speed’s shift effort is very light, precise and often completely
Japanese product—pretty much confirms that Moto Guzzi hit the
silent as well. So easy to use, we’d always be in the right gear for
demographic bull’s-eye with this one. Motorcycle companies
the occasion, which makes a hard-to-measure difference to its over-
everywhere would die for that reaction to one of their products.
the-road performance, despite its relatively modest peak hp output.
Okay, we’ve covered the most important part of this bike’s
The Griso’s oversized exhaust plumbing and a larger airbox (vs.
appeal—looks. But, like certain stylish cars that sell well in spite of
the Breva), make a noticeable power difference. Our Breva made a
16
DECEMBER 2006 q MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS
peak power of 69.7 hp and 54.1 lb./ft. of torque. The Griso delivered
The Griso gives the kind of flex that makes it feel flickable and
74.19 hp and 57.85 lb./ft.
eager to steer—a very desirable quality. We’ve seen bikes that had
With its extra power, lighter weight (543 lbs. to the Breva’s 562)
this same feeling, but too much of it, threatening tankslappers at
and a shorter 26/36 primary drive ratio, rather than the Breva’s
high speeds. Steering dampers will generally eliminate this kind of
26/34, the Griso is easier on the clutch and therefore quicker off the
instability, but will interfere with steering feel at lower speeds unless
line, with a solid advantage in the quarter-mile, 12.45 secs. @ 106.6
they are of the electronically speed-sensitive variety. The Griso
mph to the Breva’s 13.10 @106.2 mph. The 0-60 mph time showed
doesn’t have one, nor would we feel the need to add one. We could
the biggest advantage: 4.22 seconds for the Griso to the Breva’s
clearly feel the two ends of the Griso occasionally twisting under
5.14 second time. Naturally, cruising rpm is also higher, 4040 rpm
acceleration on bumpy pavement, but we never got any hint of insta-
at a true 65 mph for the Griso to the Breva’s 3800. The extra cruise
bility. In fact, with its high-traction Metzeler Rennsport rubber, it
rpm is also reflected in the relative gas mileage, highest for the taller
seemed to revel in being thrown into turns.
geared Breva, 45.4 mpg aver-
The brakes are also top spec:
age, to the Griso’s 39.6 mpg.
Four-piston Brembos on twin
320mm floating rotors up front
Running Gear
(the Breva used cheaper two-
The Griso’s powertrain may
piston fronts) with a large
be slightly more aggressive, but
282mm rear disc covered by a
the quality of its running gear
two-piston floating caliper.
is the biggest difference versus
Stainless braided lines are stan-
the gentlemanly Breva.
dard. Although we would have
Very athletic suspension
expected some excellent stop-
components give the Griso
ping numbers, they were only
Heisman Trophy-grade legs, very
average, just over 1.0 G, with a
surefooted and agile in the cor-
best of 126.9'. However, used
ners. The front forks are mas-
to trim speed precisely in fast
sive inverted 43mm cartridge
riding, the Griso’s brakes were
units and feature deep lower
very confidence inspiring. We
triple clamps with three pinch
were especially impressed with
bolts on each side for excellent
the rear, which gives strong
rigidity. The rear shock is a stout remote reservoir Sachs unit.
stopping power and deceleration but without any sudden tendency
Both so artfully executed as to constitute eye candy, the front and
to lock, like so many bikes do. Guzzi’s patented CARC (Cardano
rear suspension are fully adjustable for spring preload, as well as
Reattivo Compatto or Compact Reactive Shaft Drive); a device like
compression and rebound damping. Travel is rated at 4.7" front,
BMW’s Paralever, deserves a lot of the credit. By separating the
4.33" rear.
ring-gear’s torque from the driveshaft housing, it eliminates the rear
Of course, higher grade fully adjustable parts allow the
suspension rising on acceleration or dropping on decel, keeping the
suspension to be tuned to the rider’s preference, but because they are
wheel on the ground when braking instead.
underappreciated, they are often deleted from the specs to save
money. Thankfully, the Griso has them. Too firm in stock trim, we
Instruments & Controls
tweaked the front fork by taking out 3⁄4 turn of preload, and adding
Well-equipped is the short answer. The Griso wears adjustable
a half turn of rebound, for better compliance in our bumpy local
reach handlebar levers and its foot controls feature Aprilia-style
canyons. The rear wasn’t as sensitive and we didn’t have any real
eccentric tips for ideal reach and angle. However, the handlebars
issue with it until we ran at high speeds on the freeway, when we
garnered a few complaints from riders who found them too wide and
found the rear end generated an eye-ball rattling pounding at 80-85
far away. Taller testers were okay with the shape.
mph that felt like a gross wheel imbalance.We tried taking 3⁄4 turn
In terms of instruments, the Griso carries a handsome cluster of
from the rear spring preload and added a half-turn more compres-
clearly marked displays: Digital speedo, analog tach, odometer plus
sion and rebound to the shock, but didn’t eliminate it. We didn’t have
trip computer functions, a lap timer, a shift light and even a voltage
that problem with the Breva at high speed, but it had more rear
indicator. But we did notice that switching displays would zero the
travel (5.5" vs. 4.33"), which might have helped. We have to imag-
current trip computer mileage, which seemed unnecessary.
ine it can be corrected, but we can’t tell you how. It was definitely
Other attractive details include the two-tone seat, which is broad
speed related and not apparent below 70 mph.
and comfy, but perhaps a bit wide at the front to clear the frame
The Griso uses a completely different chassis from the Breva.
rails for an easy reach to the ground. The oil cooler is another inter-
With a large tubular steel exoskeleton visible sweeping over the top
esting design, attractively housed beneath the right-hand cylinder.
of the motor, with an almost flat 4.54 gal. gastank above and flared
Although we could feel its heat being released in hot weather, it
covers beneath with screened windows venting the bodywork. The
never became distracting. Even the charcoal canister, a veritable
Griso also carries the engine further back in the frame, with a longer
hairy wart on so many motors, was stylishly housed, positioned
wheelbase, 61.2" to the Breva’s 58.9". Its steering geometry is
horizontally beneath the starter motor.
changed as well; 26.0° of rake with 4.25" of trail, to the Breva’s
25.5°/4.7" numbers.
Bottom Line
The relative stiffness of these two chassis is what you notice most
The Griso is so visually imposing, it reflects on its rider like a
about their handling. The Griso has a lot more chassis flex, which
thousand-dollar Italian suit. But it doesn’t make you give up sport-
you don’t always associate with good handling. But, in fact, the
ing competence to have eye-popping style. Great fun to ride in the
precise nature of what we call “handling feel” has a lot to do with
canyons, the optional windshield and saddlebags could open new
feedback from the chassis, which results from a subtle combina-
vistas to its capability.
tion of lateral give in the wheels, suspension supports (fork,
Is its style too much? Who said a grown man’s motorcycle had
swingarm) and the chassis itself holding the two ends in alignment.
to mark him as a gray-flannel “grown-up?” Not Moto Guzzi!
Visit us at www.mcnews.com q DECEMBER 2006
17
Model Evaluation
Left: Powered by Moto Guzzi’s redesigned 2-valve,
air-cooled 1064cc motor, the Griso manages to
have a very different character from the Breva,
which uses the same motor. Mounting the alternator
in the crotch of the Vee has eliminated most of the
formerly troublesome countertorque and allowed
the engine to be placed further forward for better
handling balance. Note the forward kickstand
placement, odd but actually convenient.
Right: Guzzi has always had a way with
instrumentation—the Griso’s is attractive with a
large analog tach and digital speedo. Note the
attractive triple clamps, handsome large diameter
handlebars and pretty fork adjusters. Bella.
Above: The seat is a bit wide at the front to match
the frame tube arrangement, but not too much,
and the cushioning is good for long-term comfort.
Note the massive exhaust pipe, one of several
oversized details that manages to give the bike a
muscular image that easily magnetizes eyeballs.
Right: The exhaust’s outlet fits the look somehow.
Left: Guzzi’s CARC torque control system works
like BMW’s Paralever to eliminate shaft drive torque
effects and allows powerful rear wheel braking.
Note the fully adjustable rear shock. The tires are
sticky Metzeler Rennsports for maximum traction.
TESTERS’ LOG
I was honestly surprised by the Griso, and intrigued enough by
From the wide handlebars to the huge headers to the large
its historical name to order the Italian classic I Promessi Sposi
diameter muffler, the Griso shouts massive with a capital M. Yet,
from our local library. Not bad for a book from the 1800s, with a
Moto Guzzi’s designers have nicely integrated all of the oversized
translation so colloquial that it sounded like the “Sopranos” in
parts and pieces into a well-proportioned whole. If you like to be
parts. A swaggering tough guy—the perfect namesake.
at the center of attention, look no further. Someone even pulled
Although I wasn’t immediately drawn to the bike’s high profile
alongside of me on a freeway and snapped a picture of this brute.
style, I had to admit they’d done an impressive job. It could have
Massive evaporates into agile as soon as the wheels begin to
easily looked cartoonish if it weren’t handled so well. Guys who
turn, and I’m surprised at how effortless it is to point the Griso
would prefer not to have just another customized Harley now
around a corner. And only the tires touched the ground while cor-
have a real choice, judging by the many positive reactions it got.
nering. Shifting needs only a very light touch, too, another surprise.
Better yet was the way it worked, and how it felt so different
Unfortunately, form wins out over function at the handlebars—
from the Breva. Where the Breva was relaxed and wanted you to
too wide and too straight. They need to be angled back more. And
ride at an unhurried pace, the Griso lived to unravel a twisty road
I found out the hard way that the average speed, max speed,
and had the traction, power, suspension, brakes and handling feel
time, etc., can’t be reset without also resetting the trip mileage.
to make you love every minute.
I don’t like that. Also, heat from the oil cooler was noticeable in hot
Aside from a high-speed thumping at the rear end that I weather but never did get intolerable.
didn’t get sufficient time to be sure couldn’t be dialed out with sus-
I’m beginning to think that the Griso is the best bike that
pension adjustment, it was a great ride.
—Dave Searle
Guzzi builds.
—Walt Fulton
18
DECEMBER 2006 q MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS
2007 Moto Guzzi Griso 1100
SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE DATA
ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
Type: ................Air-cooled 90° V-twin
Measured top speed ......129.3 mph
Valvetrain:........OHV, 2 valves per cyl.,
0–1/4 mile ..................12.45 sec.
Displacement: ........................1064cc
@ 106.57 mph
Bore/stroke: ..........92.0mm x 80.0mm
Comp. ratio: ..............................9.8:1
0–60 mph ....................4.22 sec.
Fueling: ..........Weber-Marelli EFI with
0–100 mph..................11.53 sec.
40mm throttle bodies and automatic
60–0 mph ........................126.9'
stepper motor idle control
Power to Weight Ratio ........1:7.28
Exhaust: ......2–1 with 3-way catalyzer
Speed @ 65mph indicated ......62.7
DRIVE TRAIN
M/C RATING SYSTEM
Transmission: ......................6-speed
EXCELLENT
Final drive: Shaft w/C.A.R.C. torque arm
VERY GOOD
RPM @ 65* mph/redline ..4040/8250
GOOD
FAIR
*Actual, not indicated
POOR
ERGONOMICS TEMPLATE
––––––Open Standard ––––––
DIMENSIONS
A: front of bike
Engine
A
62.25"
Wheelbase: ................................61.2"
to rear most
Transmission
Rake/trail ..........................26.0°/4.25"
seating position.
B
31"
Suspension
Ground clearance: ........................7.0"
B: front of bike to
center of handgrip.
Brakes
Seat height :................................31.0"
GVWR: ..................................991 lbs.
C: front of bike to
Handling
Wet weight: ..........................543 lbs.
center of footpeg.
Styling
Carrying capacity: ..................448 lbs.
"
D: ground to center
Riding Impression
5
"
C
52.75"
1
of handgrip.
.
2
3
Instruments/Controls
SUSPENSION
9
"
E: ground to center
3
.
0
4
Attention to Detail
of footpeg.
Front:............43mm male slider forks,
1
Value
F: ground to lowest
adj. preload, comp. and reb. damping,
D
E F
point of seat.
4.7" travel
OVERALL RATING
Rear: single-sided swingarm, w/rising
rate shock linkage, adj. preload, comp.
MISCELLANEOUS
DYNAMOMETER DATA
and reb. damping,4.33" travel
S
S
Instruments: ....digital speedo, analog
Low end
A
A
E
74.19 hp
E
C
C
O
O
BRAKES
tach, odometer, tripmeter, trip
Mid-range
•
R
R
R
R
E
E
computer, lap timer, battery voltage,
C
C
57.85 lb. ft.
Front: ..dual 320mm floating stainless
Top end
T
T
E
E
D
D
•
steel discs, with four-piston Brembo
ambient temp, coolant temp.
R
R
Despite its relatively mod-
E
E
A
A
calipers
Indicators: ........hi-beam, t/s, neutral,
R
R
est output, the redesigned
-
-
W
W
Rear: ......282mm stainless steel disc,
sidestand, immobilizer, oil pressure,
OHV 1064cc V-twin
H
H
E
E
E
E
L
L
two-piston, floating caliper
low fuel
makes a great impres-
H
T
sion. Smooth running,
O
O
R
R
MSRP: ..................................$13,490
S
Q
TIRES & WHEELS
torquey with excellent fuel
E
U
P
E
Routine service interval ........6250 mi.
injection behavior and
O
,
W
L
B
Front: 120/70ZR17 Metzeler Rennsport
E
Valve adj. interval: ................6250 mi.
just the right amount of
.
R
F
T
on 3.50" x 17" triple-spoke wheel
flywheel inertia, the motor
.
Warranty:......24 mo., unlimited miles.
sounds great too.
Rear:180/55ZR17 Metzeler Rennsport
Colors: ....................Black, Corsa Red
RPM, THOUSANDS
on 5.50" x 17" triple-spoke wheel
TEST NOTES
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
ELECTRICS
PICKS
Item
Time
Parts
Labor
Battery: ..............................12V, 18Ah
Whiplash-inducing looks, outrageous but balanced details
Oil & Filter ................0.4 ..........$18.75 + $20 $24.00
Ignition: Inductive discharge, digitally
Delightful motor and transmission
Air Filter ....................0.3 ..........$24.02 ..........$18.00
controlled electronic twin spark
Valve Adjust..............0.5 ..........$14.00 ..........$30.00
Headlight: ..............................55/60W
Great suspension, handling and dry weather traction
Battery Access ..........0.1 ............MF ................$6.00
FUEL
PANS
Final Drive ................0.2 ................................$12.00
R/R Rear Whl. ..........0.5 ................................$30.00
Inadequate wind protection at high speeds
Tank capacity: ......................4.54 gal.
Change Plugs............0.4 ..........$35.30 ..........$24.00
Fuel grade: ..........Premium unleaded
Handlebar position requires long arms for comfort
Synch EFI..................0.4 ..........$40.00 ..........$24.00
High/low/avg. mpg: ....41.1/36.6/39.6
A bit too wide between the legs for shorter riders
Totals
2.8
$152.07
$168.00
Visit us at www.mcnews.com q DECEMBER 2006
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