rocketman
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Posts posted by rocketman
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Just to follow up and to bring this thread to a conclusion. The hunt is over. I just purchased a used 07 Griso. The suspension is pretty darn good (still fine tuning and learning more about it). Wow, and easy to work on!. Remove 3 screws and pop off the 2 rubber keeper gromlets and the side plastic is off and the valve covers are exposed. Pipes aren't in the way for getting a socket on the crank to turn it over. Everything is so accessible. The air cleaner is under the seat. How cool is that. Maintenance is a snap. I thought my V11 Lemans was a pain to work on. Thanks to everyone for your input. This is one cool bike. I think Pete Roper said it best when he said Moto Guzzi hit a home run when they made the Griso.
Rod
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I got a chance to ride a friends Griso 1100 (only 30 minutes). Very nice. It does what I hoped. You can either take it easy and enjoy the ride, or you can have fun goosing it up. Suspension felt good. I'm gonna get me one
. Thanks for all of your input guys. -
They are. Fit a screen and you can even cruise at grossly illegal speeds with no effort and after you've set up the suspension it will outhandle many 'superior' machines. It has got a very long wheelbase but the wide bars make it easy to fling around.
Pete
That's what I wanted to know. Thanks Pete
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Lloyd,
I like your comments about the riding experience on both bikes. Quite helpful. I also want to be able to kick back and ride slow at times. Something that owning a cruiser has given me an appreciation for. My hope is the Griso is capable of kick back, smell the roses riding. One of the problems in riding a sport bike, everything is a frigging racetrack, and the bike is just laughing at you unless you are wringing it's neck. My V11Lemans wasn't comfy unless going 70 - 90. Slow speeds were killer with those clip-ons. I want a standard style bike that is happy doing both. I don't know if the Griso is that bike.
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Thanks for weighing in on the topic Greg. I knew you would. When the new guzzis came out the Griso appealed to me most. But, reason and logic took over, and I bought the Norge. You know the story...not happy. Had trouble with the CARC and didn't care for the suspension and handling. Have the 07 Griso's had CARC failures?
After the Norge I got an FJR, sold it and now have a cruiser. The cruiser is hard on my back (had to get a backrest). I think I want to go back to the standard, feet underneath, upright bars, riding position. I think too that I get bored with my bikes and seem to want a different one every year. The Griso sounds like a big improvement over the v11's.
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Good info you guys. I really appreciate it. I would use the bike for all of the above, day tripper, commuter, and some touring. According to Pete the key is setting up the Griso suspension properly. As I mentioned, I did have a v11 Lemans with the marz suspension so I know what to expect as for as the rest of the bike is concerned. I need to test ride the Griso. Prices are coming way down too. Thanks again.
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It's been a few years since posting on this board but I am entertaining getting another guzzi and need some advice. I have owned the standard v11 Lemans and a Norge. Both are now gone. I liked the v11 motor more than the Norge's 1200. What I didn't like about the standard lemans was the marz suspension. And, my wrists and neck can no longer tolerate the clipons so I'm leaning toward a 04 v11 Cafe Sport or Coppa Italia with the standard bars.
I'm seeing some good deals on these Ohlins sporting beauties lately ($6500-$7000 range). I also see used Grizo 1100's for around $8500. My hesitation about the Griso is the suspension. I have heard a mixture or comments from great to way too stiff. Does anyone have experience with the Ohlins v11 suspension versus the Griso 1100 suspension? Which is better? My guess is that the Ohlins is better. But I do love the looks of the Griso. Greg Field are you out there?
Thanks
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I rode the 1200 S and find the engine really not lacking in the power department for a two valvers. The bike is definitively more of a long distance runner compared to the Griso 8V, just the way the rider is slightly less exposed to the wind, the seat is more comfy, and more confort for the pillion too.
I think comparing the two isn't easy, but I would wait for the 8V to do its (very likely) maladies de jeunesse.
Wait for the 8V 1200s. I venture to say all the new guzzis will eventually have the 8V motor. And, by waiting, you give Guzzi a chance to improve the other components too (final drive, suspension, gauges, etc.).
just my 2 cents.
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Yes I am selling my silver Norge. It's a beautiful motorcycle and does everything very well but I have decided to defect and try something other than Guzzi. My loss is your gain. Purchased at Moto International in Seattle.
6000 miles
New condition
New rear tire (on the way)
Meticulously maintained
$12,500
Rod
Salem, OR.
503-508-1948
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Hi John,
I purchased a leftover '04 Cafe Sport.
1) I haven't had any problems with this.
On 2), when I first got the bike, I had forgotten the clutch must be in to start, even if in neutral. My mistake.
3) Same problem, new sensor (it's in the fuel tank) replaced under warrantee.
4) Tipover valve had to be tie wrapped in correct vertical position.
5) I didn't have this problem
I'm very happy with my Cafe Sport, and thanks to all the cautions and solutions on this Forum, I feel confident I'll be riding this bike for many years to come.
Cheers,
Ryland3210,
What do you think of the ohlins suspension on your cafe sport? I used to own a 04 lemans with the standard suspension and I wasn't impressed with the suspension. I have heard that the ohlins is awesome compared to the marz and sachs. I now have a Norge and am missing certain things about my v11. I'm thinking about selling it and getting a cafe sport.
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New member...first post!
I am on the verge of selling my long-cherished SAAB 9000 Aero to finance my first V11 (have a redone '74 LAPD and figure it's time to move to the modern age).
For roughly the same money I have the option to pick up either a new 2004 Ballabio stock, a used (~9500mi) 2004 Cafe Sport with motobits controls, titanium exhaust and a rack or (for slightly less) a stock 2004 Cafe Sport that's a bit scratchy and raggedy (only ~4500 miles) with a warranty.
For those who have owned/ridden both (or anyone with an opinion really ;-} ) any recommendations or things to look for?
Also are Ohlins really *that* much better?
Having owned an 04 Lemans with standard suspension I would definately lean toward the 04 cafe sport with the tit exhaust, especially if it's the MG exhaust kit which now sells for $1550 new. The ohlins suspension is superior to the standard suspension of the ballabio. Even though the stock cafe sport you are considering may have less miles and some warranty left I would choose the one that has had better care. I would not be afraid of 9500 miles but make sure you get the stock parts, you may not like the motobits controls. The stock pegs are excellent. I really like the cafe sport. It is much better looking than the Ballabio. The Ballabio is boring. How much money we talkin about? Good luck.
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In Passo Falzarego (Dolomiti) last summer:
Passo Sella:
Marmolada:
And Mandello at the GMG:
Max Scura,
Please tell me about your Scura seat. Looks like a custom corbin jobby. Your last pic looks like you have the rear cowling on it while previous pics appear to be without. Does it work with or without the cowling? I'm asking because I am considering a custom corbin saddle for my 04 Lemans.
Thanks
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Lamedog,
I don't know the particulars of California law. If I remember correctly registering a used bike with x miles (I don't remember the minimum) in California is no big deal. Not the same as registering a new one. If Someone else has more knowledge about this please share it. Also, I would be willing to put the bike back to stock for you. ie. stock cans, ecu, and charcoal cannister.
Rocketman
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I love that Duc but have you sat on one? I bet those low clip-ons get painful quickly. Now if you could get the dealer to throw a GT1000 top clamp/tubular bar setup on there (and if it would clear the fairing) you would have a bike that might be a viable LeMans replacement.
The Lemans wins hands down. Way better looking, more reasonable riding position, more comfortable and functional. The Duc gives me cramps just looking at it.
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2004 Lemans, excellent condition, 17,500 miles, well maintained, all service records.
$6200
Rod
503-508-1948
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Thanks for the response & info. I think I'm now leaning toward Quat-D Ex Box system, if I can get it...
Geruguzzi,
I am "the guy" in Oregon that has the MG Ti kit that Greg mentioned. Yes, I will sell you the kit. It's in excellent condition. PM me if you want to talk.
Rocketman
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Tom M,
Just call them up, they dont have them on their website, but they know about guzzi's. They knew about my LeMans and have sold quite a few sets to the guzzi crowd, fit was perfect and they made a big difference. Give em a call, I'm sold, and they were fairly priced, let's me put some money away for a Honda Trail 90
Cheers,
Jon
Jon,
Do you have the marz front forks or the ohlins?
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I love the look of the MG cans, but have been scared off by the price. Not sure I could afford other mods once this is done.
If you get the MG ti kit you get the race ecu and if you don't change the crossover you won't need a powercommander. If you get some other after market cans you will need a powercommander to retune. It comes out to be a wash.
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I just swapped to a 170 Z6 and I'm really happy with the results. It turns in much easier than with the 180 BT020 but then all new tires turn in a lot better than squared off older ones.
I too switched to a 170 rear. I put on Pirelli Diablo Strada's. With the slightly more aggressive profile of the front tire combined with the 170 on the rear it is indeed more flickable. At first I thought it turned in too quick so I fooled with tire pressure until I found a nice balance. The bridgestone 180 always felt like it was turning in much slower than the front. Kinda truckish. I like it gooder now.
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Have you seen this little number from Italy. I'm a full face guy but this is cool.
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2004 Moto Guzzi LeMans, excellent condition, adult owned, meticulously maintained, always stored in warm dry garage. MG Titanium Race Exhaust kit, Throttle Meister Heavy bar end weights, new Pirelli Diablo Strada tires, Moto Guzzi tank bag and Service manual.
$7400.00
Rod
503-508-1948
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Thanks again guys. I ordered a 170 Z6 for the yesterday through a local independent shop who gave me a great price for the tire and mounting/balancing. He mentioned the Pirelli deal and an Avon deal but both were more track oriented tires than I was looking for. The shop owner is a long time racer so I asked him his opinion on the mismatched tire combo and he felt that I would be fine, as RH suggested. I'll throw a new Z6 on the front later this year. Here's a link to the shop for any of you MA guys out there who may need tires or gear sometime (Turo?)
Rocketman, I went with the Z6 because the Pirelli website shows the Corsa III tire as a "70% track, 30% street" tire. They give no indication of expected mileage but it doesn't sound like a 6k+ mile tire to me. I could of course be wrong on that though.
Rocker, I saw your "Moto Guzzis DO NOT LIKE Metzelers" comment in another thread, thought you were kidding. Care to elaborate?
Looks like you have done your research Tom. The Z6 is a very good tire. I still stand firm on the need to run matched tires. Good luck with your choice.
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Thanks for the replies guys.
Dan, are you running a 170 or a 180 on the rear? If 170, how do you like it? BTW, great avatar!
Rocketman, the current Pirelli free front tire deal is for a track day tire that I believe would wear out too quickly. Even if they are a great deal I don't want to burn through another set of tires before winter. I'm not a real aggressive rider and I don't do track days so I think a sport touring type tire would be more appropriate for me. I wish I had caught that 2 for 1 deal on the Stradas
Tom, the way I read the promo info is that the diablo corsa 111 rear tire is a dual compound street tire. Sticky wubba on the sides and longer lasting wubba in the center. "Street tires with racetrack performance". I would guess you are going to get at least 6K (or hopefully more) out of the back and that's all one could ever get out of the bt020's. Because these tires naturally turn in faster I would stick with the 180 rear. Besides, they don't offer it in a 170. For what it's worth
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My rear tire is shot, front still looks very good. Both are BT020. If Pirelli still had the 2 for 1 deal on the Stradas I'd buy a set but the Corsa deal that they are now offering doesn't interest me because I want a higher mileage tire. I read some of the other tire threads here and the Metz Z6 sounds like it would work well for me. I'm cheap so I'd rather not swap the front tire out at this time even though I'm not real thrilled with it.
So...does anyone here think that a Z6 on the back and a BT020 on the front is a bad idea? I will be going with a 170 instead of the 180 as suggested here too.
Thanks,
Tom
I got the diablo stradas with the last promotional deal from pirelli. I went with the 170 on the back. At first I was a little dissapointed. These tires turn in quicker than the bridgestones. Because they turn in quicker and because I went with the 170 on the back I thought they were too quick. Once I found the right tire pressure (32PSI front/36 PSI back) I am fairly happy with my choice. However, I do wonder what the strada 180 would feel like. If I were you I would take advantage of the current pirelli 2 fer 1 deal and replace both at this time. I too, cheaped out and ended up going through a few sets of the bt020s because I don't like mismatching tires. The back always wore out first but the front is never far behind.
2007 Griso 1100 (Price dropped to $7600)
in Personal Ads
Posted
I have decided to part with my Griso for various reasons but mainly because my wife has recently showed some interest in riding with me again and the Griso is not going to work for that. I am the second owner. I purchased it with 1200 miles on the clock. I serviced the bike as soon as I got it. It was originally purchased from Moto International. It has run in nicely and everything runs and works really smooth. I think I am going back to a 2007 FJR1300. Hopefully someone here will want this bike.
2007 Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 (Black)
Perfect condition
4600 miles
Mistral carbon fiber high pipe (Sounds fabulous)
CRG bar end mirrors
Adult owned
Always garaged
Purchased from Moto International
13 months of remaining Guzzi factory warranty (good thru November 2010)
New reduced price $7600 from $8600. Will consider some kind of trade for a 2007 or 2008 FJR1300A
email me at: 1radman5@comcast.net
I will send you high resolution pictures
or call me at 503-508-1948