Menus
- Beauty AND the Beast … a living legend.
- A concept come true. The Griso is, without a doubt, the most exclusive of the machines stamped with the Mandello eagle seal.
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Motorway and expressways
- Departmental
- Part-cycle
- Braking
- Comfort / Duo
- Consumption
- Conclusion
Beauty AND the Beast … a living legend.
A concept come true. The Griso is, without a doubt, the most exclusive of the machines stamped with the Mandello eagle seal.
It is also a synthesis of genres, combining both the stylistic codes of roadsters, cruisers, cafe-racers and muscle-bikes. Return to the stylistic origins while projecting oneself into the future. This is the whole ambitious challenge !
Introduced in 2005, the Griso is based on the evolution of the legendary 1100cc transverse V-twin. Its displacement increased to 1200 cm3 and was fitted with 4-valve cylinder heads, in 2007, taking the name 8V. Reworked in depth in 2010, the twin is always more sporty and demonstrative. And in its SE (Special Edition) livery, this test model is also a feast for the eyes. Neo-retro-sport: a new antidepressant solution from Italy.
Discovery
Difficult to put a qualifier at the outset. Long, here is the first feeling. Impression accentuated by a long and flat reservoir extended by a saddle almost aligned on the same line. It is adorned with a color imitating leather, like a "club" armchair. Associated with the specific green color "Tenni", the layman could imagine a machine from across the Channel !
Very classic, the simple optics would have deserved a more complex design like that of its sister 1200 Sport. Under the headlight, the Showa 43mm fork is inverted and adjustable in compression and rebound. The Sachs rear shock allows adjustment in preload and rebound. Radial calipers with 4 pistons are responsible for braking the front wheel. The rear disc is clamped by a double piston caliper. Equipment worthy of a sportswoman…
While the engine block is large, the whole machine remains narrow. The discreet tubular steel frame, with its taut lines, further stretches the entire steering to the decks. Long and wide scoops, perforated and meshed, overhang the cylinder head covers. Like a mechanical organ, the Griso exhibits, on the left side, two generous exhaust manifolds, which flow into a voluminous silencer. Equally stylish, with a satin finish, it features a double exit, asymmetrical and structured. The transmission is of the acatene type, with a brand-specific CARC system. Remarkable in terms of comfort and efficiency, this single-arm gimbal also contributes to the aesthetics of the machine.
Coated in matt black, the twin highlights its metallic attributes and its fittings. Particularly aesthetic, the atypical transalpine benefits from a high-end finish and a remarkable design. Thus, we note the resumption of air vents on the rear shell and the successful integration of brake lights, indicators and foot levers. These bend and slip behind the frame plates … The remote radiator on the right side, the large aeronautical-type covering of the fuel cap, the massive handlebar bridges as well as the covering of the upper T and the fork adjustment attracts attention. This special edition also adopts spoked wheels, for even more charm..
In the saddle
Easily accessible with a seat height of 800 mm, the rider literally lands on the Griso, as the gasoline canister, not very bulging, seems to be absent. The seat is firm but comfortable. The arms drop onto the wide, flat handlebars and pull the torso slightly forward. The slightly retracted footrests complete the tilting of the body towards the 17-liter tank. The knees rest against the scoop notches and the measured flexion of the legs is comfortable. Ditto for the possible passenger who also has a good seat. But the Griso is a possessive mistress towards its owner … and therefore devoid of grab handles for the companion.
The turn signal / horn controls are reversed, causing, at the beginning only, a few horn concertos. The counter unit consists of a large tachometer and an LCD window. The usual functions are grouped there to choose from on the left stalk in 3 modes. The first two each include partial odometers, journey time, average consumption, maximum and average speed. The third allows the user to start a stopwatch, check the battery voltage and further configure the machine (choice of maximum speed for the shiftlight, display language, etc.). New possibilities. The tachometer, exterior temperature, clock and kickstand extended indicator are also displayed. This one is in custom fashion: positioned far forward and massive. However, no fuel gauge or gear indicator engaged. This last point is of little importance, 3rd or 4th gear can do almost everything.
The clutch and brake controls are hydraulic with adjustable levers. The mirrors give a correct field of vision and are easy to handle.
In the city
The initialization of the injection is almost imperceptible when the ignition is switched on. This silence further underlines the chanting to come. Pressing the starter causes the Griso’s engine block to cough deeply. The beauty of Mandello comes to life with strong vibrations and a serious sound as unique as it is delightful. To the slow and syncopated rhythm of its two large cylinders, including overturning torque.
A few hectometers are necessary for him to perfectly warm his voice. Time to take stock of a promising driving force. The roaring Italian quickly tears off the asphalt at each traffic light, forcing her rider to grip the handlebars firmly. This does not facilitate the narrow interface but does not unduly limit urban developments. Well balanced with a rather low center of gravity, the Griso has light steering. The entire nose gear, however, takes the crew on a tight U-turn. No wonder considering the length of the machine. The turning radius is comparable to that of a Triumph … pretty decent for the Italian. On the other hand, the injection can generate jerks when cold or under regime on roundabouts.
The gearbox, very precise but slightly slower than average, is only indicated by the audible click at each gear shift. You can feel the mechanics and the heavy flywheel working. However, the engine exhibits little inertia. Flexible on intermediate gears, it knocks, beyond, under 2,000 rpm. Thus, the 4 ° allows you to run smoothly at 40 km / h and 1,500 laps, but the 6 ° requires a speed of at least 500 additional laps. A more than honorable result for this 1200cc cathedral … While it is fun to play drag on the boulevards, the Griso longs for more space.
Motorway and expressways
The third gear throws the roaring diva to over 165 km / h, on the edge of the red zone … The gleaming transalpine is showing enthusiastic vigor. The acceleration turns beauty into a wild beast. It is possible to reach 220 km / h in sixth. The flat tank then offers an ideal space to find a meager shelter, the protection being non-existent. An optional bubble will improve comfort a little. At the expense of the look !
Resting on the wrists, the position allows you to withstand a 130 km / h cruise without suffering too much. Except for boredom! The secondary network is calling you, join the.
Departmental
This is where this Guzzi expresses herself best. A true factory of sensations, the Griso lets its driver dawdle both in the countryside and attack the bends with dynamism. Delight of music lovers, whatever movie is playing before your eyes, the soundtrack is huge! Beyond 4,000 rpm, the air box resonates deeply. The organ serving as an escapement roars in unison. The maximum torque of 11.3 m / kg carried the crew unabated, from 3,500 laps in the red zone! The turns then follow each other quickly and …, alas, the side stand comes to temper the wildest ardor. Thus protecting the collectors. The Griso is not a sports car … not even really a roadster. The hypersports that I was following take hold on these small bends, letting me wind the curves more elegantly. The measured ground clearance and the large wheelbase make you regret not being able to take advantage of a leading chassis. Rigorous, precise, we would like to be able to take him even stronger, without reservation. However, here again, the mixture injected must be lean and sometimes makes it difficult to stay on a trickle of gas in a curve..
A little frustrated, we then jump on the radial caliper brakes. Powerful, progressive and enduring, they are completely in line with the philosophy and performance of the Griso, but lack a bit of bite. The rear is more delicate to measure and requires a more constant effort, thus delivering a strong slowing down. A simple lever adjustment should resolve this point..
Returned to a more fluid pace, the pleasure remains intense. The slightest rotation of the right grip lengthens the arms and widens the pilot’s smile. The Metzeler M5 interact’s rubber absorbs the energy of the Italian twin without flinching. Neutral and efficient, they let the pilot concentrate on the trajectories and the pleasure of riding on the most temperamental eagle in the family.
Part-cycle
Efficient and safe, the Griso is easy to handle, reassuring but also allows a more committed piloting, with the same panache. The suspension tuning is excellent and the machine does not come apart even in sharp turns on more degraded roads.
Braking
In view of the high overall performance, an additional attack, when taking the levers, would have pleased the most demanding. The rear brake deserves more progress, the pedal pushing too low on the test model.
Comfort / Duo
The all-metal footrests vibrate little, like the rest of the bike once launched. A challenge for this mechanical architecture. Only the Italian "good vibes" remain. Trips of 300 to 400 km are possible, but only on board. More exclusive than its sisters, the Griso has only one owner. The Guzzi’s raw character does not cope well with a passenger. Its sumptuous line also…. Deprived of handles, the beauty will only lend itself to the duo with bad grace and at the whim of your companion.
The practical aspects can be summed up in 4 mooring studs under the rear hull. Once dismantled, the saddle only reveals access to the battery and fuses, without any storage space.
Consumption
Optimized, both in terms of mechanical approval and consumption, the Moto Guzzi twin-cylinder still consumes more than 7 liters of unleaded, on average. With 17 liters of which 3.5 are reserve, the autonomy is just correct. Depending on the type of journey or the mood of the pilot, the switch to reserve occurs after 160 to 190 kilometers. Logic for 1200 cc of raw pleasure.
Conclusion
The Griso combines a neoclassical line with breathtaking modern mechanics. Full and available at any speed, the Guzzi can be cruised as much as a nasty roadster. It can evoke certain planes of the last century, both in its slender lines and its large engine with voluminous exhausts. The transalpine runs the map of authenticity.
Offered at € 12,490 in this special version (€ 11,990 as standard), the Griso, although expensive, seems well positioned. Competition will come from the Ducati Monster 1100 EVO, priced at € 11,690 or Yamaha MT01, asking € 16,990. The first is undoubtedly sportier than its cousin Mandello and especially much lighter, with its 168 kilos dry! The second offers a much more current style and is not stingy with sensations either. Its rather particular look can nevertheless put off the lover of "beautiful" mechanics..
The Griso is a must-try for any rider looking for a sensational and stylish machine. As strong in mouth as in character, it is aimed at aesthetic bikers and weary of more sanitized motorcycles. Its remarkable finish completes a very positive emotional toll. That it is sometimes difficult to deGrise ….!
Strong points
- engine character and performance
- aesthetic
- finishes
- front braking
Weak points
- injection spurts
- low-dose rear brake
- occasional duet
The Guzzi Griso 1200 technical sheet
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