MCN's Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 Evaluation - MCNews.com

Model Evaluation

indifferent mechanical systems, Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 would probably have a winner with the Griso
even if it didn’t work very well. So, how well
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designs and factory machinery outdated, Guzzi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,

by Dave Searle Moto Guzzi has risen from the rust.
Revised with a dedication to preserving the

NAMED AFTER THE famous character Griso in the classic authentic look of Moto Guzzi motors past that
Italian tragedy, I Promessi Sposi (“The Betrothed,” published would do justice to Harley-Davidson’s best efforts, the new engine
in 1824 by Alessandro Manzoni), it was explained. The story looks familiar but could hardly be more different inside. Under the
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
this same feeling, but too much of it, threatening tankslappers at
With its extra power, lighter weight (543 lbs. to the Breva’s 562) high speeds. Steering dampers will generally eliminate this kind of
and a shorter 26/36 primary drive ratio, rather than the Breva’s instability, but will interfere with steering feel at lower speeds unless
26/34, the Griso is easier on the clutch and therefore quicker off the they are of the electronically speed-sensitive variety. The Griso
line, with a solid advantage in the quarter-mile, 12.45 secs. @ 106.6 doesn’t have one, nor would we feel the need to add one. We could
mph to the Breva’s 13.10 @106.2 mph. The 0-60 mph time showed clearly feel the two ends of the Griso occasionally twisting under
the biggest advantage: 4.22 seconds for the Griso to the Breva’s acceleration on bumpy pavement, but we never got any hint of insta-
5.14 second time. Naturally, cruising rpm is also higher, 4040 rpm bility. In fact, with its high-traction Metzeler Rennsport rubber, it
at a true 65 mph for the Griso to the Breva’s 3800. The extra cruise seemed to revel in being thrown into turns.
rpm is also reflected in the relative gas mileage, highest for the taller
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-
piston fronts) with a large
The Griso’s powertrain may 282mm rear disc covered by a
be slightly more aggressive, but two-piston floating caliper.
the quality of its running gear Stainless braided lines are stan-
is the biggest difference versus dard. Although we would have
the gentlemanly Breva. expected some excellent stop-
ping numbers, they were only
Very athletic suspension average, just over 1.0 G, with a
components give the Griso best of 126.9'. However, used
Heisman Trophy-grade legs, very to trim speed precisely in fast
surefooted and agile in the cor- riding, the Griso’s brakes were
ners. The front forks are mas- very confidence inspiring. We
sive inverted 43mm cartridge were especially impressed with
units and feature deep lower the rear, which gives strong
triple clamps with three pinch stopping power and deceleration but without any sudden tendency
bolts on each side for excellent to lock, like so many bikes do. Guzzi’s patented CARC (Cardano
rigidity. The rear shock is a stout remote reservoir Sachs unit. Reattivo Compatto or Compact Reactive Shaft Drive); a device like
BMW’s Paralever, deserves a lot of the credit. By separating the
Both so artfully executed as to constitute eye candy, the front and ring-gear’s torque from the driveshaft housing, it eliminates the rear
rear suspension are fully adjustable for spring preload, as well as suspension rising on acceleration or dropping on decel, keeping the
compression and rebound damping. Travel is rated at 4.7" front, wheel on the ground when braking instead.
4.33" rear.
Instruments & Controls
Of course, higher grade fully adjustable parts allow the
suspension to be tuned to the rider’s preference, but because they are Well-equipped is the short answer. The Griso wears adjustable
underappreciated, they are often deleted from the specs to save reach handlebar levers and its foot controls feature Aprilia-style
money. Thankfully, the Griso has them. Too firm in stock trim, we eccentric tips for ideal reach and angle. However, the handlebars
tweaked the front fork by taking out 3⁄4 turn of preload, and adding garnered a few complaints from riders who found them too wide and
a half turn of rebound, for better compliance in our bumpy local far away. Taller testers were okay with the shape.
canyons. The rear wasn’t as sensitive and we didn’t have any real
issue with it until we ran at high speeds on the freeway, when we In terms of instruments, the Griso carries a handsome cluster of
found the rear end generated an eye-ball rattling pounding at 80-85 clearly marked displays: Digital speedo, analog tach, odometer plus
mph that felt like a gross wheel imbalance.We tried taking 3⁄4 turn trip computer functions, a lap timer, a shift light and even a voltage
from the rear spring preload and added a half-turn more compres- indicator. But we did notice that switching displays would zero the
sion and rebound to the shock, but didn’t eliminate it. We didn’t have current trip computer mileage, which seemed unnecessary.
that problem with the Breva at high speed, but it had more rear
travel (5.5" vs. 4.33"), which might have helped. We have to imag- Other attractive details include the two-tone seat, which is broad
ine it can be corrected, but we can’t tell you how. It was definitely and comfy, but perhaps a bit wide at the front to clear the frame
speed related and not apparent below 70 mph. rails for an easy reach to the ground. The oil cooler is another inter-
esting design, attractively housed beneath the right-hand cylinder.
The Griso uses a completely different chassis from the Breva. Although we could feel its heat being released in hot weather, it
With a large tubular steel exoskeleton visible sweeping over the top never became distracting. Even the charcoal canister, a veritable
of the motor, with an almost flat 4.54 gal. gastank above and flared hairy wart on so many motors, was stylishly housed, positioned
covers beneath with screened windows venting the bodywork. The horizontally beneath the starter motor.
Griso also carries the engine further back in the frame, with a longer
wheelbase, 61.2" to the Breva’s 58.9". Its steering geometry is Bottom Line
changed as well; 26.0° of rake with 4.25" of trail, to the Breva’s
25.5°/4.7" numbers. The Griso is so visually imposing, it reflects on its rider like a
thousand-dollar Italian suit. But it doesn’t make you give up sport-
The relative stiffness of these two chassis is what you notice most ing competence to have eye-popping style. Great fun to ride in the
about their handling. The Griso has a lot more chassis flex, which canyons, the optional windshield and saddlebags could open new
you don’t always associate with good handling. But, in fact, the vistas to its capability.
precise nature of what we call “handling feel” has a lot to do with
feedback from the chassis, which results from a subtle combina- Is its style too much? Who said a grown man’s motorcycle had
tion of lateral give in the wheels, suspension supports (fork, to mark him as a gray-flannel “grown-up?” Not Moto Guzzi!
swingarm) and the chassis itself holding the two ends in alignment.

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
Bore/stroke:..........92.0mm x 80.0mm @ 106.57 mph
Comp. ratio: ..............................9.8:1 0–60 mph ....................4.22 sec.
Fueling: ..........Weber-Marelli EFI with 0–100 mph..................11.53 sec.
60–0 mph ........................126.9'
40mm throttle bodies and automatic Power to Weight Ratio ........1:7.28
stepper motor idle control Speed @ 65mph indicated ......62.7

Exhaust: ......2–1 with 3-way catalyzer

DRIVE TRAIN M/C RATING SYSTEM

Transmission: ......................6-speed EXCELLENT ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂ
Final drive: Shaft w/C.A.R.C. torque arm VERY GOOD
RPM @ 65* mph/redline ..4040/8250 GOOD
FAIR
*Actual, not indicated POOR

DIMENSIONS ERGONOMICS TEMPLATE ––––––Open Standard ––––––

Wheelbase: ................................61.2" A 62.25" A: front of bike Engine ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓁ
Rake/trail ..........................26.0°/4.25" B 31" to rear most Transmission ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂ
Ground clearance: ........................7.0" seating position. Suspension ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓁ
Seat height :................................31.0" C 52.75" 39.25" Brakes ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓄ
GVWR: ..................................991 lbs. D 14.0" B: front of bike to Handling ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂ
Wet weight: ..........................543 lbs. center of handgrip. Styling ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂ
Carrying capacity: ..................448 lbs. 31" Riding Impression ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂ
C: front of bike to Instruments/Controls ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂ
SUSPENSION EF center of footpeg. Attention to Detail ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂ
Value ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓁᓂᓄ
Front:............43mm male slider forks, D: ground to center
adj. preload, comp. and reb. damping, of handgrip. OVERALL RATING ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓂᓁ

4.7" travel E: ground to center
Rear: single-sided swingarm, w/rising of footpeg.
rate shock linkage, adj. preload, comp.
F: ground to lowest
point of seat.

MISCELLANEOUS DYNAMOMETER DATA

and reb. damping,4.33" travel Instruments: ....digital speedo, analog Low end ᓂᓂᓂᓂᓄ 74.19 hp

•
BRAKES tach, odometer, tripmeter, trip Mid-range ᓂᓂᓂᓁᓄ SAE CORRECTED REAR-WHEEL TORQUE, LB. FT.
SAE CORRECTED REAR-WHEEL HORSEPOWER
Front: ..dual 320mm floating stainless computer, lap timer, battery voltage, Top end ᓂᓂᓂᓄᓄ 57.85 lb. ft.
steel discs, with four-piston Brembo ambient temp, coolant temp.
calipers Despite its relatively mod- •
Indicators: ........hi-beam, t/s, neutral, est output, the redesigned
Rear: ......282mm stainless steel disc, sidestand, immobilizer, oil pressure, OHV 1064cc V-twin RPM, THOUSANDS
two-piston, floating caliper low fuel makes a great impres-
sion. Smooth running,
TIRES & WHEELS MSRP: ..................................$13,490 torquey with excellent fuel
Routine service interval ........6250 mi. injection behavior and
Front: 120/70ZR17 Metzeler Rennsport Valve adj. interval: ................6250 mi. just the right amount of
on 3.50" x 17" triple-spoke wheel Warranty:......24 mo., unlimited miles. flywheel inertia, the motor
Colors: ....................Black, Corsa Red sounds great too.
Rear:180/55ZR17 Metzeler Rennsport
on 5.50" x 17" triple-spoke wheel

ELECTRICS TEST NOTES STANDARD MAINTENANCE
PICKS
Battery: ..............................12V, 18Ah Item Time Parts Labor
Ignition: Inductive discharge, digitally ᓂ Whiplash-inducing looks, outrageous but balanced details
ᓂ Delightful motor and transmission Oil & Filter ................0.4 ..........$18.75 + $20 $24.00
controlled electronic twin spark ᓂ Great suspension, handling and dry weather traction Air Filter....................0.3 ..........$24.02 ..........$18.00
Headlight: ..............................55/60W Valve Adjust..............0.5 ..........$14.00 ..........$30.00
PANS Battery Access..........0.1 ............MF ................$6.00
FUEL ᓂ Inadequate wind protection at high speeds Final Drive ................0.2 ................................$12.00
ᓂ Handlebar position requires long arms for comfort R/R Rear Whl. ..........0.5 ................................$30.00
Tank capacity: ......................4.54 gal. ᓂ A bit too wide between the legs for shorter riders Change Plugs............0.4 ..........$35.30 ..........$24.00
Fuel grade: ..........Premium unleaded Synch EFI..................0.4 ..........$40.00 ..........$24.00
High/low/avg. mpg: ....41.1/36.6/39.6
Totals 2.8 $152.07 $168.00

Visit us at www.mcnews.com q DECEMBER 2006 19