|
|||||||
| Archives - Production Motorcycles |
New Bike Tests: 2009 Moto Guzzi Griso - From RoadBike October 2009
 The Hit Man By Steve Lita, Photos by Bob Feather In the May 2009 issue of RoadBike, staffer Jon Langston pointed out that Moto Guzzi strangely names its dual-sport motorcycle the Stelvio 1200 4V, which runs virtually the same engine Guzzi’s long, low, naked muscle bike reviewed here; the Quattrovalvole engine-equipped cruiser that goes by the name Griso 8V. I may not speak Italian, but I get it: quarto equals four, meaning the engine features a four-valve head. I guess Guzzi wanted to impress. Quite frankly, it didn’t have to dicker around with a numbers game, the Griso itself is the impresser. The name Griso comes from a character in Italian literature who was an enforcer. Fitting. Formerly outfitted with the Breva’s 1100cc air-cooled V-twin engine (with two valves per cylinder), the Griso has been around for a few years, but this year gets a power and torque boost with the extra 100cc and two more valves in each head. While externally the new motor is aligned in the traditional Guzzi style — it looks very much the part a Guzzi engine, mounted transversely in the Griso’s beautiful tubular framework — internally the V-twin has undergone significant changes, including some 563 new components to produce higher performance and reliability. The completely reworked engine features new compact heads housing those namesake four valves, each of which are operated by a single camshaft that is driven by a noiseless timing chain. The four-valve design substantially increases the volume of air and gas flowing into the 1151cc air- and oil-cooled power plant, producing 110 hp at 7500 rpm (up approximately 20 hp from the previous 1100cc engine). The compression ratio is a healthy 11.1:1, and helps churn out the low-end grunt of 79.7 ft-lbs. of torque at 6400 rpm. Twin 50mm throttle bodies with Weber injectors electronically usher in the fuel, and a cool looking 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust system with an over-under, shotgun outlet move the fumes out. Cooling fins on this engine have been aligned to better dissipate engine heat with the passing airflow. Some local Guzzi purists questioned me on whether the plastic shroud on the right-side-mounted oil cooler had warped from excessive heat, but our demo had not experienced any such symptom. The transmission is a smooth six-speed gearbox which passes power to the rear via the massive, single-sided swingarm and enclosed drive shaft. The shaft drive is excellent for handling the power, keeping things clean and maintenance low. It’s almost a shame the exhaust canister obscures the view of the smooth three-spoke rear wheel. By the way, the rear suspension swings with the help of a fully adjustable monoshock with remote gas reservoir. The striking black and silver persona of the Griso is attractive, muscular, and well-fitted. The low, wide, tubular black handlebar at the front lends to a slightly tilted, forward-reaching posture, but on all-day rides, I was not uncomfortable in the least. The gas tank features a large aircraft-style filler neck and the obligatory collection of too many warning stickers from the factory (nothing a hairdryer and an afternoon of detailing couldn’t fix). Slightly rear-set footpegs lend to the aggressive riding posture, but with this much power on tap and the whole power cruiser attitude in full swing, I can’t imagine forward controls on the Griso. The instrumentation is a combination of a round analog tach and inset square LCD that calls up speed, trip computer, clock, average fuel consumption, and voltage. The front end utilizes fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside-down forks, now with carbon nitride treatment on the sliders. Although not intended for sportbike handling, the long and low Griso handled well in sporty twisty riding. Even if I had to manhandle it a bit, the stability was there. This bike feels solidly planted in corners, and a twist of the right wrist produces roaring pulling power that put a grin on my face every time. Stopping power up front comes from the use of top-of-the-line, radial-mounted, Brembo four-piston brake calipers on both sides, which grab dual floating 320mm wave rotors made for Moto Guzzi by Braking brand. The rear wheel is slowed with a Brembo two-piston caliper mated to a 282mm standard round disc. Sportbike spec-sized rubber of 120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear are mounted on high-grade aluminum Marchesini wheels. Nothing but the best for the Griso. Available in classy Guzzi Black or a good-guy Moon White, the Griso is not only up in engine size and valve count, but also in retail price from its 1100cc predecessor by about $800. But that’s a bargain considering the added power, engine improvements, and upgraded braking components. If you’re looking for a fun cruiser with built-in attitude, the Griso has the muscle to pull off da job, boss. RB
Spec Sheet List Price $14,290 |
