11-28-2018, 03:22 PM
I own a 2012 Tenni Griso (the best looking one of the bunch - just ask me!). I got because I didn't think Honda would bring the CB to the States and she is beautiful.
Then Honda brought in the CB so I had to get one. So I have both. Thought the Griso would be surplus but it turns out they are pretty different machines.
Couple months ago I picked up a 2014 CB (no road time yet, title issues should be sorted next week), not a real fan of the black but other bits seem cool.
I prefer the Griso on road trips. Higher output alternator so she can run all the heated gear and the GPS - and the ham radio for APRS with not a whimper. The big V twin motor is like a steam locomotive and soaks up the miles like a champ. Handles the big sweepers very nicely and with Road Pilot 4's on her does fine in the tighter bits. In town she is a chore.
The CB, while OK on the open road (the 2013......) the motor is buzzier, the vibes have a higher frequency so not as user friendly as the Griso. But the clutch is lighter and the drive train is very city friendly. With stock tires or Road Pilot 3's it is super in town . Handles like a 450-550. Nice torquie motor too. Better in the tighter twistie bits.
Never rode the BMW but I've sat on one. Too small for my lanky frame. So is the Griso so I finally have her up for sale. If I replace her, it will be with a DL1000 or the Africa Twin.
The CB and Griso are really pretty different. I too had to the flat tappets replaced with rollers. About $700 out of pocket for labor. Guzzi sprung for the kit. AFter 2012 they put rollers in all their bikes. That has been, so far, my only issue with the bike. Guzzi's tend to have issues up front if they are going to have them, then remain sorted. As I type this I remember an cracked oil breather hose that leaks oil I need to address. sigh. Doing the valves is very easy - no shims. My biggest complaint - the stock seat is terrible, I"m good for about 10 minutes. The bike is really too cramped for me. Other folks find the seat just fine. AFter 6 years it's time to part ways with the Griso.
The CB will stay. Maybe even both. Not sure I can justify both though so I see the 2014 moving on too (once she is road legal again) - I'm just not in a hurry to let her go. If she was red...........
Then Honda brought in the CB so I had to get one. So I have both. Thought the Griso would be surplus but it turns out they are pretty different machines.
Couple months ago I picked up a 2014 CB (no road time yet, title issues should be sorted next week), not a real fan of the black but other bits seem cool.
I prefer the Griso on road trips. Higher output alternator so she can run all the heated gear and the GPS - and the ham radio for APRS with not a whimper. The big V twin motor is like a steam locomotive and soaks up the miles like a champ. Handles the big sweepers very nicely and with Road Pilot 4's on her does fine in the tighter bits. In town she is a chore.
The CB, while OK on the open road (the 2013......) the motor is buzzier, the vibes have a higher frequency so not as user friendly as the Griso. But the clutch is lighter and the drive train is very city friendly. With stock tires or Road Pilot 3's it is super in town . Handles like a 450-550. Nice torquie motor too. Better in the tighter twistie bits.
Never rode the BMW but I've sat on one. Too small for my lanky frame. So is the Griso so I finally have her up for sale. If I replace her, it will be with a DL1000 or the Africa Twin.
The CB and Griso are really pretty different. I too had to the flat tappets replaced with rollers. About $700 out of pocket for labor. Guzzi sprung for the kit. AFter 2012 they put rollers in all their bikes. That has been, so far, my only issue with the bike. Guzzi's tend to have issues up front if they are going to have them, then remain sorted. As I type this I remember an cracked oil breather hose that leaks oil I need to address. sigh. Doing the valves is very easy - no shims. My biggest complaint - the stock seat is terrible, I"m good for about 10 minutes. The bike is really too cramped for me. Other folks find the seat just fine. AFter 6 years it's time to part ways with the Griso.
The CB will stay. Maybe even both. Not sure I can justify both though so I see the 2014 moving on too (once she is road legal again) - I'm just not in a hurry to let her go. If she was red...........