Test riding RBOE's baby

[the Ferret]

I think all the Euro bikes I have ridden over the years BMW's, Ducati's, KTM's, Moto Guzzi's prefer to be revved. I think the 2500 -3500 rpm lugging is a particular American style of riding where we want the rpms too be as low as possible even with our sedate speed limits Europeans must value high speed spirited riding and build bikes that reflect that.

[CIP57_imp]

We have a motorcycle shop in town (Hunter Motorcycle // Yamaha Dealer) that was opened in 1968 by Erik & Dorothy Guenkel. Erik is a long time motocross rider for team Yamaha. They recently sold the building and business which re-opened yesterday. Had a chance to look and sit on a few Moto Guzzi's.

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[Capo]

I was exaggerating just a bit. It's closer to 36".

Ya, confirmed, CARC is now history. Guzzi will concentrate on the V9 (some say the V7 is not yet quite dead) and the 1400 lump and all of its' derivatives. For the simple reason as that is were the sales numbers are.

We tease gals about buying shoes because they are pretty but that is the main reason I bought the Tenni Griso. Dang she is a looker. More power than I'll ever need too.

The new map the guys came up with let the Griso pull from deep in the basement. Around 1000rpm. Idle is at 1200 so I guess from idle up. Not unlike the CB. They have maps for the stock pipe and many of the popular after market pipes. I don't hear my pipe at speed (anything above 55 or so) but when I've done high speed passes of fellow riders they say it sounds pretty good. Stock pipe too.

Guzzi's in general are much freer reving lumps than other V twins. I hit the rev limiter (8500) from time to time, usually on the entrance ramp - I've been known to forget to shift - as the motor does not act like she is sweating or running out of breath. If you run under 4K you are lugging her.

Now that said, it sounds like a lot of rpm's but it certainly does not feel like it. The CB is much more busy at 4K than the Griso. I think it's because of two fewer cylinders firing away. I bet you could get used to it, especially with the new map. But I don't think you are a Griso person (I rarely fit the mold myself!) so don't take that as trying to sell you one.

The Griso is a wild Italian woman that many guys fantasize about; the CB is the one most will marry.

I agree, I had to divorce my Tenni Griso, she tried to burn my house down...but I still fantasize about her. I'd cheat on the CB with another!

Jury still out on the V9, I hope they come up with some more interesting derivatives.

[redbirds_imp]

My 1100 Breva was just as you described Ferret. Above 4K, smooth and quick but rough at lower rpms. The Breva has a tighter wheel base than the Griso and turns in well even at low speeds. The brakes on mine felt much like those on the CB, strong and easy to modulate. The Breva was traded for the CB and I've never regretted the move. Guzzi's are an acquired taste and I might have another one day but I'm keeping the CB.

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[rboe]

Guzzi folks and CB1100 folks seem to go together fairly well. Maybe because we're all motorcycle guys vs. brand guys. Maybe it's just because owning both, both are on my radar.

I almost bought a Moto Guzzi Sport (pretty much a Breva with bikini fairing and different bars I think), at times I think I should have. Nice nice bike.

[LongRanger_imp]

My neighbor has an '08 Guzzi 1200 Sport that he bought inexpensively in 2011 as a new leftover (Rboe, you know him from WG). Wonderful motorcycle. Very gutty, like a BMW boxer, but loves to rev and smooths out nicely. Very planted in the twisties too. I'd own another Guzzi if I wasn't so soured on the dealer situation.
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[rboe]

Looking back, I may have been better off with the sport. I really liked the one our dealer had. sigh.....

[rboe]

Had to show the Griso some love this morning.....