MOTO-GUZZI GRISO 1200 (2005 - 2016) Review

Version: White

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £80

If it has been "rollerised" almost a 5 out of 5. relaxed yet swift enough for fun long distance steed. More character and mich nicer to ride than boxer twins. Cool looks and practical for pillions. Among the best 3 bikes i have ridden.If not rollerised 0 out of 5 walk away.

Buying experience: Privately £4750 Rollerised, a good price but then needed £900 of parts: battery, suspension and swing arm bearings, wiring repairs, brake pads and all service items.

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £250

The only downsides are MPG, weight and exposure to wind-blast. A doddle to service and loads of character. Rare and desirable and they just dont make em like this anymore. If you buy an 8v model you MUST have one with the rollerized head. Rear swinging arm bearings and suspension linkages MUST be re-greased.

Buying experience: Bought new. Discounted to £9500

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £250

Looks and feels great. Nice and Torquey. Loves the hills and sounds great with aftermarket exhaust. I'd recommend this bike to somebody who likes character...and attention.

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £100

I bought the 8valve Griso in January this year, first year model 2008. It has a FSH and 5.5k miles on the clock. I very much like the styling of quasi muscle/retro/cruiser and always a fan of big lumpy twins. It will do nicely for a relaxed ride and our european touring tool. I have not ridden it yet because of an inherent flaw with the flat tappets and camshaft which is well documented on Griso Ghetto forum. These tappets lose their coatings and in turn can cause major engine failure. Despite this being common knowledge Piaggio will not issue a recall. 2013 bikes should have the updated rollerised tappets and camshaft. This flaw applies to Norge and Stelvio too. The 4 valve bikes (pre 2008)are not affected. So if you want to buy one of these gorgeous looking bikes then make sure it has had the rollerisation job done or set aside some cash to have it done. Piaggio will "support" a claim for engine failure providing that FSH is available. Support means just that and all you will get is the components f.o.c. the labour you will have to fork out for. That in itself is a hassle waiting for parts and approval from Italy. This is a scandal. Check out www.grisoghetto and see for yourself.

Buying experience: Bought from a good family dealer. No gripe with them whatsoever. I knew what was ahead of me.

Version: 1100

Year: 2006

Changed the standard exhuast for a Termignoni,wow what a difference transformed this bike,and lost weight in the process,not too loud but stop it shuntting in town,probably cos i can hear it:)Love the machine watched its production and enjoy riding it.

Now, I understand what people mean when they talk about Italian bike character. It's an old tech air cooled twin-not particularly powerful or comfortable but yet every time I sit astride this superb machine I feel like a million dollars and it really does bring me tears of sheer joy riding it on my favourite roads. I've been riding mostly Japanese multi's for over 25 years now and after this, I cannot see myself going back. Emotional review but then, isn't riding a bike supposed to be all about that ?

Just sold a black 2006 model. Loved the styling and the bike is packed with features and is extremely well made (apart from clocks that mist up), but unfortunately the bike has rock hard suspension that I couldn't seem to adjust differently, a riding position that only works over short distances. It's too heavy, too slow and the shaft drive is way too clunky and abrupt. This is a bike that sells on looks rather than how it actually works in the real world.

The Griso 1100 is a surprising package; visually you will either love or loathe the overall styling, but indifference is unlikely! The handling is much better than the long wheelbase suggests - Slow steering, but planted and well able to give a good account of itself in the twisties and on long sweepers. The Griso comes equipped with full-on sports rubber - some have said overkill: I have out-cornered a good few sports bikes and wet weather performance seems good too. The engine has sufficient grunt to entertain, but does feel strained at higher motorway speeds.The lower gearing means that the Griso seems to be working harder than it should, but isn't unpleasant. The mid-range is dandy and the high torque gives good shove below 90mph.The gearbox is the equal of many and the re-designed shaft drive, at least in my opinion is unobtrusive and shouldn't put you off. A small fly screen is offerd for the Griso - get one. It makes a considerable difference on the motorway or fast A roads; I'm 6ft 5 and pretty powerful(!) but can honestly cruise at 90mph+ for considerable distances, thanks to that bit of perspex! Also have a high level 'Mistral' can - Loadsa weight saving and a cracking sound. I can report that my Griso has done an indicated 128mph(The same as I got out of an MT-01) and is capable enough at 110-115mph Tank range is reasonable - say 110-115 miles, with some feisty riding.Did a trip to France (They LOVED the Griso!) and simply refuelled when convenient. We aren't talking tourer, but certainly not super-moto!. This bike can be more than just a posing pouch. Comfort? Great seat, 'ish' footpeg position: slightly rearset would you believe (Italian cars share creative ergonomics too!). Overall a good-looking, fun package, just be sure to get a demo. The Griso gets better with time and affection....