[ranette]

Jeff, one other thing about your list. The Griso is definitely not considered a sport tourer; MG makes a bike called the Norge that competes in that space. The Griso is a little hard to define. In most ways it is a naked standard, competing with the likes of the Ducati GT1000, and Monster, the Triumph Speed Triple and maybe even a Yamaha FZ-1. On the other hand it sits a little lower than those bikes and has been compared to power cruisers such as the V Rod, the V Max, or even the new Ducati Diavel. Nobody who rides a Griso 8V speaks of a lack of power, but it certainly isn’t a rocket like the ST, the Diavel or the two Yamahas I mentioned. In retrospect I think it might be best described as the gorgeous, iconoclastic, offspring of a V Rod and a Monster.

[Jeff in Kentucky]

I am not too clear on the Guzzi models, since there are so few around. I found this review by a guy that test rode several similar bikes:

“Well I finally rode the Norge today. I gotta say, it’s a nice bike but I can’t say I absolutely loved it. It’s a pleasant ride, although a bit “clunky” for a lack of better description. Not that it doesn’t exude craftmanship, just the dry clutch, and they way the engine purrs is quite a bit different (acquired taste?). I also didn’t feel like I was having fun riding it, maybe the fairing? Oddly enough, reminds me of a Victory for some reason. Not the ergos, power or anything like that, just the way I felt riding it. If it was half the price, I would probably jump on it, but not worth 15k to me for sure.

I also rode the following:

2007 Caponord – Nice perched riding postion, but sounded like a rattle-trap, falls flat on the higher RPM range, and smelled bad.

2009 Tiger – Whoa MAMA! Killer engine, but I think it’s a little too much bike for my smaller stature. Felt fatigued before I even got out of the residential neighborhood around the dealer. If I was 6’2 and 10 years younger perhaps.

2009 1200GS Low – Although I dig the 1200GS with the low suspension, it’s not the most comfortable thing for me, and I can’t justify the extra $$ for it. If I were heading to South America or Africa perhaps, but this ain’t happening anytime soon.

So, without further a-do, I’ve decided to go with the BMW R1200R. Overall, it’s the funnest bike I rode and the easiest to ride. Of all the bikes I rode, it’s the most comfortable for my short stature and meets all my requirements.”

[eon]

I actually went on a ride with the owner of Moto International and his wife a couple of years ago when they joined our little scooter group. They were on a pair of Breva’s and I admit I was drooling over their bikes. That could very easily have been my next bike. On the same ride we were joined by David Hough on his 1970’s BMW. I just get to mix with all the high flyers of the motorcycle community here. I once even got to meet Eternal05!

[romalo]

Pretty cool riding with David Hough. I think his books are fantastic and a must read for any new motorcyclist. I’ve Read both of his proficient motorcycling books and scan them again before every riding season.

[eternal05]

You got to ride with David Hough and you have the gal to mention me in the same breath?

On another note, I feel like we should probably venture out together one of these days. Spring is here and us fair-weather riders (that’s me, not you) can finally come out from our caves.

[eon]

Yup, that we should. Don’t want to hi-jack rannettes Guzzi appreciation thread so we can start another thread to see if there are any other BBM riders in the area (briderdt still around?). Or take it off line.

[eternal05]

Good call. Hijacking terminated.

[ranette]

Certainly happy to have sold my bike, but kind of sad to see my Ducati, my first love, sitting on a trailer tonight, waiting to go to her new owner tomorrow. Wish I had the resources to keep buying new bikes without having to sell any. Oh well, being a one motorcycle guy certainly beats the crap out of being a no motorcycle guy.

[Author]

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