Must do mods for Griso owners!

[armogida]

Ok all I've had my 07 Griso for a handful on months and though it's still winter here I have taken it out when weather permits. Overall I truly enjoy this bike-so exclusive and the harder you ride it the better it seems to get. There were however a few things that bothered me about the bike when I bought it and I knew I would have to address them sooner or later. Thankfully it was sooner. In no particular order here is what needed to be done in my opinion:

The handle bars are cartoonishly wide and too high for my reach, inhibiting me from feeling connected with the bike.

The stock can is ridiculously large and quiet.

The bike tends to wander and not hold a line in the turns.

Luckily the fix for these is simple and non too painful on the wallet.

First I put on a set of Rizoma Conical bars which are narrower and lower and fit my reach perfect. They really help me feel 'in' the bike. While I was at it I put on a set of Rizoma round bar end mirrors and anodized end caps for a finished look. Very happy with the out come.

Second I put on the GT-RX stainless slip on from Todd. What a great looking, great fitting and great sounding addition as well as saving weight.

Third I dropped the forks 10mm in the trees. If you haven't done this already I recommend you go out to the garage and do it now. It made a huge difference in the bikes ability to turn in and hold a line. Worth it's weight in gold for us guys who rode crotch rockets all our lives.

I Also did the usual and removed the charcole canister, addressed the stepper motor and set the suspension up via this forum. I went from really liking the bike to loving it. I hope this info helps others and now I plan to spend the rest of the summer riding the hell out of it! A few pics below.

 

[GuzziHero]

Pretty much all of your experience, I have had also.

I like the wide bars mainly because once its set up and you are on-it, the wider reach makes sense. But when i jump from my Cali or stepthru onto the Griso I feel like they are too wide. I get used to it. I fitted Renthal fat bars (in red, but I need orange really).

The suspension... 100% agreeance. Anyone who hasnt done this MUST do it!

Have you remapped it with the 003 map too? Helps to fade those liver spots, especially with an open can. Good call replacing the mirrors - the original ones rust like buggery.

Thats a lovely looking bike there Pics of my orange one are up in the pics thread.

---
Edit:
For those who havent dropped the forks, this is what the suspension should be like:

If it isn't, fix it!

 

[armogida]

Hey Guzzihero thanks for the reply. I LOVE the orange but have never seen it here in the states. I do own an orange Victory Hammer (called Sunset nuclear) and I am fond of the louder colors

I realize that the bars are really a preference so it's just my opinion. I know some guys like the extra leverage and pullback if your reach requires. That said I really found that once I lowered the forks I didn't need any help with the wider bars but to each his own. I like the Renthals you put on-great bar.

I have not had a TPS reset or done the map but now that the weather is getting better they are first on my list! Thanks for the compliment-I love the bike too! FYI the pics above are before I lowered the forks, just for clarification.

 

[GuzziHero]

The Griso is a really unique looking bike for unique (strange?!) people There's nothing that sounds or looks like it!

When I first got my Griso it felt like I was having to learn to ride again. I couldnt get it to turn, and there was sod all engine braking. I even made a thread about it:
https://www.guzzitech.com/forum/163/4454.html

Some of it might be relevant/interesting to you

 

[Ad B]

Hi Armogida and GuzziHero,

You both are convinced that there is work to be done at the suspension.
Oké, I'm trying also.
But I think I can see a difference between you two.
It appears that GuzziHero got his front fork up into his triple tree, 6 rings above the triple tree without the orange cap.
And Armogida has only about 3 rings without the orange cap (that's what it looks at your picture...).
You both have a difference in wheelbase, rake and angle now.

How many rings do you have above the triple tree, Armogida? I can't see that clearly at the picture.
And what is the rest of your settings... and what is your weight ?
Also from you, GuzziHero?

Till now I have set my sag to 35 mm rear and 25 front.
In front 4 rings above the tripple tree (I think that's standard).
I'm 170 cm small/ big... (5.66 Ft) and my weight is 72 Kg (158,5 lbs)
(without helmet and shoes... and the rest in between... :mrgreen: )
The rest of the settings are still in the test fase... Or better... I have to learn... :whistle:
It will come, but takes a while.

Ad B

 

[GuzziHero]

Hi,

Yes, suspension setup is a must!

Armogida in his last post mentioned that his pictures were taken before he dropped the suspension When you do it BE CAREFUL and be sure to put a jack under the sump! Also, the bolts only need to be hand-tight when you do them back up, do not heavily torque them! You may also want to remove the front mudguard as it could break if twisted too much.

I used the stock settings given in another thread on this forum... I cannot remember what they are now and the search does not seem to want to work. I will try and find them in a moment.

My weight is about 210lbs (95kg) and I am 5ft 10in (180cm) tall. (weight is lightly clothed).

An exact setup is very personal but the recommended settings on this forum will get you close. I'll have a look for them right now

---
Edit:
Here they are:

Front
compression: 1/4 T (stock: 1 T)
rebound: 2 1/4 T (stock: 1.5 T)
preload: 5th mark (stock: 4th)
sag: 37mm (stock: 35mm)

Rear
compression: 1/4 T (stock: 1.5 T)
rebound: 40 clicks (stock: 17)
sag: 25mm

I STILL need to get my sag set

 

[armogida]

GuzziHero, I did read all your posts a while back when I was searching the forums for answers. Thanks for the link again tough as it is always good reading. Also I fancy myself strange alright, but without question when I am parked next to any other bike people always come check out the Griso. I have friends with Duc's, HD's, Victory, Crotch Rockets of every make. They just cant hold a candle to the Griso when it comes to "Wow, what is that?" or "I've mever seen a Guzzi." They are very rare around my parts.

Ad b- As GuzziHero noted the pics I took were BEFORE I dropped the forks. I oo now have 6 rings showing. My suspension is set as follows:

Front:
Sag 33mm
Comp 2 turns
Rebound 3/4 turn
Tire pressure 33lbs.

Rear:
Sag 32mm
Comp 3 turns
Rebound 15 clicks
Tire pressure 36lbs.

All setting use all the way turned in -hardest- as a base. Also I am about 5-10 with good arm reach, 215-220lbs geared up. Yes setting the rear sag is a drag and you really need 2 frriends but well worth the effort. FYI I got my suspension setting straight off this forum as someone here was my weight and I used his specs as they work great. Also I check my tire pressure before every ride as it makes a big difference to me. Hope this helps and I'm glad this thread has got some attention!

 

[Ad B]

Hi,

Thanks, GuzziHero and Armogida, for your answers.
I found some other settings on this forum and now I can play a bit.
Later this spring I will visit a former bike racer, here in Holland. Mile Pajic.
He's still tuning bikes, as wel engine as chassis.
I wel let him set up my suspension on my weight and my wishes (and his knowledge) and see what it does.
I will let you know (in a while... a month or two...).

First I'm going to a dynojet expert, get my bike onto his Tovami bench.
Adjusting and finetuning my ecu, hopefully with a positive result...
I hope Ruud will make a good map for my Mistral high rise exhaust and open BMC airfilter.
This will happen next Friday, so I'm already a bit excited...

Ad B

 

[GuzziHero]

In England we have a different perspective. Here, anything not capable of 8 million miles an hour is scoffed at and the Griso gets little attention except for the older crowd. I have even heard the phrase "Oh wow, I didnt even know Moto Guzzi were still around..." Philistines!

Even when I nicely dispatched a group of 8 squids on various GSXRs (and they were trying) on one rural road and all I got was a "Not bad for a fat bike".

 

[armogida]

All I can say is any 'Wanna be' can buy a crotch rocket and go fast but it takes a special/passionate soul to push and love the Griso-congrats! :woohoo:

 

[jlburgess]

Here's another must do:
Safety wire the headlight bezel to the bucket by drilling a hole at the base. There is only 1 screw holding it in and when it falls out it will ruin your day!

 

[GuzziHero]

worth noting!

Oh, there is also the immobiliser wire re-routing - I'll post that up here after work unless someone else does it first

 

[Ad B]

Hi,

Here's another must do:
Safety wire the headlight bezel to the bucket by drilling a hole at the base. There is only 1 screw holding it in and when it falls out it will ruin your day!

When it's falling out... oké.
Have you experienced this?
Or others?
I have had more bikes where the headlight is tighend with one tiny screw, never had any problems with it.
But this (my Griso) is my first Guzzi :whistle: .

Ad B

 

[andyals]

In England we have a different perspective. Here, anything not capable of 8 million miles an hour is scoffed at and the Griso gets little attention except for the older crowd. ".

Don't agree.
Whilst sports bikes still have occupy the biggest slice of the sales pie, it is diminishing, and that naked sector of the market, along with cruisers, is the fastest growing.
I've had nothing but praise for my Griso, from young and old riders alike, but at the end of the day who cares.
Bikes are for riding, not posing on.

Even when I nicely dispatched a group of 8 squids on various GSXRs (and they were trying) on one rural road and all I got was a "Not bad for a fat bike".

Sorry but they were not trying.
Either that, or they couldn't ride worth a piss because there is no way a Griso is going to stay with a half well ridden GSXR.

 

[GuzziHero]

In England we have a different perspective. Here, anything not capable of 8 million miles an hour is scoffed at and the Griso gets little attention except for the older crowd. ".

Don't agree.
Whilst sports bikes still have occupy the biggest slice of the sales pie, it is diminishing, and that naked sector of the market, along with cruisers, is the fastest growing.
I've had nothing but praise for my Griso, from young and old riders alike, but at the end of the day who cares.
Bikes are for riding, not posing on.

Even when I nicely dispatched a group of 8 squids on various GSXRs (and they were trying) on one rural road and all I got was a "Not bad for a fat bike".

Sorry but they were not trying.
Either that, or they couldn't ride worth a piss because there is no way a Griso is going to stay with a half well ridden GSXR.

Maybe you live in a place with more discerning taste than I, but all I have gotten round here goes from sneering to nonchalance. Mind you, the only places Ive taken it are full of Captain Colour-Codeds. Most non-bikers like it (or say they do). I find there is way too much snobbery in biking these days which is why I keep away from the majority of other bikers.

And those Gixxer guys were scratching and booming it off the corners so I would have to admit they just weren't any good.

Although I came to the Griso off a 1989 Yamaha FZR1000R and I'd say that apart from power, the Griso does not give much away to that thing. On the right roads, the Griso is faster, I am sure of that. I am quite chuffed that I kept up nicely with a quickly-ridden Multistrada on a B road.

 

[andyals]

And those Gixxer guys were scratching and booming it off the corners so I would have to admit they just weren't any good.

I've ridden sports bikes most of my adult life, and the Griso is not a sports bike.
The thing about most sports bike riders, is that they think that by wearing full race kit, and having the latest crotch rocket, they are a fast rider by default.
Some are, but most are not.
I too have despatched many a sports bike in the corners, only to have them blast past me in disapproval as soon as the road straightens, but I would never flatter myself into believing that this is because I am a great rider, or that my bike is as quick as a sports bike.
I know it's because that despite the impressive machinery and race replica leathers and lid, most of them are inexperienced riders, who'd be hard pushed to find the limits of a Puch Maxi.

 

[GuzziHero]

And those Gixxer guys were scratching and booming it off the corners so I would have to admit they just weren't any good.

I've ridden sports bikes most of my adult life, and the Griso is not a sports bike.
The thing about most sports bike riders, is that they think that by wearing full race kit, and having the latest crotch rocket, they are a fast rider by default.
Some are, but most are not.
I too have despatched many a sports bike in the corners, only to have them blast past me in disapproval as soon as the road straightens, but I would never flatter myself into believing that this is because I am a great rider, or that my bike is as quick as a sports bike.
I know it's because that despite the impressive machinery and race replica leathers and lid, most of them are inexperienced riders, who'd be hard pushed to find the limits of a Puch Maxi.

Haha, agreed! Not much catches or passes me on the Cali but I wont say that I'd win a proper race on it! I mean, I once went round the outside of a VFR750-riding friend on my V50/II... wouldnt say that I would win a race against it.

However, while the Griso isnt a sportbike, it is pretty capable. Don't underestimate them! High confidence is a lot of the battle won, plus riding every day vs 12 Sundays in summer when the weather is perfect and the missus isnt nagging you to decorate the bedroom is an advantage.

In real world situations, on real (badly maintained!) roads, and all else being equal, a Griso can hold its own in my opinion.

 

[andyals]

Before buying the Griso, I had an R1.
Basically, a bad accident finished me with sports bikes.
Not technically my fault but neve the less, I decided that if I wanted to continue riding, I had to slow down, and for me, the Griso is the perfect bike for that.
Yes it can hold it's own.
It is very poised and has adequate handling for something this heavy, but all I can say is that if you cloned me, and put one of me onto the Griso, and the other onto an R1, on a set of twisty roads, all I'd see from the saddle of my Griso would be the tail light of the R1 disappearing into the distance.

Back to must have bits, and has anyone seen this site ?
Check out the twin silencer they do for the Griso

No English I'm afraid, but if you use the drop down menu at the top far right, you'll find some interesting stuff.

http://www.daes-mototec.de

IMG]

 

[Ad B]

Hi,

yes, I've noticed this site before.
It's a German Guzzi specialist who sells and makes very beautifull and good stuf.
But it will cost you a lot... , a leg... or so, a rib of my body as we say in Holland... :angry:
To make this change on your Griso will set you back about €2100,- ($ 2900,-, £ 1800,-) for the alu finish
and even €2300,- ($ 3150,- , £ 1950,-) for the carbon version.
And that is a lot of money... but it is very, very beautiful...

I think that a better MUST DO is put your bike on a dyno and work on your mapping.
Or with Todd's stuf... ECU flash, Power Commannder and Autotune.
Not for the numbers, but for more driveability, a better torque character.
See my topic about the results on my Griso.

Ad B

 

[robfran]

Wow Andy. Now thats taking esoteric to a new level.
In that pic of the twin pipes, do you know who makes that tail tidy. I've been looking at a few of them but with the aftermarket blinkers, it looks sweet.
I can see my private plate fitting nicely on that

Before buying the Griso, I had an R1.
Basically, a bad accident finished me with sports bikes.
Not technically my fault but neve the less, I decided that if I wanted to continue riding, I had to slow down, and for me, the Griso is the perfect bike for that.
Yes it can hold it's own.
It is very poised and has adequate handling for something this heavy, but all I can say is that if you cloned me, and put one of me onto the Griso, and the other onto an R1, on a set of twisty roads, all I'd see from the saddle of my Griso would be the tail light of the R1 disappearing into the distance.

Back to must have bits, and has anyone seen this site ?
Check out the twin silencer they do for the Griso

No English I'm afraid, but if you use the drop down menu at the top far right, you'll find some interesting stuff.

http://www.daes-mototec.de

IMG]