Almost Pulling the Trigger on a Griso SE

[HOG4DNR]

I just confirmed I should be getting the next SE the Miami Dealer gets (Unique Suberbike). It was a tough choice, since I work at a Ducati race / service shop in Ft. Lauderdale (Moto Corse Performance). I had 2 bikes in mind, a Ducati HyperMotard & an MG Griso 8v. It was a tough choice, both bikes have attributes I like and some I do not. In my opinion, and I hope others on here can help, I made a list of the good & bad. Most of my riding will be around town and the bike will be used as a commuter. Even though I work at a race shop, I do not race and want something comfortable to ride (the wife has a Monster 900).

MG:

Pro

Great Looks
Reliable / Fun Motor (I loved my 4v Centauro motor)
Unique Ride (not going to see yourself on every corner)
MG Heritage (I've owned a 97 Sport 1100 & a 98 Centauro)

Cons:

Weight
Dealer Network
Resale Value (though I hope it will change with this model)
No killer deals on the purchase price
Aftermarket Parts (Please let me know of any)

Ducati:

Pro:

Great Motor
Lightweight very flickable
Unique Look
Service / Parts will be inexpensive and easy
Can get a good price (about the same)
Better / Larger Dealer Network

Cons:

More Common (atleast around here)
More Maintenance
Less comfortable on longer rides
Not a big fan of Red Bikes (I know Italian bikes are supposed to be red, to common a color for me)


If you know any other pluses or minuses please chime in. Nothing is a done deal until I sign the papers. I know this being a Guzzi forum the views will be a little slanted but your opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

 

[Jlyon99]

I just confirmed I should be getting the next SE the Miami Dealer gets (Unique Suberbike). It was a tough choice, since I work at a Ducati race / service shop in Ft. Lauderdale (Moto Corse Performance). I had 2 bikes in mind, a Ducati HyperMotard & an MG Griso 8v. It was a tough choice, both bikes have attributes I like and some I do not. In my opinion, and I hope others on here can help, I made a list of the good & bad. Most of my riding will be around town and the bike will be used as a commuter. Even though I work at a race shop, I do not race and want something comfortable to ride (the wife has a Monster 900).

MG:

Pro

Great Looks
Reliable / Fun Motor (I loved my 4v Centauro motor)
Unique Ride (not going to see yourself on every corner)
MG Heritage (I've owned a 97 Sport 1100 & a 98 Centauro)

Cons:

Weight
Dealer Network
Resale Value (though I hope it will change with this model)
No killer deals on the purchase price
Aftermarket Parts (Please let me know of any)

Ducati:

Pro:

Great Motor
Lightweight very flickable
Unique Look
Service / Parts will be inexpensive and easy
Can get a good price (about the same)
Better / Larger Dealer Network

Cons:

More Common (atleast around here)
More Maintenance
Less comfortable on longer rides
Not a big fan of Red Bikes (I know Italian bikes are supposed to be red, to common a color for me)


If you know any other pluses or minuses please chime in. Nothing is a done deal until I sign the papers. I know this being a Guzzi forum the views will be a little slanted but your opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

Tough call, as I like them both. Frankly, the weight of the Griso is not a negative to me. Sometimes too light of a bike on the street can bounce around and not feel planted.

The primary negative to the MG is finding a good dealer and yes, accessories are limited. But I just love the way it looks, I like shaft drive, it handles really well, and is somewhat rare. That did it for me, but I would also be happy on the Ducati (except the handlebars are a little close for my taste). Good luck.

 

[kmac33]

Parts: While not quite as plentiful and easily located as they would be for the Ducati, there are actually plenty of after market parts you can get for the Griso - I sure have managed to spend plenty of $ on them for mine . (check Todd's store, typical vendors like MG Cycle, Rossopuro, Stucchi, etc.)
Weight: If the suspension is set up correctly, the Griso "feels" like a much lighter bike than it is and is a joy to ride both as a commuter bike and carving up the twisties.
Dealer: Sounds like you would likely be doing most of your own work, so that shouldn't be a huge issue.
The Griso is definitely more "unique". The local bike night that my wife and I normally go to is loaded with Ducati's, but there has only been one other Guzzi show up (a mid-70's Ambassador). My Griso typically gets a lot more attention than the Duc's because it is so unique.

Good Luck!

 

[Goodvibes]

The top 3 attributes that sold me on the Griso were (1) styling/ergos, (2) uniqueness/brand heritage and (3) the CARC drive. The great motor just happened to arrive in the same package. I am no longer that concerned with dealer support as I'm out of warranty and I do all the maintenance myself (except map updates).

Who cares about resale? Guzzi's are for collecting!

 

[HOG4DNR]

The top 3 attributes that sold me on the Griso were (1) styling/ergos, (2) uniqueness/brand heritage and (3) the CARC drive. The great motor just happened to arrive in the same package. I am no longer that concerned with dealer support as I'm out of warranty and I do all the maintenance myself (except map updates).

Who cares about resale? Guzzi's are for collecting!

That is what pretty much has me sold on it.

 

[Englishman]

I would add to the Griso pros, that the weight issue is a non issue once the wheels are rolling. Very light on it's feet and very easily flicked side to side at any speed.

I had a Duc 750SS back in the 90's and it was 2 different handling bikes that transformed at 50 mph. Above 50 it was great, below it was a pig and heavy to steer at slow speeds.

Mark