Possibly Getting back into Moto Guzzi

[polkpr]

Owned and sold a 2014 MG Norge a few years back. Now thinking of getting a Griso but need a thumbnail of cautions (if any). I'm looking at the 2013 and newer Griso and wanted to know if there are any significant model year changes within that date range that I should be aware of.

Also, are there any "must have" or "highly recommended" mods that I should anticipate having to invest in? I'm a casual rider (60+ age) but I do want my machine to run at peak performance and want it to be comfortable for multi-day rides.

Thanks for any insight.

Paul in VA

 

[Bill Hagan]

Howdy, Paul.

I live in Cross Junction, about 10 miles NW of Winchester; first driveway after the VDOT facility on northbound U.S. 522 (North Frederick Pike). PM for exact addy if desired.

Anyway, I have a 2010 (rollerized) Griso. What a grand beast.

I also have a first-gen Norge (& other Guzzis as shown in my sig line ... yes, it's a sickness).

You are most welcome to come ride mine for comparisons to your Norge and other motorcycles for ergos and more.

I have taken mine on numerous multi-day rides with H-B C-Bow luggage -- the C-Bow panniers are not ... erm ... capacious, but will hold your Amex card so you can buy what you need on the road. OK, I exaggerate. A little.

Anyway, let me know if interested.

I am, BTW, hosting a Guzzi gathering starting Friday -- The Moto Grappa Guzzi Gaggle MMXX -- and you are welcome to stop in and say howdy from then through Sunday a.m. Have riders in from Florida, Georgia, N.Y., N.J., Pa., and more on a mix of Guzzis. We will have a NOTGROUP ride on Saturday starting about 9; again, PM me if interested.

Bill

 

[polkpr]

Bill, Thanks for the invite and I might possibly be able to make it sometime over the weekend. In the meantime, are there any "better" year Grisos (between the 2013-2017) model years? If so, why. Thanks, Paul in Berryville, VA

 

[Bill Hagan]

Sorry. Just too busy getting ready for gathering to respond accurately.

If someone else doesn't step up, I'll come back next week.

Bill

 

[polkpr]

Thanks Bill.

Might end up seeing you over the weekend anyway. BTW: Which day would be best for you if I decide to come by? Don't want to impede on your plans.

 

[GuzziMoto]

As long as whichever 8V Griso you buy has the newer rollarized motor there isn't really a difference between the different years other than paint and BNG.
I would rather have one that was originally made with roller tappets vs one that failed and was converted to roller tappets.
Of course, my Griso is an old 2V 1100, so I don't have that concern. Of course, I also don't have the extra power that comes with the 8V.

 

[Bill Hagan]

First, Paul, apropos Griso differences, pretty much what GuzziMoto said.

Actually, without thinking harder than is my usual habit , the flatties-to-rollers was The Big Deal in the 8v series, with, as GM says, trim and livery being the less important year-to-year differences. You had an 8v Norge, so you know the deal. While I think GM is right as to the dangers in buying a rollerized v. stock one with those, the whole used market with Guzzis is, IMO, such a crapshoot that buying from a known Guzzista is safe no matter if older "fixed" model or not.

I think I recall -- there I go, veering into thinking! -- that at some recent point, the EPA plumbing got relocated in lower front.

Anyway, smarter folks will be at the Moto Grappa Guzzi Gaggle and can weigh in then.

Thanks Bill.

Might end up seeing you over the weekend anyway. BTW: Which day would be best for you if I decide to come by? Don't want to impede on your plans.

No impeding during the event, as that's mostly spitting, grunting, scratching, bench-racing, and comparing the day's "performance awards" from various jurisdictions. It's the "getting ready" part that has me running crazy.

As for best day, you pick.

Most folks show up on Friday afternoon. That will be pizza and beer at the fire pit (weather permitting) down by the Moto Grappa or up at the house if it pours ... we need that badly; just hoping it's not while riding.

Saturday later in the afternoon would find most of us back from that day's ride. OTOH, if you want to ride with some of these folks, you could join us for breakfast (c.0900-0930)(site nearby but TBD) and then be a tour guide for an out-of-stater or two. I am providing suggested back-road romps of varying lengths.

Sunday will see most leaving pretty early (or later with hangovers), so probably the least productive for you.

Back to work here.

1921!

Bill

P.S. Give me a call when convenient in next day or so: 4ZERO4.8ZERO8.848SIX.

 

[GuzziMoto]

First, Paul, apropos Griso differences, pretty much what GuzziMoto said.

Actually, without thinking harder than is my usual habit , the flatties-to-rollers was The Big Deal in the 8v series, with, as GM says, trim and livery being the less important year-to-year differences. You had an 8v Norge, so you know the deal. While I think GM is right as to the dangers in buying a rollerized v. stock one with those, the whole used market with Guzzis is, IMO, such a crapshoot that buying from a known Guzzista is safe no matter if older "fixed" model or not.

I think I recall -- there I go, veering into thinking! -- that at some recent point, the EPA plumbing got relocated in lower front.

Anyway, smarter folks will be at the Moto Grappa Guzzi Gaggle and can weigh in then.



No impeding during the event, as that's mostly spitting, grunting, scratching, bench-racing, and comparing the day's "performance awards" from various jurisdictions. It's the "getting ready" part that has me running crazy.

As for best day, you pick.

Most folks show up on Friday afternoon. That will be pizza and beer at the fire pit (weather permitting) down by the Moto Grappa or up at the house if it pours ... we need that badly; just hoping it's not while riding.

Saturday later in the afternoon would find most of us back from that day's ride. OTOH, if you want to ride with some of these folks, you could join us for breakfast (c.0900-0930)(site nearby but TBD) and then be a tour guide for an out-of-stater or two. I am providing suggested back-road romps of varying lengths.

Sunday will see most leaving pretty early (or later with hangovers), so probably the least productive for you.

Back to work here.

1921!

Bill

P.S. Give me a call when convenient in next day or so: 4ZERO4.8ZERO8.848SIX.

Unrelated, but I will mention that it seems we just drove past your house last weekend. We were down at Big Meadow campground Friday night, and then spent Sat. wheeling the Jeep through Peters Mill. We left there and ended up taking 522 out of Winchester towards Berkley Springs, WV. From there it is a short skip and a jump into MD and back to home.
While I would love to hit one of your gatherings, I am not sure right now is a good time to be gathering. At least not for us. I would not want to risk getting others sick, and as we are still working through this (as opposed to being quarantined) we are not so sure we don't have it. But perhaps when all this has died down.

 

[Bill Hagan]

If northbound on U.S. 522 to Berkeley Springs, you did pass by.

If since 2 July or so, it looked (and looks still) like this.

Tomorrow, I’ll be adding some Italian flags, bunting, and Guzzi kitsch to confound my neighbors and passersby.

Understand completely and support your caution.

We are not “deniers,” will do the best we can to use common sense and courtesy (and lots of sani-wipes, etc!) to reduce risk, but wish also to enjoy life in the meantime. It’s a balance, of course. Hope we are choosing acceptably.

We will self-quarantine again for a couple of weeks before our next visit to Erie and time with Kathi’s 98-YO dad (and his 86-YO SO! ).

Bill