As for the long, power-cruiser profile, don't be fooled; the super-rigid steel frame delivered surprising agility. The Italians laid out a brilliant trek for us journalists around Lake Como and up to Passo dello Spluga, a region not unknown for its tight kinks of asphalt unrolling between stony peaks. Even through this long series of bends the Griso brought some unexpected grins and an increasingly confident ride. I did achieve full lock of the handlebar several times while negotiating the more aggressive hairpins, however, and the handling was odd initially because of the unusually wide bar. It all made for a super-light steering feel, although the riding position was fairly comfortable, in an upright way. After a few turns, you learn to compensate, at which point the bike handles well, with good ground clearance from the mid-mounted pegs and a fast enough turning speed to make back roads fun.
For those back-road romps, it helped that the Griso is fitted with good-quality, fully adjustable suspension bits. Showa springs in the 43mm upside-down front fork are adjustable for spring preload, and compression and rebound damping, and a likewise changeable Boge monoshock damper with separate gas reservoir resides out back. Alas, the weight of the shaft was felt at speed on bumpy asphalt (but it's nothing to lose your latte over).
And while the twin 320mm floating discs up front were amply equipped to haul the bike down from speed with four-piston dual calipers, we would have liked a little more feel in the process.
And So
For all its high-end bits and sleek sensibilities, the Griso also works as a commuter bike. It seems more reliable than Guzzis of yore, and the Griso also offers amenable long-distance ergos and a reasonable 4.5-gallon tank capacity. Guzzi is also offering accessories like panniers, fairings and a luggage rack, so you can make it more practical or sex it up, as you choose.
In fact, it's not unfair to say this sexed-up standard does have buckets of charisma and a singular style.
More importantly, though, the Griso proves that, despite a troubled past, once-sputtering Moto Guzzi may be at the beginning of a renaissance. And yes, the wait was worth it.
Specifications
Moto Guzzi Griso
Suggested base price: $12,990
Standard colors: Black, Red
Standard warranty: Two years
Engine type: 90 degree V-twin
Valve arrangement: 2 overhead valves per cylinder
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1064cc, 92 x 80mm
Compression ratio: 9.8:1
Carburetion: Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection
Transmission: dry clutch, 6 speeds
Final drive: shaft
Dry weight: 500.4 lbs
Wheelbase: 61.18 inches
Rake/trail: 34 degrees/108mm
Front tire: 120/70, 17 inches
Rear tire: 180/55, 17 inches
Brakes: dual discs front, single disc rear
Front suspension: 43 mm upside down fork, adjustable for spring preload and compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension: Monoshock with gas reservoir, adjustable for spring preload and compression and rebound damping
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gals.
Available in the U.S. February 2006