News: Moto Guzzi Griso
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MaxMoto News: 03/10/03
First seen at Munich in 2002, and more recently at Milan, the Guzzi Griso has received such a positive response that the rejuvenated Italian factory has brought it's provisional production date forward from 2005 to a firm (or as firm as anything gets in Italy) start in the latter half of 2004. The Moto Guzzi Griso is billed as a "Techno-Crusier", but as part Superbike, part Streetfighter, part Crusier, it's not easy to pigeon hole. Fashion conscious Italy is currently awash with Harley Davidsons, and we wonder if Guzzi is partly trying to tap into this market with a sort of V-Rod with rear-sets. Anyway, they've certainly produced an extremely attractive bike. The engine is the four valve 992cc version of Guzzi's familiar 90° transverse v-twin that will produce around 102bhp. The lack of any fairing means the oil cooler has been positioned along the right of the sump. We suspect that this will be the same engine as the one used on the MGS-01 Serie, the production version of the track only MGS-01 Corsa, which is scheduled for release at a similar time to the Griso. Via a six speed gearbox, this engine is then married to Guzzi's new single sided swing arm with integrated, patented "reactive" shaft drive which is supposed to be very smooth and to eliminate much of the traditional shaft drive effects, to be first seen on Moto Guzzi's new Breva v1100. The frame is a new steel affair that wraps around the tank and airbox, which together with the matching "in your face" two into one exhaust, is a visual treat. Weight should be around 200kg. Update: 04/06/04. The Moto Guzzi Griso project is still on, but it has been put back to possibly 2006. Ducati lost out to Aprilia in a bidding war for Moto Guzzi back in 2001, but are now conducting due diligence work over a potential purchase with Aprilia's cooperation. Important decisions over the development of the Griso are likely to be delayed until this process has been concluded. To further complicate matters, Piaggio may also be in the frame over a purchase of the whole Aprilia group. Join our newsletter for further updates on the Griso. Update: 14/09/04. The Moto Guzzi stand at the Intermot motorcycle show in Munich features the Griso with a host of detail changes as it nears production. Have a look at the "2005" images on the right. One of the main changes is a reversion from 4 to 2 valve cylinder heads; a sensible victory of low end "custom" useability over headlining top end "sports" power figures (just think about why Honda's VTEC system does what it does). There was also a new experimental "beige" colour scheme on display, which we weren't too sure about, but you can vote for a whole range of different colours here. There's still uncertainty about the exact production dates until the Piaggio merger is signed (about six weeks)....unless Ducati manage to stage a coup at the last minute, but whatever happens in the boardroom, we are expecting it to be available in the Italian market this time next year, the UK in October and the rest of the world very early in 2006. Delays are always frustrating, but the upside is that the designers and engineers get the time to get those important fine details just so....it's going to be a fantastic bike. No word on price, but plenty of torque (ahem). Update: 08/09/05. Milan was the stage for the press launch for the production model of the Griso. You'll see the first road tests in MCN next week (14th Sept) and in the monthly mags at the beginning of next month. Final colours are Guzzi Black, Corsa Red, Sport Yellow and Pearly Blue. Price is 11,990 Euros or £7,490 Update: 14/09/05. Nip down to your newsagent and buy a copy of MCN. They have a gushing review of the Griso, rating it better (and cheaper) than Yamaha's MT-01, Harley Davidson's Street Rod and BMW's Rockster; praising it's performance, handling, build quality and attention to detail. See, we told you so! Update: 21/09/05. Come and see the Griso on MaxMoto's stand at the Copdock Motorcycle Show in Ipswich on Sunday October 2nd. If you can't wait until then, we have it on our showroom floor right now. And oooohh it does look good. Update: 18/11/05. Our first batch of non pre-sold Grisos have arrived and are available for you to see on the showroom floor. Update: 14/04/07. For the first 20 customers, we have the new Griso Termignoni Exhaust in stock for £399 inc VAT (Normal Price £511.13). Come and see it on our Griso Demo bike. Update: 26/11/07. We now have in stock the new 1200 eight valve Griso selling at £8,299OTR, this superceeds the Griso 1100. Is there anything you'd like to add to this News item? Then go to the MaxMoto Message Board for the Moto Guzzi Griso (74 comments). Related links: Moto Guzzi clothing online shop Would you like to receive regular news items like this? And be entered into our regular prize draws? Then, Join our Newsletter.
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2005 arrival for Moto Guzzi Griso after positive
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