Moto Guzzi Griso 8v

The sudden burst of power was welcome, but unexpected. There I was, on the Griso 8v launch near Milan, cruising behind two riders on identical Guzzis. When they passed a truck in a gap too short for me to comfortably follow, I cracked the Griso's throttle for the first time-and was greeted by top-end power from the eight-valve engine that jolted me awake quicker than a triple espresso.

I shouldn't have been surprised. Moto Guzzi's new 1151cc, SOHC eight-valve twin produces a claimed 110 bhp at 7500 rpm-a 22-hp advantage over the original Griso's pushrod mill.

The Griso's tough-guy name has always suited the bike thanks to its muscular shape, but the pushrod-operated Vee never really lived up to the bike's burly image. The original 1064cc unit incorporated Breva-spec updates including twin-plug heads and a six-speed box. But with a peak output of just 88 bhp, it hardly inspired thoughts of a legendary warrior. Now the Griso has gained strength from a redesigned engine that retains little apart from the marque's trademark air-cooled, 90-degree transverse V-twin layout.

This new powerplant represents a major step for Guzzi, and will be introduced to other models as the marque's Piaggio owners continue their blitz of updated machinery. There are 563 new components in this engine-75 percent of the total. As well as producing 25 percent more power, the motor is more compact, and contributes to a bike that, at 489 pounds, is 11 pounds lighter than before.

The most important changes are in the top end, where each cylinder's four valves are operated by a single cam driven by an inverted-tooth chain. New pistons are cooled by oil jets. The lubrication system incorporates twin oil pumps, as well as a large oil cooler mounted on the right side of the redesigned crankcase. Compression is up from 9.6:1 to 11:1. Bottom-end changes include a crankshaft 55 percent stiffer than its predecessor.

Guzzi has updated the chassis, too. The tube-steel frame and single-sided swingarm are retained, as are the multi-adjustable Boge shock and geometry-a lazy 26-degree steering angle and long, 61.2-inch wheelbase. The fork's sliders are now carbon nitride-coated, and the new front brake combines radial four-pot Brembo calipers and petal discs. The eight-valver also gains a racier image from its lower bars, sportbike-style pegs and stepped seat. Still, the relaxed riding position is essentially unchanged.

On the road the Griso's new personality took a while to reveal itself. My initial impression was of increased sophistication rather than extra performance. The OHC motor seemed quieter than the pushrod lump, and the single-plate clutch was light. The Griso pulled away from stops smoothly, with little of the traditional low-rev lumpiness. Our test ride began with a blat through traffic, where the Griso proved easy to ride. Its injection gave sweet response, and the motor was pleasantly flexible. If we'd remained in Milan I might have concluded the new engine was simply a slightly more refined version of Guzzi's traditional Vee. But when we reached more open roads, the Griso stretched its legs and hit six grand-and suddenly developed a harder, more metallic sound as the bike leapt ahead with a force that grabbed my full attention.From there to the 8000-rpm redline the Griso was a distinctly different animal. Its extra top end changed both the bike's character and the way I rode it. Instead of short-shifting and relying on the motor's midrange, I began revving it harder to maximize the newfound acceleration. While the old model would run out of breath just over 100 mph, the new bike was still pulling eagerly.

Stability at speed was excellent thanks to the bike's relaxed geometry. Where the Griso really impressed was in its agile and confidence-inspiring handling. Though the launch route didn't include many hairpins or high-speed corners, the bike's stability and wide handlebar proved useful. Suspension was exemplary, too, the fork and shock keeping the bike's heft under control even at Big Speeds, the ride being firm but not overly so. It slowed hard, too, thanks to its radial Brembos and wave rotors. The fat Metzeler Sportec tires' grip was especially welcome.

The Griso seemed reasonably practical in other respects, including its informative instrument console and wide-spaced mirrors. The seat's pillion section has been redesigned for added comfort and includes hand-holds. Although fuel capacity is fractionally down at 4.4 gallons, Guzzi says this engine is more economical than its predecessor-though the extra revs may nullify this.

Even if the new engine proves thirstier than before, I can't see many Griso 8v owners complaining. The new bike retains the original model's style, character and chassis performance, and adds sophistication and top-end stomp. It still requires an imagination to see the Griso being hard enough to take on all comers in a street fight. But Guzzi's new-generation eight-valver is quick, slick and well-braked enough that you could have a lot of fun trying.

EVOLUTION
The Griso is Moto Guzzi's Ducati Monster--a naked roadster with a rational riding position. Now with eight valves, it finally joins 21st-century engine technology.

RIVALS
Various Ducati Monsters, plus the KTM Super Duke 990, Aprilia Tuono and Triumph Speed Triple.TECH
Price:
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Engine type:
Air/oil-cooled V-twin
Valve train:
SOHC, 8v
Displacement:
1151cc
Bore x stroke:
95.0 x 81.2mm
Compression:
11.0:1
Fuel system:
Fuel injection
Clutch:
Dry, single-plate
Transmission:
6-speed
Claimed
horsepower:
110 bhp @ 7500 rpm
Claimed torque:
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Frame:
Tubular steel with single-sided swingarm
Front suspension:
43mm Showa inverted fork, adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression damping
Rear suspension:
Single Boge shock, adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression damping
Front brake:
Dual Brembo four-piston radial calipers, 320mm discsRear brake:
Single Brembo single-piston caliper, 282mm disc
Front tire:
120/70-ZR17 Metzeler Sportec
Rear tire:
180/55-ZR17 Metzeler Sportec
Rake/trail:
26.0/4.25 in.
Seat height:
31.5 in.
Wheelbase:
61.2 in.
Fuel capacity:
4.4 gal.
Claimed dry weight:
489 lbs.

Available:
Summer/Fall 2008
Warranty:
12 months
Contact: Moto Guzzi U.S.
140 E. 45th St.
New York, NY 10017
800.631.1101
www.motoguzzi-us.com

VERDICT
A better, faster and more exciting version of a naked sportbike that makes its own rules in a world of sameness.