Thursday, May 2, 2013
Moto Guzzi Griso 1100
In Italian, griso means "grayish," but here its also a reference to a baddie in The Betrothed, a story set in the same area Moto Guzzis are produced. But, to be frank, Guzzi could also be a reference to the ominous financial environment surrounding the bikes initial development with the Aprilia group. Despite these potentially fatal shakeups, new Guzzi leadership forged ahead and the Griso was completed without outside help.
Deemed a "techno-custom" by the manufacturer, the Griso 1100 appropriately stands apart from the competition in its design. It also asserts Moto Guzzi is back and, it would seem, better than ever. Unlike other bikes in our feature, the Grisos motor is not new by any means. Though featuring tweaks and refinements, it still has strong ties to the powerplants used in the companys rides for the last four decades. Fortunately, it belies its age. Claimed horsepower is 88, accessible with decent throttle response. The broad torque band peaks at just 5,400 rpm, rated at 70-foot pounds.
