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2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE
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2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

 

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE Review

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

A SPECIAL EDITION FOR THE DISCERNING RIDING ENTHUSIAST

Derived from one of the most innovative and courageous of all modern Moto Guzzi models, the Griso 8V SE is a special edition destined to become a classic

The bold character expressed in the nonconformist styling of the Griso is given further emphasis by the sophisticated “Tenni” livery in a particular tone of matte green that contrasts elegantly with the numerous black painted metal elements such as the frame, the wheels, the steering plates and the handlebar.

Among the details making this a genuine special edition are the saddle upholstered in premium leather with visible stitching, attractive spoke wheels and restrained colour-coordinated badges identifying the vehicle.

Powered by a modern transverse 90° V-twin “Quattrovalvole” series engine developing a peak power of approximately 110 hp at just 7500 rpm, the Griso 8V SE SE dominates the road with silky smooth power delivery and a commanding presence, inviting the rider to delve into the ability of the outstanding chassis to keep all those straining horses in check.

This is all thanks to the chassis, with twin overhead tubular elements in high tensile steel and the generously sized lateral reinforcement of the lower cradle, with ribbing that is much more than just an aesthetic suggestion but actually designed to confer extremely high torsional rigidity to the bike as a whole. The geometry has been defined for maximum stability, with a headstock inclined by of 26° resulting in a trail of 108 mm and a wheelbase of 1544 mm. Nonetheless, the Griso 8V SE SE is surprisingly nimble and sincere, rewarding the rider with lightning fast directional changes.

The impeccable road manners of the Griso 8V SE SE benefit from the low centre of gravity and the rock steady front end, with reduced offset plates to ensure an immediate and precise response to any steering input. This is a veritable scalpel on two wheels allowing the most discerning rider to carve perfect lines in the asphalt.

The Griso 8V SE might well be one of the most unique and captivating motorcycles to come out of the Mandello Del Lario factory. The bold character expressed in the nonconformist styling of the Griso is given further emphasis by the aggressive new black/silver color concept in a matte tone that flows elegantly with the numerous black painted metal elements such as the frame, wheels, steering plates, handlebar and instrument panel covers.

Incomparable style

With the Griso 8V SE, Moto Guzzi once more majestically demonstrates how it can come up with a concept then develop it without having to give in to technical, traditional or other constraints.

This machine is an instinctive creation, pure, solid as a rock and has a distinct personality. It appears simply as a work of art. Design details, discreet hollows and unexpected new lines blend together in chrome and satin finished metal to form miracles of design. The fuel tank for example seems to bend to the power of the massive frame only to form an aerodynamic teardrop of exquisite beauty.

The tail seems no more than an afterthought yet houses three high intensity LED light units. The Griso is decidedly masculine and powerful yet the “Quattrovalvole” engine seems to be set like a jewel in a frame that shows off its revolutionary design to the utmost effect. A glance at the fins carefully laid out on the black cylinders is all that is needed. They have been so designed to provide maximum cooling. The rocker covers too draw the eye and, bit by bit, the care and attention paid to the creation of this machine come clear especially when you examine the superb exhaust system.

The incredible two-into-one exhaust system underscores the potential of the new Griso 8V SE. Returning to the reality of performance, it becomes obvious that the sophisticated components are not mere technical details included for the sake of style. Take the front end that would be more at home on a racing bike with its oversized upside-down forks, radial calliper brakes and wave discs. The sporting lines of the saddle and bodywork complete the picture as do the new handlebars that have been specially designed to improve the aerodynamic package with the rider an integral part

Sheer pleasure

Just sit astride the Griso 8V SE to really understand how unique it will be to ride. With a new setup between saddle and the sports type handlebars, the Griso welcomes the rider with a spectacular view of chromed, anodized and satin-finished components, displays and commands that leave nothing to the imagination.

Once aboard the Griso, the saddle that is only 800 mm from the road, grips the rider yet allows easy changes in riding position further aided by the slightly set-back high racing type footpegs. The riding position is sporting where the rider is not “in” but over the engine and the feet feel “natural” on the footpegs. The rider’s body tends to lean in to the handlebars that are now wider and provide a perfect grip of the levers.

This position is ideal for precise accurate steering made even better perfectly designed front end geometry and generous tyre sizes. The Griso is a hedonist’s dream come true and the growl of the “Quattrovalvole” engine echoes in your ears even under the most difficult conditions like city traffic. The 8V SE takes conditions like these in its stride and the ease of changing direction and constant load on the front end make even such riding a pleasure. This however does not mean that the fashion naked from Mandello is not suited to more aggressive riding. In fact there are certain times when the total lack of vibration from the “Quattrovalvole” seems to get lost in the seductive style, the superb finish, the softness of commands and the of the completeness of the instrumentation.

It is at moments like this when the rider is in complete harmony with the machine, when he is in total command of an engine that can take him up to enormous speed or he can just cruise along with masses of torque ever on tap. One thing that is certain is that just looking at the rev counter can never really explain what the new Griso 8V SE is all about.

Beauty in motion

Don’t let the long and low profile fool you: The Griso 8V SE has handling that would shame a supersport machine. The secret lies in the high-tensile steel frame with twin upper supports whose design owes little to aesthetics and much to sophisticated engineering concepts that provide exceptional rigidity under moments of extreme torsional stress. The tubular steel twin cradle frame is connected to a single-sided aluminum rear swingarm housing the CARC system.

The frame geometry had been carefully calculated to provide stability with the steering angle set at 26° and rake at 108 mm. The wheelbase measures 1544 mm and the Griso 8V SE is surprisingly maneuverable, even lightning fast in changes of direction.
These handling characteristics are due to the low centre of gravity and a rock solid off-set steering head that provides an immediate response to pressure on the handlebars. The front end is glued to the road thanks to upside down forks from racing stock. The 43 mm forks are adjustable for rebound and compression. A Boge progressive suspension unit is fitted to the rear and this too had three classic settings. The sophisticated suspension ensures a neutral set-up on entering and exiting corners, under acceleration from the 110 CV “Quattrovalvole” engine and under braking from the Brembo brake system. These brakes are both aesthetically pleasing and highly effective with their radial calipers acting on “wave” discs that have been specially designed for maximum heat dispersion.

 

 

2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE Model Highlights

The Bike

“His power became greater in reality and in the minds of others.” This is a description of ‘Griso’, a character in ‘I promessi sposi’ by Alessandro Manzoni, one of the most famous works of Italian literature. In the book, Griso is a tough and fearless leader of the Bravi, and a man “who naturally undertook all the most daring enterprises”.

This description could just as well be applied to the new Griso 8V SE, the most exciting and spirited of all Moto Guzzi models, designed to create a new, more intense concept of sports riding based on sheer power and four valve cylinder technology. Designed to respect a tradition that has lasted forty years, the new engine adopts the rational 90° transverse V twin layout but with 563 new parts, and introduces for the first time a single overhead cam valve timing and silent running Morse chains to operate the four valves per cylinder. 75% of this highly developed Moto Guzzi 1200cc engine has been modified compared to its predecessor, to produce 110 HP at only 7500 rpm and a maximum foot pounds of 80 foot pounds at 6400 rpm.

The Griso 8V SE is an instinctive creation, pure, solid and distinctive and in many ways a work of art. The design details are discreet but elegant and pure quality; the lines blend together and are accentuated by the chrome finishing and satin metal form. The fuel tank lends itself superbly to the strong frame creating an aerodynamic teardrop body which is continued through to the tail which houses three high intensity LED light units.

The Griso is decidedly masculine and powerful yet the “Quattrovalvole” engine seems to be set like a jewel in a frame that shows off its revolutionary design to the utmost effect. Returning to its performance, it becomes obvious that the sophisticated components are not mere technical details included for the sake of style but enhance performance and provide guaranteed reactivity.

ELEVATED TO THE NTH POWER

The “Quattrovalvole” engine is the latest and most advanced evolution of the legendary transverse 90° V-twin. Since its debut, it has turned heads for its technological content and performance. This is in fact the most powerful production Moto Guzzi engine ever made, an achievement made possible by transplanting a new single overhead camshaft operating 4 valves for each cylinder, with an exhaust and intake valve inclination of 15.5° and 16.5° respectively.

These sophisticated mechanicals are unique in the motorcycling world in terms of both architecture and engineering clarity. Some of the most sophisticated solutions adopted for the engine include the timing system driven by morse chains with hydraulic tensioner skids, pistons forged in 3 segments and cooled by oil jets in the crankcase, the ultralight valves with 5 mm diameter stems and the conical section valve springs that eliminate resonance and power loss at high engine speeds. Lubrication and cooling are taken care of by two coaxial pumps driven by a gear train that pump oil through a separate channel in the head to reach the exhaust valve seats, where the highest temperatures are generated. The cylinders themselves also boast a distinctly modern design, with cooling fins tapered towards the front of the motorcycle, while the valve covers, emblazoned with the “Quattrovalvole” moniker, feature a floating system to reduce mechanical noise. For the fuel system, the “Quattrovalvole” engine implements

new Marelli IWP 189 injectors mounted on throttle body ducts measuring a respectable 50 mm in diameter. The gearbox is a six speed mechanical masterpiece with a host of enviable attributes: it is quiet, boasts an easily locatable neutral position and is precise, thanks to the introduction of the noiseless and smooth single plate clutch.

The sum of all of this innovation is expressed in the engine’s vital statistics: an impressive 110 horsepower at 7500 rpm with a maximum torque of 11 Kgm at 6400 rpm, earning the Mandello-made twin membership in the exclusive club of the most powerful air cooled engines ever made. Even with a final drive ratio of 12/44, the engine has a sufficient reserve of power to propel the bike beyond 230 Km/h. And while this figure may seem irrelevant for use on public roads, it is an unequivocal indicator of just how powerful the new Griso 8V SE is.

The Griso 8V SE is currently available at Moto Guzzi dealerships across North America. The Griso 8V SE comes in Tenni Green and has an MSRP of $12,690 (USD) in the United States. In Canada, the Griso 8V SE has an MSRP of $13,590 (CAD).

 

 

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2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE – International Specifications/Technical Details
MSRP Price: 9.799 £ (Excluding OTR)

Engine 90° V-twin, 4 stroke
Displacement 1151cc
Power 81 kW (110 HP) at 7,500 rpm
Torque 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm
Exhaust System 2 into 1 stainless steel, with three-way catalytic converter and lambda probe
Transmission 6 speed
Secondary Drive Compact reactive shaft drive CA.RC. Double universal joint with oating bevel gear,
ratio 12/44 = 1 : 3,666
Cooling Air Cooled
Front Suspension ø 43mm upside down fork with adjustments for spring preload and compression
and rebound damping. Radial caliper mounting on bottom sleeve
Rear Suspension Single leverage with progressive separate gas reservoir (spring preload and
hydraulic extension and compression)
Front Brake Twin ø 320mm stainless steel wave discs. Radial calipers with 4 opposed pistons.
Rear Brake ø 282mm stainless steel disc, oating caliper with 2 opposed pistons
Front Tyre 120/70 ZR17″
Rear Tyre 180/55 ZR17″
Length 2260mm
Width 880mm
Height 1070mm
Running Weight 240kg
Fuel Tank 17 litres (3.5 litre reserve)
Accessories • Semi-Rigid Panniers • Windshield Kit
• Large Tank Bag Kit • Electronic Anti Theft System
• Small Tank Bag • Homologated Silencer
• Tail Bag • Carbon Fibre Front Mudguard
• Anti-Theft Luggage Rack • Carbon Fibre Heat Shield
• Fly Screen • Carbon Fibre Clock Cover
• Bike Cover
Colour Verde Tenni

 

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2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE – US Specifications/Technical Details
USA MSRP Price: $12,690 USD

Type Four-stroke V 90 twin
Cooling Air and oil cooled with independent cooling pump
Capacity 1,151cc
Bore and stroke 95 x 81.2 mm
Compression ratio 11:01
Maximum power output
Over 110 hp at 7,500 rpm
Max Torque
Over 80 ft lbs at 6,400 rpm
Fuel supply/ignition
Multipoint sequential electronic injection, Magneti Marelli IAW 5A phased, alfa-n system; 2 x Ø50 mm throttle bodies with Weber IWP 189 injectors, Lambda probe.
Starter
Electric
Spark plugs
NGK PMR8B (Long Life)
Exhaust system
Stainless steel two-into-one 3-way catalysed with Lambda probe.
Homologation
Euro 3

TRANSMISSION
Gearbox
6 speed
Gear ratios
1st 17/38 = 1 : 2.235
2nd 20/34 = 1 : 1.700
3rd 23/31 = 1 : 1.348
4th 26/29 = 1 : 1.115
5th 31/30 = 1 : 0.968
6th 29/25 = 1 : 0.862

ELECTRICS
Voltage
12 V
Battery
12 V – 18 Ah
Alternator 12 V – 550 W
Lubrication
Oil bath
Primary drive
Helicoidal gears, ratio 26/35 = 1 : 1.346
Final drive
CA.R.C reactive drive; double universal joint with floating bevel gear, ratio 12/44 = 1 : 3,666
Clutch
Single plate with integrated flexible couplings

FRAME
Frame
High tensile steel tubular twin cradle
Wheelbase
61 inches (1,554 mm)
Rake
4.25 inches (108 mm)
Steering rake
26.30°
Steering angle.
34°
Front suspension
Upside down Ø 43 mm fully adjustable forks (spring preload and hydraulic for rebound and compression) with mounting for radial calipers.
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear suspension
Progressive single swingarm, fully adjustable monoshock with separate gas reservoir (spring preload and hydraulic for rebound and compression).
Rear wheel travel
110 mm
Front brakes
Twin floating 320 mm stainless steel wave discs, radial calipers with 4 opposed pistons.
Rear brakes
Single 282 mm fixed stainless steel disc, floating caliper with 2 parallel pistons.
Wheels
Tubeless spoke wheels with aluminum Ber rim and Alpina spokes.
Front wheel
3.50” x 17”
Rear wheel
5.50” x 17”
Front tire
120/70 ZR17”
Rear tire
180/55 ZR17”

DIMENSIONS
Length
89 inches (2,260 mm)
Width
32.6 inches (830 mm)
Height
42.12 inches (1,070 mm)
Saddle height
31.4 inches (800 mm)
Minimum ground clearance
7.28 inches (185 mm)
Dry weight
489 pounds (222 kg)
Fuel tank capacity
4.4 gallons (16.7 litres)
Reserve
.5 gallon

 

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2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE – Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: $13,590 CDN

ENGINE
Type Four-stroke V 90 twin
Cooling Air and oil cooled with independent cooling pump
Capacity 1,151cc
Bore and stroke 95 x 81.2 mm
Compression ratio 11:01
Maximum power output Over 110 hp at 7,500 rpm
Max Torque 80 foot pounds at 6,400 rpm
Fuel supply/ignition Multipoint sequential electronic injection, Magneti Marelli IAW 5A phased, alfa-n system; 2 x Ø50 mm throttle bodies with Weber IWP 189 injectors, Lambda probe.
Exhaust system Stainless steel two-into-one 3-way catalysed with Lambda probe.

TRANSMISSION
Gearbox 6 speed
Lubrication Oil bath
Final drive CA.R.C reactive drive; double universal joint with floating bevel gear, ratio 12/44 = 1 : 3,666
Clutch Single plate with integrated flexible couplings

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Frame High tensile steel tubular twin cradle
Wheelbase 61 inches (1,554 mm)
Trail 4.25 inches (108 mm)
Steering rake 26.30°
Steering angle. 34°
Front suspension Upside down Ø 43 mm fully adjustable forks (spring preload and hydraulic for rebound and compression) with mounting for radial callipers.
Front wheel travel 120 mm
Rear suspension Progressive single swingarm, fully adjustable monoshock with separate gas reservoir (spring preload and hydraulic for rebound and compression).
Rear wheel travel 110 mm
Front brakes Twin floating 320 mm stainless steel wave discs, Brembo radial callipers with 4 opposed pistons.
Rear brakes Single 282 mm fixed stainless steel disc, floating calliper with 2 parallel pistons.
Wheels Tubeless spoke wheels with aluminium Ber rim and Alpina spokes.
Front wheel 3.50″ x 17″
Rear wheel 5.50″ x 17″
Front tire 120/70 ZR17″
Rear tire 180/55 ZR17″

DIMENSIONS
Length 89 inches (2,260 mm)
Width 32.6 inches (830 mm)
Height 42.12 inches (1,070 mm)
Saddle height 31.4 inches (800 mm)
Minimum ground clearance 7.28 inches (185 mm)
Dry weight 489 pounds (222 kg)
Fuel tank capacity 4.4 gallons (16.7 litres)
Reserve .5 gallon