New member from the UK

Hi all

I'm in Cheshire. Always fancied a Guzzi and looked at a few Lemons but couldn't find one in nice condition. Then I reconsidered after reading about the GRiSO.... and bought this last July:

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2009 with just over 1,000 miles on it; I've put another 1,000 on it before it went into hibernation in November (we get a lot of salt on our winter roads). It's lovely to ride - comfortable, fast, handles well, and sounds like a Spitfire, complete with that 'Merlin crackle' on the over-run! It used to occasionally blow a fuse on starting until I did the 'start mod' to the relay which has hopefully cured that (why did MG design it that way?). The only fly in the ointment now is the fear of the dreaded cam problem - fingers crossed!

Here's the current fleet:

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GRiSO, Suzuki Freewind, and my trusty Honda C90.

Can't wait for some decent weather!

Cheers

Vince

Hi Vince and welcome from a swiss member.

Welcome. I cannot think of another moto company that makes a nicer white bike.

Excellent! Welcome to the ghetto! That Termignoni pipe sounds just about right, was that on there when purchased or did you add that yourself?

Termi was on when I bought it. I've since added a hugger, paddock stand, front guard extender, Carc protector, and engine bars.

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Keep the dB killer in the pipe, they really do run a lot better with it in.

I am 99% certain that the cam failure issue can be sheeted down to over cooling and condensation forming in the rocker covers and then dripping down into the camboxes. This is exacerbated by climate and the sort of use the bike is put to.

If you look at how and where engines fail the majority of failures occur in climates where it gets cold and damp in winter but not so cold that people stop riding entirely as they do in many parts of the USA for instance. The problem is also made worse by people who insist on riding a 1200cc air/oil cooled motorbike four or five miles to work and back each day. During that time it will never get hot enough to sublime the water from condensation and the by-products of combustion out of the oil. 

I see Vince has a Honda C90. Brilliant! An ideal commuter vehicle that costs nothing to run and you can't kill 'em with a shitty stick! Using it for the everyday drudge-work means the GRiSO can be kept for what its good at. Acting the goat at the weekend and getting good and hot so all the moisture can be expelled.

Pete

Many thanks Peter! I have read and and found very interesting your posts on Guzzitech. I hope you are correct (and it does seem logical) that 1200 cam follower issues are made worse (or even fundamentally caused) by cold running with the oil not getting hot enough.

I have resisted the temptation to get the GRiSO out on the few salt-free days here because i know it'll be darned cold, I won't want to ride it far, so it'll not get hot. I'll save it for the spring when I can take it on longer rides on warm (or at least dry and not too cold) days.

The C90 is a hoot. A few of us here have these or Townmates and it's amazing the distances one can cover in reasonable time on one, even with a mere 7hp available!

For longer rides that suit the C90 in cold weather and rain (so I don't want to ride the GRiSO), the Freewind fits the bill. It also has luggage, as does the C90. The GRiSO doesn't need it for what I use it for - nice days out, blasting round the Derbyshire Peak District or suchlike.

Best wishes and thanks for all the welcomes.

Vince

Hi Vince,

I've got a black 1200, live down in the Chilterns. I won't ride mine for short journeys in the winter, but if I'm doing 30 or more miles I will take it out as I figure it should get warm enough then. It's not the cold so much that gets me, it's the endless sodding rain !

They do look nice in white, I can't think of another motorcycle that does really.

Tony

Hi Tony

I like them in white, though black ones look good too! Does yours hibernate like mine, November to about March? Roll on the spring, and let's hope for good riding weather!

Have you had to do the 'start relay mod' on yours?

Cheers

Vince

Pretty much in hibernation, but if the roads ever dried up I'd be out for a spin. I ride for pleasure in my old age.

Not had to do any mods on mine yet. It did have a problem not starting and cutting out on the sidestand one day, but hasn't recurred to date.

Mine has a problem staying in the garage.
It can never manage to be there long

Hi Vince and all UK GRiSO owners, bit concerned to hear about start relay, cam issues!! anyway I just love the bike, looking to buy a hugger and paddock stand before attempting to make one myself, ie Hengis Pod design!! (Carry on Cleo) any recommendations. nice to have UK contacts as well as worldwide. Bought a Black Devil Taz that compliments the Green Witch Z1000SX very well!!!

Regards Rat Gloucester area

This is the hugger I fitted (the carbon fibre one, not the fiberglass one): [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

And the paddock stand: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Cheers

Vince