Second bike but why

I have been itching for a second bike.

Have been thinking hard about a Hypermotard (too small) or a Dorsoduro 1200. Or an old Daytona 955i, or maybe an Aprilia Falco?

Then I spend an hour on the GRiSO and wonder why? It was perfectly agile in traffic, the 1100 has plenty of thump to get to illegal speeds in a hurry.

Anyone have a second bike to go along with the GRiSO? If so, what, and why?

I have exactly the same thoughts as you: I would like to have a second bike, just for a change, but (especially after an hour on the GRiSO) I cannot think of any other bike that I would like more or that fits my riding style better.  

The only bike I can come up with would be a nice new red-and-black GRiSO 1200...  

Bioman ya hit the nail right on the bloody head. Ive never thought too much about havin more than one bike. My red 1100 is my "once in a lifetime" motorbike. I dont really know how or why I ended up with a 2015 1200. But there they be ,in the shed. I have a "project" early fifties AJS single to keep me busy.

Birch wrote:

I have been itching for a second bike.

Have been thinking hard about a Hypermotard (too small) or a Dorsoduro 1200.  Or an old Daytona 955i, or maybe an Aprilia Falco?

Then I spend an hour on the GRiSO and wonder why? It was perfectly agile in traffic, the 1100 has plenty of thump to get to illegal speeds in a hurry.

Anyone have a second bike to go along with the GRiSO? If so, what, and why?

Well Mrs Guzzi Cat always liked the comfort of touring pillion on a couple of FJR,s that I used to have so I convinced her that we needed a Stelvio to cover long distance touring The GRiSO is for me!!

We are just back from touring the West coast of Ireland "Wild Atlantic Way" on the big Goose (Much Comfort) and happy wifey  

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Check out the Aprilia Mana. It's like a Swiss Army knife on wheels. The auto trans is great in traffic or if you're just feeling lazy. Also great for touring two up. And they are stupid cheap in the US. You can find a nice low mileage one for around $4000.

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While not everybody's cup of tea the Mana is a great counterpoint to the GRiSO and as a tourer is second to none. The one in that pic is 'Technically' mine as well as the plain Jane NA I have over here. I bought that one for a song in about 2012 and toured across the whole of the southern USA on it from Florida to the Rockies and on to LA via the Mokey Dugway and Monument Valley. All this in 40+ degree heat and it never missed a beat! GT is a much better bike than the NA but either are cheap fun.

The only real fault with them is that they are almost too smooth and anodyne but as a tourer they really are second to none.

Pete

Got to be another sports bike and the one I am focussed on is the Aprillia RSV4, prices have dropped below half the new price, low milers available in basic trim £8k private All the depreciation just about mashed out of them. Me likee. Nothing beats the buzz about riding a thoroughbred even if it`s only for 40mins every now and then.

Would not mind a v11 either. Just to look at.

chris

The problem with RSV4's is that they are murderously uncomfortable. In all real ways the TV4 is a much better road bike. If you really feel you need the extra top end provided by the shower-heads it's easy enough to physically fit them. I don't know whether the loom has the plugs for them on the TV4 though so you might need to re-loom.

Pete

I doubt you not Peter, but my sports bike rides are pretty limited, lets just say it`s a feel good thing reconnecting with youth and lost testosterone.. sadly. The GRiSO is known as our bike and the sports bikes are my indulgence. My wife played a big part in choosing "our" bike. I am thankful for that. We have done some pretty hardcore stuff together on a bike which would have caused unmarriedness with other couples. TBQH it did actually..

bioman wrote:

I have exactly the same thoughts as you: I would like to have a second bike, just for a change, but (especially after an hour on the GRiSO) I cannot think of any other bike that I would like more or that fits my riding style better.  

The only bike I can come up with would be a nice new red-and-black GRiSO 1200...  

All depends what you want. I have a GRiSO and a Norge, the differences are obvious. GRiSO for fun, day trips, no luggage, rain/wind protection, Norge for long trips, beer runs, two up, etc. I want to add a Stelvio, but would prefer a small block dual sport based off the V7........... I also have two older classic Yamahas that are mint, and only see limited summer riding.

Pete Roper wrote:

The problem with RSV4's is that they are murderously uncomfortable. In all real ways the TV4 is a much better road bike. If you really feel you need the extra top end provided by the shower-heads it's easy enough to physically fit them. I don't know whether the loom has the plugs for them on the TV4 though so you might need to re-loom.

Pete

Now this IS uncomfortable......as uncomfortable as it is orange - but twice as much fun  


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Ha, that is comfy matey, roomy and adjustable. Nice choice. Early model as well but not in standard trim.

I have never understood polygamy, as one wife is quite enough.  

That said, there is, IMO, some undeniable charm in a harem, at least of the moto sort.  

I just got back from a 600-mile r/t on the GRiSO, and, except for a short run in the rain, found it a joy as a tourer.

Day after tomorrow, I ride the old EV to Atlanta, in part just to watch the odo of that sweet beast turn over the 100K-mile mark.

Next month, it'll be two-up on the Norge to the South'n Spine Raid in Tellico Plains at the Tennessee foot of the Cherohala Skyway.

All do the work and play in different ways, so I like the choice that a blonde and two redheads afford me.  

Bill

I've been looking in a couple different directions.  Since I daily commute on by G11 and it doesn't like the heat out here in California -- a Mana is starting to look good.  Cheap, no tap-dancing from stoplight to stoplight and I may actually split lanes with it.

Then there's another Aprilia, the Pegaso, I could also use as a commuter, one day fly fishing trip bike or put a son on it for our tours and he can do his own tours on it.

My boys want me to get a Quota because of the Muammar Gaddafi connection.

Of course I do have LUST for a Lemans Corsa.  It's been four decades since my Cafe bike and I still dream of a 1/2 faired road burner.

Is Five to many?

When I was young there was a period where I drove 50,000 miles per year all over California for work.  Maybe work could pick up and I could ride them 40,000 miles per year......

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OI have an R1100S. Cheap as chips, handles great has enough real world poke, wind protection and does two up well.

I have a 2007 Triumph Thruxton, It is not as fast as the GRiSO SE1200 (close though) it is loads of fun in a different way. I also enjoy having a bike to mess with, ie: different carbs, and other farkles while having a bike that I know will start and ride always.

Although I'm not riding either right now will I repair the GRiSO and heal my broken humerus.

among others my 1100 GRiSO shares the garage with my 2005 Ducati Multistrada  1000 S ..
I ride both about equally and use the Ducati for touring and more sport riding ,its been a solid bike for the most part a bit fickle here and there and has responded very well to a recent flowed head and Pistal pistons ..
the GRiSO has however become my go to bike , i love the thing for all the reasons you all do ..and its a keeper..
Keener

Birch wrote:

I have been itching for a second bike.....

Anyone have a second bike to go along with the GRiSO? If so, what, and why?

What about something completely different such as a dual sport or adventure bike?

Nah! Gotta a 'prila 2fiddy, 'cept its a 485.
RZ250 mota wif a 4mil stroker crank and 19mil big bore kit.
Come the end of September ........................... weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Why?
Dunno. Maybe coz I dun wanna grow up?

Birch wrote:

I have been itching for a second bike.

Have been thinking hard about a Hypermotard (too small) or a Dorsoduro 1200...

My second bike on the road (V.11 and LMlll are awaiting repair time & space) is a Dorsoduro 750. I bought it in desperation as the GRiSO 1200 was such a headache and off the road more than on it. In contrast, the Aprilia hasn't given a bit of bother. It just goes. The 750 looks good and I really enjoy it to ride. It's different enough from the GRiSO to be... different. Only problem with Dorso is small tank and so small range, though fuel consumption is much better than thirsty GRiSO. When the 1200 Dorso came out I sort of wished I could start again with 1200s as I might have got it instead of GRiSO. 750 is good though: it's a little tall for me (not too tall) and heavyish for what it is (I think frame was originally made to also take the 1200 motor) but GRiSO is even heavier of course.

But 1200 Dorso isn't made anymore: did it transform into the new Caponord? That would be a great 2nd bike too and if I was pressed into a choice I'd have the Caponord rather then the Stelvio. I'm not even sure if 750 Dorso is still made?

Biggest issue with Aprilia is the same as Guzzi's problem in UK: 'Piaggio UK' and poor-to-no dealer system and customer care/back-up (none here at all). From that point of view I'd definitely look at a marque that has decent local service, for an additional bike. In that case probably Triumph. But oh, yes, aren't I actually looking at an old Convert as something different? Hmmm – I'll let you know how that goes...

My second bike is a little TU250X. why? It was very cheap. And a light bike is easier for short distances. Unfortunately, right now it doesn't run. New carb, new tank, new fuel lines, weak spark.


Now, if I could only afford the hugely under rated Aprilia Caponard...

Ducati for the track, Laverda for the tour, Yamaha for the dirt, other guzzis for a change, Honda to pretend I'm a mechanic and the GRiSO for BDSM fantasy.

Every time I ride it I sing that song 'I love you, I hate you, I love you, I hate you...'

In my stable the GRiSO 8v is for grins and commuting. The Breva is for touring the Bonnie is fun and project ( a.k.a. Money pit) and the HD FatBob is a redundant paid for spare. Since my insurance is only US 145 a year on all four, why not multiples?

Tried to go for a ride yesterday on my GRiSO and my wife on her 2014 V7 Special. She turned the key and the dash lights flashed, heard some ticking, saw the "BATT" in the right side LCD screen (and the strange "Class 3" code when turning off the key), and that is all "she wrote" for the ride. It was over before it began... So, she turns to me and says she needs a "backup" bike to make sure she doesn't miss another opportunity for a ride (we are both in our 70's and time is marching-on...not to be wasted on dead batteries!).

So, last night I catch her on the MG sight and she told me she just didn't see anything that she liked better than her V7 Special...her reasons were many which I won't go into on a GRiSO site. Then I see her checking out the KTM 390 Duke online...I guess that is KTM's form of a Standard. I quizzed her about her spec's and she generally wants a Standard...what we old-folks know as a Standard anyway. She doesn't need/want a high HP bike, but one that handles well and is comfortable for at least an hour or so ride (explains the V7?). We have a lot twisting roads and changes in elevation in our rural area of Tennessee that are a lot of fun for "spirited" riding...which we both like to do. Also, the Japanese bike designs turn her off and she didn't like the Indian Scout at all when she set on one at our MG dealer. There are no Triumph or Ducati dealers nearby and the only BMW dealer has a horrible reputation...though she used to ride BMW's for years before we relocated to our retirement home in Tennessee.

Now, here is the question for our many learned and experienced...has anybody here tried a KTM 390 Duke and what are your thoughts with respect to it measuring up agains the V7? I'll pass along your feedback to the wife...

Sometimes I think I may like the BMW R9T. The downside is that it is basically an ugly copy of the GRiSO. And it is just a bit too "hip" for me. But on the other hand it will probably be a very fine bike, and you get the BMW dealership network...