Buying a GRiSO advice

So I'm brand new here. Been a fan of the GRiSO since before 2008. Been very hesitant to pull the trigger but I never stop thinking how cool this bike looks.
I have an opportunity to buy a 2015 1200SE. Orange and black. Original muffler. 6500 miles.
I hate to ask but what is the going rate for one? What are some things I should look for? My concern is reliability and there are no dealers within a 3 hour drive of me. I'm very mechanically inclined and am good with electronics and electrical. I just don't want to end up with something with known reliability issues making me work on it more than I ride it. Seeing I have limited experience with the goose since there are no dealers around and no one I know owns one I am seeking a little advice.
I own a 1972 Honda CB750 so most of my experience is from this bike, a 1976 CB550 and a HD Vrod. Love the way the old CB's feel. Vrod was ok. What end of the spectrum will the GRiSO be as far as riding?

GRiSO is an Italian mistress and will require treatment accordingly. However, Moto Guzzis are VERY simple to work on and the inmates on this forum are more than equal to the task of assisting you on your journey.

Little things do go wrong with anything. Moto Guzzi is no different and when the little things are attended to, they are "reliable as an anvil" (Pete Roper copyright). Maybe these little things are already sorted.

Any modest garage (yours) should have the tools to do the job well, that and a bit of patience. And if in doubt, ask in this place.

Swingarm and shock linkage bearings should be greased immediately on purchase, don't pull the plug caps off from the top, read and learn how the throttlebodies work and interact with the ECU before you start fiddling with them. Stick a decent map in it and go ride.

The going rate in the USA for a low mileage example such as this can certainly vary depending upon the local marketplace.  Here in Washington State, and Seattle metro in particular, Guzzis are a known commodity and GRiSOs are a popular option as Guzzis go.

I'd guess that is to say, I would expect to see asking prices anywhere from $5k to $7.5K and I'd say a fair price would be in the range of $6-6.5K in an informed marketplace.  These bikes are essentially unchanged since 2012, so it is a nine year old model regardless of what the title shows.

Even at $7,500 it's a great bargain for the motorcycle it is. There really isn't anything else like it. If it speaks to you, you won't be disappointed.

Just one man's opinion.

My 2012 is the best bike I’ve ever ridden. I hope you are not super attached to all your other bikes because if there is ever an argument about space in the garage she’s going to win and you won’t let the GRiSO go.....

I’ve only had my 2014 serviced once at the dealer when new and for the last 6 years do my own yearly service with the help of this forum. I’ve learned an incredible amount from many great people here. Like Steak said, up to $7500 would be reasonable in my opinion too. A good one seems to be harder to find.

Hey, mines a 2015 1200 SE (bought new in 2016) has 35k miles on it. I've replaced a bulb when the low beam went out. And that's it. MOST reliable new bike I've ever bought (out of 5).
I grin like a fool EVERY TIME I get on it, except for those rare 500+ mile days which can be rough on the ass ~but always easy on the eyes (no comment from the peanut gallery). The GRiSO may turn out to be Guzzi's Swan Song, though I hope not.. Go for it!

I concur with everyone's comments.
I have no dealer available for 3+ hours travel time and have performed all servicing "in house". You'll find yourself using this site to guide you through any unknowns you encounter.
Everything is accessible on the bike and parts are available once you find out what you need.
get the GRiSO while you can!

maestro wrote:

So I'm brand new here. Been a fan of the GRiSO since before 2008. Been very hesitant to pull the trigger but I never stop thinking how cool this bike looks.
I have an opportunity to buy a 2015 1200SE. Orange and black. Original muffler. 6500 miles.
I hate to ask but what is the going rate for one? What are some things I should look for? My concern is reliability and there are no dealers within a 3 hour drive of me. I'm very mechanically inclined and am good with electronics and electrical. I just don't want to end up with something with known reliability issues making me work on it more than I ride it. Seeing I have limited experience with the goose since there are no dealers around and no one I know owns one I am seeking a little advice.
I own a 1972 Honda CB750 so most of my experience is from this bike, a 1976 CB550 and a HD Vrod. Love the way the old CB's feel. Vrod was ok. What end of the spectrum will the GRiSO be as far as riding?

What the others say.

I plan to ride mine to Princeton, W.V., at the end of the month. Accompanying a friend on a beemer. He needs an escort because they are so unreliable.

Seriously, not sure of dates and may meet him again there on his way back from Atlanta a few days later.

Anyway, if you haven't had a demo yet and don 't need to pull the trigger on that one, you are welcome to take mine around the block if the calendar works for you.

Bill

Prices quoted are market correct. Totally unique riding experience, in a good way, than any other bike.

The feel is tough to describe. There's an addictive, almost hypnotic putter while cruising, and an overall "mechanical" quality without being detractingly clunky or vibratory. Just the right level of refinement IMO. The seating position is a little odd or even uncomfortable at first, but fantastic once you've adapted (check cycle-ergo.com, if you haven't already). The bike handles very well, way better than you would expect, this aspect is one of the highlights of the platform IMO.

Everything you read about the suspension is true--it will need to be addressed if still stock.

I bought my leftover '17 in 2019, had a god-awful dealership experience and an oil leak that necessitated removal of  the engine (which I fixed myself). My experience is very, very rare. Bottom line, get the bike. 2015 was a good year for the GRiSO. Worst case you don't like it and can pass it along, but if you've found a good one, I'd highly recommend the experience.

After 10 years of owning a GRiSO, I always come to the conclusion that you can't beat the looks for one (class of its own) and the power delivery of the 8V mill for another.
I never owned any other Guzzis so my experience with the brand is very narrow but the behavior of that engine matted to the smoothness of the gearbox is the perfect combo for me.
You can give it the berries, she'll love it. A bit more moderate with a small group of riders, you'll love it. LOL
As long as I can ride, I'm not parting with that bike, no Sir.

Maestro, reliability is not an issue. I would ask how tall you are and are you planning on doing any two-up riding? I’m 5’7” and the bike fits me perfectly. Some taller (beyond 6’) riders have complained about feeling cramped. I just bought mine, a used 2011, in February. In my newbie opinion there are four areas to be sorted out. 1) Rear shock - upgrade immediately. unless you are the target 160 pound rider who spends most of their time riding solo on good roads. Two-up riding with the stock shock is utter tailbone-jarring madness. Get the Matris or Ohlins shock WITH the hydraulic preload adjuster if you plan on switching between solo and two-up. 2) Fuel mapping. Beetle, a Ghetto member, has maps for the various aftermarket exhaust setups and for the stock can. Worth every cent and every minute spent 3) Front forks - can be revalved and resprung. Not absolutely mandatory, but recommended. 4) The seat meets with mixed reviews. I find mine to be a bit wide at the crotch and the foam is lousy.

Depending on your size and weight the bike is good to very good in stock form. Do the modifications and by most accounts it lands soundly in “awesome” territory.

One just posted on another forum's classifieds G/T-- sub 5K miles, Harpers Ferry WV.
PM'd additional info.

I just bought mine one month ago from a private seller. 2013, 3,000 miles, $6,500. Had her shipped from texas to Chicago for around $500.

Keep looking. $7500 is steel. Set up a notification on cycletrader, and check Facebook marketplace every day. You'll have to do multiple searches on facebook as it limits you to a 500mi radius, but you'll soon figure this out.

Also, do it. It's the best bike I've ridden.

Hey Rothbard, you're not in real estate are you?

Nope. I'm in the motorcycle industry. Why?

Just reminded me of my good friend and Real Estate agent...

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Whoa.

Wow haven't looked for a GRiSO for a while until just now. Pickings are slim here in the U.S. AF1 has a used one and I will be happy to check it out if anyone is interested.

Low miles and fair price on that one.