Teetering in Tasmania

Hello you GRiSO lot! I’m an older biker who’s just become aware of the GRiSO. I’m replacing a bmw r1100rs so I’d been looking at gear driven vfr’s, r1200rs beemers, even Ducati STs and super sports. I love the idea of character, really appreciate good handling, and something that I can keep and enjoy looking at in the garage when it rains…..which in Tasmania isn’t a rare event. The GRiSO ticks a lot of boxes, and it’s downsides don’t really bother me, small tank, more aggressive riding position etc.

I’ve found a 2013 grey and black GRiSO se. Only 7000kms on the clock and like new except for a couple of really minor marks. Bike has the rollorised heads according to the owner. He checks out and I’m just considering taking the plunge. Bike has had the first service, but nothing since as apparently the first service isn’t until 10k.

I live at the end of a 2k gravel road, so tips post purchase where to find longer mudguards huggers etc also welcome.

If I get the bike, I plan to have my local mechanic replace the fluids. Any other tips or suggestions would be warmly appreciated.

Tricky.

You'll get plenty of Excellent Tips quite soon from a very knowledgable Pete Roper here I am sure.About lubing the swing arm and shock bushing  etc, ( regardless of the low milage)  and getting yourself a Guzzi Diag and doing a proper tune up..AND NOT touching the Throttle body settings.  After you get the initial things done its a great bike.


You made a Great Choice!!!!

Welcome. Basically there are three major issues that need to be addressed with any 8V straight up.

First is rollerisation but if this bike is a 2013 then it will be a factory roller machine and you're good to go.

Second is the swingarm bearings and shock linkage bearings which will need examining and greasing. As long as it hasn't done too many rainy trips or been parked out in the weather with such low mileage if these bearings are packed properly now they will last a long time. It's just the factory rarely, if ever, did it properly on assembly.

Thirdly, while not vital it is strongly advisable to drop the sump and spacer off the block to replace the gasket between the spacer and the block. Either with one of the thicker, aftermarket, gaskets or the gasket from a California 1400.

If you are getting someone else to do the servicing make absolutely sure they understand how to tune a W5AM Guzzi. The subject of tuning and balancing the throttlebodies has been covered many times here so read up and make sure he understands that you NEVER touch the throttle stop screws on the TB's or alter the length of the linkage rod by moving the rod in relation to the ball joints. The idle speed is hard coded into the ECU and is, to all intents and purposes, non adjustable. Some people think 1,250 rpm is 'Too High'. It isn't, it's the target idle and if you try to change it by moving the stop screws you loose the baseline settings for the entire map and once lost they are very difficult to re-establish.

The fueling and performance, (Although not power output.) can be greatly enhanced by remapping but do not be tempted by crappy add-ons like Power Commanders or sensor foolers which either won't do anything or risk serious overfuelling and damage to the engine. Likewise don't be tempted by crap like K&N filters, they will simply damage your throttlebodies and wear your engine out quicker.

A well mapped and tuned 8V makes *About* 100 rear wheel HP. This is dictated by the head and combustion chamber design along with camming. Anyone who promises you vast power or torque increases is a charlatan. Love the bike for what it is, not what it's not and never will be.

The best money you can spend after it's mapped and tuned properly will be on suspension, brakes and making it comfortable for you. GRiSO isn't for everyone but if the bug bites it tends to bite deep.

Enjoy.

That, in a nutshell, is the definitive credo every new GRiSO owner should receive with the title to their new or used bike! Thanks Pete!

Welcome to the Ghetto, Tricky, enjoy your GRiSO!

Pete (Street)

Congrats with your GRiSO, and welcome to the forum!

If I can add anything to the above, is that it pays off (financially & otherwise) to change the fluids yourself. It is extremely simple - and in case of any doubt or questions: just post your questions here and someone will give you an answer.
The GRiSO is a very easy bike to do basic maintenance on (oil&filter, brake/clutch fluids, air filter, valves).

And post some pics if you have time!

For engine maps go to Beetle

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...and to reiterate

Never touch the Sacred Screw

Thanks you so much for your combined help and advice. Sadly for me, I missed out on the bike. Not to worry, having spent even more time researching the GRiSO, I’m more convinced than ever that it’s my next bike. Probably a 2v 1100 if one comes up. Anyone in Oz wanting to sell please let me know.

Otherwise I’ll keep my eye out on the websites and keep my fingers and toes crossed.

bioman wrote:

Congrats with your GRiSO, and welcome to the forum!  

If I can add anything to the above, is that it pays off (financially & otherwise) to change the fluids yourself. It is extremely simple - and in case of any doubt or questions: just post your questions here and someone will give you an answer.
The GRiSO is a very easy bike to do basic maintenance on (oil&filter, brake/clutch fluids, air filter, valves).

And post some pics if you have time!  

Your message, together with the precious messages is one of the main reasons I’ve decided the GRiSO is for me. I currently do basic fluids, and on my r1100rs I also replaced all the fuel lines and filter inside the fuel tank. Doing your own “spannering” is a big advantage when you live in a fairly remote spot. Luckily there’s a really good mechanic in Launceston for trickier work. I’d recommend him to anyone.

I’ll keep lurking and hopefully soon will be a genuine GRiSO ghetto member!

Watch this space. T.