Hello from Santa Cruz

Grignapoco Posts : 137 Join date : 2014-11-04

I decided I need to get a modern bike in my stable - I've got mostly '70s Italian, including a Guzzi V65 cafe racer:
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I always like the GRiSO looks and performance, so sold my '73 BMW Toaster Tank and started looking for a used GRiSO 1100. Found some good deals around the country, but finally located a 2008 (sold in 2010) with 6000 miles down the coast in San Diego. I bought it remotely with my buddy doing the test ride and check out. He just picked it up up for me and it's in his garage for time being.

I'll be picking it over Christmas week when the family goes down to the Anza Borrego dessert...I usually haul a bike or 2 down for riding the San Diego county backroads, so this time i'll be picking one up. First time in many years I've had that "Christmas" anticipation.

Been browsing the forum and looks like lots of good info....hope to be joining in the discussions.

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Sfregiato Posts : 466 Join date : 2014-06-13 Age : 69

Hi Fred and welcome to the ghetto! Viva la Fiesta

L'Innominato Posts : 2456 Join date : 2013-05-28 Age : 54

Congratulations on your GRiSO and welcome to the ghetto. Another Don Abbondio is converted!

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2012 MOTO GUZZI GRiSO 1200SE

2013 MOTO GUZZI STELVIO 1200NTX - Orange Blossom Special

Biondino Posts : 204 Join date : 2014-09-08 Age : 48

Nice collection of scoots, welcome Fred

Grignapoco Posts : 137 Join date : 2014-11-04

Laker wrote:: Nice collection of scoots, welcome Fred

Thanks. My garage had gone all vintage and I used the R75 as a daily rider/wife hauler, but I realized that I need to get a Modern bike back in the garage. THe R75 was a trade for my first year (1993) Ducat Monster, which I had for a long time. But I also miss the torque fun and edge of the Duc. Love twins, as you may of noticed from list of bikes, and had always had an eye on big-block Guzzi's and thought about it when the GRiSO was launched.

In any case my garage is now all Italian and I have something for the torquey fun...

Tiradritto Posts : 352 Join date : 2013-07-02 Age : 58

Hi fredfrenzy
Welcome
I'm starting to get exited with all these black 1100's on board.
If the wife finds the seat uncomfortable see below.

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GRiSO Posts : 1163 Join date : 2013-11-26 Age : 56

Greetings Fred.
It's very good to hear Santa Cruz In Da House!
I lived there from 87-93. The last couple years I lived in Lompico which was nice bike riding.
Every day in and out was a sport ride. Smile

DM

Grignapoco Posts : 137 Join date : 2014-11-04

DungeonMaster wrote:: Greetings Fred.
It's very good to hear Santa Cruz In Da House!
I lived there from 87-93. The last couple years I lived in Lompico which was nice bike riding.
Every day in and out was a sport ride.

DM

Great roads here - I'm on the upper west side and only a few blocks from the twisties...my thanksgiving ride loop up to Alices.
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Grignapoco Posts : 137 Join date : 2014-11-04

Grisodude wrote:: Hi fredfrenzy
Welcome
I'm starting to get exited with all these black 1100's on board.
If the wife finds the seat uncomfortable see below.

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Thanks...I am going to have to do an occasional 2-up setup for my wife and granddaughter...I had been thinking about lowering the foot pegs and hadn't seen this thread. Great analysis and work....I'll definitly be going down this path.

What do you do about grab handles/removable back rest? Are they needed?

barry

GRiSO Posts : 1163 Join date : 2013-11-26 Age : 56

Empire Grade!!!!!! Yeah Baby!! Smile

Grignapoco Posts : 137 Join date : 2014-11-04

DungeonMaster wrote:: Empire Grade!!!!!! Yeah Baby!!

Yup...5 blocks from house. Empire grade, down to Bonny Doon road to Davenport for beer or coffe at the coast and rid back along Hwy 1 is my favorite quick loop.

Here's my Morini a few weeks ago at the top of the Grade by the Lockheed plant. That was a great ride...
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Sfregiato Posts : 466 Join date : 2014-06-13 Age : 69

You live in a great area for sure. When I bought a Thruxton a few years ago, I flew to San Jose and the seller picked me up at the arport, then we drove to Google in Mt View, where the bike was. Got a tour of Google sice it was Staurday and sort of closed.
Then I rode it around a bit, getting lost in your hills, then headed down the coast to LA. That was a long day on an unfamiliar bike with non-op license tags. Luck I didn't get pulled over.

Grignapoco Posts : 137 Join date : 2014-11-04

Good hills to get lost in....

GRiSO Posts : 1163 Join date : 2013-11-26 Age : 56

So Fred.
I have a V65 that is slated to get Cafe'd out.
I sure love the looks of yours!
I would skip the chrome tank but it is Gorgeous!!

DM

Grignapoco Posts : 137 Join date : 2014-11-04

DungeonMaster wrote:: So Fred.
I have a V65 that is slated to get Cafe'd out.
I sure love the looks of yours!
I would skip the chrome tank but it is Gorgeous!
DM

That's actually "chrome paint" on a '60s Dunstal fiberglass tank. The V65 smallblock is an underrated bike - it really is a fun little bike, especially in the tight twisties here. It is a Tonti frame so handles quite well. This was a real mess when I got it - door bell ringer for a start button, torque not gaskets on various things, speaker wire in the harness, missing carbs etc. Lot of work, almost nothing but the running gear is stock - lots of small fabrications. Always gets the thumb up.

barry

GRiSO Posts : 1163 Join date : 2013-11-26 Age : 56

When I lived in Santa Cruz my girlfriend had a V50III.
Which I would ride on Rodeo Rd around to Soquel/Aptos.
SWEET!! That little minx would just dice so easy. I love small blocks.

DM

Nibbio Posts : 855 Join date : 2014-08-18 Age : 55

Hello from me across the sea.........

Tiradritto Posts : 352 Join date : 2013-07-02 Age : 58

fredfrenzy
I have the Hepco Becker bags and a soft bag.
Wife is ok with it.
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Not as good as a top box but that in my opinion doesn't look good on the GRiSO" />