Triumphrat
Originally Posted by xaman
You’ve got a nice stable of bikes!
A bit Off Topic I know, but would you care to delineate a few differences between your Griso and Bonnie, especially how/why they both stay in the garage, and what kind of rides you choose each for?
Back on topic, I’m a bit surprised that everyone complains about a lack of power for the V7. Just on paper it seems to be similar power to weight ratio to the triumphs. I trust experience more than paper stats, but it still surprises me.
I’d love to get a test ride on one.
I moved this from the Bonneville vs. V7 thread so as not to hijack the thread.
Now, the following comments are my opinions, so if you don’t like them – TOUGH. Your ‘opinion’ may vary based on your age, size, political leanings and sexual preference, and, you are entitled to your opinion as am I. Now that I have that out of the way, let me answer Xaman’s questions.
First of all I’m comparing a nearly STOCK EFI T100 (Burton Seat and Ohlins shocks) with a Modified push rod Griso (aftermarket pipe, ECU flash). I say this because it seems some Guzzistas take great umbrage comparing the older Grisos to newer bikes. For those not familiar with the difference between old and new Grisos, the newer OHC 8 valve engine produces about 25 more horsepower in stock trim (haven’t ridden one but have been told the power really comes on in the higher revs).
So these are my respective rides:
Specs on the two bikes, mostly from this site – http://www.bikez.com :
Most of the discussions are Bonnevile vs. V7 for obvious reasons. But if you look at the specs you will see that the Bonnie sits in between the V7 and Griso regarding weight and Power.
The Guzzis tend to be more expensive, but you will spend 1-2 grand on a new Bonnie to overcome the deficiencies. You don’t have to do that with a Griso.
When you inspect the two bikes the ‘build to price’ nature of the Bonnie glaringly stands out. The Griso has impeccable build quality, top shelf components all around and incredible attention to detail. Obvious the bikes are targeted to different markets.
Regarding power delivery the two bikes have very different personalities. The Bonnie is sewing machine smooth, the Griso is not. The Griso is much more willing to rev to the redline than the Bonnie. The power and torque advantage is obvious, but only when you get the Griso above 4,500 rpm. The Griso also has the advantage of relatively low gearing.
70 mph in top gear on either bike turns nearly the same rpms, even though the Griso has one more gear.
Riding positions are different. I suspect the Griso riding position falls somewhere between a T100 and a Thruxton. I find both of my bikes very comfortable.
On the highway/in the twisties handling goes to the Griso. Better suspension and brakes stand out here.
In town the Bonnevile wins the riding comparison by a wide margin. Don’t get me wrong, the Griso is not a bad in-town ride, but the Bonnevile is so easy to ride on city streets.
So Xaman, to answer your basic question:
First, I ride primarily for pleasure. Most of my riding is day rides in the Texas Hill Country. I don’t commute on a bike. I rode nearly 6,000 miles last year:
Kawasaki ZRX1200r – 608 miles
MG California 1400 – 679 miles (only had it for 2 weeks in 2013)
Bonnie – 1,730 miles
Griso – 2,953 miles
98% of my in-city rides are on the Bonneville. Once I bought the Bonnie the number of short in-town rides to run simple errands went up exponentially. It’s just so easy to ride.
As a result I end up riding more days in the year.
90% of my country rides are on a Guzzi. The exception are rides that I know will include unpaved roads. Then I take the Bonnie.
The Bonnie is like the girl next door that Mom always wanted you to marry – nice, pleasant and very reliable.
The Griso is like that beautiful women you always wanted to ask for a date but never had the nerve. When you finally do and she says yes your life is complete.
__________________
Mike
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