NEW YORK - July 16, 2008 - Legendary Italian manufacturer Moto Guzzi draws deeply from its country's rich tradition to give full breadth to its latest creation, the Griso 1200 8V.
This newest addition to the Moto Guzzi line, the Griso 1200 8V has been designed to flourish in the realm of two-wheel beauty and performance; a bold and brash machine that combines old world bloodlines with modern engineering. A harmonious marriage of chrome and satin finished metal, the Griso perpetuates the revered lineage of gorgeous motorcycles that have formed the Guzzi family for more than 85 years.
A striking amalgamation of minimal bodywork, mechanical innovation, and rider comfort, the new Griso is right at home in the land that gave birth to da Vinci, bathed in the same eternally sensual magic that has been the stamp of Italy for centuries. It represents the next generation of motorcycles to emerge from the Moto Guzzi Factory, taking an evolutionary step in engineering while retaining the essence of the brand's time-honored soul.
Streamlined Design
The Griso possesses a muscular, handsome persona, a sleek design that carries from the wide tubular handlebar at the front to the narrow tail section at the back in one uninterrupted flow of minimal bodywork. The gas tank is slightly recessed into the stiff tubular chassis and seamlessly mates to the finely upholstered seat, a stylish design cue that extends through to the compact, aerodynamic tail section that houses the high-intensity LED tail light.
As a naked machine, the Griso's mechanical components are on full display in a boldly sporting presence. Once astride the Griso the rider is rewarded with practical ergonomics that allows excellent control while placing the greatest importance on comfort. Attention to detail is reinforced in every aspect of the machine from design to final assembly of all components. Moto Guzzi made sure to imbue the Griso with nothing but the finest, a trait that has made it one of Italy's most treasured exports.
Exceptional Performance
Beneath the handsome veneer lays a masculine heart of intense muscle in the form of Moto Guzzi's completely redesigned "Quattrovalvole" engine. The famous 90-degree V-twin-the proud centerpiece of Moto Guzzi-is set like a fine jewel in the unique, high strength tubular steel perimeter chassis. The new motor is aligned in the thoroughly unique, transversal placement indigenous to Moto Guzzi, retaining the brand's established trademark. Externally, the engine exudes the renowned Guzzi appearance-- stout and imposing--while internally, the V-twin has undergone significant changes, featuring an astonishing 563 new components to draw out the highest level of performance and reliability.
The completely reworked, redesigned engine boasts new compact heads employing four valves per cylinder (hence the 8V moniker) operated by a single camshaft in each head that is driven by a noiseless timing chain with an hydraulically operated chain tensioner. Twin 50mm throttle bodies work in conjunction with Weber injectors to electronically feed fuel into the "Quattrovalvole."
The 4-valve design substantially increases the volume of air and gas flowing into the 1151cc air and oil-cooled power plant, producing an unprecedented 110 horsepower at a reasonable 7,500 rpm for the famous V-twin. Redesigned heads and pistons render an unbelievable 11.1:1 compression ratio. This heightened level of performance, combined with the signature low-end torque (79.7 ft lbs at 6,400 rpm) is delivered with superlative silkiness.