Quote:
Originally Posted by 405
congrats! hows it compare to the bonneville?
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I still haven't had a lot of riding time but I have gotten out on it a couple of times so I can give some initial observations.
A couple of points to keep in mind: First, an MG Griso costs a
a lot more new than a Bonneville, so its not a very fair comparison. Second, mine has the older OHV 2 valve engine, not the newer OHC 8 valve engine. The new engine produces 22 more horsepower so the ride would be much more spirited.
Fit & finish and detail: Arguably the best I've ever seen on a production motorcycle. The attention to finish, detail and design is amazing. Only other bikes I've looked at that come close are the MV Brutales.
The Griso slightly heavier and longer than the Bonnie with about 30% more power. Its a comfortable bike, seat is about an inch higher than the Bonnie but a bit wider, footpegs are set back in nearly the exact position as those on my ZRX1200r, handlebars require a slightly forward lean (not as severe as a Thruxton) and are two inches wider than the Bonnie so they feel a bit different. The Griso riding position is very close to the ZRx1200r, which is nearly perfect for me (I'm 5'10", with a 31" inseam).
So initial riding impressions: In terms of acceleration I would say the Griso is modestly quicker. However, I may just need to ride it harder. Its really easy to ride it around at 3-4,000 rpm like you would a Harley, but the power comes on at around 6,000 rpm so I imagine once I get used to the power band my impression may change.
From a handling perspective, no comparison. I got the Griso out on Lime Creek Road for a spin in some technical twisties. The frame is very rigid, it has proper sport tires, and the brakes (Bembos) and suspension are top shelf. Don't get me wrong, this is not a sport bike. But for a heavier, long bike it feels very planted and corners nicely. On the highway its very stable. Aerodynamically the wind over the front of the bike hits me mid-chest, with my head in clear air so ride is pleasant.
Two niggles: First, I have no clue why the Italians had to reverse positions of the turn signal switch and the horn button from the layout used by nearly every other manufacturer. Second, the side stand is mounted WAAAY forward, and is a reach to retract.
If the weather holds I'll ride it to Luckenback Saturday so I'll see how I feel after 200+ miles in the saddle. I'll also try to get some more pictures.
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