Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8v Review

Used Buyer Review

The Griso 8V is one of those bikes that makes absolutely no sense on paper but complete sense the moment you twist the throttle. That 1151cc transverse V-twin punches out 110hp with a torque delivery that feels like someone stapled a locomotive to your wrists. The bevel-edged styling still turns heads a decade later, and the riding position is genuinely aggressive without being punishing. It's a proper Italian muscle bike, not a poseur. That said, going in eyes open matters here. The gearbox is notchy cold — give it five minutes or accept the clunks. Earlier examples (pre-2011) had fuel mapping issues that a dealer flash mostly sorted. Check the bevel drive for play and inspect the exhaust headers for cracks around the welds; both are known weak spots. Parts availability has gotten tighter as Guzzi's dealer network shrinks, so budget accordingly. Find a well-maintained example from a genuine enthusiast and you've got something genuinely special — a motorcycle with real character that most modern bikes simply can't fake.