The Moto Guzzi Griso is one of the most distinctive motorcycles on the road today, with styling that polarizes opinions. And now the tuners Ghezzi-Brian, long associated with the Mandello del Lario factory, have created a kit for the Griso that’s just as controversial. It converts the long-legged roadster into a go-anywhere motard.
Ghezzi-Brian’s new bodywork hides the exposed chassis rails that bisect the tank on the stock bike. I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing, but it will please some people. Others will welcome the new rear suspension setup, centered on a shock with ‘Dynamic Damping Action’.
This was designed by the Dutch company Tractive Suspension, which also had a hand in the development of BMW’s ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) systems. The difference is that the Ghezzi-Brian system automatically ‘tunes’ the suspension as the bike is ridden—up to 25,000 times per second, we’re told.
Other changes include lightweight Kineo spoked wheels with forged aluminum rims, which take tubeless tires. The Griso’s excellent ‘Quattrovalvole’ engine, a 1151cc transverse 90-degree V-Twin, is wisely left alone.
The Motard V-Twin is an interesting concept, and undoubtedly extends the Griso’s abilities on rougher terrain. But is it more desirable than the highly-acclaimed stock Griso?
