2007–2009 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
Italian Soul, Accessible Price
The Griso 850 is the way into Moto Guzzi's boldest roadster without giving up the good parts. You get the same steel tube frame, the same adjustable suspension front and rear and the same bodywork as the bigger Grisos, paired with an 877 cc air-cooled 90° V-twin: pushrods, two valves per cylinder, cylinders out in the wind on both sides and a shaft to the rear wheel. It makes 75 hp and 52 lb-ft, so it doesn't win on numbers in the naked class. It wins on presence and on a build quality you can see and touch. Pure Guzzi!
On the road it's a calm, planted bike that likes fast sweepers more than hectic direction changes. The engine trades peak power for friendly, usable pull, and at 529 lb (240 kg) wet you never forget there's real mass under you. It ages well: the simple air-cooled twin is built to last and the shaft saves you the chain care. Do confirm the fuel pump hose recall was done. It's for you if you want character and a relationship with your bike. The caveat: no ABS, no traction control, no rider aids at all. You're the electronics.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 75 hp (55 kW) @ 7,800 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 52 lb-ft (71 Nm) @ 6,800 rpm |
| Displacement | 877 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Shaft |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Seat height | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 529 lb (240 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gal (17.2 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Fuel pump hose defect (recall)
The short hose connecting fuel pump components may swell when exposed to certain fuels, causing pressure loss, stalling, or difficulty starting. Affected 2006-2007 Griso models, including 850, were recalled for a free replacement of the pump assembly and hoses.
Where this Moto Guzzi Griso 850 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Griso 850 is actually built for.
For a relaxed weekend loop with a stop for food and music, this fits well: stable, good-looking, full of character. Just know you're riding 529 lb (240 kg) with no ABS and no luggage.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Twisted Sisters · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
If you chase precision and pace in the canyons, be honest with yourself: 75 hp and this much weight won't match your ambitions. It's stable and leans far, but it wants flow, not attack.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
Skill over speed suits this bike. It holds a line, has lean clearance to spare and gives you no electronics to hide behind. In the tightest corners, though, the weight makes you work.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2005–2007
Italian Muscle With A Soul
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
