VMAX vs. SPEED TRIPLE vs. GRISO

Tilter · 07-18-2012, 04:43 PM

So I'm really torn here and need your help, once again.

I have owned each if these bikes already - the VMAX twice - and have regretted selling each of them for various reasons.

I sold them for various reasons too.

The VMAX because of the handling - but I'm a far better rider now and I would make some improvements.

The Speed Triple because of the speed, but again I'm a better rider. I also looked like a fat-a$$ on it, but I'm losing weight and I dont care how I look on a bike to other people anymore, lol. I really don't. Really. Sniff.

The Griso because I decided I had to have a Harley, then got a Harley too expensive to justify having two bikes so then sold the Griso. Sold the Harley last week because it really want for me. I've come to the realization that the only Harley I could own would be a Road King, or maybe that XR1200X. I also wasnt too crazy about the noises that seemed to come from the airbox, although with a helmet on I cant hear them.

So what would you buy and why, if you could only have a bike under $6K and did not like Dual Sports, Touring, Sport Tourers, Cruisers or Japanese bikes in general, with a few exceptions, like the VMAX or ZRX1200R.

2tallnwide · 07-18-2012, 05:03 PM

That's about the amount I was looking to spend when I bought my '05 Tiger...got it for $4200.00 with accessories. Bought the Mustang 1" lower cleated pegs ($100.00) a new Corbin seat ($400.00), and just bought a used OEM top case for it as well ($100.00). So that's $4800.00 so far, the only other thing I might try is a little bit louder can so I can actually hear the bike running...

The other bikes you listed are fine too, but aren't as good on the crappy county roads around my house, nor are they as comfortable for my big azz to ride all day.

The only way I'd own a VMax is if I also owned a tire store, and didn't need a license, or insurance...

Have never ridden the Griso, but it is a stunning bike to look at. Never ridden the Speed triple either, but the 955i triple in my Tiger is sweet...

Good luck with whatever you decide on...

chazbird · 07-18-2012, 05:14 PM

Clearly the Griso. Why? Its like the child of, proper genes and all, of the Speed Triple and Vmax. Really pretty simple.

LuciferMutt · 07-18-2012, 05:28 PM

Griso. It offers what you seem to want from both of the other bikes at the same time. It will be worth the extra $$$.

scrannel · 07-18-2012, 06:14 PM

+1. I found the Speed triple to be very cramped.

Whorepedo · 07-18-2012, 06:34 PM

Of the ones you listed as an "only" bike i'd go for the Vmax. Mostly because i like Yamaha's product, but also because its one of those bikes that just has that cool factor for me.

I think if i was gonna downsize in the realm of limitations that you've proposed, it would be a ZRX. Its just a cool, classic looking bike with plenty of grunt and personality. I've never seen one and not been impressed by its simple and elegant yet brutal look.

jeremy_p · 07-18-2012, 06:41 PM

A used B-King because it has blinding speed and sport bike handling. Actually, a Buell 1125cr, it's meaner looking, handles better and is quicker. Plus, you can bump it up to 1190 and chain drive later....

Sent via smoke signal. Carrier pigeon on windy days.

vicvegas · 07-18-2012, 07:16 PM

I'd go Griso anyday, but how inportant is it for u to have a dealership a reasonable distance away? i dunno if u have one near by but if u do it would be a no brainer, the vmax just screams 80' cheese to me and sounds like ass. the triple is very cool but cramped for sure. the Griso seems the best of both worlds, sporting ride, enough power to be fun on public roads, muscle car rumble (with the right exhaust), comfortable with sport touring possiblities.

Just my opinion, i have never owned any of them but i know a guy with a Vmax (it sounds terrible) and another guy with a speed nipple, ( that bike sounds great) but very small. I've wanted a Griso 8v se for 2 years now.

Grad · 07-18-2012, 08:02 PM

I went from a 1200GS to a speed triple and I just love the Triumph. The torque, handling, and looks are just fantastic.

Tilter · 07-18-2012, 08:22 PM

Great feedback so far - thanks.

As to sound the, the VMAX sounds amazing with the right pipes, like a small-block V8.

S3 sounds amazing too, as does the Griso though. These are all great sounding bikes.

DAKEZ · 07-18-2012, 08:23 PM

You can't go wrong... I voted Triple.

corndog67 · 07-18-2012, 11:10 PM

I don't get your guys' fascination with the Guzzi. The main drawback for me is dealer support. You just don't know if they are going to be there next week or not, that is, if you have a dealer within any reasonable distance. I don't. That being said, I've got a Ducati S4, and just bought a KTM 950 Supermoto. Both bikes are a major threat to my drivers license. The Ducati has a harder edge, more power, really crisp throttle response, blip the throttle and it wheelies. I'd like to get the KTM to that point too, jetting, pipe, whatever it takes.

The KTM just cost me about $6k.

My brother bought a perfect, 9000 mile Speed Triple. It's a 955 though. A really nice bike to ride. A bit different. He used to have a ZRX1200, and liked that as much or better, but it was sold when money got tight. He wants another one. When he had that, I had a Bandit 1200S, full pipe, and jet kit, his ZRX was bone stock, and the ZRX would flat smoke that Bandit, 80 lb ft of torque will do that for you.

Lots of stuff out there. Have you ever ridden an SV? Lots of fun. Big KTM twin? RC51? MultiStrada 1200S? Oh wait, $6000 budget, I guess the Multi is out. Lots of choices, I just get whatever seems like the most fun, most reliable.

Good luck.

Almost forgot, what about a Tuono, either the V2 or V4. Both are outstanding bikes, and I think there are a few more Aprilia dealers than Guzzi dealers, and Vespa dealers can get Aprilia parts anytime.

Tripped1 · 07-18-2012, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corndog67

Almost forgot, what about a Tuono, either the V2 or V4. Both are outstanding bikes, and I think there are a few more Aprilia dealers than Guzzi dealers, and Vespa dealers can get Aprilia parts anytime.

You know I didn't think of that.......
hmmmmm

I'm not much of a fan of the V-twin Tuono, the V4.......fuck yes. I actually have a dealership within an hour and a half (if no traffic)

Oh and to the OP, Speed Triple.

There are bikes that are faster, there are bikes that out handle it, and there are bikes that are more comfortable. There are very few have quite the balance the Speed Triple does. They aren't track weapons, but it a fun bike to take out and flail all day. I used to do a 6 hundred mile loop in New Mexico, it took me exactly two beers to recover.

That loop would frigging kill me on my Daytona.

Bama67 · 07-18-2012, 11:56 PM

Griso all the way!!!

I say that as a guy that just put a deposit on a Griso today. lol

Vmaxes do nothing for me, and everyone and their mother has a speed triple.

Anteraan · 07-19-2012, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tripped1

Oh and to the OP, Speed Triple.

There are bikes that are faster, there are bikes that out handle it, and there are bikes that are more comfortable. There are very few have quite the balance the Speed Triple does. They aren't track weapons, but it a fun bike to take out and flail all day. I used to do a 6 hundred mile loop in New Mexico, it took me exactly two beers to recover.

That loop would frigging kill me on my Daytona.

Agreed there. I voted Speed Triple as well. Also, this about the Griso:

"the Guzzi’s switchgear is odd and unfamiliar. Every time you hear a Griso horn toot it's likely a misguided attempt to engage the turn signals."
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/195/10...SE-Review.aspx
I know this doesn't bother some people, but to me it's kind of ridiculous. Ok, it's extremely ridiculous. If I go from one motorcycle to another, I shouldn't have to think about freaking switchgear, especially when it comes to safety equipment!!! With all the idiots on the road, this is probably the LAST thing I want to think about when I'm riding. I mean, what are these retard designers thinking?

View Results: What should I get as my only bike?
2005 VMAX - 5,000 miles	25	18.66%
2006 Speed Triple - 5,000 Miles	56	41.79%
2007 Griso - 2,000 miles ($1,200 more than the others)	52	38.81%
Something else entirely (Please comment as to what it would be)	1	0.75%
Voters: 134. You may not vote on this poll

07-18-2012, 04:43 PM	#1
Tilter ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2010 Location: Erie, PA Oddometer: 309	VMAX vs. SPEED TRIPLE vs. GRISO So I'm really torn here and need your help, once again. I have owned each if these bikes already - the VMAX twice - and have regretted selling each of them for various reasons. I sold them for various reasons too. The VMAX because of the handling - but I'm a far better rider now and I would make some improvements. The Speed Triple because of the speed, but again I'm a better rider. I also looked like a fat-a$$ on it, but I'm losing weight and I dont care how I look on a bike to other people anymore, lol. I really don't. Really. Sniff. The Griso because I decided I had to have a Harley, then got a Harley too expensive to justify having two bikes so then sold the Griso. Sold the Harley last week because it really want for me. I've come to the realization that the only Harley I could own would be a Road King, or maybe that XR1200X. I also wasnt too crazy about the noises that seemed to come from the airbox, although with a helmet on I cant hear them. So what would you buy and why, if you could only have a bike under $6K and did not like Dual Sports, Touring, Sport Tourers, Cruisers or Japanese bikes in general, with a few exceptions, like the VMAX or ZRX1200R. __________________ PAST BIKES: 2009 Triumph Speed Triple, 2010 Harley Davidson Fat Bob, 2009 Yamaha Stratoliner S, 2008 Moto Guzzi Griso, 2000 Yamaha VMAX, 2007 Triumph Speed Triple, 1997 BMW R1200C, 2008 Harley Davidson Super Glide Custom, 1994 Yamaha VMAX, 2007 Harley Davidson Road King Custom, 2006 Harley Davidson VROD, 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Custom, 1985 Honda Nighthawk, 1977 Suzuki GS 550

07-18-2012, 05:03 PM	#2
2tallnwide ride it while you got it Joined: Sep 2005 Location: Out in the sticks, Mississippi. Oddometer: 2,039	That's about the amount I was looking to spend when I bought my '05 Tiger...got it for $4200.00 with accessories. Bought the Mustang 1" lower cleated pegs ($100.00) a new Corbin seat ($400.00), and just bought a used OEM top case for it as well ($100.00). So that's $4800.00 so far, the only other thing I might try is a little bit louder can so I can actually hear the bike running... The other bikes you listed are fine too, but aren't as good on the crappy county roads around my house, nor are they as comfortable for my big azz to ride all day. The only way I'd own a VMax is if I also owned a tire store, and didn't need a license, or insurance... Have never ridden the Griso, but it is a stunning bike to look at. Never ridden the Speed triple either, but the 955i triple in my Tiger is sweet... Good luck with whatever you decide on... __________________ If you're gonna dish it out make sure it tastes good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBkh6lrOfT4

07-18-2012, 05:28 PM	#4
LuciferMutt Rides slow bike slow Joined: Aug 2008 Location: New(er) Mexico Oddometer: 9,522	Griso. It offers what you seem to want from both of the other bikes at the same time. It will be worth the extra $$$. __________________ You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitro glycerin plant! Cobbie Award Winner

07-18-2012, 06:14 PM	#5
scrannel Scrannel Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Malibu, CA Oddometer: 1,457	+1. I found the Speed triple to be very cramped. __________________ If evolution is outlawed only outlaws will evolve.

07-18-2012, 05:14 PM	#3
chazbird Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2009 Oddometer: 2,052	Clearly the Griso. Why? Its like the child of, proper genes and all, of the Speed Triple and Vmax. Really pretty simple.

07-18-2012, 06:34 PM	#6
Whorepedo Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Decatur, Ga Oddometer: 487	Of the ones you listed as an "only" bike i'd go for the Vmax. Mostly because i like Yamaha's product, but also because its one of those bikes that just has that cool factor for me. I think if i was gonna downsize in the realm of limitations that you've proposed, it would be a ZRX. Its just a cool, classic looking bike with plenty of grunt and personality. I've never seen one and not been impressed by its simple and elegant yet brutal look. __________________ 2000 Suzuki TLR; 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere, 2005 XT660R 1993 TDM850; 1977 Kawi KE175

07-18-2012, 06:41 PM	#7
jeremy_p Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: Jasper, MI Oddometer: 53	A used B-King because it has blinding speed and sport bike handling. Actually, a Buell 1125cr, it's meaner looking, handles better and is quicker. Plus, you can bump it up to 1190 and chain drive later.... Sent via smoke signal. Carrier pigeon on windy days. __________________ I was raised by Marines. If God wanted me to be tame He would have given me to wolves.

07-18-2012, 07:16 PM	#8
vicvegas eager beaver Joined: Jun 2010 Location: Thompson,Mb Oddometer: 97	I'd go Griso anyday, but how inportant is it for u to have a dealership a reasonable distance away? i dunno if u have one near by but if u do it would be a no brainer, the vmax just screams 80' cheese to me and sounds like ass. the triple is very cool but cramped for sure. the Griso seems the best of both worlds, sporting ride, enough power to be fun on public roads, muscle car rumble (with the right exhaust), comfortable with sport touring possiblities. Just my opinion, i have never owned any of them but i know a guy with a Vmax (it sounds terrible) and another guy with a speed nipple, ( that bike sounds great) but very small. I've wanted a Griso 8v se for 2 years now.

07-18-2012, 08:02 PM	#9
Grad Wannabe Joined: Dec 2004 Location: Lake Sinclair, GA and Blairsville, GA Oddometer: 2,220	I went from a 1200GS to a speed triple and I just love the Triumph. The torque, handling, and looks are just fantastic. __________________ Rent our cabin in the N. Georgia mountains. Close to some of the best roads in the country! Discount for ADVriders! 2007 Triumph Tiger 9200 miles, 22 states, 7 weeks on my GS.

07-18-2012, 08:22 PM	#10
Tilter ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2010 Location: Erie, PA Oddometer: 309	Great feedback so far - thanks. As to sound the, the VMAX sounds amazing with the right pipes, like a small-block V8. S3 sounds amazing too, as does the Griso though. These are all great sounding bikes. __________________ PAST BIKES: 2009 Triumph Speed Triple, 2010 Harley Davidson Fat Bob, 2009 Yamaha Stratoliner S, 2008 Moto Guzzi Griso, 2000 Yamaha VMAX, 2007 Triumph Speed Triple, 1997 BMW R1200C, 2008 Harley Davidson Super Glide Custom, 1994 Yamaha VMAX, 2007 Harley Davidson Road King Custom, 2006 Harley Davidson VROD, 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Custom, 1985 Honda Nighthawk, 1977 Suzuki GS 550

07-18-2012, 08:23 PM	#11
DAKEZ Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2007 Location: U-gene, OR. Oddometer: 17,983	You can't go wrong... I voted Triple. __________________ "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." — Dr. Seuss “Watch out for everything bigger than you, they have the "right of weight" Bib

07-18-2012, 11:10 PM	#12
corndog67 Studly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Santa Maria, CA Oddometer: 869	I don't get your guys' fascination with the Guzzi. The main drawback for me is dealer support. You just don't know if they are going to be there next week or not, that is, if you have a dealer within any reasonable distance. I don't. That being said, I've got a Ducati S4, and just bought a KTM 950 Supermoto. Both bikes are a major threat to my drivers license. The Ducati has a harder edge, more power, really crisp throttle response, blip the throttle and it wheelies. I'd like to get the KTM to that point too, jetting, pipe, whatever it takes. The KTM just cost me about $6k. My brother bought a perfect, 9000 mile Speed Triple. It's a 955 though. A really nice bike to ride. A bit different. He used to have a ZRX1200, and liked that as much or better, but it was sold when money got tight. He wants another one. When he had that, I had a Bandit 1200S, full pipe, and jet kit, his ZRX was bone stock, and the ZRX would flat smoke that Bandit, 80 lb ft of torque will do that for you. Lots of stuff out there. Have you ever ridden an SV? Lots of fun. Big KTM twin? RC51? MultiStrada 1200S? Oh wait, $6000 budget, I guess the Multi is out. Lots of choices, I just get whatever seems like the most fun, most reliable. Good luck. Almost forgot, what about a Tuono, either the V2 or V4. Both are outstanding bikes, and I think there are a few more Aprilia dealers than Guzzi dealers, and Vespa dealers can get Aprilia parts anytime. __________________ Ducati S4 916 is history. KTM 950 SM, my main squeeze now. 1970 CT-70 And now, an XR75,

07-18-2012, 11:56 PM	#14
Bama67 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2009 Location: Enterprise, AL Oddometer: 128	Griso all the way!!! I say that as a guy that just put a deposit on a Griso today. lol Vmaxes do nothing for me, and everyone and their mother has a speed triple. __________________ 2012 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE (be still my beating heart) 2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF (brand new 4 year old leftover)

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