Grizzly
Based on a 2007 Moto Guzzi Griso 1100.
Sometimes less is more with custom bike builds and with this one it certainly was the case. We weren't going to re invent the wheel with this Griso as it's such a good looking bike as standard with it's unique frame and sunken tank that only this model has. It just needed to be a bit leaner and meaner with a colour change too.
With a plan hatched the tear down commenced. Cobalt Blue was chosen for the new frame colour along with the centre section of the wheels and the outer edges in a deep gloss black.
The blue / black theme continued on the tank with subtle striping and a Guzzi logo airbrushed in an Italian Modernist font.
The original instrument cluster, chrome handlebars, risers, headlamp and switchgear had to go and whilst in that area. the silver top yoke and red fork adjusters were re-anodized black.
A Highsider super slim LED headlamp with custom bottom mount was fitted and sits closer to the forks for a more aggressive look and a smaller Acewell multifunction gauge mounted in place of the original bulky unit. A new set of black LSL tapered bars and Rizoma risers are adorned with Motone push button switches, Motogadget LED bar end indicators and controlled by Motogadget's very clever M-unit blue. At the back, a pair of tiny but super bright LED M-blaze pin indicators are tucked in tight to the tail unit.
A lightweight carbon fibre front mudguard replaces the slightly bulbous shaped original and looks much better.
The super large bore of the 2 into 1 stainless headers are also a great feature of this model but needed to be black so were duly blasted and Ceracoated. A carbon Termignoni silencer not only looks the part but sounds glorious too. As the rather bulky rear footrest hangers /silencer mount weren't going to be used. a new stainless silencer hanger was made along with pair of CNC'd alloy heel plates.
The final part of the makeover was the seat. As standard. the rear of it doesn't follow the line of the tailpiece so that needed addressing. Another seat was sourced and reshaped to flow with the line of the tailpiece then expertly covered in black two tone leather with a hexagon blue stitch pattern by our go to upholsterer Glenn Moger. He also added 20mm extra foam to give a bit more comfort and legroom.
As the bike was low mileage and had a really good service history there was no need to strip the motor and transmission but just give it a good service and fresh fluids. Just for aesthetic reasons. the rocker covers were finished in crackle black powdercoat and the inlet manifolds Ceracoated black.
Of course all these modifications would be pointless if the bike didn't handle so the guys at YSS were called and a custom built. slightly longer. top spec rear shock was ordered and with a few tweaks to the fully adjustable forks made. the bike is now more agile with a really plush ride.
As soon at it was finished it was whisked off to be exhibited at the 2023 London Bike Shed Show. Now that it's back, it will be enjoyed around the beautiful Dorset countryside.
Side Rock Cycles