The Godfather of grunt

Moto Guzzi's Griso has the full suite of Mafia attributes: slick styling, gruff voice, menacing aura and trigger-happy response. Photo / Supplied

I've just ridden the Mafia mobster of motorcycles. The lumpy suit, the designer labels, the palpably menacing aura; even the gruff voice and trigger-happy response; Moto Guzzi's Griso has it all.

And though at first it doesn't look that big, it feels a tad larger-than-life to ride, with its wide spread of bars and broad waist. You perch atop it as you would a bucking bull and initially it doesn't feel natural - though a taller rider might disagree.

Then you fire her up, and my golly you know there's something home. Quite apart from the testosterone-addled noise, the 1151cc twin cylinder mounted across the frame imparts a characteristic side-to-side throb; a potent call to arms.

Heed that call, and there's plenty to like. At low revs, Griso feels easy-going. But don't get complacent. Power comes in like a bull at a rodeo gate, with a neck-wrenching surge that'll have you scrambling for another gear. But stick with it. In first at 50, you're at 5000rpm and charging for the 108Nm torque peak. Second, and 100km/h arrives at 7000 as power's heading for its climax, the flickering redline light at 8000; change up for 5500rpm at 100 and surf that wave of torque.

This bike is built to be its best at real-world speeds; braking hard into bends then charging out, shaft-drive lift lightening the front as you pour the power on, then tip her into the next bend.

I ran out of nerve long before ground clearance; blame winter-slick roads, blame the disconcerting little sideways kick as you thwack the throttle on and those pistons punch sideways. Fortunately, the Showa front and Boge rear suspension did a reasonable job with my weight aboard, though there's plenty of adjustment available if they hadn't.

Any relationship with a volatile Italian has its hiccups. The gearbox was a touch too fond of false neutrals than I'd like; the digital speedo took a mite too long to catch up with actual acceleration; and there's no wind protection at all - perhaps fortunately, given wind buffet soon reminds you you're flirting with the law; not a good look when you're playing with the Mafia ...

Mind you, there are nice touches, too. The multi-function trip (I used 7.1 litres of petrol for every 100km ridden) and the sturdy luggage hooks beneath the tail, for example.

There are faster bikes than this, and more powerful ones. But in the real world, outright power and speed offer little more than boasting rights unless you plan to take to the track.

What's more important is how the bike delivers - and whether it grabs your attention, and keeps it. Griso most certainly does. A bit like that date with the Mafia tough guy it's named for; characterful, burly, and under the Versace veneer it wields a lot of clout.

Moto Guzzi Griso 8V

We like
Fabulously aggressive soundtrack, bags of character, pulls like the proverbial

We don't like
There are quicker, more powerful bikes at the price; sluggish speedo

Powertrain
1151cc four-stroke air and oil-cooled V 90 twin, six-speed transmission, shaft drive

Performance
81kW at 7500rpm, 108Nm at 6400rpm, 0-100 not available

Price
$23,990

Vital stats
2260mm long, 800mm seat height, 222kg dry weight, 16.7-litre fuel tank