We rode from Colliers Wood out to Box Hill for a coffee and to compare notes, then swapped bikes for the return journey.
I immediately felt at home on the Breva (my first mount) as it did indeed feel very much like the BM Roadsters (1100 & 1150) with a relaxed riding position and extremely comfy seat. The new motor spins up very easily and has little in the way of vibration - only when on full throttle does its presence make itself felt, and then only really above 5000rpm. It's geared taller than the Griso, courtesy of a longer final drive ratio meaning it is very relaxed at 90mph in top. Only downside to the demo bike was that it had the factory screen fitted - like all these things it's noisy, and causes dreadful buffeting above 70mph. I'd either remove it or cut 3 or 4 inches off the top to hopefully lessen this problem. The Breva's a lot of fun - it's the sort of bike you can just jump on and feel happy throwing it around within a mile or 2 - but it has a great deal of Guzzi character too. Nice bike in my opinion.
So to the prettier one...
Corsa's Griso has only covered itro 150 miles so obviously wasn't going to be given full rein in the engine dept. However, despite sharing the same motor as the Breva, the bike's feel is very different. It steers even quicker and owing to its lower final drive, feels a mite more spritely through the gears. The suspension is much firmer, but unlike a Speed Triple which tends to kick around and sometimes bounce the rider out of the seat over bumps, the Griso feels that much more supple. Still firm, yes, but definitely more controlled. The OEM tyres for the Griso are Metzeler Rennsports - hardly what I'd call suitable as they're full-on v fast road/track tyres but these did feel good and secure despite the very low air temp. Personally I'd change them once worn for something a little less radical though. The demo bike had Corsa's own titanium exhaust can fitted which did sound wonderful - and added even more colour to the bike's character. Again, a really fun bike to ride - and one that's just stunningly beautiful to boot.
I'd certainly buy the Breva - a red one though as the grey looks awful. Folk who know me are all-too aware of my soft spot for BMW's Roadsters, and the Breva does feel like an Italian incarnation of those bikes. For me, that would be more than reason enough. The Griso? It's something to take out on sunny days and a superb second bike when there's something less precious in the garage. It looks fabulous from absolutely any angle and posesses a quality of finish I've never seen on a Guzzi ever before. A bike to cherish definitely and one which would make its owner very proud.
