Los Angeles to Chicago- 8 days on a Moto Guzzi [PICTURES]

[eric]

Hello guys. A month and a half ago I loaded up my Moto Guzzi Griso, swung my leg over the saddle, and set out from LA to Chicago on a long-awaited cross-country move. It was a ball of a time and I was sad to see it end. Although the days of touring on the Monster are behind me for now, as a longtime poster of motorcycle travel photos here I wanted to share a few of the photographs from my trip.

The route took me through CA, NV, UT, CO, WY, SD, IA, and finally IL. I previously asked for advice via this thread here. Here was the final route: goo.gl/wjUzSE. The most important thing for me was to avoid any and all interstates, and to see as much as I could while allowing reasonable time for what I wanted to do.

I probably took more luggage than I needed to, but between camping every other day and needing to transport unrelated personal belongings, the bike took on a bit of a pack mule look. As compared to most of what else is out there, the Griso really wasn't toooo far different from a Monster. Less nimble, heavier, but a slightly more relaxed position and space. But the V-twin characteristics, single round headlight look, and Italian styling are all welcome holdovers. And of course, you're constantly reminded that it's a rather unique choice for a cross-country tourer.

I still have the S2R800, and even just taking it out for a quick lap around the block (on a short visit back to CA a couple weeks ago) was enough to put a shit-eating grin on my face. But enough about that, here are the pictures:



Utah


Iowa


Utah


Utah


Colorado


Utah


Wyoming


Utah


Colorado


Colorado


Nevada


Nevada


South Dakota


California



I haven't written much of a regular ride report, mostly because to me traveling solo is an intensively personal experience and the photographs could convey the story much more quickly (and with much less after-the-fact effort). The full trip gallery can be found here: http://thesunhaswings.blogspot.com/2014/08/ode-to-west.html

[1.21GW]

Thanks for sharing. Glad you haven't forgotten about us!

[sgollapalle]

Nice pics! Thanks for sharing 

[red baron]

South Dakota

Stunning.

[TWDucfan]

Eric, what happened to your Ducati?

Nice photos thanks for sharing.

Cheers fm TW.

[Blackout]

I love moto tour photos and the Griso is tits.

[The ModFather]

How does the Griso compare to the Monster? I've been eyeing that bike for a while now. Plus dont forget Motorcycle Mondays in Chicago and Pints and Pistons. Here's a link a calendar of good some good Chicago Bike Events

http://steeltoepress.com/events/

[yamifixer]

Nice blog. thanks for the link.

[eric]

Thanks for the comments guys  

How does the Griso compare to the Monster? I've been eyeing that bike for a while now. Plus dont forget Motorcycle Mondays in Chicago and Pints and Pistons. Here's a link a calendar of good some good Chicago Bike Events

http://steeltoepress.com/events/

Monster +s
Lighter. e.g. I can lift it out of (shallow) sand if I get stuck.
Lighter flywheel and chain drive so feels more immediately responsive.
More nimble. I'd much rather take the Monster on the Snake or through LA city traffic.
Much more aftermarket options (except with luggage mounting and racks).

Griso +s
Much, much easier to work on yourself. A valve adjustment is a simple 45-minute affair, and I'm not that tech savvy.
Shaft drive = no need to worry about chain tension and lube, especially on those long tours.
More relaxed riding position and more space, but still in a sporty-standard seating position.
Doesn't sound as pretentious when people ask "what kind of motorcycle do you have?"
Longer wheelbase = better freeway cruising.
Rarer.

Griso -s
Dealer network is not as good and parts can take a long time to arrive.
Usually has a few break-in issues (standard Italian QC issues), but I haven't encountered anything serious. But I'm told they're pretty much bulletproof after these are worked out.


Overall, you can think of the Griso as the (air-cooled) Monster's more mature, beefier, maybe slightly less playful cousin. The torque curve is really similar (both 90 degree L-twins). Mine's the 1100 and I thought it was a great buy. I test rode the 1200 too and it was GREAT.

Hope that helps, and feel free to PM me with anything else.

[The Don]

Great photo's. One day when my kids are older I'd love to go to America and do a road trip, the scenery looks amazing

[AK ducati]

Amazing photographs!  Looks like you had a great ride

[ungeheuer]

 

Thanks for posting eric 

Griso has long been on my shopping list..... 

Great pics mate... I always enjoy seeing that the end of the bitumen doesnt stop you......... 

[seevtsaab]

Excellent array of photo's and to my unpracticed eye very well done.

looks like your route was well considered.

How was the range on the Guzzi?

Congrats on the trip, hope the move works out well for you.

[Langanobob]

Eric,

Great pictures.  What kind of camera are you using? Maybe you've mentioned it somewhere but I missed it.  Please don't tell me that those are all cellphone snapshots!  I'll toss my SLR into the Truckee river.

Can I ask what settings your used for the night sky over your camp picture?  I've tried several times to take similar shots, all resulted in abject failure.  Could barely make out a few tiny pinpoint stars.

Best of luck on your move and new job.  It sure seems to me that living and working somewhere other than where you grew up is always a plus.

Bob