VS thread. Italian style

The dreaded VS thread. This time Italian Sprockets style

In this corner, the Ducati Monster 1200

and in this corner, the bike everyone says is the true Italian. The Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE.

Fight!

Uh, what exactly do you want? Those are pretty different bikes.

If I wanted a pretty bike that sounds good and can get out of its' own way, I'd take the Griso.
If I wanted a pretty bike that sounds good and is actually quick, I'd take the Monster.

Also, the stock mufflers on both are the ugliest bullE36 M3 ever.

I'd want to test ride both but I expect to like the Monster more. And apparently the fuel modes help the thing pull some really decent mileage numbers, which gives the Monster better range than the Griso, if your wrist can cooperate. I would agree with the above statement about the awful mufflers these bikes got handed, but that problem is kind of fun to solve, if you live in a place where it's allowed.

as with all vs thread, they are as stated. Whatever reason you choose to justify your answer is good enough.

The Griso is 110hp now and the Monster is 113. So both are pretty quick.

Edit: Weights Griso is 489.4 lbs and the Duc is 401.2 lbs

I MUCH prefer the Griso for looks. It is also a bit more unique in my book. The HP is similar but what is the weight like? The Monster is probably a fair bit lighter. I would pick the Griso if I was buying sight unseen but a test ride would likely be the determining factor.

I'd take the Griso any day.

Looks: It's less "fussy" than the Ducati, looks far more purposeful.

Power: Meh, they're both pretty close. I'd bet the Guzzi makes more torque.

Maintenance: Guzzi, hands-down winner.

I definitely prefer the looks of the Guzzi and also the simplicity vs. the water cooled Ducati. That said, the Monster should be pretty easy to work on with so little bodywork, and the looks could be tweaked pretty easily via the aftermarket & OEM parts from other bikes.

Duc.

The Guzzi seat on the Duc would be awesome...

The Guzzi looks like they spent time designing every part and then through on a headlight from the spare parts bin...

I find them both ugly. However, I find the Guzzi slightly less ugly so it wins.

In reply to Nick_Comstock:

Yes, but your perspective on motorcycles is broken..

In reply to Nick_Comstock:

You ride a Sportster and you find the Griso "ugly"? Seriously, what?

In reply to pres589:

What the hell does my bike have to do with anything?

The view in the OP isn't bad but when you look at one in profile something seems off. At least to me. I really can't put my finger on it. But I think it's that awkward line the frame takes and those odd angles in the little fairing above the engine.

The Ducati just looks like some king of alien bug.

I'll take one of each, thank you.

I love the Griso except for the exhaust. It is what is trendy now in a throw back bike. The Ducati is awesome as well, and except for the exhaust also, but for a different reason.

The Monsters/Diavel look like something you would see in anime. Which has it's pluses and minus.

Yes the sportster is ugly. We all agree (sorry I couldn't help myself)

In reply to Nick_Comstock:

I guess I find the looks of a Sportster and the Griso to be pretty similar. Things start changing aft of the seat but if you asked a non-rider how different the M-G and H-D are in appearance, I bet it wouldn't be too drastic.

I guess saying a sportster owner can't have an opinion on two Italian bikes is similar to how a mustang owner shouldn't have an opinion about an actual performance car. Which I understand completely

Depends on your priorities. I like the looks of the Guzzi, but I don't think it will handle as well as the Duc.

Tuono beats both.

In reply to rotard:

Not in the looks department, that is obviously subjective however.

I prefer my Italians to have 3 or 4 cylinders.....peasants.

rotard wrote: Tuono beats both.

Absolutely.

Petrolburner wrote:

rotard wrote: Tuono beats both.

Absolutely.

Still though, why buy any of these when you can have a Brutale, in 675, 800, or 1090 flavors.

They're both good looking, but I don't like the Monster's ergos. Plus, the Guzzi kind of reminds me of my first bike, a CX500 (OK, only in the transverse V-twin / shaft drive layout). So I vote Guzzi.

Flight Service wrote: Fight!

Fine. Though I really don't see the point of it.

oh the fight thing?

VS always reminded me of

Which was always followed with