2007 TMax versus 2008 Gilera GP800

[anonstarter]

A very informative review - thanks Mister c4aok!

[Ferret]

c4aok i must say thanx for your review .The exhausts gaskets was a known issue on the mana which is the same motor with a servo controlled variator . I rode a gp800 a few years back and as many forums discussed the ride and suspension it was branded as rubbish on anything other than smooth surfaces and i had to agree ,has yours got the standard suspension fitted ? . With regards to the stand its is easier to get it on than off i agree ,but it is all down to technique and its simplicity to use was one of the reasons i purchased the srv variant which i have had nearly 2 years and 18 k . i did drop mine in the drive way on a frosty morning and as with any bike if you use the correct technique its not that hard to pick up ( you do get a lot of damage with slow low sides) . Others have said a tmax with a variator change is a transformation and i must agree after riding one with a j costa unit fitted ,it transformed the ride which made you use the agility better . The gp/srv carry too much weight up high which makes you feel it more ,i have removed a few kilos so far and you can really feel a difference .IMHO for me the overall best is still the t max ,but the srv for me has been a revelation even on a track day ,however a well ridden t max would run rings around it in the handling department . the gp/srv are great for 2 up luggage laden trips and will sit there all day at 3 figure speeds if you wish to do so ,but its still a niche market ATM . Look at the BMW attempt ,yes it has sold well but overall it still does not match the tmax . IF the tmax had mor power and more room for the knees i would have got one .

[wozza]

Definitely an excellent, well written review... Thank you squire....

[c4aok]

Bike registered in december 2008. I purchased last month and done six hundred miles already so I do like it but last owner found it too heavy

[c4aok]

Ferret I find the ride very good. It is so heavy it just levels bumps. I do find it tracks road creases but after the mp3 I just put this down to two wheel rather than three. My only real criticism is the weight but I agree the stand is a trick you get used to. I was also a little disappointed not to get a little more wind protection from larger screen. You won't catch me riding it at the limits ...... short of the traffic light drag race (in the dry)

[Ferret]

Tyre pressures can cause the tracking or the front tyre is worn .Mine weighs in at 240 kg wet and will be reduced further . The wheels are very heavy surprised me .Have you tried the screen at full height ? I have a mid screen on mine and i can sit at high speed quite comfy .I have been told the givi big screen is excellent but butt ugly .In the mad house they call italy there is a company there who race the gp800 and have produced kit so you get a 0-60mph in 3 seconds . The motors are very reliable as long as they are serviced and i chat to a fellow with mana (same motor ) with over 100k on it .Enjoy it

[c4aok]

Picked it up this evening and paid my 340 for the gasket work

The gp really does feel like a premium product and enjoyed the ride until some idiot in white van tried to side swipe me. I educated him on road manners and pointed out he had almost killed me!

I had actually forgotten that the gp does not coast. When you close the throttle the bike stops. The mp3 and tmax you can turn on and off the power

[DougL]

Told you, you'd like the TMAX. Even on the twisties, the TMAX is actually quicker, because it is much more nimble. So no contribution from the big P for the gasket problem yet?

[Ferret]

Thats a lot of dosh for a couple of exhaust manifold gaskets to be replaced .

[c4aok]

The parts were cheap but five hours labour!

I did enjoy it Doug but was pleased to get the gp back.