Having never ridden a Norge, I can only relate to the test reports I have read. And a common tune of complaints is an apparent severe lack of cornering clearance, restricted by the dragging center stand on both sides, left side being the worst offender by far.
Fake news unless you are aping a Moto GP rider.
The 8V Norge has an access door to check oil, and unscrewing the dipstick bung makes
adding oil much easier. The 8v also had revised bodywork and suspension to go along
with the new motor.
Overall, the Norge is fantastic motorcycle.. Easy to ride, sweet disposition,
Competent handler, rock solid high speed sport touring bike and mile muncher.
It can be a bit top heavy with a full tank of gas, and riders benefit from a seat buildup to help relieve knees, but I plan to own one as long as I can ride.
I foolishly traded my 2014 in 2019 for the flying fortress MGX 21. I sold that fat pig in 6 months and picked up a 1200 Sport but still missed the Norge. I got a great deal on a 2012 back in April and proceeded to do a 3,000 mile fly and ride.
I spent the next 6 months going over the bike top to bottom cleaning fixing upgrading. A couple weeks ago I decided to take it out for a 375 to 400 mi and jaunt with a couple local V85 riders through West Virginia Maryland and Pennsylvania. It usually takes me a couple miles to reorient to a bike if I haven't been on it in a while but it was immediately familiar and comfortable and I loved every second of it.



