2007 Norge vs 2014

[kris]

Hi folks, new to this forum, 1st post.  Also, new to Guzzi.  Maybe a few of you with knowledge can offer a little advice.  I've never owned or ridden a Guzzi before but I'm in the market for something with more character than my last two bikes, a Goldwing then an F6B, both powerful, smooth, comfortable, dependable rides, but I never really felt an attachment to them the way I did with my 7 BMW"s(3 of them RT1100"s).  While shopping for used beemers(something without all the electronic wizardry), most of them with pretty high milage and "could" be ready for major work, I discovered Moto Guzzi, a brand I haven't seen around in years and started investigating.  After much studying I've decided that I might be interested in a Norge or possibly a Cali.  My local dealer has a very limited supply of bikes, no Norge's and only one used Cali.  Anyhow, there are few, if any used Guzzi's in my area so I started looking at dealers further away.  I found two dealers that have 2014 Norge's, one at about $12,000, and a few at $13,000.  Just yesterday a used one showed up at one of the dealers, a 2007 Norge GT with less than 5000 miles on it.  I've not seen it in person yet, the dealer is 75 miles away.  Their asking price is a little over $6500.  My questions are, is this a decent price?(of course I'd offer less), but more importantly is this a good year for this bike, I know it's only a four valver vs the new ones that are 8, are there any other major changes between the two?  I've read that some of the 2007 suffered from oil pump failures.  I have read till I'm dizzy and feel I have a pretty good feel for what to expect but thought I'd ask for some advice from those with experience.  Thanks for any help you can offer,
Kris :)

[Scott of the Sahara]

You will find alot of opinion about the New 8v Norge vs the Old 4v. I have an '08 that I bought new in '010. It has over 26,000 miles on it and I have been totally happy with it. I have seen used ones with 5k to 10k miles on them for very good prices. If they would have been available when I bought mine, I may have chosen to buy used. I would ride one of each and decide for myself if newer and more powerful (top end) is worth the extra money.

[MAC]

Price on the '07 is high.I just bought a '09 with 3,800mi for $6500

[radguzzi]

Price on the '07 is high.I just bought a '09 with 3,800mi for $6500

Correct, I sold my one owner '07 Norge with admittedly a lot more miles for $5500.00 more than two years ago.

a 2007 Norge GT with less than 5000 miles on it.  I've not seen it in person yet, the dealer is 75 miles away.  Their asking price is a little over $6500.  My questions are, is this a decent price?(of course I'd offer less), but more importantly is this a good year for this bike,

Kris,
Is that the one San Diego at GP ...?   I would be glad to go check it out for you, I know the model very well. I am here until 13 April...  

I cannot talk to the later model not having owned one.

Best,
Rob

[Buckturgidson]

I have a 2007 and love it, the engine heat complaints are way overblown imo. Try riding an early FJR 1300 or ST 1300 if you want to know what real engine heat feels like. The 2V has plenty of power for what one needs it to do, better mileage, and is simpler. I could trade to a 4V but see no reason. Price a little high for 2007 but it's a dealer, what do you expect?

[kris]

Thanks for the replies, and thanks to Rob for offering to check it out, yes it's the one at GP Cycles.  I'm about an hour and a half away so I'll probably head down there tomorrow to have a look/test ride myself, very kind of you to offer!  Ya, I know it's a little on the high side which is why I said I'd make them a lower offer.  Where I'm at there are just none available, new or used and a used one with such low milage is almost like buying new unless it has issues.  Thanks again for your replies!

[PJPR01]

Don't know why earlier post was deleted...perhaps the moderators can explain.  Some violation of Site policy?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Kris, the problem oil pumps were in the Oct-Nov 06 build area. Other than that, they are pretty solid machines, and really good looking. I, personally, would take one over an RT any day..

[kris]

Thanks Chuck, been looking at Cycletrader and Craigslist and the only ones for sale are from dealers(except a couple from out of state).  While I'm familiar with the RT and wouldn't mind another I have to agree that the Norge looks better and has more character.  After looking at the other dealer adds the asking price on the bike I'm looking at doesn't seem out of line, however, these are dealers asking prices. 

[canuguzzi]

There is a 09 close by here with lots of goodies on it and low miles. Check my previous posts, a link to the ad is there.

[kris]

Thanks, I wouldn't know where to begin looking.

[kris]

Okay, so I found a new white 2014 at a good price, took it for a long test ride and was sold.  The bike is quirky but awesome, rides so much smoother than my Goldwing/F6B.  It's got all the power I will ever need and is just gorgeous to look at!  The dealer I purchased it from is about 80 miles away, so I had a nice ride to get familiar with her.  My only complaint is the snatchy, abrubt throttle and the windshield doesn't offer much wind protection.  I'll be looking into fixes for both of these.  Spent all morning removing the warning stickers and glue, what a PIA!  Okay, off to garage to figure out the LCD!

[blackcat]

Cool. I like my 07 but would rather have a newer one if I had to make a choice between the two. Good luck with the bike.

[Gliderjohn]

Quote from kris

My only complaint is the snatchy, abrubt throttle and the windshield doesn't offer much wind protection.

Look into the California Science windscreens. Put the middle sized one on my 2011 and it is a considerable improvement over the stock screen and very reasonably priced. I have not really noticed an abrupt throttle. Fueling smoothness in general and some surging around 4,000rpm pretty much went away after about 500 miles or so.




GliderJohn

[Bill Hagan]

Okay, so I found a new white 2014 at a good price, took it for a long test ride and was sold.  The bike is quirky but awesome, rides so much smoother than my Goldwing/F6B.  It's got all the power I will ever need and is just gorgeous to look at!  The dealer I purchased it from is about 80 miles away, so I had a nice ride to get familiar with her.  My only complaint is the snatchy, abrubt throttle and the windshield doesn't offer much wind protection.  I'll be looking into fixes for both of these.  Spent all morning removing the warning stickers and glue, what a PIA!  Okay, off to garage to figure out the LCD!

Probably the best six-word review I've ever read of Guzzis in general and the Norge in particular.   :D

Congrats, btw.

You'll get the throttle thing straightened out in short order, and the stock shield works fine for me, but having had w/s that didn't on other m/c's, I empathize. 

Oh, as for the stickers, my brother keeps all of his on his bikes.  ::)  I tell him he's just to cheap to buy a tank protector.   ;D

Bill

[Gliderjohn]

What do you all consider "quirky" about the Norge? The only thing I can think of is the switches for raising and lowering the windscreen. A wonderful overall bike.
GliderJohn

[JeffOlson]

Congrats on the new bike! I have one of those, too.

White is a fun color: you may find many drivers getting out of your way and some even pulling over and stopping, just waiting for you to ticket them!

I have not yet received it, but I have ordered a larger "touring" windscreen from Agostini. I have also installed lower foot and toe pegs from Knight Design.

Have fun!

[menzies]

+1111111111 on the KD footpegs and shifter, their footpegs are designed so that they do not stick out a good bit further than the stock pegs, I do not have to turn my foot at a crazy angle to shift.

Congrats on the bike.

[Bill Hagan]

What do you all consider "quirky" about the Norge? The only thing I can think of is the switches for raising and lowering the windscreen. A wonderful overall bike.
GliderJohn

I would think that "quirky but awesome" is actually a stronger endorsement than "a wonderful overall bike."   ;D

As, however, whether a Norge is quirky, I think it is all related to that "character" we all love ... unless it's brought us to the side of the road.  I've BTDT ... including on my Norge, but I still love it. It has always whispered sweet nothings somethings in my ear.  Always will.   ;)

Bill

[bobbyfromnc]

Congratulations... I completely have enjoyed my overall experience with the Norge. I originally wanted a Griso but after riding a Norge and the comfort level of it I never looked back. BTW I still think the Griso is awesome. BK

[PJPR01]

More than 5 years of Norge Ownership and I am unable to find another bike that I would like "better" at this point.   I've recently rented a BMW K1600 GT for a weekend day out in California for a nice road along the coast, and while fantastically smooth, powerful, and full of goodies, I still loved coming back to my Norge.  Once you get it setup to your specs (seat, windshield, farkles, gadgets (GPS, radar detector etc.)...it will prove hard to dislodge from the #1 position of your favorite bikes.