2007 Norge poor handling

[mrmach5]

Bought a Norge last fall and  after riding it a bit I noticed the sloppy handling, mostly from the front forks being spongy, and diving in braking and even deceleration, especially bad when 2 up. I went to the manual to see about the adjustments and it was no help. I've read a few posts and see I'm not the only one with this complaint on these bikes. So the question is , I see some just weld spacers on the adjuster to allow more preload and go to a thicker shock oil. Or is it worth the 400 bucks for the Matris drop in fork kit. Really want to enjoy this bike, but the way it handles now is borderline dangerous..
Thanks in a advance for any advise.

[Abbienormal]

My 2007 Norge was a decent handler new but not great.  After installing a HyperPro rear shock and their fork kit with 10wt fork oil I had nothing but praise. That was when Todd at GuzziTech was selling that brand.  He did the initial install with 15wt oil but later I changed it to 10wt per HyperPro's instruction and was much happier with the ride.  Ricky Racer I am not.
As a bonus the centerstand quit dragging! I did also bent the stop bracket and grind some rubber off the stop to where the stand stopped just short of hitting the exhaust.

Rudy

[Nick]

The Matris kit is a very good option. Got it a few years ago for my '07 and would do it again.

Just my

[radguzzi]

Welcome to the playground there….


You have other issues if the Norge is “Borderline dangerous”…  Check pinch bolts and shock mounts.  The stock Norge did need some suspension upgrades but not enough to generate a dangerous situation.  How’s your tire pressure…?

Check with GuzziTech for the as mentioned Hyper Pro spring upgrades, you may not need the 400 dollar version, more like a 150 and oil change.

The ‘07 does not need much to dial it in for a good, compliant, well handing motorcycle.

You're not trying to ride it a Mach5 are you...?  ;)

Best,
Rob

[Triple Jim]

You have other issues if the Norge is “Borderline dangerous”…

It might be a good idea to check the condition and adjustment of the head and swing arm bearings too.

[Vasco DG]

It might be a good idea to check the condition and adjustment of the head and swing arm bearings too.

This. If they've never been done chances are they will be in a sorry state.

Pete

[kingoffleece]

Right-oh.  It's a fifteen year old motorcycle.  Do you have the service records?  Was anything done?  You get the idea.

[Thunderbox]

Right-oh.  It's a fifteen year old motorcycle.  Do you have the service records?  Was anything done?  You get the idea.

8 Year old bike not 15.  Don't rush the years by I feel old enough already.

[Chuck in Indiana]

The Matris kit is a very good option. Got it a few years ago for my '07 and would do it again.

Just my

To the OP. If you are coming off a cutting edge (or even close) sport bike, the 07 Norge will feel a little.. er.. soft. Yeah, soft..that's the word. Didn't want to say anything like pig.  :o Even I could push it into the "wooga wooga" stage in the twisties, not a good thing. The front end especially can use a little help.

[rocker59]

Some guys went with Breva 1200 Sport front forks for an improvement in the Norge...

[pyoungbl]

Swingarm bearings.....they usually come from the factory with little or no grease.  After 8 years they could be toast.  It was about a 3 hour job when I checked/greased mine but I'm kinda slow and methodical.  It helps to break the CARC from the swingarm so you are not dealing with so much weight when you pull the actual swingarm.  I'd order new bearings prior to starting the job so if the ones on the bike are bad you can do the replacement on the spot.  The bearings are not expensive but not something you can get from your local bearing supply house.  Even if this does not solve the handling issue it's a maintenance issue that is long overdue.

Peter Y. 

[blackcat]

I also did the Hyperpro rear shock and the front valving on my 07. Handles quite well compared to stock and yes it cost me $1,000? 6-7 years ago but it was worth it.

[Bill Hagan]

Some guys went with Breva 1200 Sport front forks for an improvement in the Norge...

I'm one of those guys.   ;)

I thought that my new '07 Norge was a pig -- and, in fact, when two up, a dangerous one -- and decided to upgrade the suspension.

MPH swapped out the rear for a HyperPro and had a 12S front end available, so I did that, too.

The difference challenges comparison.  No time to detail, but a different machine.  Poised, confidence-inspiring, predictable.

Had to have the rear rebuilt two years ago, but not expensive and like new again.

Reading the swingarm bearings stuff below is so annoying, as I haven't done squat about that.   ::)

Bill


 

[ajonen]

I ended up going with the Matrix front fork kit.  I am very happy, but one could have just as easily asked the local shop to order stiffer front springs for half the price and been just as happy.  The bike is a totally different bike.  Others have also improved the rear shock.  I have 30,000 mi on my 2007 Norge and I have not checked the swingarm bearings yet.

[Silver Goose]

My 2007 Norge has more than 27,000 miles. Handling improved after losing 80 pounds, changing fork oil to 10wt, adjusting the rebound/compression settings. The rear shock has been adjusted. The swingarm bearings were checked(rusty), cleaned and relubed with Dupont's Krytox grease. The first swingarm maintence was near 15,000, checked at current mileage, Krytox still inplace and no rust, bearings very smooth.

Head stock bearings cleaned at 15,000, Krytox added, still running smooth.

Goodluck

[M0T0Geezer]

Right-oh.  It's a fifteen year old motorcycle.  Do you have the service records?  Was anything done?  You get the idea.

2015 -2007 = 15  ????
I don't think that computes.

[menzies]

I just greased the swing arm bearings on my new to me 06 Breva with 10,500 miles, they were pretty dry. Luigi needs to get off some of that grease.

As for the handling it is not confidence inspiring. I am in a quandary about the upgrades but will probably go with springs and the emulator kit up front. I did just the springs on my Triumph Scrambler and then rode my friends Scram that had been upgraded with Ohlins springs and Race Tech Emulators, no comparison. I had the same upgrade done to the Scram the next week and never regretted the expense.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Everyone seems to want to spend money to make em loud,  ~; but money spent on suspension is a better buy.  ;) I looked at spending one large on my 07 Norge which was rapidly depreciating at the time and traded down to an Ohlins V11 sport. Cheaper (Guzzi content) and much better handling.

[nikwax]

not the same bike, and, money spent on suspension for my Norge was money well spent. Wilbers rear shock and the Matris kit for the front. I can recommend the Wilbers for sure, possibly could have accomplished the front magic with different springs and fork oil.

[kingoffleece]

yes, my math was in error.  That's what I get for trying two things at one time! I trust you had a laugh and all that.
Still, after 8 years going thru the bike would be the first thing I did had I purchased it.