Author Topic: Any advice on Norge demo ride?  (Read 7350 times)

Offline Rhodan

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« on: January 28, 2018, 11:39:27 PM »
Anyone who offered me advice to try the Norge...it was good advice which I am belatedly taking.  (Long story short:  my V7 was stolen and recovered but ended up being totalled due to damage)

I'm going to try to do a cross country trip this fall.  I was going to kit out my V7 but since that's not going to happen, I'm looking around at other options.  Folks said I might appreciate the extra weight and other features of the Norge and I'm slowly coming around to that way of thinking.  6000 miles of road is a lot of road.

There's a used 2015 with fairly low miles that I'm going to go have a look at.  If the ergos of sitting on it feel decent, I'll take it out for a ride.  Here's my questions:

1)If anyone out there went from a smaller bike to the Norge, how big was the adjustment?  Frankly the weight still concerns me.  From what I've read, when you're underway it melts away but there is still moving it around the garage, stop-n-go traffic, etc.  If it matters, I have a 32" inseam so I'm not worried about the height.

2)If someone out there got the Norge and then ended up regretting it:  was there something in your test ride you wished you'd paid more attention to?

I did read a bunch of old threads on this forum related to the Norge (I love the wealth of info you can find here!) but I didn't see anything related to those two questions.

Offline Huzo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 13202
  • Location: Creswick Australia
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2018, 12:01:33 AM »
Mate I'm 60 years old and not particularly tall at 5'8".
The reason I mention it, is that I'm not overly athletic or particularly strong and have no problems moving my '07 Norge around manually.
It does require skills that have been acquired over a lifetime of bikes, but I'm guessing you are in a somewhat similar situation. Just some forethought when heading into a parking situation so as to not have to resort to brute force and ignorance and there is never an issue.
The people who told you the Norge handles neutrally are correct.
The best thing (as always) is to find one that you are prepared to take and tell the owner you want it for the day, and if you can handle it to your satisfaction, that's the one you'll buy.
If he wants to sell it to you, he'll borrow a bike and escort you on a long evaluation ride.
I know I would...
Also, take care of the normal things Pete Roper has instructed new owners to attend to, but if you settle on an early 8V, make sure it's been P Roperly rollerised or if it's a flat tappett jigger, that you know what you're buying and the price reflects it's actual value.
Don't forget, there's loads of great 4 valvers that have no fundamental valve train issues.
Talk to Pete before you buy one unless you're certain about what you are keen on.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2018, 12:05:11 AM by Huzo »

Offline Rhodan

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2018, 12:16:25 AM »
Thanks Huzo, good insights.
Yeah, the 2015 should be past the tappet issues.  One of the allures.  Only about 10000 miles.  Also appealing.  Enough miles to hopefully have illuminated any issues but tons and tons of riding left in her.

It's at a dealer but I'll see what I can wangle. I suspect in the dreary days of winter they might be willing to work with me.

Offline Huzo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 13202
  • Location: Creswick Australia
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2018, 01:02:24 AM »
Thanks Huzo, good insights.
Yeah, the 2015 should be past the tappet issues.  One of the allures.  Only about 10000 miles.  Also appealing.  Enough miles to hopefully have illuminated any issues but tons and tons of riding left in her.

It's at a dealer but I'll see what I can wangle. I suspect in the dreary days of winter they might be willing to work with me.
Tell them they bloody well better.
Remind him there are more Norges than dealers.
BTW. Where are you located ?
« Last Edit: January 29, 2018, 01:06:11 AM by Huzo »

Wildguzzi.com

Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2018, 01:02:24 AM »

Offline Rhodan

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2018, 01:16:29 AM »
 :grin:  I'll do that (re: tell 'em how it is)
The Seattle area (US:  Washington state) but it's not Moto International.  I looked there first but no Norges used or otherwise.

Yeah, if this doesn't work out for some reason there will be others. I saw a few flow by last year but I wasn't in the market at the time.

Offline Huzo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 13202
  • Location: Creswick Australia
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2018, 01:23:47 AM »
:grin:  I'll do that (re: tell 'em how it is)
The Seattle area (US:  Washington state) but it's not Moto International.  I looked there first but no Norges used or otherwise.

Yeah, if this doesn't work out for some reason there will be others. I saw a few flow by last year but I wasn't in the market at the time.
As we say in Australia..
They're as common as arseholes.
I'm sure there are heaps that are for sale fully farkled. Some of the ones I've seen on this forum Stateside, it's criminal that they sit so long for sale.
Do me a favour, if you ride a 4 valver then an 8 valver, please don't point out how much better the 8's  are.
I'm happy in my ignorance...

Offline ITSec

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 3040
  • Location: Southwestern US
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2018, 03:50:39 AM »
The Norge has some handling behaviors at low speeds, but so does every other bike that weighs more than 500 lbs. Yes, every bike. If you are coming from a lighter bike you will notice this at first and then it will become a non-issue (at least for the Norge and other well-designed sport-tourers).

Do a test ride that includes some time in a parking lot doing slow figure-8s. This will tell you whether you can get comfortable with the low speed handling. Try pushing the bike back in simulated parking. Try parking on mild slopes in various approaches (and don't forget to leave it in gear when you shut down on the sidestand). Yes, it will be heavier at slow speeds than your V7, but it's a skill easily learned.

All this is 'can I live with it?' info. On the other hand, take it through some high-speed sweepers, and if you can some twisties. Run it through traffic on an arterial road at 45 mph, filtering through traffic to keep your best safe speed. If you ride with a pillion, even occasionally, try to take 30 minutes to give your co-rider a chance to see what it's like (but run the shock to near full before you do, the stock ones are a bit light). I bet you will be entranced.

The 2015 should be inexpensive, past any known issues (other than ones of personal taste or suspension preference), and with the raised controls and increased power that the earlier 2v units lacked as stock. Issues of buffeting and moderate ergonomics can be solved using the advice already posted here (windshield, pegs, hand-shields from the Stelvio, etc.). Coming from a smaller, less touring-oriented bike, you will be blown away by the machine on almost all counts. I say this as the former owner of a 2004 750 Breva, and the current owner of a 2008 2v Norge (130,000+ miles since 2011), 2013 8v Stelvio (15,000 miles in past 6 months), and soon on hand 2012 8v Griso.
ITSecurity
2012 Griso 8v SE - Tenni Green
2013 Stelvio NTX - Copper
2008 Norge GT - Silver

I am but mad north-northwest!
When the wind is southerly, I can tell a hawk from a handsaw...

pete roper

  • Guest
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2018, 04:23:24 AM »
Things I'd expect to do on any CARC bike unless you know for certain they've been done are a full, proper tune up and the swingarm and shock linkage bearings.

Certainly take it out for a test ride and even with the standard, less than wonderful, map in it it shouldn't lurch and shudder like a drunken sailor with a marlinspike up his blurter at low engine speeds and on/off throttle situations at walking pace. If it does? There's something wrong with it and more importantly the shop that's selling it! It may be a simple matter of getting it tuned by someone who knows what they're doing but if it's already been mucked about with fixing it can become expensive, quick!

They're a great mile eating Tarmac tool if set up right though.

Pete

Offline yogidozer

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 2920
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2018, 05:15:06 AM »
Norge demo ride advice? ride it like you stole it....in fact keep going and steal it  :laugh:

Offline kingoffleece

  • SplitWeight(tm) seat covers
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4014
  • Rated 5 STARS Motorcycle Consumer News
  • Location: Valley of the Sun
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2018, 05:21:46 AM »
I have a 14 Norge and a 15 V7.  No issues moving between the bikes.  Bought the Norge without ever having been on one.  The learning curve was short.  That said, I'm not sure a short ride can really show a prospective buyer much other than if a bike is way too heavy or tall for them.  It takes a some experience with the machine before the owner starts to understand and adapt to it.

That said, it's a fine way to cover a lot of miles in comfort.  It's a good sized bike, but if you know (or learn) how to tell it what to do you'll be plenty pleased.
SplitWeight(tm) seat covers. A King of Fleece LLC product.

Offline Chuck in Indiana

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 29445
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2018, 07:09:18 AM »
Unless it is different from my 07, stay off the front brake at walking speeds.
It's a top heavy feeling bike.. one of the main reasons I "down sized" to a V11S.
There are very few better at mile munching.  :smiley:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
22 Royal Enfield Classic 3 fiddy
 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

Offline Gliderjohn

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6559
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2018, 07:25:43 AM »
I have a 2011 and overall love it. As has been stated one does need to be careful with it a parking lot speeds but not really a problem. I think for a fairly big bike it handles itself very well in the twistys even if it takes a bit of effort. I have had mine up to 140 mph indicated with the trunk and side cases on and it was rock solid.
Nits are that it can be a handful to get up on the center stand so try that out. The passenger seat is very high and my wife cannot get on and off. Strong side winds can cause VERY annoying helmet buffeting. I have three miles to pavement and the Norge tends to want to skate a bit on top of the sand and dirt instead of the tire cutting through to the base layer like my T-3 does, guess due to the wider tires. YMMV.
GliderJohn
John Peters
East Mountains, NM

Offline bettythebear

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 533
  • Location: Austin, TX
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #12 on: January 29, 2018, 07:44:51 AM »
I went from a v7 to a Norge over the summer, and it's been nothing but smooth sailing.
2011 MG v7 Classic
2020 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

Offline Rhodan

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #13 on: January 29, 2018, 11:55:55 AM »
Thank you all for your comments/tips.

Huzo, for what it's worth I continually read about people who've tried both and prefer the 2V.  If you're enjoying it, that's really the bottom line.  :boozing:

ITSec, thanks for the ideas on things to include in the test-ride.  It's nice to know you've happily made the leap.

Pete, thanks for the maintenance tip.  I'm certainly not a wrench.  I'll see if I can find out maintenance info; I may even be able to get some info out of Moto International (which is where I suspect it was bought/maintained if not maintained by the owner).  On the swingarm, shock linkage bearings:  are you referring to making sure they're properly greased or ?.  I seem to remember reading something about the factory being stingy on the grease front.  May I also add the drunken sailor/marlin imagery will stay with me for some time.  (Your descriptions crack me up)  But it's good to know the fueling should behave reasonably even without a remap.

KingofFleece, yeah, if I can't get it for the day at least, what I'll learn will be limited.  Primarily I'd be shooting to see if I'm sufficiently comfortable with the slow stuff and no body parts immediately start complaining.  From what I've read/seen (love youtube) I'm not worried about the back-country sweepers or the freeways.  I'll get it up to speed of course to make sure there's no immediate boogeymen but overall I'm confident the bike will handle it well assuming no-one has mucked it up.  It's good to know you have both and switch easily.

Chuck, check and I will make a conscious effort.  I tend to use the rear more at slow speeds but I use the front as well.  I've been warned (and hopefully I remember).

GliderJohn:  yeah, this will be a one-up bike so no worries on the passenger part.  Appreciate the tip though.  Yeah, I'd heard they're definitely NOT bikes for the unpaved byways (or even long driveways).  That's a negative for me but no bike is perfect.  I used to ride my 10-speed on sandy roads and appreciate some of the handling issues.  My 10-speed was of course much lighter.  :wink:  My primary focus right now is the touring aspect.  Plus, I'm hoping the V85 actually DOES make it to production and could be a bike in my future some year.  We'll see.

BettyTheBear (that's a great forum name by the way!), good to know you've made the leap and were happy.

I'm hoping I'll be able to see it/ride it tomorrow (if the weather gods are kind).  We'll see what we see.  Definitely appreciate all the comments.

Offline PJPR01

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3936
  • Norge, Scura, Griso
  • Location: Houston, Texas
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #14 on: January 29, 2018, 12:26:32 PM »
Very important to make sure the tire pressures are properly set for the test ride and thereafter, it will make a huge difference on slow speed handling in the parking lot, or while moving it around off the bike.

The Norge takes a bit of a leap of faith...my first test ride was so vastly different from the way the bike evolved over the break in period and the 1000's of miles afterwards.  But it was my first Guzzi, so brand new character to learn.

Since your bike has a lot of miles on it already...you won't have to deal with the break in...so more ergonomics might be the make/break decision.

Make sure that acceleration is liquid smooth, no "catches" in throttle roll on or roll off...these bikes properly tuned should be impeccable in that regard, even with standard mapping.

The stock seat may hurt you after a day's ride...so as you've seen on multiple posts from us Norge owners, that's a likely modification in the future, and you have several after market options to consider.

The windshield may also be a source of aggravation (too high, too low, buffeting etc.)  Easily fixed, but will require some experimentation with heights, after market options and possibly cutting the shield or adding extenders.  Doubt you'll get a full appreciation for this until you've been out all day in different conditions...but also an item that can be rectified.

The bike can be ridden comfortably on dirt, sandy roads if you're comfortable with it squirming around a bit...or even those long Montana "Under construction" gravel stretches of 10 miles at a time as long as it's not super deep stuff.

The bike is a mile muncher, extremely addictive and enjoyable, in either 2V or 4V format. 
« Last Edit: January 29, 2018, 12:34:52 PM by PJPR01 »
Paul R
2021 Honda Goldwing Bagger Manual Cement Gray
2015 Red/Black Griso
2008 Silver Norge
2002 V11 Scura

Offline Gliderjohn

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6559
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #15 on: January 29, 2018, 12:34:12 PM »
From PJPR01:
Quote
The stock seat may hurt you after a day's ride...so as you've seen on multiple posts from us Norge owners, that's a likely modification in the future, and you have several after market options to consider.

The seat is a personal thing. At 5'10" and varying between 160-170#s I find the stock seat very comfortable. My longest day so far is just under 500 miles and my rear was still ready to go further.
GliderJohn
John Peters
East Mountains, NM

Offline ohiorider

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 8086
  • "You can't fight in here - this is the War Room."
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #16 on: January 29, 2018, 01:03:16 PM »
I have a 2011 and overall love it. As has been stated one does need to be careful with it a parking lot speeds but not really a problem. I think for a fairly big bike it handles itself very well in the twistys even if it takes a bit of effort. I have had mine up to 140 mph indicated with the trunk and side cases on and it was rock solid.
Nits are that it can be a handful to get up on the center stand so try that out. The passenger seat is very high and my wife cannot get on and off. Strong side winds can cause VERY annoying helmet buffeting. I have three miles to pavement and the Norge tends to want to skate a bit on top of the sand and dirt instead of the tire cutting through to the base layer like my T-3 does, guess due to the wider tires. YMMV.
GliderJohn
John, here's my 'little helper' when it comes to getting any of my bikes up on their center stands.  I appreciate that it's mostly a matter of applying as much weight as possible to the center stand, but at 160#, I have to apply a bunch of lift with my right arm, too.  This little wooden ramp I made several years ago goes in the HB saddlebag on any 1200 Sport ride (I equipped it with a center stand.)
- bike on side stand
- place assist a few inches in front of back tire
- push back tire onto ramp
- NOW, use your center stand
The additional 1.5" of height makes all the difference in the world when it comes to getting a heavyweight like a Norge or Sport onto the center stand, especially if you're short, old, and weigh 160 pounds.





Correction:  Not 2/5", but 2.5"
« Last Edit: January 29, 2018, 01:55:50 PM by ohiorider »
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline bettythebear

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 533
  • Location: Austin, TX
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #17 on: January 29, 2018, 01:22:40 PM »
-I'm 5'10", and I weigh a bit too much. The suspension feels good to me, even with a passenger and full trio of bags.
-I swapped the windshield for a nice used very tall one from CalSci and love it.
-I also changed the stock seat to one that was reworked by a board member here to be a bit firmer (and with a sweet Italian flag on it), and it has been awesome as well.

Things I love:
-it's so smooth compared to the v7
-two-up, luggage absolutely loaded, and cruising at 110 is smooth as glass
-the headlight is so bright that other drivers always think I have my high beams on

Things I don't love:
-I have a really really tough time getting it on the center stand for some reason
2011 MG v7 Classic
2020 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

Offline blackbuell

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1250
  • Waitin' on the ghost of Tom Joad
  • Location: Independence, KY
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #18 on: January 29, 2018, 01:49:07 PM »
When I took a demo ride on a Norge 8 years ago I had mixed feelings about it. For many years I had been touring on Japanese sport-touring and GT bikes (VFR's, Blackbird, KAW ZZR12) with more power but less designed for touring. On the demo I was disappointed with the power of the motor, but found the bike comfortable and interesting; in some respects felt like the tube-framed Buells I had previously owned. A year later, I found a killer deal on a new, leftover 2009; was discounted more than $5,000. Despite my concerns I took a chance, bought the Norge. The bike had a few early issues, but once sorted it was very dependable; never stranded me over 55,000 miles. I grew to like the bike so much that I pledged to put over 100,000 miles on it. However, I totaled it on a deer last June; not long afterward, replaced it with another one, this time a 2007. I would never hesitate buying another Norge; my favorite bike of all time.

WRT to your original post, I had taken 2 trips in excess of 6,000 miles on the Norge, including a few 800 mile days. The bike is great for long distance chores, but is still fun on the twisties. I plan to ride my current Norge either to Death Valley from KY in April or to Utah in May. Even fully loaded, the bike carries its weight well; I'm 69 years old, 5'7", 150 lbs., but I don't find the size of the bike to be a major concern, other than getting it on the center stand--can always manage to do it with some effort.

On my original demo ride, I wish I had taken the bike on a greater variety of roads (including interstates), and spent more time on the bike. See if you can get to ride one for an entire day. Regardless, if you do buy a Norge, it might take months, if not years, before you fully appreciate it.

Jon
Bikes: 2007 Norge, YAM RD250, 2017 Indian Scout. 2021 V7 850 Special

I've been from Tucson to Tucumcari, Tehachapi to Tonopah

Offline Rhodan

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #19 on: January 29, 2018, 03:23:22 PM »
Thanks for the additional wisdom.  And the center-stand helper!  (Leverage is a beautiful thing)

I ran across this review of the 2011 Norge.  I'm passing it along because of the comparison between the Norge and Dame Edna.  I see his point.

https://rideapart.com/articles/the-moto-guzzi-norge 

Offline wheaties

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 630
  • Location: New Milford, CT
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #20 on: January 29, 2018, 05:12:22 PM »
I recently stepped up from my California to the Norge, picking up a bike with 2,500 miles in November.  A couple years back, I got to try a Norge during a demo day which amounted to about a half hour ride.  I found it smooth, fast, and easy to manage in turns.  I wanted one and have been drooling over them ever since.

Weight wise the late model 1100 California and the 1200 Norge are about the same, within a few pounds I'd guess.  It seemed like the Norge weighed less when I first rolled out the shop door, but I think this is because the side stand holds the bike more upright.  The California has a great long side stand that both allows the bike to lean substantially and supports it well even in soft conditions.  We joke about it being "peat bog ready".  The Norge stand allows the bike to lean less than half, so there's less to heft it upright.  Once rolling, the bike is stable but always ready to lean into a corner.  The long and short of it is, for me, it feels lighter than a bike that weighs about the same. 

The biggest issue I had out the door was that the bike didn't feel like what I remembered from my brief demo ride.  While I expected the throttle to have an on/off point that I would need to learn, it seems all injected bikes do, I didn't expect the suspension to be as active as it was.  While I wouldn't describe it as a bucking bronco, it was certainly feeling high strung.  When I finally checked the suspension settings, they were way off.  I set them to factory recommended points for a lard butt like myself and it was a totally different bike.  ** Check your suspension settings! ***

Lastly, the gearing and motor are totally different from the California.  My first observation was that the gearing seemed much shorter and I thought, "Yea, well it is a six speed and you're used to a five speed geared tall"  Then I looked down at the speedometer and got a surprise.  First gear on the Norge feels much lower than first on the California.  Second gear feels lower than first on the California.  Third feels like it's somewhere between the Cali's first and second, but by then you're going faster than you ever went in second and a good ten mph faster than you expected from the Cali's third.  But it doesn't feel like you're going that fast, does it?

I'm having the same issues with engine rpm.  I expect the dial to show about 3,000 and it's purring along at 4,000.  What...?!    Nearly every time I look down at the rpms, they're much higher than I expect,... but that's the bike.  Time to explore higher gears when I'm at speed... but I'm already going faster than I planned. 

I have trouble remembering what gear I'm in...how many upshifts did  I do?  And I'm trying to consciously slow the bike down a bit, you know, to at least try and keep it legal, but when I look at the river bend in the road ahead of me, the bike just says, "We got this!", and indeed we do.

As the winter wears on, I have the itch to go out and ride really bad.  I promised myself I would put the Norge up for the winter to keep the road salt away and ride the older bike.  But the Norge is what I want.  Did I mention the heated grips?

I wouldn't worry much about the demo ride.  If your ergonomics work out okay, I'd say buy it and never look back. 

Matt
2011 California Black Eagle
2014 Norge

Online Tom H

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3377
  • Location: So. Cal.
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #21 on: January 29, 2018, 05:54:58 PM »
John, here's my 'little helper' when it comes to getting any of my bikes up on their center stands.  I appreciate that it's mostly a matter of applying as much weight as possible to the center stand, but at 160#, I have to apply a bunch of lift with my right arm, too.  This little wooden ramp I made several years ago goes in the HB saddlebag on any 1200 Sport ride (I equipped it with a center stand.)
- bike on side stand
- place assist a few inches in front of back tire
- push back tire onto ramp
- NOW, use your center stand
The additional 1.5" of height makes all the difference in the world when it comes to getting a heavyweight like a Norge or Sport onto the center stand, especially if you're short, old, and weigh 160 pounds.





Correction:  Not 2/5", but 2.5"

Made one very much like this, just a bit larger for garage use. Used a 2X6 and a bit longer ramp to the flat area. Makes it EASY to get the EV on the center stand. Without the board, it's a pain since my shocks are about an inch shorter than stock.

Tom
2004 Cali EV Touring
1972 Eldo
1970 Ambo V1000
1973 R75/5 SWB with Toaster
2007 HD Street Bob
1953 Triumph 6T (one day it will be on the road!)

Offline Gliderjohn

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6559
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #22 on: January 29, 2018, 06:36:09 PM »
Ohiorider, thanks for the idea using your "ramp". Will have to try that.
GliderJohn
John Peters
East Mountains, NM

Offline ohiorider

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 8086
  • "You can't fight in here - this is the War Room."
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #23 on: January 29, 2018, 06:44:25 PM »
Ohiorider, thanks for the idea using your "ramp". Will have to try that.
GliderJohn
John, my dimensions are far  from perfect on the little ramp.  I initially cut a 45 degree angle on the end of the longer board, but found that its height didn't help as much as i needed.  So I added a second board on top of the initial one, screwed the boards together, and for reasons known only to (Dusty), it worked!  The key thing was, it would fit into the HB saddlebag, but that was by accident.  i found that out after I made it.

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline TimmyTheHog

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 934
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #24 on: January 29, 2018, 06:56:17 PM »
:grin:  I'll do that (re: tell 'em how it is)
The Seattle area (US:  Washington state) but it's not Moto International.  I looked there first but no Norges used or otherwise.

Yeah, if this doesn't work out for some reason there will be others. I saw a few flow by last year but I wasn't in the market at the time.

If you are willing to travel across the line and bring a bike back from Canada, there is an used one sitting in the lot of International Motorsports in BC. Maybe you wanna check that one out too if yours do not go thru.

To "ease some butterfly feeling", international Motorsports is the Guzzi dealer of Lower mainland...and (un)fortunate the only one left.

I am just not sure how much of a hassle is to bring bikes back from Canada. I have only done with a friend from the states back to Canada.

https://www.internationalmotorsports.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=3932664&p=1&s=Year&d=D&sq=norge&fr=xPreOwnedInventory
Life isn't WHAT IS at the end.
It is HOW and WHAT you are doing to get there.

03 Honda Shadow Spirit - The Purple Beast (SOLD)
15 Guzz V7 Stone - The Red Chick (SOLD)
18 BMW R1200GS Rallye - The Blue Streak (SOLD)

Currently Bikeless...*cry*

Offline AH Fan

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 873
  • small stable of Italian stuff
  • Location: B.C Canada
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #25 on: January 29, 2018, 07:11:25 PM »
Your going to love it............. 2V or 8V both have there things.

Ciao

Offline kingoffleece

  • SplitWeight(tm) seat covers
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4014
  • Rated 5 STARS Motorcycle Consumer News
  • Location: Valley of the Sun
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #26 on: January 29, 2018, 07:59:50 PM »
Hamlin Cycles has a very nice white used Norge well sorted  for sale.  I think it was Jim's personal bike.
SplitWeight(tm) seat covers. A King of Fleece LLC product.

Offline wheaties

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 630
  • Location: New Milford, CT
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #27 on: January 29, 2018, 09:00:25 PM »
Hamlin Cycles has a very nice white used Norge well sorted  for sale.  I think it was Jim's personal bike.

You mean this one?:

http://hamlincycles.com/used-bikes/
2011 California Black Eagle
2014 Norge

Offline Rhodan

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #28 on: January 30, 2018, 09:22:38 PM »
Thanks for the additional info/suggestions/and bike hunting!  :laugh:
I test rode it today; there was enough of a break in the weather that I got it out for...45 minutes?  Maybe an hour?  Something like that.  Some slow parking lot/town.  Some freeway.  A little bit of back country roads.  A decent test ride though certainly not an all-day affair.

Overall I LOVED riding the bike.  I didn't do anything aggressive, just a bit of a blat.  It cornered nicely, responded well at low speeds and high, was composed over roads that were less than ideal.  I can see where some bikes take input faster but truly, this was plenty fast for me.  It's composed and gives the rider excellent confidence. 

Really comfortable seat.  Ergos good.  I thought the knee bend might be bad; it wasn't.  The hip was fairly open which was nice.

The windscreen I'm still divided on.  It might be I just didn't get it adjusted quite right.  And it wasn't bad but there was some buffeting when I had it low enough to easily look over it.

The clutch/brake levers need adjusting.  But they're adjustable so *shrug*

I'm not sure I even got into 6th (I looked down and was doing 80 at one point but that was likely still 5th).  Was happy enough at low RPMs though that's obviously not where it likes to romp.  4-6k was really nice.

Throttle-on was a bit delayed a couple of times and ever-so-slightly jerky.  Overall it handled fueling really well so that could be me being ham-fisted or maybe a different map would smooth that out.  Not a area of concern but an observation. 

Brakes were good.  I expected them to be touchy based on some reviews I read but they were fine.  Admittedly, I was taking things easy so I wasn't aggressive with them.  Smooth and steady.

Odd placement of the kickstand.  Took me a second to find it when I got back (I was snagging the center stand instead).

It really comes down to the weight and whether it's something I think I'll adjust to and/or the positives outweigh (Hah!) it.  It was heavy.  I was very careful at very slow speeds.  Part of that may be it's not my bike and I was being super-careful as a result.  The weight still is concerning but it's an excellent riding bike; a real beauty.  It'd do the distance and do it in (fun) style.

Offline Gliderjohn

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6559
Re: Any advice on Norge demo ride?
« Reply #29 on: January 31, 2018, 07:06:49 AM »
From Rhodan:
Quote
Throttle-on was a bit delayed a couple of times and ever-so-slightly jerky.  Overall it handled fueling really well so that could be me being ham-fisted or maybe a different map would smooth that out.  Not a area of concern but an observation.

Mine was a bit like that but all disappeared by around a 1,000 miles. Have had an updated map since and it is pretty much perfect throughout the power band.
GliderJohn
John Peters
East Mountains, NM

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
http://www.wildguzzi.com/Products/products.htm
Advertise Here
 

Quad Lock - The best GPS / phone mount system for your motorcycles, no damage to your cameras!!
Get a Wildguzzi discount of 10% off your order!
http://quadlock.refr.cc/luapmckeever
Advertise Here