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The Goddess has a new-to-her 07 FJR. CalSci windshield, PowerCommander, some drilling to the exhaust, Corbin seat, and some ergonomic tweaks here and there. She formerly rode a little V-strom, has ridden my Nero Corsa and BMW RT. She's 5'9 and, uh, I think they call it "proportional."She ain't going back. Smooth, comfy, ABS, and easy to ride. No throttle issues. No slow-speed issues. No high-speed issues, either, other than my distaste for hearing "Oh! Did I pass you again? I'm sorry. Would you like for me to go, uh, slower?"They all have their own character, quirks, and soul, y'know. Perhaps that's why there's so much ancillary discussion here about dogs and women and guns and airplanes and...Sounds like you found the perfect bike. Better than finding the perfect woman. For me it's still what's between my legs.
I have finally whittled my decision to the 2012 MG Norge or the 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300. My heart would argue that there should not be a debate as I love the looks and character of the Norge. However, I am still concerned about the reviews of cramped leg room. I am 6', 210 lbs with a 34" inseam and was hoping to pick the brains of some current long of leg Norge owners for feedback. I plan to test ride both before making the final decision but I don't know how thorough a conclusion I can come to in a 20 minute test ride. Also, I am coming off a 65 HP Versys, is this a logical next step in motorcycle? I have read that the power comes on smoothly so is it pretty easy to control? Thanks for any help and I hope to log on soon as a paying member, my friends!
If this is an only bike I would go with the Yamaha hands down.. I love my 12 Griso and so far its been trouble free but I still trust a Japanese bike more for overall reliability.. Gotta have a backup bike just in case imho..I had an 05 FJR and they are very fast, comfortable and reliable with a great dealer network.
I'd think the weight difference would significantly affect the handling. Believe the FJ is at least 100 lbs more than the Norge. I know how the norge changes from empty tank to full, adding 45lbs or so. FJ must be more of a handful, especially when going is slow.
My friend has an '05 FJR and the engine heat is unbearable.
I'm still curious why Moto Guzzi would equip the Cali with traction control and cruise and not their sport tourer
Actually, they're not very far off in weight. NorgeFrom http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1108_2012_moto_guzzi_norge_gt8v/Claimed curb weight 602 lbs.FJRFrom http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelspecs/180/0/specs.aspxWet Weight*** 637 lb / CAL 639 lb
Almost no one asks about maintenance costs when under the bright lights in the showroom. I do all of my own service and am lucky in that regard. 5 scoots and two cages can be expensive at $85 per hour. The Benelli has the shim under bucket system but very easy to access. Norton and Guzzi brands are easy. A couple of hours for every thing.
It's pointless to comment now, but I don't agree with what Motorcyclist magazine says about the 8V Norge: "Comfortable and capable but lacking the sophistication and refinement of its competitors." ??? Not true. I know, and have ridden the "competitors".
The ridiculously-placed controls for the Norge's power windscreen comes immediately to mind. The spotty fueling, low-speed hesitation and driveline snatchiness, pinging when hot, and popping on overrun that some owners experience does not exactly suggest "refinement." (Do stock 8V bikes have these issues?)
It's pointless to comment now, but I don't agree with what Motorcyclist magazine says about the 8V Norge: "Comfortable and capable but lacking the sophistication and refinement of its competitors." ??? Not true. I know, and have ridden the "competitors". But I'm preaching to the choir. :beat_horse
In my case, Raven is anything but refined. In 17K miles/18 months I've had--* Two oil pressure sensor failures* Spark plug wires/boots fail* End cap of exhaust rattle off (despite Lock-Tite) and disappear down the road, causing me to buy a new muffler, because the end cap isn't available separately (you have to buy the whole muffler)* Front fork leakage (out of the top caps)All of this except for the muffler is/was warranty-able...but refined? I think not. As HD becomes more reliable, it seems as if Guzzi moves in the opposite direction. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
mojo, how did the fork tube leak get resolved. at one time you were talking about complete new forks, I believe, or did they just put in new o rings on the top caps?