Looking at a 2013 Norge 8V with 11,000 miles

[Trevor G]

Hi  :-)

Just going to check out a 2013 Norge 8V with 11,000 miles on Saturday. It has had 3 owners in that time, so I'm wondering what they didn't like. It appears that both sides of the rear edge of the upper fairing are scratched due to garage tipovers, so I am told - the marks do not appear to be road rash.

Any suggestions as to what to look for, MG Norge specific?

I understand it will be due for a 12,000 mile service, but I haven't even looked into what that entails.

I know, I know, I should search the forum. but I work 12 hour days six days a week and I just got the nudge yesterday morning. ;-)

Thanks for helping.

(PS. I am not new to MG - have owned several and still have an Ed Milich Nevada 850ish.)

[Dave Swanson]

2013 is in the safe zone as far a roller tappets.  The early 8v engines had flat tappets which was a disaster for MG. 

Owners can be fickle, and buy and sell bikes on a whim.  I loved my 2015 Norge, but traded it to Cadre for a V85TT that I was wanting to try out. 

If this bike has never had the benefit of a Beetle map along with a proper tune to Roper spec the engine will most likely feel a bit rough and grumbly in stock tune.  Mine certainly did.  It was initially off putting, but I knew that there was an easy solution to this.  If the prior owners have never experienced a properly sorted 8v engine they are missing out on the best part of the Norge. 

The Norge has some of the best weather protection of any bike out there and is a true highway missile.  Overtake at 80 mph?  No problem.  Instant power. 

After installing a Beetle map and a careful tune (very well documented) my Norge was transformed into an almost turbine like smooth tower of power. 

There are still many things about my Norge that I miss, but alas, even though I try, I can't own every Guzzi that I like.   

[PJPR01]

I'd be a bit concerned about that many owners and such low mileage.  Worthwhile getting a ride on it, checking for vibration/TPS/throttle body balancing, excessive soot on spark plugs etc.  Normally the Norge is a buy and keep item.  If you're going to look at a 2013, maybe look for a 2015/16 Norge...there were a few gems out there.

[Huzo]

I just do not have the inherent faith in 8V Norges, that I have in the 2 valvers. They always seem to have some finnicky little (or big), issue.
The simplicity of the ditch pump 2VPC engine just seems to inspire confidence. How the hell a bike can have that many owners over such a short run, is something I find perplexing. This thing has had one owner with 220,000 km and has never had the heads off.

The damn things are a dime a dozen, better looking, simpler and more fuel efficient.
From my experience, I’d leave it alone although it’s probably fine.

[kingoffleece]

My 2014 ran like a top right out of the box.  I sold it as it was just too hot for me.  Like Dave said, great protection-a bit too much for me.  I need a bit more air.  But a real nice bike nonetheless.

[Huzo]

My n14 ran like a top right out of the box.  I sold it as it was just too hot for me.  Like Dave said, great protection-a bit too much for me.  I need a bit more air.  But a real nice bike nonetheless.

n14 ?

[cappisj1]

I have an 08 2v with lots of miles. The Norge is an under appreciated bike in my opinion. The 2013 should be a solid bike in stock form. If you want to make it better then yes a beetle map will make it amazing. I would assume the tip overs are because it is top heavy when maneuvering with your feet down. Once the Norge is rolling it’s nimble and loves to just be ridden any way you feel. Ride it and if it excites you now you will never get bored with it.

[Gliderjohn]

My 2011 had to be rollerized and had several factory related assembly issues that had to be sorted. Since all that has been a great road bike. One does need to respect it's top heaviness in slow maneuvers and garage moving around, especially when the fuel tank is full. However that top heaviness helps make it a nimble handler at speed. Will second that it has excellent weather protection. It does however kind of suck in strong crosswinds.
GliderJohn

[Thunderbutt]

I had an 08 - 2valve.  Bought it in 2017 with only 10,000 miles on it so don't let the low mileage  scare you off.  Rode it from Florida to Nova Scotia Canada and back.  Bike never missed a beat and always returned 48-52MPG.  The comment about the fairing providing
good weather protection is spot on.  We had rain 18 of the 21 days on the trip.  Adjusted the windshield and the rain basically went right over my helmet leaving me in a nice pocket of almost dry air. One of if not the best road bike I have ever owned.  I only sold it after a shoulder injury and doctors recommendation to stop riding for awhile.
If I didn't own a Breva 1200 Sport now I would definitely have another Norge.

[brider]

I’d leave it alone although it’s probably fine.

Off-topic and at the risk of highjacking thread: Huzo, why did you swap in wire wheels, and did you ever post a close-up of your custom latches on the leading edge of your factory bags? That's exactly what they (at least the '07s) need.

[Huzo]

Off-topic and at the risk of highjacking thread: Huzo, why did you swap in wire wheels, and did you ever post a close-up of your custom latches on the leading edge of your factory bags? That's exactly what they (at least the '07s) need.

I built the wheels because I wanted them. They are not Griso wheels.
Here is a shot of the latches.

[brider]

I built the wheels because I wanted them. They are not Griso wheels.

(Sorry, last high-jack post) I have always been amazed at the art of wheel-lacing. How you get the axial and lateral runout down to the microinches is like magic to me. And those aren't hardware-store-variety latches, they look solid. No leaks now?

[kingoffleece]

Sorry.  Typo.  Fixed it.

[Huzo]

(Sorry, last high-jack post) I have always been amazed at the art of wheel-lacing. How you get the axial and lateral runout down to the microinches is like magic to me. And those aren't hardware-store-variety latches, they look solid. No leaks now?

It was boring the holes for the blind nipples that’s the tricky bit actually.
But the truing ?
Just approach the task gently and don’t build up enormous loads in one spot. If you picture what a tensioning spoke does as ti displaces the rim inwards and across, it starts to make a surprising amount of sense.
It’s like wiping your ass, hard to describe in print, but relatively easy to do in practice.
I bought the latches in a place here in Australia called “Clark Rubber” of all places.
But there are hundreds of varieties like this on e bay.

 No the cases are as dry as a Mother in Law’s kiss.

[Trevor G]

Thanks for the help.

I went ahead, even though I could smell burning/hot oil when I got close to the heads.

Three owners in 11,400 miles, with the last one doing just 300, suggests there is something wrong.

So far I’ve discovered a major leak from what appears to be the rocket box breather on the left cylinder.

Will a new clamp fix it, or will I need to pull the tank and replace both.

Thanks.  :-)

[Bulldog9]

I had an 08 - 2valve.  Bought it in 2017 with only 10,000 miles on it so don't let the low mileage  scare you off.  Rode it from Florida to Nova Scotia Canada and back.  Bike never missed a beat and always returned 48-52MPG.  The comment about the fairing providing
good weather protection is spot on.  We had rain 18 of the 21 days on the trip.  Adjusted the windshield and the rain basically went right over my helmet leaving me in a nice pocket of almost dry air. One of if not the best road bike I have ever owned.  I only sold it after a shoulder injury and doctors recommendation to stop riding for awhile.
If I didn't own a Breva 1200 Sport now I would definitely have another Norge.

As much as I love my 1200 Sport, I am wanting more weather protection so this summer will be picking up a Norge and likely selling the 1200 Sport at some point.