why Norge over V11 LeMans

[not-fishing]

Given that I've lusted for a Lemans since the 70's

Why Norge?

Sure I have the body of a Social Security Recipient and the lust of a 20 something but why Norge?

Sometimes style is more important.

I'm tired of being practical.

I realize the limitation is what my back will take.

O Lord my friends ride Ducatis and I must make amends

[rocker59]

I can't imagine why.

I'd pick the V11 LeMans over a Norge every time.

[pauldaytona]

norge is much more comfortable. But try both, and you know

[Rox]

The Norge is probably the better tourer but I would get a v11 anyday. I love my LeMans.

[blackcat]

Get both.

[Vasco DG]

The V11 LeMans is a V11 with a bigger fairing, apart from that there isn't much to differentiate it from any other V11. Earlier LeMans' had significant differences in their engines, if not their chassis, from their 'Touring' brethren.

With the current line up the Norge is part of the Breva/Sport famiglia and while all of the CARC bikes share similar engines and drivelines, (With minor capacity and gearing differences in the six speed boxes of the 2VPC bikes.) the frames and suspension of the three main models, Breva/Sport/Norge, Stelvio and Griso are all quite different.

Really it's a matter of personal preference but a Norge will be a better 'Tourer' than a V11 LeMans. Spineys, like Loops, are an 'Aquired taste' and while I have owned a truly stupid V11, (The Scura RC now owned by Chuck.) it, and V11's generally, like Loops, have never 'Spoken' to me. Having said that Norges leave me pretty cold too!

Only way to know really is to ride both!

Pete

[Chuck in Indiana]

I've had both and made *my* decision. The Norge is a sport Tourer, the LeMans is a Sport tourer. As far as I'm concerned, a properly sorted Ohlins V11S is the best handling Guzzi ever with the possible exception of a Monza. I've never ridden one of those.
 

[BRIO]

I think the Norge 1st gen is prettier. I'm biased.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I think the Norge 1st gen is prettier. I'm biased.

I had many compliments on my 07 Norge.. mostly from non riders and wimmen.  It was a chick magnet.

[sturgeon]

I had many compliments on my 07 Norge.. mostly from non riders and wimmen.  It was a chick magnet.

In my experience, all bikes are chick magnets. Just depends on the style of chick you want to magnetize 

[LowRyter]

I think the spine frame bikes are great handling and balanced.  I suppose you can alter the bars and pegs on most bikes. 

The spine bike is just a heavy lump to push around in the garage and somehow just handles great once it's moving.  Sorta defies gravity or somtthin'.

[MGrego]

I own both models.

My 03 LeMans is my "sports car", feels light, great handling, great riding experience.  I think its one of Guzzi's best loking bikes too.  Haven't had the 12 Norge for long, but it is obviously much larger, taller, more fairing, different riding position --  The 2 bikes do have similarities, but at least in my mind, they are completely different -

[rocker59]

The spine bike is just a heavy lump to push around in the garage and somehow just handles great once it's moving.  Sorta defies gravity or somtthin'.

Be glad you don't own one of them >600 lbs sport-TOURING bikes !!!

They make the 500 lbs V11 Sports feel downright svelte !!!

[LowRyter]

Be glad you don't own one of them >600 lbs sport-TOURING bikes !!!

They make the 500 lbs V11 Sports feel downright svelte !!!

actually the Cali is easier to push around too, lower center of gravity, I guess. 

[not-fishing]

Molto Grazi.

As I suspected I'm just tied to the past maybe it has to do with remembering seeing JFK on TV

So I'll be in the hunt for a V11 Lemans.

I wonder if they made the Rosso Corso in other than Black.

[Zoom Zoom]

The Rosso Corsa is red, the Nero Corsa is black. Yes, they made both.

John Henry

[rocker59]

Yep. 

Rosso Corsa.  2003 only.  @50 imported to USA.


Nero Corsa.  2004 only.  @50 imported to USA.


Same, save for the paint.  V11 LeMans with Ohlins forks and rear shock.  Really nice bikes.

[MGrego]

Yes, great bikes ---

Do you think the Ohlins suspension parts on the Nero and Rossa are much different from the suspension on the standard V11's ?  I've heard some say its really just "bling",  but I know you spent a lot of time on one of these so wondering what your opinion was --

[Scud]

I'm happy running 500 mile-days (minimal slab) on the V11s. To an earlier point, they are a SPORT touring bike. I slap a Giant Loop, Great Basin saddlebag on when I want to carry a bunch of crap - but that goes over the pillion seat. It's a one-up solution that keeps the weight more forward than standard bags (especially tail bags).

Are Ohlins that much different than standard (Marzocchi front and Sachs rear): um, YES.

I happen to have both in the garage. Ohlins are more adjustable (if you're into that) and generally smoother. It's hard to describe, but there is a real difference. When I put a Hpyerpro shock in place of the LeMans' Sachs, it was a big improvement - but still not up to Ohlins level. The Marzocchi forks are pretty good for me, but someday I may invest in having GuzziTech do their magic on them. The Ohlins will spoil you. Supposedly, Ohlins are higher-maintenance, but that has not been a problem for me so far.

The V11 Cafe Sport is a nice option if you want Ohlins and a small windscreen instead of the larger fairing. One's been for sale on Craigslist in Hollister, CA for a while.

Here's a good summary of the V11 series:

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5691

[rocker59]

Yes, great bikes ---

Do you think the Ohlins suspension parts on the Nero and Rossa are much different from the suspension on the standard V11's ?  I've heard some say its really just "bling",  but I know you spent a lot of time on one of these so wondering what your opinion was --

After putting 40,000 miles on my Nero Corsa, I'd say the Ohlins was worth it.  The suspension was really nice, and really adjustable.  I did put a heavier spring on the rear to accommodate my 2-up riding.  No revalving was needed, as there was plenty of compression and rebound damping adjustment available to make the heavier spring work great. 

The Marzocchi/Sachs of the regular V11 is fine.  But the Ohlins on the 2003/2004 bikes really is pretty nice.

If I was going to buy another V11, I'd put a priority on getting one of the Ohlins-equipped bikes.

[MGrego]

Thank you for your comments and for the insights on the Ohlin suspension --

I must say I have the base model LeMans and I never noticed the standard suspension to be lacking, but then again, I never tried one with the Ohlins either-- at any rate, I'm sure I don't even come close to approaching the capability limits of the suspension, (or the bike in general for that matter) ! Good to know there are upgrades that can be made in the future if I ever wanted to --

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thank you for your comments and for the insights on the Ohlin suspension --

I must say I have the base model LeMans and I never noticed the standard suspension to be lacking, but then again, I never tried one with the Ohlins either-- at any rate, I'm sure I don't even come close to approaching the capability limits of the suspension, (or the bike in general for that matter) ! Good to know there are upgrades that can be made in the future if I ever wanted to --

Well, there ya go. When you do, you'll say, "Oh. Why haven't I had an Ohlins bike all along?"  Not that the Zooks are chopped liver, but *if you are where suspension makes a difference* Not central Indiana, for instance.. there's no comparison.

[Scud]

Good to know there are upgrades that can be made in the future if I ever wanted to --

Shock:
From what I hear, Penske and Wilburs make fully adjustable shocks that are every bit as good as (if not better than) the Ohlins. Hyperpro also makes a fully adjustable reservoir shock - but that was more money and performance than I desired for my LeMans.

Forks:
Forks are a little harder to upgrade. Some people have gone to extent of fabricating things to fit Ohlins from a Suzuki GSXR (I think I have it right). I'm not sure what Todd (Guzzi Tech) does the Marzocchis - but it's proprietary and they do not sell a kit (I tried). However, it's still WAY less expensive than trying to find some used Ohlins that will fit.

Steering Damper:
While my Scura has an Ohlins damper, I replaced the Bitubo on the LeMans with a Shindy unit - and am pleased with it.

And to reinforce the original question - why a V11 over a LeMans? From me perspective, I've never been so infatuated with a bike - I just love riding the V11s - and I find them lovely to look at too, oh, and they sound great...... I could go on.....

[oldbike54]

I had many compliments on my 07 Norge.. mostly from non riders and wimmen.  It was a chick magnet.

 Might just be you that's the chick magnate Chuckie  Oddly enough , my old beater /5 was an amazing chick magnate , and pretty sure it wasn't the rider 

  Dusty

[Chuck in Indiana]

Might just be you that's the chick magnate Chuckie  Oddly enough , my old beater /5 was an amazing chick magnate , and pretty sure it wasn't the rider 

  Dusty

Yeah.. it's a curse.. 

[dxhall]

A few years ago, I got a good deal on a low-mile '03 Sport Naked and rode it with the stock suspension for a couple years.  Last winter I purchased Ohlins forks and an Ohlins shock from a fellow who was parting out a Rosso Corsa ( I think).  I sent both to Racetech for a setup and now have 1000+ miles on the bike.

I can confirm that the Ohlins are a very noticeable improvement over the stockers.  If I were to do it all again, though, I'd wait for an Ohlins bike in the first place.

For whatever it's worth, the biggest ergo improvement I've done was to install a set of Apex clip ons.  I reversed them so that the bars are on the rider's side of the fork tubes, which reduces the reach to the bars by 2-3 inches.

[sdcr]

Yep. 
I have a lead on one of these, supposedly VGC, under 15000 miles., an few extras, MG luggage, exhaust.
Any ideas on a fair price?

John

Rosso Corsa.  2003 only.  @50 imported to USA.


Nero Corsa.  2004 only.  @50 imported to USA.


Same, save for the paint.  V11 LeMans with Ohlins forks and rear shock.  Really nice bikes.

[Huzo]

In my experience, all bikes are chick magnets. Just depends on the style of chick you want to magnetize 

i'd go for Margaret Thatcher, she's the Iron Lady...

[twowings]

Love them both! But for me, at age 65 the Norge just makes more sense as far as all-day, long-distance riding comfort...the 2V 1200 engine is a delight...and BTW, the Norge does NOT weigh 600 lbs...more like 540...just my 2 centavos

[Huzo]

I think the Norge 1st gen is prettier. I'm biased.

Also correct..