5 Year Time Delay Norge Review

[Dave Swanson]

I had admired the Norge since they came out.  5 years ago Moto International had super pricing on a batch of leftover 2015 Norges and I purchased one on the spur of the moment because the Norge was leaving the Moto Guzzi lineup and I didn't want to miss my chance at buying a new one.  I knew full well it would not see many miles for the foreseeable future, and over the course of the following 5 years my Norge had only racked up 1800 miles.  My personal situation did not allow much in the way of motorcycling, but I resisted selling the Norge, and now I am very happy I hung onto it.

During the first service I added a Beetle map with a Roper spec tune, and was much more impressed with the engine characteristics.  It transformed what I thought was a fairly rough and grumbly acting engine into something that feels like a smooth tower of power.  The power probably wasn't increased significantly, but the engine just felt much more lively and smooth.   The only other modification I did to the bike was adding a Throttlemeister throttle lock, which is an excellent partner for the highway. 

2 weeks ago I had my first opportunity to attend a rally, and first ride that was more than a day trip, which was the WG rally in Cedar Vale.  Cedar Vale is 700 miles from my house.  By the time I got back from the rally I went from liking the Norge to loving it.  What an amazing land missile!  It rolls down the highway at legal and supra legal speeds effortlessly.  Need to close a gap? No need to downshift.  Just twist the throttle and let that fantastic engine do its thing!  The engine and drive train never ceased to amaze me.  I did the 700 miles down to the rally in one shot and it felt easy.  The road manners are fantastic.  The seating position is natural for me, and the wind protection is very impressive.  The suspension is a bit cushy for serious corner carving, but is great the way it is for all day riding comfort.  I found the stock seat very acceptable.  Good enough that I would never experiment with any expensive aftermarket seat.  Using the Airhawk cushion from time to time kept the sore bum at bay.  Also I thought the fuel economy was quite good.  At 75 to 80 mph the Norge was always averaging at least 45 mpg. 

I will be looking forward to getting the Norge odometer up closer to where it belongs in the weeks and years to come.  A very amazing bike that I am very glad I hung onto. 

[oldbike54]

 

 Dusty

[Markcarovilli]

Glad the review and trip were great, sweet bike.

Mark

[guzzi ride]

One of the best under rated sport tourers.

[bobrebos]

 

[Tkelly]

Managed to keep up with LowRyter Ducati without any problem on museum ride.

[Gliderjohn]

Couldn't agree more. My seat works just fine for me. Just under 500 miles is the longest day for me and the seat was still fine. It dances well in curves if you are authoritative with it. I added a Cal Sci medium screen and like it quite a bit better than the stock one.
GliderJohn

[LowRyter]

Managed to keep up with LowRyter Ducati without any problem on museum ride.

Not that I could tell.   


I had a great time at the rally and riding with you guys. 

Although next time I'm stopping for lunch.   

[Dave Swanson]

Managed to keep up with LowRyter Ducati without any problem on museum ride.

LowRyter was taking it easy on us I think.   

[Dave Swanson]

Seldom seen in the wild!  2 Espresso and Grappa Norges. 

[LowRyter]

It was a hoot.   

The Norges are great bikes.  I've ridden them and liked them.

[inditx]

 

[Ncdan]

I have always been interested in the Norge and if I ever ran up on a really good deal on one would like to experiment.
Is there any inherent MG type issues with these bikes and  are there any particular year models that are the safest best for a troubled free bike? That is a well as can be expected from our beloved Guzzy’s🤔

[Dave Swanson]

I have always been interested in the Norge and if I ever ran up on a really good deal on one would like to experiment.
Is there any inherent MG type issues with these bikes and  are there any particular year models that are the safest best for a troubled free bike? That is a well as can be expected from our beloved Guzzy’s🤔

If shopping for the 8V Norge, just be sure that you get one that has a "rollerized" valve train.  The factory incorporated this change mid 2012, but to be safe I would only look for 2013 and later bikes.  Of course, many early 8V have been updated and shouldn't be ignored if they have a documented repair.

The earlier 4V Norges are a safe bet. 

[tcunnien]

I don't feel so bad now. I bought my 2014 Norge for similar reasons. Last new bike I have bought. Wife has bought two for herself since. Just finished the yearly service. Only 1700 miles so far. 

[inditx]

 

[JL Rich]

Glad you're getting some use out of it Dave.  Always nice to be satisfied with the bike you've bought.

[Scud]

Cool story. I feel the same about my 2017 Stelvio. Just coming up on 12K service for it, and thinking I will do the Beetle Map and a slip-on exhaust.

Such a good motor and driveline.

[Buckturgidson]

My 2007 Norge is the best bike I've ever owned, beating 2 BMWs, an 1150RS and a 1200RT.

[nwguy]

I love my 08. 6k miles so far on my trip with 4k to go. Valve cover gasket had been my only problem so far. Have owned an Rll50RS, an 05 Multistrada, a first gen Concourse and an 02 ST1100. BMW uninspiring engine and weird ABS system. ST 1100 great but top heavy and not so great in the curves. Multistrada wonderful except for the expanding gas tank and too frequent/difficult valve adjustments. Concourse ok, but buzzy and top heavy, though great wind protection. Carbs rather than EFI too.  I liked my Norge so much I repurchased it after selling it 7 years ago. Nice torque, really fun in the curves, well balanced, just plain fun to ride.




stevens replacement supreme court crossword