Bought 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 rocker 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.

[normzone]

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

Confused, still waiting for download of Huzo instructions to get MIL to KMA ...

[MCR]

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 rocker box breather on the left cylinder.

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


Thanks.  :-)

I solved replacing both pipes not with the expensive originals but with two bigger siliconic pipes inverting the left and right connection to filter box. The originals are tight and are crossed due to installation process. If you have more free time than in Guzzi production line, you can create more efficient and robust solution.

[Huzo]

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 rocker box breather on the left cylinder.

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

Thanks.  :-)

I was talking to Peter Roper today and he said you can contact him on
motomoda.roper@gmail.com
He’ll sort your issue.

[Huzo]

Confused, still waiting for download of Huzo instructions to get MIL to KMA ...

What’s KMA ?
Also your own sake and that of the bike, take Roper up on his offer, even if he tells you something you already know.

[Trevor G]

I was talking to Peter Roper today and he said you can contact him on
motomoda.roper@gmail.com
He’ll sort your issue.

Done!

Thank you so much.  :-)  They (Norge era bikes) now look a bit like orphans.

I also did not realise that I would be getting back into frequent servicing, but the thing rides so well...

[Huzo]

Done!

Thank you so much.  :-)  They (Norge era bikes) now look a bit like orphans.

I also did not realise that I would be getting back into frequent servicing, but the thing rides so well...

Well in my opinion, this one of the nicer orphans I’ve come across.

[Gliderjohn]

Once again unless in a stout crosswind a Norge is an excellent traveling bike, especially where you can run the speed up a bit. Maybe not so much in the Motel parking lot. Too bad it was never really a success. Only bike I have ever done a 700 miles day on and that was just a year and a half ago at age 67. I am use to having people comment regularly on the T-3, not so much on the Norge. However I did have an incident when I was unloading at a motel and a car pulls in by the office. This very attractive 40ish year old woman get out of the passenger side briskly walking over and just starts gushing over it. Otherwise most other comments are "Nice looking BMW".
GliderJohn

[Trevor G]

Well in my opinion, this one of the nicer orphans I’ve come across.

Orphan in the sense of "not being readily serviceable by a motorcycle shop."  :-)

[Trevor G]

Well, the fun of riding a twelve year old Moto Guzzi that got excellent sport touring reviews back in the day is somewhat tempered by the reality of having to work on it. Judging by the service problems that show up with the current models Piaggio really haven't added much to the grin factor of ownership, which is a shame.

The Good:

Screen:

I rode it back from San Diego two weeks ago. It was only 390 miles, but I started late on Saturday afternoon and tiredness caught up with me, so I had to stop overnight. Remarkably, I wasn't tired from the seat or the riding position, but from lack of sleep. The ride itself was great, although the skimpy screen/windshield caused a lot of head buffeting discomfort. However, a spare Can Am Spyder RS (early model) GIVI screen we have lying around will hopefully do the trick, since it is a lot wider at the top, and an inch or two higher with a euroflip built in.





Foot controls:

The bike has slightly lower, aftermarket footrests and adjustable foot levers. Although they were both set fairly high, so that I had to lift my foot off the footrest to change up, that was a quick adjustment. The brake is yet to be done.







Seat:

I got an original seat, plus the one which was fitted which appears to be identical but has four holes drilled in the base, I assume to soften it some more, and maybe lower the seating position slightly. It sure was comfortable during both day's rides, and although the nominal seat height, at 31.9", is the same as my Aprilia Mana, it definitely is lower and more comfy! Anyone want an original seat?





Hand controls:

I haven't used a hand clutch since 2018, and I was a little tentative about how the Norge clutch would go, since it seemed a little heavy. However, even in some stop/go traffic in San Diego, I had no problems. The brakes work well, on a par with the slightly lighter Mana. One useful addition was a throttle lock, although it has been installed in the wrong position so that reaching the start button is awkward. I might investigate and make an adjustment if I can, but I might also get an MCCruise if I decide to keep the bike. We (my wife and I) ride long distances at high speeds (up to 9 over in states that permit that, 84mph on most Interstates) and I am used to using cruise on my Can Am Spyder F3 Limited. (Patti rides her own Spyder.) It certainly relieves hand tension and makes for much more relaxed riding on the boring interstates that get us to the fun rides.





Handlebars:

Although some people don't seem to like them, they fit me well, although I am ordering a 1" riser set to be a little more upright. A slight forward lean is fine for me.  :-)

Instruments:

The speedo is about 5mph fast at 80, but I use the Speedometer app on my iPhone to keep within the law. For the first time I also used audible alerts from the app to warn me when I was exceeding the preset limit. Very useful.

The digital display is just like the Mana and includes fuel consumption, both average and instantaneous. Love it! Unfortunately on the Norge the display is unreadable when travelling into the sun when it's low. It's showing an average FC of 43.5 mpg over the last 400 miles.

Handling and Suspension:

With tyre pressures at 38 and 41 the bike steers very neutrally, with no sign of dropping into corners at low or high speed. In fact, at low speed I am cornering with greater lean around town, without any sign of instability. However, the forks are typical, village cart issue, with little rebound damping. In other words, when you hit a bump the forks are slow to respond and then bounce you back much higher than you were before the bump. Of course, they settle again immediately, but that does not alleviate the bounce back due to insufficient rebound damping. I don't know why every bike I have ever ridden has been like that, but a fork kit will cure that if I keep it. The rear shocks seem fine, although like most others of their ilk, as you increase rebound damping you also up compression damping. Better shocks don't do that.

Tyres:

The original Pirelli Angels are holding up well at 11,400 miles, with a rear tread depth of 2.5mm, down from 7mm on a new rear, and still well above the wear bars.  We are heading East next week and I think I will leave them on. They'll get some good wear on the edges while we are away - they have seen very little use off the vertical. By comparison, I have been getting about 7500 miles from a rear Pirelli on the Mana. In spite of their age, the Angels show no sign of cracking or fatigue, and feel 'grippy' to touch.





Previous maintenance:

The second owner used Redline products at 4800 and 5,000 miles, but switched to Amsoil at 7800. At that time (July '23) it also had a GTM throttle body balance, TPS rest and a fuel remap. I guess that is all good. The engine performs quite well and seems to fuel OK, but it would be nice if a knowledgeable, Norge sort of guy could ride it and let me know. Maybe when I get back and fit new tyres??  ;-)

Luggage capacity:

This is enormous compared to anything I have owned or ridden. More than a Spyder, lots more.





Convenience:

There's even a 12v outlet under the seat. I'll run a couple of iPhone Lightning cables to the front. One of the POs did a rough job of adding a USB outlet below the instrument panel, so this will improve on his work.





Fairing:

It might not seem like much, but what is there seems to work very well. I started removing panels so that I could research the oil leak, and stripped the head and side panels from the left side. Then I went for a ride. Wow, what a difference in heat with the head cover/deflector and other fairing panels removed. Compared to my Nevada there is a lot more heat from these big engines - I now know that I couldn't ride an earlier, 2 valve version with its different plastic.

Then there's also some not-so-good things, but they can come another time.