Help me choose a Norge

[Lowcountry]

I'd like to find a Norge for longer distances, and looking at the benefits of different year models, while avoiding flat tapper issues. Right now I'm looking at two bikes:

2015 model, 15k miles. $6750. Goodies include suspension upgrades, auto tuner, new tires, brakes. Nice bike.

2009 model, 18,750 miles. $4500. Bike looks to be very well maintained.

Is the newer bike worth the extra $$? I'm not the kind of guy that has to have the newest of everything, and I'm not. Really high performance but either. I do value reliability.

[Dave Swanson]

The 2015 is well beyond the flat tappet fiasco that was present when the 8 valve (4v per head) motor made it's appearance, so you are safe there, which is a fairly big deal.  The factory switched to roller tappets by 2013, give or take, which results is a very robust valve train.  Personally I am a bit prejudiced toward the 8 valve as I am now spoiled with the extra urge the bike has for overtaking.  I don't want to start any angst, but I would ditch the "auto tuner" at your earliest convenience if purchasing this one, and add a map from Beetle.  The best thing that has happened to the 8V engine has been the maps developed by Beetle. 

The 2009 is a 4 valve engine (2v per head).  These are universally loved by their owners.   There is some fiddly plastic parts that were improved on the 8v.  The rear brake can be fussy as far a bleeding. 

If both have been well looked over I would try to get a ride on each and decide.   

My Norge is a fabulous mile muncher. 

[Dave Swanson]

I will also add that when I purchased my 2015 Norge new, I was starting to think I made a mistake.  The rough and rattly nature of the stock map was not enjoyable at all.  I had no plans on changing the exhaust so I thought the factory map should be sufficient.  Finally after wallowing in disappointment for a few weeks I ordered the Beetle map for the 8V Norge with stock muffler.  WOW.  The bike was transformed into a turbine smooth machine that seemed more powerful.  A remarkable transition and easily the best $100 I have ever spent on a motorcycle. 

[Bert Remington]

They're both good mechanically.  Choose the one that best reminds you why you love Italians.

[Buckturgidson]

I have a 2V Norge and 4V Griso, I can't say I prefer one engine over the other. In fact, for the Norge as a touring machine, the 2V may be preferable. It gets significantly better mileage and never leaves me wanting for power. Guzzi riders sometimes talk of feeling a connection to the engine, for me it is more so with a 2V.

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

Is the newer bike worth the extra $$

According to KBB, yes.  I imagine you've already looked, both asking prices are a bit under KBB retail listing price. 
I'm a fan of the 2009 color. IIRC it was the only Norge color in the USA market that year. 

[Scott of the Sahara]

I have the 08 2v Norge. I love it. Relatively few problems and nothing major. For $2,000.00 I would get the newer bike. Might as well start with newer components and parts.
I am not planning on getting rid of mine anytime soon but it is 12 Years old. I bought it new in 2010 with 15 miles on it.
Either bike should work well for you. Try them both out and choose the one you like best. Both seem to be a great deal.

[blackcat]

The heat management on the newer bike is better, given your location this maybe something worth considering.

[SemperVee]

 I've had an 07 and for fit,  and mechinicals I would only consider the newer model

[ohiorider]

I have a 2V Norge and 4V Griso, I can't say I prefer one engine over the other. In fact, for the Norge as a touring machine, the 2V may be preferable. It gets significantly better mileage and never leaves me wanting for power. Guzzi riders sometimes talk of feeling a connection to the engine, for me it is more so with a 2V.

I still own my 2v 1200 Sport, and owned a 2012 Griso for three years.  Like you, I connected better with the 2v engine.  Not as 'ballsy' as the Griso engine, but just such a sweet power band. 

As I get older, the 1200 S overall weight is a bit much for me, but in spite of having the BMW R100GS and Triumph T120 at the ready, today I took the 'grand old lady' Sport out for 50+ miles.  Mostly heading east on US422 which is good compared to many of our roads.  Cruised between 60 and 80, and marveled over how nicely this big sport tourer responded.  Sure, it isn't 1800cc, but that doesn't seem to matter on the highway with this 2v engine.  Compared to the choppy ride from my stock 2016 T120, the 1200 Sport rides like (what?) an 80's  Cadillac, big Buick, just lovely!

I know the original poster was looking for responses from Norge owners, but these two bikes (the 12S and 2v Norge) are like brother and sister.

When I purchased the 1200 Sport in late 2009 from Eddie's Vintage Bikes in Swanzy New Hampshire, I was prepared to go for the Norge.  Eddie and I talked at length about the bikes I'd owned in the past, how many miles I'd put on each, and we both concluded the Sport with the small fairing was the bike for me, not the Norge.  I'm just not a full-faired rider.

But, to me, there is no better looking full faired sport tourer than a two valve Norge.  And if full faired fits your riding, enjoy!

I was sorry to see Guzzi drop the CARC bikes.  They were/are unique machines.

Bob

[Huzo]

I don’t think you need to choose a Norge at all, it will choose you.
I am 62 years old, average height at 5’8”, bought this new in’07 and have 185,000 k on it..
It’s been to Nordkapp twice, Sicily and Criss crossed Europe several times. Multiple laps of Australia and has been marvellous.
Just get one..
Australia





Como










Sicily






and all the stuff in between.
You just don’t get the dramas with the simpler 2VPC donks.
I NEVER have to top up my oil between 10,000 k changes and it runs beautifully with Beetle’s map and Roper’s tune and balances and will get 500 k’s to a tank if I really want it to.
Stop waiting and just get one, you should have got that red one in Fayeteville, it’s the same as mine. But a word of warning, if you get a red ‘07, check that the oil pump is ok. They are in the epicentre of the dodgy pump storm and must be checked..
Mine is ok.
There aren’t enough differences one way or the other, to warrant the angst.
Just imagine, the money you save by getting the 2VPC one, will pay for a 3 week road trip...

[kingoffleece]

Hamlin has a 15 for 6500, and it's been Hamlinized!  You can't miss.

[Dilliw]

I'd like to find a Norge for longer distances, and looking at the benefits of different year models, while avoiding flat tapper issues. Right now I'm looking at two bikes:

2015 model, 15k miles. $6750. Goodies include suspension upgrades, auto tuner, new tires, brakes. Nice bike.

2009 model, 18,750 miles. $4500. Bike looks to be very well maintained.

Is the newer bike worth the extra $$? I'm not the kind of guy that has to have the newest of everything, and I'm not. Really high performance but either. I do value reliability.

Is the 15k miles one in Charlotte?  I have a friend who sent me a link to the bike and knows the owner.  It's the winner.

[PJPR01]

I'd like to find a Norge for longer distances, and looking at the benefits of different year models, while avoiding flat tapper issues. Right now I'm looking at two bikes:

2015 model, 15k miles. $6750. Goodies include suspension upgrades, auto tuner, new tires, brakes. Nice bike.

2009 model, 18,750 miles. $4500. Bike looks to be very well maintained.

Is the newer bike worth the extra $$? I'm not the kind of guy that has to have the newest of everything, and I'm not. Really high performance but either. I do value reliability.

The Norge is certainly a long term keeper bike, the older bike is what I have, mine is a 2008 Norge 2V bought new in 2009, been perfect, but does require some customization on things like foot pegs, windshield, rear shock, front shock/oil, seat, helibars, Beetle map, etc.  The only issue you'll need to really do here is go thoroughly all the rubber bits, alternator belt, swing arm bearing greasing just due to time.  All easy stuff, and this bike just rolls and rolls effortlessly.  The newer ones are attractive as well, especially if it's in a paint combo that appeals to you.  I also have a 2015 Griso with the 8V engine, it's also quite intoxicating, and I've been tempted to get a 2015 Norge just as a keeper, but honestly I don't think my 2008 Norge is going to expire for another 10-20 years, it's just super easy to maintain and runs very smoothly.

I think you need to look at base price of the bike above PLUS any modifications you might have to do to make it yours vs. some of the comfort you're getting as part of the standard 2015 package.  That's really your price compare point equation.

[Lowcountry]

Is the 15k miles one in Charlotte?  I have a friend who sent me a link to the bike and knows the owner.  It's the winner.

Yessir, must be the same one. I spoke to the owner, seems like a honest fellow. I'm very tempted!

I appreciate everyone's insights, btw.